refl ections DURHAM COLLEGE ALUMNI MAGAZINE

LETTING THEIR FINGERS DO THE TALKING Professor Sara Bingham writes book on sign language for babies.

STUDENTS HELPING STUDENTS Campus holiday food drive supports families in need.

THE ART OF BUSINESS Tracy Strong displays the many framing options from her store, the Framer’s Gallery in .

FALL 2009 | VOL. 68 MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT

Where does the excited. They, along with their entire family, dedi- time go? It seems I’m proud of our alumni and their cate hours to organizing and executing like only yesterday, amazing accomplishments and achieve- the annual campus holiday food drive in I was congratulating ments. I’m confi dent that our faculty and an effort to brighten the festive season for our June graduat- staff are staying true to our college vi- the less fortunate members of our com- ing class, watching sion of ensuring that our graduates have munity. In fact, by the time you read this as more than 1,400 the market-ready skills to obtain great edition, they will be well into arranging the students crossed careers and make a difference in this fourth food drive. the stage. Proudly world. Kevin and Pat are just two of the many grasping their diplo- shining examples of what are alumni mas, they strode But most of all, I’m excited about the future. The pages of upcoming editions of have become and what they represent. confi dently, ready to make their mark in I encourage you to read this magazine society. Refl ections are sure to be fi lled with new and exhilarating tales of those same stu- from cover to cover. Immerse yourself Now, as fall convocation is upon us, dents who have just graduated and stories in Durham College’s remarkable legacy. we prepare to celebrate another group about those currently attending Durham Once you have fi nished, I can guarantee of graduates as they begin their profes- College, preparing to make their mark in that you too will be proud, confi dent and sional careers, brimming with that same the world. excited. confi dence and knowing that as they Sincerely, graduate from Durham College, they are Alumni Kevin Dougherty (Information prepared for many future successes. Systems, 1998) and his wife, Pat (Graphic Design, 1976) are a great example of a As I read through this latest edition Durham College success story. Kevin is a of Refl ections, I can’t help but feel like valued member of the college faculty and Don Lovisa those graduates – proud, confi dent and Pat works for our campus partner, UOIT. President, Durham College

MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

As I enter my second faculty and preparing for presentations, place in our stunning Campus Library? term as president of essays and exams, you most likely spent If you can’t make it back for a visit, I the Durham College some time unwinding at the campus pub would like to encourage all alumni, in- Alumni Association, or participating in an intramural or varsity cluding the recently graduated class of my thoughts turn to sport. 2009, to strengthen and maintain your an old saying - don’t While the focus of your time was no connection to the college by updating us forget where you doubt on your academics, it’s safe to say on where you are living and working, and came from. that some of the friendships and connec- taking advantage of the outstanding col- This saying espe- tions you made while you were here have lection of benefi ts and services available cially rings true for lasted you for many years. through your Alumni Association member- me in my position. As president, I feel So why not take a few minutes to re- ship. it’s important that our graduates never member where you came from? There are We look forward to hearing from you. forget where they came from. You spent so many opportunities to revisit our beau- Cheers, some of the most important years of your tiful campus and enjoy everything it has to lives preparing for your futures at Durham offer. In recent years, it has grown in leaps College and we want you to feel like you and bounds, so much so that you may not can always come back to our welcoming recognize it! Lillian Jacoby halls. Why not take in an exciting varsity Legal Administration, Class of 1976 Not only did you spend hours upon sporting event or take some time to curl President, Durham College Alumni hours learning from our outstanding up with a good book in front of the fi re- Association

2 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2009 FALL 2009 CONTENTS

4 Feeding Durham 5 Returning to campus 6 Library books go digital 7 Program development – the long road of research 8 Preserving the beacons of the past 9 Competing to save a life 10 Rebuilding from the wheels up 11 A foot in the door 12 Lending a hand in infant communication 14 Writer pulls no punches chronicling mixed martial arts 15 The kleur vision of an entrepreneur 16 Policing – all in the family 17 A goalie’s nightmare 18 Blocking her way to the top 19 Durham College smiles get a little bit brighter Th e Law Society of Upper has 20 Success is music to former journalism grad’s ears accredited Durham College’s Court and Tribunal Agent/Paralegal program, 21 The art of business giving students more opportunities upon 22 Alumni update graduation.

PUBLISHED BY THE DURHAM COLLEGE ABOUT THIS ISSUE REFLECTIONS IS WRITTEN AND EDITED BY ALUMNI OFFICE PUBLISHER: DONNA MCFARLANE DURHAM COLLEGE PUBLIC RELATIONS STUDENTS 2000 SIMCOE STREET NORTH EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: GINNY COLLING PUBLICATION AGREEMENT NO. 40064655 , L1H 7K4 EDITORS: JAKE BROWN, JANE FARQUHARSON, RETURN UNDELIVERABLE CANADIAN ADDRESSEES TO: T: 905.721.3035 CHLOE MCPHERSON, KIARA WILSON DURHAM COLLEGE F: 905.721.3134 COPY EDITORS: KAITLYN BLACK, MEGAN DECAIRE, 2000 SIMCOE STREET NORTH E: [email protected] LAUREN DOWNIE, YOENEL ESTERINE-PRIETO, OSHAWA, ONTARIO L1H 7K4 CIRCULATION: 28,400 OLIVIA HARMON, CHRISTINE HIRALAL, MEGHAN- E: [email protected] MARIE LAWLESS, VENDREDI MOUNSEY, ASHLEY RUTH, IMAN SAAD, MEIGHEN THOMPSON, SARAH WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA/ALUMNI THOW, JOSH TERRY, LEANN TURNER, STEPHANIE ZAKHEM

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 3 PHOTO COURTESY OF KEVIN DOUGHERTY COURTESY PHOTO

Volunteers at the campus holiday food drive fi ll hampers with food for student families in need. FEEDING DURHAM STUDENT FAMILIES RECEIVE FOOD HAMPERS THANKS TO CAMPUS HOLIDAY FOOD DRIVE

