Trent University Unveils Pillars Honouring Over 100 Donors and Philanthropists

Trent University unveiled six pillars honouring 185 donors that have contributed to the school since its inception in a ceremony held on Wednesday afternoon.

Gavin Marshall (left) and Doug Kirk (right) shortly after the monuments were unveiled. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Located outside the Student Centre, the monument commemorates receiving over $100 million in philanthropic support.

"This is a testimony to donors, contributors and to Trent who have been committed to us for 50-60 years," said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. "It's amazing and we thought we just had to celebrate that."

Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The idea to create the monument was created roughly two years ago according to Groarke and took roughly three weeks to install.

The first and last pillars as been marked with this quote:

“Trent University is an institution profoundly anchored in philanthropy. Our donors are vital partners, and with support from alumni, our community and friends, Trent University remains a vibrant institution for collaboration, discovery and leadership. This installation recognizes cumulative, lifetime giving to Trent University. We express our deep gratitude and appreciation to these donors for their generosity.”

The middle pillars list the donors depending on the amount of their donation in four recognition categories:

• The Trent Visionaries - $1,000,000 - $10,000,000+

• The Chancellors’ Guild - $500,000 - $999,999

• The Governors’ Council - $250,000 - $499,999

• The Presidents’ Circle - $100,000 - $249,999

During the unveiling event, Trent also announced a new $1-million gift, from long-time Trent supporters David and Joan Moore, that will establish the prestigious Moore Family International Scholarship. This new scholarship will offer a recurring four-year scholarship for three students from outside of North America.

“This momentous gift will truly impact the lives of international students,” says Sherry Booth, Trent associate vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement. “All of our supporters are vital partners, and with support from alumni, our community and friends, Trent University remains a vibrant institution for collaboration, discovery and leadership. Today’s event celebrates the momentum of positive change since the University’s inception and honours the generosity of our supporters.”

Trent thanked generous supporters who have contributed to the following initiatives over the past academic year:

• Support for Indigenous graduate students through a $1 million estate gift from Bill Reid.

• A new residence and academic building at Trent Durham following a successful inaugural campaign that raised $6.6 million.

• A new nursing scholarship supporting local students from a rural background thanks to a $100,000 gift from Doreen Stewart RN.

• Improved financial aid and student spaces following the second annual Trent Day, which raised more than $1.1 million, while also collecting non-perishables for local food banks in Peterborough and Durham.

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East City Holding Neighbourhood Yard Sale to Benefit Local School's Nutrition Program

Over 50 houses have registered in a neighbourhood yard sale where part of the proceeds benefit Kaawaate East City Public School’s nutrition program this Saturday.

Kaawaate East City Public School teaches students from junior kindergarten to grade 8. The school runs two separate nutrition breaks for the students. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The yard sale is located at residences in and around East City and Ashburnham Village with over 30 participating streets. It is run by the Facebook page East City Ptbo and runs from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Kaawaate East City Public School is receiving 20 per cent of the proceeds from participating houses made from the yard sale.

Any vendors are encouraged to post yard sale signs and asked to take them down after by East City Ptbo.

The following are a list of streets that are participating in the yard sale:

• Abbey Lane

• Armour Road

• Ashburnham Drive

• Beverly Street

• Burnham Street

• Caddy Street

• Carlisle Avenue

• Cricket Place

• Curtis Road

• Douro Street

• Driscoll Terrace

• Dufferin Street

• Edgewater Road

• Elgin Street

• Engleburn Avenue

• Euclid Avenue

• Foxmeadow Road

• James Street

• Juliet Road

• Ludgate Street

• Ludgate Street

• Mark Street

• Marsdale Drive

• Munro Avenue

• Ridgetop Crescent

• Robinson Street

• Rogers Street

• Ross Street

• Severn Road

• Snelgrove Road

• Swanston Avenue

• Watts Avenue

• Woodbine Avenue

If you are a house that wants to donate to the school, email Jennifercaley@hotmail.com.

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Fleming College Celebrates Employees With Annual Spotlight Awards

Fleming College came together to celebrate outstanding employees last week, for the second annual Spotlight Awards.

File Photo.

The Spotlight Awards showcase a few of Fleming’s employees who inspire and motivate others and who contribute to Fleming’s culture of inclusivity and innovation.

