Trent University Reappoints Vice-President of Human Resources to Another Five-Year Term

Trent University has reappointed Stephanie Williams to a second five-year term as vice president of Human Resources, effective July 1, 2025.  

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“The broad functions within Stephanie’s purview have thrived under Stephanie’s leadership,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “Her accomplishments include a highly effective COVID pandemic response, the transition of Trent’s pensions to the newly created University Pension Plan, and the adoption of equity, diversity and inclusion recommendations. Personally, I have greatly valued her role as a strategic advisor to me as president, the Board, and the entire leadership team.”  

Williams has worked in progressively responsible roles at the University for over two decades. Appointed to her first term as vice president of Human Resources in July 2020, she oversees Human Resources and Student Services. Her role has expanded to encompass Campus Safety, Risk Management, equity, Diversity, and accessibility and Environmental Health and safety. 

Williams has been instrumental in driving significant initiatives and improvements across the University throughout her tenure according to a Trent press release. Her leadership has been pivotal in enhancing Trent’s financial stability and employee benefits, typified when the University became the fourth University to join the multi-employer, jointly-sponsored University Pension Plan Ontario (UPP). The move saw the Trent University Faculty Union successfully transition to the UPP in January 2022 and initiate the process for employees represented by OPSEU Local 365 and exempt administrative staff to convert to the plan by January 2025.  

She has fostered positive relationships and successful collective agreements with unions by focusing on collaboration and mutual respect. In the realm of equity, diversity, and inclusion, she led the appointment of Trent’s inaugural director of EDI, advancing the University's mission to create a more inclusive campus. 

VP Williams has led enhancements in mental health strategy and Indigenous student support through her leadership of the Student Affairs portfolio, which includes the First Peoples House of Learning, Health Services, Counselling, Student Conduct, and Spiritual Affairs. Notably, her Human Resources efforts have focused on new initiatives and on continuing traditions that strengthen the Trent community, such as the annual Heart of the Trent event, which celebrates the contributions of staff, faculty, and retirees. 

VP Williams was also pivotal in Trent’s safe and effective response to the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to navigate shifts between remote and in-person work and learning, overseeing and developing vaccination and screening protocols and managing the COVID Case Management team. 

“I am honoured to be reappointed to this position,” said VP Williams. “After more than 20 years at Trent, this has been the most rewarding role I have held. I am excited about the future of the institution and what we will accomplish in the years ahead with our exceptional team. I look forward to playing a key role in supporting the incoming President with the rest of the leadership team, especially as it relates to managing growth opportunities and other areas of my expanded portfolio.” 

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University Spirit Takes a Rise for Wednesday to Celebrate Trent Day

Trent University’s community will show their school spirit to help mark the fourth-annual Trent Day with philanthropy on Wednesday.    

pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The City of Peterborough is recognizing the event and will proclaim Wednesday to be Trent Day, marking the occasion with an official flag raising ceremony. 

“Trent Day holds a significant place in the Trent University calendar, showcasing our core values of support, service, and spirit," said Sherry Booth ’98, Trent associate vice-president of philanthropy and alumni engagement. "It's a time to celebrate our dedication to these principles, our vital relationships within Peterborough and Durham, and unite as a community of alumni making a collective difference around the world. Our Trent spirit shines brighter than ever, and we warmly invite alumni and supporters everywhere to join us in this celebration.”

The event pays tribute to the April 1963 signing of the Trent University Act where the University was officially granted the ability to confer degrees.

How to take part in Trent Day 2024:     

1) Trent Day Support

Join the #TrentDay challenge and become one of 50 new monthly donors who offer reliable philanthropic support to the Trent Community. Gifts to the Trent Fund will respond to new and evolving student needs such as emergency housing and mental health initiatives. For details, visit the Trent Day monthly donors web page.

2) Trent Day Service 

In the tradition of service to the community, Trent alumni will come together in a unified display of service by volunteering with organizations including Kawartha Food Share, Feed the Need in Durham, Cuddles for Cancer, Peterborough Museum and Archives, and Casey House in Toronto. Alumni and friends can also get together, register an independent volunteer activity, and participate in a way that is meaningful to them, and on a day that suits their schedule.

A Trent Day food drive will take place at both the Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses. Staff, faculty, students, alumni and community members are encouraged to bring their non-perishable items to donation booths stationed on both campuses from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. on Tuesday, April 4. All donations will support Kawartha Food Share in Peterborough and Feed the Need in Durham in Oshawa.

