There is a unifying theme across the profiles in this issue of TRENT Magazine. From the advocacy work that Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio ’02 does within the Filipino community, to alumni work in sustainable agriculture and tenants’ rights, you find a common commitment to supporting claims to human rights.
In Trent University’s Department of Global Justice & Development (previously International Development Studies), human rights are a framework that we use to critically analyse complex realities. The department’s focus is on material inequality across the planet, and we work to highlight how people come together to address socioeconomic injustice.
In the department, we take a unique approach to human rights, different from how it’s usually framed in the Global North. In countries like Canada, the focus is on individuals who challenge injustice in court or through formal complaint procedures, particularly the protection of their liberties or property rights. Rather, in Global Justice & Development, we understand human rights also refers to a language of collective struggle and claim. We look especially to movements founded in the Global South that place a greater emphasis on social and economic rights. These movements push for material conditions that support dignified lives, such as secure rights to housing, work, and food.
This year we are launching a new degree program in Human Rights & Global Justice. This program comprehensively addresses all human rights, including third and fourth generation rights—the right to development, the rights of Indigenous peoples, 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, environmental rights, the rights of nature, and so on. It also places particular emphasis on the massive shortfall in addressing women’s rights across the globe.
Achieving social and economic justice is crucial for making human rights a reality on the ground. Identifying with others based on shared material realities means coming together in local or regional settings to build alliances and collective projects. People make their community’s needs known and push to turn them into reality.
A Message from the Guest Editor
Dr. Chris Beyers ’89 (Traill College) Associate Professor and Coordinator, Human Rights & Global Justice
This new program will link directly with Trent’s study abroad programs in Ghana and Bolivia. We have observed a profound change among students who return from these programs; they participate in a different way of living and encounter alternative approaches to the struggle for justice. Justice is often about people from different backgrounds coming together to improve the material conditions of their lives and the lives of others.
We see alumni enacting that sense of justice in this issue of TRENT Magazine. You will read about Bruno Dobrusin ’06, who founded a tenants’ union in Toronto that is fighting for province-wide rent control; Ricardo Tranjan ’04, who researches housing security at the policy level; and Chiara Padovani ’06, Jessica Topfer ’15, and Claire Perttula ’14, who are engaged in advocacy and organizing related to food sovereignty in Canada. And in the cover story, Jennilee’s advocacy in the Filipino community is profiled, as well as her creative writing.
The key theme you see in the work of these alumni is the fight for social and economic rights—specifically regarding housing, food, education, and safe work conditions. Most countries, including Canada, don’t have social and economic rights enshrined in their constitutions. So how are these rights advanced? Through social struggle, which starts with community building. These alumni are engaged in work that challenges the global forces contributing to material inequality through social struggle, effecting change at the community level. They are actively involved in efforts that address broader issues and promote wider social and political change.
When we study issues of global justice, “global” doesn’t mean out there in the world somewhere—the solutions play out at a local level. The point, however, is to ask yourself, “Whose interests does your local action serve? How is power exercised and challenged?”
Bruno, Ricardo, Chiara, Claire, Jessica, and Jennilee are working to advance tangible human rights in Canada through their rights-based social justice initiatives. They inspire those of us in the Trent community to engage the next generation.
A Message from the President
It is with a mix of memories and emotions that I write my final message for TRENT Magazine. Above all, I feel a sense of optimism for the future of Trent. I hope that you, as alumni, share that positive feeling.
As an avid kayaker, I have learned that it is best to manage the biggest waves head-on. Trent was celebrating its 50th anniversary when I arrived. Over the past decade, I believe that we have managed a great deal of turbulence in this way. Together, we have navigated a series of major waves honestly and openly and have flourished because of this.
I am continually impressed by the fierce passion of Trent alumni who have made us a key element of their lives. This has been an essential element of our success. I was touched deeply when the Alumni Association recently named me an honorary alumnus of Trent. Joining your ranks makes me a sibling in a remarkable family and strengthens my connections with all of you.
