• Christine Cunningham

  Social Service Worker - 2015

  Less than a decade after graduating from the Social Service Worker program, Christine Cunningham has established herself as a leader in the field of perinatal mental health, supporting hundreds of women in need. Christine runs a successful counselling private practice that serves perinatal clients (those who are pregnant, trying to conceive, or welcoming a baby into their family). She is also the founder and executive director of Perinatal Wellbeing Ontario (PWO), a not-for-profit organization that provides free to low-cost mental health supports to those living with a perinatal mood and anxiety disorder (PMAD). With OHIP-covered PMAD programs in short supply and high demand, Christine founded PWO to help fill the gap. They offer a number of valuable services for those who don’t have access to care elsewhere, including individual or group therapy and peer support programs, free e-courses for those experiencing symptoms of PMADs, as well as a podcast about challenges in the perinatal period. Christine also works to increase awareness of PMADs and their impacts on parents and families, and provides support and mentoring through education sessions, one-on-one consultation and supervision with other therapists. Her contributions to volunteerism have been recognized with several awards, and she works to ensure the future of quality PMAD care by acting as a placement supervisor for Social Service Worker students from Durham College and psychotherapy students from universities throughout Ontario.

• Stew MacDonald

  Sports Administration - 1981

  Stew MacDonald has made quite an impact on the sporting landscape of western Canada. After graduation, the first stop on his professional journey was Regina, Saskatchewan, where he served as director of marketing and publicity for the Pats of the Western Hockey League (WHL). In 1987 he joined the Edmonton Oilers of the National Hockey League (NHL), where he served as director of marketing for over a decade. In 1998 he was named chief operating officer of the American Hockey League’s (AHL) Saint John Flames and guided the club for five seasons. He rejoined the Oilers in 2004 and has spent the last two decades in senior management roles with the organization and was named president and chief revenue officer of OEG Sports & Entertainment in 2021. In his current role, he guides a team responsible for ticket sales, premium seating, corporate sales, marketing and business intelligence for the Oilers, the WHL’s Edmonton Oil Kings, the AHL’s Bakersfield Condors and Rogers Place arena. His teams have won three Stanley Cup Championships, as well as one Calder Cup and one Memorial Cup. He continues to support Durham College as an Alumni Leader, a participant in the DC Talks: Alumni Series, and a mentor to students.

• Tre Sanderson

  Culinary Management - 2015

  Tre Sanderson has made a name for himself as one of the most talented chefs in Canada. He was the winner of Food Network Canada’s Top Chef Canada Season X, showcasing his impressive culinary skills and passion for food. A first-generation Canadian with Jamaican roots, Chef Tre is inspired by his Caribbean heritage and infuses it into every dish he creates. His dishes are a reflection of his unique culinary perspective, artful plating, and explosive flavours that have earned him numerous accolades and recognition in the industry. Chef Tre has worked in some of Toronto's best kitchens throughout his career. He has been able to incorporate diverse culinary influences into his own creations, making him a dynamic and innovative chef. In 2023, he was awarded the Restaurants Canada Culinary Award of Excellence. He was also named one of Kostuch Media’s Top 30-Under-30. Chef Tre is proud to be recognized as the first Black chef to win Top Chef Canada and is honoured to be inspiring the next generation of young diverse chefs. He is a firm believer in the power of food to unite people from all walks of life and is passionate about promoting diversity in the culinary world. Through his cooking, he hopes to break down barriers and bring people together.

• Kristin Atwood

  Culinary Management, 2016 and Advanced Baking and Pastry Arts, 2017

  Kristin Atwood has been combining her passion for food and filmmaking since graduating from Durham College’s Culinary Management and Advanced Baking and Pastry Arts programs in 2016 and 2017, respectively. What began as a freelance job creating media content for local restaurants has since evolved into an award-winning independent production company called Chef Studio, where she produces cooking tutorials and web series that bring the joy and magic of cooking to digital streaming and video-on-demand platforms. With more than eight million views on her channel, Kristin has been able to turn Chef Studio into a thriving full-time job, allowing her to showcase her creativity and skill in cinematography, as well as her culinary prowess as she helps others learn to cook. In 2021, her At Home Pasta series was nominated for an Emmy® Award in the Outstanding Single Camera Editing category. The series was also nominated for two Webby Awards in the Best Food and Drink and Best How-To, Explainer and DIY categories. Prior to her Emmy® nomination, Kristin was named Best New Filmmaker by the Canadian Diversity Film Festival in 2021, and recognized in 2020 with a prestigious nomination for a James Beard Foundation Award – America’s most coveted and comprehensive honour for chefs, restaurants, journalists, authors and other leaders in the food and beverage industry – for her series The Crumby Bits. She also received nominations in The Shorty Awards for Best Instructional Video and Best Micro-Influencer Strategy. Recently, Kristin was awarded a Sony Alpha Female+ Grant, which provided funding for her to pursue a unique video project that will help her create more content to share with the world. She currently works for LS Productions, an agency specializing in commercials, film and TV, music videos, and fashion and sports shoots in the United Kingdom.

• Andrew McNamara

  Business Administration – Accounting, 2004

  In the nearly two decades since graduating from the Business Administration – Accounting program, Andrew McNamara has found impressive success in the sports media world as an on-air and on-camera broadcaster and writer. Using the business acumen gained during his time at Durham College, in addition to a certificate in TV/Radio Broadcasting from the National Institute of Broadcasting, Andrew has collected numerous host credits for prominent multimedia organizations, including CBC Sports, TSN, Fox News Detroit and Sportsnet Canada and voiced play-by-play for two world lacrosse tournaments in Prague, Czech Republic for European television. He has also provided voiceover talent for Domino’s Pizza and Panini Trading Cards on Sportsnet radio and social media channels. His writing credits include ESPN, National Lacrosse League (NLL), Draft Kings, TSN.ca, Sportsnet.ca, the NFL Bleacher Report, CBC, SLAM! Sports and Metroland Media. Currently, Andrew is the head of football operations for Ultimate Franchise Fantasy (UFF) Sports, an NFT-based fantasy sports platform, where he runs all American-style football leagues and recruits current and retired players. He is the host of The Fantasy Show on Sportsnet Radio, works as an NFL season host for Fantasy Football Live on Sportsnet social media channels and covers the NFL, NFL Draft and baseball fantasy leagues for Sportsnet.ca. In addition to this work, Andrew is a regular play-by-play broadcaster for the NLL on Rogers TV, TSN and Turner Sports, as well as a previous play-by-play voice for the CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats. He was recently a finalist for the Best Fantasy Radio Show competition through the Fantasy Sports Writers Association of America. Since graduation, Andrew has returned to his alma mater to teach part-time in Durham College’s broadcasting and radio classes and has served as a member of the Durham College Alumni Association Board of Directors. He also helps raise funds for southern Ontario children’s charity Youth Diversion as a play-by-play broadcaster for pro-wrestling matches on TV Cogeco.

• Dr. Nicole Blackman, DNP, MN, RN

  Registered Nursing, 2004

  Since graduating from Durham College’s Registered Nursing program in 2004, Nicole has continued her academic path attaining her Bachelor of Science degree, as well as a Master of Nursing and Doctor of Nursing Practice, both with a specialization in Indigenous Health. Nicole is a proud member of Algonquins of Pikwakanagan First Nation and has dedicated her advanced practice nursing career to enhancing the health of the Indigenous Peoples of Canada. Following her graduation from Durham College, Nicole worked as a registered nurse at Princess Margaret Hospital in the Medical/Radiation Oncology unit. Upon completing her master’s degree from the University of Toronto, she accepted a position as director of professional practice for Weeneebayko Area Health Authority; a First Nation governed health authority located in the isolated James and Hudson Bay regions of northeastern Ontario. After devoting more than five years to improving Indigenous health in Moose Factory and surrounding communities, Nicole returned to the Durham Region for leadership positions with their Health Department, and later with the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation. More recently, Nicole was hired as provincial director of the Indigenous Primary Health Care Council. In this role, her efforts focus on health care transformation regarding anti-racism work, Indigenous health promotion and advocacy for equitable opportunities to achieve healthier communities rooted in culture and cohesion.

• Thomas Coughlan

  ’05 Business Administration- Accounting

  As the founder of Coughlan Realty Ltd, Thomas was quick to become amongst the top 1 per cent of Realtors^® in the GTA and is recognized as one of the top Brokers in the Durham Region. He provides mentorship to other agents and brokers across the community, sharing best practices and leadership techniques to enhance the industry in its entirety.  During his time at DC, he served as vice-president of the Durham College Student Association (DCSA), followed by two consecutive terms as president, leading the DCSA through many positive changes, including the $14-million Athletic Complex expansion and the adapting UPASS (Universal Bus Pass) for all full-time students at DC and the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (now Ontario Tech University). He also served a three-year term on the DC Board of Governors. Thomas has held multiple positions on Parliament Hill most notably assistant to the Honourable Jim Flaherty and issues manager for Government of Canada during the economic crisis in 2013.  He has supported the community in many ways including giving major gifts to Kids’ Safety Village of Durham Region, donating to various community charities and a making a recent pledge to the new Durham Region Hospice. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the WindReach Farm Foundation.

• Tamara Dus

  ’93 Registered Nursing

  Tamara is a progressive and innovative health care leader with particular expertise in collaboratively steering system transformations. A passionate clinical professional, she also focuses on achieving positive stakeholder outcomes for sustainable health care practices to meet community needs. As Director, Health Services, for University Health Network (UHN), Tamara’s responsibilities include working with a team to support 16,000 employees, more than 1,200 physicians, and more than 8,000 students and volunteers to develop, implement and evaluate a robust health and wellness strategy at the UHN. She also leads the COVID-19 employee response team at UHN and is co-leading the provincial pilot vaccination roll out to support Ontario's immunization strategy for vaccine clinics. She administered the first vaccine in Ontario. Previously, Tamara held a variety of roles during her 24 years at Lakeridge Health including registered nurse; Manager of Clinical Trials and Systemic Therapy, Durham Regional Cancer Centre; Clinical Director of the Central East Regional Cancer Program and Durham Regional Cancer Centre, Interim Clinical Director of Womens and Children’s program, as well as the Clinical Director Emergency, Critical Care and Central East Prehospital Care Program. In addition to work in hospitals, Tamara has worked at both Durham College and Ontario Tech University, teaching in nursing programs, in the community and with the Department of Public Health at the Regional Municipality of Durham. Her passion lies in supporting community wellness by implementing health education and communication strategies, influencing the development and revision of public policy and building capacity within individuals, families, groups and communities.

• Stuart Petrie

  ’14 Mechanical Engineering Technology

  As an employee of Sperry Rail Services, the global leader of railroad flaw detection, Stuart quickly moved up the ranks. He began his career as chief operator travelling across the country finding and removing defects that have the potential to derail a train, shut down our economy and ultimately cost human lives. From there he was promoted to field manager of Operations for Western Canada where he oversaw the staffing, operation and continued quality improvement of the majority of the Canadian fleet.  When Sperry opened its first training facility in Canada, Stuart was assigned as the technical trainer where he developed the Canadian Training Centre and curriculum; he continues to oversee its operation. Stuart was also chosen to pursue his Level III Certification in Ultrasonic Testing and is now Non-Destructive Testing operations manager responsible for administering certifications and ensuring compliance with regulations. He is also responsible for the Verification Department worldwide, dedicated to performing rail flaw detection as part of the non-stop testing process. In addition, he is designing training materials for operator improvement and advancement in the European Union, and the UK, as well as for new operators of Sperry's equipment in South Africa. He is also creating and amending materials to comply with national and international standards in Australia. Stuart serves on DC’s Non-Destructive Evaluation Program Advisory Committee, and regularly recruits DC grads to work for Sperry Rail across Canada.

• Caroline Wright

  ’96 Sport Management

  Caroline is a seasoned sports marketing professional with expertise in marketing creative, operations, retail and venue strategy. As a leader at Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment (MLSE), one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment organizations, her current portfolio includes leading the operations of all of MLSE's facilities including Scotiabank Arena, BMO Field, Coca-Cola Coliseum, BMO Training Ground, OVO Athletic Centre. MLSE is the parent company of the Toronto Maple Leafs (NHL), Toronto Raptors (NBA), Toronto FC (MLS), Toronto Argonauts (CFL), Toronto Marlies (AHL), Raptors 905 (NBAGL), TFC II (USL) and Raptors Uprising Gaming Club, the Toronto Raptors Esports franchise in the NBA 2K League. Caroline is a blood donor, volunteers with MLSE Foundation, has volunteered for Habitat for Humanity, where she traveled to New Orleans with MLSE to assist in the rebuild after Hurricane Katrina, and most recently volunteered her time to support MLSE in serving up to 13,000 meals a day to front-line workers and shelters due to the pandemic. In 2018, MLSE presented Caroline with the company's MVP Award for leading the building conversion of the Air Canada Centre to Scotiabank Arena. She is still overseeing the next phase of the project to its full re-imagination. Most recently Caroline was recognized by Sports Business Journal as one of fourteen women overseeing every aspect of their facilities among the 144 stadiums and arenas from seven U.S. and Canadian team sports leagues (NFL, NBA, MLB, NHL, MLS, WNBA and NWSL), ranging from maintenance and renovation projects to booking and budgeting.

