TRENT Magazine 53.1 Fall 2022

U in nd e O M nt rgr ac ar ad le an io u ’s 12 ate U ni ye U ve ar niv rs ity si e Ra n rsi a ty nk ro in g w

#

1

s2

02

3

FALL 2022 53.1

11 Trent’s Public Art Collection 19 Understanding Homelessness 22 Cybersecurity, Aliens & Asteroids Dead Reckoning, David Robinson

ALUMNI BENEFITS & SERVICES

YOUR TRENT EXPERIENCE DOES NOT END WHEN YOU GRADUATE

HELLO SAVINGS!

Your alumni benefits include: 





Discounts on insurance and health coverage, athletics memberships, and purchases at the Campus Store Lifelong learning with free access to library services, online journals, academic lectures, and podcasts Free access to professional development resources such as Careerspace, TrentUConnect networking platform, and alumni events



 

Ongoing skills development through volunteer and mentorship opportunities Free subscription to TRENT Magazine Free access to the I.M. Well® Integrated Mental Health & Wellness program

For more information about alumni benefits, visit trentu.ca/alumni

TRENT Magazine is published two times a year by the Trent University Alumni Association. Unsigned comments reflect the opinion of the editor only.

Trent University Alumni Association Alumni House, Champlain College Trent University Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 0G2 705.748.1573 or 1.800.267.5774, Fax: 705.748.1785 Email: alumni@trentu.ca

4 | Guest Editorial: Ian Proudfoot ’73 5 | University President’s Message 6 | What’s New at Trent University 8 | Spotlight on Research

trentu.ca/alumni

10 | Fall Updates

MANAGING EDITOR Donald Fraser ’91

12 | Trent’s Art Collection

PRODUCTION MANAGER Isabel Botha COPY EDITOR Megan Ward DESIGN Beeline Design & Communications CONTRIBUTORS Isabel Botha, Elizabeth Bower-Gordon Donald Fraser ’91 Lee Hays ’91, Ian Proudfoot ’73

19 | A Quest for Healing & Hope 20 | The Trent Fund 23 | Combatting Poverty, Homelessness through Expert Research

11

26 | Cybersecurity, Aliens and Asteroids: Welcome to Prof.

Mike Gowanlock’s ’03 Research

EDITORIAL BOARD Marilyn Burns ’00, Donald Fraser ’91, Lee Hays ’91 Ian Proudfoot ’73, Kathryn Verhulst-Rogers

29 | Gaining a Global Health Perspective

PRINTING and BINDING Maracle Press, Oshawa

32 | Homecoming: Reunited and It Feels so Good!

TUAA CO-PRESIDENTS Alma Barranco-Mendoza ‘90 Stephen Brown ‘86

35 | Alumni Awards: “You Make Us Proud”

CHAIR, HOMECOMING Maile Loweth Reeves ’79 CHAIR, CONVOCATION Karen McQuade Smith ’06 CHAIR, DURHAM CAMPUS ALUMNI Nick Ryan ’15 CHAIR, AWARDS & RECOGNITION Athena Flak ‘93 CHAIR, TRENT DAY Bern Kelly ’82

David Robinson and Trent President Leo Groarke

CHAPTER PRESIDENTS New York – Michi Jakob ’87 West Coast – David Rittenhouse ’90 Hong Kong – Patrick Lam ’86 Halifax – David Wallbridge ’96 Richmond Hill/Markham – Maile Loweth Reeves ’79 Niagara Region – Shawn Ainslie ’13 Yellowknife – Mindy Willett ’88 United Kingdom – Gordon Copp ’76 & Ron Butcher ’66

ALUMNI SERVICES COORDINATORS Danielle Britton and Babin Joy MANAGER OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS & CONVOCATION Joanne Sokolowski

39 | In Memoriam 40 | Looking Back NASA images/Shutterstock

DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI & DONOR ENGAGEMENT Lee Hays ’91

38 | The Times are Changing, and We Change with Them: OC @ 50

26 @trentalumni On the cover: Dead Reckoning, David Robinson Photo: Michael Hurcomb

20

Guest Editor

DEFINING MATTERS OF IMPORTANCE THROUGH THE TRENT EXPERIENCE

Ian Proudfoot and Kathy Proudfoot on Trent’s Faryon Bridge

W

the Trent experience. This issue covers topics from nursing elcome to the fall edition of TRENT Magazine. to astrobiology research to arts and culture. And we do so As a member of the editorial board, I take great with a careful eye on presentation. The written word is vital pride in the work that is done to provide you with but can be even more compelling when augmented by a valued read. This magazine has evolved over the years, photos and charts. Each issue, our designers, contributors, both in terms of the written content and presentation.

Each edition is the result of a dedicated team advancing and staff showcase their passion and their commitment to ideas, dissecting those ideas, and changing course as telling the stories of those who embody Trent’s values. For all needed before landing on the final that you do to make this magazine possible— content. The process is democratic, but thank you. reflective of the overarching principles I would be remiss in not offering my “Indeed, people are at the agreed upon a number of years ago, personal thoughts on the 50th anniversary of core of defining our which are to showcase the diversity, the naming of Otonabee College. In 1973, I institution, and recognizing range of expertise, and humanity of was among the first students to call it home, the work and achievements those who call and have called Trent and did so for two years. Back then, nestled of alumni are paramount University home. along the river, it felt like a rural setting: to our story.”

These are the stories of Trent remote, yet vitally connected.

University, reflective of the remarkable In its first year, Otonabee was divided into achievements and societal challenges being faced with four houses and was not quite half full. It was also co-ed— ingenuity, focus, and determination. We seek examples of which was remarkable, given that this was 1973. individuals making a positive difference, such as the work Most of my classes took place at the other colleges with being done by Canada research chair Dr. Naomi the exception of lectures. But the educational experience Nichols ’01. at Otonabee College went far beyond what was learned Dr. Nichols is tackling the important and pressing in the classroom. We had compassionate leaders whose issue of poverty and homelessness through the lens of interest in our well-being exceeded expectations. I recall those who have lived experience. Since returning to Trent, spending evenings with one professor who offered their she has sought to drive social change. This is a critical and personal time to develop writing and research skills, helping timely issue—and driven by a Trent perspective. Such are us understand what was required to achieve an A. Another the connections our magazine seeks to explore. educated us on classical music and taught us fine culinary Indeed, people are at the core of defining our institution, skills. A champagne breakfast for more than 40 was an event and recognizing the work and achievements of alumni to remember.

Those years weren’t perfect. But without doubt, it was are paramount to our story. This issue of TRENT the most remarkable of experiences. An experience of a Magazine presents this year’s Alumni Award winners. lifetime.

Service, advocacy, and, as one recipient noted, “the spirit of collaboration” are defining traits of those being Ian Proudfoot ’73 recognized.

Although our topics are diverse, we are consistent in TRENT Magazine editorial board member an approach that defines matters of importance through 4

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

A Message from the President

REKINDLE YOUR (TRENT) INSPIRATION!

I

am inspired every time I look out my office window at the Otonabee River and Trent’s spectacular campus in Peterborough. I am inspired when I visit our Durham campus and see the growth and think about the future possibilities. Trent is even more inspiring now that our students have returned full of energy and promise for the future. It is exciting to experience the moments of collective effervescence that have come with the easing of pandemic restrictions.

I encourage you to find and visit and celebrate the places that inspire you at Trent. There are so many possibilities. The Treaty Rock on the Symons Campus was first established and unveiled on Truth and Reconciliation Day last year. The atrium at Durham has become a place where students, faculty and alumni have told me they treasure moments of togetherness. As Trent continues to add to our art collection and a nationally important Public Sculpture Initiative (one of the intriguing topics in this edition), I expect many to visit their favourite pieces to appreciate them and the discussion they provoke.

Here at Trent, we continue to engage in important dialogue. The Board of Governors has approved Report of the Champlain Committee. I hope you will take the time to visit trentu.ca/champlain-report and read the Report which answers difficult questions in a way that reflects the University’s central mission as an academic institution and our continuing commitment to reconciliation and engagement with First Nations and scholarship, research, knowledge and teaching.

Moments of inspiration can be catalysts for action— something that we continue to see in the growing work of our Trent researchers who dedicate their time and energy to a variety of deep questions and important causes. In their teaching and research, they are addressing some of the most significant topics that matter to Canada and the world today: healthcare, better agriculture, aging in a positive way, homelessness, astrophysics, multi-culturalism, Indigenous

theatre, sustainable science and business—even futureproofing for future pandemics.

Trent is growing internationally; we are being noticed.

The recent launch of the first-ever museum on the Spanish Civil War—hosted by our library—is a great example of how Trent is mobilizing knowledge in a way that makes it accessible from around the world. It was a wonderful occasion which included a visit from Spain’s Ambassador to Canada.

Here at home, we are also being noticed—as the #1 undergraduate university in Ontario, now for 12 consecutive years, according to this year’s Maclean’s University Rankings.

As alumni, you must have your own favourite spaces, places and memories at Trent. Whether you were able to join us on campus for the milestone 50th homecoming celebration or are an Otonabee College alum planning to return for OC’s 50th—I hope you will return for a visit and that this issue of TRENT Magazine will provide you with some inspiration—virtually or otherwise.

We look forward to welcoming you when you do.

Dr. Leo Groarke, Ph.D., President & Vice-Chancellor

Trent staff and faculty enjoying inspiring views of campus from the water during the recent Paddle with the President event.

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

5

WHAT’S NEW at Trent University It’s Official! Trent is Ontario’s #1 Undergraduate University 12 Years Running The rankings are in! Trent continues to hold the top spot as Ontario’s number one undergraduate university for 12 years running. The 2023 Maclean’s University Rankings also showcase Trent as a leader in several categories provincially and nationally.