As Trent enters its 60th anniversary year, I can tell you that we are in a strong position. With eight years of balanced budgets and consistent “A Stable” bond ratings, we are well-prepared for continued financial success. Our excellence in teaching and research is internationally recognized. We’ve added state-of-the-art facilities like the Forensics Crime Scene Facility, the Peterborough Student Centre, a new residence and academic building in Durham, and a burgeoning Advanced Learning Centre in Oshawa. We have plans for other capital projects and land developments which will contribute to a bright future.
Academically, we’ve introduced nearly 100 new programs, providing our students with many new opportunities for growth. We’ve strengthened our commitment to experiential learning with paid co-op streams and innovative programs like the upcoming Human
Rights & Global Justice degree, the Graduate Diploma in Mental Health & Addiction, and an array of graduate degrees and postgraduate certificates.
Our completed Unleash the Potential campaign and current Campaign for Momentous Change have promoted philanthropy, increasing annual contributions three-fold. I believe that the generosity of our alumni will play a key role in a vibrant and dynamic future.
Our global impact continues to grow through research partnerships, international recruitment, and exchanges. I am confident that Trent will extend and broaden this influence worldwide.
As I pass the torch to Dr. Cathy Bruce, I am filled with gratitude. My tenure as president has been immensely rewarding thanks to countless individuals, including the many alumni who make so much possible. I am confident that Dr. Bruce will continue to recognize the important role of alumni as Trent goes on to further success.
This isn’t a farewell, but a “see you soon.” After a leave for writing and preparing for the next chapter of my life, I plan to return to Trent as a professor of philosophy, with an office at Catharine Parr Traill College. I hope some of you will drop by at some point, so that we can catch up and collectively contribute to Trent’s journey of growth and excellence as fellow alumni.
With the warmest regards and renewed thanks,
Leo
Groarke
Leo Groarke, Ph.D. ’24 (hon) President & Vice-Chancellor
WHAT’S NEW
at Trent University
Allan Marshall Pool Reopens with a Splash
After a significant reconstruction project, the Allan Marshall Pool in the Trent Athletics Centre celebrated its official grand reopening to welcome back students, staff, and local residents alike for an enhanced aquatic experience. The pool is now fitted with a ramp for increased accessibility, header walls with blocks for competitive swimming, and significant upgrades to structural and mechanical features.
“Allowing community members and students of all abilities to enjoy our facilities is so important for the University,” said Tariq Al-Idrissi, vicepresident of Finance & Administration at Trent. “The reconstruction and enhancements ensure that visitors to the Trent Athletics Centre will be able to enjoy our pool for years to come.”
The pool is named in honour of Flight Lieutenant Stuart Allan Marshall, remembered for his commitment to the sport of swimming, his involvement in the Peterborough community, and his support in establishing Trent University.
Broadview Press Agreement is One for the Books
A 10-year agreement with Peterborough-based publisher, Broadview Press, cements Trent’s association with its first major academic publishing house in Canada. For students, the partnership will provide real-world learning experience through paid co-ops and internships across the editorial, production, and business sides of publishing. A new $5,000 academic prize will also be awarded annually for scholarly work in the humanities or social sciences. As well, the collaboration will create editorial opportunities for Trent faculty—including the development of textbooks, literary editions, and digital publications—and see Broadview staff guest lecture in Trent courses. Broadview will also be appointing a Trent professor to its board of directors.
Nature-Inspired Art Installation Symbolizes Potential for Trent
An inspiring new art installation now graces the west bank entrance of Trent’s Symons Campus thanks to the artistry of Floyd Elzinga. The threepiece weathering steel sculpture titled Potential is a recent addition to the University’s Public Sculpture Initiative (PSI), which offers a nationally significant collection of public art that is generously supported by philanthropy. This piece is part of an ongoing series by Elzinga, who specializes in sculptures of natural objects, and is a symbol of
the renewal and growth offered by untapped seeds, like pinecones.