3) Trent Day Spirit 

Whether at school, in the office, or out in the community, Trent Day is the time to wear your Trent gear and show your school spirit! Alumni and community members are encouraged to show #TrentDay pride on social media by sharing memories or posting photos in Trent gear (tag @TrentAlumni and use #TrentDay hashtag when posting).

“This is great way to celebrate Trent! We hope all members of the Trent community will show their Trent pride, take part in Trent Day activities, and make a gift to assist and empower a student,” said Booth.

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Peterborough Museum and Archives Announce New Exhibit With Fleming College

Fleming College students and Peterborough Museum & Archives have launched a new exhibit ‘Words & Beyond: How Communication Brings Us Together’ that started Saturday.

File Photo.

The Peterborough Museum & Archives is curating the exhibit by Fleming College’s Museum Management and Curatorship program students that explores how communication has shaped Peterborough and the surrounding area.

Everyone is invited to visit the exhibit to discover how we connect and the wider world.

It opened in the Heideman exhibit space on Saturday and continues until June 16. The official exhibit will open on April 17 from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., featuring music, snacks and activities.

“We’re excited to share this fun, new exhibit by the talented up-and-coming museum professionals from Fleming. Communication shapes our lives now more than ever, but has also played a key role in our local history,” said Susan Neale, Peterborough Museum and Archives director. “There’s so much to say so come talk about it.”

Admission is by donation. The PMA is wheelchair and stroller-accessible and free parking is available.

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Trent University Has Grand Reopening of Allan Marshall Pool After Significant Construction

After being renovated for several months for construction, the Allan Marshall Pool at Trent University celebrated its grand reopening and can welcome back swimmers, announced at the campus on Wednesday afternoon.

Amanda Devlin of the Peterborough Swim Club is one of three to take the first dip in Trent University grand reopening of the Allen Marshall pool that closed in late 2022 for reconstruction. pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

Construction resulted in a new ramp for increased accessibility, header walls with blocks for competitive swimming and several structural and mechanical upgrades. The hand-painted mural, originally commissioned by local artist Richard Hayman, has remained on the wall since 1999.

“Allowing community members and students of all abilities to enjoy our facilities is so important for the University,” said Tariq Al-idrissi, Trent vice-president of finance and administration. “The reconstruction and enhancements ensure that visitors to the Trent Athletics Centre will be able to enjoy our pool for years to come.”

The pool’s construction began in April and underwent five phases:

Demolition

• Phase 1: Demolition

• Phase 2: Inground Plumbing

• Phase 3: Backfilling

• Phase 4: Above-ground plumbing

• Phase 5: Tiling/Finishes

The project was aimed for completion in the fall of last year, with the finishing touches completed in late November. Following a series of final inspections, community programming was set for early January.

“There were no issues that we came across, with many large construction projects, some things can take a little bit longer with supply chain issues but everything really ran on track and was completed in late fall but programming starting in the new year,” said Leslie Spooner, Trent assistant director of customer engagement and operations.

A return to full community programming in the pool is underway. The Trent Swim Club, Kawartha Artistic Swimming, Special Olympics and Trent students have already scheduled events for pool use. Community swimming lessons are scheduled to resume in May.

The Allan Marshall Pool is named in honour of Flight Lieutenant Stuart Allan Marshall, who was born in Yorkton, Saskatchewan. He is remembered for his commitment to the sport of swimming, his involvement in the Peterborough community and his support in establishing Trent University—as originally proposed by the community in 1978.

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Applications Open For 2024 Steve Montador H.O.P.E Bursary For High School Students With Sports-Related Injuries

Applications for the Greater Peterborough Health Services Foundation (GPHSF) H.O.P.E. Bursary in honour of former NHL defenceman Steve Montador are open with the deadline on May 1 at midnight.

(from left to right) Mike Martone (H.O.P.E.), David Graham , Eliza Graham and Chad Cavanagh (H.O.P.E.). Eliza was last year’s recipient of the bursary. Photo courtesy of Vince Bierworth and GPHSF.

The bursary is for high school students who have a reduced academic workload due to the suffering effects of sports-related injuries and are transitioning into college or university.

A committee consisting of H.O.P.E., Team 55, GPHSF, Your Family Health Team Foundation and the Canadian Mental Health Association will review all applicants. Applicants will be notified of their status by May 20.