by Kaitlyn Black

ALTHOUGH STUDENTS LUG HEAVY BACKPACKS, NOTEBOOKS items, money and gift cards for the 72 hampers, it was able to fi ll and laptops to class every day, there are many who also carry an additional 30 hampers to assist the Kinsmen Club of Oshawa extra burdens we cannot see including hunger and family issues. with helping families in need within the community. After all was Sometimes it’s easy to ignore people that need more help than said and done, a $1,000 donation was also made to the Campus most and continue on with our own lives. Luckily, last year’s cam- Food Bank. Hampers were fi lled with holiday favourites including pus holiday food drive enjoyed overwhelming success, helping 72 turkey, potatoes and carrots. student families in need have a holiday feast. Dougherty, who graduated from the Durham College The whole Durham College campus came together to help out Information Systems program in 1998 and Vale-Dougherty, who with more than 200 students and faculty from Durham College, graduated from the college’s Graphic Design program in 1976, and the University of have been organizing the event for the past Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) vol- “Our whole family looks forward three years. unteering for the annual drive. Organized to the event as one of our favourite “The two of us and our kids had been by Kevin Dougherty, a Business professor involved with the food drive as volunteers at Durham College and his wife, Pat Vale- days in preparation for Christmas for about fi ve years prior to being asked Dougherty, an administrative assistant to and the decision to take it on as co- to take it over,” added Dougherty. “Our the dean of the Faculty of Education at chairs was a pretty easy one.” whole family looks forward to the event as UOIT, the event had its most successful one of our favourite days in preparation for year yet with more than $14,000 raised. Christmas and the decision to take it on as co-chairs was a pretty The food drive began taking donations in November and con- easy one. Our kids are now in university but are still involved ev- tinued until December 21, the day the hampers were assembled. ery year and very much look forward to it.” 72 hampers were fi lled for student families in need an increase Dougherty says that he and his wife will continue to organize over the 40 hampers fi lled in 2007. the event and plans for the 2009 Campus Holiday Food Drive will “We didn’t set a target or goal,” said Dougherty. “We just begin in November. This year’s hampers will be assembled on waited to see how many families registered for donations and Sunday, December 20 with a hope that the event will continue to aimed to fi ll that many hampers.” be successful for many years to come. Not only did the campus gather enough non-perishable food

4 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2009 PHOTO COURTESY OF OF MOHAWK COURTESY PHOTO MaryLynn West-Moynes, who left Dur- ham College in 2003 to become president RETURNING of Mohawk College, has returned as vice- president of External Relations at the Uni- versity of Ontario Institute of Technology TO CAMPUS (UOIT).

by Christine Hiralal

ONE OF MARYLYNN WEST-MOYNES’ It’s not the fi rst time she has held to spend time together on weekends. most memorable moments as chief op- a high-level communications position. Despite the driving she says she enjoyed erating offi cer of Durham College was After starting the college’s daycare in the job and felt it was all worth it. when the University of Ontario Institute of 1985 and spending time in various other “There’s a letter in that purse from a Technology (UOIT) was approved. Shortly roles including a brief stint in teaching, student who came here from a different after the announcement was made and West-Moynes became vice-president of country and took English as a second before UOIT opened, she became the Communications at Durham College and language at Mohawk College,” said West- president of Mohawk College in Hamilton, before leaving to take over the helm at Moynes pointing to a purse displayed in Ontario. Five years later, West-Moynes Mohawk, she held the position of chief her offi ce. “She then got into the Nursing returned to campus as vice-president of operating offi cer. program and I conferred her at her gradu- External Relations at UOIT. ation. After walking across the stage she The 18 years she spent at Durham “An important part of my job in- asked her two daughters what she could eased her transition into the newly cre- cludes becoming familiar with the do to thank the college. Her daughters ated vice-president’s position at the univer- unique programs being off ered at thought it would be great if the college’s sity since she already knows the campus president carried a purse from their coun- and many people here. Since her new UOIT as well as completely under- try.” role is largely about communications, she standing who our students are and Besides wanting to be closer to her spends a great deal of time fundraising for where they come from.” family, West-Moynes decided to return to scholarships and seeking out capital dona- Durham Region because she was inspired tions. To do the job well she realizes she After being approached by a headhunter by how the university and college have needs a thorough understanding of the for the president’s position at Mohawk, grown. university’s programs and students. she left Durham College in 2003. At fi rst she was unsure about picking up and ”Both institutions need to be unique and “An important part of my job includes be- do the jobs they need to do but there is a coming familiar with the unique programs moving to Hamilton while her husband continued to work in Durham Region. She basis for a great partnership,” said West- being offered at UOIT, as well as com- Moynes. pletely understanding who our students eventually decided to take the job and are and where they come from,” said for the next fi ve years she and her hus- West-Moynes. band took turns travelling back and forth

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 5 LIBRARY BOOKS GO PHOTO COURTESY OF ASHLEY RUTH ASHLEY OF COURTESY PHOTO Public Relations student Sarah Wight fi nds e-resources great tools DIGITAL for her research assignments.

by Ashley Ruth

WHETHER A STUDENT IS WORKING ON complete collection is electronic with 40 provided through their local public library an assignment in the cafe or home alone per cent comprised of traditional print re- under a provincially funded initiative called at 3 a.m., the Campus Library’s electronic sources. Knowledge Ontario. Although paper cop- resources, or e-resources, are just a click ies are easier to browse in the library, away. Not only are they available anytime “It was not until 2003 that I fi rst quick referencing online has become a and from anywhere, they are an expand- more popular trend. ing part of the library. In fact, electronic noticed the digital collections were really starting to take off . Since However, readers always enjoy curling reference materials now outnumber the up with a good novel. “I don’t think there traditional books and journals being of- then they have only been growing.” are many folks out there who’d choose to fered. read a novel, science-fi ction or mystery In 1996, the Campus Library began of- “The library adds approximately 8,000 book online,” said Drayson. “For the kind fering digital publications on its website. to 10,000 physical items annually in- of reading where you’d be spending many These now include anything from e-books cluding print books, DVDs, government hours reading for pleasure, the traditional to e-journals, newspapers, government- documents etc.,” said Drayson. “Still, like print format is preferred.” issued publications and much more. many other college and university libraries, Browsers can anticipate that companies “It was not until 2003 that I fi rst noticed digital purchases are the preferred option will digitize historical facts and information that the digital collections were really here.” from the 1940s, 1950s and 1960s, keep- starting to take off,” said Carol Mittlestead, With archives that sometimes date as ing Durham College’s digital collections associate librarian of the Campus Library. far back as the 1800s, the collections are evolving for years to come. “Digital collec- “Since then they have only been growing.” a great research tool. The digital material tions are the preferred source for research. Pamela Drayson, chief librarian of the is handy for students working on assign- While they’ve mastered delivering current Campus Library, says it holds 90,000 tradi- ments that require a formula, explanation material electronically, the real challenge is tional print volumes in its book collection or concise content. going back and capturing the past,” added and 400 print subscriptions. The digital col- Although Durham College graduates are Mittlestead. lections consist of approximately 40,000 welcome to use the resources by visit- e-books and 50,000 e-journals. In addition, ing the library as community members, approximately 60 per cent of the library’s their access to e-books and e-journals is

6 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2009 PROGRAM DEVELOPMENT:

THE LONG ROAD BARCLAY-PERIERA OF SUSAN COURTESY PHOTO Susan Barclay-Pereira, director of Program Development and Qual- ity Initiatives, oversees market OF RESEARCH research and course evaluations for Durham College. by Sarah Th ow