• Lori Lane Murphy

  Public Relations program, 1988

  Lori Lane Murphy never set out to become a mental health advocate. Instead she worked in the health and safety sector focusing on training and development. However, as she began working on her own mental health through therapy to deal with the death of her father, she started writing about the experience. That writing soon evolved from a journal into a memoir and ultimately a play entitled Upside Down Dad, a tribute to her father who struggled all his life with clinical depression. Lori eventually authored a book about her own mental illness, Bipolar Expedition and began to see storytelling as a way to give hope to those also struggling with mental illness. When not writing, Lori co-hosts a podcast, Stories Like Crazy, in an effort to connect with others living with mental illness, normalizing their experiences and erasing its stigma. She was also appointed as an Ambassador of Hope for Ontario Shores’ 100th anniversary and represents the organization at numerous events and in its campaigns. Lori offers storytelling workshops for clients of Durham Mental Health Services and Ontario Shores’ Recovery College, to help bring forth others’ voices to build a healthy and stigma-free environment within Durham Region.  Lori is also a mentor to DC students for the DC Enactus project, True Grit.

• Judy Pal

  Sports and Entertainment program, 1983

  With more than 30 years’ experience, Judy Pal has served in management and public relations positions for public safety, government, and the professional sports and entertainment industry, in both Canada and the United States. She has also taught media and public relations skills and served in executive staff positions with law enforcement for more than a decade. Judy began working in PR and sports marketing for the Edmonton Oilers and later as a television anchor for Global Television. After pivoting in her career, she took her communications experience and applied it to her first love, law enforcement, and took a job with the Halifax Regional Police in Nova Scotia before moving to the US. Since then, she has worked for numerous police organizations including the NYPD and Baltimore, Atlanta and Milwaukee police departments. Her international work includes working with governments in Trinidad and Tobago, Chile and Australia. She was also director of operations for the FBI Law Enforcement Executive Development Association. Today, Judy lives in Knoxville, Tennessee and works as a consultant, spending most of her days on the road training public information officers and police leaders about how to better communicate. She has also written a guide on crisis communications and was recently the keynote speaker for the Canadian Association of Chiefs of Police Strategic Communications Conference held in Toronto.

• Nancy Shaw

  Practical Nursing program, 1985

  Nancy Shaw has enjoyed an extensive career developing partnerships within Durham Region and beyond. Her work experience includes 19 years as Executive Assistant to the late Hon. Jim Flaherty, M.P. and Minister of Finance, Canada. She has also served as Executive Officer of the Durham Region Association of Realtors, and is currently CEO of the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. Her community and personal commitments include serving as a director of the Police Appreciation Dinner and Awards night, served as past President of Parkwood Estates and Gardens Foundation and a past member of the Tribute to our Troops Committee. In addition, she has served as past Chair of the Durham Chapter of ProAction Cops and Kids, past Chair of the Whitby/Oshawa Community Panel and sat on the Lakeridge Health Master Planning Committee. She is also a past Director for the Abilities Centre, Board of Directors. Honorary chair for the Ken and Nancy Shaw Providence Golf Classic, helping raise money for Providence Health Care. Most recently has been appointed to the Lakeridge Health Board of Directors. Nancy has been appointed, Honorary Lieutenant Colonel of the Ontario Regiment (2019-2022). She gives back to Durham College in a number of ways, including as a volunteer member of the President’s Panel for Centre for Collaborative Education and was a Convocation Speaker in 2017.

• Ellen Stitt

  Water Quality Technician program, 2013

  As a Walkerton, Ontario native, providing access to clean, safe drinking water has been Ellen’s calling since 2000. It was her hometown’s water crisis event that influenced her career path as she pursued an education at Durham College (DC). Over the past seven years Ellen has fostered an incredible career. She is currently a senior operator and mechanic for Ontario Clean Water Agency (OCWA) and is the marketing manager for the Ontario Association of Sewage Industry Services. In addition to her operational responsibilities, Ellen facilitates the agency’s OneWater Education workshops teaching grade eight students about water and wastewater treatment processes.  In 2016, she was the recipient of the OCWA Marine Citizenship Award (2017) and Leadership Award (2019) and was a finalist for the Water Environment Association of Ontario’s Outstanding Young Professional Award and the Water’s Next Young Professional Award in 2018. Outside of work, Ellen volunteers by serving on the Walkerton Clean Water Centre’s Board of Directors and numerous other sector committees including Great Waters Challenge Youth Advisory Board with Waterlution. Through her work on this committee, Ellen co-authored a children’s book entitled Canada’s Great Water Adventure. Ellen also attended Waterlution’s H20 Global Leadership Training and participated in their Water Innovation Labs in Australia and Canada, where she was chosen to receive seed funding for her project, Rain It In, a competition that empowers college and university students to make a difference in their communities and positively impact the environment. In March 2019, Rain It In was hosted for the first time at DC, with 10 teams from post-secondary institutions across Ontario. Ellen has also contributed to her alma mater in a variety of other ways; she  served as a panelist for Women In Science: Innovation and Disruption Panel for Young Women in Science, Technology and Trades, was as a judge for Enactus DC’s CleanTech pitches and is a member of the Water Quality Technician Program Advisory Committee.

• Brandon Bird

  Level 3 Plumber Apprentice Certificate, 2012

  Brandon Bird knew he would need a solid foundation of skills before he could take over leadership of his family’s third-generation plumbing and heating company. While he has been working there for 16 years in various roles, he enrolled in Durham College (DC) and completed his Level 3 Plumber Apprentice Certificate in 2012. A licensed Red Seal plumber, he then returned to the company and continued working his way up the ranks, always looking for ways to grow this business. This included overseeing the acquisition and amalgamation of John McKenzie Plumbing with Bird Mechanical Ltd, allowing the company to offer more services and expand into new markets. In 2016, at just 29 years old, he became the youngest CEO in the company’s history. In 2018 Brandon successfully expanded the current operations into Atlantic Canada, opening the first office in Dartmouth, Nova Scotia. Additionally, he acquired a Civil Contracting Company, R.G. MacDuff Contracting Ltd., to work hand-in-hand with Bird Mechanical Ltd. facilitating better project control and targeting different markets. Since taking the reins Brandon has generated over $32 million in sales revenue while overseeing a team of over 100 employees, 70 of which are tradespeople. Through strategic expansion and service offerings, the company has worked on projects ranging from $100,000 to $20 million; its clients include the Hospital for Sick Children and Cadillac Fairview. Brandon also chairs DC’s Mechanical Techniques – Plumbing Advisory Committee and sits on the Mechanical Contractors Association of Toronto’s Education Committee.

• Cailey Jones

  Early Childhood Education, 2010

  Cailey Jones’s passion for education has taken her from the classrooms of Durham College (DC) to Johannesburg, South Africa. After graduating from the college’s Early Childhood Education program in 2010, she found herself headed to South Africa for a one-year volunteer opportunity to work with Botshabelo, a non for profit that helps underprivileged children. While she originally applied to work with infants, Cailey’s ECE training made her an ideal candidate to help with establishing the Urban Kids Educentre (UKE), to provide quality preschool education to low-income students. Eight years later she is still living there, now working as the principal of UKE managing a team of 13 employees, teaching 120 students. She is also using her skills to work towards securing funding for those UKE employees to pursue their own additional education. With a goal to establish partnerships with local universities to have students studying Occupational Therapy, Child Psychology, Art Therapy, Speech Pathology intern at UKE, Cailey hopes it will become a resource centre not only for its students but for other preschools as well.

• Bev Woods

  Dental Assisting, 1980 and Dental Hygiene, 1986

  With a career that spans three decades, Bev Woods has given thousands of people a reason to smile. Since graduating from Durham College's (DC) Dental Assisting program in 1980 and the Dental Hygiene program in 1986, she has worked in private and public health settings, including owning a dental hygiene practice and serving as program director of dental hygiene for Maxwell College from July 2006 to August 2008. Bev also held a council position with the College of Dental Hygienists of Ontario and was president of the Bay of Quinte Dental Hygienists Society and Ontario Dental Hygienists' Association. Another hallmark of her career is her commitment to giving back. To ensure no one goes without dental hygiene care, Bev founded Gift from the Heart project (GFTH), a day set aside for registered dental hygienists across Canada to share their skills, knowledge and compassion with those who need it the most, Canadians who experience barriers accessing oral health services. To date, over $1.4 million in dental hygiene care has been provided at no cost to the client. In recognition of her efforts, Bev received the Award of Merit from the Canadian Dental Hygienists Association in 2014. Three years later she was selected by the International Federation of Dental Hygienists to represent Canada at a Global Social Responsibility Conference in Italy. Recently coming out of retirement, she now works with the Whole Health Clinic in Brighton Ontario and has continued her work with GFTH with plans to create a GFTH Foundation to enable dental hygienists to provide care to those not able to access care on our GFTH day. Bev is committed to seeing the GFTH project grow into a sustainable organization that not only connects clients with independent dental hygienists but also raises awareness about oral health inequalities.

• Roland Kielbasiewicz

  Business Operations Management, 1990

  Roland Kielbasiewicz, a 1990 graduate of Durham College’s (DC) Business Operations Management program, is the Founder and CEO of Loraxian, Inc. The company specializes in the development, finance, ownership, and management of sustainable infrastructure projects in Canada and internationally. He is also the founder of the IGNITE Infrastructure Association, a membership-driven, non-profit organization behind the IGNITE program, which provides energy efficient and sustainable infrastructure capabilities to government, First Nations, education and healthcare sectors. It also oversees the IGNITE Maple Project, which aims to bring sustainable change to the lives of 880 Canadian First Nation children, youth, and young adults in Wiikwemkoong, by improving educational and sports resources which leads to building their capacity. Roland’s ties to DC are strong, having worked on a number of research initiatives with the college since graduating. These include conducting technology testing with the Office of Research Services, Innovation and Entrepreneurship (ORSIE) and partnering with ORSIE and the Durham Region Police Service on a research project for proof of principle testing of a fuel-saving technology, to provide financial savings for organizations with large vehicle fleets, including emergency services or public transit. He has also served in an advisory role reviewing technologies for funding approval, has been a guest speaker in numerous classes and has hired DC graduates over the years.

• Manjula Selvarajah

  Journalism – Print and Broadcast, 2014

  Manjula Selvarajah is a Toronto-based freelance journalist, technology columnist for CBC Radio and producer for local CBC Radio shows, including the very popular Toronto morning show, Metro Morning. She is a 2014 graduate of Durham College’s Journalism – Print and Broadcast program (now known as Journalism – Mass Media). Manjula talks to CBC radio audiences across the country about interesting developments in technology. She has guest hosted CBC Radio’s Toronto music show, Big City Small World, which showcases the city’s music talent and presented a column called Live and Learn on CBC’s Fresh Air, where she profiled people dipping their toes into new experiences. She also co-hosted one of the few English shows on Canadian Tamil television, Crossroads on Tamil Vision International. Prior to earning her diploma, Manjula was vice-president of Marketing and the thirteenth employee at Toronto start-up software firm Eloqua. There she managed a team of nine marketers and inside sales representatives to design and execute creative marketing campaigns, to build a quantifiable sales funnel for Eloqua’s growing North American sales team. Manjula is the co-founder of the volunteer-run organization Tamil Women Rising. She has volunteered extensively with the Canadian Tamil Youth Development Centre, the Canadian Tamil Congress, and for fundraisers in support of the Tamil Studies Conference and charities in the north and east of Sri Lanka. She is the chair of the Durham College Journalism Program Advisory Committee and returned to the college in February to speak to students during the college’s annual Alumni in the Pit event.

• Kurtis Sisk

  Public Relations, 2000

  Kurtis Sisk graduated from Durham College’s (DC) Public Relations program with honours in 2000 and is now the CEO of the Heart and Stroke Foundation of New Brunswick, where he has spent the last 13 years working his way up the ladder. He now oversees a team who has achieved a significant 126 per cent fundraising growth with over $3.4 million in revenue. Known as a passionate leader in the non-profit sector, he has worked tirelessly to raise necessary funds in a province where demand for heart disease and stroke care is high and financial conditions for fundraising are tough. Under his leadership, the Heart and Stroke Foundation continues to be a strong and growing presence in New Brunswick. His achievements include bringing the Hockey Heroes Weekend event to the province, an event that has become the largest fundraiser in Atlantic Canada, raising over $800,000 in 2017 alone. Kurtis is also a current committee member of Healthpartners New Brunswick, having also served as its chair from 2009 to 2013, and was the national chairperson of Canadian Cancer Society’s Relay For Life working group in 2006. When not at work, he can be found spending time with his wife and two children, as well as volunteering as a coach for youth sports including soccer, hockey and softball. A firm believer in experiential learning, he has provided both summer and co-operative education placements with the Heart and Stroke Foundation to over 100 students. Kurtis is also currently completing his Executive Master of Business Administration specializing in Social Enterprise Leadership at the University of New Brunswick.