To be considered for the Bursary, you need to be:

• A student at a Peterborough City/County-based high school and registered in a first-year program at college/university

• Suffering from post-concussion syndrome sustained from a sports-related injury

• Be in satisfactory academic standing

• Have financial need

Students can apply for the bursary by downloading the registration form online.

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Innovation Cluster Launches Program to Aid Student Entrepreneurs From Post-Secondary Institutions

The Innovation Cluster has launched the 2024 Slingshot Program to help accelerate student entrepreneurs from Trent University and Fleming College to enter the front lines of the startup world, announced on Monday morning.

pHOTO BY dAVID tUAN bUI.

The program offers a seven-week course culminating in a pitch competition on July 4th. The winner will be awarded a $3,000 prize to aid their entrepreneurship. Applications are open until April 21.

The program offers a pioneering curriculum led by industry leaders, covering:

• Entrepreneurship Essentials: A deep dive into the fundamentals of entrepreneurship, equipping students with critical concepts and principles.

• Business Idea Development: Techniques to refine and market-validate business ideas.

• Business Model Analysis: Instruction on utilizing the Business Model Canvas for strategic venture development.

• Market Research and Marketing Plans: Training in conducting effective market research and crafting compelling marketing strategies.

• Pitching Skills and Competition: Opportunities to hone pitching skills and compete for a $3,000 prize.

Slingshot is open to university and college students or a graduate within the past six months.

Applications must meet the following criteria to apply:

• Must be in the region of Peterborough and Kawartha Lakes

• Must have a passion for entrepreneurship

• Must be beyond ideation (MVP ideal)

• Must have a business in innovation and technology (Social Innovation accepted)

An information session is scheduled for Wednesday at noon at the Innovation Cluster. It offers further insights into the program and its benefits. 

Potential applications are asked to RSVP for their information session.

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Trent University Reappoints Vice-President, Communications & Enrolment To Second Five-Year Term

Trent University and president Leo Groarke have reappointed Marilyn Burns to a second five-year term as vice-president of Communications and Enrolment at Trent University, effective July 1, 2025, announced on Tuesday. 

Burns oversees 65 staff members across Communications, undergraduate domestic Recruitment, domestic and international Admissions and Trent’s five Colleges. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Marilyn has been a driving force behind Trent’s rising reputation, impressive strides in recruitment, and the University’s renewed commitment to its collegiate system – positioning Trent as a leader in higher education,” said Groarke. “The remarkable progress we've seen in communications and enrolment under Marilyn's leadership is just the beginning. Her expertise and dedication will be instrumental in continuing to guide the University through its next phases of growth and innovation, including the opening of Gidigaa Migizi College – the University’s sixth college.”

Burns joined Trent in 2001 and has served in several roles over her 20+-year career at Trent. They include associate vice president of Communications & Recruitment, executive director of Marketing & Communications, Recruitment & Admissions, and director of Marketing & Communications.  

She was appointed vice-president, communications & enrolment in July 2020. Enrolment at the University has increased 53 per cent across Trent’s two campuses in Peterborough and Durham GTA since 2014 according to a press release.

As chair of the Champlain Committee, she led the Champlain Report, which resulted in several recommendations including the naming of Trent’s sixth college: Gidigaa Migizi College. 

“I am honoured and excited to continue in my role, building on our successes and facing new challenges head-on. I’d like to thank my team for their focus on Trent’s distinctive qualities, like the Colleges which alongside strong recruitment and enrolment strategies have been key to our rising reputation,” said Burns. “I look forward to further enhancing the Trent experience for our students, faculty, and the broader community, especially as we expand our presence in Durham and welcome the new Gidigaa Migizi College.”  

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Kenner Students Sink Their Teeth Into Apples For School Nutrition Awareness During 'Great Big Crunch'

Roughly 180 Grade 7 and 8 students from Kenner Intermediate School students and staff crunched into apples in sync at the ‘Great Big Crunch’ to highlight the need for sustainably funded school food programs across Canada on Thursday morning.

(From left to right) Easton Howard, 12; Savannah Amos, 12; Mona Abokhashref, 12 and Zoey Tremblay, 12 were one of 180 Kenner students crunching into apples at Kenner’s auditorium. As one trivia question asked at the assembly, Macintosh is Canada’s national apple. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

Food For Kids, a student nutrition program, provides nutritious food for 51 Peterborough City and County schools (elementary and high) including Kenner.

