CUPE and Trent University Reach Tentative Agreement

CUPE Local 3908 Unit 2 and Trent University reached a tentative settlement on a new Collective Agreement, pending ratification, effective Sept. 1.

CUPE represents over 550 part-time academic workers registered undergraduate and graduate students at Trent University. File Photo.

Both teams have agreed to recommend the tentative settlement to their respective parties. CUPE will provide details regarding a meeting for members to ratify the agreement. The settlement is also subject to ratification by the University’s Board of Governors.

Details of the tentative agreement will be released through a joint communique after ratification.

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Arts Advocate Made Honorary Fellow of Traill College

David Goyette was made an Honorary Fellow of Catharine Parr Traill College at a ceremony at Trent University's downtown Peterborough campus.

One of the founding colleges of Trent University, Traill College is celebrating its 60th anniversary this year. Photo courtesy of Victoria Pearce.

Traill Principal Dr. Michael Eamon inducted Goyette as part of the annual Traill College Scarf Ceremony and was the only person to be inducted this year. An Honorary Fellow carries the status of College faculty and is recognized for exemplary service to the College or the community.

Goyette was recognized for his community service and long-standing support for the arts. In 2021, he was inducted into the Peterborough and District Pathway of Fame and named a Paul Harris Fellow by Rotary International in 2023.

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Peterborough Police Urge Head of the Trent Attendees to Celebrate Safely; Heightened Police Presence During Weekend Festivities

With Head of the Trent homecoming running this weekend from Friday until Sunday, first responders are urging the community to celebrate safely during Trent University’s festivities.

Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant (left) and Julie Davis Trent Vice-President, External Relations & Development (right) addressing the media of having a safe homecoming during the weekend’s festiviites. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The first responders include the Peterborough Police Service, Peterborough Emergency Management, Peterborough Fire Services, Peterborough City-County Paramedics, Trent University, and the City of Peterborough.

The Peterborough Police have developed a coordinated response to help navigate the weekend over the coming months. As a result, a heightened police presence will be present throughout the city and additional police officers will be hired to patrol the campus.

“During large events, we often see an influx of 911 calls,” explained Mark Ressor, Peterborough Police Service Staff Sergeant. If you are seeing things in the community that pose a risk or a danger, we're asking people to call in so that we're aware of it and can respond appropriately. Ultimately with people's safety and well-being our primary concern.”

He continues to state that during these events, Police typically receive calls regarding noise, disturbances, mischief, damage to property and impaired driving.

While the Police say they have an all-hands-on-deck situation for the weekend, it will not affect any day-to-day calls that are not affiliated with the homecoming weekend.

Police are asking the community to be safe while celebrating, ensure everyone gets home safely and be good neighbors and community members. 

“We know that this is a time of celebration and we would like to see a positive and safe experience for all,” said Ressor.

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Trent University Reappoints Chancellor To One-Year Term

Trent University has reappointed Dr. Stephen Stohn as chancellor for a one-year term extension following a six-year tenure.

Beyond his role at Trent, Dr. Stohn’s distinguished career continues to earn national acclaim, highlighted by his 2023 appointment to the Order of Canada, and induction into the Canada Walk of Fame for his visionary contributions to the iconic Degrassi franchise. Photo courtesy of TRent University.

“Stephen has been an incredibly engaged chancellor, and I am looking forward to continuing our work together,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Over his last two terms, he has been a part of nearly every aspect of Trent life — welcoming students at Orientation Week, serving as judge in mock trial competitions, supporting philanthropic efforts, and of course, conferring degrees for thousands of students at convocation. In his extended term, I know Stephen will find new ways to support our students and continue to do great things for Trent.”

Stohn’s extended appointment begins July 2025 and will extend his term as chancellor until June 2026.

The award-winning producer and esteemed entertainment lawyer was recognized with an honorary doctorate from Trent in 2015. He was first sworn-in as Trent’s twelfth chancellor in June 2019.

“When you get to this point in your life and career, after you’ve had some personal and professional success, it just feels right to give back and help the generation who are just starting out and looking at fulfilling their aspirations,” said Stohn. “I’m really enjoying the role of chancellor and having opportunities to collaborate with amazing students, faculty, and staff, supporting their success and the work Trent continues to do to make a difference for our communities.”

He has served as an ambassador for Trent’s Momentous Campaign, contributing to the award-winning gratitude video according to a press release. Stohn has been involved in alumni engagement, attending chapter events across the country, hosting reunions and fostering connections with graduates and the community at events like Head of the Trent and Trent Day.

At Traill College, Stohn involvement was notable according to Trent by attending college dinners, opening new facilities including the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, and serving as a judge in mock trials for the Dual Law Degree program and the Three Minute Thesis competition for graduate students.

