Trent University and PRHC Partner For Healthcare Advancement In Peterborough

Trent University and Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) are partnering to advance healthcare with a new agreement outlining plans to enhance interdisciplinary research activity, leadership training, applied learning and career opportunities and student volunteer opportunities, announced on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“This agreement strengthens Trent University’s collaboration with PRHC, creating new opportunities to engage in research, share expertise, and drive meaningful impact in healthcare,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “The collaboration is about more than formalizing our work together—it’s about opening doors to new longer-term projects, securing critical funding, expanding hands-on learning for students, and scaling innovations that will help shape the future of healthcare in our region and beyond.”

“At Peterborough Regional Health Centre, we’ve made a strategic commitment to building our teaching and research focus, and our long-standing partnership with Trent University is key to moving this work forward,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, PRHC President and CEO. “By cultivating our research and innovation partnerships, PRHC will strengthen the patient care and support we offer at our regional hospital for years and decades to come, and offer expanded and enhanced educational opportunities for students pursuing careers in healthcare and related fields.”

As outlined in a new memorandum of understanding (MOU), Trent and PRHC will work together on various initiatives highlighting the two institutions' strengths, including research, leadership development and experiential learning for post-secondary students, according to Trent.

Key areas of collaboration include:

• Research collaborations to tackle pressing health issues – including diabetes and seniors’ care – and expand eligible funding sources for both Trent and PRHC

• Development of data infrastructure and data governance to support seamless and secure knowledge exchanges between healthcare professionals and academic researchers

• Undergraduate and volunteer experience in the hospital for Trent students

• Development of micro-credentials on healthcare leadership

• Adjunct teaching opportunities PRHC staff to serve as adjunct instructors and clinical mentors at Trent

• Sustainability and energy initiatives that help both institutions progress toward reduced environmental footprints

“This is just the beginning of this new avenue of collaboration, and we look forward to sharing more stories and outcomes from the work we do together in the coming months and years with the Peterborough community,” said Julie Davis, vice president, External Relations & Development.

"When strong partners such as PRHC and Trent University work together, supported by their community donors, so much more becomes possible. This is an exciting new example of collaboration and collective efforts fuelling innovation and progress that will help us reimagine what healthcare looks like in our region and create a healthier, stronger community for all,” said Lesley Heighway, president, PRHC Foundation.

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Peterborough Lakers Partner With Fleming College Students For Business and Marketing Consultation

As a final project for 39 Fleming College students, they are providing business and marketing consultation for the Peterborough Lakers in a partnership announced at the Peterborough and District Sports Hall of Fame on Friday morning.

Pete Dalliday (right) addresses the Fleming Students during a Q&A session. Photo by David Tuan bui.

The students are from the General Business program within Fleming College’s School of Business and IT Applied Projects class. The collaboration will run until April for the undergraduate students.

“This collaboration project is to build awareness and sales for the Peterborough Lakers,” said David Swales, program coordinator and professor. “The project itself is to create the strategy and identify deliverables; we’re acting like consultants.”

Students are responsible for conducting research to create a consulting package on how to raise ticket sales and gain sponsorships for the Lakers. Pete Dalliday, Lakers director of community engagement, laid out an overview of the organization’s current status and goals of what they are looking to achieve.

Swales says the students are well-equipped with the tools to effectively help the Lakers reach their goals.

“So many of them have such great social media skills so there’s a lot of expertise they can bring,” he explained.

After the Q&A session, the students were given a tour of the facility and treated to briefly watch an ongoing hockey game at the Peterborough Memorial Centre.

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Public Invited to 'Curl With Cathy Funspeil' to Support Trent Student-Athletes On Feb. 15

To support student-athletes, Trent University’s Athletics & Recreation invites the public to join their president, Cathy Bruce, for the inaugural ‘Curl with Cathy Funspeil’ held at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Feb. 15.

Photo courtesy of Trent University and the Peterborough Golf and Country Club.

The proceeds go towards Trent’s Green & White Athletics Financial Awards. It is given to entering student-athletes who achieved an entering academic average above 80 per cent and have been recruited for Trent athletics.

No curling experience is necessary to participate as it is a non-competitive tournament. All required equipment, such as sliders, grippers and brooms, are provided.

Each team will play two six-end games from an early draw (9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m.) or a late draw (11:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.).

The cost is $100 per person and includes a $70 charitable donation receipt and a lunch buffet.

Registration is open to groups of four or for individuals. Those looking to register can sign up online.

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Professional Wrestler Cody Deaner To Guest Speak At Local Elementary Schools Through Kiwanis Club Sponsorship Tour In Feburary

Through a sponsorship by the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough, Chris Gray, better known as professional wrestling/speaker Cody Deaner, is doing a fifth tour of several Peterborough schools as a guest speaker, announced on Tuesday.