Students can arrive hungry to school for several reasons such as long bus rides, rushed mornings and skipped meals.

“I think it's really important, — especially as kids are growing and teenagers like to eat a lot — to be aware that in this day and age when food is so very expensive,” said Tania Lamond, Kenner principal. “We've got many households with food insecurities that we're very fortunate to have Food For Kids fund our nutrition bins so we have healthy food and snacks for our students every morning.”

Kenner had an assembly welcoming the Food For Kids representatives and Peterborough Public Health to briefly teach nutrition and hold trivia before chomping into Ontario-grown apples. The apple-biting measured 94 decibles which is considered roughly the equivalent to a belt sander.

“You could see that all the kids were engaged and really excited to crunch on our apples,” said Lamond. “But I think the most important message today was to bring awareness to the fact that we do have this amazing food program that provides the food here for our students that depend on it.”

This was the 20th year that Kenner’s nutrition program has been in place.

The apples were provided by Peterborough Wholesalers Ltd. and were washed and distributed by the students.

Kenner is openly accepting donations and sponsorships to help continue their food program.

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Peterborough Transit To Provide Grade 8 Transit Quest Program During March Break

Peterborough Transit has partnered with Active School Travel Peterborough to provide the Grade 8 Transit Quest program from March 8 to March 17.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The program encourages students to use public transit by providing a free transit pass during March Break.

The Quest’s purpose is to increase students’ familiarity of the Peterborough Transit system as they begin to travel independently. Peterborough Transit alos wants a goal of making transit a mode of transportation that is both normal and accessible for local youth. Children aged 12 and under ride transit free year-round.

As incentive, students will receive a destination passport along with their transit passes which features free or discounted travel destinations.

“This is a great program to encourage kids to get familiar with Peterborough Transit routes,” said Ashley Burnie, GreenUp program coordinator. “Transit is an ideal transportation option for students to get to part-time jobs, shopping or seeing friends across town.”

Active School Travel Peterborough will be distributing the Grade 8 Transit Quest destination passports and free transit passes to Grade 8 classes in the City of Peterborough this week.

Ten destinations are featured in the Transit Quest destination passport including the Sport and Wellness Centre, the Public Library, the Museum and Archives and the Art Gallery of Peterborough, among other local businesses. Participants are encouraged to post to social media with #PTBOTransitQuest to share their journey and return their passports to their teacher to be entered into a class raffle.

New to the program are on-bus orientations for classes upon request.

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Fleming College Offering Free Tax Clinic For Eligible Residents During March

Fleming College is offering free tax clinics to any eligible persons this March.

Administered through a program with the Canada Revenue Agency, the community tax clinics are supervised by Accounting program instructors and organized with the help of Enactus Fleming College’s Keys to Me program. Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The clinics are open to eligible community members and Fleming students. Accounting students provide the clinics as a hands-on learning experience in their chosen field.

Clinics take place each Monday from March 4 to April 1 from noon to 4 p.m. in the Kawartha Trades and Technology Centre at Fleming’s Sutherland Campus.

To be eligible for the free clinics, individuals must:

• Have an income of $35,000 or less for individuals

• Have a combined income of $45,000 or less for a couple

• Have a combined income of $47,500 or less for a family of three

• Have a combined income of $50,000 or less for a family of four

Students will not prepare returns for anyone self-employed, for those who have capital gains or losses, employment expenses or have filed for bankruptcy.

Eligible residents can make an appointment at the clinic by emailing taxclinic@flemingcollege.ca, or registering online. Walk-ins can also be accommodated depending on availability.

Free parking is available for residents travelling to the Sutherland Campus for the tax clinic. Fleming requests that anyone coming to email the clinic in advance with your licence plate information and date of arrival to qualify for the free parking.

Anyone attending the clinic is asked to bring the following information:

• Social Insurance Number

• T2202A Tuition Receipt (if applicable)

• Rent Receipts for rent paid in Ontario in 2023 (if applicable)

• Medical expense receipts

• T4 Statement of Income (provided by your employer if you worked in Canada in 2023)

• Any other tax related slips you may receive in the mail, like a T5 or a T3 slip (for investment income)

• International students and new Canadians filing a tax return for the first time will need to provide their date of arrival in Canada

Fleming also welcomes eligible residents to drop off their tax information.

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