Some highlights of the rankings include: • #1 undergraduate university in Ontario 12 years in a row, #4 in Canada • #1 in Ontario and #2 in Canada for overall reputation • #2 in Canada for most innovative • #1 in Ontario for highest-quality, scholarships and bursaries, faculty awards, and student awards • #2 in Ontario for student services and medical/science grants • Trent School of Education–only primarily undergraduate university among top 20 Education programs in Canada

New B.Sc. Degree Examines Data Science through Interdisciplinary Lens Healthcare, social media, the stock market, astronomy. These seemingly unrelated fields all share a connection—big data. With nearly every sector now underpinned by data management, Trent’s new B.Sc. in Data Science is primed to equip students with in-demand skills and hands-on experience to make significant contributions to the complex area of data analysis across a variety of industries and sectors.

The new degree leverages Trent’s interdisciplinary approach to teaching and learning as students pick a focus in a discipline of their choosing. For example, a student interested in health data might choose courses in sociology, or someone interested in the world of finance can choose business or economics courses.

Students will also put learning into practice as they propose, develop, implement and evaluate a data science solution from real-world datasets.

Learn more at trentu.ca/futurestudents/datascience

Trent Durham Establishing Itself as an Oshawa Landmark The spectacular new residence and academic building at Trent Durham Greater Toronto Area not only provides students with a bright, modern space in which to live and learn, it truly anchors the campus as an integral part of the Oshawa community.

The architectural splendour of the building and Trent Durham GTA’s strong ties to the City of Oshawa were recently recognized with the Urban Design Award from the City. This is 6

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

Trent Durham’s second Urban Design Award, having won the 2012 award for its original campus building.

“This award recognizes the place Trent Durham has in the overall community: a beautiful landmark of the region, and a centre of learning and space of engagement for the broader Oshawa and Durham communities,” said Dr. Scott Henderson ’84, dean and head of Trent University Durham GTA.

Trent Announces Inaugural Fulbright Research Chair This fall, the School for the Study of Canada will host Dr. Elizabeth Elliot-Meisel in the role of Fulbright research chair to promote the exchange of insight, knowledge and scholarship between Canada and the United States— the first Fulbright scholar for Trent.

As part of her fellowship, Prof. Elliot-Meisel will be teaching a seminar focused on comparative public memory and public history, exploring the origins and development of public memory in the United States and Canada. Her unique point of view as an American with a scholarly interest in and familial connection to Canada, combined with her significant body of research on Canada’s north, will offer Trent students novel perspectives on historical events and individuals important to each nation.

The Fulbright Chair was announced at a special lecture with Dr. Michael Hawes, part of the 50th anniversary of Canadian Studies at Trent. Learn more about the milestone anniversary, and other upcoming events, at trentu.ca/canadian_studies_at_50

Trent Hosts First-Ever Virtual Museum of the Spanish Civil War A first-of-its-kind, virtual interdisciplinary museum on the Spanish Civil War, co-developed by Trent historian Dr. Antonio Cazorla-Sanchez, has officially opened to online visitors. The Virtual Museum of the Spanish Civil War is the first dedicated museum that gives a global explanation of the conflict from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives including history, archaeology, digital humanities, literary, and cultural studies.

Professor Cazorla-Sanchez, one of North America’s leading experts on the Spanish Civil War and fascism, developed the project alongside scholars and experts from Trent University, York University, the SSHRC, and the University of Warwick, as well as the Embassy of Spain in Canada and Spain’s Ministry of Culture and Sport.

“The Virtual Museum of the Spanish Civil War is a reflection of Trent’s commitment to interdisciplinary, international collaboration and the digital humanities,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University.

Visitors are encouraged to explore the Virtual Museum for the Spanish Civil War at www.vscw.ca.

Trent Recognized for Contributions to Peterborough’s Heritage The Peterborough Historical Society recognized Trent and members of the broader Trent community for their contributions to Peterborough’s heritage, and more specifically to honouring the region’s rich Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg history and heritage.

Together with Curve Lake, Hiawatha, and Alderville First Nations, and the Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council, Trent was presented with the J. Hampden Burnham Heritage Award for the collaborative Treaty Rock Installation, revealed on the inaugural National Day of Truth & Reconciliation in 2021. Other Heritage Award recipients associated with Trent include an honour for the late Douglas Williams ’69, recognized for his efforts to preserve the oral history and traditions of the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg, and former Board chair Bryan Davies and his spouse Andra Takacs, both loyal Trent donors, who were recognized for their ongoing heritage stewardship at Trent.

Doug Williams

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

7

SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH

As home to many of the world’s leading researchers, Trent University has countless stories to tell when it comes to research success. Through our outstanding researchers, world-class facilities and prestigious schools of study, Trent is a place where ideas and creativity connect and intersect with industry, non-profits, communities and real-world solutions. Read more about some of the top faculty, student and alumni researchers who are making headlines.

FACULTY RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Understanding Job Integration Experiences of Canada’s Skilled Immigrants What experiences are skilled immigrants to Canada facing as they try to put their skills to work? Canada’s immigration model—a merit-based system that aims to prioritize skills gaps in the labour market—is at the heart of a new research project being led by Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area associate professor of Social Work, Dr. Marina Morgenshtern.

Take a Walk in My Shoes studied the journeys of immigrants in securing professional employment, which include experiences of both empowerment and exclusion, using a photovoice methodology. Prof. Morgenshtern provided cameras to a small group of new immigrants living in the Durham region to take photographs that document

their experiences through storytelling. Each participant submitted photos, provided reflections, and took part in an interview with the research team to discuss the challenges they faced, how they handled them, and to share what employers and policymakers should know about the processes.

These photographs and reflections were compiled into a photobook to share with the community, ultimately including immigrant voices in critical dialogue about integration. The photobook showcases their experiences from their point of view, identifies gaps in employment services, and informs best practices for service.

STUDENT RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

Bre O’Handley

Dr. Karen Blair

Psychology Research Emphasizes Need for Supports for LGBTQ+ Youth Amidst the Pandemic

M.Sc. psychology student Bre O’Handley, in collaboration with professor of psychology Dr. Karen Blair, is contributing key findings on how the pandemic has left many young LGBTQ+ Canadians feeling disconnected from the communities of support they have created at their postsecondary institutions.

“I’m working with others in [Professor Blair’s] lab to write and publish our findings related to LGBTQ+ Canadians’ experiences during the pandemic,” says Bre. 8

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

“I’m also working on projects examining the link between femmephobia, personalization prejudice and sexual prejudice, barriers of desired gender expression of sexual minority women, and the impact of ‘cancel culture’ on the LGBTQ+ community and feelings of belonging.”

The LGBTQ experience report by Bre is part of a multi-institution project led by Prof. Blair—the COVID-19 Interpersonal & Social Coping Study—which was recently profiled in The Globe and Mail.

MORE #TRENTURESEARCH HIGHLIGHTS Bold research making a difference in the world. That’s the Trent University way. Read on for a sampling of the latest Trent research news featured at trentu.ca/news.

ALUMNI RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT

ALUMNI

Bachelor’s and master’s alumnus, and current Environmental & Life Sciences Ph.D. student, William Kim ’15, received an NSERC-funded internship to Harvard Medical School to deepen his knowledge of the fundamental cellular and developmental processes underlying Batten disease, a rare neurodegenerative disorder that affects the nervous system.

“I believe that research can help millions of people and I find it quite fulfilling to know that even the smallest knowledge contributions can have a huge impact,” says William.

“These internship opportunities allow students to experience things outside of the labs they work in here at Trent,” adds William’s Ph.D. advisor at Trent, Dr. Robert Huber. “William will be building his network and interacting with other researchers in the field, seeing how they carry out their research and gaining key technical, transferable skills that will bring new expertise to my lab and will benefit future students as well.”

Trent alumnus William Kim is taking his Ph.D. research to Harvard

Adobe Stock

Biochemistry Alum Takes Ph.D. Research to Harvard with NSERC Funding

Trent Prepares to Welcome Prestigious Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership Trent University will soon be recruiting for the inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership—one of five prestigious academic appointments at universities across Canada to lead a first-of-its-kind collaboration focused on educating future leaders in government, politics and the public service.

“We are honoured to work in collaboration with the Jarislowsky Foundation and our university partners across the country to bring a new chair Stephen Jarislowsky position to Trent that builds on our liberal arts strengths in political theory and ethics,” says Dr. Mark Skinner, dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at Trent University. “We look forward to enhancing a learning environment that inspires generations of professionals in politics, government, and public service with integrity and a commitment to ethics, democratic values and responsible governance.”

The newly-appointed chair will be supported by a $2 million gift from the Jarislowsky Foundation that will assist the development of an innovative program of scholarship (teaching, research, and experiential learning) that will expand knowledge and training in the ethical practice of politics, fiduciary responsibility and democratic governance.

Trent’s Jarislowsky Chair will be a founding member of the national Network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership made up of five endowed chairs at Acadia University, l’Université du Québec à Trois Rivières, Trent University, the University of Lethbridge, and Vancouver Island University.

Want to know more about the sector-leading research and innovation taking place at Trent? Visit: trentu.ca/researchinnovation TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

9

FROM THE ALUMNI OFFICE:

FALL Updates 50th Homecoming

From my office in Alumni House on the Symons Campus, I can see the top of the Lady Eaton drumlin with its vibrant autumn foliage in full display, a colourful reminder that it is time for alumni to return to campus for the 50th Anniversary Homecoming weekend. After two years of virtual events and smaller celebrations, we were thrilled to be back in person with students, alumni and athletes donning their green and white and joining in a weekend of reunions, celebrations, varsity games and rowing. One of the special events on the weekend was the Excalibur VIP Homecoming Luncheon, where we bid farewell and a happy retirement to Athletics Director Deborah Bright-Brundle. The TUAA would like to thank Deborah

Jade Circle award recipient, Carol Gray ’75

10

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

for her leadership and commitment to Trent Athletics since 2014.

Ron Thom Architect

The TUAA is delighted to be a sponsor for the launch of Ron Thom Architect – the Life of a Creative Modernist by Adele Weder. This is a definitive new biography of Trent University’s master planner and influential Canadian architect who designed some of the University’s most iconic structures.

This new publication describes Thom coming of age in the mid-20th century, just as the modern movement and impending building boom were about to shape the country. His work, which also includes Massey College and the Shaw Festival Theatre, continues to inspire generations of architects.

