THE IMPACT OF YOU
OUR SINCEREST THANKS TO YOU
“Your unwavering support for the Momentous Campaign ignites the spirit of Trent University - empowering students, advancing innovation, and strengthening the institution’s reputation of excellence. Every gift transforms aspirations into achievements, unlocks potential, and builds a future where leadership, discovery, and learning thrive for generations. It is a privilege to serve as leaders of the boldest campaign in the University’s history, fueled by your generosity and vision.”
Linda Schuyler ’18 (hon) and Gavin Marshall ’76, Momentous Campaign leaders
A MESSAGE FROM THE
PRESIDENT
To the remarkable supporters of Trent University, As I complete my first year as president, I am deeply inspired by the vision, generosity, and unwavering commitment of the Trent community. In this milestone year of Trent’s 60th anniversary, we celebrate an extraordinary achievement: the Momentous Campaign has surpassed $60 million on our journey to $100 million! Your remarkable generosity is fueling bold leadership, empowering students, and strengthening the places that make Trent so extraordinary.
This campaign is rooted in three transformative pillars: Leadership, Futures, and Places. Through Leadership, Trent cultivates visionary thinkersstudents, faculty, and researchers who challenge convention, inspire change, and drive innovative solutions for a better world. Futures ensures students can pursue their aspirations, free from financial barriers, in an environment that embraces diverse perspectives and nurtures their full potential. And Places - Whether heritage spaces on campus, Colleges, or collaborative learning environments - serve as hubs of research, connection, and sustainability, bridging Trent’s proud history with a forward-thinking future. Together, we have already achieved so much, but this journey is far from over. With your continued support, we will bring our vision for the Trent of Tomorrow to life - where talented students lead with confidence, community thrives beyond campus, and innovation propels us toward a more just and sustainable future. Join us as Trent embarks on its next chapter.
With gratitude,
Dr. Cathy Bruce President & Vice-Chancellor Trent University
TRENT OF TODAY:
Since its founding in 1964, Trent University has thrived - growing, evolving, expanding to a second campus, and demonstrating resilience through shifting economic landscapes. Yet, throughout this remarkable journey, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to the values that shaped Trent from the very beginning: a dedication to academic excellence, innovation, and the power of education to make a lasting di erence.
As we envision the Trent of Tomorrow, we celebrate the strength and impact of Trent today, made possible through the unwavering generosity and loyalty of our supporters.
$11.5B
Alumni Economic Impact on Ontario
67,612 Alumni across the globe
Total Students 20:1 Student to faculty ratio
2,695 International students
13,768
12 Varsity teams
474 Indigenous students
100+ Diverse and dynamic academic programs
1,037 Graduate students in Peterborough
35% Of Sta and Faculty Who are Alumni
$2.2B
Total Trent University Economic Impact
9,930 Undergraduates in Peterborough
2,458 Employees
2,556 Undergraduate students in Durham
245 Graduate students in Durham
23,000 Annual Community Volunteer Hours by Faculty, Sta , and Students
MOMENTOUS LEADERSHIP
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Trent’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, is training Canada’s next generation of political leaders in democratic traditions and ethical governance.
YOUR IMPACT: MENTOUS LEADERSHIP
Momentous Leadership at Trent University is made possible through the generosity of our supporters who help students and researchers push boundaries, drive innovation, and shape a better future. Whether empowering students to become future trailblazers and changemakers in ethical governance, aquatic research, preserving Canadian history, or solving real-world community issues, philanthropic support fuels leadership in critical areas.
“Thanks to the transformative support of the Jarislowsky Chair program, my Humanities & Social Sciences education has sharpened my ability to think critically and given me invaluable insight into the complexities of societal events. As a recent graduate embarking on my career in the nation’s capital, I feel empowered to navigate and analyze the political landscape with confidence, ready to lead with knowledge and perspective.”