WHEN SEVEN PEOPLE DIED AND Market research and environmental “I have been excited by other Ontario hundreds more fell seriously ill, the scans are important in the exploratory colleges that have recently developed Walkerton water crisis was an eye- stages to identify skill gaps within the schools or programs around cultures, heri- opening event for many who never gave community. One way to identify those tage or tourism. Culture and heritage are a second thought to the quality of their needs is through community consultation. essential in distinguishing one region from household water. Since that time, the The college invites local industry repre- another and providing visitor experiences development of water quality and conser- sentatives, stakeholders and community that cannot be duplicated elsewhere.” vation programs has increased across the leaders to participate in focus groups that “If a program proves fi nancially viable country. zero in on areas where targeted industry and is in a fi eld with jobs available for Since its inception in 2006, the Water may require expertise. One potential pro- future graduates, it will likely be a go. Quality Technician program at Durham gram now being explored is tentatively However, the research process is by no College has been a hit. Not only did titled Hotel and Restaurant Management. means over,” said Barclay-Pereira. student enrolment more than double Recently, the college held its fi rst commu- After launch, programs are regularly in the program’s inaugural year, in nity consultation about the program’s vi- monitored by examining key performance February 2007 the college and the Region ability. It called on local restaurant owners, indicators compiled through student, of Durham Works Department were hospitality and tourism representatives graduate and employer surveys. In addi- honoured by the Ontario Public Works and other key stakeholders for their input. tion, program advisory committees, which Association for their collaborative efforts in consist of industry representatives and developing the program. “If a program proves fi nancially students from the program, meet to dis- When it comes to the development viable and is in a fi eld with jobs cuss the strengths and weaknesses of of a new program, the process is pains- available for future graduates, it curriculum and provide advice and insight taking. A great deal of thought, market into new trends. Each program is also for- research and evaluation goes on before a will likely be a go. However, the mally reviewed every fi ve to seven years. research process is by no means new course is launched. Susan Barclay- “This is an extremely comprehensive Pereira, director of Program Development over.” review,” said Barclay-Pereira. “The process and Quality Initiatives at Durham College, takes several months to complete as we says the college fi rst looks at the level of “It’s encouraging to see that Durham look at a wide variety of data. The student interest in a program then inves- College is taking the pulse of the tourism/ purpose is to always ensure student satis- tigates the number of jobs available after hospitality industry right now,” said Brian faction and program improvement.” graduation. Malcolm, executive director of Parkwood Estate and Gardens in Oshawa, Ontario.

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 7 PRESERVING THE BEACONS OF THE PAST

by Kiara Wilson PHOTO COURTESY OF BRIAN BEATSON, PIPER PRODUCTIONS OF BRIAN BEATSON, COURTESY PHOTO LEFT: Brian Beatson, retired director of Facilities Management at Durham College and current vice-president of the Cove Island Lightstation Heritage Association, works to fi x peeling paint on a lighthouse’s structure. RIGHT: the Cove Island Lightstation on Lake Huron.

YEARS AGO, BEACONS FROM lack of heritage interest from several dif- are considered to hold national signifi - lighthouses across the nation’s lakes and ferent administrations. cance. “All of the lighthouses need to be rivers helped guide ships and their crews “The lightstations were being left un- examined to determine whether or not and passengers to safety. Lighthouses derstaffed by the government and they they’re worthy of government protection,” have stood against winds, storms and were slowly decaying,” said Beatson. he added. tides, and are believed by some to be a “Something needed to be done.” This task, according to Beatson, could symbol of Canadian strength. Beatson and approximately 20 other take quite some time to complete. Brian Beatson, Durham College’s retired CILHA individuals began dedicating time “I think they’re supposed to have things director of Facilities Management, is one and effort to pushing Bill S-215, an act in place within two years of the bill being of those believers and for him lighthouses to protect heritage lighthouses. The pro- passed,” he said. “As well, assessments are pieces of history that deserve to be posed bill set out to enhance the ability have to be done on the structures that preserved. of government and community groups to already exist to see what kind of shape Beatson, who retired in 2005 and lives preserve light stations while increasing they’re in. Some of the lighthouses are in in Port Perry, Ontario with his wife Susan, their cultural and historical signifi cance in pretty rough shape and need to have work serves as vice-president of the Cove maritime and national heritage. done to them. But you can’t just go in and Island Lightstation Heritage Association In the spring of 2008, Beatson and say, I’m going to renovate. You have to try (CILHA). He plays a key role in the group’s Robert Square, president of CILHA, pre- and maintain the nature and character of effort to save heritage lighthouses from sented their case in front of parliament. the original structure so there are lots of structural damages and preserve part of “Before forming the association, we had rules and regulations on what you can and Canada’s identity. His interest in light- tried eight different times in the past 10 can’t do.” houses was sparked nearly 30 years ago years to have the bill approved,” said Beatson adds that volunteers are when he fi rst noticed the stations while Beatson. needed at CILHA to assist with mainte- scuba diving off the shores of Lake Huron. The ninth try did the trick and Bill S-215 nance of property such as painting and “I had seen some of the lighthouses was passed, allowing lighthouses across landscaping. As well, the association when they were occupied by the light the country to have the same government would like to introduce eco-tourism and keepers,” said Beatson. ”They just kind of protection as other historical sites. While photography weekends in the future and grow on you. They’re absolute gems and the bill’s passage was a major step in the turn a light keeper’s house into a museum. icons. There’s a lot of history in every one right direction, there is still a lot more To do so would require even more man- of them.” work that needs to be done. power. Some of the lighthouses along the Great “Not all of the lighthouses that ex- Anyone interested in volunteering or Lakes and across the country have been ist across Canada are considered to be contributing can e-mail the association at slowly disappearing from Canada’s sight historical,” said Beatson. Just 200 of the [email protected]. and mind due to crumbling structures and estimated 500 stations across the country

8 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2009 COMPETING TO SAVE A LIFE by Meghan Lawless

