This is one of the older post-secondary institutes in Canada with it officially opening its doors to students all the way back in september 1967. At the time, with just 14 staff members and 16 movable classrooms, the school was able to serve just a little over 200 students. Academic courses in business, technology, and applied arts were on the academic calendar for the year. In September 1971, the cafeteria opened, seating 400 students and serving hot meals all day and night. The college was a success right away, and in 1970 and 1971, it opened two permanent facilities, increasing curriculum and celebrating enrolment growth. By the school’s tenth anniversary, health sciences courses had been added, and enrollment had risen to almost 1,250 students. For the college, the 1980s were a time of transition and progress. Dr. Gary Polonsky was chosen president in 1988 and watched enrolment rise to over 2,700 full-time students.Dr. Willey was followed by Mel Garland, and the school proceeded to expand its facilities, with a focus on integrating cutting-edge technology into the classroom. This included the development of a new state-of-the-art Robotics lab, which served as the forerunner of today’s Integrated Manufacturing Centre. The Skills Training Centre, which offered skilled trades and apprenticeship training, was the focal point of Durham College’s Whitby campus when it opened in 1993. In college decision-making, students have traditionally played an important role. The institution trusts its students to speak out on major projects that ultimately influence their post-secondary experience, from voting for the Student Centre to a referendum on an Athletic Centre extension. On campus, there are over 25 different student groups that cater to a wide range of needs and interests. Durham College has worked hard over the years to provide students with more chances to pursue distinctive educational paths. For years, Durham Region residents had strong connections with York and Trent universities, which finally led to the formation of the Durham University Centre in 1996, allowing Durham Region residents to take university courses right at home. The University of Ontario Institute of Technology’s Oshawa campus first opened its doors in 2003. DC students enjoyed an even better campus experience with the inclusion of UOIT as a campus educational partner. Students in certain fields of study might go from college to university in pursuit of their goals if they have access to additional academic choices such as unique bridge programs. In September 2007, DC celebrated its 40th anniversary, marking the start of yet another historic year. Durham College Day was declared by the City of Oshawa on September 18, and an Alumni Wall of Distinction was unveiled in the Gordon Willey building in October, as well as Homecoming weekend in May, to commemorate four decades of post-secondary achievement. The institution welcomed Phase 1 of the Whitby campus expansion on December 8, 2009. This includes a two-story extension with additional classrooms and labs; the Durham Strategic Energy Alliance’s Incubation Centre; and living lab settings in areas like solar water heating, solar cell systems, wind turbines, and geothermal technology systems. The institution has almost 50,000 graduates by spring convocation in June 2010. The Student Services Building (SSB) on the Oshawa campus opened in March 2011, providing one of the province’s most comprehensive and all-encompassing service facilities. For potential applications, existing students, and graduates, the one-stop shop serves as a critical initial point of contact. The provincial government provided $22 million to DC in April 2016 for the development of the Centre for Collaborative Education (CFCE). The new three-story facility will replace the old Simcoe building, which was designed as a temporary construction and will bring local, Indigenous, and global people together. As Durham college continues to grow and develop into a more and more extensive campus it also makes sure that it’s students have the best experiences and access to the best learning tools.
