Reid AndersonProfessor of Graphic Design Reid Anderson loves teaching at Durham College and feels the faculty is very dedicated. His advice for students when it comes to success is to always do the best they can on every assignment, test, quiz and essay – no matter how large or small. He believes great faculty and hard-working students are what enable students to excel.
People are more exciting than machines and that’s why Louis Bertrand pursued a career with Durham College. He also wanted to share his work experience with students and young professionals interested in technology. He enjoys the positive energy on campus and the friendly attitude from everyone here, and believes everyone on campus is willing to help each other out. He advises students to keep their options open since opportunities are endless.
Teaching has been a desire for Bill Bradburn since he graduated from university in the 1970s. He enjoys the easy contact between students and faculty here and believes each faculty members’ real life work experience greatly benefits the students. He advises them to attend all classes and get to know their professors.
Daphne BrusséeDaphne Brussée first came to Durham College as an Office Administration student and enjoys the proximity to her home as well as the college’s outstanding employment statistics. She believes the caring faculty here made all the difference when she was a student and now makes every effort to maintain that tradition. Brussée advises students to take time when settling in to a new routine and to cultivate study buddies. She says to remember that not everything comes easily, but success comes through perseverance.
Christopher GouldA winner of two Emmy and seven Gemini Awards, Christopher Gould has written, produced, directed and edited many films, some of which have received recognition at film festivals in Los Angeles, Japan and New York. He decided to come to Durham College because of the unique opportunity to share his experience and knowledge with the next generation of storytellers. He tells students to set their hearts on flame with enthusiasm and the world will come to see them burn. He also encourages them to be professional in everything that they do. He is currently working on his first feature-length documentary to be released in 2009
Matthew GrabinskyGrabinsky brings more than 10 years of animation experience to his students and has worked in commercials, television and feature film. He hopes to give his students the best education possible by sharing his knowledge of the industry. Grabinsky said the community environment among staff and students is what separates Durham College from other schools. “Everyone has a name, not just a number, which is what makes the learning process more enjoyable.” With so many opportunities available these days, Grabinsky tells students to pursue their interests and not to be afraid to change or explore new ones.
Catherine Howson loves the opportunity the many programs at Durham College provide for student success. She believes the college’s rich history of commitment continues to grow on campus and in the area. Howson hopes students enjoy their time here, while making new friends and networking contacts, and advises them to ask a lot of questions.
Brian Legree had the opportunity to attend school for journalism or teachers’ college. He chose to pursue the former and enjoyed a rewarding journalism career for 20 years. That’s when he decided to move into teaching and arrived at Durham College. The determination of the staff to ensure students are fully prepared to enter the working world and the amazing students who take advantage of their opportunities here are the two things Legree feels stand out about Durham College. His advice to new students is to find a program that truly interests them, balance work and play, respect their classmates, meet or beat deadlines and remember that spell check is free on their computers.
Sandy OdrowskiSandy Odrowski said she encountered many graduates of Durham College in her field of dentistry, graduates who stood out both in their clinical and people skills. She realized graduates of the college were not only competent in their skills, but that they genuinely cared for their clients, which prompted her desire to join the community here. She feels Durham College is unique because despite an enormous amount of growth, it has maintained a small town feel. Odrowski believes if students jump in with both feet they will remember and cherish their experience here for the rest of their lives.
JoAnne ProutCareer growth, a variety of opportunities and proximity are what drew JoAnne Prout to teaching at Durham College. She feels the college is special due to its history under former President Dr. Gary Polonsky, whose vision lives around us everyday. Prout tells her students not to hesitate to ask for help since she is happy to help students succeed.
Dawn SalterDawn Salter is an advertising professor who graduated from the Durham College Advertising program in 1994. When she was presented with the opportunity to teach at the college it was an easy decision. She says she gets to do what she loves with people she enjoys and respects, in an environment that is dynamic, rewarding and fun. She tells new students to make sure they take time to tour the campus and become familiar with its facilities before starting the semester, along with finding out the best times to contact their faculty members.
Judy SpringJudy Spring came to Durham College in pursuit of an opportunity she couldn’t refuse. She believes the campus provides students, faculty and staff with a very high quality of life combined with extensive opportunities for personal growth. Spring advises students to select their programs wisely, attend classes, communicate with their professors and classmates, and make sure they enjoy their experiences while at the college.
Peter StasiukThanks to a combination of business and teaching experience, the college environment was a perfect fit for Peter Stasiuk. He said Durham College is a growing, vibrant institution and after teaching a few semesters he knew he wanted to stay. Stasiuk said there is a positive energy at Durham College that results in people enjoying their time here. He advises students to get organized and stay focused and to keep track of their own success because it will motivate them to be more successful.
Kathleen Stewart is a Durham College alumna who happily accepted a teaching position at the college after years of working in her field. She likes that the college is small and notes she was a fan of former President Gary Polonsky’s leadership style. She feels that Dr. Polonsky made the difference at the college for a long time and that his work getting UOIT off the ground helped distinguish the college from other academic institutions. She believes students should attend all classes and communicate with their professors.
Susan ToddSusan Todd pursued a career with Durham College because of its outstanding reputation within the community. She believes the college is different from others because of its motivating staff, faculty, and wonderful students. Todd advises students to capture all the opportunities available to them on campus to make the most of their college experience.