EMERGENCY STATUS, FIVE MINUTES out from your facility with an approxi- mately 30-year-old male victim of an ex- plosion at 115 Hillier Street. The person sending this message needs to be confi dent, take responsi- bility, be dedicated to others and able to make quick and sometimes life and death decisions. Paramedics have to meet high standards. To help paramedic students practise those skills, Ralph Hofmann, program co-ordinator of the Durham College Paramedic program; Kevin Griffi n, a pro- fessor with the Durham College School of Health & Community Services; and Kim Arsenault, a member of the Durham Paramedic Association (DPA) commit- tee, initiated the National Paramedic Competition (NPC) as part of a profes- sional development exercise. The idea behind the competition was to show- MENOMENEE OF DAWNISS COURTESY PHOTO case to the public what being a para- Scot Norton, a second-year Paramedic student, patiently waits as his classmate Dawniss medic entails. Menomenee records his blood pressure. Durham College Paramedic students take every opportunity to practise their skills before attending the National Paramedic Competition “It allowed me to meet some amaz- each year. ing people, learn new skills, adapt ing, competitors were given a chance to are chosen to compete with the rest existing skills based on what I show off their abilities while maintaining participating in the challenge by acting learned from the competition and composure under pressure. The stress as patients, escorting teams around the grow as a young medic.” was not just from the noise and chaos, campus or setting up stations. Students but also because competitors were take pride in competing in such a high- DPA held its fi rst countrywide com- forced to work under the watchful eyes level competition. petition in 2003, providing participants of the clipboard-toting judges. “It allowed me to meet some amazing with a chance to work through unique “There is a certain amount of pride people, learn new skills, adapt exist- challenges, scenario-based activities and that goes with taking on the challenge ing skills based on what I learned from educational assessments. of competing. It is fun and gives com- the competition and grow as a young That March, NPC was hosted by petitors a chance to perform skills they medic,” said Dawniss Menomenee, a Durham College. The event was open to would not get to use regularly in the second-year Durham College Paramedic working paramedics as well as students fi eld,” said Griffi n. student. “Feedback and constructive studying within a Paramedic program. In The college holds an in-house competi- criticism is what helped me to survive total, 35 teams competed. tion each year to see which students will the Paramedic program.” Whether it was helping someone in a represent Durham College and compete For further information regarding NPC, car crash or someone trapped in a build- within the college division of NPC. The visit www.paramediccompetition.ca. four students with the highest scores

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 9 REBUILDING FROM THE WHEELS UP

by Iman Saad

IT’S SMALL, LIGHTWEIGHT AND OPEN; equipped with oversized tires; and is ideal for travelling along sandy beaches. Durham College Automotive Service Technician graduate Ryan Carr; Bob Grant, a professor with the college’s Automotive Service Technician program; and 15 Automotive Service Technician students are building a sand rail (a.k.a. dune buggy) from scratch. They hope to complete the car in time for the 2010 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario. Carr, who graduated from the college in 2008, is eager to see his idea come to life. He always wanted to build a car from the ground up. After fi ve months of planning and recognizing that he wanted to include students in the project, he approached the college. The original plan was to modify an al- PHOTO COURTESY OF RYAN CARR OF RYAN COURTESY PHOTO ready existing sand rail that had been do- nated to the school. After taking a closer Durham College students meet every Wednesday to work on sand rail they plan to show- look, Carr and his teammates realized case at the 2010 Canadian International Auto Show in Toronto, Ontario. that it would be easier to build their own based on a 1993 Subaru Legacy. term, the automotive team stripped the out of this project is that we will have Subaru for everything it needed and de- built an entire car from scratch,” said Carr. With the go ahead from the college, signed the chassis and suspension for the “When we are able to stand back and look Carr began to do what he always wanted sand rail. at the fi nal product it will be the greatest to do – rebuild an entire car from scratch. achievement of all. A major positive is Currently completing his apprenticeship that it allows students to apply what they at Advanced Automotive and Machining in “What will be most rewarding to learned in class to an interesting project. Stouffville, Ontario, the project is not just me aft er completing the car, will be Where interest meets education is where a hobby of his, it also provides him with knowing that I was able to organize people learn the most.” more hands-on experience. sponsors, a suitable team and the Carr recognized his passion for mechan- “What will be most rewarding to me Durham College faculty to get on ics at the age of 14 and brought that en- after completing the car will be knowing board with this project.” thusiasm with him to college. He worked that I was able to organize sponsors, a hard and graduated from his class as the suitable team and the Durham College The automotive team intends on modify- highest-ranking graduate and also made faculty to get on board with this project,” ing most of the car to suit its needs and the president’s and college’s honour rolls. said Carr. “It was quite an undertaking in order to complete the car, plans on Some may say that passion is in his blood and actually way more work than I had building a chassis with steel tubing. After or in his hands. initially intended it to be. However, I am that, it will adapt the engine, transmission, extremely happy at where we currently “I was always good with my hands as a suspension and electrical system from the stand.” kid. Still today, I always catch myself try- Subaru. When fi nished, the sand rail will ing to make everything better, faster and Completing the car will cost $1,200 in look nothing like the original car. stronger than the original.” cash and $2,000 in donated parts. This “I think one of the best things to come

10 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2009 Th e Law Society of Upper Canada has accredited Durham College’s Court and Tribunal Agent/Paralegal program, giving students more opportunities upon graduation. A FOOT IN THE DOOR by Olivia Harmon

RECOGNITION IS THE OUTCOME OF and Tribunal Agent/Paralegal program. “As are looking into the Court and Tribunal hard work and success, which was of May 2010 graduates of programs not Agent/Paralegal program is that they can achieved at Durham College last year. accredited by the society will not be eli- go on LSUC’s website and look up what The college’s Court and Tribunal Agent/ gible to sit for the licensing exam. From colleges have been accredited before they Paralegal program has been getting a lot our perspective, as soon as our students make their choice,” said Zwiers. “They of attention since it was accredited by the graduate they are recognized by LSUC and have a link for each school so if you click Law Society of Upper Canada (LSUC) in ready to begin the next step in their career on Durham College it will bring you right July 2008. This prestigious recognition pro- in law – the licensing examination.” into our website where students can then vides graduates with more opportunities look at our program to see what it has to and gives students more confi dence after “Being accredited means great ben- offer them.” graduation. efi ts for students in our program. “Our expectation in the next few years, The program was accredited by the so- As soon as they graduate they are given the numbers, is that admission ciety after the college fi lled out an exten- to this program will increase fi ve to six sive application. It was sent in along with eligible to write the licensing ex- times the number we originally had,” said course outlines, information about profes- amination set by the Law Society of Zwiers. “That is attributed largely to this sors and details about the assignments Upper Canada.” accreditation. It gives comfort to our stu- and tests students receive. dents knowing that when they complete “Being accredited means great benefi ts Durham College is the sixth school in the course they will have done what the for students in our program. As soon as Ontario to receive accreditation from one society wants them to do.” they graduate they are eligible to write the of the oldest and most esteemed law or- licensing examination set by LSUC,” said ganizations in the country. Nicole Zwiers, a professor with the Court “The good thing for future students who