Alumni Awards Trent University takes pride in the amazing accomplishments of our alumni who exemplify the University’s values and excel as leaders and community changemakers. This year’s Alumni Awards recipients represent the incredible breadth and depth of excellence within our alumni community. I congratulate each of the worthy honorees who are profiled on pages 35 to 37 in this edition. We look forward to including members of the Trent community in award presentations that will be taking place over the next several months at a series of special events.

Jade Circle Many alumni generously dedicate their time to the betterment of the University and the TUAA. Recently, I had the chance to present the Jade Circle award to three alumni volunteers who had completed two terms on the Board of Governors. Congratulations to Carol Gray ’75, Scott Sinclair ’80 and Peter Dilworth ’84 on receiving this TUAA award, which recognizes alumni who have demonstrated exceptional and extensive dedication to the University or TUAA.

Community Speaker Series

On the road again!

Sharing knowledge is one of the ways Trent University provides lifelong learning experiences to alumni. Alumni Engagement & Services has partnered with academic departments to support and promote the Community Speaker Series (CSS) to alumni and the broader community. The CSS is made possible thanks to generous donor support and offers free, open lectures featuring visiting faculty and experts, sharing ideas on subjects such as the environment, gender & women’s studies, business & society, chemistry, cultural studies, and Indigenous studies. Many of these lectures take place in Peterborough and made available online for all to view. trentu.ca/communityspeakerseries

In the coming months, alumni receptions will be held around the world in London UK, Vancouver, Vietnam, Toronto, Oshawa, Ottawa and Montreal. We are so excited to see and meet all the alumni in these locations. On that note, if you are an alumni living outside of Trent’s local communities and you would like to be a mentor or help a recent graduate to get settled in your city, please sign up for TrentUConnect. You could make the world of difference for a new graduate who is looking to make some connections and get to know your city.

Alma Matters With countless alumni events and other opportunities for involvement, the best way to keep in touch with us is through Alma Matters, the TUAA bi-monthly e-newsletter. If you aren’t receiving Alma Matters, sign up today by emailing alumni@trentu.ca.

Jade Circle award recipient Peter Dilworth ’84

Lee Hays ’91, Director Alumni Engagement & Services

PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION

FAMILIES ARE WRITING their next chapter ...

The Annual Children of Alumni Scholarship supports the next generation of students as they forge their own paths at Trent.

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

11

Dead Reckoning, David Robinson

12

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

TRENT’S ART COLLECTION Painting the story of who we are and sculpting a deeper appreciation for the human experience

T

he transformative power of art has been recognized and cherished at Trent since its founding in 1963. Dr. Marion Fry (Hon ’89), the first principal of Catharine Parr Traill College, recollects how, back in those early days, students would visit the Art Gallery of Ontario with former Trent professor, Stewart Bagnani (who was instrumental in establishing the University’s art collection), and would bring back works of art on loan to adorn the Traill College walls.

Since then, the Trent University Art Collection has grown to over 700 works from renowned local, national, and international artists.

Margaret Laurence Almuth Lütkenhaus

What makes this collection truly remarkable isn’t the number of carefully curated works, but the fact that it is a living collection, thoughtfully integrated into dayto-day life at Trent.

Both of Trent’s campuses, Peterborough and Durham GTA, serve as canvasses for artworks in an array of media—from 8,000-pound sculptures to delicate glasswork, paintings, photographs, and more. Fine and decorative artworks are displayed in the colleges, lecture halls, outdoor spaces, and offices to cultivate an enriched learning environment that fosters critical thinking, conversation, and creativity.

Works are considered for the collection based on quality and significance and must meet at least one of the following three criteria: it must contribute to the academic mission of Trent or reflect its history, development, environment, or cultural life; it must be of significance to the city or region of Peterborough or Ontario (it is therefore no surprise that the collection is particularly strong in Canadian and Indigenous content); or it must be of national significance. You will even spot some works by world-renowned artists like Salvador Dali, whose Don Quixote hangs in Otonabee College!

The Parting of the Waters Cecil Richards

House Of Sticks Peter Powning

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

13

Portal, David James

“Universities are a place for opening minds, developing one’s critical thinking and intelligence about various things; and sculptures, or art in general, is intelligence having fun.” –David James

Portal David James

14

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

Garden Remembrance Ron Baird

Art that people can live with “Looking at art is very much a teaching and learning experience,” says Dr. Suzanne Bailey, chair of the Trent Art Collection Presidential Advisory Committee. “It provokes conversation.

It makes people think.”

Internationally renowned artist and founder of Trent’s Public Sculpture Initiative (PSI), alumnus David James ’68, echoes this sentiment. “There’s a contemplative pleasure in taking in art. […] It provides people with the opportunity to have their curiosity stimulated, nourish the mind, provoke their thinking, and also to give them a break from the fog of contemporary existence—whatever they’re going through, whether it be at the University or in the personal lives.”

Mr. James, who with his wife Lili de Grandpré donated two sculptures to the collection and kickstarted the PSI fund for the acquisition and installation of works, believes that art embodies Trent’s tagline, “Challenge the way you think.”

“Universities are a place for opening minds, developing one’s critical thinking and intelligence about various things; and sculptures, or art in general, is intelligence having fun. […] If you have a variety of art that crosses boundaries, it reminds the University of its mission to stimulate thinking and thought and reflection.”

Corphéum XIII, Claude Millette

Art for all: The Public Sculpture Initiative “Art is a way to share, communicate and build connections between people,” says artist and sculptor Claude Millette, whose donated sculpture, Corphéum XIII, complements the campus landscape from its location in the Otonabee gardens. “It becomes more meaningful when they get to interact with it, feel it, and reflect on it.

This is why I value public art displays that become a part of people’s daily experiences and environment.”

This concept of accessible art also inspired Trent’s Public Sculpture Initiative, a donor-funded initiative, with sculptures either donated or sponsored by donors. The goal is to have a collection of high-quality, nationally and internationally significant sculptures that integrate seamlessly with the campus landscape and architecture to enrich the campus experience and inspire discovery and exploration.

“We want to celebrate the creators and their sculptures and bring these works to the community,” notes Mr. James. “The community then has an

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

15

opportunity to appreciate the work, an opportunity to be challenged, to have their thinking stimulated, to become knowledgeable. I hope that those who are around these sculptures will see them as being part of their day-today life and existence. And when they move on in life, I hope they feel their absence and have a desire for art in their own lives.”

The PSI positions Trent as a centre for outstanding sculptures of national and international importance and a regional destination for the arts. This leading-edge initiative is attracting artists who want to contribute to it as well as patrons with world-class collections.

The PSI now boasts nine sculptures, with the latest acquisitions being Dead Reckoning by David Robinson, perfectly located outside of the Athletic Centre on the west bank of the Otonabee River, and Bata Library’s newest addition, Porte d’Or by André Fournelle, recipient of the Paul-ÉmileBorduas prize (2021)—Québec’s highest honour for artists.

This Column Ends, Shayne Dark

Community collage Both Peterborough and Oshawa have vibrant arts and culture communities, with a wide variety of galleries, theatres, and public art initiatives. Many artists and philanthropists, with ties to both of these communities and Trent, have donated works to the University’s collection.

Shayne Dark, whose sculpture This Column Ends was the first work unveiled as part of the PSI, has fond memories of visiting family in Peterborough and was keen to see a permanent piece of his art in his family’s hometown. His brilliant blue sculpture, which highlights the contrast between industrial materials and the Symons Campus’s natural landscape, is certified as being of Outstanding Significance and National Importance

by Heritage Canada. Several of the PSI sculptures carry this distinction.

“Research indicates that the arts contribute substantially to a city’s long-term growth and viability,” says Mr. Shayne. “As for public art, I’m a firm believer that it can transcend age, Continued on page 18.

The Mackenzie Gallery on Symons Campus was the early home of the Trent University art collection. At its peak, the gallery exhibited as many as eight shows a year by Canadian artists in Mackenzie House.

Photos: Trent University Archives

16

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

Wenjack Sunset Roy Kakegamic Commissioned by the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies

Illuminating Indigenous art “We have some significant works of Canadian and Indigenous art on campus, which really is one of the strengths of the Trent Art Collection,” says Dr. Suzanne Bailey, chair of the Trent Art Collection Presidential Advisory Committee. With Trent’s longstanding relationship with local Michi Saagiig communities and reputation as the first Canadian university to establish a department dedicated to Indigenous studies, it should be no surprise that the art collection is home to significant works

by Indigenous artists such as Carl Beam, Arthur Shilling, Robert Davidson, and Norval Morrisseau.

The Anishinaabe and other Indigenous artworks of Trent embody the University’s commitment to reconciliation and incorporating Indigenous knowledge, history, and culture into every aspect of campus life.

“Art challenges the narrative around Indigenous people—that we are a problem, that we don’t have much knowledge, and that we are broken and beaten and don’t have much to contribute,” says Professor

David Newhouse, director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent, who has spent the last 30 years advocating for Indigenous art.

“Art represents creativity and innovation and has become a metaphor for our experiences and for the spirit of Indigenous people—we have not been erased and demolished and we have not been extinguished.”

To showcase the University’s impressive array of Indigenous artworks, alumnus and former director of Artspace Peterborough, Jonathan Lockyer ’04, curated the 2015 selfguided walking tour exhibit “On the Shores of Odoonabii-ziibi: Anishinaabe Art from the Trent Art Collection.”

The exhibit highlighted more than 20 artworks representing 50 years of contemporary Anishinaabe artistic traditions.

Most recently, the University acquired a collection of 48 works by renowned Anishinaabe artist, Carl Beam. This generous donation of mixed media works both significantly grows the Trent Art Collection and enriches it with the

thought-provoking themes underlying much of Beam’s work.

Not only was Carl the first Indigenous artist to have his work purchased by the National Gallery of Canada he also had strong ties with Peterborough and lived in the city for a number of years.

His work often revolved around current events or culture and how they intersected with Indigenous life.

In 1999, he described his work as “little puzzles, interesting little games.

I play a game with humanity and with creativity. I ask viewers to play the participatory game of dreaming of ourselves as each other. In this, we find out that we’re all basically human.”