Laura Page ’20 (Champlain College)
After graduating from Trent in 2024, Laura Page ‘20 led policy and strategy for an Ontario election campaign before taking on a new role as a
federal legislative assistant with an MP in Ottawa.
ELEVATING STUDENT LEADERSHIP
Protecting Water, Empowering Leaders in Aquatic Science & Stewardship
The Trent Aquatic Research Program (TARP) is advancing the next generation of leaders in aquatic science, preserving local aquatic ecosystems, and fostering community engagement in water stewardship. Made possible by our supporters’ generosity, more than 25 students have gained invaluable hands-on experience on local waterways tackling real-world water-quality challenges. To engage and collaborate with local communities, TARP teams have delivered six public lectures to keep community members informed about their work.
Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders in Politics and Governance
Through the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, Dr. Cristine de Clercy is preparing students for careers in governance and public service. Through the Leadership & Democracy Lab, 68 students have analyzed how global events, policy decisions, and governance structures shape Canadian industries.
Also, 43 students have produced influential research projects, theses, and public presentations on critical issues such as energy and water consumption in the age of AI. Beyond the Lab, Professor de Clercy has expanded experiential learning for 13 students with immersive leadership trips to Quebec, Ottawa, and the U.K.
More local fish populations are preserved thanks to the work of Biology assistant professor Dr. Graham Raby and students through TARP.
Dr. Cristine de Clercy and Trent students from the Leadership and Democracy Lab group meet with U.K. MP Stephen Gethins for a conversation about the United Kingdom’s modern political context, and key historical events that have shaped it.
TRANSFORMATIVE INITIATIVES FUELED BY PHILANTHROPY
Preserving the Past, Inspiring the Future
Canadian history is reaching new audiences, inspiring students, and revitalizing campus lifethanks to a generous Trent supporter. At the heart of this transformation is the digitization of rare materials at the Bata Library & Archives, opening global access to Canada’s rich historical records. The Wilder Fund for Canadian History is also sparking curiosity and engagement among younger generations through a dynamic new video seriesthe first episode alone drew nearly 2,500 views and more than 50 comments. On campus, the fund is also restoring the iconic K-House Lounge and Patio, reimagining it as a vibrant space for student connection, collaboration, and community.
Driving Change through Research and Innovation
The Trent Community Research Centre (TCRC) has empowered 436 students to tackle real-world challenges that shape policy, strengthen social programs, and drive sustainable development. Through partnerships with 193 local organizations, students have conducted 267 collaborative projects that have a tangible impact on local communities. The TCRC’s legacy is one of lasting change, where student-driven research continues to shape policies, strengthen communities, and build a more sustainable future.
Trent student researcher Jessica
is helping the courts better address the complex challenges surrounding substance use, mental health, and intellectual disabilities among individuals charged with a crime. Through the Trent Community
Research Centre, supported by philanthropy, Jessica conducted research examining comprehensive assessments, supervised treatment, and multi-agency support, aiming to create more equitable and e ective pathways for those in need.
Digitization of invaluable archival materials at Trent preserves the nation’s stories in perpetuity, thanks to the generosity of Martha Wilder ’74 (Otonabee College).
A Trent student discusses her work during the Celebration of Community Based Research at Market Hall.
Feeney
MOMENTOUS
Thanks to the Trent Fund, Raven enjoys greater stability, allowing her to excel academically, actively participate in extracurricular activities, and even find time to volunteer and give back to the community.
YOUR IMPACT: MENTOUS FUTURES
Momentous Futures at Trent University are made possible through the generosity of our supporters who empower students to pursue their academic and personal aspirations, free from financial barriers and embraced by a community that nurtures their growth.
Philanthropy ensures that Indigenous graduate students can further their research, that high-achieving students at Trent Durham GTA have the support they need to excel, and that those facing socio-economic challenges can pursue their dreams without limitation.
It also plays a vital role in ensuring students’ food security, allowing them to focus on learning, discovery, and leadership. The future is shaped by the strength of our people, and at Trent, that future is boundless.
