Trent University Establishes New Doctor of Pharmacy, Optometry Pathways With Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences

Doctor of Pharmacy and Doctor of Optometry degrees have become more accessible to Medical Professional Stream (MPS) students at Trent University after a new agreement offering direct pathways into these programs at the Massachusetts College of Pharmacy and Health Sciences (MCPHS), announced on Monday afternoon.

Dr. Stephen Kerr (left) of MCPHS and Dr. Michael Khan of Trent shake hands at the signing of the MOU. Photo courtesy of Tret University.

“We know how competitive the admissions process is for undergraduate students to gain entry into professional medicine programs both in Canada and abroad. Just a few years ago, the success rate for entry was about ten percent,” said Dr. Michael Khan, Trent provost and vice president Academic. “With this agreement, and a few others like it at Trent, we are making it easier for high-performing and high-potential students in Trent’s unique MPS program to pursue their dreams of becoming a health professional in their desired specialty and, ultimately, help increase access to medicine and care for people in Canada and the United States.”

The new agreement between Trent and MCPHS streamlines the admission process for Trent’s MPS graduates applying to MCPHS’s Doctor of Optometry (four-year), Doctor of Pharmacy (four-year) or Accelerated Doctor of Pharmacy (three-years) programs at the College’s campuses in Boston, Worcester, and Manchester says the University.

MPS graduates will receive various benefits through this partnership, including a guaranteed interview, preferential admission review, and financial support. The agreement will also establish several student awards, including renewable merit scholarships, one-time tuition, and housing awards ranging from $15,000 USD to $32,000, depending on campus and program.

“We are especially excited with this affiliation and thrilled to have the Medical Professional Stream students from Trent University matriculate into our doctoral programs. We feel the knowledge, confidence and preparedness of these students are particularly well suited to enter our university which, for over 200 years, has been training students for careers in health and life sciences,” said Dr. Stephen Kerr, professor and associate provost of Academic and International Affairs at MCPHS University. “MCPHS has thousands of Canadian alumni and the vast majority return and practice in Canada. This agreement certainly helps sustain our vision of empowering our community to create a healthier and more equitable world, and I’m confident will immensely benefit both of our institutions and countries.”

“I am a proud alumna of Trent and look back fondly on my experiences there. I was fortunate enough to participate in Trent’s Thailand Year Abroad Program, and this experience has had lasting effects, both personally and professionally. It was this immersive, applied learning experience that made me want to dedicate my 25+ year career to higher education, specifically in the internationalization and global engagement areas,” said Krista LaVack, associate director of International at MCPHS, who helped initiate the articulation agreement between the two institutions.

Applications for the 2025 intake at MCPHS are now open to eligible students currently enrolled in Trent’s Medical Professional Stream. MCPHS will host an information session at Trent in January 2025 for MPS students interested in learning more about the pathway.

“I’m so pleased to see our articulation agreement come to fruition. We look forward to witnessing Trent student success in our professional degree programs in the very near future,” said Lavack. “We’re confident they will come with the right academic foundation to succeed in our curriculum and in their chosen professions down the road.”

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Trent University Launches Traditional Handcrafted Birchbark Canoe On the Otonabee River

Trent University has launched its traditional handcrafted birchbark canoe which was done on campus on the Otonobee River and showcased to the public on Monday.

Alex Labelle's canoe sit on the banks of the Otonabee River at Trent University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The month-long project marks the culmination of a project that has increased the visibility of and engagement in Indigenous culture among the campus community. Named Enheh, the canoe was officially launched by Métis canoe builder Alex Labelle. This name is an affirmative response that complements the expression of gratitude in Miigwech and honours the connections made during the building and the profound appreciation for the gifts and lessons provided by the people involved, nature, and the Creator according to Trent University.

“The birchbark canoe is more than a vessel – it is a vital piece of technology that has sustained Indigenous peoples for generations,” said Dr. Dawn Memee Lavell-Harvard, director of First Peoples House of Learning at Trent. “It enables trade, travel, hunting, and the gathering of food and medicine. By bringing together people from across the University and the community, this project has demonstrated what reconciliation looks like in action: doing hands-on work, thinking about knowledge holders in a different way, and showing that these knowledges are just as important now as they ever were.”

