Durham College names Chemical Instrumentation Lab for Armando Martone following bequest

Durham College has renamed its Chemical Instrumentation Lab for Armando Martone, citing a bequest he made to the college’s Student Experience Fund. The college announced the naming in a post dated Feb. 18, 2026.

The lab is used by students in several science programs, and Durham College says donations to the Student Experience Fund are being used to buy and upgrade equipment and technology.

In its announcement, the college said students in the Environmental Technician, Biotechnology – Advanced, and Chemical Engineering Technology programs use the lab.

The lab contains analytical instruments used to test fine chemical, food and environmental samples, according to the college.

Christine Hand, Program Coordinator in Durham College’s Faculty of Science and Engineering Technology, said students learn to operate analytical instrumentation in the lab and analyze samples “using methods that mimic those seen in their respective fields.”

Durham College said Martone immigrated from Italy to Canada in 1967 and attended classes at the college. The college said he later worked as a chemist at St. Mary’s Cement and Ontario Power Generation.

The college said Martone’s wife, Sylvia Martone, and other family members visited Durham College recently to tour the lab.

Durham College described the Student Experience Fund as supporting areas of greatest student need across the college. The college did not say how much Martone’s bequest was.