“Thanks to generous support, I had the extraordinary opportunity to travel to a Government of Yukon-hosted conference in the Canadian North where I presented my research, engaged in vital in-person dialogue on Arctic and Canadian defence and security issues, and connected with leading experts and decision-makers. The experience not only deepened my insights but also significantly shaped the trajectory of my research and policy career.”
Nicholas Glesby, Ph.D. student, Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, School for the Study of Canada
CREATING BRIGHTER FUTURES
Helping More Top Durham Scholars Achieve their Dreams
More high-achieving students will have the opportunity to achieve their dreams at Trent University Durham GTA thanks to a prestigious new award that is removing financial barriers. Launching in Fall 2026, the Giancarlo Fornasier Memorial Award – the largest award to date at Trent Durham - will o er $40,000 over four years to a deserving student with an 80% or more average. This award was established in memory of Giancarlo Fornasier, a respected Durham Region business owner and celebrated community builder.
Opening Doors for Students in Need
Trent’s largest-ever endowed bursary supports students who face socio-economic barriers to completing post-secondary education. Since being launched two years ago, the Joyce Family Foundation Bursary has already provided bursaries of up to $5,000 to eight undergraduate students, in various fields of study. Each student has worked with a mentor in an extracurricular activity throughout their program.
Alumni Generosity Propels
Trent Rowing
Thanks to the generosity of rowing alumni, Trent students now have access to two new rowing shells, enhancing their competitive experience. The new double, Scull and Bones, and the eight, Carol’s Calling, symbolize alumni commitment to supporting student-athletes and strengthening the University’s rowing legacy. Their contributions will have a lasting impact, ensuring future generations of Trent rowers continue to thrive both on and o the water.
TRANSFORMATIVE FUNDS FUELED BY PHILANTHROPY
Elevating Indigenous Scholars
Thanks to a legacy gift, 39 Indigenous graduate students have expanded the boundaries of their research through the William B. Reid Graduate Scholarship - the largest of its kind at Trent University. This scholarship removes financial barriers, providing critical funding for research expenses across Canada and abroad, enabling Indigenous scholars to engage in hands-on learning experiences that elevate their theses and major research projects.
Additionally, nine Indigenous students have benefited from the Gzowski College Endahying Subsidy, designed to make residence more accessible. This subsidy removes financial obstacles for Indigenous students applying to live in Gzowski College, ensuring they can fully engage in the University experience without cost being a barrier.
Championing Excellence for Student Athletes
The Green and White Athletic Financial Awards at Trent University have shaped the futures of 167 student-athletes by removing financial barriers and unlocking opportunities for academic and athletic success. O ered by the Department of Athletics & Recreation, these awards recognize and support entering student-athletes who have achieved an outstanding academic average above 80% while demonstrating exceptional athletic ability. By investing in these dedicated individuals, the awards foster a culture of excellence, empowering student-athletes to thrive in both their studies and their sports - strengthening leadership, discipline, and resilience that extends far beyond the playing field.
MOMENTOUS
The award-winning student residence and academic building
at Trent Durham GTA, which opened in 2020, supports in-demand programming, campus growth and student life.
YOUR IMPACT: MENTOUS PLACES
Trent’s Momentous Places are made possible through the generosity of supporters who believe in their power to spark community action, foster meaningful connections, and drive innovation. More than just buildings, these spaces are central to the experiences, conversations, and research that define the Trent experience. Whether nestled in natural landscapes or set in more urban surroundings, our campuses o er a unique blend of intimacy and openness - nurturing ideas that help sustain these environments for generations to come. By honouring our past while embracing the future, Trent ensures its spaces continue to meet today’s needs and tomorrow’s aspirations.
“Being able to have spaces such as the tipi and the Indigenous student lounge made me feel like I belonged at Trent, that I could be a part of a community and contribute to something bigger than myself.”