The Kiwanis Club of Peterborough is celebrating 104 years of service to the Peterborough community. It is part of a global membership of over 550,000 in 80 countries. Photo courtesy of Kiwanis Club of Peterborough.

The Total Nonstop Wrestling star will speak at St. Paul’s Catholic Elementary School and Rhema Christian School on Feb. 6 and Monsignor O’Donohue Catholic Elementary School and Prince of Wales Public School on Feb. 7.

“We’re very excited to bring Chris back to Peterborough for another tour”, said Jeff Westlake, Kiwanis past president. “His previous tours have been tremendously popular with both students and staff. This will bring the number of schools we’ve visited to 15.”

“I’m delighted to be returning to Peterborough next month,” said Gray. “The partnership with the Kiwanis Club of Peterborough has been outstanding these last few years, and I’m eager to inspire area kids with my stories and message of ‘Dare to Dream Big.’”

Gray is a recommended speaker with the Canadian Student Leadership Association. Their mission statement is ‘to support and encourage student leadership in Canada.’

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Trent University School of Business Names New 2024-25 CEO In Residence

Trent University has made real estate and financial executive Jaime McKenna their 2024-25 School of Business CEO in Residence.

McKenna holds a Bachelor of Business Administration degree with honours and is a Chartered Professional Accountant, Chartered Business Valuator, and holds the Institute of Corporate Directors designation. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

McKenna is a president of Fengate Real Estate and a member of the Trent University Board of Governors.

“We are delighted to welcome Jaime as our next CEO in Residence. Her extensive business expertise, proven leadership and innovative approach to real estate and finance will provide invaluable insights and inspiration to our students, faculty, and broader University community,” said Dr. Byron Lew, Trent director of the School of Business. “Her appointment underscores our commitment to connecting students with industry leaders who exemplify excellence and drive transformative change.”

McKenna’s residency will take place on Jan. 16 and Feb. 27 at the Peterborough Symons Campus with mentorship sessions, classroom visits and a panel discussion. On March 11 and 13, McKenna will join the Trent University Durham GTA campus with additional classroom visits, mentorship sessions, and a panel discussion.

“I’m honoured to be the next Trent School of Business CEO in Residence and mentor the next generation of business leaders,” said McKenna. “Trent was incredibly impactful for me during a challenging time in my life. Without Trent, I might not have had the confidence to achieve my career aspirations and pursue my post-graduate designations. I hope by telling students about my educational and career journey they can see that truly anything is possible with hard work, grit, determination, and a university that supports your dreams.”

In addition to serving as a member of Trent’s Board of Governors (2024-27) and on the Board’s Finance and Audit Committee, McKenna is an active member of several other boards, including the Real Property Association of Canada and Seasons Retirement Communities.

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PVNCCDSB Raises Nearly $60,000 During Annual United Way Campaign

The Peterborough Victoria Northumberland and Clarington Catholic District School Board (PVNCCDSB) has raised $59,893 for its 2024 United Way campaign to support the latter’s four organizations serving local communities, announced on Wednesday.

File Photo.

Funds were raised through payroll donations and school fundraising initiatives. They included as pumpkin carving contests, soup sales, dress-down days, put-your-principal-to-work raffles and more.

“Housing, food insecurity, domestic violence - these are the types of issues that often keep our staff up at night because they see the need firsthand in our schools and communities,” said Galen Eagle, the Board’s United Way campaign chair. “It’s incredibly empowering to witness the way our staff rally together to address these challenges through our annual United Way campaign. Their dedication to supporting United Way programs is a reflection of their deep care for our students, families, and neighbours.”

“The generosity of our staff speaks volumes about the social justice spirit that defines our Catholic schools,” said Stephen O’Sullivan, director of education. “Rooted in Catholic Social Teachings, our school communities embrace the call to care for the vulnerable and build a just society. This campaign is a testament to the compassion and faith-driven commitment of everyone at PVNC Catholic.”

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Trent University and Buddhist College of Canada Sign Memorandum of Understanding to Foster Cultural Exchange

Trent University and The Buddhist College of Canada (BCC) have agreed on a memorandum of understanding (MOU), to foster cultural exchange and outline diverse opportunities for collaborative education in the Peterborough area and beyond.

The Venerable Dayi Shi, president of the Buddhist College of Canada (left) and Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University (right) shake hands after signing a memorandum of understanding. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Trent University and the Buddhist College of Canada share a deep commitment to community, personal well-being and the arts, as well as environmental stewardship and sustainable agriculture,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “We look forward to a range of academic, research, and experiential learning opportunities with the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden going forward.”