The sculpture was first announced on National Philanthropy Day (November 15) and formally celebrated on-site this spring.
“We thank artist Floyd Elzinga for this recent sculpture—a wonderful gift that is a natural fit for Trent where we continue to nurture the momentous potential of thousands of students, staff, and faculty,” said President Leo Groarke, who has helped put Trent on the map as a destination for fellow art enthusiasts.
Trent Leads with the Heart: Annual United Way Campaign
Surpasses Fundraising Goal
Trent University’s annual United Way campaign raised $117,000 in 2023 and was honoured with the Outstanding Large Workplace Campaign Award from the United Way of Peterborough & District. A longtime supporter of the charity, Trent maintains its status as the organization’s largest corporate sponsor, having raised more than $2.7 million since 1965.
The campaign, which surpassed its goal of $100,000, was made a resounding success through special events like barbecues and raffles, and donations from employees, retirees, the Trent University Faculty Association, and OPSEU Local 365.
Key contributors Alison Scholl ‘19 (Gzowski College), senior manager of Community & External Relations, and MK Millard ‘16 (Otonabee College), community relations officer, were recognized with the Champions of Change award for their leadership, dedication, and passion in spearheading the fundraising efforts.
New Frontiers: Trent’s Latest Programs and Degrees
Check out Trent’s newest programs tackling some of today’s most cutting-edge matters in technology and society.
Human Rights & Global Justice
A globally-minded program exploring relevant issues such as Indigenous and 2SLGBTQIA+ rights, economic inequality, and climate change through diverse historical, cultural, and academic viewpoints. Includes opportunities for hands-on experience in paid co-ops with worldwide human rights organizations so that students can start making a difference.
Software Engineering Co-op
A streamlined pathway to the workforce that equips students with the interpersonal and technical skills to succeed. Over 12 to 16 weeks, this paid work term offers a chance to learn and grow with a professional team.
A unique eight-month professional program preparing students to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) into their field of work, giving them a competitive edge in the job market or opening doors to continue studies in AI-related research.
A postgraduate certificate program aimed at equipping students with the skills to identify problems, develop workable solutions, mediate conflict between individuals and groups, plan and implement risk management tools, and the fundamentals of crisis management principles. Can be completed on a fulltime or part-time basis in as little as eight months.
SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH
Momentous Research Happens at Trent Durham
Every day at Trent University Durham GTA, students and faculty members are working to create change through their innovative research. From developing autistic youth’s social skills through Dungeons & Dragons, to finding new ways to help young caregivers focus on self-compassion, to helping those living with dementia connect with family using VR—the research happening at Trent Durham is making an impact on our community and beyond.
FACULTY RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
Caring for Young Caregivers
Trent Durham professor, Dr. Yana Berardini, brings the perspective of young caregivers to the forefront in her research, finding a link between caregiving, well-being, and self-compassion. Professor Berardini’s research focuses on finding ways to understand and promote mental health and wellness of young caregivers.
She identified a research gap in examining the effects self-compassion can have on young caregivers, as often they do not have the time and energy to care for themselves after managing all their outside responsibilities. One participant’s words always stuck with her: “If I pay attention to them [family member], am I allowed to give this much attention to me?”
Prof. Berardini said, “It’s imperative to increase awareness about who young caregivers are and what they do. The impact of their caregiving is long-lasting, and we must find new ways to support them to ensure we meet their needs.”
STUDENT RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
Socialization Through Dungeons & Dragons
Heroes, bravery, friendship, and quests— all things that youth participants in Trent Durham student John Smith’s Oshawa Dungeons & Dragons social club experience. John, a third-year Child & Youth Studies and Psychology joint major, started his research project and student placement using Dungeons & Dragons as a socialization tool with the goal of giving neurodivergent youth a “space to talk, be themselves, and roleplay as things they don’t get to be in their day-to-day lives.” John has started a qualitative study with
participants to learn how the youth experienced the program and how it can be improved. He has also applied for funding, with the goal of hiring young adults with autism to mentor the youth group and expand programming.