Keanna Brown ’20, Trent Durham GTA
TRANSFORMING SPACES, ENRICHING COMMUNITY
Continuing
Generously supported by philanthropy,
and
Building Community, Honouring Tradition at Trent Durham GTA
Trent Durham GTA has expanded significantly through the Momentous Campaign, introducing a new residence, academic building, and a culturally significant Tipi and Medicine Garden. This development enhances student life by providing a 200-bed residence and fostering deeper campus connections. New academic spaces include a 100seat tiered lecture hall, two 64-seat classrooms, research areas, student commons, added green space, and faculty o ces - all designed to enrich learning and engagement.
At the heart of this transformation, the tipi and medicine garden serve as a sacred space for ceremony, cultural teachings, and environmental stewardship. Thoughtfully designed to strengthen relationships between Indigenous and nonIndigenous communities, this award-winning space promotes understanding, respect, and belonging. Made possible by generous contributions, it continues to inspire, educate, and create lasting impact.
Creating Breastfeeding Spaces for Student Parents
More students who are parents can comfortably nurse their children on campus, thanks to Trent’s new breastfeeding-friendly spaces available at both the Peterborough and Oshawa campuses. These dedicated rooms, supported by philanthropy and student advocacy, reduce barriers for breastfeeding parents. By establishing these spaces, Trent strengthens its commitment to health equity and enhances the sense of belonging for students balancing academics and parenthood. The initiative also inspires broader institutional change, encouraging universities across Ontario to prioritize support for breastfeeding families.
these spaces provide parents with a private
comfortable environment to nurse their children on a rocking chair under soft lighting and also store milk in a nearby fridge.
Trent University’s long-standing commitment to create a learning environment where Indigeneity is respected and recognized, traditional Indigenous spaces at the University’s Durham campus were expanded with the addition of a new Tipi and Medicine Garden.
MOMENTOUS PLACES FUELED BY PHILANTHROPY
The Trent Farm continues to be on the leading edge of climate-smart agriculture as it grows, evolves, and improves.
Driving Innovation in Sustainable Agriculture
The Trent Farm has transformed hands-on learning for students, bridging the gap between academic research and real-world agricultural practices. As a dynamic outdoor laboratory, it drives innovative research that directly supports small-scale farmers across local and regional communities, strengthening teaching, experiential learning, and meaningful engagement.
Fueled by generous contributions, the Farm continues to evolve with the addition of a weather monitoring station, tractor, and drive shedenhancing research capabilities and deepening collaboration between students, researchers, and farmers. This initiative remains a cornerstone of Trent’s commitment to shaping the future of sustainable food systems.
Igniting Creativity and Community with New Amphitheatre
The new amphitheatre at Traill College has quickly become a cornerstone of arts, culture, heritage, and education in downtown Peterborough. With tiered seating for 140 people, professional lighting, and carefully directed sound, this centrally located outdoor stage, nestled among the designated heritage buildings, enhances accessibility, and provides a vibrant platform for experiencing arts and culture in the heart of the city. More than just a performance space, it has provided hands-on learning opportunities for hundreds of students, cultivating the next generation of leaders, artists, and changemakers.
With a vibrant summer concert series, this dynamic venue, made possible through a generous estate gift, continues to inspire engagement, collaboration, and creativity.
The Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre is named after the late Trent Board of Governors chair who challenged the University to do something “bold, audacious and e ective” with her generous estate gift.
YOUR GIFT, THEIR FUTURE
Trent supporters have rallied behind the Trent Fund, ensuring that every Trent University student - regardless of background – enjoys the same opportunities. Through Trent’s most powerful and flexible fund, students receive wraparound support where it’s needed most including on-campus employment, College breakfast programs, experiential learning opportunities, mental-health support, and multi-faith spiritual wellbeing. We are so grateful to you for investing in Trent students and their futures.
