Bev Balenko, retired vice-president, Academic; Patrick McNeil, chair, Board of Governors; and Leah Myers, president, congratulate students as they accept their diplomas at Durham College's spring convocation, officially making the transition from students to graduates.
Past and present members of the Durham College community celebrated the success of close to 1,400 graduates at the college's annual spring convocation ceremonies on Friday, June 22, including Ron Backwell, an alumnus from Durham's first-ever graduating class.
Held at the General Motors Centre in Oshawa, the class of 2007 was treated to a congratulatory speech by Backwell, a 1969 Mechanical Drafting program alumnus, at each of three ceremonies throughout the day.
Backwell is also a 1979 graduate of the Durham College Mechanical Technology program, and has completed additional programs at Ryerson Polytechnic Institute, the Canadian Institute of Management and North Texas Central College. An award-winning leader, Backwell has been a professional business manager since 1988 and is currently president and owner of Backwell Quality Systems, a consulting firm. He was also named a Durham College Alumnus of Distinction in 1992.
This year, Durham College presented five graduates with 2007 Alumnus of Distinction awards in recognition of excellence in their careers and outstanding contributions to their communities.
Since its inception in 1967, Durham College has graduated more than 40,000 students, helping more and more become successful professionals each year. Offering more than 100 programs and courses through the schools of Applied Sciences & Technology; Business; Communication Arts; Career Development & Continuing Education; Design; Emergency Services; Health & Community Services; Information Technology; Integrated Studies; Justice; and Skilled Trades & Apprenticeship, Durham College enables students to succeed in their careers and make a difference in the world.
Congratulations to the class of 2007!