“I think it will be interesting to find out what the youth in the program feel they got out of their participation,” said John. “Getting the participants’ perspectives on the program will help us make it better.”
ALUMNI RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
Dementia Care
Enhanced Through Technological Communication Techniques
A compassionate and innovative research project by Trent University Durham GTA alum turned Trent Durham Psychology professor, Dr. Raheleh Saryazdi ’11, enhances communication between caregivers and those receiving dementia care.
Professor Saryazdi developed the Cognitive, Health, Aging and Technology (CHAT) Lab at Trent Durham to aid in her research using virtual reality (VR) technology as a tool to facilitate communication between those living with dementia and their family care partners, in turn improving their interpersonal relationships and quality of life.
“What’s special with VR is that it allows the person living with dementia to transport to alternate realities such as travelling to different parts of the world, going to concerts, or sporting events. In our study, the person living with dementia watches these types of 360 videos in VR and the care partner watches the same content on a paired tablet, so it becomes a shared experience.”
Prof. Saryazdi is also committed to creating experiential learning opportunities for Trent students. Throughout the 2024 summer semester, she will have more than 10 students working with her in her lab.
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
RESEARCH NEWS
Research at Trent has big news to share, including a new incoming vicepresident and an announcement of additional federal funding for faculty and student researchers.
Research & Innovation at Trent Appoints New VP
Internationally recognized researcher in the areas of analytical chemistry and environmental science, Dr. Holger Hintelmann, has been appointed Trent University’s new interim vice-president of Research & Innovation for a two-year term.
His career at Trent dates back to 1993, when he joined the University as a postdoctoral fellow. Since taking on the role of dean of Science in 2010, Professor Hintelmann has overseen the formation of new academic units, including the School of the Environment and Department of Kinesiology; and implemented many new programs, such as the chemical engineering dual degree with Swansea University, the medical professional stream, and paid co-ops for science students.
Prof. Hintelmann takes on the role of vice-president, Research & Innovation from Dr. Cathy Bruce, who was recently appointed as Trent’s ninth president and vice-chancellor.
Trent Awarded $1.1 Million in Research Grants and Scholarships
Innovative carbon dioxide sequestration techniques, uncovering the history of eastern wolves through ancient DNA, water management and urbanization in Ancient Greece, and using community gardens as international and intercultural learning spaces are all among various Trent-led research projects to receive more than $1.1M in federal funding.
Support for grants and scholarships came from the Tri Agency’s Canada Graduate Scholarships Program for master’s students, the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council’s Insight Development Grants, and the National Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada’s Alliance Grants.
Using this funding, faculty researchers and Trent graduate students will generate new knowledge and advance research in Canada.
Want to know more about the sector-leading research and innovation taking place at Trent? Visit trentu.ca/researchinnovation
ALUMNI
alumni update
ALL ROADS LEAD TO TRENT
Alumni Engagement & Services Director Naomi Handley shares her observations and goals for the alumni family since starting her role last fall.
Since starting in my role as director of Alumni Engagement & Services (AES) in October, I have experienced an absolute whirlwind of meeting amazing Trent University alumni, hearing their stories, and attending events—all while diving right into the important work of developing the 2024–27 AES strategic plan in response to the recent review of AES.
I wanted to take this opportunity to properly introduce myself to the broader alumni community, share my early observations of the Trent Alumni family, and let you know more about exciting projects on the horizon.
A Trent colleague told me upon my arrival that I would discover that “all roads lead to Trent,” and there is truth to that, even in my personal journey. With 17 years of experience in the university sector, the bulk of my career was spent at University College, University of Toronto, where I was responsible for the strategic direction of fundraising, alumni relations, and communications. Previously, I had worked for the University of Saskatchewan as the director of
Communication, Development, Alumni Relations for the College of Arts and Science.