This year more than 51 nominations were put forward by colleagues eager to see their coworkers honoured in five distinct categories.

“The Spotlight Awards shine a light on the impressive work that our faculty and staff do every day to serve our students, and our community,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “What makes these awards so special is that they are entirely peer nominated, and I cannot think of something more impactful than peers supporting peers. I would like to thank our employees who go above and beyond each day and extend my sincere congratulations to this year’s 2022 Spotlight Award winners and those nominated.” 

This year, the Spotlight Awards recognized one individual and one group in each of the five award categories.

Technology Champion Award 

This award recognizes an individual or team that embraces the latest technology and digital tools to prepare students for the future workplace. This person or team anticipates technological needs of the labour market to ensure students benefit from hands-on training that will prepare them for the workforce. 

Individual Award Recipient: Wendy Morgan 

Team Recipient: Centre for Advancement in Mechatronics and Industrial Internet of Things (CAMIIT) Team (Ankur Arora, Cole Radoja, Fereydoon Diba, Jesus Venegas Villaneuva, Mahdi Pirmoradian, Mitrajsinh Digvijaysinh Ravalji, Philippe Shurtleff, Tafan Yaseen Ali, Farnoosh Attar, Mehataj Shaik, Milad Keshani, Mitchell Syer, Mohammed Kamrul Hassan, Saba Molazadeh, Sasan Soleimani Hesari, Tristan Colaco, Jesse Melo, Blane Bell , Jeremy Dalby) 

Student & Employer Success Award 

This award recognizes an individual or team that encourages collaboration between students and employers to establish practical, real-world opportunities that ensure graduates are job ready. 

Individual Award Recipient: Patti-Lynn Davis 

Team Recipient: Jan Watson, Nicole Grady, Susan Garfat, Alannah Ferguson, Jennifer Morrissey, Nicole Holden, Valerie Dalby 

Strengthening Communities Award 

This award recognizes an individual or team that demonstrates a commitment to strengthening our communities through creating an inclusive and welcoming campus for all. This person or team is dedicated to creating economic and social development partnerships that advance the future of our communities and provide opportunities for students and staff. 

Individual Award Recipient: Jon Carter 

Team Recipient: Alannah Ferguson, Jennifer Morrissey, Catherine Adesanya, Janice-Lee Foxon, Katie Taylor, Jen Berry, Martina McDowell, Andrew Bohart, Barbara Shaw, Lori McQuaid, Susan O'Toole 

Diversity and Inclusion Award 

This award recognizes an individual or team that ensures Fleming College is a welcoming place for staff, students, and the communities we serve. This person or team goes above and beyond to meet the needs of our diverse populations and to enrich our communities. 

Individual Award Recipient: Mamdouh Mina 

Team Recipient: Indigenous Perspectives Faculty Team (Erin Hayward, CherylAnn James, Beedahbin Peltier) 

  Employee Success Award 

This award recognizes an individual or team that demonstrates a positive, equitable and supportive workplace culture. This person or team is dedicated to contributing to an energized workplace that respects and values the opinion and ideas of all employees. 

Individual Award Recipient: Molly Westland 

Team Recipient: Lisa Burke and Nancy Barrett 

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Trent University Grants Three Recipients Inaugural Nursing Scholarship For Students Facing Financial Barriers

Kate McFarlane, Rachel Roots, and Hannah Raymond are the first-ever recipients of the Trent University Doreen (Larmer) Stewart Nursing Scholarship announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The new scholarship expands support for local students from rural or farming communities who face financial barriers to nursing education.

The scholarship was created through a $100,000 gift from Doreen J. Stewart, a retired registered nurse with strong roots in the Peterborough area.

“Thanks to Mrs. Stewart’s generosity, this scholarship will help remove barriers for students who wish to join our programs and become the nurses of tomorrow – compassionate and critical thinkers who create social change through the promotion of health and well-being,” says Dr. Hugo Lehmann, Trent/Fleming School of Nursing (TFSON) acting dean.

Doreen’s family faced financial hardship when she was growing up in the farming community of South Monaghan largely due to medical costs for her sisters Ruth and Shirley who had juvenile diabetes in the days before national healthcare.

