Ron Backwell, an alumnus of Durham College's first-ever graduating class, captures 40 years of memories in commemorative painting of the college.
Durham College alumnus Ron Backwell has captured 40 years of Durham College history with an original painting representing the campus' evolution. Backwell and Leslie Lepp, alumna and fellow co-chair of the 40th anniversary celebration, presented the painting to the college during the kick-off Homecoming Weekend Suds and Feathers pub night held at the Student Centre on May 2.
"I wanted to capture and share the memories I had with the college. I think it was a unique way to express in a visual form the many different faces the college has had over the last 40 years," said Backwell.
Prints of the painting can be purchased from the Alumni office for $20 or $100 for a framed print.
More than 100 alumni gathered together for the pub night, to reconnect with former friends and celebrate their role in helping the college build a tremendous 40-year legacy.
Backwell, an alumnus from Durham's first-ever graduating class, completed the Mechanical Drafting program in 1969 and continued his studies, graduating from the Mechanical Technology program in 1971.
A year of 40th anniversary celebrations was kicked off with the City of Oshawa proclaiming September 18 as Durham College Day, while the unveiling of an Alumni Wall of Distinction in October and Homecoming weekend in May also marked four decades of post-secondary excellence.