It was in my first few days on this campus that I found my first Trent connection. I had worked closely with Dr. Bill Waiser ’71 (Champlain College) in Saskatchewan and was surprised and delighted to learn that he is an esteemed Trent alumnus and recipient of the Trent University Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award. My professional life seems to have come full circle as I now find myself creating memorable Trent alumni experiences for Bill. I hope to have a beer with him soon at the legendary Pig’s Ear Tavern!
Bill is passionate about Trent, which is a common thread amongst the alumni I meet every day. You are all so loyal and proud, speaking about your Trent Experience with unparalleled passion because it was profound and life-changing—intellectually and personally.
I am also coming to understand that the alumni family is evolving. Many remember the first years of our young
university. Now the community is 63,000+ strong spread across countries around the world, and representing various cultural backgrounds. It’s clear that our engagement efforts and communications need to reflect this diversity better.
All my observations and conversations, along with feedback from a recent AES survey, have helped form the foundation of the 2024–27 strategic plan. The plan has been my primary focus to date—it will strengthen connections and build new ones, remove barriers to engagement, and invite all students into the fold of the alumni experience. We want to ensure students understand our role as the AES team, and their role as future Trent alumni, from the very first day they open their Trent acceptance letter. Now that the strategic plan has been finalized, I am happy to share the full plan with you. I look forward to hearing all your comments and feedback at that time.
While I was considering this role (what seems like a lifetime ago), I was particularly struck by Trent’s values, specifically how this institution
OUR ALUMNI FAMILY IS 63,000+ STRONG
meet your alumni team
Have you ever wondered who coordinates alumni initiatives, organizes those engaging alumni events, answers your emails, writes the stories about remarkable alumni achievements, and oversees Convocation?
Here’s a look at your Alumni team:
Naomi Handley, Director of Alumni Engagement & Services: Naomi joined Trent University in October 2023. With more than 15 years of award-winning experience in alumni relations and communications, she is excited to lead the Alumni Engagement & Services team in the creation and implementation of new, improved, and more diverse engagement strategies, programming, and events.
Joanne Sokolowski, Senior Manager of Convocation & Alumni Relations: Joanne has been part of the fabric of Trent University for 17 years and is the mastermind behind Convocation, among many other events. Thanks to her exceptional attention to detail, creativity, and knack for planning flawless events, tens of thousands of graduates, honorary degree recipients, and incoming presidents and chancellors have been celebrated at unforgettable Trent University ceremonies.
Danielle Britton, Senior Manager of Integrated Engagement: Danielle has been coordinating student and alumni events at Trent for 18 years. Known to many for managing the Ceilie, hosting weddings on campus, and supporting Head of the Trent events, she currently leads the Alumni & Philanthropy communications team, covering a maternity leave for Ruth-Ann Dafoe. She will soon resume her role as Alumni Engagement & Services Coordinator.
Babin Joy, Alumni Engagement & Services Coordinator: Babin has been working with the alumni family since 2020, initially as Convocation & Events Assistant. In his current role, Babin is a hardworking and enthusiastic team member who supports TUAA council, coordinates the annual Alumni Awards, works with chapter leaders, and brings new benefits and services to alumni of all ages.
champions individuality, Indigenous ways of knowing and doing, social justice, and global citizenry. These values align perfectly with my own, and I am honoured to now lead Trent Alumni efforts so that, together, we can help create a better world.
P.S. Please keep in touch! Whether you have just published a new book, landed an exciting new job, or are presenting innovative research, we want to hear from you. Email the alumni team at alumni@trentu.ca and keep us up to date on where you are and what you are doing.
Read the 2024–2027 Alumni Engagement & Services Strategic Plan trentu.ca/AlumniStrategicPlan
Abby Richards ’18 (Lady Eaton College), Alumni Engagement & Services Coordinator: Abby is a proud Trent alumna who started working at Alumni House in 2022 shortly after her graduation. Abby brings true Bleed Green spirit as she supports alumni-student mentoring programs, works with the Peterborough alumni chapter and TUARP, and leads signature alumni events such as HOTT and Trent Day.
