Trent University Released Eight Names For 2024 Alumni Awards
/Trent has announced eight recipients of its 2024 Alumni Association Awards for their achievements during and after their time at the University.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
Peterborough Blogs
Ontario Government Invests Over $3 Million to Improve Trent University's Infrastructure
/The Ontario Government has invested $3,002,300 into Trent University’s infrastructure to help its students access to modern facilities, learning tools and equipment, announced at the school’s Student Centre on Thursday morning.
(From left to right) Kathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor; Tariq Al-idrissi, Vice-President of Finance & Administration and Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP in front of ongoing consutrction of an accessible pathway along the Otonabee River. The pathway stretches from Bata Library to Champlain College. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Trent is using the money to:
Enhance the learning environment and campus experience for students, faculty and staff with infrastructure upgrades and improvements to critical academic and research facilities.
Increase efficiency and reduce the University’s environmental impact by enhancing building exteriors, mechanical and electrical systems.
Prioritize accessibility, AODA standards, health and safety through essential facilities as well as ramps and stairs, and updated signage.
“This support will ensure students at Trent University have access to modern instructional equipment to meet business and industry standards, increase student access to micro-credentials and enhance the overall student experience,” said Dave Smith, Peterborough-Kawartha MPP. “By investing in postsecondary infrastructure, we are not only supporting our local economy but ensuring students develop the skills they need to succeed in the workforce.”
“This significant contribution from the government helps Trent University enhance the environments of our renowned campuses, ensuring our award-winning architecture and its infrastructure are keeping pace with the latest upgrades and innovations,” said Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “At Trent, we are dedicated to student success and wellbeing, prioritizing a safe and modern environment for both learning and teaching. This investment not only strengthens the University but also reinforces Trent's role as a vital asset and key contributor to the local communities and Ontario’s economy.”
The most notable part of the investment is an accessible pathway that starts from Bata Library, travels north underneath Faryon Bridge and extends out to Champlain College. The construction has already been ongoing for two years with expected projected completion before Head of the Trent which takes place on Oct. 4 and 5.
While the University is known for its architecture, it had its accessibility issues. Having the balance between modernization and preserving heritage was key in making these upgrades.
“We have that level of modernization that students are looking for, we have safe and accessible campuses but we also need to be preserving the heritage,” said Bruce. “We needed to preserve the riverside and we need to make it really conducive to community and anybody who wants to come along here and enjoy that.”
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Trent University Honours Outgoing Board Chair With Special Bench Dedication
/During Trent’s Board of Governors’ final regular meeting, the University honoured outgoing Board Chair Debra Cooper Burger with a special bench dedication on Thursday.
Photo courtesy of TRent University.
The bench is located outside the Athletics Centre, honouring her six years of service to the Board, (and three years as chair).
“We are thrilled to acknowledge Debra’s passion for athletics and her unwavering commitment to our community with a bench in her honour outside the Justin Chiu Stadium, serving as a lasting tribute to the indelible mark she has left on our institution,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, outgoing Trent president and vice-chancellor.
Cooper Burger has been a key contributor to several academic, philanthropic and development projects according to a press release.
Initiatives include revitalizing Trent’s Allan Marshall Pool, creating the Jaylynn Bennett Amphitheatre at Traill College, welcoming the inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Political Trust & Leadership and championing Board of Governors Leadership scholarships.
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Hometown PTBO: Dr. Leo Groarke Finishing His Tenure As Trent University's President and Vice-Chancellor For a Decade
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This week on Hometown PTBO, David Tuan Bui talks with Dr. Leo Groarke about finishing 10 years as Trent University's president and vice-chancellor, how he got the positions and the next steps of his life.
Trent Athletics Raise $78,000 For Student-Athlete Scholarships In 18th Annual President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament
/Drives, chips and putts were all there at Trent University’s 18th annual President’s Excalibur Golf Tournament as they raised $78,000 for student-athletes at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club on Thursday.
(from left to right) (back row) Kevin Anness, student-athlete (men's rugby); Bob McCullough, President, Ameresco Canada (Title sponsor of event), Dr. Scott Henderson, Dean & Head of Trent Durham; Neil Caldwell, Vice-President , Canadian Operations, Ameresco Canada Inc. ; Tariq Al-idrissi, Vice President, Finance & Administration, Trent University; Lucy Hunyh, Vice-President, Finance, Ameresco Canada Inc.; Debra Cooper Burger, Board Chair, Trent Board of Governors; Dr. Michael Burger; Isabelle Pellerine, student-athlete (women's volleyball). (front row) Julie Davis, Vice- President, External Relations & Development, Trent University; Dr. Michael Kahn, Provost & Vice-President Academic, Trent University; Nathan McFadden, Director Athletics & Recreation. Photo courtesy of Trent University
“We are so appreciative of the unwavering support of our donors,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent Athletics & Recreation director. “Their generosity ensures the continued success of the Green and White Scholarship Fund, which allows us to recruit and reward our student-athletes for their achievements both academically and athletically. This vital support assists in removing financial barriers for our student-athletes, setting them up for success in their sport and their studies.”