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Trent University Announces 2024-25 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-U.S. Studies

Trent University has appointed Dr. Holly M. Karibo from Oklahoma State University as the 2024-25 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-U.S. Studies.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Professor Karibo to Trent University” said Dr. Heather Nicol, School for the Study of Canada director. “Her expertise in transnational urban history and research on the Great Lakes Borderlands are perfectly aligned with Trent’s commitment to interdisciplinary and cross-border academic exploration. Prof. Karibo’s work will enrich our understanding of historical dynamics and address contemporary issues that resonate across borders.”

Prof. Karibo’s research project, ‘Ladies, Liquor, and the National Line: Gendering Prohibition in the Great Lakes Borderlands,’ is the first in-depth study of women’s roles in cross-border illegal economies during the American Prohibition Era according to a press release. Her work focuses on regions connecting New York, Michigan, Ontario, Quebec and the Mohawk Nation at Akwesasne as well as the often-overlooked roles of women in these smuggling networks. The release continues to state that by reframing Prohibition through the lenses of gender, race, and labour, Prof. Karibo introduces new perspectives to a traditionally male-dominated narrative.

As a Fulbright Scholar at Trent, Prof. Karibo will spend the fall semester conducting groundbreaking research on North American cross-border history concerning gender roles within illicit economies and will engage with the academic community through teaching and collaboration.

“I’m thrilled to begin my appointment at Trent University,” said Karibo. “The opportunity to explore Canadian archives and collaborate with Trent’s academic community will be invaluable in advancing this project. I look forward to unearthing the stories of women who reshaped societal norms and legal landscapes during the Prohibition era.”

Prof. Karibo will also teach the course “Sin Cities: Vice in the North American Borderlands,” examining illicit economies in the U.S.-Canada and U.S.-Mexico borderlands during the 19th and 20th centuries. This interdisciplinary course will explore the regulation of vice economies and the gendered and racial experiences of those involved.

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Trent Excalibur Men's Lacrosse Start Home Opener With 11-6 Victory Over Queen's

The Trent Excalibur men's field lacrosse team 2024 home opener was a success as they defeated the Queen’s Gaels 11-6 at a packed Justin Chiu Stadium on Wednesday night.

Photo courtesy of David Pickering and Trent University.

Queen's drew first blood but Mason Tardiff, Dylan James and Dallyn Rai gave Peterborough a three-goal run. The Gaels got a late goal to end the first quarter for a 3-2 score.

Queen struck again early on to tie the game at three. Jack Mcalpine got the team’s first powerplay goal. Dallyn Rai followed up for the Excalibur to restore the two-goal lead. Kingston got another two goals to tie it at five at halftime.

The third quarter was a low-scoring affair but in favour of Trent. After letting in the first goal of the quarter, Trent scored on the man advantage thanks to Adam Hawrelak. Howden James followed up for the Excalibur for a 7-6 lead into the final quarter.

Trent clamped down defensively, disallowed anything past their net and struck four times, thanks to Jordan Dool twice, Holden Lowes and Rai’s second score, for the 11-6 win.

The men’s team continue their homestand against the Carleton Ravens this Saturday at 8 p.m.

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Peterborough DBIA Brings Back 'Explore the Boro Scavenger Hunt' to Help Connect Trent Students to the Community

Starting this week, Trent University students will discover their campus and the Peterborough community through Explore the Boro, a scavenger hunt to help familiarize students with local shopping and leisure spots while also supporting downtown businesses, announced on Wednesday.

The annual event—originally launched in 2021 as the bingo event Discover Peterborough—highlights local shops, cafés, and restaurants, helping students feel more connected to their new home. Photo Courtesy of Trent University.

Explore the Boro, co-hosted by Trent and the Peterborough Downtown Business Improvement Area (DBIA), encourages students to discover and engage with Downtown Peterborough.

“The excitement in Peterborough reaches a new level each fall as Trent students return to the city, bringing with them a vibrant energy that enriches our cultural, social, and economic landscape,” said Alison Scholl, senior manager, Community & External Relations at Trent University. “Explore the Boro offers a fun and engaging way for our incoming and returning students to immerse themselves in all that Peterborough has to offer.”

From Sept. 1 to 15, Trent students can participate in the scavenger hunt by completing missions via the Goosechase app. These missions range from snapping selfies at key landmarks to answering trivia questions. They allow students to earn points and discover hidden gems around campus and the city. Prizes will be awarded to the top three participants. The student with the highest score will win a $1,250 Boro gift card, redeemable at various downtown businesses.