1,543 Total Donors
16,718 Total Gifts
$1.28 million Total Dollars Raised
$27.53 Average monthly gift
135 Students supported with on-campus employment
224
Total Trent Fund Club members (*monthly supporters)
$75.30 Average Gift
UND
Supporting Future Leaders
Thanks to the Trent Fund, students have gained valuable leadership skills and the chance to create a meaningful impact in the community through initiatives such as economic conferences, a new Impact Microgrant program, and field-study work. Through these opportunities, the next generation of leaders are not only shaping their futures but also strengthening the fabric of their communities.
“Working with the Operations team has been an incredible opportunity, allowing me to gain hands-on experience while staying engaged with the campus community. Not only has it helped me develop professional skills, as I work towards a career in Accounting, but it has also reinforced the importance of giving back and supporting future students.”
Precious C., current student
“My co-op as a technical assistant at CareerSpace, made possible by the support of the Trent Fund, has been a defining experience in my career journey. This position was designed to provide students with invaluable hands-on workplace experience. As a Computer Science student, I gained a critical foundation that will support future opportunities and roles.”
Monte E. ’21
LEGACY GI
MAKING A LASTING IMPACT
Legacy giving is shaping the future of Trent University in profound ways. From supporting an Indigenous Tipi and Medicine Garden that fosters cultural learning and reconciliation, to funding a state-of-the-art forensics training facility that equips the next generation of crimescene analysts, these gifts create a lasting impact. Legacy donors are also removing financial barriers for Trent Durham students, empowering them to pursue their dreams, while also strengthening vital supports like Bata Library, ensuring students have access to the knowledge and tools they need to thrive. Through their generosity, members of the Trent University Legacy Society champion the transformative power of education — investing in knowledge, innovation, and opportunity for generations to come.
“Our parents always believed in the power of education, and we know they’d want their legacy to support Trent students in a meaningful way. As their children, we feel proud - not left out - because their generosity reflects the values they instilled in us.”
Nick and Tim Syrett, whose parents, John and Katie Syrett, left a legacy gift through the residual of their pension funds, which established the John Syrett Entrance Scholarship.
left A legacy gift from Jalynn Bennett is supporting future crime scene analysts by providing funding for Trent’s state-of-the-art and award-winning Forensics Crime Scene Facility. right Students have access to more books, research publications, and digital assets in the Bata Library thanks to a legacy gift from Eleanor McLelland-Mott.
GIVING
We are grateful for the following realized estates since the start of the Momentous Campaign:
Gilbert F. Bagnani
Jalynn H. Bennett
Michael Beswick
Mary-Therese Cartmell
Mary Lou Clancey
Thomas E. Code
Gordon H. Copp
Jeremiah F. Coughlan
Teresa Daw
John de Pencier
James Adam Fisher
Shirley Foster
Jean Franklin
Jon K. Grant
Shelagh Grant
Dorothy K. Greenley
Wayne Greenley
W.L. (Laurie) Jones
61
New Legacy Society Members
$4.6 million
Value of Realized Estates
Anne Keenleyside
Anthony Lieb
Margaret Lightbody
Robert D. Lightbody
Barbara Malloch
Eleanor McClelland-Mott
Amy Milburn
Suzanne M. Monaghan
Cindy Ellen Morgan
William B. Reid
Aureen I. Richardson
Barbara B. Richardson
Robert G. Robertson
Gloria Josephine Sapena
Patricia H. Smith
Katie Syrett
Shirley Weir
Judith R. Wilder
A Lasting Impact Starts With You
Members of the Legacy Society are united by their belief in the lifelong impact of a Trent educationshaping opportunities for future generations and empowering students to reach their full potential. Their generous contributions have strengthened key Campaign pillars as highlighted below.
$29 million Pledged Estates
WITH DEEP GRATITUDE: YOUR SUPPORT ADVANCES SUSTAINABILITY, EDUCATION, AND
COMMUNITY IMPACT
MESSAGE FROM JULIE DAVIS, VICE-PRESIDENT EXTERNAL RELATIONS & DEVELOPMENT
At Trent University, we believe in the power of vision, the strength of community, and the responsibility of stewardship. Thanks to the generosity and commitment of our supporters, we are shaping a future that embraces sustainability, inclusivity, and transformational learning.