You’re invited to explore “On the Shores of OdoonabiiZiibi: Anishinaabe: Art from the Trent University Art Collection,” a self-guided tour curated by Jonathan Lockyer ’04, former director of Artspace Peterborough. Community members are encouraged to take this opportunity to learn about these valuable pieces, the artists, and how they came to be part of the Trent University collection.

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

17

Celebrating alumni art aesthetic

Porte d’Or, André Fournelle

Continued from page 16. gender, and language, and ultimately contribute to the community’s health and livability. I believe it’s important to create dynamic public art that will resonate and engage the viewers as they make their way through their daily activities. By integrating art into a public space, we can reinforce a unique sense of place for the surrounding community.”

With its strong ties to Peterborough in particular, the arts at Trent have been etched into the local art scene since its founding. In 1971 the

University opened the Mackenzie Gallery, the only art gallery in Peterborough at the time. During its epoch, the Mackenzie Gallery gained a reputation as one of the best small galleries in Canada. As the University and its collection grew, its campuses became the canvas for this expansive collection, giving the Trent community, alumni, and the broader community the opportunity to enjoy this intrinsic part of our collective culture.

To learn more about individual works in the art collection, visit trentu.ca/ library/archives/artcollection/index, or visit trentu.ca/publicsculpture for more about the PSI.

The Trent Art Collection includes works by several alumni and others with direct links to Trent, such as Jean Nind, wife of former Trent president Thomas Nind, and legendary Canadian astronaut and former Trent chancellor, Dr. Roberta Bondar ’13. Alumni with works included in the collection are: Sean Arthur ’79 Roberta Bondar Hon ’13 Robert Commanda ’98 Michael S. Cullen ’82 John Donoghue ’82 David French ’80 Maggie Glossop ’67 Lyn Hague ’77 Spencer J. Harrison ’97 David James ’68 Roy Kakegamic ’81 David Lasenby ’64 Steven Leak ’76 Greg Lyndon ’80 Darlene Paddy-Cannon ’99 Norma Pattuelli ’84 Fred Saggashi ’75 Graeme Taylor ’80 Louis Taylor ’69 Rodney D. Taylor ’83 Marion Wilke-Whittington ’78 Alice Williams ’69 (Trent Evening Quilters)

PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION STUDENT RESEARCH

contributed to healthier woodlands and waterways ...

Tomorrow’s environmental leaders support local communities through the U-Links Community Research Centre.

18

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

AFOR HEALING QUEST & HOPE Reflections on reconciliation and relationship building

Creating space for continued learning This year marked the second commemoration of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, a day dedicated to reflecting on the intergenerational impact of residential schools and honouring the process of reconciliation. On September 30, the University hosted several events and sacred ceremonies on both campuses to bring together Indigenous and nonIndigenous members of the Trent community to learn, reflect, and take action to advance reconciliation. The Trent Centre for Teaching and Learning also provided educational resources for faculty and students to incorporate into their learning.

But how do we extend our education beyond a single day?

F

ostering close ties with local Michi Saagiig communities, creating a learning and teaching environment in which Indigenous knowledge and teachings are celebrated and respected, and encouraging dialogue and discussion about our shared history—all are central to Trent University since its inception.

Curve Lake First Nation was among the first donors to support the creation of the University in the early 1960s, and in 1969 the University created Canada’s first academic department dedicated to the study of Indigenous peoples and Indigenous knowledges.

“While Trent’s curricular and extra-curricular programming includes learning about First Nation, Métis and Inuit peoples and culture, continued engagement with and learning from local Elders and First Nations communities should remain central to support and sustain reconciliation efforts,” says Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations and Development at Trent.

“As a leader in Indigenous education, it is important for us to continue our own learning and to gain a deeper understanding of the land and traditional territories on which we are located. We continue to work alongside the Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council at Trent to incorporate Indigenous Traditional Knowledge and placemaking into campus spaces and to celebrate Anishinaabe culture and language,” she explains.

“I think it’s important to recognize that reconciliation means developing a new relationship with Indigenous people. We need to recognize that this is going to take a long time and so we need to be able to find ways to develop that relationship slowly and with care,” says Professor David Newhouse, director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies at Trent.

The University has a variety of resources to assist members of the broader Trent community to learn, reflect, and take action to advance reconciliation.

Visiting the Peterborough or Durham campus? Be sure to stop by the Treaty Rock outside the Bata Library and Treaty Wall in the main atrium at Trent Durham to learn more about the lands on which the University is situated. If you are visiting the Peterborough campus, you can take a self-guided tour through Enwayaang/Gzowksi College to explore the Anishnaabeg art collection on display, or visit Bata Library for a list of books for self-guided learning about residential schools and colonial impacts.

Online learning resources are available at trentu.ca/ truthandreconciliationday, including the University’s Michi Saagiig Protocol Guide Book.

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

19

THE TRENT FUND

Benefitting Every Student, Every Day

FLEXIBLE. MEANINGFUL. POWERFUL. Trent Fund Club members and donors get it. It’s an unpredictable world and supporting student success needs a fund with flexibility. In the past year, this extraordinary fund has met emerging needs in real time whether it was helping students affected by the conflict in Ukraine, providing emergency housing assistance throughout a pandemic, or providing on-campus jobs in the face of skyrocketing inflation. Trent Fund donations aren’t restricted to one area—the fund is fluid, supporting students exactly when they need it and where they need it.

On-Campus Employment – This year the Trent Fund provided its largest allocation to much needed oncampus employment and experiential working opportunities for domestic and international students at both the Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses.

Emergency Student Housing – The Trent Fund provided financial support for students with unexpected, unforeseen, and unavoidable emergency housing costs surrounding situations such as accidents, illness, homelessness, fire damage and the need for short-term temporary housing.

6% Co-op placements

5% Athletics Fund 3% International emergency support

7% Ukrainian students

11% Wetland monitoring

14% BIPOC scholarships

BIPOC Scholarships – Funds allocated for the creation of new and emerging Trent scholarships to assist students who identify as Black, Indigenous or Persons of Colour.

Wetland Monitoring – The Trent Fund provided support to ensure nature and wetland areas are monitored throughout the Trent Lands Plan development, supporting experiential learning opportunities.

Ukrainian Students – The Trent Fund immediately came to the need of Ukrainian students in collaboration with Trent International in various ways including priority appointments with

34% On-campus employment Trent Fund Allocation 2021/2022

20% Emergency student housing

Counselling Services, waiving financial blocks to course registration and allocating funds based on need.

Co-op Placements – The Trent Fund provided funding to support 20 students in high impact paid co-op placements.

Athletics Fund – This year the Trent Fund provided matching funds to support additional fundraising in support of the PSB Wilson Fund for Athletics and Recreation.

International Emergency Support – Emergency support was provided to international graduate students experiencing unforeseen financial hardship this year.

Gifts to the Trent Fund directly impact today’s students by supporting their most-pressing needs, whether it’s employment, health and wellness, on-campus safety, financial aid, experiential learning opportunities or mentoring.

20

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

“

Thanks to the Trent Fund, we were able to support students who struggled with emergency housing costs due to unpredictable circumstances including illness, accidents and fire. When students go through these emergencies, we are so thankful that we have the funds to support them so they can rest a little easier and put their focus on where it should be—their studies and academic success.”

Nicole Sullivan, Off-campus housing coordinator

Meet the Students Whose Lives You’re Changing This year has been a chaotic time for Ukrainian students and many have been worried about loved ones, unable to focus on studies and, in many cases, unable to access funds from their home country. Student Mikhailo Rangaiev says he and the other Ukrainian students are incredibly grateful for Trent’s support, including priority appointments with Counselling Services and funds, through the Trent Fund, to help pay for necessities such as rent, food and tuition.

“There are not enough words to describe how grateful we are for helping us with our financial needs and providing us the confidence to take on another day,” says Mikhailo, who completed an undergraduate degree in Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems this spring. He is now a Master’s student in Environmental and Life Sciences.

As an international student from Ghana, Henrietta Appiah can only work a certain number of hours off campus but can work unlimited hours at the University.

The Interdisciplinary Social Research Ph.D. student says she’s thankful to the Trent Fund for providing an on-campus research job that allows her to work enough hours to meet all of her needs.

“I need to work as many hours as I can to help pay my tuition and living expenses and, without the Trent Fund providing employment opportunities, I could not have found a job on campus that helps me pay my bills,” she says.

First-year student Paige Stupavsky says she likely would have had to work as a grocery clerk if the Trent Fund hadn’t provided an on-campus job that gave her training in an office environment, professional connections and a better sense of belonging at the University.

Her job on a data team also allowed her to not worry about expenses so she could focus on her studies as an undergraduate student in Biochemistry and Molecular Biology.

“This job has been a great first step into the workforce and I’ve gained information management experience that I wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else at this stage in my life,” she says. “I’m also thankful, especially in this bad economy, that the Trent Fund has provided a job that pays for my living expenses and tuition.”

A Donor’s Perspective

“

I went to Trent to get an education and, much to my amazement, what I received was the entire Trent experience, which challenged me to realize that what you really learn is not in books but rather about yourself. I give to the Trent Fund so that today’s and tomorrow’s students may enjoy and cherish the gift that was given to me.”

Richard O’Donnell CPT ‘75, Trent Fund Club member since 1994

Join the Club. Get the Benefits.

Trent Fund Club members give monthly and get regular updates about how their gift is impacting the students they support.

Some of our member advantages: • Special Trent Fund Club events, where members learn and hear about the impact of their gifts from students and University staff.

• Direct thank-you communications from students whose educational journey they have helped.

• Annual reports highlighting the high impact of the Trent Fund.

Visit trentu.ca/tfc for more information or to join the club.

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

21

CONNECTING LOCAL EMPLOYERS AND RECENT TRENT GRADUATES Careerspace introduces the Rural Degree Holder Program For Graduates The new Community Concierge program gives Trent University graduates enhanced access to local employment & training opportunities.

The Skills Development Fund is an Employment Ontario program, funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Ontario.

Eligibility Have you recently graduated from Trent?

Do you see yourself working in the City of Kawartha Lakes or County of Peterborough?

Are you eligible to work in Canada?

