Future Political Leaders at Trent University Gain More Hands-On Opportunities Thanks to $500K Donation from RBC

Trent University students looking to become the leaders of tomorrow in government, politics and public service will now get more experiential learning opportunities and greater support thanks to a $500,000 gift from RBC Royal Bank.

file photo.

The new funding will support the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership program at Trent University.

The gift, over five years, will further engage marginalized and equity-seeking students, prepare professional certificate programs, and support seminars, conferences, national networking opportunities, co-op education and work placements through the program that aims to build greater trust in public institutions.

“Experiential elements are integral to the success of the groundbreaking Jarislowsky program, and this funding will provide Trent students with an even richer experience when studying politics, fiduciary policy and responsible governance,” says Kevin Whitmore, director, Co-op, Careers, & Experiential Learning at Trent University.

The program is supported by a $2 million investment from the Jarislowsky Foundation, which was founded in 1993 by prominent Canadian philanthropist and business leader Stephen Jarislowsky.

“RBC is proud to support Trent’s Jarislowky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership program – to help young people develop the skills they will need for a career dedicated to public service,” says Marjolaine Hudon, RBC Regional President.

Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Trent's inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, is at the forefront of this first-of-its-kind network of endowed chairs. De Clercy has joined the Faculty of Humanities & Social Sciences to lead the development of the innovative program of scholarship (teaching, research, and experiential learning) that will expand knowledge and training in the ethical politics, fiduciary responsibility, and democratic governance. Through the Jarislowsky chair position, she is enriching Trent's strengths in student-centered, research-informed, and interdisciplinary approaches.

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Trent University Signs New Agreement with Centennial College to Bridge Business Programs

Trent University has created a new learning pathway for students studying at Centennial College, enhancing the already extensive college-to-university offerings between the two institutions and offering students the opportunity to complete two programs in four years.

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“The new agreement between Trent and Centennial College increases the number of pathways to 23 in total, exemplifying the strong partnership between our two institutions, offering students diverse and seamless postsecondary learning pathways,” said Marilyn Burns, vice president of Communications & Enrolment. “This newest learning pathway in particular—related to business education—enhances the collaborative role of universities and colleges in delivering highly qualified persons to work in the diversity of careers available in corporate, not-for-profit, and public sectors.”

Students completing their studies in Centennial College’s two-year Business Diploma can now earn their Bachelor of Business Administration (B.B.A) degree – one of Trent’s most in-demand programs within the prestigious School of Business —in just two additional years of study. The new 2+2 agreement between Trent and Centennial offers students the opportunity to earn both diploma and degree in just four years total. Students transferring to Trent with a minimum 75 per cent cumulative admission average will receive 10.0 transfer credits to be applied to the 20.0-credit B.B.A. program, halving the time to complete their university studies and venture into the business world with advanced knowledge, critical thinking and practical skills.

“Creating new pathways for our students is integral to their future career success. I am delighted to support this innovative partnership with Trent University that fully recognizes the hard work and accomplishments of our business students,” said Barry O'Brien, dean, The Business School, Centennial College.

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Heart of Trent Event Recognizes Outstanding Contributions of Staff, Faculty, Retirees

The outstanding contributions of Trent faculty, staff and retirees were celebrated Wednesday at the University’s annual Heart of Trent employee appreciation event, hosted this year at Trent’s Durham GTA campus in Oshawa.

photo courtesy of trent UNIVERSITY.

“This event is a genuine celebration,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “It is an opportunity for our community to gather and recognize the successes and achievements of our dedicated staff and faculty – truly, the heart of Trent – throughout another momentous year. 

At the event, the University celebrated the 2022/23 recipients of the several esteemed awards, including: Team Innovation, Community Leadership, Eminent Service, Provost Award for Support Staff, the Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence, Research Impact Award, and Eminent Service Awards. Trent also recognized its long-serving employees and retirees as vital members of the Trent community. 

