Durham College launches ‘Equipped’ campaign seeking $15 million for equipment and learning spaces

Durham College launched its “Equipped” capital campaign on June 29 with a goal of raising $15 million for capital equipment and new or updated learning spaces, according to information posted by the college.

The fundraising campaign is aimed at supporting hands-on training and facilities used by students in programs that rely on specialized equipment, as the college describes its plans.

Durham College said the campaign will support programs across all nine of its academic faculties, with a focus on what it calls its most equipment-intensive programs. The college grouped those programs into three areas: Health, Wellness, and Community Service; Skilled Trades and Sustainability; and Creative Expression and Intelligent Technologies.

In a statement included in the college’s campaign materials, Durham College president Elaine Popp said the college is seeking donor support for tools and technology used in training, as well as “modern learning spaces.”

Two alumni spoke at a campaign launch event, the college said. One of them, Lleyton Williams, recently graduated from the Firefighter – Pre-Service Education and Training program and the Fire Prevention and Technology program.

Williams said he pursued the field after a fire at his family’s home.

“The fire protection systems and safety measures in place helped save our lives,” Williams said in the college’s materials. The college said Williams now works as a fire alarm technician at Vipond.

Durham College also listed examples of equipment currently on campus, including high-fidelity trainers in its nursing labs, a Mixed Reality Capture Studio, and a Building Automation Systems trainer used by second-year Electromechanical Engineering Technology students.

The college operates campuses in Oshawa and Whitby.