“Trent students invigorate our downtown, and this event strengthens the bonds between students and local businesses,” said Nour Mazloum, DBIA executive director. “We’re excited to continue this valuable partnership, providing students with opportunities to explore, engage, and contribute to the cultural and economic vibrancy that makes Peterborough & the Kawarthas such a unique and welcoming destination.”

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Environmental Artist and Climate Advocate Named 45th Ashley Fellow at Trent University

Subhankar Banerjee, an award-winning photographer, author and conservationist, has been named Trent University’s 45th Ashley Fellow.

The Ashley Fellow is a visiting scholar hosted each year by one of Trent University’s Colleges. The fellowship is funded by a bequest from the late Professor C.A. Ashley, long-time friend of Trent University and an enthusiastic proponent of the role that informal contacts of college life can play in the academic pursuits of the University. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The visual artist and environmental storyteller is the founding director of the Center for Environmental Arts & Humanities and a professor of Art & Ecology at the University of New Mexico.

Since 2002, Banerjee has been working with Indigenous elders, scientists, and conservationists in Alaska. He has released several acclaimed publications – including Seasons of Life and Land and Arctic Voices – and is working on four new books, including a collaborative work with Trent History professor Finis Dunaway.

“Drawing from his lived experiences and a distinctive perspective that blends art with humanity, Subhankar perfectly embodies the ideals of the Ashley Fellowship, those of LEC, and the spirit of interdisciplinarity foundational to Trent,” said Dr. Christine Freeman-Roth, Lady Eaton College principal. “We have no doubt that his photographs and reflections around biodiversity, Indigenous rights, global conservation, and other pressing issues of the time will resonate with students, staff, faculty, and community members.”

During his residency on campus from Sept. 26 to Oct. 10, Banerjee will visit classrooms, exchange knowledge with faculty, attend a college dinner and host a public keynote address where he’ll discuss how art and visual culture can reframe our understanding of the biodiversity crisis and help shape a more inclusive and just framework for conservation that honours the rights and needs of Indigenous and other rural peoples.

“Over the past nearly half a century, the Ashley Fellowship brought many Indigenous and other civil society leaders, artists, and scholars from so many different academic disciplines to Trent University, and I’m deeply honoured and humbled to have my name added to such a distinguished list,” said Banerjee. “I’m looking forward to connecting with students and faculty to discuss why visual culture and environmental humanities are essential in apprehending our precarious time – a time in which we are a witness to the intensifying biodiversity and climate crises.”

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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.

The recipients are recognized for leadership in climate, politics, archaeology, science, social justice and governance according to Naomi Handley, alumni engagement & services director.

“Congratulations to all of the award recipients whose work is creating meaningful change in their communities, professions, and within the University,” she said. “We are honoured to recognize their vision and remarkable achievements, which, in true Trent fashion, are making transformational change across the globe.”

A full list of the 2024 recipients are as follows:

Distinguished Alumni Award

John Horgan ’79, a former B.C. premier, leader of the B.C. NDP, and champion for public healthcare.

Dr. Henry Lickers ’68, a renowned biologist and environmental leader who has been instrumental in bringing Indigenous perspective to local, national, and international environmental initiatives.

Dr. Heather McKillop ’72, a leading authority in the field of Maya archaeology and one of the most important archaeologists of the past century to have enhanced the world’s understanding of the coastal Maya of Belize, particularly the underwater sites with preserved ancient wooden buildings.

Spirit of Trent Award

Dr. Deryck R. Persaud ’89, an innovative researcher, scientist, academic, mentor, and entrepreneur whose groundbreaking research on dietary fatty acids has helped alleviate symptoms for people with autism, ADHD, anxiety, diabetes, and dementia.

Young Leader Award

Jaleesa Allen ’18, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist who is passionate about advancing social justice for children and adolescents, while addressing the unique challenges faced by people from marginalized communities and vulnerable backgrounds.

David Glassco Prize (student leadership)

Kelsey Scott ’19, a recent graduate recognized for having been an outstanding student leader who led her peers through various initiatives, demonstrated excellence in paid and volunteer roles, and engaged in a vast array of extracurricular activities.

Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize (student governance)

Aimée-Marie Anctil ’20, a recent graduate recognized for having been a remarkable student leader who used her governance roles in the Trent Central Students’ Association to successfully pursue socioeconomic justice for students including efforts in anti-racism, housing, mental health, access to free legal advice, transportation rights, and food security.

Emma Kaszecki ’16, a Trent graduate and third-year Ph.D. candidate who has made substantial gains for Trent graduate students in a variety of governance roles including Student Services, the Trent Graduate Student Association, research, and the Trent University Board of Governors. 

The annual awards will be presented this fall.

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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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