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 11 LENDING A HAND IN INFANT COMMUNICATION

by Chloe McPherson

A 10-MONTH-OLD BABY IS HUNGRY AND INSTEAD OF CRYING Bingham took her extensive knowledge on the subject and to communicate she uses the American Sign Language (ASL) decided she would build a business out of it. Starting out on her sign for milk. dining room table she created WeeHands which is now North Sara Bingham knows fi rst-hand the benefi ts of using sign America’s leading sign language and language development language with babies. A professor with the Communicative program for babies, toddlers and preschoolers. The company’s Disorders Assistant (CDA) program at Durham College, she is website teaches parents how to sign with their children, informs also the creator of WeeHands, the author of The Baby Signing people where they can go for signing classes and support, an- Book and the mother of two signing children. swers common questions and provides additional resources on signing with babies. From humble beginnings with Bingham as According to Bingham, the basic premise of signing with ba- the sole instructor, WeeHands now offers classes across Canada bies is that infants between eight and 12 months of age have the and the United States. necessary motor skills to communicate with hand signals. Babies can gesture before they speak, which makes them able to learn Bingham knew from an early age that she was intrigued by lan- sign language. Using ASL allows parents to effectively communi- guage. While most teenagers were watching the latest comedies cate with their children before they can talk. and horror fl icks, Bingham was watching The Miracle Worker, one of her favourite movies, which follows the story of the deaf and “I’m passionate about signing with babies because I truly be- blind author and activist Helen Keller. She studied linguistics, lieve it enhances parent-child bonding,” said Bingham. “Babies English literature, speech-language pathology and ASL in univer- have amazing personalities and the cognitive ability to share what sity and went on to study communicative disorders at college. they are thinking before they can talk. For parents to be able to connect with their child is an amazing thing.” Following the success of WeeHands, Bingham was approached

12 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2009 to write a book to help teach parents how to sign. Knowing what she found useful as a signing parent and the common questions she receives as a teacher, she knew she had to accept the offer. The Baby Signing Book teaches parents over 350 ASL signs and illustrates language development milestones and strategies in six-month intervals for newborn babies to children three years of age. At nine months of age, babies who are born to deaf parents can understand up to 70 signs. Babies who are not signed to can understand fi ve to six verbal words at the same age.

“I know there is nothing more frustrating than not being understood.”

Bingham describes the pleasure of signing with her children and how exciting it was for her to see her children sign about Sara Bingham, a Durham College Com- anything from the wind to the dogs barking next door. She municative Disorders Assistant professor, is teaches parents to sign words like milk, daddy, fi sh and cat but the author of Th e Baby Signing Book. the possibilities are endless. Babies can learn to communicate feelings if they need a hug or something is funny, all through signing. Her aspirations for the book are simple. “I want to share with other parents the amazing experience I had being able to connect with and understand my children,” said Bingham. “I know there is nothing more frustrating than not be- ing able to be understood.” Passing on her knowledge to other families and teaching poten- tial communicative disorders assistants at Durham College are Bingham’s rewards. Helping families sign in the proper ASL for- mat is important and teaching potential teachers to do the same is crucial. “I decided to teach at Durham College because I was so im- pressed by the School of Health & Community Service’s plans for the Communicative Disorders Assistant program. I wanted to be a part of it,” said Bingham. “I love teaching families through WeeHands and it is very rewarding to teach potential communi- cative disorders assistants who will be working with families one day too.” PHOTO COURTESY OF SARA BINGHAM OF SARA COURTESY PHOTO

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 13 WRITER PULLS NO PUNCHES CHRONICLING MIXED MARTIAL ARTS

by Yoenel Esterine-Prieto

AS A FREELANCE WRITER MIKE RUSSELL news coverage. He quickly became one is used to writing feature stories but now of the country’s leading authorities on the he is taking the lead as one of the most sport, receiving requests from as far away respected journalists in mixed martial arts. as the United Kingdom to appear on radio A 2008 graduate of Durham College’s programs to discuss the Canadian fi ghting Public Relations program, he has writ- scene. Increased exposure led to a job of- ten for The Fight Network (TFN), Yahoo! fer from the UFC itself. Sports, Fox Sports, Fight World Magazine, “I was surprised that the editor e-mailed the Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) me back. He told me he was familiar with and, most recently, MMA Authority maga- my work and had read most of it,” he said. zine. “It was mind-blowing to me that some- With his public relations skills and love thing written by a guy from Peterborough, and knowledge of mixed martial arts Ontario – a city that has 65,000 to 70,000 gained from training in the sport, Russell people – spoke to someone from Las knows how to gather the facts and most Vegas, Nevada and the biggest up-and- importantly, how to connect with fi ght- coming organization in the sport of mixed ers – a quality that has gained him several martial arts. It was a nice feeling to be friendships. He has conducted more than recognized for my work.” 200 interviews since he began covering Most of his work includes writing fea- the sport three years ago and has written ture stories and biographies leading up to about some of the biggest names in the a fi ght as well as news releases. industry including George St. Pierre, BJ Penn, Rashad Evans, Cung Le and Randy “The course that helped me the most Recent Public Relations graduate Mike Rus- Couture. had to be Grammar. It was basically the rudimentary rules of grammar and sell started freelance writing in college and His freelance journey began in a fi rst- still in the back of my mind I remember it’s now keeping him busy full-time. year writing class where he read an Professor Craig Andrew’s rules. It made online ad for Fight World Magazine. The me a more complete writer,” said Russell speaks fairly and honestly about the company was looking for someone with a who was an editor of Refl ections maga- people I’ve written about,” he said. “Being public relations background to promote its zine when he was in his second year of recognized for what I do is nice, but that publication and introduce it to the North the Public Relations program. isn’t why I write. I write because I love do- American market. Russell e-mailed the ed- ing it and I love telling people’s stories in a Although he hasn’t decided whether or itor of the magazine, explained his interest way that hasn’t been done before.” not he will make a go of full-time writ- and background and landed the job as the “I consider myself to be like the guy head of North American marketing and ing or pursue a career in public relations, Russell predicts he will likely continue to who works the spotlight for a play produc- promotion before the day was out. Five of tion. I stay behind the scenes, focus light his pieces made it into the next issue. write regardless of which fi eld he chooses. The busy married father of fi ve hopes to on the subject of my stories and direct the While writing for TFN, he met his men- broaden his scope of writing and counts reader’s attention to areas that they may tor Loretta Hunt, an editor who was one the music industry as an area he is inter- have overlooked without my stimulation,” of the young sport’s foremost journalists. ested in covering beyond mixed martial he said. Realizing Russell’s strong work ethic and arts. knowledge of the sport, Hunt put him in charge of Canadian mixed martial arts “I’d like for people to say that my work