• Chief Bryant Wood

  Electronics Engineering Technology, 1990

  As chief of the Port Hope Police Service, Bryant Wood, a 1990 graduate of Durham College’s (DC) Electronics Engineering Technology program, is one of 54 people province wide who currently hold the rank of chief of police. During his 25-year career, he has also served as deputy chief and in supervisory roles providing leadership and mentoring. He has also been involved in the investigation and successful prosecution of many major crimes. A decorated police veteran, Chief Wood was recognized by the Governor General of Canada with the Star of Courage and Medal of Bravery in 2010, as well as the Police Exemplary Service Medal in 2013. He was also awarded the Ontario Medal for Police Bravery by the Lieutenant Governor of Ontario in 2008. In addition to his work, he has also given back to the community in which he works and lives, sitting on numerous boards including the Cornerstone Family Violence Prevention Centre, which works to free families from domestic violence, and the Ganaraska River Fishery Strategy Committee. He is also the past vice-president of the Port Hope Police Association and was a past board member for the Northumberland Domestic Violence Action Committee. Chief Wood has three sons, two of which currently attend DC. He is a diligent advocate for individuals who have been diagnosed with Autism, including his youngest son Nathan, and was a founding member of the Northumberland Family Autism Support Network. He has also provided placements and hired a number of DC’s students during his tenure as chief.

• Richard Gauder

  Marketing Administration, 1984

  Richard is originally from the Pickering area and has held many challenging positions since graduating from Durham College’s Marketing Administration program in 1984. He is currently president at CMS Web Solutions, which specializes in web development and design, WordPress, Woo Commerce and web accessibility. Richard has been very active in the community and is a past board member and president of the Whitby Chamber of Commerce, a former president and international committee member of the Rotary Club of Port Perry and currently Chairs the Durham Region Roundtable on Climate Change. He is also the founder of the Durham Business Advisory Group, a group of 25 business and community leaders who advise each other while also supporting an orphanage in India. Richard has also mentored young entrepreneurs and has supported Durham College by serving as an advisor for the School of Business, IT & Management focusing on the marketing curriculum. He is founder and member of four 100 Men charitable groups in Scugog, Oshawa, Whitby and Clarington.

• Joyce Hunter

  Journalism – Print, 2003

  After receiving her diploma in Durham College’s Journalism – Print program in 2003, Joyce began her career at The Daily Press in Timmins as a general assignment reporter/photographer. She then moved on to the aboriginally owned and operated Wawatay News to work as a reporter before being promoted to editor. She has spent more than 10 years working as a journalist and has won national and provincial awards for her work, including the 2008 Canadian Community Newspaper Award for Best News Story, the 2006 Ontario Community Newspapers Association Award for Best News Story and the Canadian Ethnic Media Association’s Innovation Award in 2013. She has a deep and personal connection to the legacy left by residential schools due to her older brother’s sudden death while attending St. Anne’s Residential School in Fort Albany, Ontario. She successfully lobbied for his repatriation to her community many years after. Joyce is currently the Aboriginal Liaison Strategy Coordinator for the City of Thunder Bay where she is working on continuing to develop the city’s relationships with the Indigenous community.

• Brent Lessard

  Mechanical Engineering Technology, 2014

  After graduating at the top of his class from Durham College’s Mechanical Engineering Technology program in 2014, Brent co-founded rLoop Inc., a non-profit online think tank and talent resource company that focuses on developing and launching world-changing technology. One of the first projects rLoop worked on was the Hyperloop. The brainchild of Elon Musk at SpaceX, the Hyperloop is a ground-based method of transportation to take people from one place to the other in a matter of minutes. rLoop was one of the more than 1,200 teams that competed in an open-source competition to help bring the project to life. Brent, along with his collaborators, made a name for themselves with SpaceX by winning the Hyperloop Pod Innovation and Best Non-Student Hyperloop Design Awards. He also won the Best Hyperloop Design, Drama and Excitement Award in a competition held by Asite and the Dubai Future Foundation. In addition to these pursuits, Brent simultaneously found time to work as a technical coordinator and sales representative at International Leak Detection (ILD), which provides roofing and waterproofing integrity testing. He has also generously given back to Durham College by serving as an advisor on the President’s Panel, representing the School of Science & Engineering Technology, and appearing as a 2017 Durham College Alumni in the Pit speaker.

• Hannah Elkington

  Police Foundations, 2014

  After graduating from Durham College’s Police Foundations program in 2014, Hannah Elkington was hired as a police constable with York Regional Police, where she currently works. While pursuing her studies, Elkington participated in the Impossible2Possible Botswana expedition in Africa, where she ran 200 km across the Kalahari Desert over a four-day period. She also travelled with Impossible2Possible on Expedition Peru where she assisted with the delivery of educational content to students via an e-classroom. Additionally, she spent five years working for Durham Regional Police Service in the Youth in Policing program, including two years as program co-ordinator. In 2014, she received the prestigious Public Hero Award from the Intercultural Dialogue Institute. Despite moving from Durban, South Africa to Ontario, Canada as a child, she still keeps a strong connection with her roots. During her high school years, she volunteered with the Kids in Need program and Team Africa. After graduating from high school, she spent three months volunteering at an orphan safe house in Cape Town, South Africa.

• Anna Forder

  Public Relations, 1971

  Before completing Durham College’s Public Relations program, Anna Forder pursued a successful career in competitive figure skating, including representing Canada at the 1968 Olympic Games in Grenoble, France. She has worked as a professional figure skating coach in Durham Region for more than 45 years. An advocate for both sport and academics, she encourages all of her students to pursue higher education with many going on to graduate from Durham College. She has also given back to the community by sitting on both the Oshawa Hospital board and the Skate Canada National Board of Directors. Over the duration of her career, she has been recognized for her accomplishments as an athlete and coach, including her induction into the Oshawa Sports Hall of Fame in 1988 as well as receiving the Canadian Women’s Mentor Award in 2000.

• Melody Gaukel

  Public Relations, 1998

  Melody Gaukel saw her career take off rapidly after graduating from the Durham College Public Relations program in 1998. Starting as a senior consultant with a Toronto-based public relations firm shortly after graduating, she quickly moved into senior positions in larger agencies, rising to her current position as vice-president, Corporate and Finance, at Environics Communications, one of Canada’s largest public relations and marketing firms. She played a major role in promoting the Ontario Tire Stewardship program, increasing both public awareness and tire collections to reduce the number of used tires being burned or sent to landfills. She has also worked with several not-for-profit agencies and served as a member of the advisory council for Durham College’s Public Relations program for 15 years. In addition, Melody has served as a mentor for many Durham College graduates and frequently makes herself available to meet with students to provide advice and support on their career goals. Melody is also an active member of St. Andrew’s United Church in Toronto, where she has led building revitalization programs, chaired the communications committee and supported major community fundraising programs.

• Philip Pritchard

  Sport Administration, 1985

  Since graduating from Durham College’s Sport Administration program in 1985, Philip Pritchard has visited more than 35 countries and attended a number of key amateur and pro hockey events, including the Olympic Games and World Championships, promoting the Hockey Hall of Fame (HHOF) and Museum as well as exhibits in its collection. Part of his duties include travelling with the Stanley Cup, a position he has held since his first week on the job. As Keeper of the Cup, he has also gained great notoriety for his role of walking the Stanley Cup out onto the ice to be presented to the National Hockey League’s champion. In addition to his responsibilities with the HHOF, he has served for many years on the board of directors for the International Sports Heritage Association (ISHA) as well as the Canadian Association of Sport Heritage. He is also a past member of the selection committee for the Sports Hall of Fame in his hometown of Burlington; a committee member for the Lester Patrick Award, which selects outstanding contributions to hockey in the United States; and sits on the International Ice Hockey Federation’s Historical Committee. In 2009, he received the Schroeder Award, the ISHA’s highest honour.

2015

• Vanessa Hughes

  Business – Human Resources, 1990

  Soon after graduating from the Business – Human Resources program, Vanessa Hughes gained employment with Ontario Hydro followed by its successor company, Ontario Power Generation (OPG), where she worked in the human resources (HR) department. During her now 25-year career with OPG, she was a Power Within Award winner, has worked at the Pickering, Ont., and Darlington, Ont., nuclear stations and has navigated her way through the company’s Corporate Relations and Communications department. She is now senior manager, Corporate Relations and Communications, at Pickering Nuclear.

• Matt Warburton

  Graphic Design, 1983

  Matt Warburton graduated from the DC Graphic Design program in 1983. After completing his program placement with Toronto-based Typesettra Limited, he was hired as a typographer upon graduation, something he considers to have been an important stepping stone in his design career. Throughout the years, Warburton has worked with various design firms in Toronto and Vancouver and has run his own firm for more than 15 years. He has also been an active volunteer and certified member with the Society of Graphic Designers Canada since 1990, serving as national president from 2002 to 2004. Warburton has also sat on many committees, including DC Graduate Student Portfolio Reviews, the Canada Post Stamp Advisory Committee and the Kwantlen University College Program Advisory Committee. Along with fellow alumnus, Bob Wheller, he has also created the current DC shield logo. He continues to support young designers through mentoring and as a sessional instructor with the Emily Carr University of Art and Design and the British Columbia Institute of Technology.

• Bob Wheller

  Graphic Design, 1983

  Since graduating from the DC Graphic Design program in 1983, Bob Wheller has been involved with many projects in various countries from Canada to Australia. Now calling the United Kingdom home, Wheller has been a creative director with London-based publishing company, The Team, for nearly 10 years. He has also worked on a few notable and recognizable pieces, including creating the DC logo in 1989 with fellow alumnus, Matt Warburton, and more recently, the Royal Mail Stamp commemorating the 75th anniversary of the Battle of Britain. Although he lives abroad, Wheller carries his DC experiences with him, visiting colleges in the United Kingdom to speak with Graphic Design students.

2014

• Alex Berube

  Advertising, 2011

  Since graduating from the Advertising program in 2011, Alex Berube has carved his own career at Adbloc Media where he currently serves as a brand and project manager. There he motivates his staff to achieve peak performance. Berube also serves on the college’s Advertising and Marketing Communications Program Advisory Committee and returns to the college as much as he can to share his experiences. In addition he takes on a DC intern each year.

• Jeff Gagne

  Plumbing, 2003

  A 2003 graduate of the Plumbing program, Jeff Gagne currently serves as the Region Manager, Ontario for Aecon Water Infrastructure Inc. Previously he held the position of Director, Nuclear Services for Aecon with the responsibility for overseeing all construction projects at both the Darlington and Pickering Nuclear Stations. Mr. Gagne has also been recognized for his knowledge and experience, speaking at the United Association of Journeymen and Apprentices of the Plumbing and Pipe Fitting Industry of the United States and Canada (UA)’s American national convention in Chicago, Illinois in 2012 and again for UA Canada’s national convention in September 2013. Since 2012 Jeff has been a trustee for the UA’s Canadian Training Fund and has multiple years of collective bargaining experience with the Build Trades thru the Electrical Power Systems Construction Association (EPSCA).

• Ron Hooper

  General Business – Marketing, 1969

  Ron Hooper, an alumnus of the very first General Business and Marketing program in 1969, has dedicated his career to building a strong family jewelry business, Hooper’s Jewellers, where he now serves as president of the company. In addition to running the family business, Hooper is completing his second term as local councillor for Ward Two in the Municipality of Clarington. He was first elected councillor in 2006 and was re-elected in 2010.

• Debbie Low

  Sports Administration, 1985

  Since graduating from the Sports Administration program in 1985, Debbie Low has established an influential career as a respected leader in high-performance sports across Canada, most recently in her current role as chief executive officer of the Canadian Sport Institute Ontario. Low has also been recognized for her contributions, earning the Canadian Foundation for Physically Disabled Persons King Clancy Award in 2010 and the Governor General of Canada’s Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012.

• Jennifer McCool-Closs

  Paramedic, 2007 Paramedic – Advanced Care, 2011

  Jennifer McCool-Closs, a 2007 graduate of the Paramedic program and 2011 graduate of the Paramedic – Advanced Care program, currently teaches in both programs while serving as a full- and part-time advanced care paramedic in two different regions. McCool-Closs also finds time in her busy work schedule to volunteer within many different aspects of her profession including providing critical incident stress peer support.

• Russ Montague

  Advertising, 2004

  Since graduating from the Advertising program in 2004, Russ Montague has become a very successful entrepreneur with two unique companies – ShirtPunch, a website, which specializes in geek-themed and meme T-shirts, and Nerd Block, a monthly subscription service that delivers niche-themed toys, collectables and T-shirts. ShirtPunch was awarded Best New E-Business and Consumer’s Choice by the 2012 Canada Post E-Commerce Innovation Awards.

• Michele Roberts

  Biomedical Engineering, 2006

  Since graduating from the Biomedical Engineering Technology program in 2006, Michele Roberts has established herself as an exceptional leader in the health-care industry. She currently serves as a project manager with Philips Healthcare Canada, where she was recognized with the Vice-President Most Valuable Player Award in 2010 and the North American Sales and Service Silver Pinnacle Award in 2011, which represents the highest level of achievement within the company.