Labelle constructed the canoe from scratch in the atrium of Trent’s Bata Library. Students, faculty, and visitors had the opportunity to engage directly with the project by trimming roots, splitting cedar and forming ribs, gaining insight into the artistry and skill behind traditional canoe-building.

“Part of reconciliation is creating space for Indigenous knowledge in places, like libraries, which have long marginalized it,” said Emily Tufts, Trent librarian. “Over the past month, Alex has shared his knowledge in a way that is physical, embodied, and deeply meaningful. This project brought the work of reconciliation out of the theoretical and into the practical and material, giving students and staff a chance to connect with Indigenous traditional knowledge firsthand.”

Following the naming, Labelle launched Enheh from the west bank of the Otonabee River and paddled the canoe to the east bank of campus. It was carried to the Gathering Space in Trent’s First Peoples House of Learning for a celebratory feast to be displayed permanently.

“It’s great to know that FPHL and Trent students will put this canoe to use. Often people will put them up as museum pieces, but we're trying to bring canoes like this out of museums and back to into life,” said Labelle. “My time at Trent has been great—great people and lots of interest in the project. I hope this has shown people that you can go into the bush and find all the materials you need to build a canoe.”

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New Students With 95 Per Cent Average Can Earn Trent University Full Tuition Scholarship

Trent University has introduced full-tuition scholarships for new domestic students entering with an average of 95 percent or higher for their first year, announced on Thursday.

File Photo.

“Rewarding academic excellence of our students is a top priority at Trent,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “When students work hard and demonstrate a strong commitment to their studies, we must recognize and nurture that dedication, especially in a way that has meaningful material benefit to their life on campus and their life outside of academics. By increasing renewable entrance scholarships, we hope to inspire our students toward even greater achievements here at Trent and beyond.”

Trent also offers increased and renewable scholarships of up to $30,000 over four years to recognize top scholars' academic and community achievements.

The scholarship is renewable up to $4,000 yearly at Trent, with a maximum potential of over $18,000. Trent also increased guaranteed and automatic entrance scholarships for students entering with 80 per cent or above with renewable scholarships that can total between $6,000 to $12,000 over four years.

The University has also boosted its prestigious scholarships: 15 annual awards with potential funding up to $30,000 over four years. One application can permit students to be considered for all major awards including the Champlain Scholarship, Board of Governors Scholarship, Special Admissions Scholarships, Canada Wide Science Fair Scholarship and the Michael Treadwell Scholarship.

Trent University has also increased scholarship support for international students, introducing renewable entrance scholarships for top international scholars. International students also have access to International Prestigious Scholarships, nine awards recognizing students for academic excellence, community service, leadership, and many other qualities and some valued up to $136,000 over four years.

“We are thrilled to be able to support our international students who travel far from home and benefit greatly from a range of supports and services,” said Glennice Burns, associate vice president of Trent International. “Enhancing our international entrance scholarships will help ease the transition to university life in Canada and support students as they excel in their studies here.”

For both domestic and international students at Trent, no application is required for Trent's entrance scholarships. Scholars with an average of 80 per cent or higher automatically receive an entrance scholarship and are automatically considered for renewable scholarships as they complete their studies.

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CUPE and Trent University Reach Tentative Agreement

CUPE Local 3908 Unit 2 and Trent University reached a tentative settlement on a new Collective Agreement, pending ratification, effective Sept. 1.

CUPE represents over 550 part-time academic workers registered undergraduate and graduate students at Trent University. File Photo.

Both teams have agreed to recommend the tentative settlement to their respective parties. CUPE will provide details regarding a meeting for members to ratify the agreement. The settlement is also subject to ratification by the University’s Board of Governors.

Details of the tentative agreement will be released through a joint communique after ratification.

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Arts Advocate Made Honorary Fellow of Traill College

David Goyette was made an Honorary Fellow of Catharine Parr Traill College at a ceremony at Trent University's downtown Peterborough campus.

One of the founding colleges of Trent University, Traill College is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Photo courtesy of Victoria Pearce.