“It is my hope that this scholarship helps bring the best and brightest minds to study at the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing,” says Doreen. “Financial hardship should not impede the education and training of capable and compassionate people for careers in nursing, and the pandemic has shone a light on the critical importance of nursing as a career.”

Doreen was able to pursue her dream of nursing. She graduated with her registered nurse qualifications from the Peterborough Civic Hospital in 1964, Occupational Health in 1979, and General Studies, Science in 2005. Her career spanned emergency and intensive care units across Canada, U.S. and South America.

The Doreen (Larmer) Stewart Nursing Scholarship will be distributed annually, with up to three awards worth $2,500 each available for full-time nursing students in any year of study in the TFSON.

The scholarship will offer financial assistance to qualified students: those with demonstrated financial need, with longstanding connections in the greater Peterborough community and surrounding rural areas, and who intend to complete a Bachelor’s degree in the study of nursing and go on to a nursing career.

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Local School Spruces Its Anniversary With Tree Planting From $3,500 Grant

Over 50 volunteers of students, faculty and sponsors planted 40 white spruce trees around their campus with a $3,500 grant in celebration of Kawartha Montessori School’s 40th anniversary on Saturday morning.

Kawartha Montessori School students Jenna Quinn (left), 14 and Esther van Oostveen (right), 6, digging up dirt to plant one of 40 white spruce trees. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The trees run along both sides of the school and beside Highway 7. Added forestry for the school acts as a natural sound guard, decreases outside distractions for students and beautifies the campus among several other benefits according to Celia Johnstone, Tree Canada community advisor.

"It's a very exposed windy site," she said. "The schoolyard is very exposed so it provides good protection from the wind. There are also shade trees, provide the clean air as we breathe and mitigate the greenhouse effect."

"Having our school on this beautiful 10-acre property, we enrich our academic curriculum daily using the outdoors," said Carolyn Donaldson, Montessori principal. "From a very young age, having these students know that giving back to the environment is so important."

Students planted eight trees on Friday with a total of 48 planted. The ordeal was a positive experience for the school as it was the first community activity they could hold since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

"It's just so great to plant so many trees to help the environment and to impact future generations here,” said Jenna Quinn, 14, grade 8 Montessori student. "It's such a beautiful campus and it's great to have trees out here."

The $3,500 came from the Community Tree Grant by Tree Canada with UPS providing the money as the sponsor. It is given annually with eligibility spreading across Canada.

An application was submitted in the fall by a school community member according to Johnstone.

Snacks such as cookies and muffins with refreshments were made by Montessori students and were served at the tree-planting event.

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St. John's School Holds Ukraine Fundraiser With City-Wide Badminton Tournament

St. John’s Catholic Elementary School grade 7 and 8 students used their racquets and birdies to raise money for their “United for Ukraine” two-day badminton tournament held on Wednesday and Thursday.

St. Anne’s grade 8 student, Clara Murison (pictured), 13, serving against Monsignor O’Donoghue (MOD) at St. John’s gymnasium. Murison and her teammate Sequoia Soubliere, 14, defeated MOD in their round-robin matchup. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Nine other schools within the Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic School Board were invited to participate and contribute to the cause.

The money is going towards the New Canadians Centre Welcome Fund which aids refugees and immigrants with mental health services, employment opportunities and other services.

"The kids have been working on this for a couple of months now as a 'deep learning' project," said Stacy Higgins, St. John's grade 8 teacher. "They learned about what was going on in Ukraine and wanted to help."

"We did a little bit of research on Ukraine and we were talking about it a lot in class,” said Jayden Hopkins, 14, St. John's grade 8 student. “We haven't really haven't had any schools come over in a long time because of COVID so we thought this would be a great way to help our community and help the refugees but also have a fun time."

St Anne’s grade 8 student Sequoia Soubliere (pictured), 14, was one of the finalists for the girls’ tournament. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

St John’s students were responsible for contacting other schools to get them involved, reach out to sponsors and organize the event.

"It took a lot of effort, we had to call a lot of places and we're so thankful for our sponsors to help donate food, drinks and flowers, said Hopkins. “It was a lot of hard work to make those signs, and call the different places, it was a lot of work but it was worth it."