Eligible Applicants Scan Here to Apply

PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION

STUDENTS GAIN

the entrepreneurial skills and real-life experience needed for success ...

McLean Foundation invests in Trent Durham GTA students in financial need.

22

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

For Employers The Rural Degree Holder Program is preparing recent and emerging Trent University graduates for work in Peterborough and the City of Kawartha Lakes.

If you are looking to recruit new and talented graduates, please contact Ryan Sisson: rsisson@trentu.ca

COMBATTING POVERTY, HOMELESSNESS THROUGH EXPERT RESEARCH Dr. Naomi Nichols’s work drives social justice in the Peterborough community

Encampments in Peterborough’s Victoria Park

W

hen Dr. Naomi Nichols ’97 researches social issues, she always tries to hire those with lived knowledge of these issues, including young people who have been involved in the drug trade, expelled from school or involved with child-welfare agencies, as well as those who’ve experienced homelessness.

The Trent University biology and English graduate, now associate professor in Sociology and Canada research chair in CommunityPartnered Social Justice, says she values the expertise these participants bring to the table, which is different from, but just as important as, the expertise of other researchers, social

services managers, child-welfare directors and municipal councillors.

“People with direct knowledge about a social issue have insights that are essential to the development of targeted, feasible, and effective strategies for alleviating the problems they face every day,” Professor Nichols says.

Prof. Nichols’s social-justice research interests and activities reflect her collaborations and partnerships with community-based organizations, youth-serving institutions, and young people. Her research collaborators also include graduate students, researcher practitioners, community advocates and institutional partners.

Driving social change in Peterborough and beyond Since returning to Peterborough in 2020 to take up the Canada Research Chair position at Trent, Prof. Nichols has sought to drive social change in the local community, with research that often ends with several calls to action. She often serves as a social-justice issues spokesperson in the media; recently appearing on CBC Ontario Morning and in the Peterborough Examiner.

She’s passionate about her research into youth inequality, poverty, and homelessness, and exploring the social, institutional and policy systems that produce conditions of inequity in the public sphere. Currently, this work

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

23

includes an investigation of Canada’s move to embrace data-led governance on its effort to resolve an emerging youth homelessness crisis as well as the implementation of data-driven strategies in child welfare and the youth criminal justice systems.

Her current research builds on the research program she carried out as a professor at McGill University, where she studied the policy and institutional drivers of youth inequality and homelessness in schools, policing and the criminal-legal system, healthcare, and child welfare.

“This work impacts everyone,” she says. “Addressing inequality makes life better for everyone.”

Public policy, homelessness and poverty An example of this is, when mapping the complex data systems, processes, policies and practices that govern young people’s trajectories into and out of homelessness, she uses her research to make these systems more transparent, userfriendly and equitable. She believes that by increasing the transparency of our public systems, people are better positioned to advocate for the things they need. In this way, she notes, we are also better positioned to assess whether our bureaucracies are effectively addressing the social problems they are meant to be solving. Prof. Nichols believes that there are myriad ways that public policies contribute to the problem of homelessness and and poverty.

For Dr. Nichols, it’s impossible to end Issues such as homelessness unless there are strong public policies to address housing affordability and income inequality. Working to end

24

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

Equity-driven education

Prof. Naomi Nichols

homelessness without addressing those underlying problems is simply virtue signalling, she says, and doesn’t address the root problems.

Inspiring critical thinkers and social changemakers Prof. Nichols maintains a similarly critical approach in the classroom.

When teaching at Trent, she doesn’t reiterate what’s in readings, but engages with the content and invites students in the class to do so too—particularly in their written assignments.

“I love it when people bring their own experiential knowledge into conversation with the ideas we encounter in our readings or make connections to other courses they have taken, things they have read or observed,” she says. “I also choose readings that prompt all of us (myself included) to move outside our comfort zones, as we confront the ways we are variously implicated in entrenched and naturalized patterns of social inequality.”

Some classroom discussions have included frank and challenging conversations, such as how local planning policies may perpetuate institutionalized racism.

“If there are no hairdressers in Peterborough who have expertise in doing Black hair, then that could be a way the local community is communicating to Black students that they don’t belong,” she says.

When it comes to student development, she says she has an equity-driven approach. “Many of the graduate students I have supervised have lived experiences of the topics they investigate, meaning I actively support and mentor students who have experienced homelessness, poverty, racism, mental illness, gender-based violence, and other forms of systemic exclusion,” she says.

In 2021, Prof. Nichols founded the Research for Social Change Lab (RSCL) at Trent University. The lab aims to mobilize University resources for social change.

“With our community partners, we design and execute research projects to generate actionable knowledge and creative problem solving around issues such as homelessness, social exclusion and poverty,” she says.

Research underpinned by lived experience One RSCL research project is exploring Peterborough’s response to housing and homelessness challenges. A team of lived-experience researchers is documenting the rules and procedures that dictate how housing and shelter resources are distributed in Peterborough.

“The goal is to read these rules and procedures in the context of our legislated obligation to realize the progressive right to housing,” Prof.

Nichols says. “Are human rights being respected in Peterborough? Can we do better?”

Another RSCL research project, Data Justice for Youth, funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, maps the complex data systems, processes, policies, and practices that govern young people’s trajectories into and

Award Winning Research and Activism

“This work impacts everyone. Addressing inequality makes life better for everyone.”

out of homelessness. The goal is to make these systems more transparent, user-friendly, and equitable.

Much of the RSCL research is conducted at Trent’s downtown campus at Traill College, which is more accessible to people who live or work downtown. Prof. Nichols often recruits participants through local social-service providers, including those delivering harm reduction supports to people who use drugs.

She’s thankful to work at Trent as she says the University’s social justice values align with her own. “Trent also has a culture that’s supportive of collective work and not a culture steeped in competition. Staff and faculty are genuinely invested in one another’s wellbeing and intellectual progress.”

In all, she says she finds joy in her research that aims to make the world a better place.

“With research that’s justicefocused and evidence-led, we really can do better,” she says.

“We can save lives.”

Trent sociology professor, Canada research chair, and institutional ethnographer, Dr. Naomi Nichols, won the Dorothy E. Smith Scholar-Activist award for her activism and scholarship examining institutions affecting the lives of youth and those experiencing homelessness. That work started during her Ph.D., where she worked with a local youth shelter to study the coordination of services for youth at-risk of homelessness and create programming that filled local service gaps. Later, Prof. Nichols led several participatory youth research teams who investigated how different institutional policies and processes shaped their lives. That research resulted in a book titled, Youth, School, and Community.

“Young people spend most of their time in public institutions (e.g., in schools, using public transit systems). And so, as a team of youth, professors, and youth-workers, we looked at those institutions and the affordances and constraints they enabled in young lives, paying attention to how these shaped their developmental trajectories,” Prof Nichols said. “We flipped the gaze from focusing on youth as problematic or at-risk towards the inter-institutional practices that create conditions of inclusion and exclusion in young people’s lives.”

PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION

WE ARE EDUCATING the political leaders of tomorrow ...

Trent’s inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership will help lead a first-of-its-kind collaboration focused on educating future leaders in government, politics and the public service.

TRENT TRENT MAGAZINE MAGAZINE 53.1 53.1

25

CYBERSECURITY, ALIENS AND ASTEROIDS: WELCOME TO MIKE GOWANLOCK’S RESEARCH Trent alum says it’s an “exciting time for science” as his research supports cutting-edge work

W

hether improving cybersecurity, enhancing science’s ability to detect asteroids in the solar system, or helping maximize the chance of finding extraterrestrial life, Trent alumnus Professor Mike Gowanlock ’03 is working on the cutting edge of computer science, astroinformatics and astrobiology.

Prof. Gowanlock, who completed his undergrad in Computer Science and his master’s in Applied Modelling and Quantitative Methods at Trent University, is currently an assistant professor in the School of Informatics, Computing and Cyber Systems at Northern Arizona University.

26

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

His forward-thinking work includes research into post-quantum cryptography that will increase security for governments and banking, improving algorithms for a telescope that surveys space for events such as active asteroids, better understanding which areas of the galaxy may be most hospitable to complex land-based life, and calculating where to point a telescope in the night sky to maximize the chances of detecting a signal from an alien civilization.

“I have been fortunate to have been able to work in numerous areas of research, including those that address fundamental questions about the universe and pressing societal questions, such as the threat of near-future quantum computers to modern cryptographic systems,” he says. “Due to the enabling nature of computer science and the field of parallel computing, I have been able to contribute my expertise to several areas of scientific investigation.”

NASA images/Shutterstock

The rise of a star

His recent projects involving cybersecurity are on the cutting edge due to the rapidly emerging technology of quantum computing, which uses the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that are too complex for traditional computers. While current technology, for example, would take upwards of a million years to break online banking safety algorithms, quantum computers make this task more a more feasible reality.

Prof. Gowanlock’s work focuses on improving post-quantum cryptography, which will protect against this kind of data breach. He’s currently funded by the U.S. Air Force Research Laboratory, but his work is applicable and critical around the World, as all government computers will need to switch to post-quantum computing in the coming years.

When studying at Trent, Prof. Gowanlock co-authored a paper with Trent’s Dr. David Patton, professor in Physics and Astronomy, and Dr. Sabine McConnell, professor in Computer Science, about locations within the Milky Way Galaxy that may favour the Computing the evolution of our solar system development of complex life. After being His work in astroinformatics, meanwhile, published in Astrobiology—the most-cited involves working on a solar-system event peer-reviewed journal dedicated to the Prof. Mike Gowanlock broker for the Solar System Notification Alert understanding of life’s origin, evolution, and Processing System (SNAPS). SNAPS relies on distribution in the universe—the article is still parallel multi-core CPU and GPU-accelerated near realbeing referenced by other researchers more than a time outlier detection algorithms to detect interesting decade later.

