Oshawa, Ont. - Durham College has announced the five individuals who will receive its 2004 Alumni of Distinction Awards at the Durham College convocation ceremonies on June 18. The honorees are David Wilson, Nicole Vautour, Andrew Popko, Al Duffy and Janet Roth. Alumni of Distinction Awards recognize graduates who have excelled in their careers and contributed to the development of the college and/or their communities. Since the award program was launched in 1991, just under 40 alumni have received this honour.
David Wilson graduated from the Sports Administration program in 1980, dreaming about combining his college education with his passion for golf. As Vice-President and General Manager at PING Canada, he is doing just that. He has given back to Durham Region through his work with the Royal Canadian Golf Association (RCGA), the Canadian Junior Golf Association and the Durham Region PING Junior Golf Tour. David was also instrumental in securing PING's sponsorship for the CCAA National Golf Championship, which was hosted twice by Durham College.
A 2001 graduate of the Multimedia Design program, Nicole Vautour is working as a Web Content Specialist for the Toronto Board of Trade. Nicole has been a great help to Toronto during difficult times, spending many hours contributing her skills to this year's "Enough of Not Enough" advertising campaign, which promotes awareness of the lack of federal and provincial funding for cities. During the SARS outbreak, she was instrumental in making the Toronto Board of Trade website a place where businesses could find facts and sources of support. Never forgetting her roots, Nicole has always encouraged the placement of Durham College co-op students and the hiring of its graduates.
Since graduating from Public Relations in 1987, Andrew Popko has built his career on creating "firsts" for aboriginal groups in the world of business. Currently working as Vice-President, Aboriginal Relations for Calgary-based, EnCana Corporation, his work doesn't end there. His involvement in aboriginal relations has led to the development of several First Nations business ventures. As a result, has been awarded several honorary awards from First Nations groups, such as a lifetime achievement award and the appointment to an honorary chief. In August, he will be working for the Privy Council Office in Ottawa, specializing in aboriginal issues.
With his 1976 Business Administration - Operations Management diploma in hand, Al Duffy founded the Productivity Improvement Centre, known as The PIC Group. What began as a three-day seminar in 1985, has now grown into an organization that is recognized as a leader in quality assurance. As President and Chief Operating Officer, Alan is responsible for 1,700 employees, several of whom are Durham College graduates and placement students. He also uses his leadership skills to raise money each year for the Ronald McDonald House, through the Cathedral Bluffs Yacht Club's "Cruise for Kids" event.
A 1978 graduate of the college's Nursing program, Janet Roth has used her skills in a variety of positions. She is currently working for the Rouge Valley Health System as a Unit Co-ordinator - Emergency Services. In 2003, she spent one month in the Republic of Ghana, located in West Africa, doing mission work for the Christian Standard Ministries. During this venture, she visited farms, schools, churches and orphanages. She also provided care to several clinics, including a mobile unit that traveled to remote areas of the country. She plans on returning in October or November of this year, to once again provide care.
About Durham College
For 37 years, Durham College has been committed to providing job-focused programs, accomplished professors, quality-driven innovation, student success, and superior accountability. Almost 6,000 full-time students and 23,000 part-time students are enrolled at Durham College. For more information, visit our website at www.durhamcollege.ca, or call 905.721.2000.
For more information, please contact:
Tania Henvey
Marketing and Communications
905.721.3111, ext. 2513
tania.henvey@durhamc.on.ca
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