A full list of award winners is included below: 

Provost’s Award for Support Staff: Cassandra Aked, Academic Administrative Assistant, Trent University Durham GTA

Awarded annually to a support staff member who plays a key role in student engagement and retention and who makes a difference through their performance at Trent.  

Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence: Dana Capell, Senior Education Developer, Trent Centre for Teaching & Learning

Recognizes non-academic staff members who demonstrate excellence and exceptional commitment to Trent.  

Team Innovation Award: First Peoples House of Learning 

Recognizes a team, unit or department at Trent University whose innovative contributions have impacted the strategic objectives of the University.  

Trent Community Leadership Award: Linda Dsouza, Human Resources & Labour Relations Advisor

Recognizes faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to the local community in Peterborough or Durham regions.  

Jackie Muldoon Award for Faculty Service: Dr. Susan Wurtele, Associate Professor, Geography and Professor David Newhouse, Director, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies

This award recognizes faculty who have served with distinction in institutional governance roles, provided collegial and effective service to committees, departments and colleges, led program and department renewal efforts, achieved advancements in administrative responsibilities and advanced the role of faculty in contributing to the academic and overall success of the University and the profession at large. 

Trent University Research Impact Award: Dr. Finis Dunaway, Professor, History

Honours Trent researchers or research teams stewarding original and impactful research that has contributed significantly to society on a local, regional, national or international scale.  

Emeritus Awards: Mak Arvin, Jonathan Bordo, Lynne Davis, Teresa DeCicco, Paul Elliott, Joanne Findon, Carolyn Kay, Michele Lacombe, Marrie Mumford, Elizabeth Nisbet, Mark Parnis, Igor Svishchev, Catherine Thibeault, Kristen Woodend, Barbara Znamirowski 

2023 Long Service Awards 

· 25 Years: Anne Parsons, Brian Thackeray, Elena Koudiakova, Stephanie Williams, Bruce Cater, Suzanne Bailey, Kenneth Coughlin, Anne Meneley, Steven Rafferty, James Schaefer, Loretta Durst 

· 30 years: Holger Hintelmann  

· 35 years: Cheryl Mckenna-Neuman, Inge Lovell, Kimberley Rumball 

· 40 Years - Barbara Znamirowski 

The following 2022/23 Trent University retirees were also honoured at the event: Jodi Aoki, Kathy Axcell, Jose Blanco, Stephen Bocking, James Buttle, Robert Clarke, Wayne Craft, Tim Foster, Mary Goldsmith, Tara Harrington, Denise Hartwick, Paul Heard, Donna Hoard, Pauline Johnston, Carolyn Kapron, Carolyn Kay, Michele Lacombe, Peter Lafleur, Chris Los, Jean Luyben, Tim MacInnes, Barbara Marshall, Lorna Patterson, Judy Pinto, Tony Porter, Pauline Rioux, Marisa Scigliano, Margaret Steffler, Igor Svishchev, Danial Swinnerton, Cathy Thompson and Michele Venton.  

Eminent Service Awards: Tara Harrington, Associate University Secretary (Senate) and Human Rights Advisor; Barbara Znamirowski, Senior Librarian; Brenda Maracle-O’Toole ‘77, Administrative Assistant, Indigenous Studies Ph.D.

Presented annually to recognize individuals distinguished by a track record of outstanding contributions to University life that go beyond the performance of their job or role.

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Trent University President Leo Groarke Announces Intention to Step Down From Presidency

Trent University President Dr. Leo Groarke to step down from his presidency as of June 2024, deciding not to pursue a third term as president.

photo courtesy of trent university.

Dr. Leo Groarke has announced that he will not pursue a third term as president, and has instead decided to conclude his tenure as president and vice chancellor of Trent University at the end of June 2024. He will be leaving a legacy of accomplishments that have advanced Trent’s academic, administrative and community profile, says Trent.

