A WORD FROM THE PRESIDENT AND VICE-CHANCELLOR OF TRENT UNIVERSITY
A Trent Degree: More Valuable Than Ever Dr. Steven E. Franklin
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wo Dreamcatcher events with Chancellor Tom Jackson (Hon) and alumni in Toronto and Lakefield this past fall emphasized the diverse perspectives and abilities of the ever-increasing number of graduates of Trent University. The focus on Young Professionals in this issue of Trent Magazine reflects this zest for accomplishment and connectedness, bringing to the fore the unique value of a Trent University degree in our increasingly complex and globalized lives. Trent graduates learn to think critically, write effectively, analyze problems creatively, and identify solutions. And, as you’ll read in these pages, they value the idea of continuous learning throughout their careers and lives. As Trent alumnus Paul Davidson ’83, president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada will tell you, demand for university graduates continues to increase. From 1990 to 2011, growth was centred in the service sector, which grew by 4 million jobs. Many of the jobs in this sector—education, health, finance and business services, technical services and trade—increasingly require a university degree. In 2011, there were 1.7 million more jobs in the professional and management occupations than in 1990, and 1.4 million were filled by university graduates. For Trent alum, a deep sense of engagement with the greater world— and a desire to make a difference in a broad range of fields—is accompanied by a keen interest in what is happening at Trent. Many of you have happily joined us in a number of strategic
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initiatives in recent months, among them the AUCC Advocacy Day in Ottawa, the Trent Lands Plan, a variety of 50th Anniversary Committees, the Student Centre Task Force, the Legacy campaign, and a Task Force on Indigenous Education. Two alums became new members of the Trent University Board of Governors in the In 2011, there were 1.7 million more jobs in the professional and management occupations than in 1990, and 1.4 million were filled by university graduates. fall; Kate Gillespie Ahrens ’02, and Tom Miller ’82 joined existing Board members Harvey McCue ’66, Robin Quantick ’78 and Sue Graham Parker ’73. Few universities can reach out for alumni support and achieve this level of interest and commitment in the way that Trent can. There will be more opportunity for your input on a number of key issues
in the coming weeks and months, including consultations around the Trent Lands Plan and the exciting Institutional Positioning initiative being led by Vice-President External Relations and Advancement Julie Davis and a committee truly representative of the entire Trent community. Wide participation in these processes is essential to Trent’s success in the future. As you are aware, in many ways the future of Trent lies in our university’s reputation and I hope you have noted the recent “Luminaries” advertising campaign intended to build on Trent’s reputation for excellence. Featuring leading Trent University alumni and faculty members, the ads encourage visits to www.trentu.ca/luminaries where readers can learn more about Trent and our many luminaries through videos, profiles, images and more. ❖ Steven E. Franklin, Ph.D. President and Vice-Chancellor sfranklin@trentu.ca