Elizabeth Bower-Gordon, Communications Officer (Alumni & Philanthropy): Elizabeth has been telling the stories of Trent alumni since 2022. An awardwinning journalist and local author, she writes many of the profiles, news stories, and campaign updates that you see on our channels. Her heartfelt interest in hearing your news—big and small—helps her create compelling communications to share.
Kyla Woods, Communications Officer (Alumni & Philanthropy): Kyla is an experienced communications professional with extensive industry knowledge who has also been writing about Trent alumni since joining the team in fall 2023. Whether it’s through social media campaigns, feature articles, or alumni spotlights, Kyla is an invaluable team member who fosters connections and celebrates the remarkable stories within the Trent community.
Taylor Stark, Convocation & Events Assistant: Taylor joined the team in November 2023 and is a huge asset to ensuring Trent’s Convocation and alumni events run smoothly. Thanks to her prior experience as a wedding planner and program developer with the Ontario Federation of Anglers & Hunters, she is an efficient and detail-oriented professional who stays calm under pressure.
We are here to connect with you! If you have an idea for an alumni story, event, or initiative, please reach out to alumni@trentu.ca. Our inbox is monitored daily and one of our friendly team members will get back to you promptly.
From left to right: Babin Joy, Joanne Sokolowski, Abby Richards ‘18, Danielle Britton, Naomi Handley, Taylor Stark, Kyla Woods, Elizabeth Bower-Gordon
June 2024 marked the end of Dr. Leo Groarke’s tenure as Trent University’s eighth president and vice-chancellor. Founding Athletic Director P.S.B. Wilson sat down with President Groarke to reflect on his time at Trent and the legacy of accomplishments that have advanced the University’s academic, administrative, and community profile, in our local communities and around the world.
Paul Wilson ’09 (hon): Trent students, alumni, associates, and friends, it is my privilege to have a closing interview and conversation with the current president Leo Groarke. Leo, thank you very much
for joining me. We are here in your beautiful riverside office. You’re going to miss this aren’t you?
Dr. Leo Groake ’24 (hon): I’m going to miss this office more than anyone can imagine. To me, this office is Ron Thom at his best. He used to say that a building needs to be inserted into the natural environment in a way that makes love to the natural environment. That’s what this office does. The proximity to the river, the windows, every season is different. It’s an absolutely wonderful office and I will miss it dearly.
PW: You have just finished a decade as president of Trent University. What originally brought you to Trent?
LG: I came to Trent because I was, I would say, looking for a smaller institution. I had been dean; I had been vice-president in a couple of places; I was interested in administration; but I was especially interested in small universities, and liberal arts and science universities, which to me, care for students, care for undergraduate students in particular, but also have graduate programs and significant research. Trent has all of those plus a beautiful location.
PW: When you came to Trent, do you remember what the enrolment was?
LG: That’s a good question. Actually, I remember what it was at Durham because Durham was not doing well when I arrived. I think Durham had about 800 students. There are now 3,000 students. I’m going to guess that on this campus … 3,000 students? And now, we’re close to 11,000 students.
PW: Over the 10 years that you’ve had here, can you say what the biggest challenge has been?
LG: It relates to enrolment growth. When I arrived, Trent was in difficult financial circumstances. To solve the financial problems at Trent meant that we had to increase enrolment at the University. We have—we’ve done that significantly, and we’ve done that in a way that has resolved the financial issues for the University. The challenge has been [to do it] in a way that maintains the original values of Trent University. So, we maintain the feel of a smaller community, where it’s easy to get to know your professors, other students—a place with a very distinct sense of community. That’s been the big challenge and, through colleges and in a variety of other ways, that’s what we’ve tried to achieve.
So, we grow enough that it works financially, academically, from a research point of view, etc., but at the same time we hang onto the values that Trent had when you came to Trent so many years ago.
