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

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.

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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.

“Michael has been instrumental in steering Trent University towards new heights of academic excellence and innovation,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “His leadership has been pivotal in developing a robust Academic Plan, launching new interdisciplinary programs, and fostering a collaborative environment that has significantly contributed to our enrolment growth and institutional reputation. We are thrilled to have him continue in this key role as we navigate future opportunities and challenges.” 

Since joining Trent in August 2020, Dr. Khan has overseen the planning, budgeting, development, administration, quality assurance and integrity of the University's academic affairs according to a press release.

During Khan's Trent tenure, he led the development of an integrative Academic Plan, guided by 12 overarching academic guiding principles central to the University's strategic growth and academic priorities.  

The University says it has introduced numerous new undergraduate and graduate programs, postgraduate certificates, and paid co-op opportunities under Khan.

HE has also played a crucial role in strategic growth and expansion at Trent's Durham campus in the Greater Toronto Area, as stated in a press release. He has ensured a steady increase in the number of domestic and international students through developing professional master’s, postgraduate certificates, and innovative undergraduate degree programs at Trent Durham. 

“I am honoured to continue my role as provost and vice-president Academic at Trent University,” said Khan. “Trent’s collegial and proactive approaches to academic programming and student success has enabled us to make remarkable strides in enhancing our academic offerings, supporting our faculty and students, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive environment. I am excited to build on this foundation and continue working with our exceptional team to drive further innovation and excellence at Trent.”

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Trent University Celebrates Public Sculpture At Campus Entrance

Trent University celebrated the art piece, ‘Potential,’ three pinecone sculptures at the entrance of the Symons Campus and was created by artist Floyd Elzinga.

Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent's president and vice-chancellor (left); Floyd Elzinga (middle) and Suzanne Bailey, Trent’s associate dean of graduate studies (right) with ‘Potential.’ Photo by David Tuan Bui.

The art piece was completed in April of last year. Elzinga took about a year to complete them. The sculptures were made of weathering (Corten) steel which adds a uniqueness to their colour from a scientific standpoint.

“It's a specific alloy of steel that develops rusty oxidized patina but that patina actually prevents it from deteriorating so that 'rust' actually prevents it from corroding further which is an 'irony,’” explained Elzinga.

‘Potential’ is appropriate for a campus with pine cones being the theme for the piece according to the Beamsville, Ont. artist.

“One of these pinecones would have 100 or more seeds in it and the potential refers to is that each of those seeds, the potential that they have inside them to become 100 trees that could go elsewhere,” said Elzinga. “It's that metaphor representing so much more life that can come out of it and I think it reflects well on the University. Students come to learn things and they are those seeds that take that knowledge to set their roots where that is.”

Family, friends and Trent faculty were on hand to celebrate the occasion of Elzinga’s accomplishments.

The sculpture was originally announced on National Philanthropy Day (Nov. 15), is the latest addition to the University’s Public Sculpture Initiative (PSI) which offers a nationally significant collection of public art, supported by philanthropy. 

Trent’s PSI was initiated by David James and his wife, Lili de Grandpré, and is supported by Jalynn H. Bennett's legacy gift and other donors and artists according to the University.

The work was commissioned after Suzanne Bailey, Trent’s associate dean of graduate studies, suggested Elzinga to Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent's president and vice-chancellor. The latter was immediately on board.

“Suzanne reached out to me on behalf of Leo and said, ‘we would love to see something by Floyd,’” said Elzinga. “It was at a point in my career that this was something I could afford to do and I think it's a great solution for that University to build a collection.”

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Fleming and Trent Partner With SpacesShared to Support Peterborough’s Student Housing Needs

To support Peterborough’s student housing needs, Fleming College and Trent University have partnered with SpacesShared to increase safe, affordable housing solutions for students.

Photo by Keegan Beekers.

The partnership also fosters community engagement and support for the adult and older adult population in the region according to a press release.

“Trent’s commitment to safe and affordable housing, community support, and aging studies makes our partnership with SpacesShared a strong match,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Together with our community partners, Trent is proud to be creating housing opportunities that are mutually beneficial for students and homeowners in Peterborough and the surrounding areas.”

“This new agreement with SpacesShared will give our students more options when it comes to finding safe and affordable housing in our campus communities,” said Maureen Adamson, Fleming president. “Connecting students with our community while supporting local homeowners is an invaluable step forward.”

“We are committed to ensuring a mutually beneficial experience for both hosts and students. Working with Fleming College, Trent University, and Age-friendly Peterborough, we aim to support a thriving community in the city,” said Rylan Kinnon, SpacesShared CEO and co-founder. “Our platform is a fully self-contained system further enhancing convenience, that facilitates the entire process from listing details of the property and having a conversation with the host to drafting the rental contract, processing monthly payments, and submitting regular feedback, all within the platform’s secure environment.”

To further advocate for this partnership and encourage older adults in the city to sign up for the program as hosts, SpacesShared and the two postsecondary institutes are joining forces with Age-friendly Peterborough. This collaborative initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for older adults by addressing their needs and fostering a supportive community.

“The Age-friendly Peterborough Community Action Plan stresses the importance of celebrating multi-generational opportunities to build a strong community for all. SpacesShared empowers two key groups to meet and learn from each other: older adults and a younger generation,” said Dawn Berry Merriam, Chair of Age-friendly Peterborough.

“The development and maintenance of intergenerational relationships is a protective factor against social isolation not only for older adults but crucially also for students,” explains Jackie Tanner, SpacesShared CXO and co-founder. “But the feeling of safety must be there for it to work. This is where SpacesShared strives to cover the gap and ensure home sharing becomes a rewarding experience for both hosts, as well as students.”

Fleming College, Trent University, Age-friendly Peterborough and SpacesShared invite those interested in exploring home sharing to a free information session about the program on May 30, between 11:30 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. at the Lions Community Centre, 347 Burnham St., Peterborough.

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