14 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2009 THE KLEUR VISION OF AN ENTREPRENEUR PHOTO COURTESY OF PATRICK LYVER OF PATRICK COURTESY PHOTO

by Megan Decaire

BUSINESSMAN, GRAPHIC DESIGNER including safety and accident prevention that desire, but I still love the sound of the and entrepreneur, there is no question materials, branding and awareness cam- shutter.” that Patrick Lyver is a man of many talents. paigns, training tools, corporate documen- Currently, Lyver is working on another As president, art director and founder of tation and fi eld guide reference materials. creative venture. In 2005, as a side project, Kleurvision Inc., Lyver puts his many skills The company may be young but it is defi - he started developing his own clothing to use every day on the job. Kleurvision nitely thriving. line, BLINDFIVE Inc. It has been doing Inc. was founded in 2004 and special- Lyver, a 2002 Graphic Design graduate, well since its launch. The company views izes in branding, relationship-building and also has a special appreciation for the art itself as a way to bridge action sports and artwork generation. The company’s name of photography. He was once considered street culture with business class apparel. was inspired by Lyver’s family heritage. a professional in the fi eld, but today snaps Lyver’s clothing collection can be found “I think that colour has a huge infl u- photographs as a hobby. For him, photog- and purchased at www.blindfi ve.com. ence on mental health, well-being and raphy is more fun when he’s not doing it After graduating from Durham College, emotion, keeping us vibrant and alive,” professionally. What he loves most about he worked as a graphic designer produc- said Lyver. “Having family from South photography is the ability to stop time, ing on-air graphics for CTV National News, Africa, I knew that the term kleur meant manipulate lighting and capture and repro- Canada AM, CTV Newsnet and TSN. duce emotion. colour or to colour something in Afrikaans. During that time he started Kleurvision I saw the name as a natural fi t as my fam- “I remember pulling my fi rst set of Inc., which quickly expanded to what it is ily has been my largest supporter from negatives from the developer, hang- today. He ultimately decided to leave CTV day one.” ing them to dry and being so incredibly to work for himself full-time. Kleurvision One of Kleurvison Inc.’s largest clients overwhelmed with a sense of accom- Inc. is located in Port Perry, Ontario. is Husky Energy in Calgary, Alberta. His plishment,” said Lyver. “Since I started team has worked on a variety of projects shooting professionally I lost that love,

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 15 POLICING – ALL IN THE FAMILY

by Meighen Th ompson

force for my entire life was great in help- AN ERRATIC MAN STANDS INSIDE A ing me decide that I wanted to follow in convenience store in south Oshawa. He their footsteps. I never really had a back- is hot-tempered, delusional, completely up plan. I had always dreamt of being of unstable and on an uncontrollable ram- an offi cer.” page. The man has just stabbed the clerk The decision to go to Durham wasn’t a several times and has caused complete diffi cult one for Naccarato either. He was havoc. Customers frantically scatter and sold on the college because of the teach- try to distance themselves and while ing staff. most try to fl ee the scene in a frenzy, “My brother went to Durham and re- Constable Dan Naccarato coolly and ally enjoyed his time there. Additionally, I calmly approaches the store without a mo- knew all of the professors had extensive ment’s hesitation. experience in their fi eld,” he said. “They While most people cringe at the thought are great people to learn from and net- of putting themselves in harm’s way, work with. Most had worked locally in Naccarato seems to thrive on it. After all, Durham Region, which is where I had it seems to run in his blood. The 22-year- hoped to ideally fi nd a job. The program old Whitby, Ontario native comes from a also offered a co-op component which household full of police offi cers. His father was the clincher for me.” Sal, step-mother Peri and brother Mike all Naccarato wasted no time making his have one thing in common, each day they dream of working in Durham Region a all strap on a bulletproof vest and badge reality. After graduating from the Police PHOTO COURTESY OF DAN NACCARATO OF DAN COURTESY PHOTO and go to work as brave and honourable Foundations program in April 2006, he be- Durham Regional Police Service (DRPS) gan looking for work. By November of that Dan Naccarato (right) stands with his father, offi cers. same year, he was handed the keys to his Constable Sal Naccarato, and brother, Mike When it came down to making that new police cruiser. Naccarto, at his 2006 graduation from Ontario Police College. nerve-racking, life-changing decision that Currently Naccarato works as a consta- most teens dread about what college ble, patrolling the streets and responding “They never discouraged me from want- program to enrol in, Naccarato didn’t think to calls. In the next four or fi ve years, he ing to become an offi cer. They knew it twice. plans on pressing forward to secure a job was what I wanted to do. Despite all the “I grew up with two parents in my within DRPS’s drug unit. stress and high risk that comes along with household who were offi cers. I really ad- Naccarato couldn’t be more content the job they stood by me the whole way mired the work that they did and the mor- with his accomplishments in the past few through.” als they had,” said Naccarato. “Living with years and he feels he owes much of that not one but two members of the police to his parents.

16 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2009 A GOALIE’S PHOTO COURTESY OF THE DURHAM COLLEGE ATHLETICS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND RECREATION ATHLETICS THE DURHAM COLLEGE OF COURTESY PHOTO Katie Watts received the Oshawa Optimist Members NIGHTMARE Scholarship Award for her soccer season success.

by Leann Turner

IT’S A BEAUTIFUL SUMMER DAY AND accomplishment, especially because it meet a lot of great people, you also have the sun is burning brightly as the Durham had not been broken in so many years.” to have good marks to play, which keeps Lords soccer team takes its place on the Of course, Watts had offi cially broken me on track with school,” she said. fi eld and gets ready to play. It’s just an- the record with 19 goals so it was also a Watts has also won many soccer awards other soccer game for Katie Watts, who surprise to fi nd out that she had bested it over the years with various teams includ- has been playing soccer in Oshawa since by two points. ing most goals, most dedicated player, the age of fi ve. It’s just another game, un- rookie-of-the-year, all-time scorer and til Watts realizes what she’s done “I was not expecting to become a re- cord breaker,” said Watts. “I also did not most outstanding player. Now she hopes In 2008, her fi rst year playing with the know the level that these girls were at to continue her streak by breaking her Durham Lords, Watts broke the college’s and I didn’t think it would be that easy to own scoring record with an even higher women’s soccer record for the most goals score.” total. scored in a single season. With 20 goals, Kicking soccer balls over the years, In the future, she would like to open a she beat out the original 18-goal record daycare centre and possibly go on to be- that had been standing for 17 seasons. Watts has played for numerous Oshawa teams including Kingside Park and Baker come a kindergarten teacher. “It felt amazing to break the women’s Park. Later, she joined the Oshawa Select, “I’m going to continue doing what I single season record,” said Watts, a Oshawa Turuls, Oshawa Kicks and most love,” said Watts. “Which is staying fo- fi rst-year student in the Early Childhood recently, the Durham Lords varsity team. cused in school, working with children and, Education program. “At fi rst I didn’t even of course, playing soccer.” realize there was a record to break and “The greatest thing about playing for when I did it I was really happy with my the Durham Lords is that not only do you .