BCC is housed at the Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden in Bethany. According to Trent, it provides an ideal setting for many of its students to apply the theory and concepts they study in class in a practical, cultural and spiritual context. 

Students studying Business Administration, Communications, Sustainable Agriculture & Food Systems, Environmental Resource Science/Studies and other subjects will be able to work with colleagues at the BCC to conduct research and contribute to solutions to real-world challenges.

“This association represents a harmonious blending of knowledge and tradition,” said the Venerable Dayi Shi, president of the Buddhist College of Canada. “By working together, we can inspire meaningful learning experiences for students while contributing to the growth and understanding of Buddhist philosophy, environmental stewardship, and cultural exchange within our community.”

Including experiential learning opportunities, the agreement opens up academic courses including Chinese history, spirituality, Eastern philosophy and language learning.

“Our colleagues at the Buddhist College of Canada bring a depth of knowledge in Buddhist traditions, philosophy, and Chinese history,” said Dr. Mark Skinner, Trent dean of Humanities and Social Sciences. “This partnership opens exciting opportunities for Trent students to learn from these inspiring experts, with our faculty integrating new experiential learning into our existing Arts degree programs and potentially new curriculum through the creation of micro-credentials that will leverage and showcase the knowledge and expertise at the BCC.”

Students can participate in community-based research projects centred on developing the expansive Wutai Shan Buddhist Garden. Additionally, cultural exchange opportunities will allow students to immerse themselves in traditional Chinese practices, such as tea ceremonies, Chinese calligraphy, and meditation, offered as micro-credential and for-credit courses.

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Trent University Alumnus Appointed Officer to the Order of Canada

Trent alumnus Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell (Traill College ‘83) has received the nation’s highest honour by being appointed an officer to the Order of Canada.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

McDonnell is a professor of hydrology and associate director of the Global Institute for Water Security. His award-winning research has had a seminal scientific impact on the field, including advancing water security and deepening the world’s understanding of the water cycle according to Trent.

“On behalf of the Trent University community, I congratulate Dr. Jeffrey McDonnell on his achievements that exemplify Trent’s values of excellence, innovation, and leadership in water research,” said Naomi Handley, Trent director of Alumni Engagement & Services. “Dr. McDonnel’s remarkable contributions to hydrology not only advance scientific understanding but also serve as a profound source of inspiration for our students who, like him, are poised to lead in environmental sciences and shape the future of water research.” 

McDonnel’s appointment was announced by Her Excellency the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and Trent’s seventh chancellor.

“Trent is where it all started for me,” said McDonnell. “My professors and peers all shaped me, and Trent provided the launching pad for my research career.” 

He has served as President of the American Geophysical Union’s Hydrology Section and the International Association of Hydrological Sciences International Commission on Tracers while also being named a member of the Royal Society of Canada and a fellow of the Geological Society of America and the Royal Geographical Society.  

According to Trent, McDonnell’s research has led to new techniques for measuring and understanding how rainfall moves through landscapes while improving our understanding of how watersheds store and release water.

“Understanding these issues is critical to solving some of the world’s biggest water challenges,” he says.

McDonnell’s accolades include the 2016 International Hydrology Prize from the International Association of Hydrological Sciences, UNESCO and the World Meteorological Organization and prizes from the European Geosciences Union, American Institute of Hydrology, and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 

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Fleming College Introduces New Continuing Education Language Courses

Fleming College is expanding its in-person Continuing Education language course offerings at its Frost Campus in Lindsay and Sutherland Campus in Peterborough.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Starting in January, both campuses will offer Conversational French (Level 1 and Level 2, with Level 3 launching in spring), Conversational Spanish (Beginner and Intermediate), American Sign Language (Level 1—Part A, with Part B arriving in spring) and Conversational Italian (Level 1 and Level 2).

All classes are taught by faculty who are native speakers of the language.

The French, Spanish, and Italian courses are focused mainly on building conversational skills.

Students who complete both parts of the American Sign Language course will have reached Level 1 proficiency of ASL, as recognized by the American Council on the Teaching of Foreign Languages (ACTFL).

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Fleming College Introduces FastPass to Grant Credits From Prior Education or Experience

Fleming College has introduced FastPass to determine whether credits are based on prior education, work or volunteer experience, certifications and licenses, traditional or organizational learning, or life experience apply to their programs.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

Students can easily check their eligibility for Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR).

“PLAR can kickstart a new student’s program by giving them credits for skills and competencies they’ve earned elsewhere,” says Sherry Gosselin, Fleming executive vice president, information technology. “That way it shortens the duration to graduation, can reduce the money they spend, and can get them to the workforce faster.”

The FastPass tool also boasts helping decide which program is the best fit according to Fleming. The FastPass credit predictor can identify which program would match up best with a diploma after uploading a résumé.

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