2013

• Kevin Campbell

  Renewable Energy Technician, 2011

  Kevin Campbell, an alumnus of the inaugural class of the college’s Renewable Energy Technician program in 2011, is committed to the energy systems of tomorrow through the construction and distribution of high-quality solar power equipment. Since graduation, Campbell has been actively involved in the solar photovoltaic development and construction sector, serving in roles at Sunmac Solar and Green Technology, Sunset Metal and Siding and Solrcon Green Energy Systems, where he was responsible for a variety of duties including installation, maintenance and service of photovoltaic systems, managed transportation logistics and provided operational field support for solar racking systems. In September 2012, Campbell joined Bondfield Construction Company as a project co-ordinator but was quickly promoted to construction manager, Energy Division. At Bondfield, he manages all elements in the construction of commercial roof-top solar projects, including the negotiation of contracts with suppliers and supervising multiple projects at various stages of construction. In addition to fulfilling his managerial role, he is also dedicated to furthering his education and is currently enrolled in Durham College’s Operations Management – Business Administration program. Campbell is an associate member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) and in his spare time enjoys running, camping, hiking and studying environmental issues.

• Paul Clark

  Machinist, 2008

  A graduate of the Machinist program in 2008, Paul Clark is a successful entrepreneur and businessman with a green thumb. After graduating from Alexander Mackenzie High School in Richmond Hill, Ont. in 1996, Clark spent 11 years working at golf courses and country clubs including Meadowbrook Golf and Country Club in Gormley, Ont., fulfilling duties as a back shop and pro shop technician and golf course maintenance. In 2003, while working as a welder with Clarke Industries, he met Joe Szarka, then owner of Eagle Machining Incorporated. Szarka encouraged Clark’s interest in machining and he soon began an apprenticeship at Eagle Machining Inc. Following his graduation from Durham College, Clark worked at Eagle Machining Inc. for three years, eventually becoming a Red Seal certified machinist, at which time he and his co-worker, Zbig Bloch were given the opportunity to buy the business and operate it as their own. Clark is now a 50 per cent owner and operator of Eagle Machining Inc. where they repair and refurbish machine parts and also offer welding and fabricating services

• Steven Dickson

  Business Administration– Human Resources, 1998

  Since completing the Business Administration – Human Resources program in 1998, Steven Dickson’s attention to detail and commitment to continued learning have led to successful positions in multiple municipal governments including the City of Hamilton and the City of Mississauga. Dickson’s current position as senior legal counsel for the City of Mississauga requires him to provide timely and effective legal advice and representation to ensure compliance with all legal requirements. As well, he is responsible for legal services providing and contributing to the effectiveness of programs and services throughout the city. Prior to this, he served in a similar role with the City of Hamilton as solicitor and assistant corporate counsel. Before joining the municipal government sector, he gained experience as a part-time instructor at Wilfrid Laurier University; as an associate lawyer with the Simpson Wigle LLP law firm and by providing community legal aid. Dickson is driven to expand and further his education, earning a bachelor of commerce degree from Ryerson University, a bachelor of laws degree from the University of Windsor, a master’s degree in Business Administration from California Southern University and a master of public administration degree at University of Victoria. He is currently completing a master’s degree of laws at Osgoode Hall Law School at York University. Dickson is also a member of various associations including the Ontario Bar Association, Canadian Bar Association, Canadian Corporate Counsel Association and the Association of Municipal Managers, Clerks and Treasurers of Ontario. He serves his community volunteering with local soup kitchens and food banks, and is a member of the Legal Fundraising Board for the United Way and volunteers as a soccer coach with the Saltfleet Go-Ahead Soccer Club.

• Marnie Ham

  Air Transport and Industrial Engineering Technology, 1991

  Since graduating from the Air Transport and Industrial Engineering Technology program in 1991, Dr. Marnie Ham has shown a commitment to preparing the next generation of engineers. During her 18-year career as a post-secondary educator, she has served in a variety of roles in several departments making an impact on everyone she serves. Ham is currently an assistant professor with the Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech) in the Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science. She has held this position since 2007 and has served with numerous groups, organizations and committees including as chair of the University Scholarship Committee, the Automotive Program Review Committee and the Ontario Tech Faculty Association as chief negotiator. Prior to her position with Ontario Tech she was a teaching fellow and teaching assistant at Queen’s University for 12 years in the mechanical and materials engineering and chemical engineering departments and also served as a research assistant in the chemistry and chemical engineering departments at the Royal Military College of Canada from 1995 to 1997. During her time teaching in post-secondary institutions, she extended her knowledge by taking on positions that challenged her skill-set, including the role of manufacturing planning specialist with Ford Canada and a business analyst, supervisor and project manager with Bombardier Aerospace. She has also been a member of several societies including Women in Science and Engineering, the Canadian Society of Mechanical Engineering, the American Society of Mechanical Engineering and the Society of Manufacturing Engineers. Ham is a valued member and supporter of the Girl Guides of Canada and was recognized for her commitment to the organization in 2005 with the Gold Merit Award for excellence in volunteering and the Innovator Award in the Girl Guides Canada Programs for introducing engineering and science.

• Michael Lysko

  Sports Administration, 1983

  Since graduating from the Sports Administration program in 1983, Michael Lysko has established himself as a leader in sports marketing. In his current position as director of the Sport Management program at Southern Methodist University (SMU), he has developed the SMU Sport Management brand through experiential learning opportunities and contacts with professional leagues; governing sports bodies and conferences; corporate sponsors; facilities; sports broadcasting companies; events; and various sports marketing agencies. Before moving to Texas, Lysko served as director of Athletics and Recreation Services for Western University. There he directed the overall operation of the largest intercollegiate athletics program in Canada, overseeing 38 men’s and women’s varsity sports. After three years at Western, he joined Intersport Inc. in Chicago, Illinois, as the vice president, Marketing Partnerships where he directed all marketing strategies and partnerships for a variety of events and initiatives. Prior to joining UWO, Lysko served as the youngest commissioner in North American team sports with the Canadian Football League (CFL) from 2000 to 2002. As commissioner, Lysko led all operations of the league, including championing the CFL Rivalries ad campaign which received numerous awards including Marketing Magazine’s Gold Medal and Best of Show, and a Cannes International Advertising Festival nomination. Lysko has also been a supporter of Durham College, teaching in the Sport Management program during the 1990s and occasionally returning as a guest speaker, as well as taking on several Durham College students as interns throughout his career. He has been recognized with several awards including an honourable mention for Street & Smith’s Sports Business Journal’s Sports Business Executive of the Year in 2002 and was named one of Marketing Magazine’s Top 10 Marketers that Matter in 2001. He currently lives in Allen, Texas with his wife Kathryn, daughter Kelly, and son Max.

• Patricia Mazzaotta

  Practical Nursing, 1997 and Nursing, 2002

  Patricia Mazzotta, graduate of the Registered Practical Nursing program in 1997 and the Practical Nursing program in 2002, has shown a true commitment to nursing and the preparation of the next generation of nurses. Through her extensive clinical experience and pursuit of education she has excelled in both her professions as a registered nurse and teacher. Currently serving as a nursing professor and program co-ordinator at Centennial College, Mazzotta is responsible for developing and implementing orientation for new faculty and providing instruction and evidence-based practice for students in classes such as nursing research, health assessment and pathotherapeutics. Prior to joining Centennial, she worked in several units at the Sunnybrook Health Science Centre in Toronto, Ontario. This included time with the Emergency and Trauma unit, Coronary Intensive Care unit and Telemetry/Angioplasty unit. Mazzotta has also maintained her commitment to education during her established career, completing her bachelor of science (nursing) degree at Ryerson University and her master of science (nursing) degree at York University. She is currently set to begin her PhD in nursing through the University of Victoria in September 2013. Her hard work in nursing care and the classroom have both been recognized. She has received several awards including the Board of Governor’s Teaching Excellence Award from Centennial College. As well, she was recently one of only six recipients from across Canada to receive the John and Suanne Roueche Award for Excellence from the League for Innovation in the Community College. Mazzotta gives back to the community by assisting with local soup kitchens and elementary school events and she has volunteered with the Strong Girls, Strong Women campaign educating young girls on the importance of education though positive role models.

• Eddy Racine

  Renewable Energy Technician, 2011

  Eddy Racine is also a member of the first graduating class of the Renewable Energy Technician program in 2011. With a diverse educational background, Racine has focused his efforts on renewable energy and its important role in our world. Through his current role in renewable energy technical support at Westburne Electrical Supply, he is responsible for handling national technical calls for small and large solar and off-grid projects and provides accurate project quotes while ensuring timely delivery of materials. Before enrolling at Durham College, Racine completed the Presentation and Public Speaking for Radio and TV program at the National Institute of Broadcasting in 2004. He also finished a variety of leadership and project management courses while employed as a senior teleservices representative at IBM Canada. During his six years with IBM Canada, Racine also served as a team leader, where he oversaw more than 30 representatives to provide excellent customer service. He also filled the role of customer relations account manager where he resolved a high volume of customer complaints while negotiating fair resolutions. Racine is also an active member in the community, as an ordained deacon and elder with the Seventh-day Adventist Church and a disaster relief volunteer.

• Erik Walchuk

  Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC), 2004 and Gas Technician, 2005

  An alumnus of two Durham College programs – Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Techniques (HVAC) in 2004 and the Gas Technician program in 2005 – Erik Walchuk has translated his education into a successful career in the trades industry. Walchuk has also achieved his carpentry level 1 certificate; received training related to renewable energy and HVAC equipment; and is currently completing training on building environmental systems. Currently serving as facilities maintenance technician for the Town of Ajax, his responsibilities include scheduling and performing maintenance work throughout the town; ensuring all preventative measures for building mechanical systems are maintained; and communicating regularly with other departments to ensure efficient operations. An owner and partner with Taunton Trades since 2006, he assists with the co-ordination of capital projects throughout the Durham Region and the Greater Toronto Area and provides direction, assigns duties and supervises his team of employees on various work sites. Walchuk has given back to the community, as a coach with boys’ soccer from 2002 to 2004 and continues to coach boys’ hockey.

2012

• Norm (Butch) Lambert

  Nursing, 1978

  The only male to graduate from Durham College’s nursing program in 1978, Norm Lambert began his career with the Oshawa General Hospital (now Lakeridge Health) providing direct patient care before moving on to the Durham Region Public Health Unit. Soon after, he was hired as a paramedic with the City of Toronto. Over the past 30 years, Lambert’s most ambitious work has been seen at the Toronto Emergency Medical Services (EMS) where he has held various titles including superintendent, commander and deputy chief. His responsibilities have included hiring and training new paramedics and emergency medical dispatchers; managing Toronto’s EMS Communications Centre where approximately 700 emergency 9-1-1 calls come in daily; and ensuring excellence in patient care delivery, paramedic education, emergency planning, public education and staff support programs through the Program Development and Service Quality Division. In the late 1980s Lambert returned to Durham College to teach cardiopulmonary resuscitation and First Aid for the Centre for Professional and Part-time Learning. As deputy chief of Toronto EMS, Lambert also visited with faculty from the college’s 9-1-1 Emergency and Call Centre Communications program to review their program and supported the curriculum by allowing students to complete their observer and co-op hours with City of Toronto EMS workers. Lambert worked closely with the Ministry of Health and Long-Term Care (MOHLTC) in the development of EMS patient care policies and transport procedures during the severe acute respiratory syndrome outbreak; was assigned deputy chief of operations in the City of Toronto’s Emergency Operations Centre during the G20; and worked with the MOHLTC and Toronto Hospitals to implement a hospital bypass system for stroke patients. Lambert also led a team in the successful development and implementation of a plan to decrease ambulance off-load and emergency patient wait times for the City of Toronto. In 2008, Lambert was recognized for his accomplishments by the Governor General of Canada with an Emergency Medical Services Exemplary Service Medal. Married with children, Lambert is a devoted husband, father of four – two of whom are paramedics – and grandfather of four who enjoys spending time with his family. He is an active volunteer with the Knights of Columbus and enjoys golf and gardening.

• Marc MacRae

  Sports Administration, 1984

  Since graduating from Durham College’s Sports Administration program in 1984, Marc MacRae has spent the last 28 years in the sporting goods sector. He has trained new teams, opened countless stores and generated well over a billion in sales with his winning attitude. He is currently the vice-president of Consumer Sales and Marketing at RMP Athletic Locker Limited, an athletic clothing store. He is responsible for brand building, business analytics, retail marketing, profit building and more. In both MacRae’s professional and personal life he knows how to motivate and inspire those around him. He has taken many Durham College graduates under his wing, hiring and training them and leading them to successful futures with companies like Fila, Adidas and Nike. This sports fanatic has won numerous rookie manager and district manager of the year awards for his accomplishments from 1984 consistently through to 1999. MacRae’s passion for sports extends off the field where he has spent close to 20 years coaching both of his children in addition to coaching rep football and hockey teams. Over the years he has led teams to four provincial championships with two championship wins. He is presently busy coaching the AA Flamborough Sabres rep hockey team along with three football teams. MacRae currently lives in Waterdown, Ont. with his wife of 24 years, Elaine, and sons 17-year old Connor and 15-year old Carson. During his free time, the Montreal Canadiens fan enjoys attending sports games, travelling and volunteering on sports league committees where he has been both a public relations director and fundraising director.