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 17 BLOCKING HER WAY TO THE TOP

by Vendredi Mounsey

AMANDA DORIS HOBBLED OUT OF THE volleyball team that was highly ranked by change room after hurting her ankle dur- the OCAA. As she diligently studied, she ing a game. It was only a qualifying round, continued winning games on the court. but it was important that she play hard After graduating Doris chose to return to because this game was leading up to the Durham to upgrade her studies, enroll- provincial championships. Despite the pain ing in the Offi ce Administration program she felt in her right foot, she was ecstatic while playing a sport she loved. Shane because the Durham Lords were victori- Christopher, head coach of the women’s ous against the Cougars. volleyball team, says Doris is one of the Doris, captain of the women’s varsity best players not only on the team, but volleyball team, had a memorable sea- also in the province. son. Awarded Athlete of the Week by “Mandi is a natural leader. It is her the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association personality that makes her such a good (OCAA), she captured the provincial re- leader. She doesn’t see herself above cords for career blocks (158 blocks over anyone or better than anyone based on her four-year playing history) and most the title of captain,” said Christopher. “As a blocks in a single season (80). player she is hard-working and determined “Durham College is competitive. I had to get better and really contribute to her no idea about Durham sports until I was team’s successes. She understands that if in the system and realized that this was she gets better so does her team. She is one of the top schools in the region,” said unquestionably one of the best middle po- Doris. “I’m really glad I chose this school sition players in the province of Ontario.” and I wouldn’t be as happy at any other Despite the accolades, Doris remains college. The sport is fun but it’s more fun grounded and values her team. She to play on a winning team.” knows her accomplishments would not be The Durham Lords made it to the play- possible without them. offs, which featured the top eight teams “The interaction with the girls and the across Ontario, but was not successful in experience you get from the sport is the quarter-fi nal match against Nipissing amazing. You have to be a team member.

PHOTO COURTESY OF DURHAM COLLEGE ATHLETICS AND RECREATION DEPARTMENT AND RECREATION ATHLETICS OF DURHAM COLLEGE COURTESY PHOTO University when it was bumped out of the You can’t win the game with just one provincial championships. individual. You need six people to play as Guarding the net is what varsity volleyball a team,” she said. “I’ve grown to be a captain Amanda Doris (left ) does best. She Already holding a diploma in Accounting from Durham College, Doris originally leader, and I’ve grown to be a better vol- recently broke the record for most blocks leyball player, especially with Shane. He in a single season. chose the college for its proximity and pro- gram variety. To her surprise, it also had a has transformed me.”

18 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2009 DURHAM COLLEGE SMILES GET A LITTLE BIT PHOTO COURTESY OF LAUREN DOWNIE OF LAUREN COURTESY PHOTO BRIGHTER This small but powerful machine can help fight gum disease in as little as one 20-minute treatment. by Lauren Downie

RED, SWOLLEN, TENDER OR BLEEDING Services. “Clients that come to our clinic that there is somewhere on campus I can gums are sure signs of periodontal or gum benefi t from the newest technology. What go to for dental services.” disease, which has been linked to the cause would usually be a costly treatment is of- Low cost dental services are available and progression of everything from tooth fered at our clinic’s low price. It’s great for from the Dental Hygiene program within loss and cancer to diabetes and pre-term in- our students as well as they are able to ben- the School of Health & Community Services. fants. Now there is a quick way to treat the efi t from learning with this new technology.” Soon-to-be hygienists, under the guidance disease and it’s offered at Durham College’s The Periowave is the latest in periodon- of a dentist, conduct treatments and check- Dental Clinic. tal care, a quick and painless solution for ups which are available to patients for a one- The recent donation of a Periowave patients suffering from periodontal or gum time fee. Photodynamic Disinfection system, a prod- disease. It uses a non-thermal laser light “Services offered at our clinic include pol- uct from Ondine Biopharma Corporation, is combined with photosensitizing solution to ishing and scaling, fl uoride treatments, seal- allowing students in the Dental Hygiene fi ght disease-causing bacteria. It takes about ants, X-rays and routine check-ups, which program to provide another essential dental 60 seconds per treatment site or 20 min- are completed by a student and a dentist. service to the Durham Region as part of utes for the entire mouth and requires no We ask patients to commit to three visits their program. post-treatment care at home. for a $25 fee which can be extended to four “What’s wonderful is that Odine Even students on campus are impressed visits if needed,” said Burke. Biopharma Corporation has come forward with the new donation. “I’m new to the The clinic takes patients from September and donated the Periowave to us,” said area and sometimes it’s diffi cult to fi nd to April. To book morning, afternoon or eve- Carol Burke, associate dean of the Durham reputable services,” said Jacqueline Wilson, ning appointments, call 905.721.3074. College School of Health & Community a Durham College student. “I like knowing

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 19 SUCCESS IS MUSIC TO FORMER JOURNALISM GRAD’S EARS

by Josh Terry

PERFORMING FOR SCREAMING FANS many people can say that about what as the point person in his offi ce, respon- around the world doesn’t sound like a they do.” sible for media relations. After spend- normal job but for Wade Brennan it is. In There’s more to the job of being ing a year at Queen’s Park in Toronto, 2003, the Durham College Journalism a drummer than just making music. Ontario, Brennan gave it up and took on graduate put away the pen, replaced it Brennan also serves as manager of the something that put more rhythm in his with a pair of drumsticks and took off bands and is responsible for creating life. on his way to being part of the music awareness about the groups and book- “It wasn’t really a hard decision,” he industry. ing performances. When he isn’t on said. “When the opportunity came for The 37-year-old alumnus is the drum- stage, he is updating the band’s website, me to leave that world and fall back on mer and founding member of not one adding new videos to YouTube where music, I couldn’t pass it up. Believe it but three leading tribute bands. Lucky two million viewers have seen him per- or not, my journalism experience has 13, Brennan’s fi rst project, is a top 40 form or listening to new music for inspi- helped tremendously. I know the effort rock and roll cover band that plays every- ration. required getting coverage for my bands thing from Neil Diamond to Journey. Brennan’s wife Jill says he is always and I have the experience to put in that His second project is the internation- busy with some aspect of the band. “If effort. If anything, I think it’s earned us ally known Coldplayers, a tribute to the he’s not practising the latest songs, he’s more respect.” British band, Coldplay. His latest under- on the phone booking new gigs, design- In April, one of the bands played at the taking is called Killer, a tribute to the ing posters or preparing demo packages. House of Blues in Cleveland, Ohio, and popular band The Killers. I can tell that he gets a lot of joy from this summer, Brennan’s bands spent “I love the fact that my job is to enter- what he does and so do those who get a month in the United States, playing tain other people,” said Brennan. “Not to see his bands live.” in venues across New York, Ohio and many people get the opportunity to After graduating from Durham College, Michigan. travel across Ontario and indeed the Brennan freelanced in journalism before “It’s hectic and it’s crazy, but most im- world, but I am able to do that and bring winding up at the Port Hope Evening portantly, it’s fun,” Brennan said. “I love a little bit of fun to people’s lives at the Guide as a reporter. He stayed there the fact that I have the opportunity to do same time. It’s hard work, but it’s sat- until a local member of provincial parlia- all this and get paid to boot. I don’t think isfying. These days, I’m not sure how ment for the area recruited him to work I’d have it any other way.”