The Green and White Scholarship is offered to student-athletes who have achieved an average of 70 per cent and have been recruited for their athletics skills and abilities. Returning student-athletes must maintain that average to be considered for a multi-year scholarship.
“The green and white scholarship has relieved some of the financial hardships that student-athletes struggle with,” said Natalie Fournier, Trent student-athlete and tournament keynote speaker. “Not only do these scholarships help financially but they symbolize the unique community surrounding Trent Athletics.”
Of the 20 foursomes that participated this year, the winning team was Weirfoulds LLP.
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Trent University Receives $250,000 For Transfer Student Support
/Trent University has received $250,000 in funding from the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT) to implement projects supporting postsecondary learner mobility, announced on Wednesday.
ONCAT is flowing over $2.8 million to support 39 projects at 35 colleges, universities and Indigenous Institutes in Ontario. Photo courtesy of Trent University.
Trent received the news by Dr. Adrienne Galway, executive director of ONCAT, Jill Dunlop, Minister of Colleges and Universities, and Dr. Ann Marie Vaughan, president and CEO of Humber College on Monday.
“Transfer students are an important part of Trent University’s student body. We aim to serve their unique goals and needs and are thrilled to receive funding for three ONCAT projects that will help our transfer students succeed at our Peterborough and Durham campuses,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor.” As a transfer-credit friendly institution, we are pleased to strengthen our accessible pathways and tailored student supports.”
Trent has been ‘singled out for providing comprehensive student transfer services,’ according to a 2020 ONCAT report. The University continues to say that to strengthen transfer systems even further, they will use the new funds to implement the following projects:
Development of a new University Transfer Credit Processing Policy: Trent has been awarded $75,000 to develop a transfer credit processing policy. This policy will enhance internal processes and further reduce wait times for incoming transfer students through standard practices for everyone involved in credit assessments.
The Bridge: An Expansion for Transfer Students: Building on a successful and pre-established bridging program, the $100,000 awarded for this project will help develop a transfer student-specific stream centered on academic success and social integration during student transition. Trent will take a comprehensive approach to this project through consultation and design with students, faculty, staff, and curriculum designers.
Transfer Student Success: Identifying and Piloting Challenges, Solutions and Outcomes: Trent has been awarded $75,000 to develop tools that will assess, monitor, and improve transfer student academic success and satisfaction. The project will research and pilot skill development opportunities to assist student transition, while developing systems for future use to track success over time.
“Empowering learners with accessible pathways to navigate their educational journey is key to helping them achieve their professional and academic goals,” said Dr. Galway. “The increased funding will promote improved transitions between institutions and programs, helping learners get where they want to go.”
“The Ontario government is proud to support ONCAT’s important work to make it easier for learners of all backgrounds to pursue their educational goals,” said Minister Jill Dunlop. “By facilitating smoother transitions and recognizing the wealth of knowledge gained through previous experience, we are fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment to advance student success in Ontario.”
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Free Summer Concerts Hitting Outdoor Amphitheatre For Trent University's Music on the Hill Series
/Trent University’s Catharine Parr Traill College is hosting its Music on the Hill series of free summer concerts at the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
The concerts begin on June 13 and are held every second Thursday evening from 7 to 9 p.m. They are open and free to the public.
The William and Nona Heaslip Music on the Hill series features six summer concerts featuring an eclectic mix of jazz, classical, and folk-rock music.
“We think it’s a great way for the family to come and hear some great music at a great venue,” said Dr. Michael Eamon, Catharine Parr Traill College principal.
Explore the life of a young J.S Bach through stories and musical interludes in J.S. Bach’s Long Walk in the Snow, presented by CBC’s Tom Allen on July 11. Enjoy a homecoming of sorts of Trent alumni playing folk-rock – think Mumford and Sons – in I, The Mountain on July 25. Or take in a performance of more than 50 local musicians in the Peterborough Concert Band on August 8.
“We like to think of it as a nexus, a community gathering place,” said Eamon. “Where the local community meets the University to experience music and culture.”
Many of the concerts feature performers from the Peterborough community, Trent alumni, and even some Trent staff and faculty. The William and Nona Heaslip Foundation, which supports the arts and education, provided funding for the series.
Rounding out the program are Carpe Noctem, featuring a local jazz group, on June 13; a chamber ensemble from the Peterborough Symphony Orchestra Chamber Ensemble, on June 27; and a two-part concert featuring musicians from the Peterborough Concert Band including Clarintella, a clarinet quintet, and Manorhill, a jazz quartet, on Aug. 22.
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Trent Excalibur Names Jocelyne Lemay As New Head Coach of Women’s Lacrosse
/Former world champion Jocelyne Lemay has been selected as the new Head Coach of the Trent Excalibur Women’s Lacrosse program, announced on Friday.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
Lemay played lacrosse for four years from 2015-2019 at Central Michigan University, graduating with a science degree before completing her Education degree at Trent.
She competed as a student-athlete with the Excalibur for two seasons from 2020 to 202) before joining the program as an assistant coach for the past two years. In 2019, Lemay was part of Team Canada’s World Championship squad that captured the Women’s Field Lacrosse title.