Traill Principal Dr. Michael Eamon inducted Goyette as part of the annual Traill College Scarf Ceremony and was the only person to be inducted this year. An Honorary Fellow carries the status of College faculty and is recognized for exemplary service to the College or the community.

Goyette was recognized for his community service and long-standing support for the arts. In 2021, he was inducted into the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame and named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 2023.

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Peterborough Police Urge Head of the Trent Attendees to Celebrate Safely; Heightened Police Presence During Weekend Festivities

With Head of the Trent homecoming running this weekend from Friday until Sunday, first responders are urging the community to celebrate safely during Trent University’s festivities.

Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant (left) and Julie Davis Trent Vice-President, External Relations & Development (right) addressing the media of having a safe homecoming during the weekend’s festiviites. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The first responders include the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough Emergency Management, Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough City-County Paramedics, Trent University, and the City of Peterborough.

The Peterborough Police have developed a coordinated response to help navigate the weekend over the coming months. As a result, a heightened police presence will be present throughout the city and additional police officers will be hired to patrol the campus.

“During large events, we often see an influx of 911 calls,” explained Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant. If you are seeing things in the community that pose a risk or a danger, we're asking people to call in so that we're aware of it and can respond appropriately. Ultimately with people's safety and well-being our primary concern.”

He continues to state that during these events, Police typically receive calls regarding noise, disturbances, mischief, damage to property and impaired driving.

While the Police say they have an all-hands-on-deck situation for the weekend, it will not affect any day-to-day calls that are not affiliated with the homecoming weekend.

Police are asking the community to be safe while celebrating, ensure everyone gets home safely and be good neighbors and community members. 

“We know that this is a time of celebration and we would like to see a positive and safe experience for all,” said Ressor.

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Trent University Reappoints Chancellor To One-Year Term

Trent University has reappointed Dr. Stephen Stohn as chancellor for a one-year term extension following a six-year tenure.

Beyond his role at Trent, Dr. Stohn’s distinguished career continues to earn national acclaim, highlighted by his 2023 appointment to the Order of Canada, and induction into the Canada Walk of Fame for his visionary contributions to the iconic Degrassi franchise. Photo courtesy of TRent University.

“Stephen has been an incredibly engaged chancellor, and I am looking forward to continuing our work together,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Over his last two terms, he has been a part of nearly every aspect of Trent life — welcoming students at Orientation Week, serving as judge in mock trial competitions, supporting philanthropic efforts, and of course, conferring degrees for thousands of students at convocation. In his extended term, I know Stephen will find new ways to support our students and continue to do great things for Trent.”

Stohn’s extended appointment begins July 2025 and will extend his term as chancellor until June 2026.

The award-winning producer and esteemed entertainment lawyer was recognized with an honorary doctorate from Trent in 2015. He was first sworn-in as Trent’s twelfth chancellor in June 2019.

“When you get to this point in your life and career, after you’ve had some personal and professional success, it just feels right to give back and help the generation who are just starting out and looking at fulfilling their aspirations,” said Stohn. “I’m really enjoying the role of chancellor and having opportunities to collaborate with amazing students, faculty, and staff, supporting their success and the work Trent continues to do to make a difference for our communities.”

He has served as an ambassador for Trent’s Momentous Campaign, contributing to the award-winning gratitude video according to a press release. Stohn has been involved in alumni engagement, attending chapter events across the country, hosting reunions and fostering connections with graduates and the community at events like Head of the Trent and Trent Day.

At Traill College, Stohn involvement was notable according to Trent by attending college dinners, opening new facilities including the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, and serving as a judge in mock trials for the Dual Law Degree program and the Three Minute Thesis competition for graduate students.

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Trent University Announces 2024-25 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-U.S. Studies

Trent University has appointed Dr. Holly M. Karibo from Oklahoma State University as the 2024-25 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-U.S. Studies.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Professor Karibo to Trent University” said Dr. Heather Nicol, School for the Study of Canada director. “Her expertise in transnational urban history and research on the Great Lakes Borderlands are perfectly aligned with Trent’s commitment to interdisciplinary and cross-border academic exploration. Prof. Karibo’s work will enrich our understanding of historical dynamics and address contemporary issues that resonate across borders.”