20 REFLECTIONS | FALL 2009 THE ART OF BUSINESS by Christine Hiralal

DRIVING INTO PORT PERRY, ONTARIO feels like going back in time. Besides the gazebo in its waterfront park, downtown Port Perry boasts many Victorian-style buildings and numerous specialty bou- tiques, coffee houses, gift shops and art stores. Two of those galleries – The Framer’s Gallery and Native Focus – are owned by Durham College graduates, Tracy (Elson) Strong and Jeremy LePage, respectively. Strong’s store specializes in framed and unframed prints by artists like James Lumbers, Laura Berry, Walter Campbell and Bill Saunders as well as Fimo-style works by local artist Kim Fernandez.

A 1986 graduate of Durham College’s Jeremy LePage, a Durham College Journalism graduate and co-owner of Native Advertising program, Strong owns The Focus, creates as well as sells native-themed artwork. Framer’s Gallery with her husband, Warren. While the Strongs sell prints and photographs, they also take the time to both certifi ed framers and have many new ings, paintings and jewelry. The work is come up with creative ways to frame and repeat customers who trust them to created by local artists David Johnson, work and preserve art forever. They are take care of their family heirlooms and art- Cathy Mark, Maxine Nowl as well as work. Jeremy’s father, Eddie LePage, who is a “My job is most rewarding because renowned native artist and has had a huge people bring in their family treasures and infl uence on his son. Jeremy had his fi rst trust me to come up with special ways to exhibition of his own paintings in 2008 preserve them,” said Strong. “I feel good and said he was proud to have his work knowing that the projects I help create on display. will stay in the family forever.” Both father and son are painters and She has an album of photos showing have their work on display and for sale at the many forms of framing the gallery has Native Focus. Their creations are mostly done including preserving an antique hair inspired by the natural world and they wreath as well as war and sports memo- concentrate on creating wildlife portraits. rabilia. Strong says that she enjoys her job Many of the paintings revolve around ea- because every day is different and she gles, wolves and bears. It’s not surprising has the opportunity to regularly meet new that Jeremy followed in his dad’s brush people. She also loves the unique projects strokes. she gets to work on because she can put “When I was little, I had my own easel her creativity to work. beside my dad’s and my playpen was in A block down from The Framer’s Gallery his studio,” said LePage. is Native Focus, owned by Jeremy LePage, He still does freelance journalism when a 2002 graduate of the Journalism pro- he has a chance while juggling his time gram, and his wife Erin. LePage spends between running the gallery and spending most days at the gallery helping out time with his wife and two-year-old son PHOTOS COURTESY OF CHRISTINE HIRALAL OF CHRISTINE COURTESY PHOTOS customers, checking e-mails, and when Callum. He has also worked for Port Perry Tracy Strong, a Durham College Ad- he has the time, working on painting and This Week, a local community newspa- vertising graduate and co-owner of The writing of his own. per. When it comes to having something Framer’s Gallery, displays the many The gallery has many interesting pieces framed forever, he often turns to Strong’s framing options she uses to help her cus- including inukshuk sculptures, wall hang- creativity at The Framer’s Gallery. tomers create memories.

WWW.DURHAMCOLLEGE.CA REFLECTIONS | FALL 21 ALUMNI UPDATE

1973 husband Neal and their one-year-old son Jonah. nications co-ordinator and resides in Pembroke, Morales works as a hygienist at the Pickering Ontario. GARY RIDEOUT (Chemical Technology) is now Village Dental Clinic in Pickering, Ontario. retired and lives in Ingonish, Nova Scotia. 2005 2000 1990 TOMLYN SCERO (nee MacKenzie) (Biomedical AMBERLEY SMALL (Business Administration Engineering Technology) lives in , NEIL POWELL (Electronics Engineering Tech- – Operations Management) lives in Courtice, On- Ontario with her husband Shayne and works for nology) lives in Whitby, Ontario with his wife tario and works as a business manager for GM Mount Sinai Hospital as a biomedical technolo- Michelle and their two daughters, eight-year old Canada in Oshawa, Ontario. gist. Faith and two-year-old Marissa. Powell works as a fi refi ghter for the Town of Whitby where he 2002 2007 has worked for the past 19 years. ANGELA FEURSTEIN (Sports Administration) VANESSA GAIDIES (Human Resources Man- 1992 lives in Toronto, Ontario and works for Gym- agement) lives in Kananaskis, Alberta and works nastics Ontario as a Trampoline and Tumbling for the Delta Lodge as a recruitment manager. AMY GUNTER (nee Powless) (Offi ce Adminis- program manager. tration – Executive) lives in Burford, Ontario with MICHELLE MAKITRA her husband Tim and their two children, nine- JOSHUA TOUTANT (Business Administration – (Sports Management) year-old Daisy and six-year old Maxwell. Gunter Accounting) lives in Kitchener, Ontario with his married Murray Robb currently works for the government. wife Jennifer and their two children, fi ve-year- on August 22, 2009 old Rebecca and one-year-old Travis. Toutant and resides in Ottawa, works at Open Text Corporation in Waterloo, Ontario with her new 1993 Ontario as a junior fi nancial analyst. husband. KEVIN MCCALLUM (Sports Administration) lives in Mississauga, Ontario with his wife Mary 2004 2008 Jo and three children, 13-year-old Sara, nine-year- old Mason and fi ve-year-old Cameron. RAJAN MISTRY (Computer Systems Technol- ANDY SEELEY (Water Quality Technician) lives ogy) lives in Stouffville, Ontario and works for in Campbellcroft, Ontario with his wife and the Government of Ontario as a security advisor. works for the Region of Durham in Technical 1994 Support. JENNIFER STERLING (Public Relations) works SHANNON MORALES (nee Secker) (Dental for Atomic Energy of Canada Ltd. as a commu- Assisting) lives in Whitby, Ontario with her WHITBY CAMPUS UPDATE

Classes began this fall at the Whitby cam- and identify and apply energy regulations pus which is currently undergoing a mas- and government policy to energy audit- sive expansion. Phase 1 of the expansion ing. The Renewable Energy Technician is fi nished and includes a 21,500-square- program will give graduates an in-depth foot second storey that offers a new knowledge of solar, wind, and geothermal electrical lab; an energy auditing and heat pump systems, enabling them to building systems lab; two computer install, service and audit these renewable simulation labs; and three new class- energy sources. rooms to accommodate larger class sizes Phase 2 of the expansion includes a in addition to the new one-year Energy 20,000 square-foot increase of the size of Audit Techniques certifi cate and two-year the Skills Training Centre and the addition Renewable Energy Technician diploma of more programs in the energy and the programs which launched in September. skilled trades fi elds. Energy Audit Techniques will provide graduates with the skills required to per- form energy assessments on homes and small commercial and industrial buildings

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