In Memoriam

At Trent, he learned valuable lessons not only through academics and clubs, but through customized internships and work opportunities on campus in the Financial Aid and Advancement offices.

Like his job today, Dane loved working at Trent, where he gained first-hand experience in the power of giving back—and became inspired to do more. “I became a legacy donor. I made my legacy pledge to Trent University after I was an employee in the Office of Advancement, where I saw what those donations were doing for real.”

As a member of the Legacy Society, Dane includes Trent University in his estate plans through a gift of life insurance. At the age of 28, he made Trent University a partial beneficiary through his life insurance policy, which is often a benefit of full-time employment. “As a young person, it’s cheaper for me to buy life insurance now,” said Dane who also donates regularly to Trent. “The last two years have been a stark reminder that life is fragile and short. Considering how you want to be remembered doesn’t feel so silly anymore.” He adds that no amount is too small, if enough individuals choose to give. “I hope that other people consider doing it, whether they are 21 or 80.”

A recipient of several scholarships and bursaries, his education, living expenses, work experiences and extra-curricular activities were substantially supported by donor support to the Trent Fund and the Trent Work Study Program. “It is a pledge of mine over my life to pay that back, and more, so that someone can have the experience that I did,” explains Dane.

Like many students, his time at Trent was fuelled by generous donors and individuals on campus who saw his potential. “I want to be that anonymous guardian angel. I know first-hand as a student recipient, an employee, and as a donor, the impact that donations have on students. Giving to Trent is a way that I can be of consequence.”

His devotion to Trent is a fitting reflection of his life’s work. “You can really make a difference in someone’s life. Someone did in mine, so that’s why I do it.”

Visit trentu.ca/legacy to become a donor and learn more.

Mary Amyotte, Trent Retiree Gerhard Baumgaertel, Trent Professor Emerti Maurice Belanger, Trent Retiree Marion Boulby, Professor Alex Campbell ’68 Kenneth Clarke’65 Janet Cox ’75 Sheila Cuthbertson ’78 Joy Edwards, Trent Retiree Susan Elliott-Boc ’70 Dugald Gilmurray, Trent Retiree Cathy Graham, Trent Retiree Jessie Griffin, Trent Retiree Christina Gunthardt ’79 Gloria Guppy, Trent Retiree Margaret Jordan, Trent Retiree Konrad Kinzl, Trent Professor Emerti Leona Moher, Trent Retiree Elizabeth Murphy, Trent Retiree Lynda Smith ’70, Alum Non Degree Marion Tracey, Trent Retiree Marlene Wilke ’74, Trent Retiree