Trent University Durham Celebrates $6.6 Million Raised for Student Support

It was confetti showers for Trent University’s ribbon-cutting ceremony, celebrating the Trent Durham GTA campaign, raising $6.6 million for the growing campus and supporting student success on Thursday.

Trent Present Dr. Leo Groarke (right) Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Trent unveiled a donor wall and toured guests through the new residence and academic building at the Thornton Road campus in Oshawa.

“Trent has strengthened and grown its presence in the City of Oshawa and the entire Region of Durham while also supporting students for success in their studies and future careers,” says Dr. Scott Henderson, Trent Durham dean. “The campaign is a nod to our students’ bright futures and the region’s continued prosperity.”

The university surpassed its $5 million goal in the first part of the campaign by raising $5.6 million to create the campus’ first residence. Another $1 million was raised to support Trent students through scholarships, bursaries and new experiential learning opportunities, according to the University.

Trent says collaboration between local government and community partners was vital to the campaign’s success. The City of Oshawa donated 1.8 acres of land while the Region of Durham gifted $1.42 million.

The president of Durham Radio, Doug Kirk, helped kick off the campaign in March 2019 with a $500,000 donation and further matched all donations until Nov. 30, 2020. In recognition of his contributions, the University has named the largest lecture hall in the new building Kirk Hall. A new outdoor seating area has also been named in honour of Doug and Mary Kirk.

“I’m thankful to have played a role in Trent’s continued investment in student success and the future of this great community,” says Kirk. “Through the hard work of our campaign team and the generosity of donors, we have made this bold vision for Trent Durham possible.”

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