Longtime Durham College president to step down in 2024

DAN CEARNS, The Standard

DURHAM: Durham College's president Don Lovisa will be stepping down, from the role he's held for over 15 years, early next year.

On Wednesday, May 17th, Mr. Lovisa announced he would not renew his contract, which is set to expire in March of 2024.

"It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve as president of Durham College and work alongside our talented leadership team, employees, the Board of Governors and industry and community partners. Being part of an organization which makes such positive and significant changes that impact our students and our community, has been the highlight of my career," Mr. Lovisa said, in a statement. "I am proud of what we have accomplished together and look forward to watching DC continue to lead the way in the future."

In a press release, Durham College (DC) complimented Mr. Lovisa on how his term has seen "significant enrolment growth, supported by the introduction of a number of new leading-edge programs driven by community and industry needs, including five new honours bachelor's degrees."

"On campus, [Mr.] Lovisa spearheaded over $300 million in capital investment projects, focused on expansion and modernization of DC's working and learning spaces, including the Student Services Building, Centre for Collaborative Education, Energy and Innovation Centre and the expansion of the Whitby Campus, including the Ontario Power Generation Centre for Skilled Trades and Technology, the W. Galen Weston Centre for Food and the Centre for Organic Regeneration. Most recently, the Centre for Innovation and Research opened, which houses four of [Durham College's] six applied research centres, all of which have opened during [Mr.] Lovisa's time as president. [Durham College's] collaborative, innovative and hard-working culture is a testament to [Don] Lovisa's energy, passion and priorities," the press release added.

Mr. Lovisa's tenure as president of the local college started in 2008.