Professor Patton says it has been a joy to watch the events on small bodies in the solar system. progress of Prof. Gowanlock’s career. “It has been wonderful Prof. Gowanlock supports complex algorithms for the Vera C. Rubin Observatory—an astronomical to follow Mike’s progression from his first undergraduate observatory currently under construction atop a mountain astrobiology class to a career as a professor and researcher. in northern Chile. The Rubin Observatory, using the latest in During my career, I have had numerous opportunities technology, will require modern computational approaches to supervise and mentor students in research projects. for sifting through that vast amounts of data that it will Typically, this involves teaching them about astrophysics produce. SNAPS processes that data and sends alerts to the and training them in areas such as programming, statistical solar system community about noteworthy events and/or analysis, how to read and write peer-reviewed articles, and anomalies in space. how to build a career in academia. I have really enjoyed this “These edge cases help us understand the formation process, and I take particular satisfaction in seeing these and evolution of the solar system,” he says. students move on to successful careers. Mike Gowanlock is an excellent example of this.”

After studying at Trent, Prof. Gowanlock obtained his Is there life out there?

Ph.D. in Computer Science from the University of Hawaii As for his astrobiology research, Gowanlock focuses on the at Manoa in 2015 and was a postdoctoral associate at MIT regions of the galaxy expected to have the highest carrying Haystack Observatory from 2015 to 2017. capacity for land-based complex life. His research explores the age of stars and planets as well as their proximity to Exploring new frontiers supernova events (exploding stars) that could wipe out landThroughout his career, Prof. Gowanlock’s computer science based life. The research helps indicate which planets, which research has included designing multi-dimensional data have not been exposed to supernovae, are likely to have life access methods for graphics processing units (GPUs), which on their surfaces. This also helps astronomers know where exploit the GPU’s high on-card memory bandwidth and to point telescopes to maximize chances of finding techno massive parallelism. He has also worked on hybrid CPU/GPU signatures (signals) from extraterrestrial life. algorithms for several domains.

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

27

Renowned Astronomy Scholar Wins Distinguished Research Award Dr. David Patton recognized for career of research exploring galaxy formations, interactions and evolution Dr. David Patton, an internationally renowned scholar, researcher and leader in the field of galaxy formation, galaxygalaxy pairs and galaxy evolution, is 2021’s recipient of Trent’s Distinguished Research Award.

The award celebrates a career of internationally recognized intellectual contributions and is the highest honour conferred by the University for research and scholarly activity.

“Given all the amazing research that takes place at Trent, there is stiff competition for this award, so it was quite an honour to be selected.

I am grateful to my colleagues for taking the time out of their busy lives to nominate me for this award,” said Professor Patton.

One of Prof. Patton’s most notable contributions to the field has been his work on interacting and merging galaxies using the Sloan Digital Sky Survey, which has created the most detailed threedimensional maps of the Universe ever made. While Prof. Patton is not part of the Sloan collaboration, much of his research over the past 15 years has made use of Sloan images and spectra that are publicly accessible online.

His research focuses on galaxies that are close enough to each other to undergo strong gravitational interactions and, in many cases, merge to create larger galaxies. Along with collaborators, he has carried out a series of studies of interacting galaxies, using a sample of more than 10,000 close galaxy pairs from the Sloan survey to determine how interactions change galaxy properties. His research has shown that interacting galaxies form stars more rapidly compared to more isolated galaxies and that interacting galaxies have distorted shapes, bluer colours, lower metal content, and more active supermassive black holes than isolated galaxies.

During his career, Prof. Patton has fostered numerous collaborations and partnerships with scientists elsewhere in Canada and around the world. He has published 74 peer-reviewed articles, which have been cited more than 8,000 times. In addition to his intensive publication output, Prof. Patton has received considerable funding to support his research, including continuous support from NSERC grants during his time at Trent. Prof. Patton has also played a supporting role in research projects of other faculty, post-doctoral researchers, graduate students and undergraduate students, many of whom have gone on to successful careers at institutions around the world.

His work is recognized as a benchmark in understanding galaxy interactions. In fact, he co-authored a paper with then-student Mike Gowanlock and Dr. Sabine McConnell about locations in the Milky Way Galaxy that may favour the development of complex life and that work is still being cited by researchers more than a decade later.

28

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

Finding an interdisciplinary galaxy at Trent Prof. Gowanlock credits Trent’s interdisciplinary approach for preparing him for a rewarding and successful multidisciplinary career in science.

“To realize the model of the habitability of the galaxy, I learned many fundamental astronomy and astrobiology concepts from Dave Patton. Furthermore, to process the simulation within a tractable amount of time, I needed to learn new computational techniques from Sabine McConnell. Working at the intersection of computer science and astronomy has since been an interest of mine.”

Prof. Gowanlock, an Oshawa Native, chose Trent for both its size and its location within a close-knit community that felt like home. He enjoyed that the small class sizes provided the opportunity to develop strong professional relationships with faculty, who he said were always very approachable and deeply invested in student success. Now a professor himself in Arizona, he teaches courses in Introduction to Parallel Programming, and High Performance Computing.

As his research and work continue to expand scientific knowledge, he knows there’s no limit to what he can learn and help achieve in his lifetime.

“Scientific knowledge is a funny thing,” he says. “At the time of undertaking a scientific investigation, it is often unclear what the future impacts of the work might be. I can only hope that my contributions have a lasting impact on my fields of research. And while I cannot predict what impact my work might have, I can enthusiastically say that it is a very exciting time for science, and thus I’m appreciative of being a scientist and professor at this moment in history.”

Trent/Fleming School of Nursing graduate, Allen Vo

GAINING A GLOBAL HEALTH PERSPECTIVE Alumni’s healing hands bring hope locally and abroad

A

s nursing students, Allen Vo ’13 and Holly Howson ’14 both had the opportunity to join the Trent Nursing Brigade, an educational placement in Central America that not only prepares students for some of the challenges that they may face as professional nurses, but provides vulnerable communities with primary healthcare support but.

Now, almost a decade later, Allen, a nurse practitioner in Perioperative Medicine and Complex Malignant Hematology at Juravinski Hospital in Hamilton, Ontario, and Holly, a critical care nurse for Huron Perth Healthcare Alliance in Stratford, Ontario, will once again join the Nursing Brigade—this time bringing a wealth of experience to a new group of students during this life-changing opportunity.

The Nursing Brigade, under the leadership of Trent’s Dr. Patti Tracey, takes students on a 12-day journey through remote villages where they support the primary healthcare needs of the most vulnerable community members, and provide important education on topics such as sexual health, family planning, gender equality, nutrition, dental care and clean water access. During their stay, students also assist with community initiatives such as installing and maintaining clean water filters, assisting with new community gardens and completing small construction projects to aid and assist communities in healthy daily living.

TRENT Magazine (TM): You are joining the Trent Nursing Brigade again this fall. What brings you back?

Allen Vo (AV): As a student, I took part in the Fall Nursing Brigade in 2014 and have since returned to Honduras as a volunteer in 2017, 2018, and 2020. My first trip changed my perspective on the work being done and the impact it had. With the Trent Nursing Brigades, Dr. Tracey makes a conscious effort to work with community members and leaders to create successful programs that foster knowledge, provide resources, and empower community members through fundraising and projects by our nursing students.

That feeling that you are a part of the community and working together with the Honduran people was a highlight to me and has driven me to return.

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

29

Overall, this project would not have been successful without continued relationship building with community leaders and stakeholders to guide how the project could best support the community and be sustained. It has improved access to clean water, empowered the community, and continues to grow.

Trent/Fleming School of Nursing graduate, Holly Howson

This year, I am joining the Brigade as a clinical instructor, and I look forward to seeing how the projects have progressed in-country and visiting our community partners and friends.

I also hope that my experiences will guide and inspire the students. I was once where they are now and know how much stress they have, especially now as there are significant challenges in the nursing profession. Our nursing students are the future of the profession and I hope to be a positive mentor to these future changemakers.

Holly Howson (HH): For me, going back to Honduras will be quite nostalgic and I look forward to seeing the country and people again. When we went on the brigade in 2015, we stayed at a children’s village operated

by Sociedad de los Niños. Many of us ended up sponsoring some of the children when we returned and it would be great to reconnect with these friends.

I also want to transition into a leadership role, and the opportunity to help mentor this second-year clinical group will give me that opportunity as a volunteer. As an alum, I get to experience the brigade from a different

30

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

perspective, and I’m excited to see these students experiencing it for the first time and to support them along the way.

TM: It has been almost a decade since your first Nursing Brigade to Honduras. Can you share a bit about that experience?

AV: On my first trip to Honduras, we focused on providing access to clean water in the rural village of El Suyatillo.

We planned to install household plastic basin biosand filters that would supply a family with five gallons of clean water daily, and to initiate some quality improvements by monitoring the water quality in the filters installed the previous year. Unfortunately, only one of the three existing filters was working.

We remedied the existing filters and returned from Honduras driven to ensure the success of the water project. I spent the rest of my time at Trent developing training modules and surveillance surveys to prepare future students to install, maintain, and train others in the use of the biosand water filters while performing continuous quality improvements.

HH: I went to Honduras in the fall of 2015 and our group’s focus was mainly on health education and promotion.

My partner and I taught English as a second language at primary schools, while others in our group presented to older populations on topics like mosquito-borne illnesses, sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and safe food handling. During our Brigade, we visited several rural schools—in fact, I remember being loaded into a pickup truck and driving for two hours in the mountains to one of the schools! It was such an eye-opening experience to see these communities and teachers make do with the resources they had available, and it really made us aware of our own privilege here in Canada.

Each school we visited was different and we had to adjust our presentation accordingly. This taught us to be adaptable and find creative solutions, and we walked away more experienced and confident in our abilities.

TM: Why is it so critical for nursing students to gain hands-on experience outside of the classroom, particularly in rural communities and communities with limited access to health services?

AV: I believe it provides perspective and helps develop critical thinking. While systemic issues exist in any community you work in, small rural communities are often less likely to have the supports, resources, and funding to provide the same level of care as you would see in larger cities. This often puts a great deal of responsibility on nursing to care for individuals who

typically have worse outcomes due to inaccessibility to care. You are often left adapting to your resources and using creative solutions to address problems. As a nursing student, you spend your academic career learning theory and practicing skills, taking in as much clinical experience as you can to best handle this significant amount of responsibility. Early experiences among these rural communities help provide perspective on the needs of your patients, wherever they may reside, while developing critical thinking skills to adapt to the environment you are in.