“A university president and vice chancellor wears many hats, and President Groarke has donned them all,” said Debra Cooper Burger, chair of Trent University’s Board of Governors. “Over the past decade, the postsecondary sector has evolved in the face of both opportunities and challenges. President Groarke, through careful, critical, and compassionate leadership, has helped Trent University flourish as an academic institution, here in our local communities in Peterborough and Durham GTA, as well as globally. We are confident in the future of Trent, due in large part to President Groarke’s work ensuring a strong and healthy position for our University.”

Among the many highlights, President Groarke has led unprecedented year-over-year undergraduate and graduate enrolment growth, establishing a strong financial basis for the future of the University across both its Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses. Other fiscal successes have included a groundbreaking inaugural debenture, program development, the careful fiscal management of the institution, and, most recently, Trent’s partnership with the University Pension Plan established by the University of Guelph, Queen’s University, and the University of Toronto.

Emphasizing student success through the interdisciplinary education that Trent values, President Groarke spearheaded the launch of four Schools of Study at Trent—focused on the Study of Canada, Environment, Business, and Indigenous Studies. More than 20 undergraduate and 13 new graduate programs have also launched during President Groarke’s tenure. They include: Conservation Biology, Social Work, Data Science, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, the Medical Professional Stream, and Child & Youth Studies, as well as Master of Instrumental Chemical Analysis, Master of Nursing, Master of Management and Ph.D. in Interdisciplinary Social Research.

Other initiatives have included creative international partnerships like the Law & Arts/Business, Chemical Engineering dual degrees and medical science programs with Swansea University, as well as innovative agreements for medical pathways with several institutions in the Caribbean.Recent initiatives include: the launch of paid co-op streams in more than 20 academic programs across the Humanities, Social Sciences and Sciences; the creation of the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership; the addition of eight prestigious Canada Research Chairs; and a major expansion of experiential learning opportunities and study abroad programming. During President Groarke’s two terms, international enrolment at Trent has grown from 7 per cent to 15.5 per cent of University enrolment.

“I have been very fortunate to work with a strong Executive team, supportive Boards of Governors, and positive labour and student unions,” Dr. Groarke commented. “Together it has allowed Trent to evolve in ways that are good for our students, our researchers, and our communities. I am inspired when I see the hustle and bustle on our two expanding campuses, note the growth of the reputation of our faculty, staff, students, and alumni, and witness the breadth of our community engagements. There is always more that can be accomplished and I hope to contribute more in the year to come, and then as a professor when I pass the torch on to a new president on June 30, 2024.”

President Groarke has made connections with alumni and a culture of philanthropy key priorities during his two terms. He has overseen the successful completion of the $56.8 million Unleash the Potential Campaign, a $6.6 million Campaign for Trent Durham GTA, and recently launched the University’s most ambitious campaign to date – the $100 million Campaign for Momentous Change. These campaigns have added dynamic new spaces to Trent’s campus landscapes – including the Student Centre, Forensic Crime Scene Facility and Trent Durham’s residence and academic building. A personal philanthropic supporter of the University, President Groarke established the Louis and Paul Groarke Philosophy Endowment.

Equity, diversity, inclusion has been another priority during Dr. Groarke’s presidency. He has continued to emphasize Trent’s role as a leader in reconciliation and Indigenous education; prioritized the health and well-being of students, the campus and our communities during the COVID-19 pandemic; supported initiatives stemming from an anti-racism task force report; and emphasized positive labour relations between administration and Trent’s unions.

Trent University’s continued ranking as the #1 undergraduate university in Ontario for 12 years in a row is further reflection of President Groarke’s contributions to the institution’s growing reputation nationally and internationally, and testimony to his leadership and pursuit of excellence for the institution and its staff, faculty, and students.

Celebrations to honour President Groarke at the end of his term in June 2024 will be planned and announced at a later date. The Board is currently developing the new Presidential Mandate, and details regarding the search for Trent’s ninth president and vice-chancellor will be shared as they are developed. Updates will be shared online.

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$1.2 Million Gift to Double Number of Trent Students Participating in Community-Based Research

A $1.2 million gift to Trent University – announced immediately after the launch of the new $100 million Campaign for Momentous Change – will support Trent’s community-based research by doubling the number of students and community organizations able to participate in the program.

photo courtesy of trent university.