• Lesley Wagner

  Legal Administration, 1985

  Since completing the Legal Administration program in 1985, Lesley Wagner has spent more than 27 years in the legal sector working at various corporate law offices and has spent her 12 most recent years at Durham College. When she began teaching with the School of Justice & Emergency Services in 2000 she committed herself to the success of Durham College, its programs, and students. Through her professionalism, experience and strong networking connections, Wagner ensures her students graduate prepared to meet employer demands. In addition to her full-time role as a professor, Wagner has also worked as the field placement co-ordinator for the Legal Administration/Law Clerk program for the past ten years, working one-on-one with more than 100 students each year. She goes above and beyond to match students with the right field placement host, which often results in graduate employment. Throughout her career Wagner has made significant contributions to the college. She helped shape the foundation for the Court Support Services program (CTSS) and secured the Ministry of the Attorney General’s endorsement of the program to other Ontario colleges. The CTSS program has become a program of choice for many second career and mature students and has set the standards for skill requirements entering this field. In 2010 Wagner was invited by the Ontario Ministry of Training, College and Universities to review and revise the program standards for the Legal Administration and Law Clerk programs. This exercise further strengthened her skills as a professor in ensuring her students were well-prepared when entering the workforce. Wagner continually promotes Durham College students and alumni as well as its unique programming through her association with the Institute of Law Clerks of Ontario and the Eastern Region Academic Coordinators’ Conference. She genuinely cares about her students’ success and continually liaises with community contacts to assess employment opportunities both for current students and alumni. In her free time, Wagner enjoys spending time with her family and travelling.

2011

• James (Jim) Cook

  Business Administration - Data Processing, 1983

  Jim Cook was hired by TD Bank Group in 1983 after graduating from Durham College’s Business Administration diploma program – Data Processing option. While with TD Group, Cook was offered a great opportunity at the Bank of Bermuda as senior telecommunications analyst, which he accepted. After three years designing and implementing an international network to connect the Bermuda office to other offices around the world, Cook returned to TD Bank Group in Toronto, Ont. Cook has held various roles within TD Bank Group in progressively senior positions. In his current role as IT manager – Contact Centre Vendor Management, Cook is responsible for managing an outsourcing agreement with Bell Canada which provides all the telephony services for the TD Bank Group contact centres in Canada as well as India. Cook went on to obtain a Business Management diploma from Ryerson University in Toronto, Ont. in 1995. In his spare time, Cook has volunteered as a senior referee to train, coach and mentor junior referees at the Hillsburgh and Erin District Soccer Club as well as coaching soccer teams to build players’ skills and sportsmanship at the Georgetown Soccer club. He also volunteers as a door to door canvasser with the Heart and Stroke and Kidney foundations. Cook enjoys golf, cross-country skiing and traveling.

• Jennifer Iacob (nee Lee)

  Nursing, 2004

  Founder and director of Arms of Love, an organization working with urban Roma children and their families in Bucharest, Romania, Jennifer Iacob humbly states that her greatest accomplishments are helping others reach their full potential. Since graduating from the Nursing program in 2004, Iacob obtained her Registered Nurse status and has been working with children ever since. Iacob created and supervised the Arms of Love program in Romanian state hospitals and orphanages in 2005. The program provides early intervention and education for infants, toddlers and handicapped children at risk for delayed development due to neglect or poor care. She has since recruited, trained and supervised Romanian workers and international volunteers to work with the program. Over the years, she has worked with hundreds of Romanian children, bringing love and hope into their lives. She has established an outreach centre for impoverished families in Romania where mothers and caregivers have access to workshops on first aid, hygiene, and childhood illnesses. The centre also provides day programs for children living in poverty. Children learn math; proper hygiene and social skills; and they participate in programs on literacy and physical education. Iacob offers internships to those who want to gain international experience working with disadvantaged children. An avid reader and baker, Iacob loves to travel and plans to visit India, Brazil and Kenya in the near future.

• Dan Quinn

  Sports Administration, 1984

  Since graduating from Durham College’s Sport Administration program in 1984, Dan Quinn has travelled the province of Ontario establishing multiple sports clubs for physically disabled children and adults, established the Canadian Sport Awards program to recognize the accomplishments of Canada’s leading amateur athletes, raised funds to support amateur sports in Canada and restructured the broadcast landscape bringing more National Football League (NFL) football to Canadian fans. Quinn has been the managing director of the NFL – Canada since June of 2000. In this role, he is responsible for the overall management of the business affairs of the NFL in Canada, including the negotiation of all broadcast, sponsorship and licensing agreements, as well as establishing and managing the strategic direction of one of the strongest sports brands. His previous roles include vice-president, Marketing and Sales for the Toronto Argonauts football club, where he devised and implemented a marketing and sales strategic plan focusing on brand building; and director, Corporate Partnerships at Maple Leaf Sports and Entertainment where he was responsible for the effective development and delivery of sponsorship programs for the Toronto Maple Leafs. Quinn has created an annual fundraising initiative in conjunction with the Wizard Foundation, that will surpass half a million dollars raised for Special Olympics Canada. He serves as chair of the Durham College Sports Management Advisory Committee and has spoken to the students of the program every year since 1990.

• Kellie Garrett (nee Stephens)

  Public Relations, 1986

  Described as a trailblazer, restless spirit and voracious reader, Kellie Garrett is Farm Credit Canada’s (FCC) senior vice-president, Strategy, Knowledge and Reputation. In this role with one of Canada’s top 50 companies, she is responsible for FCC’s business strategy, innovation, market intelligence, knowledge management and communication. She is an Accredited Business Communicator (ABC) with a Master of Arts in Leadership from Royal Roads University in Victoria, B.C. and is a graduate of Harvard Business School’s Advanced Management program. Garrett is passionate about voluntarism and is past-chair of the International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Research Foundation, a board director with Canadian Business for Social Responsibility and past-chair of the Hospitals of Regina Foundation. A regular speaker on topics ranging from leadership and strategy to personal brand, Garrett is also a counsellor to parents of children with Autism Spectrum Disorders. In 2007, Garrett was named one of Canada’s top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network and in 2009, one of Saskatchewan’s 10 Most Influential Women. Married with two children, when she’s not working, Garrett likes canoeing and travel. For the three brief and glorious months when it’s warm enough to grow plants in the Canadian prairies, Garrett spends as much time as she can gardening.

2010

• Margaret Campkin

  Nursing, 1985

  Since graduating from the Nursing program in 1985, Margret Campkin has dedicated herself to the nursing profession through her work and by furthering her own education in the field as well as providing education for future nurses. Campkin joined Lakeridge Health Corporation as a registered nurse just two months after her graduation. Starting in the Medical Isolation unit, Campkin then moved to Critical Care before becoming a clinical education leader in the Critical Care/Telemetry department. She was promoted to her current role as patient care manager of the Critical Care department in March 2009. As manager, she is responsible for leading the critical care team in their daily operations of patient flow; planning and facilitating critical care nursing education and training to all staff members; providing ongoing support with human resources; and conducting practice reviews. Campkin returned to the Durham College campus in June 2007, this time as an instructor in the Critical Care Nursing (e-learning) program, teaching part-time while continuing her work at Lakeridge Health. A supporter of lifelong learning, Campkin graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Nursing from Ryerson University in 2003 and is currently studying for her Master’s degree in Nursing at Ryerson with a focus on leadership in education and health policy. Throughout her career, she has been recognized with numerous awards and fellowships including the Lakeridge Health Corporation Leadership Award in 2003. Campkin is also a member of the College of Nurses of Ontario, the Registered Nurses Association of Ontario, and both the Canadian and American Association of Critical Care Nurses.

• Wayne Clark

  General Business – Office Administration, 1971

  A 1971 graduate of the General Business – Office Administration program, Wayne Clark has provided exceptional administrative service to a variety of sectors in the workplace. A native of Oshawa, Clarke worked in the provincial Registrar General’s office before joining Scotiabank as branch administrator of three of its Toronto banks. In 1976, Clarke moved to the Royal Bank of Canada but kept the title of branch administrator when he worked at three of their Toronto-area offices, in addition to working in their Internal Audit Department. After 15 years in the banking sector, Clarke spent five years as an independent financial planner before joining Halloway Developments Limited/Land Development and Property Management Company in 1992. Since then, he has served as a property tax and assessment administrator for Halloway’s portfolio of five shopping plazas, 13 multi-residence rental buildings and five public storage sites in the Durham Region. An active citizen in the community, Clarke is past president and current member of the Board of Directors for Durham Region Home Builders Association (DRHBA), where he is also a member of the association’s Legislative Affairs Committee. Under his presidency in 2000 to 2001, the DRHBA was named the Association of the Year by the Ontario Home Builders Association.

• Eugene Dupuis

  Sports Administration, 1979

  Since graduating from the Sports Administration program in 1979, Eugene Dupuis has spent more than 25 years in the advertising sector with the country’s largest suburban newspaper chain, in addition to being involved in numerous community initiatives, associations and sports organizations for the past 35 years. After completing his studies at Durham College, Dupuis made his way to Ottawa, Ont. where he helped launch the CKQB Virgin Radio 106.9 FM (formerly CJSB – The Bear) radio station in 1982 as the promotions director. He helped the station grow and capture the leading market share in its listening area. In 1985, he returned to the Greater Toronto Area where he helped develop the Metro Home Show, the first-ever consumer show held at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre. Dupuis joined Metroland Publishing in late 1985 where he served as manSports Administration, 1979ager and director of sales within several divisions of the newspaper chain. He currently works as an advertising consultant with Metroland, developing advertising programs for a senior client list. An avid member and volunteer for a wide range of community organizations and committees, Dupuis works with Boy Scouts of Canada, Darlington Soccer Club and the Rotary Club. In 2001, he founded the Achievement Institute where he implemented his executive coaching program, Time and Self-Management: The Masters Program that was recognized by the Ontario Society for Training and Development as one of the year’s best new training programs.

• Ron Motum

  Chemical Technology, 1974

  A 1974 graduate of the Chemical Technology program, Ron Motum spent more than 34 years in the chemical technology and operations sector, including 25 years at the Region of Durham in Whitby, Ont. Motum began his career while still a student with Durham College in the summer of 1973 with Bristol Myers Products Canada Limited as a quality control technician. Following his graduation, he moved to Industrial Electroplating Limited as a plant chemist before settling at the Region of Durham’s Works department in 1975. After spending 12 years as an operations technician, Motum worked as a laboratory co-ordinator for three years and a senior level operations technician for two years before being promoted to technical support supervisor. From 1992 to 2007, Motum was responsible for a staff of 26 and for the public works programs including sewer use, bylaw enforcement and water treatment. Following a short retirement in December 2007, Motum returned to the working world as a professor at Durham College, providing training for licensed distribution, collection and plant operations staff and teaching in the college’s Water Quality Technician program. With long-serving involvement in numerous associations, Motum has been a member of the Water Environment Federation and Water Environment Association of Ontario since 1976 and an associate member of the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technologists and Technicians since 1974. A Cub Scout leader and past president, secretary and member of the Whitby Kiwanis Club, Motum was the 1995 Chairperson of the Oshawa/Whitby Kiwanis Music Festival.

• Christopher Russell

  Police Foundations, 2006

  Since graduating from the Police Foundations program in 2006, Christopher Russell has bravely served his country overseas and at home, continuing a lifelong dedication to protecting the freedom and safety of others. Before enrolling at Durham College, Russell spent his summers at the Department of National Defence, joining the ranks as a company cadet warrant officer at Canadian Forces Base (CFB) Borden, Ont. in 2004 where he supervised 1,500 cadets while organizing field operations. In 2005, Russell achieved the rank of officer cadet with 1913 Ontario Regiment Army Cadet Corps with the Canadian Forces (Army) Reserve. Russell was responsible for weekly loop training and weekend training at CFBs across Ontario as well as the instruction, training and supervision of more than 150 youth in the 1913 Cadet Corps. Russell then joined the Canadian Forces Military Police in 2007 as a corporal and patrolman at CFB Petawawa, Ont. In September 2008, he was deployed to Kandahar, Afghanistan where he handled, processed and guarded detainees; escorted injured Afghans by medical air lift; and conducted forensic identification before being seconded to the Canadian Forces National Investigation Service (CFNIS) for highly sensitive investigations. As a result of his work and service in Afghanistan, Russell was awarded the General Campaign Star Medal for service, the Sacrifice Medal for injuries sustained and the CFNIS Commanding Officers Commendation. Russell has provided his specialized services to the community, as a volunteer of more than 280 on-call hours and 20 hours of on-scene service for the Victim Services of Durham Region.