HH: These experiences are 100% about gaining perspective. This is often students’ first time travelling outside of Canada and it can be quite a culture shock. Opportunities like the Nursing Brigade teach students to see the bigger picture, to see the social injustices others face and to realize just how privileged we are. You also learn to be more flexible, to adapt at a moment’s notice and to work with diverse patients—all of which are important skills in your career as a nurse.

TM: The Nursing Brigade really exposes students to the social determinants of nursing and the health disparities around the world.

How has the experience impacted you and your career trajectory?

AV: The experiences that these brigades have given me are immeasurable. They have shaped my nursing through increased cultural competence and empathy and learning through an immersed lens.

They allowed me to start my nursing career seeking more perspective and context when caring for my patients, as opposed to just seeing a problem.

The brigades have driven me to be more aware of my surroundings and the problems faced in our own communities while giving me the tools to be a driver of change. I think that is reflected in my professional career and my volunteerism.

HH: Before going to Honduras with Trent, I hadn’t really travelled internationally, but going on the brigade really showed me how easy it is to bring joy to people, and opened my eyes to the many opportunities within the nursing profession. It really piqued my interest in seeing and

experiencing the world and working with different communities. Since then, I have gone on similar trips to Guatemala, Ecuador, and India with a Toronto-based company called Operation Groundswell. They do what they call backpack tourism, which is backpacking slash activism. You get to experience the culture and people of a country, the food and the language, while also doing community-focused work. For example, in Guatemala, we assisted with a reforestation project. I also started travel nursing this year, just here in Canada, but I would like to do this internationally as well.

Dr. Tracey, Allen, Holly and the students will embark on the fall Brigade on October 19, 2022. As of next year, students will also have the opportunity to work in Guatemala thanks to a new partnership with Horizons of Friendship and a Universities Canada grant.

Programs such as the Nursing Brigade are important learning opportunities for Trent nursing students, but the cost can be a barrier for some. Visit mycommunity.trentu. ca/nursingbrigade to find out how you can support our future nurses.

PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION COMPASSIONATE & CRITICAL THINKERS will provide care as nurses ...

Local students from rural or farming communities who face financial barriers to an education in nursing are supported through the Doreen (Larmer) Stewart Nursing Scholarship.

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

31

Reunited and it feels so good!

Reflecting on 50 years of coming home to Trent

T

housands of alumni, students, rowers and community members donned their green and white to take part in the 50th Homecoming Weekend and Head of the Trent Regatta (HOTR)—a highlight in the alumni calendar, and the opportunity to bask in nostalgia, see old friends, and enjoy a day of university (and college) pride.

“Homecoming is a unique and fun opportunity for people to reconnect,” says Maile Loweth Reeves ’79, chair of the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) Homecoming Committee. “There is something really special about Trent, and the Symons Campus is especially stunning in the fall. There is such a strong sense of camaraderie during homecoming.”

This year’s celebration, the first in-person event in three years, included a festival stage with live musical performances by bands such as I, the Mountain—proud Trent alumni—as well as busker-style entertainers, campus tours, Varsity games and, of course, rowing. Alumni also had exclusive access to the Céilie

32

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

where Trent retiree Rod MacDonald and Michael Martyn ’90 entertained the crowds.

Special events at this year’s Homecoming included the kick-off of Otonabee College’s 50th anniversary, the dedication and unveiling of the Prendiville Music Room at Lady Eaton College, an exclusive Anishinaabe Art

Tour in Peter Gzowski College, and aptly, Champlain College’s screening of The Novice movie, filmed right here at Trent! Traill College held their annual scarving ceremony, where alumni of Traill and Peter Robinson College introduced new students to the downtown college.

“There really was a variety of things happening around the campus,” says Danielle Britton, alumni engagement and services coordinator.

“You could drop in for a live show, catch a race or Varsity game, or go on a self-guided campus tour.”

No oar-dinary regatta The first HOTR regatta was organized in 1971 by Chris Leach ’70, founder of the Trent University Rowing Club.

Over the years, the head-race regatta, now hosted by the Peterborough Rowing Club, has grown to become the region’s premier fall rowing event, attracting thousands of athletes from across Ontario, Québec, and the northern United States. It is also the only university homecoming event in Canada that revolves around rowing, and has become a huge economic boon to Peterborough and the Kawarthas.

The course for the race has remained relatively unchanged since 1971—a scenic, spectator-friendly route up the Trent-Severn canal and into the Otonabee River, passing Bata

Langton House, 1972-’78

Mike Keuken ’87 and Blair Trembley ’87

For most, however, what brings them back year after year isn’t the phenomenal line-up of entertainment and activities, it is the opportunity to reconnect with old friends.

“I think many people, especially more recent graduates, are attracted by the renewal and affirmation of vivid friendships made during their student years,” explains former TUAA president

connection and continuity, a sense of shared experiences that serves as a strong foundation for relationships that grow and mature as we age.”

“I was fortunate to meet some of the closest people in my life when I was at Trent, and I maintain a relationship with them to this day,” adds Steve, who shared his 2022 Homecoming experience with his partner, a fellow Trent alum. “Being able to share our Homecoming and time at Trent now, after being good friends for close to 30 years, is very special to me. It’s not just going with your partner, it’s being able to experience it with your best friend as well.”

Janet Molson ’90 and Roxanne Vis ’90

Library and crossing the finish line just beyond the Faryon Bridge.

“Being able to sit and watch the races, standing on the bridge and looking down as the boats go by is a fantastic experience,” says former TUAA council member, Steve Robertson ‘93, who has attended (and volunteered at) almost every Homecoming and Head of the Trent since he started at the University.

“There is a general sense of excitement and school pride. It really is a very positive, pleasurable experience for anyone who attends.”

A history steeped in tradition, founded on friendship Trent University’s Homecoming—and the Head of the Trent regatta—has been celebrated on the weekend before Thanksgiving since 1972. Since then, around 20,000 alumni have returned to Trent to cheer on varsity and alumni teams, visit their old haunts and attend alumni events. They’ve also enjoyed perks, such as exclusive access to the Céilie, giveaways and the latest in alumni and college merchandise.

And, of course, they’ve collected their annually-designed, quintessential HOTR mugs.

New opportunities to connect Musician Sara Shahrazi

and former member of Trent’s board of governors, John Butcher ’67, who has attended almost every Homecoming event since 1972.

“I formed 50-year bonds at Trent that my friends and I try hard to maintain and nurture. This is not about sentiment and nostalgia, but rather

“Adding the virtual programs is a wonderful new direction,” says Maile.

“COVID forced our hand and we couldn’t hold an in-person event for the last two years. Virtual events, like the College Challenge, are a brilliant way to engage alumni all around the world in Homecoming. And people loved it! They were dragging out their mugs and yearbooks, and stories and pictures, and sharing everything online.

It didn’t matter if you were in TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

33

Trent Councillors Mike Nolan ’69, Doug Reid ’67, Jennifer Oades ’76

Mark Langdon ’83, Tyler Palamar ’92, Laura Walton ’91, Doug Freeman ’86, Jamie Hobgood ’92

Tim Hughes and Dawn Kuisma ’87

Kathy Ross ‘85 with baby David, Dinesh Ross ’86, Graeme Ross ’86, Scott Carter ’86, Andrew Homer ’86, Lesley Cassidy ’87

Diamond Dave

John and Kathy Kanis ’75, Sarah Duff ’72

Peterborough or in Budapest, you were able to participate.”

For many alumni, Homecoming 2022 was the first opportunity since the pandemic to visit the Symons Campus and to connect with current students.

“Just strolling around campus (both at the river and downtown) is nice. There is always something new

34

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

to see,” adds John. “The Bata Library remains a very interesting building, as it is continually being reshaped and repurposed in response to new learning styles and primary resources.

The new Student Centre is terrific and wandering in and out of the colleges and teaching facilities always turns up something interesting.”

Whether you attended in person or online, the 50th Anniversary Homecoming 2022 was a reunion of note.

For information on Homecoming 2023, keep an eye on mycommunity. trentu.ca/homecoming.

“YOU MAKE US PROUD!”

Celebrating the 2022 Trent University Alumni Award Recipients Trent University Alumni Association plans series of events throughout the year to recognize 2022 Alumni Award winners

A

cross the globe, Trent alumni are addressing some of today’s biggest challenges and spreading the Trent spirit far and wide. The Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) is proud to honour the best of the best with the 2022 Alumni Awards and celebrate those talented alumni who are exploring new frontiers while transforming their industries and communities.

“Trent University takes pride in the amazing accomplishments of our alumni who exemplify the University’s values and excel as leaders and community changemakers,” said Lee Hays, director of Alumni & Donor Engagement. “This year’s recipients represent the incredible breadth and depth of excellence within our alumni community. Congratulations to each of these worthy honorees, you make us proud!”

Honouring an advocate for Canada’s academic community Taking home one of the prestigious Distinguished Alumni Awards is Janet Bax ’69 (B.A., French, Political Studies) a retired senior public servant—provincially, federally and across the globe—who inspired colleagues to tackle pressing national and international issues. Janet served in roles with Veterans Affairs Canada, Ontario Québec Permanent Commission, the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, the Canadian Consulate General and Environment Canada. She retired in 2019 from her position as acting executive director of the Council of Canadian Academies where she advocated for Canada’s academic community while leading ambitious interdisciplinary research projects on crucial public policy issues. Following retirement, Janet

stayed on with the Council to support an expert panel on the issue of medical assistance in dying.

“What an honour to have been nominated for one of Trent University’s 2022 Distinguished Alumni Awards,” says Janet. “My years at Trent University’s Lady Eaton College were so rich and rewarding, both academically and personally, and were crucial to my determination to make a difference through my work. As I reflect on my career and achievements, I am so grateful to have had the advantage of attending what was then a small university, dubbed Oxford on the Otonabee, and to have had the level of teaching and discussion and argument. What an ideal preparation for a career that demanded clear ideas and policies, succinctly presented and purposefully executed.”

Janet is also a leader in the notfor-profit community in Ottawa, specializing in conservational and mental health issues and serves as a mentor with Women for Nature and the Royal Ottawa Hospital.