All the awards were designed by a St. John’s student while Holy Cross Secondary School created them. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The students reached out to Holy Cross Secondary School where teacher Mike Whibbs helped created the awards from the shop class. The first-place trophy was designed by a St John’s student and made with a 3D printer.

The amount of effort and work put into the tournament was rewarding according to the St. John’s students.

"It's very nice to know that we're helping families coming to Peterborough and the surrounding area," said Reed Lain, 13, St. John's grade 8 student. "Not many people have done stuff since Covid, everyone's been inside so it's pretty good for the teams playing."

Each school had two girls and boys represent their respective schools to play in the doubles tournament while contributing $100 for each team.

The girls’ tournament was held on the first day with the boys’ on the following day.

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Trent Professor Earns National Teaching Award for Indigenous Studies

Trent University Professor David Newhouse has been named among Canada’s most outstanding university educators and winner of one of ten 3M Teaching Fellowships announced on Tuesday.

The 3M National Teaching Fellowship was founded in 1986, that honours exceptional contributions to teaching and learning at the post-secondary level. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Newhouse is the director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent.

“Prof. Newhouse’s creativity, compassion and dedication have underpinned his excellence as a teacher of Indigenous and non-Indigenous students,” said Dr. Michael Khan, Trent provost and vice-president Academic. “His decades-long leadership of the Indigenous Studies program at Trent has led to transformative change within individuals and within educational institutions throughout Canada, bringing more prominence to and acceptance of Indigenous Knowledge (IK) within the academy.”

According to the University, Newhouse has supported many landmark achievements including the launch of Canada’s first Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program, founding the First Peoples House of Learning and helping to craft the University mandate that ensures every undergraduate student completes at least one course with an Indigenous focus.

His leadership has helped Trent build Indigenous perspectives in its policies, research ethics and academic programming as stated in the press release.

“It is an honour to be recognized by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education and 3M. These achievements are the result of the collaborative efforts of many who believe in the importance of bringing Indigenous Knowledge into the academy,” said Newhouse. “I hold fast to the belief that it is not enough to teach about Indigenous Peoples, but that Indigenous Knowledge can inform pedagogy and academe in all its facets, extending its rafters to include it.”

Newhouse has provided leadership through organizations such as Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council and the Canadian Association of University Teachers.

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Fleming College Celebrates Schools Top Leaders At Annual Award Ceremony

Fleming College students celebrated some of the school’s top leaders at their annual awards ceremony held in the Steele Centre on April 22.

This was the first in-person leadership celebration since the pandemic.

“Students are still struggling with transitioning between online and in-person learning. We are happy to be a conduit to help celebrate their accomplishments and demonstrated success,” said Joel Willett, General Manager.

Student Council Awards

Student Administrative Council President’s Award (dedicated in memory of Bill Johnson) – Rajat Patel

Selected by the SAC President and Board, this award is given to a student who exemplifies school spirit.

Iain Steele Leadership Award – Jess Watson

Awarded to a student who demonstrates great ambition, is innovative and has a high degree of moral standards and integrity.

Iain Steele Community Service Award – Logan Wills

Awarded to a student who demonstrates a commitment to serving the community and has a high degree of integrity.

Renie Steele Award – Amanda Coote

Awarded to a student who displays citizenship, understanding and compassion towards fellow students.

Environmental Stewardship Award – Sudeep Pathak

Given to a student who displays a responsible use and protection of the natural environment through conservation and sustainable practices.

Fleming SAC Advocacy Award – Emilie Tabet

Given to a student who demonstrates advocacy and a strong passion for invoking change.

College Awards

Indigenous Student Leadership Award- Adrianne Sutherland-Gagnon & Jacques Graveline

Recognizes student leaders whose dedication and commitment have had a positive influence on the Fleming Indigenous community.

International Student Services Leadership Award- Rachelle Labbao

Presented to a current full-time international student who, through their leadership and initiative, has assisted and supported the successful transition and integration into campus life for their fellow international students.

Diversity & Inclusion Award- Kayla Dupuis, Jay (Edward) Mullen, Eileen Starkman & Michael Vance

This current full-time student has shown compassion and leadership and has supported initiatives and campaigns in support of diverse communities on campus.  The recipient of this award has demonstrated commitment to the ongoing development of creating a safe and inclusive learning environment at Fleming College.