• Michael Whitaker

  Public Relations, 1977

  A 1977 graduate of the Public Relations program, Michael Whittaker has been instrumental in building some of Atlantic Canada’s best known food brands and products. In 1981, Whittaker joined Grinners Food Systems (franchisor of Greco Pizza). Under his marketing direction and campaigns, Greco grew to more than 130 franchises and is now the largest pizza chain in the Atlantic region. As Grinners Food Systems grew, so too did Whittaker’s role as he was named general manager in 1994 and CEO, president and partner in 1996. During his time with Grinners, Whittaker also sat on the board of directors for both the Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) and the Canadian Restaurant Foodservice Association. Whittaker moved into his current roles as president and partner of Trucorp Investments Limited (parent company of Grinners and Bonte Foods) in 2005. In 2006, he added the title of president of Bonte Foods Limited, the Dieppe, New Brunswick-based manufacturing arm of Trucorp. Under Whittaker’s leadership, Bonte Foods has become one of Atlantic Canada’s most distinctive and versatile food manufacturers. In addition, Whittaker is co-owner of Haystacks Media Production, a full-service production facility providing services in print and electronic media development, production and research. He is also co-owner of OPCO Restaurants, an operating company that owns eight Greco Pizza/Captain Sub restaurants and a Robins Donuts franchise. In 1995, he was awarded the President’s Award of the CFA for his outstanding contributions to Canadian Franchising and was named one of Atlantic Canada’s top 50 CEO’s in 2004 by Atlantic Business magazine. Whittaker is also a major supporter of organ donation, dedicated to creating awareness around the cause. With the support of the Canadian Transplant Organization, he helped implement a campaign promoting organ donation through more than two million pizza boxes and three million flyers.

2009

• Elaine Garnett

  Advertising Administration, 1990

  Since graduating from Durham College’s two-year Advertising Administration program on the Honour Roll in 1990, Elaine Garnett has built a successful multi-media career in television, radio and newspaper while encouraging the pursuit of education through the development of academic course materials at the post-secondary level and her role on Durham College’s Advertising program Advisory Committee. Currently the general sales manager for Channel 12, a Corus Entertainment company, she is accountable for more than $1 million in sales revenue each year through the creation of sales opportunities and regular forecasting. In addition, she manages and leads a team of four sales staff and is responsible for internal and external branding, marketing and competition assessments, incentive programs and the Channel 12 website. Garnett has also worked as a professor at Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario where she designed and taught a Media Planning and Buying course for a new post-graduate program focused on the marketing and advertising sectors. Her previous positions include being an account executive with Chex TV Durham, a sales representative with the Oshawa News and a sales and research co-ordinator with Western Broadcast Sales. Garnett was also part of the team that created the Discover Durham and Weekend Wrap Up programs that air on Channel 12 and in 2006 she received the Business Person of the Year award from the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce. Garnett is involved in a number of community initiatives including being past chair of the Durham Family YMCA’s Leadership Gifts committee. She has also been the president and Communications Committee chair of the Clarington Board of Trade for the past eight years.

• Margaret Greenley

  Business Administration – Marketing, 1985

  A 1985 graduate of the Business Administration – Marketing program, Margaret Greenley has built a reputation as a champion of students at Durham College and the Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech). With more than 23 years of student services expertise, she is currently vice-president of Student Affairs for both the college and the university, responsible for student awards, financial aid, student life, career and health services, residence, the Access and Support Centre and the Student Academic Learning Services. In addition, she is also the liaison to the Student Association and the Student Centre. In her role, Greenley develops and delivers student services programming for both institutions including leading a number of cross-campus initiatives such as the Special Olympics Ontario 2008 Spring Games and the Campus Accessibility plan. Her dedication to student engagement, accessibility, the elimination of financial barriers to higher education and graduate employment success continue to make her an exceptionally strong supporter of individual student rights and responsibilities within the college system. Greenley’s community and volunteer work includes being director of the Soroptimist Foundation of Canada, an organization that assists female graduate students with their university studies; working with the Denise House, a shelter for battered women; and co-ordinating a bursary program for women returning to school. She was named a YWCA Woman of Distinction in 1998.

• Nancy Hughes

  Human Services Counsellor, 1996

  Since graduating from Durham College’s Human Services Counsellor program in 1996, Nancy Hughes has worked hard to make a difference in the lives of individuals living in Ontario and the Northwest Territories (N.W.T). A single mother of four when she enrolled in the Human Services Counsellor program, Hughes has gone on to hold key positions with several high profile community organizations including her current role as manager of Supportive Living Services with the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority in the N.W.T. In this role she is overseeing the development and operation of the first territorial Supportive Living Services program, which includes three independent residential homes and a community participation building. She was also the first-ever manager of Community Health and Rehabilitation with the Hay River Health and Social Services Authority, was manager of Community Support and Volunteer Services for the Victoria Order of Nurses (VON) Canada – Durham and manager of Business Development for VON Canada – Durham and Peterborough where she co-ordinated successful volunteer and fundraising programs. Hughes was the president of the board of directors for the Community Development Council of Durham and the Ontario Healthy Community Coalition (OHCC) as well as chair of the OHCC’s Communications and Provincial Awards committees. She was the board secretary for Distress Centre Durham, on the board of directors for the Oshawa Chamber of Commerce and was involved with Durham Lives! before moving to the N.W.T. in March 2008. Currently, she is on the Hay River Library Committee and is the secretary of a local multicultural group. In 2005 she was honoured with a YWCA Woman of Distinction award and in 2008, was nominated for a FLARE Magazine National Volunteer award. She is currently completing her Professional Arts degree with a Human Services major through Athabasca University.

• Kianda Mauch

  Registered Nursing, 1998

  A 1998 graduate of Durham College’s Registered Nursing program, Kianda Mauch has spent the past 21 years in the nursing field working in the area of pain management. Currently an advanced practice nurse (APN)/clinical nurse specialist with the Pain Services division of St. Michael’s Hospital in Toronto, Ontario, she is working to change the culture of pain management across the organization through the hospital’s Interprofessional Pain Council of which she is the chair. The committee is working to standardize pain management to ensure all staff manage it appropriately. In addition to her role at St. Michael’s Hospital, she was an APN at Toronto Western Hospital working in Acute Pain Service; worked in the Medical Surgical Resource Support Unit at Yale-New Haven Hospital in New Haven, Connecticut; was a registered nurse (RN) at Bridgeport Hospital in Fairfield County, Connecticut; and was an RN at Lakeridge Health Oshawa in Ontario. From a post-secondary perspective, Mauch has taught in the areas of nursing and pain at both the college and university levels including holding a faculty instructor appointment with the Faculty of Nursing at Ryerson University. Currently pursuing her PhD in Nursing, in 2007 she also received more than $55,000 in joint funding from the Canadian Nurses Foundation and St. Michael’s Hospital for her research into a pain assessment tool for non-verbal patients. Her volunteer work includes offering support and special needs accommodations at her home and cottage for individuals with disabilities and providing RN monitoring and support for a community weight loss and cardiac rehabilitation program.

2008

• Gary Heagle

  Electronics and Computer Technician, 1978; and Electronics and Computer Technologist, 1980

  Since graduating in 1980, Gary Heagle continues to advise and champion the college’s programs and students and has been instrumental in pursuing provincial and national accreditation for its engineering programs as a program advisory committee member and an Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT) college liaison. For 20 years, Heagle has been employed with Bell Canada as a customer systems engineer where he has been involved in the design and implementation of domestic and global networks; co-presented the design of the highway 407 system; and spearheaded the consultation, design and sale of Internet connectivity for the Mosport Edenfest Rock Concert. Heagle is a licensed amateur radio operator and a member of the Repeater Technical Committee, providing support and maintenance to four VHF/UHF repeaters in the Durham Region. Since 2004, he has served as chairman of Hamfest, a radio flea market operated by the Oshawa and Pickering Amateur Radio Clubs.

• Kristi Honey

  Business – Accounting, 2004

  As a student in the Business program, Kristi Honey graduated on the Dean’s List and President’s Honour Roll while working full-time, and completing her studies part-time and via correspondence courses. While Honey was completing her Bachelor of Management (Business) from Athabasca University in 2005 and her Master’s of Business Administration from the University of Canada West in 2007, she established Lakeridge Consulting Services, now called Summit Group Software, where she serves as president. She is also president of Dynamic Trainers Incorporated, another company she established. In addition she is the only person worldwide to be certified by Microsoft Corporation to deliver the Microsoft Dynamic Training Skills classes. The mother of two small children, Honey is an active director on Brooklin Day Nursery’s board of directors, responsible for financial decision-making, employee relations and health and safety issues.

• Robert Malcolmson

  Business Administration/Accounting, 1970

  A student during Durham College’s first year of operation, Robert Malcolmson graduated from the three-year Business Administration/Accounting program in 1970. After working at Thomson Newspaper Corporation for 20 years, finishing as publisher and general manager at the Halton Hills Herald, Malcolmson has spent the last 10 years as chief executive officer and general manager with the Greater Oshawa Chamber of Commerce, where he has increased membership by 60 per cent, initiated and produced Oshawa’s first Visitors Guide and re-designed the monthly board publication with a distribution of more than 5,400 to local businesses. Whether hiring students for field placements, contract positions or creating student bursaries, Malcolmson has supported Durham College throughout his career. He is an active member of the community, holding a life membership with the Kinsmen Club of Georgetown and has been involved with groups including the United Way, Heart and Stroke Foundation and the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

• Patricia O’Connor

  Nursing, 1976

  Upon graduating from the Nursing program in 1976, Patricia O’Connor completed the Emergency Medical Care Attendant certification. She was a member of the first group of paramedics trained in Ontario becoming the province’s first female paramedic in 1978. Later that year, she completed her flight paramedic training and became part of the first air ambulance team in Ontario. After joining the St. John Ambulance para-medical program servicing remote Canadian Artic communities, O’Connor was involved in a plane crash while en route to Pelly Bay, Nunavut in 1989. Waiting to be rescued, she performed her nursing duties under extreme duress and received a commendation for her actions. Recognizing the need for additional health-care support, she established her own air ambulance company, Medflight, in 1995. O’Connor has spent more than 20 years flying to remote villages in Canada’s north, providing care to patients or stabilizing them in preparation for flights to receive treatment in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories. During this time she has continued her training in various aspects of nursing; provided lectures across Canada; and became a founding member of the Canadian Association of Aero-medical Transport,a national organization for the development and promotion of aero-medical services in Canada. O’Connor was recognized for her outstanding career achievements when she was named to the Order of Canada on December 28, 2007 and received the prestigious Premier’s Award in 2009.

• Stephen Reynolds

  Sports and Entertainment Administration, 1974

  A graduate from Sports and Entertainment Administration, Stephen Reynolds has worked at the City of Pickering, providing exceptional recreation programs for the city’s residents for more than 30 years. As division head for the Culture and Recreation department, he is responsible for the strategic development of recreational and cultural opportunities for the community; maintenance of facilities; and day-to-day leadership and administration for the department. Reynolds has remained involved with Durham College since graduating, offering field placement opportunities to students and as a former member of the Sports Administration Advisory Committee. An active community member, he has been involved in numerous committees including the Society of Directors of Municipal Recreation, Big Brothers of Oshawa/Whitby and St. Mark’s United Church.

• Janice Tanton

  Graphic Design, 1985

  Since graduating from the Graphic Design program in 1985, Janice Tanton has sold her artwork in more than 800 galleries throughout Canada and the United States. She has also licensed her images to The Bradford Exchange for collector plates and to clothing stores including Northern Reflections and Northern Elements. Currently the program manager for Aboriginal Leadership and Management at The Banff Centre, she was responsible for designing a teepee for the centre’s 75th anniversary celebrations, and was recognized at a ceremony held by a local native elder. Tanton and her family were adopted by the community and Tanton was given a Blackfoot name and accepted as the elder’s daughter. Since 1989, Tanton has also managed her own art publishing and design company. She was invited to attend the first-ever 1999 Canada/USA Business Women’s Trade Summit as a delegate and received a nomination for the Rotman Women Entrepreneur of the Year in 2001. Tanton is an active volunteer in her community and through the college, providing mentorship and instruction to Canadian artists and youth.

2007

• Gary Christian

  Maintenance Techniques – Industrial, 1986 and Industrial Mechanic Millwright, 1990

  Gary Christian has been a great addition to the maintenance field, currently working for the Regional Municipality of Durham as chief maintenance operator, water, where he is responsible for the direction of a group of maintenance operators; hands-on delivery of day-to-day operations; and maintenance of various facilities. Christian, a member of the Durham College Water Quality Technician program advisory committee, contributes practical training ideas and provides program faculty with interactive learning strategies. In addition, he assists seniors in the community with grass-cutting and home maintenance.

• John Edward Draper

  Journalism, 2005

  John Edward Draper’s sense of entrepreneurship is demonstrated through his business, Together We Rock! Since its creation in 2006, the company has promoted leadership and learning through a series of presentations and a school leadership program designed to promote communities that are accessible to and inclusive of people with disabilities. He volunteers extensively within Durham Region, working with organizations such as Simcoe Hall Settlement House, the Canadian Institute of Child Health, Monsignor Paul Dwyer Catholic High School, the WhyNot Marathon for the Paralympics, the Bloorview MacMillan Children’s Centre and the Catholic Youth Organization. He visits campus often and continues to break down barriers in education and the working environment for people with disabilities.

• Gail Elliott

  Public Administration, 1970

  Gail Elliott has spent her entire educational career with the Durham District School Board. Elliott became principal of Lord Durham Public School in 1986, spearheading programs such as Lion’s Quest, Rainbows and Peer Youth Negotiation. She was also responsible for the special education program priorities and processes in response to ministry initiatives and board policies; the co-ordination of services for students with special needs; and the co-ordination of the board’s special-education funding process requirements. She commits herself to her community by participating in the annual Terry Fox Run, Parents as Partners conferences, anti-bullying initiatives, special-education conferences, the Council for Exceptional Children, events in support of violence-free schools and her church’s food bank.