Embodying Trent’s spirit of collaboration The Spirit of Trent Award goes to Stuart Butts ’65 (B.A. Honours, Political Science), a retired lawyer and entrepreneur who undertook leadership roles with several businesses and organizations, including Torham Packaging Inc., Xenos Computer Systems Inc., S&P Cosmetics Inc., Grackledocs Inc., Enviromelt Inc. and the Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Entrepreneurship. He currently serves

as an advisor/investor with several start-ups. Stuart says Trent’s spirit is embodied in collaboration, which is uniquely promoted by the University.

“In my view, the world could use a lot more of the Spirit of Trent—the spirit of collaboration—which is inherent in college life with smallgroup teaching and interdisciplinary studies,” Stuart says. “At Trent, I collaborated in the establishment of the Commoner (the first and famous campus pub) and modern-day Arthur, and most recently in the late President Symons’s 90th birthday celebration. In life, I have actively participated in the formation of numerous enterprises, generally involving the skills and expertise of others, new thinking and collaborative discovery. I am currently engaged in trying to formulate a collaboration that addresses the overriding issue of climate change through the lenses of sustainable agriculture, community food security and nutrition.”

Stuart started his career in corporate law with Harries, Houser and made partner in 1981.

He moved on to become chair of Torham Packaging Inc. while simultaneously chairing Xenos Computer Systems Inc., which he led and grew until it was sold in 2010. While he was chair of Torham and Xenos, both businesses received Business of the Year accolades.

With an interest in food security, farming and regenerative agriculture, Stuart also helped to fund and establish the Trent Farm’s Growing Change Program. He has written extensively about the impact of agrichemicals on human wellbeing in his memoir, The Farm Report.

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

35

“In my view, the world could use a lot more of the Spirit of Trent—the spirit of collaboration—which is inherent in college life with small-group teaching and interdisciplinary studies.” – Stuart Butts ’65

Maintaining the Trent connection from across the globe This year’s Volunteer Leadership Award goes to Patrick Lam ’86, who has volunteered for and served as president of TUAA’s Hong Kong Chapter for more than a decade. Patrick recalls raising his hand to volunteer for the role, without hesitation.

“Somehow I had a very strong sense of mission at that moment that I would maintain our alumni connection, with both our local alumni group and with Trent University,” he says. “Time flies and I have now met alumni from different generations. They are all great people playing different roles in our community and they inspire me in many ways, including tycoon Justin Chiu.”

Throughout the years, he says his chapter has celebrated together

on Trent’s 40th (2004) and 50th (2014) anniversaries. Chapter alumni were also thrilled to meet in person with Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University, Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations & Development, Glennice Burns, associate vice-president Trent International and Jackie Muldoon, then vice president Academic, during their trips to Hong Kong. Even in the pandemic, he says his chapter continued to meet on Zoom with extraordinary people from Trent, including Lee Hays, director of Alumni & Donor Engagement.

“What an incredible feeling to hear updates directly from those honourable guests about our university!” he says.

Patrick says the Volunteer Award should be going to all of the Hong Kong Chapter members.

“Without the support from fellow alumni, my dedication to the chapter would be meaningless,” he says. “It’s my pleasure to accept this award

PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION

GRADUATE STUDENTS are addressing some of society’s most fundamental challenges ...

The esteemed Ontario Graduate Scholarship allows graduate student recipients to put their focus where it needs to be most: on their academic endeavours and groundbreaking research.

36

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

on behalf of our Hong Kong Chapter and I look forward to continue doing my best to connect our alumni with Trent as well as promoting Trent’s presence to our local community when and where possible.”

2022 Alumni Award recipients: •

Distinguished Alumni Award, presented based on a person’s achievement and leadership in business, industry, a profession or in public life: Dr. Jane Heffernan ’96, hailed as one of Canada’s leading applied mathematicians, a widely respected researcher on the spread and persistence of infectious diseases; Dr. William (Bill) Waiser ’71, distinguished historian and a member of the Order of Canada; and Douglas (Doug) Williams ’69 (Gidigaa Migizi), who as a mentor and

Jane Heffernan

Bill Waiser

Doug Williams

THOMAS MILLER ’82 educator, contributed to preserving the oral history and traditions of the Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg; Janet Bax ’69, former executive director of the Council of Canadian Academies and senior leader with Global Affairs Canada (now retired).

•

Spirit of Trent Award, presented to an alum who has made a difference, through contribution to the University or their community: Deborah Berrill ’69, who has made a significant impact through her 38-year teaching career and as a community builder; Stuart Butts ’65, a lawyer by training and an entrepreneur by nature who now serves as an advisor/investor with several start-ups and is passionately dedicated to leading change through food security and regenerative agriculture.

•

Young Leader Award, presented to young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status: Anastasia Kaschenko ’12, co-founder and chief technical officer of Majik Water, which develops sustainable clean drinking water solutions.

•

Tony Storey Volunteer Leadership Award: Patrick Lam ’86, who has steadfastly volunteered for, and served as president of, TUAA’s Hong Kong Alumni Chapter for more than a decade.

•

Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize for students demonstrating excellence in student governance: Carter Tongs, vicepresident of student health and wellness with the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) and a fierce advocate for students’ wellbeing; Wendy Walker, TCSA president, who has played a pivotal role in student governance for a number of years.

•

Glassco Prize, presented to students who demonstrate outstanding generosity of spirit in a range of activities, including music, athletics, or theatre, in the Trent and Peterborough communities: Wasauksing First Nation member Gracie Crafts ’18, a role model and leader in Indigenous reconciliation efforts; Zoe Litow-Daye, TCSA vice-president of campaigns and equity and leading student support advocate.

The 2022 awards will be presented throughout the year as part of a series of online and in-person events. More information on the 2022 Alumni Awards winners can be found on the Alumni Awards website.

EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN TRENT VARSITY ROWER PRESIDENT, PRC COLLEGE CABINET ADVOCATE, HEALTH AND HUMAN RIGHTS MT. VENTOUX CYCLIST Remembering Trent in his Will, Tom’s legacy will ensure the vibrant, residential, academic, college-based education he is grateful for remains central to Trent.

What will your legacy be?

November is Make a Will Month. Leaving even a small portion of your estate to Trent University could make a considerable impact. For more information on creating your legacy at Trent University, contact Donna Doherty at donnadoherty@trentu.ca or 705-748-1011 x7208.

trentu.ca/legacy

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

37

The Times are Changing, and We Change with Them Otonabee College is celebrating its 50th anniversary and you’re invited In December 1972, College V was officially named Otonabee College after the Otonabee River, or Odoonabii-ziibi as it is called in Anishinaabemowin, which translates to “the river that beats like a heart.” And, like the river it is named after, Otonabee College (OC) has established itself at the heart of Trent University.

Over the past 50 years, OC has gone through many changes and faced floods, major renovations, and a global pandemic head-on—ever-flowing, ever-changing and beating steady and strong like the Otonabee River.

The College officially opened its residences in 1973 and 1974. Since then, OC has welcomed thousands of students, each enacting change in the world around them in their own way—change that’s always led with the heart first.

“Over the past six months I have had the opportunity to connect with alumni and students from every era,” says interim OC principal, Dr. Jessica Becking ’14. “I am consistently impressed by the humanity, kindness, and inclusivity that I find in all our students and alumni. It is a testament to the kinds of people that OC attracts and the values that it instills in those who choose to call this community their own.”

Celebrate with your OC family Alumni have many opportunities to join in on the festivities around OC’s 50th Anniversary.

“From sharing your OC story to attending one of our forthcoming celebratory events, we hope you will use this as an opportunity to connect with your home college,” says Principal Becking.

Upcoming events include an OC Birthday Party on December 2, as well as the OC Alumni Weekend on May 13 and 14, 2023.

You also won’t want to miss out on the chance to showcase your OC pride with some limited-edition merchandise.

“We are hard at work on a book that will celebrate OC through the ages,” adds Principal Becking. “We hope that you will join us in celebrating this incredibly special place and all the ways that it has touched and continues to touch the lives of those that work and study here.”

Inquiries about the 50th Anniversary celebrations or ways to get involved can be directed to Principal Becking at jbecking@trentu.ca.

Learn more about Otonabee College’s 50th Anniversary by visiting trentu.ca/colleges/otonabee/celebrate/otonabee-50.

38

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

PHILANTHROPY IN ACTION

TRENT REMAINS an active steward of its lands ...

By implementing environmental enhancement projects in the University Green Network, a key component of the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan.

IN MEMORIAM Arthur I. Beaver ‘84

Shawn P. Hodgins ‘79

Rosemary Speirs, Honorary Alumni

Vernon Belos ‘75

Susan Jackson ‘73

Ken Sunderland ‘81

Patricia A. Bradley ‘69

Konrad H. Kinzl, Professor Emerti

P.L. Teeuwen ‘85

Brian J. Childs ‘75

Peter C. Kuo ‘77

Ruben L. Wackley ‘75

David S. Curko ‘75

Margaret M. MacMillan ‘80

John M. Wass ‘68

Max Eisen, Honorary Alumni

Walter G. McWilliams ‘82

Gary S. Weeks ‘69

Peter D. Ferguson ‘92

Timothy J. Nobes ‘67

Douglas W. Williams ‘69

Rae B. Fleming ‘78

Lawrence W. Oughtred ‘76

Marguerite A. Young ‘81

David A. Fraser ‘67

Tom Phillips ’74

Philip W. Greenley ‘68

Christine A. Shadbolt-Hunter ‘84

Joan M. Guerin ‘68

Diana J. Sherwin ‘67

TRENT MAGAZINE 53.1

39

The Trent Temagami Colloquium celebrated its 50th year this past September, coinciding with the 50th anniversary of Canadian Studies (now the School for the Study of Canada) at Trent.

This beloved tradition, held at Camp Wanapitei in Temagami, sponsored by the Bruce and Carol Hodgins Fund, and organized by the Colleges at

Trent, is a chance to examine and experience our relationship to the land and each other, with a focus on the study of Canadian, environmental, and Indigenous issues. It is a celebration of interdisciplinary, experiential learning. It’s also one heck of a good time.