PW: Yes, I can’t remember what those values were, but thank you for hanging on to them. [Laughter] But you mentioned the colleges, and you have really enhanced the profile of the colleges in the last few years.
LG: That has been one of the ways to keep those original values, because as students come to a larger campus and
a larger university, they can still be a member of a smaller community, and that community is the college. So, one of the things we’ve done while I’ve been president, we very much have tried to bring back the colleges.
I would say at one point, I think when I came, the colleges had become residences just like residences at other universities. They were no longer communities of scholars. They weren’t run by professors. We went old style— now all the principals are professors and we’ve tried to provide all kinds of ways to support them in running them as communities that are part of Trent.
PW: Have you been behind establishing another college, and will that be a college as opposed to a residence?
LG: Yes, Gidigaa Migizi will be the new college and it’s very much been designed to be a college. It is being designed in a way that ensures that there are spaces for college events … so yes, very much so, the new college is fashioned after the old ones.
PW: You’ve also taken the approach as president that you should associate with the students, not be separate from them as some presidents are. What are the most interesting anecdotes you’ve had with students?
LG: I know situations at other universities where what’s happened over time is that administration has become further and further removed, and sometimes purposely so, in a different physical place. We have tried to maintain a very close connection with students, and the first place where that’s evident is in us being in the bottom of the Bata Library. Students come in, you get to know the students who study here, but they don’t always know who you are, and that has been a very special part of what goes on here.
PAID CO-OP STREAMS Across the arts, sciences, and social sciences
4 Schools of Study School for the Study of Canada School of the Environment School of Business Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies
8 NEW RESEARCH CHAIRS
Indigenous Course Requirement
CAMPUS VISIONARY
Student Centre
JALYNN BENNETT AMPHITHEATRE Forensics
Trent Sports Field
ONTARIO’S #1 UNDERGRADUATE UNIVERSITY
13 years running
TRENT’S NEWEST COLLEGE
Gidigaa Migizi College
10 years of Increases in Applications & Registrations
8+ YEARS OF BALANCED BUDGETS
PW: You find that some of them don’t know you are the president? They think you might be another student?
LG: Yeah, well, they think I might be another student, or I don’t know what they think is going on here. Here’s just one anecdote. You know, Paul, that I’m one of triplets, one of identical triplets. My brother Louis Groarke teaches at St. Francis Xavier University, and I did have a situation with a student who had come from St. Francis Xavier University who was in the Bata Library, [wondering,] “Why is my philosophy professor from St. Francis Xavier University (here)?”
PW: Have you visited St. FX and had the same response?
LG: Yes, and I tried to do things that would embarrass Louis… [Laughter.] No, I didn’t do that, but yes, I have visited.
PW: There are two things that you’ve done which maybe people say are minor scale. One of your first positions at Trent was starring in the 50th anniversary show, and what did you do in that show? You can’t lie here because I know what you did.
LG: You mean in the Beth McMaster play? Yes! Well, she was good enough to give me a bit part, I had about four lines, and they were Dr. Seuss lines—I forget now, The Cat in the Hat or something. The words had been changed around to refer to Trent. Beth was very good to me; she didn’t know but I changed the lines so that when I actually performed, it wasn’t what she’d [scripted]. It had the same kind of beat and rhythm to it, so
she was very tolerant. I must say that was a wonderful show and I enjoyed it enormously.
PW: Gillian Wilson directed that show.
LG: Oh, that’s right, that’s right! Thank her when you see her next for not asking me to sing.
PW: The other thing that you did more recently that struck me as wonderful for a president to do was you went to the reopening of a student favourite pub, The Pig’s Ear. And I think, Leo, I can guarantee no other president has done that.* I think it’s wonderful because The Pig’s Ear brings back so many memories [for] Trent alumni. What made you do that?