“I am thrilled to have Jocelyne lead our Women’s Lacrosse program going forward,” said Nathan McFadden, Trent director of athletics and recreation. “Her NCAA experience as a student-athlete, coaching philosophy and clear vision for our program aligned seamlessly with our new standard of success and belief in community involvement. As a former world champion with Team Canada’s field lacrosse team, she brings elite-level experience with a championship pedigree. Having played on, and been an assistant coach with our team, she has a strong sense of pride in the Excalibur and shares our values in developing holistic student-athletes.”
Lemay has an OUA gold medal under her belt from her 2021 season as a student-athlete and both a silver and bronze medal from her time as an assistant coach from 2022-2023.
“I'm very excited to step into this new role as the Trent Women's Lacrosse Head Coach,” said Lemay. “My time as a student-athlete is something that I cherish and my goal is to provide the same opportunities and experiences to our current and future players. I'm committed to working with each student-athlete to ensure they are successful on the field, in the classroom and amongst our community.”
Training camp for the 2024-25 season begins in August with the season kicking off in September.
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Trent University to Expect Largest Graduating Class In School's History For 2024 Convocation
/Degrees are being handed out more than ever as Trent University expects over 3,100 graduates during its 2024 convocation, the largest graduating class in school history across its Peterborough and Durham Greater Toronto Area campuses from June 4 to 14.
Photo courtesy of Trent University.
A record 2,664 undergraduates and the largest class of graduate students, including 504 Ph.D., masters and diploma graduates, will be celebrated over 13 ceremonies, according to Trent. Peterborough ceremonies will occur June 4 to 7 and June 10 to 11 on the Symons Campus.
Trent University Durham GTA convocation ceremonies will occur on June 14, at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa. The ceremonies will celebrate the accomplishments of 765 graduates, the largest graduating class in Trent Durham history.
A record number of convocation ambassador volunteers will support ceremonies including 195 staff, students, faculty, retirees, and alumni from both campuses who will be on-site to direct students and greet and assist guests.
This year’s ceremonies give honorary degrees to four social changemakers recognized for their extraordinary contributions to society.
In Peterborough, honorary degrees will/have be bestowed upon:
Dr. Audrey Kobayashi (June 5 – 2 p.m. ceremony) Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, globally recognized scholar of feminist geography, and human rights advocate
Harvey McCue (Waubegeshig) C.M. (June 6 – 2 p.m. ceremony) member of the Order of Canada, celebrated scholar, co-founder of Trent’s Indigenous Studies department, and expert on Indigenous self-government
International children’s rights activist and member of the Order of Ontario Cheryl Perera will be presented with an honorary degree at the Trent University Durham GTA convocation ceremony on June 14 at 2 p.m.
Dr. Leo Groarke will deliver the convocation address during the afternoon ceremony on Monday in Peterborough and the morning ceremony on June 14 in Durham.
These will be his last convocation ceremonies as Trent’s eighth president and vice-chancellor when his second term as president concludes at the end of June.
Dr. Stephen Stohn ‘66, chancellor of Trent University, will also address graduates at the convocation.
During the 2024 Peterborough convocation ceremonies, Trent will honour several of its most accomplished students with special awards:
The Governor General’s Academic Medal to reward scholastic merit was established in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin, who served as Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878. The Silver Medal, presented to the undergraduate student with the highest academic standing, is awarded to Tovan Lew, B.Sc. Honours Biomedical Science. The Gold Medal for highest academic standing in graduate programs is awarded to Amanda Orr, Ph.D. Environmental & Life Sciences.
The President's Medal, established in 2009 to reward academic excellence and achievement at the graduate studies level, will be awarded to three graduate students who achieved academic excellence: Helen Knibb, Ph.D. Canadian Studies; Andrew Hoyt, M.A. History; and Justin Lockhart, M.Sc. Environmental & Life Sciences.
The Symons Medal, established in 1972 in honour of Trent’s founding president T.H.B. Symons, will be awarded to four undergraduate students in the honours program who achieve high overall standing on graduation: Khubaib Khan, B.Sc. Honours Biology; Maggie Chalk, B.Sc. Honours Biomedical Science; Shannon Harrison, B.Sc. Honours Mathematics; and Alexis Laplante, B.Sc. Honours Anthropology.
The Bagnani Medal, established in 1986 to honour the late founding faculty member Professor Gilbert Bagnani, will be awarded to two students in the general program who achieve high overall standing on graduation: Claire Johnston, B.Sc. Biology; and Carolyn King, B.A. Indigenous Studies.
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Trent University Reappoints Dr. Michael Khan As Provost and Vice-President Academic
/Trent University has reappointed Dr. Michael Khan to a second five-year term as provost and vice-president Academic, effective Aug. 1, 2025, announced on Wednesday.
Khan grew up in Trinidad and Tobago. He holds a Ph.D. in Human Kinetics from the University of British Columbia, an M.A. in Kinesiology from the University of Western Ontario, and a B.Sc. in Geophysics from McGill University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.