The Greg Riddle Emerging Student Leaders Award- Alissa Churchill

Presented to a current full-time Fleming College student who successfully completed the Emerging Student Leaders program sponsored by Student Life. This student’s actions enhanced individual and group experiences for fellow students during the program, through outstanding leadership, communication, teamwork and commitment.

Residence Life Leadership Award – Lindsay Lacroix and Jacob Neill

Presented to a student who role models how to be a successful and well-balanced student. Recipients take initiative and demonstrate leadership within the Residence Life Services team and are seen as leaders within Residence.

Residence Life Engagement Award – Ashleen Finbow and Nicole Smith

Presented to a student who is involved in and promotes residence life to others. They go above and beyond to support residents and they demonstrate a true passion for residence life. Recipients are successful at implementing programs that helped to create a great residence experience.

Awards are given as bursaries in varying monetary values and have been donated by key partners and long-time supporters of student success at Fleming College.

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Three Trent University Employees Honoured with 2022 Eminent Service Awards

Three long-serving Trent employees will be honoured as recipients of the 2022 Eminent Service Award: Robert Clarke, librarian who guided the Bata Library through its revitalization; manager of Environmental Services Wayne Craft who worked to keep Trent safer throughout the pandemic; and Dr. Margaret Steffler, an English Literature professor.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“It is outstanding employees like Margaret Steffler, Robert Clarke, and Wayne Craft, who have earned us a reputation as an outstanding post-secondary institution that cares about its students and employees,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “This award is very special honour befitting the dedication that they have shown to the Trent community.”

Created in 1978, the Eminent Service Award is 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. This year’s recipients will be honoured at the in-person Heart of Trent employee appreciation events on May 11.

Clarke served as the university librarian from 2007-21. During his 14-year career with Trent, he guided the Library & Archives through significant transformation, including the revitalization of the Bata Library, the implementation of the Omni library services platform and Collaborative Futures, and the COVID-19 pandemic. Mr. Clarke has ensured the Library & Archives continues to evolve with the times, remaining relevant and responsive to the needs of the Trent community.

Craft worked for Trent in Facilities Management for 21 years, most recently as manager of Environmental Services. Well-known for his excellent customer service, he also played a key role in contributing to the safety of the Trent community during the pandemic. A long-time member of the Facilities and Grounds committee, Craft also worked to make the Trent Nature Area Trails accessible for all to enjoy.

Professor Steffler’s contributions to the English department, and the University in general, have been numerous, according to Trent University faculty. She has also served on hiring and curriculum committees, the faculty board, the Committee on Academic Personnel, and the Undergraduate Studies Committee. Prof. Steffler has also served as chair of the English department.

Learn more about the Eminent Service Award and other employee appreciation awards to be bestowed at this year’s Heart of Trent event.

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Fleming College Receives Largest Donation In Schools History From FLATO Developments Inc

FLATO Development Inc. has pledged a donation of $1.2 million to Fleming College, the largest, single gift in Fleming College’s history. 

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

“With this donation, FLATO Development Inc. and its founder, Shakir Rehmatullah cement a legacy here at Fleming College. We are grateful for this gift, and we are grateful to find a partner in FLATO which shares our belief in supporting our community,” said Fleming College President Maureen Adamson. “This is not just an investment in Fleming College. This is an investment in people, in their hopes and dreams, and in their future careers.”

Of the $1.2 million, $720,000 will be put toward Fleming’s FLATO Capital Innovation Fund. This allows Fleming faculty to teach students using the latest equipment that reflects the highest industry standards and practices. It enables Fleming to continue to offer top program delivery and give students the best hands-on learning experience to ensure they’re job-ready upon graduation. It also provides reliable financial support for purchases in a rapidly shifting economy.

The other $480,000 will be used to create the FLATO Student Scholars Program.

Over the next 10 years, several hundred students will receive scholarships and become FLATO Scholars. This program will be offered to incoming students to Fleming’s Frost Campus.

“At FLATO we believe in supporting the communities where we build. Education is a very important part of the community and we’re excited to support Fleming College and help provide students with the resources they need to succeed,” said Shakir Rehmatullah, President of FLATO Developments Inc.

In acknowledgement of this gift, the main foyer at Frost Campus will be known as The Shakir Rehmatullah Atrium.

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