This four-year commitment to the Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) will develop training for students and employers, enhance hands-on learning opportunities, provide funds for primary research and cover travel and other expenses for students to complete research. 

“Momentous change happens when students are not just motivated, but supported, to do outstanding work with local organizations, deepening the connection between Trent University and local communities,” says Julie Davis, vice-president External Relations & Development at Trent University. “This generous donation, from a donor who wishes to remain anonymous, benefits both the community and students.”

For more than 25 years, the TCRC has facilitated community-based research projects in Peterborough City and County, the City of Kawartha Lakes, Durham Region and Northumberland County.

Community-based research brings together the research expertise of Trent University faculty and students with the knowledge and research needs of a wide range of community groups and organizations including municipalities, social service agencies, conservation authorities and interest groups.

“Thanks to this generous donation, even more students will become engaged in local causes that fuel their passions, and in many cases, shape the trajectory of their life and career,” said Kevin Whitmore, director of Careerspace at Trent. “Community-based research showcases the power of collaborative learning and the value of work-integrated opportunities for students to make a positive difference in their community.”

TCRC recently hosted its annual Celebration of Community-Based Research where more than 50 Trent students presented their groundbreaking research projects and showcased the impact of research partnerships between students, faculty and community partners including Five Counties Children’s Centre and the Brain Injury Association of Peterborough Region.

Learn more about Trent’s community-based research and the Campaign for Momentous Change.

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Local 22-Year-Old Student Writes Memoir On Her Stroke and Recovery

After a stroke-like episode left Trent University student Jenna Dakin with no memory, she picked up the pieces of the last two decades through recovery and writing.

22-year-old masters student Jenna dakin. photo courtesy of jenna dakin.

In December 2021, Dakin suffered a neurological episode that most resembled a stroke. She became unresponsive and paralyzed on her left side.

“I had a lot of cognitive deficits from it, but one of the main things that I acquired was severe retrograde amnesia, so all my memories prior to my stroke are gone.”

Dakin says that writing her memoir, 21 Cups, has helped her to navigate her amnesia and stroke recovery process.

“It basically was like re-starting the world at 21,” she continued. “I started writing as kind of a therapy tool and then next thing I knew I had half a book written. It was so therapeutic, and then I had this beautiful thing in front of me.”

photo courtesy of jenna dakin.

In just a moment, Dakin went from an average university student to learning how to walk again.

Just a few weeks before Christmas in 2021, she came home from a dinner out when she sat down on the stairs to take her shoes off.

“I suddenly slumped over and became completely paralyzed and unresponsive on my left side,” Dakin recalls.

The next thing she remembered she was in the hospital undergoing CT scans and MRI’s, after which she was told by neurologists of her stroke-like episode.

“People say I’m crazy because I never stopped school and I just kept going, but for me that was no question. Like I didn’t know who my mom was but I was like ‘teach me psychology because I’m continuing,’” she laughed. “If I didn’t have school I don’t know what I would’ve done. It gave me a purpose, it ignited that drive for me.”

After reaching out to a publisher at One Thousand Trees who “fell in love” with her book, Dakin was able to get it published earlier in March.

She highlights the unique perspective her memoir is told through, adding a positive spin to every setback she endures.

“I always say, I can’t find the words to be able to make other people understand what its like to go through this, to lose all your memories and restart the world. There’s really no way to describe that, but I think my book is a way to potentially show people what it is like in this world for me,” Dakin said. “I think this book (offers) the chance to view the world a little differently for a minute. Not everyone is lucky enough to experience all their firsts again, but I get to re-experience my first steps, my first words and more.”

Though Dakin is currently stable in her recovery process, she notes that having another neurological episode is a “very real possibility,” though she tries to not worry about that chance.

“I had 21 years kind of robbed from me, so I don’t want to live my life worrying that I’m going to lose more years. I’ve kind of realized that life is too short and I might as well cherish what I have right now. I just want to enjoy every moment that I can and not lose anymore of my life,” she said.