• Carolyn Luscombe

  Entertainment Administration, 1995

  Carolyn Luscombe has received more than 25 international nominations for her work with Eclectic Events International (EEI). As founder and president of EEI, she relies on her Durham College education to help her provide a wide range of event services to the corporate market. She has also taught Event and Meeting Management at George Brown College for 10 years. Luscombe is an active member of the International Special Events Society (ISES) in Toronto, Ontario and has held several board and committee positions. She was a speaker at the ISES Eventworld Conference in 2006 and a committee member for ISES Eventworld Education 2007. Luscombe has been honoured with prestigious Canadian Event Industry Awards for Spirit of the Industry and Producer of the Year.

• Connie Wood

  Registered Nursing, 1976

  Connie Wood has spent 31 years of working in a variety of health-care settings, providing quality long-term care, acute care and community nursing services. Currently, she is a healthy living co-ordinator with the Haliburton Highlands Family Health Team, responsible for program development, educational sessions and promotion of treatment, education and counselling. Wood’s community involvement includes serving the Haliburton Friends Network board for Fleming College in Peterborough, Ontario, volunteering for the Haliburton Highlands Health Services and participating in the Access Indicators Panel for the Ontario Hospital Association report card.

2006

• Ian Ball

  Business Administration – Marketing, 2002

  Ian Ball’s career successes include his position as head of Investor Relations at Goldcorp Inc. in Vancouver, British Columbia, playing a critical role in the creation of McEwan Capital, based in Toronto, Ontario and successfully completing a number of corporate mergers and acquisitions. By the age of 23, Ball was one of the youngest vice-presidents of a publicly traded company in Canada. Ball obtained his Bachelor of Commerce degree from Ryerson University. He annually supports Durham College through the scholarship and bursary program.

• Jeffrey S. Boyce

  General Business

  Marketing, 1980     Jeffrey S. Boyce has achieved great success in numerous professional fields. He is president and chief executive officer of Sure Energy Inc., a Calgary-based multimillion-dollar publicly traded corporation in the oil and gas sector. Boyce is also the former president and CEO of Vermilion Resources, a $1-billion oil and gas exploration and production company that he co-founded. Recognizing the importance of community participation, he is an active volunteer with the United Way as well as various community associations and minor league sports organizations. In 2004, he was recognized by Ernst and Young as the Entrepreneur of the Year and in 2006 received the prestigious Premier’s Award.

• Sheila Corriveau

  Public Relations, 1988

  Sheila Corriveau has held a number of senior positions in the public relations sector, including partner, president and chief executive officer of Porter Novelli Canada. She was also appointed to a global leadership position with Porter Novelli as partner and global network director. Corriveau also maintains a commitment to the public relations sector and Durham College by consistently working to support students and recent graduates as they find their niche in the communications world. She has been recognized for her achievements by her peers receiving the Public Relations Professional of the Year at the 2005 Ace (Achieving Communications Excellence) Awards.

2005

• Ken Babcock

  Sports Administration, 1985

  Ken Babcock is the accomplished athletic director at Durham College and the Ontario Tech University (Ontario Tech), where he oversees the marketing, promotion and operations of the Campus Recreation and Wellness Centre; varsity athletics programs for both schools; and summer camps for children. Babcock has given back to Durham Region by developing a program for elementary students, encouraging them to stay in school, avoid drugs and develop skills through athletics. In 2000, he was awarded the Durham Region Sportsman of the Year and three years later, voted the Canadian Colleges Athletic Association Director of the Year.

• Chris Bovie

  Journalism, 1988

  Chris Bovie, is the managing editor of the Oshawa, Whitby and Clarington This Week Metroland community newspapers. An award-winning reporter when he joined Metroland in 1993, his newspapers have continuously been named among the best in Ontario and Canada during his time as managing editor. Bovie has mentored youth at the Durham Family Court Clinic in Oshawa; organized and led all aspects of the Durham Regional Spelling Bee; and co-ordinated a lecture series in conjunction with Ontario Tech to promote discussion around social issues facing Durham Region.

2004

• Al Duffy

  Business Administration — Operations Management, 1976

  Al Duffy founded the Productivity Improvement Centre, known as The PIC Group in 1985. The PIC Group began as a three-day seminar and evolved into an organization that is recognized as a quality assurance leader, with locations in Oshawa and Madison Heights, Michigan and satellite operations in western Ontario and throughout the southern United States. As president and chief operating officer, Duffy is responsible for approximately 1,700 employees and has hired many Durham College graduates and placement students. He also uses his knowledge and leadership skills as a member of the Cathedral Bluffs Yacht Club in Scarborough, Ontario, which raises money for Ronald McDonald House through its annual Cruise for Kids event.

• Andrew Popko

  Public Relations, 1987

  Andrew Popko has built his career on creating firsts for aboriginal groups in the world of business, most currently as vice-president of Aboriginal Relations for Calgary-based EnCana Corporation. His work in the area of aboriginal relations led to the launch of several First Nations business ventures, helping First Nations and Metis communities improve their quality of life. In November 2003, the Tribal Chiefs Institute presented him with a Lifetime Achievement award for pioneering innovative, capacity-building programs within aboriginal communities. He was also appointed Honorary Chief of the Heart Lake First Nation in August 2003. A year later, Popko began working for the Privy

2003

• Darrel Sewell

  Business — Human Resources, 1989

  Sewell has advanced through a number of positions. As chief human resources officer and corporate director of Human Resources for Lakeridge Hospital Network, he is responsible for the entire human resources portfolio, which delivers programs and services to more than 3,500 Lakeridge employees. Sewell has contributed to Durham College in many ways, including serving on the board of directors for the Alumni Association and acting as a business representative for the college’s Creating Futures fundraising campaign. His community involvement includes coaching children’s sports teams, and chairing the annual charity golf tournament and canvassing door-to-door for the Ontario March of Dimes.

• Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann

  Registered Nursing, 1988

  Lorraine Sunstrum-Mann is program leader of the Maternal Child program at Lakeridge Health Network in Oshawa. In this multifaceted role she leads the development of a regional pediatric/prenatal program; a regional child, youth and family mental health program; and spearheads a best-practice environment for the hospital’s maternal child program. Sunstrum-Mann previously held a number of positions at Lakeridge, including program leader for the family and general medicine program; discharge planning co-ordinator and staff nurse in the emergency department; and isolation unit. She is a governor of Durham College; past-president of the Durham Northumberland County chapter of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario; a member of the Emergency Nurses Association of Ontario; and a member of the National Emergency Nurses Affiliation. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Health Studies from York University and completed her Master’s degree in Business Administration Heriot-Watt University in 2003.

• Amy White

  Public Relations, 1994

  Amy White has progressed from summer student to director of Communications at the Toronto Humane Society over the course of her nine-year career. In her current role she reports directly to the chief executive officer and manages eight staff members. White’s experience covers a range of communications areas including media relations, crisis communication, government relations, company newsletters, special events and fundraising activities.

2002

• Elizabeth Mathewson

  Registered Nursing, 1979

  Since starting as a staff nurse at Boca Raton Community Hospital 23 years ago, Elizabeth Mathewson has achieved success at Toronto General Hospital; Sunnybrook Hospital’s Regional Trauma Centre; the Peterborough Regional Health Centre; and St. Joseph’s Hospital and in her current role as a nursing professor at Fleming College in Peterborough. Mathewson holds a Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from the University of Greenwich in England and is working on her Master’s degree in Public Health Nursing. She eagerly donates her expertise and time, volunteering with the Industrial Accident Prevention Association and the Occupational Health Nurses Association’s Peterborough location. A member of the Rotary Club of Bridgenorth-Ennismore-Lakefield since 1977, she has served on its board of directors and assisted with a number of fundraising events and projects.

• Jane Rogers

  Public Relations, 1987

  During her 15-year career, Jane Rogers has helped raise more than $30 million for a variety of not-for-profit agencies at the local, national and international levels. For the past two years she has served as director of Fund Development and Communications for the WoodGreen Community Centre in Toronto and has given considerably to her community and alma mater, including serving on Durham College’s Public Relations advisory committee. She delivers guest lectures to current Public Relations students every year and creates valuable field placement opportunities for them. She is vice-chair of an industry committee, offers free fundraising advice to not-for-profit agencies and is a past board member of Big Brothers of Oshawa/Whitby.

2001

• Jennifer Franssen

  Personnel Administration, 1978

  Soon after settling in Ladysmith, British Columbia with her three children, Jennifer Franssen attended a workshop on earthquakes and volunteered to put together a kiosk of earthquake supplies and information for her children’s school. Her passion for emergency planning grew steadily and in 1994 she became the emergency planning co-ordinator for Cowichan Valley, where she was called upon many times to assist during snowstorms, forest fires, floods and other emergencies. Franssen has also helped create a 1,500-person emergency planning volunteer team. She continues to spend many hours delivering workshops and offering guidance each week and helps ensure that other areas of British Columbia are prepared for emergencies.

• Judith Grant

  Law and Security Administration, 1997

  Judith Grant is a full-time constable with the primary response unit at Toronto Police Service’s 41 Division in Scarborough, and is equally committed to making the community a better place. Grant spends a considerable amount of time at her daughter’s school, helping with special events and other activities, and takes part in the Durham Regional Police Service food drive at Christmas. Other past volunteer activitieLaw and Security Administration, 1997s include providing support through the Durham Region Distress Centre in Oshawa, Ontario; educating children about street and bicycle safety; and helping with the Bloorview MacMillan Centre’s golf tournament, which raises money for programs for children with disabilities. In recognition of her tireless volunteerism, Grant was awarded a YMCA Peace Medallion in 2000.

• Charlotte Hale

  Advertising Administration, 1993

  Charlotte Hale launched her own photography company while raising three young children on her own and working part-time. Her photos have won awards from Photo Life Magazine, the Toronto Sun and the Celebration of the Arts show in Uxbridge, Ontario. She also established the Veni Vidi Studio/Gallery in Port Perry, Ontario, showcasing and promoting original Canadian artwork. Hale is also a longtime member of the Borelians Theatre Company in Port Perry and helped found the Durham Rowing Club. She is working toward a Bachelor of Arts in English (Honours) from the University of Waterloo.

• Lorelei Hepburn

  Environmental Technology, 1994

  Loerlei Hepburn has built her upstart company, The Environmental Factor, into Ontario’s largest privately-owned chemical- and pesticide-free lawn care provider. Her firm has expanded from the Durham Region to serve many areas including Scarborough, Aurora and Mississauga. Hepburn is a member of the Durham College Environmental Technology advisory committee and founding director, communications co-ordinator and education co-ordinator for the Organic Landscaping Alliance. She was previously nominated for a YWCA of Durham Region Women of Distinction Award.

2000

• Laurie Beaton

  Dental Assistant, 1975

  Laurie Beaton has distinguished herself professionally and in her community, as the founding member and first president of the Durham Region chapter of the Ontario Dental Nurses’ and Assistants’ Association, while serving on the association’s board of governors for eight years. Since 1987, Beaton has chaired Durham College’s Dental Health advisory committee and has generously given her time to groups including the Learning Disabilities Association of Ontario, Camp Can Do, the Durham District School Board, The Eastview Boys’ and Girls’ Club in Oshawa, Ontario and Big Sisters in Oshawa. Beaton is a Level 2 dental assistant with the office of Dr. George Lysyk in Oshawa.

• Jeff Denomme

  Sports Administration, 1986

  Jeff Denomme is president and chief operating officer of the Hockey Hall of Fame in Toronto. Combining his love of hockey with a rewarding career, he is credited as the driving force behind the hall’s success and its use of information technology and multimedia exhibits, also spearheading its major expansion. Recognizing the important link between his education and career, he invites Durham College Sports Administration students to gain valuable practical experience by working at the Hockey Hall of Fame’s yearly induction ceremony.

• Scot Magnish

  Journalism, 1990

  Scot Magnish, a reporter with the Toronto Sun, has garnered a national newspaper award nomination, while writing about crime, poverty and injustice. Magnish also helps raise money for spinal cord research, supports the Heart and Stroke Foundation, has been a guest lecturer at Durham College and serves as a contact for Durham College students searching for field placements and jobs.

• Paul Vessey

  Business Administration — Marketing, 1975

  Paul Vessey’s promotion to chief operating officer at Visa USA marked the latest success in his illustrious 26-year career. In addition to his Durham College diploma, he holds a graduate degree from Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. His current and past board experience includes working with organizations such as CIBC Mortgage Corporation, Equifax Canada, the Toronto Film Festival and Women’s College Hospital. Vessey was honoured with the Premiers Award in 2000 and is the director of the Durham College Foundation and spoke at the college’s 1999 convocation ceremonies.

1999

• Sheri Cooper

  Advertising Administration, 1985

  Sheri Cooper’s 14-year career led to her current position as broadcast director at Media Buying Services TMC in Toronto. Cooper has maintained active contact with the college, taking on students through the field placement program and most recently, becoming a member of the Advertising Administration advisory committee. Cooper supports a North York women’s shelter, the United Way and various food banks.