Prof. Karibo’s research project, ‘Ladies, Liquor, and the National Line: Gendering Prohibition in the Great Lakes Borderlands,’ is the first in-depth study of women’s roles in cross-border illegal economies during the American Prohibition Era according to a press release. Her work focuses on regions connecting New York, Michigan, Ontario, Quebec and the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne as well as the often-overlooked roles of women in these smuggling networks. The release continues to state that by reframing Prohibition through the lenses of gender, race, and labour, Prof. Karibo introduces new perspectives to a traditionally male-dominated narrative.

As a Fulbright Scholar at Trent, Prof. Karibo will spend the fall semester conducting groundbreaking research on North American cross-border history concerning gender roles within illicit economies and will engage with the academic community through teaching and collaboration.

“I’m thrilled to begin my appointment at Trent University,” said Karibo. “The opportunity to explore Canadian archives and collaborate with Trent’s academic community will be invaluable in advancing this project. I look forward to unearthing the stories of women who reshaped societal norms and legal landscapes during the Prohibition era.”

Prof. Karibo will also teach the course “Sin Cities: Vice in the North American Borderlands,” examining illicit economies in the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borderlands during the 19th and 20th centuries. This interdisciplinary course will explore the regulation of vice economies and the gendered and racial experiences of those involved.

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Trent Excalibur Men's Lacrosse Start Home Opener With 11-6 Victory Over Queen's

The Trent Excalibur men's field lacrosse team 2024 home opener was a success as they defeated the Queen’s Gaels 11-6 at a packed Justin Chiu Stadium on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and Trent University.

Queen's drew first blood but Mason Tardiff, Dylan James and Dallyn Rai gave Peterborough a three-goal run. The Gaels got a late goal to end the first quarter for a 3-2 score.

Queen struck again early on to tie the game at three. Jack Mcalpine got the team’s first powerplay goal. Dallyn Rai followed up for the Excalibur to restore the two-goal lead. Kingston got another two goals to tie it at five at halftime.

The third quarter was a low-scoring affair but in favour of Trent. After letting in the first goal of the quarter, Trent scored on the man advantage thanks to Adam Hawrelak. Howden James followed up for the Excalibur for a 7-6 lead into the final quarter.

Trent clamped down defensively, disallowed anything past their net and struck four times, thanks to Jordan Dool twice, Holden Lowes and Rai’s second score, for the 11-6 win.

The men’s team continue their homestand against the Carleton Ravens this Saturday at 8 p.m.

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Peterborough DBIA Brings Back 'Explore the Boro Scavenger Hunt' to Help Connect Trent Students to the Community

Starting this week, Trent University students will discover their campus and the Peterborough community through Explore the Boro, a scavenger hunt to help familiarize students with local shopping and leisure spots while also supporting downtown businesses, announced on Wednesday.

The annual event—originally launched in 2021 as the bingo event Discover Peterborough—highlights local shops, cafés, and restaurants, helping students feel more connected to their new home. Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Explore the Boro, co-hosted by Trent and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), encourages students to discover and engage with Downtown Peterborough.

“The excitement in Peterborough reaches a new level each fall as Trent students return to the city, bringing with them a vibrant energy that enriches our cultural, social, and economic landscape,” said Alison Scholl, senior manager, Community & External Relations at Trent University. “Explore the Boro offers a fun and engaging way for our incoming and returning students to immerse themselves in all that Peterborough has to offer.”

From Sept. 1 to 15, Trent students can participate in the scavenger hunt by completing missions via the Goosechase app. These missions range from snapping selfies at key landmarks to answering trivia questions. They allow students to earn points and discover hidden gems around campus and the city. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants. The student with the highest score will win a $1,250 Boro gift card, redeemable at various downtown businesses.

“Trent students invigorate our downtown, and this event strengthens the bonds between students and local businesses,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to continue this valuable partnership, providing students with opportunities to explore, engage, and contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy that makes Peterborough & the Kawarthas such a unique and welcoming destination.”

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