21 Cups is available on Amazon.

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Trent University Welcomes Minister of Colleges and Universities to Peterborough Campus

University leaders spoke with the Honourable Jill Dunlop about career opportunities for students, expertise in aging and world-class water quality research at Trent’s Peterborough Campus on Monday.

Members of the Careerspace at Trent University team meet with The Honourable Jill Dunlop, minister of Colleges & Universities. Left to right: Sabrina Kuipers, Co-op Coordinator; Ryan Sisson, Manager of Community + Workplace Partnerships; Minister Jill Dunlop. photo courtesy of trent university.

Trent University welcomed Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, to the Peterborough campus where Trent leaders shared details about career-ready skills development, world-class water quality research and a new university-integrated seniors’ village.

“It was a pleasure to welcome Minister Dunlop back to Trent,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “During the visit, we were able to showcase research and student learning opportunities that are quintessentially Trent – highlighting interdisciplinary thought, leadership in aging, work-integrated learning and environmental research.”

Before embarking on a campus tour, several members of Trent’s senior administration, including President Groarke, Provost Michael Khan and Julie Davis, Trent’s vice-president of External Relations and Development, met with Minister Dunlop, who was accompanied by Peterborough MPP and Trent alumnus Dave Smith ’91.

Dr. Cathy Bruce, vice-president of Research & Innovation at Trent, guided Minister Dunlop and MPP Smith on a tour of the campus, highlighting Careerspace, the University's career services centre, the Trent Centre for Aging and Society (TCAS) and the Water Quality Centre.

While at Careerspace, staff spoke about ways Trent continues to innovate to deliver guaranteed career-ready skills development opportunities for students. Representatives from Careerspace shared news about 23 new paid co-op streams for Trent students, virtual learning strategies and the Community Concierge program, which has created partnerships with more than 70 local employers to talent needs in City and County of Peterborough and City of Kawartha Lakes.

“It was such a pleasure to be back at Trent University’s Peterborough campus to see the vibrant student community in action and to learn about how the University is prioritizing student success, research and innovation,” said Dunlop. “From delivering career-ready skills development opportunities through its Careerspace, to the community impact of projects under its Centre for Aging and Society – and everything in between – Trent is doing incredible work preparing students for the workforce. Thank you, President Groarke, for showcasing the talent and work happening all over campus.”

At TCAS, Drs. Mark Skinner and Elizabeth Russell highlighted Trent’s reputation for outstanding thought-leadership on the study and celebration of aging. They also highlighted the international impact of TCAS’s interdisciplinary aging research, the new Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies, the community impact of projects including the long-term care home being developed in collaboration with peopleCare communities and Seniors’ Village project to be located on Trent lands.

The tour concluded at Trent’s world-class Water Quality Centre (WQC), the most comprehensive mass spectrometry facility in Canada, where Canada Research Chair in Environmental Archaeology Dr. Paul Szpak showcased key equipment and research. In the WQC, students in Trent Master’s programs also shared with Minister Dunlop opportunities they have had to build specialized skills and experience working with state-of-the-art equipment.

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Explore the Wonders Of Ancient Egypt With Continuing Education At Trent University

Find inspiration with in-person courses and workshops, including a special course and weekend workshop on the wonders of Ancient Egypt, hosted during the Spring term through Continuing Education at Trent University.

photo courtesy of Trent University.

Spring Continuing Education courses and workshops run throughout March and April. Register before March 1 and save 25 per cent with the promo code SPRING25.

“It is an ideal time to invite people to expand their horizons with Trent Continuing Education as we continue to grow Traill College’s presence as a downtown arts and culture hub,” says Dr. Michael Eamon, principal of Catharine Parr Traill College and director of Continuing Education at Trent. “Whether you’re coming out for a single day workshop, a multi-week course, or our special weekend course, this term promises affordable opportunities where you can learn something new and connect with people.”