• David Fletcher

  Mechanical Engineering Technology, 1984

  David Fletcher has enjoyed a distinguished career as a business professor at Durham College since 1986 and serving as chair of the Alumni Association for two years. Outside of work, Fletcher is involved in a number of community groups such as the Royal Canadian Air Cadets, the Oshawa Curling Club and Scouts Canada.

• Christina Komel

  Early Childhood Education, 1987

  Christina Komel is entering her 10th year as supervisor and owner of Little People’s Play School Inc. in Ajax, Ontario. She has maintained a close relationship with Durham College, returning to enrol in Business Administration and Early Childhood Administration programs. Komel gives her extra time to the Girl Guides of Canada, Resources for Exceptional Children and other organizations.

• William Shepherd

  Business Administration — Industrial, 1973

  William Shepherd’s career has spanned a number of progressively important positions to his current role as director of Board and Member Services for the Ontario Real Estate Association. Having hired at least six Durham College graduates, Shepherd is an ardent college supporter. He has been involved in a number of community organizations, including Whitby Big Brothers, Faith Place and Little Ark Day Care in Oshawa and Homes for Hope in London, Ontario.

1998

• Joseph Daniel

  Electronic Technology, 1995

  In addition to serving as an instructor with Durham College, Joseph Daniel also owns Common Ground Automation which provides training in Allen-Bradley automation products to local and international businesses. Daniel chairs the college’s Mechtronics Advisory Committee and played a major role in securing a donation of equipment from Rockwell Automation Allen-Bradley for the $12-million Creating Futures campaign.

• Thomas Dickerson

  Business — Marketing, 1974

  Thomas Dickerson was recently named president of General Motors Acceptance Company of Canada (GMAC). Over the past 23 years his career at GMAC has taken him from Ontario to British Columbia and Michigan, yet he has always stayed involved in community activities. Dickerson has been active with Scouts Canada and coached the Oshawa Hawkeyes Football Club to a provincial championship.

• John Muldoon

  Public Relations, 1972

  A 1972 graduate of the Durham College Public Relations program, John Muldoon is director of Public Affairs for Peel Regional Police. Outside of work, he is very active in numerous committees such as the Canadian Public Relations Society and the Public Relations Committee for Scouts Canada. Muldoon is founder of the Ontario Police Media Relations Network, a board member for the Canadian National Institute for the Blind for the Halton/Peel District, a member of Durham College’s Public Relations advisory committee and a member of the Knights of Columbus.

1997

• Scott Gibson

  Business Administration — Marketing, 1989

  Scott Gibson has made a difference for McDonald’s Canada and Durham College. Gibson was able to bring a Durham College placement program to McDonald’s head office for the first time, enabling many students to secure full-time employment. Now a purchasing manager, he is involved in the development of new products and the maintenance of others. After completing his designation of certified management accountant, he is working towards his certified purchasing professional designation. During McHappy Days, Gibson serves food at St. Vincent’s Kitchen in Oshawa. He also helped revitalize the United Way campaign for McDonald’s head office and is always willing to help graduates of Durham College.

• Robert Kowal

  Food and Drug Technology, 1981

  Robert Kowal currently serves as a national sales manager for Quadra Chemicals Ltd. He is a member of both the Canadian Institute of Food Science and Technology and the Canadian Professional Sales Association. He is also former director of the Peel Condominium Corporation Board. Kowal has taken many courses to further his career and is now working towards certification as a professional sales representative. He has provided numerous job leads to Durham College graduates and is always ready to help the college with any promotion.

• Scott Parry

  Interior Design, 1991

  Scott Parry works for Global Group International as an architectural and design marketing manager, where he won Sales Representative of the Year from the Association of Registered Interior Designers of Ontario (ARIDO) in 1996. Parry is chair of the largest international interior design exhibition in Canada and includes students’ work in an effort to promote expose them to employers. He is also a guest lecturer at design schools and attends high school career days. Outside of work, he has been involved in many charitable organizations, including the Bob Rumball Centre for the Deaf, Ronald McDonald House and Kids Help Phone.

1996

• Joanne Burghardt

  Journalism, 1981

  Joanne Burghardt has worked as a reporter, news editor, managing editor and for the past five years as editor-in-chief of multiple Metroland Media Group publications. She serves on the board of directors for the YWCA in Durham Region and volunteers for the Lakeridge Health Network and Canadian Cancer Society. She has provided numerous placement opportunities to Durham College students and hired several graduates for employment.

• Stephen Flaro

  Business Administration — Accounting, 1975

  Stephen Flaro is a certified general accountant with Lakeridge Health Corporation. He is also a supporter of Durham College and his community. Flaro is associated with numerous community organizations including the United Way, Information Oshawa and the Oshawa/Clarington Association for Community Living.

• Kevin Kelly

  Food and Drug Technology, 1986

  Kevin Kelly has played an active role in developing a partnership between Durham College and Novopharm Ltd., a national company that working towards affordable health-care solutions. As a laboratory supervisor, Kelly provides hands-on training to students through the college’s placement program, opening Novopharm’s labs for student tours and attending student career nights to provide information. He is also part of the Durham College Food and Drug Technology Advisory Committee. Kelly coaches soccer and supports local charities, such as the Heart and Stroke Foundation.

• Whitney Lake

  Nursing, 1984

  For many years, Whitney Lake was involved with the local Ontario Nurses Association and over the last five years has served as president. She is dedicated to educating her colleagues on public health-care issues and workplace standards. Outside the hospital, Lake gives a great deal of her time to Cobourg Police Services as vice-chair of its board. She is also chair of several other committees that are developing and studying new initiatives in policing.

1995

• Kevin Ambeault

  Electronic Engineering Technology, 1979

  Kevin Ambeault is a manager for the Canadian region Hewlett Packard, recognized by his peers with a Stars Award and by the company with a Top Contributor Club Award. Ambeault is also a district commissioner for Scouts Canada in Milton, Ontario, overseeing scouting programs for people ages five to 26.

• Shelley Jones

  Legal Administration, 1985

  Shelley Jones started college at the age of 16 and upon graduation continued her education by completing her Bachelor of Arts in Political Studies (Honours). Jones has worked in law offices in Oshawa, Kingston and Ottawa, Ontario and is currently a senior paralegal manager/litigation law clerk at Smart & Biggar in Ottawa. Jones is also involved in assisting with cases involving spouses of Canadian military members who are looking to receive pension benefits. She also shares job developments with graduates of Durham College.

1994

• Fred Upshaw

  Registered Nursing, 1975

  Fred Upshaw began his career at the Ontario Shores Centre for Mental Health Sciences (formerly the Whitby Mental Health Centre) as a registered nurse. There, he became involved with the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU), acting as chief steward to the president of the local union. Upshaw has served as president of OPSEU, which represents Ontario public sector workers, vice-president of the National Union of Public and General Employees (NUPGE) and vice-president of the Ontario Federation of Labour. He was president of the Toronto region of the Jaycees organization and served as its national director of leadership training. He also coached minor sports in Oshawa for 20 years and received the Premier’s Award in 1994.

• Glen Wright

  Business Administration, — Marketing 1971

  Glen Wright is chairman and chief executive officer of Wright Mogg and Associates Ltd., in Waterloo, Ontario, a company that specializes in pensions, benefits and actuarial and human resource consulting. In addition, he is president of Compass International and Employment Research Analysis Inc. and a member of the board of directors for the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation and the Spicer Corporation. Wright has been involved in many different political and community organizations including serving as a Region of Waterloo councillor and as national vice-president of the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada. He is a member of the board of directors for the Progressive Conservative Party of Canada, the Canadian Institute of Technology for the Environment and the Waterloo Regional Industrial Coalition.

1993

• Terry Boyle

  Journalism, 1976

  Boyle published a small volume of poetry before becoming the editor and publisher of a travel magazine. In 1980, he published the book Under This Roof: Family Homes of Southern Ontario. He taught creative writing at Fleming College in Peterborough and owned a garden centre before joining radio station CFMX-FM in Toronto. Boyle attended York University in Toronto and Queen’s University in Kingston and began teaching special education in 1989. He has completed four books and is working on the fifth.

• Francine Fortier

  Communication Arts, 1970 and Legal Administration/Law Clerk, 2008

  Francine Fortier worked as a writer, photographer and layout artist for the Oshawa Journal (Oshawa This Week), spent two years as an assistant editor with Prudential Financial in Toronto and then worked for the Independent Order of Foresters for five years as editor of the Independent Forester. She then developed a career as an artist, exhibiting her work throughout Ontario and internationally. Fortier is also co-owner of Signs of All Kinds. She contributes to the community by teaching art, writing, play production and more.

1992

• Ron Blackwell

  Mechanical Technology, 1979

  Ron Backwell began his career with Duplate Canada Inc. in Toronto as a mechanical draftsman and technician and returned to Durham College, graduating from the Mechanical Technology program in 1979. He has completed additional programs at Ryerson Polytechnic Institute, the Canadian Institute of Management and North Texas Central College. He has been a professional business manager since 1988 and is currently president and owner of Backwell Quality Systems, a consulting firm. Backwell has been a member of the Durham College Technology Advisory Committee, chair of the Quality Engineering Technician Advisory Committee and a past member of the Aviation advisory committee. He has also been active in many associations and served as a night school teacher.

• John Mather

  Data Processing, 1979

  John Mather is director of Administrative Computing at the college and was one of the founding members of the Durham College Alumni Association in 1985. Within the community, he was named Rotarian of the Year in 1985, has been active in coaching many teams in Oshawa, providing administrative support to many associations.

1991

• Heather Campbell

  Legal Administration, 1985

  Heather Campbell started her career as a corporate law clerk with Goodman and Carr LLP in Toronto. During her first year of employment Campbell, along with the Corporate Services department, worked with computer consultants to computerize their records. Campbell then became a junior consultant with KPMG LLP, the Canadian member of KPMG, where she is now a senior consultant. As a member of the Canadian Society for the Advancement of Legal Technology, Campbell volunteers her time as editor of its quarterly magazine review. She is also a technology manager for The Law Office Management Journal and writes a regular computer software review column for Maclean’s magazine. Campbell is currently pursuing her undergraduate degree in Administrative Studies at York University in Toronto and is an active member of the Durham College Legal Administration Advisory Committee.

• Lynn Chaytor

  Public Relations, 1985

  Lynn Chaytor is a founding member of the college’s Alumni Association and served on the Public Relations advisory committee. She is now the president of her own company, Creative Impact, which specializes in public relations, video scriptwriting, brochure writing, copywriting, event planning and producing newsletters for clients such as London Visitors and the London Convention Centre. She has co-ordinated the Rubber Ducky Race and Jump Rope for The Heart and Stroke Foundation, raising close to $200,000; organized the London PUC Participation program; co-ordinated Team Ontario’s training camp for the 1988 Canada Summer Games; and assisted with the Labatt’s 24-hour Relay Race, raising money for London’s three hospitals. She also canvasses for the Canadian Cancer Society and for Amabile, an award-winning children’s choir.

• Joan Gates

  Registered Nursing, 1977

  Joan Gates has worked at the Whitby Mental Health Centre since 1978, maintaining the status of general nurse II and is also president of the Ontario Public Service Employees Union (OPSEU) local. She is an active member of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario (RNAO).

1990

• Barbara Cassel

  Registered Nursing, 1977

  Barbara Cassel is president of the Durham Region chapter of the Registered Nurses’ Association of Ontario and a member of the Durham College Nursing Diploma Advisory Committee. Cassel currently works as a visiting nurse for Saint Elizabeth Health Care in Toronto. Previously, she held the position of psychotherapy nurse at the Whitby Mental Health Centre and correctional nurse at the Whitby Jail. She is a member of the Ontario Correctional Nurses’ Interest Group; the Nurses Christian Fellowship; Nurse Healers – Professional Associates International; and Canadian Parents for French. Cassel is enrolled in the University of Ottawa’s post-Registered Nursing program offered via Durham College’s distance education program and was the speaker at Durham College’s winter convocation in 1996 for Nursing and Engineering Technician graduates. Her hard work for crib safety awareness was rewarded with a regulation change issued by Canada’s Office of Consumer Affairs.

• Dave Thom

  Business — Data Processing, 1973

  Dave Thom joined Maple Leaf Foods in its data processing department as a master console operator, where he was chosen to program its least-cost formulations, which selects ingredients for daily production based on the cost of each morning’s ingredients. Later in his career, he became a plant accounting manager for Cadbury Schweppes in Scarborough. After five years, he was promoted to controller with Warner Lambert Canada. In his spare time, Thom teaches scuba diving and works on getting his private pilot’s license at the Oshawa Airport.

• Trudie Zavadovics

  Public Relations, 1988 and Journalism, 1989

  Trudie Zavadovics is a stress management specialist in the field of holistic health care. She began her career as a reporter for the Whitby Free Press a columnist for Oshawa and Whitby This Week. She also hosted two cable television series: Heavy into Fitness, a talk show focused on body image issues, coupled with a yoga class.; and The Trudie Show, a call-in talk show dealing with community issues. She has worked tirelessly in the field of child abuse prevention and was a founding member of Outreach Abuse Prevention, a grassroots pioneer organization focusing on street-proofing and abuse prevention techniques for children.