In the past year, philanthropy has been vital to advancing visionary projects that bring the campus and community together and demonstrate our leadership in environmental and Indigenous education in particular. On the Symons campus, these projects were envisioned in the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, a bold vision to transform our entire campus into a place of learning and community impact.
The completion of the University Green Network stewardship plan, in collaboration with Michi Saagiig knowledge holders, focuses on increasing habitats, supporting biodiversity, and ensuring Trent remains a global leader in environmental stewardship. This planning work was made possible by supporters, and new funds are already being committed to advance implementation of the plan.
Our commitment to sustainable agriculture will thrive at the new Trent Research Farm, a hub for climate-smart farming. This farm serves as an outdoor laboratory for research and experiential learning, empowering students and local farmers with innovative practices to address food insecurity, balance ecology and farming, and share intergenerational and Indigenous Knowledge. Supporters have helped fund research, on-the-land learning, and essential farm infrastructure.
Trent is committed to creating places of dignity and respect for Indigenous peoples, and supporter-funded projects at both the Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses are making this possible. A recently completed medicine garden and tipi at Trent Durham will be a vital learning and gathering space; and the vision for an Indigenous roundhouse for campus and community engagement in Peterborough is coming to life thanks to a gift to fund the planning of this space.
These landmark initiatives would not be possible without donor support.
Your generosity and vision make Trent a leader in education, sustainability, and community impact. Together, we are building a future where learning thrives, innovation flourishes, and Trent’s influence endures.
Thank you for being an important part of this journey.
TRENT THRIVES BECAUSE OF YOU
Thanks to the generosity of our incredible supporters, the Momentous Campaign is transforming students’ studies, their futures, and the very fabric of Trent University. Together, we have surpassed $60 million, bringing us closer to our bold $100 million goal. Every contribution fuels innovation, scholarships, protection of heritage spaces, and groundbreaking research, ensuring Trent remains a leader in education and community progress. Your support is creating a lasting impact.
AT A GLANCE
$62M+
Amount Raised to Date for Campaign
9,659 Students Supported 44% Of Supporters are Alumni
$689 Average Alumni Gift (*above sector average of $529)
5,162 Supporters
31,307 Total Gifts
359 New and Upgraded Monthly Donors
113 New funds
“TRENT HAS A
SECRET SAUCE”
MESSAGE FROM SHERRY BOOTH ‘98, ASSOCIATE VICE PRESIDENT PHILANTHROPY & ALUMNI ENGAGEMENT
I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to the entire Trent community. Your generosity, compassion, and unwavering dedication have been the driving force behind the success of the Momentous Campaign. This campaign has truly exemplified Trent University at its very best.
As we conclude our 60th anniversary year and celebrate surpassing the $60 million milestone, I find myself reflecting on the profound impact captured in this report.
At the heart of this impact are our students – the most vital members of our community. Your support has empowered them to pursue their academic goals without the burden of financial stress. You have helped create vibrant, supportive communities where students can thrive, and you have contributed to the development of dynamic innovative spaces that foster learning and discovery across our campuses.
None of this would be possible without your continued support. Your belief in Trent’s mission and your commitment to its future are deeply appreciated.
As I prepare to retire after 30 years of service to this remarkable institution, I do so with immense pride and optimism for what lies ahead. I want to sincerely thank each of you for your encouragement, partnership, and belief in the power of philanthropy to shape a better future.
As Chancellor Stephen Stohn so often reminds us, “Trent has a secret sauce.” And that secret is you. Thank you. Miigwetch. Merci.
Julie Davis Vice President, External Relations & Development
juliedavis@trentu.ca
705-748-1011 x1482
Donna Doherty Campaign Director
donnadoherty@trentu.ca
705-748-1011 x7208
Trentu.ca/momentous