New for this spring are offerings focused on Ancient Egypt. The six-week course “Wonders of Egypt: The Great Tombs, Temples & Towns of the Pharaohs” begins on March 22, as well as a special Ancient Egypt weekend running April 29 and 30. Here, participants can choose from a single workshop (for $40) or the full weekend experience with four distinct workshops (for $100). Workshops include: The Great Pyramids of Giza, Valley of the Kings: The World’s Most Famous Burial Grounds, Canadians on the Nile – Early Explorers in Egypt, and Secrets of Egypt Revealed – Recent Discoveries in Egypt.

Additionally, multi-week courses and workshops will provide participants the opportunity to get creative with watercolours, writing and more. All in-person classes take place at Catharine Parr Traill College.

Courses starting at $140 (including HST) for the series, and workshops start at just $40 (including HST), plus appropriate materials. Registration for all courses and workshops is available online.

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Trent University Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems Scholar Appointed Canada Research Chair

Dr. Andrew Tanentzap has been appointed as Tier II Canada Research Chair (CRC) in Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems with the Trent School of Environment (TSE) announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Prof. Tanentzap comes from the University of Cambridge. He is one of ten Canada Research Chairs, and among seven CRCs with an environmental focus to their research.

From the cycling of carbon and nitrogen to water quality to wildlife health, he brings his expertise and research-focused foundational knowledge about the benefits of nature and how climate change impacts those benefits. His work looks at the human impact on microorganisms and carbon across all levels of life, from genes to landscapes.

“One of the things that brought me to Trent was the impressive resources at the Water Quality Centre. The Canada Research Chair position will give me the opportunity to leverage the equipment and expertise at the Water Quality Centre to advance my research projects and help train the next generation of environmental leaders,” said Prof. Tanentzap. “A highlight will be establishing the Trent Organic Matter Research Opportunity (T-OMRO) Fellowship, a global competition to host visitors at the Water Quality Centre from groups that have been typically underrepresented in our research field.”

Trent School of Environment professor Dr. Ian Power was also recognized, being awarded a second term as CRC in Environmental Geoscience.

In Prof. Power’s environmental geochemistry lab at Trent, undergraduate, graduate and postdoctoral students can work with state-of-the-art instrumentation to investigate Earth materials and perform carbon dioxide removal experiments.

He collaborates closely with mining companies to develop and implement geochemical CO2 removal technologies and further advances his research.

“We hear a lot about needing to reach carbon neutrality, which we do, but my work is focused on taking us beyond that,” said Prof. Power. “We need to become carbon negative, and minerals have sequestration properties that can remove carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.”

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Trent University Business Student Wins Pitch IT! Entrepreneurial Competition Title and $2,000 Prize

Trent University business student Safiya Khaki wins Pitch IT! Student Entrepreneurial Competition with her business pitch through the Innovation Cluster’s FastStart Program.

Safiya Khaki is a Trent business student, specializing in finance. Photo courtesy of The Innovation Cluster.

Five finalists from Fleming College and Trent University pitched their innovative business ideas to a panel of local business professionals on Nov. 9 for the chance to win the title of Best Pitch and a $2,000 cash prize.

Khaki impressed the judges with the pitch of her business idea “BioStraw,” plant-based fiber beverage straws that are strong, biodegradable and do not dissolve and become soggy in your drink.

Winning a $1,000 prize and claiming the second place title is Fleming College student Sneha Pradeep, who is currently enrolled in the Wireless Information Networking (WIN) program.

Pradeep pitched her business idea Adjus, a social platform connecting users to a variety of cultural cuisine, recipes, clothing, events and more, offering a sense of familiarity and a greater sense of community to newcomers of Canada.

“Thank you to all the students, judges, and community members for getting involved in this great event,” said Lindsey Irwin, manager of the FastStart Program. “These students brought their A-game, and I can’t wait to see what they accomplish in the future.”

The event was held at the Trent Student Centre (Symons Campus) through the Innovation Cluster’s FastStart Program. The program is designed to assist young entrepreneurs in their business plans, helping them to navigate the economy and bring their products and services to market.

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