LG: There is such a wonderful tradition at The Pig’s Ear. You know, we have a culture—and maybe we struggle with it a bit at universities—over alcohol. Some students are too young to drink, and let me just say, should not be drinking. But going to the pub and drinking at a university—that is part of university life. When I go and meet alumni (and I traveled a lot to meet alumni) as a professor, you’re a little bit sad because you want them to tell you, “I remember the logic course I had with Professor Gallup,” and, “I remember propositional calculus,” but that’s not what they say. What they typically say is, “I remember The Pig’s Ear,” and, “I remember The Commoner! Oh, you should have seen the Thursday nights we had at The Commoner.”
* Founding President T.H.B. Symons visited The Pig’s Ear in 2015 when he and then-pub services manager, Danielle Britton, accepted the first ever issued Honorary Piggy Diplomas.
So, I think that is part of a community and university life, and it was wonderful to bring back tradition with The Pig’s Ear. I hope for a hundred years it will be a place for Trent students to go have a beer, and a place that’s got so many connections to the past. When Don Tapscott was chancellor, we went to The Pig’s Ear, we bought beers for all the students in there, and we were given our Pig’s Ear diplomas. So, I actually have a Pig’s Ear diploma as well as my other university diploma. It’s wonderful to see it come back to life.
PW: Obviously I’m going to ask this question: how important do you think in the life of a university student is the role of athletics and recreation?
LG: I wouldn’t want to generalize about all students, but I would say—and I was a university athlete—that it plays a very important role. More generally, extracurricular activities are part of the education process. I think there are huge positives to being an athlete. It teaches you discipline; it teaches you how to win; it also teaches you how to lose, which is an important thing to learn in life. And of course, it keeps you fit and keeps you healthy. Athletics and extracurricular activities need to be seen as a very healthy and important component of university education.
PW: If you were talking to a group of alumni, what would you say and feel about Trent University as you move into your next role?
LG: I would say that Trent University is in a great place. Part of that is financial, which is important, but more importantly, it’s alive with dynamism; with professors’ research projects;
with student groups; and with athletic events. I would say that, in my opinion, it’s still driven by the values that you experienced when you were here at Trent University and felt that this was a special place in so many different ways.
PW: Another milestone in Trent’s history that you encountered was the 50th anniversary of the Head of the Trent. There’s no other university that has an event like that, is there really?
LG: None that I know of. One of the things we did [to celebrate] was the sculpture.** The [David] Robinson sculpture of the rower was a very important way to mark that event. We had a bit of a debate about it because some people said, well, if we’re going to raise money, maybe we should just put it for sculls. But we wanted a signature piece that everybody can see from the river when they’re rowing, but not just from the river.
We raised the money, mostly from donations from former rowers, and [now] have that as a symbol to that tradition, which again continues.
PW: And philanthropy is very important to a university, is it not?
LG: Philanthropy is absolutely important to a university, and my own view is that endowments in particular provide working funds to do all the special things that universities do. I am a big believer in philanthropy and its importance within the University.
PW: The other aspect of universities that Trent has handled very well is international students. You have realized that they bring a tremendous value culturally.
** Dead Reckoning is a sculpture by Canadian artist David Robinson that depicts a rower in a single scull. The piece, part of Trent’s Public Sculpture Initiative, is installed next to the Trent Athletics Centre..
MOMENTOUS LEADER
Louis & Paul Groarke Philosophy Endowment
Navigated #TRENTFORWARD safely through Covid-19 Pandemic
$6.6M CAMPAIGN FOR TRENT DURHAM GTA REVITALIZATION of the Colleges $100M CAMPAIGN FOR MOMENTOUS CHANGE
2021 Employer of the Year Peterborough Chamber of Commerce Business Excellence Award RISING TRENT REPUTATION
UNLEASHED THE POTENTIAL $56.8M
One of Canada’s Greenest Universities
GLOBAL TRAILBLAZER
Crossed Continents to Advance a Globalized Trent
INTERNATIONAL REPUTATION
International Enrolment Growth
20% of overall enrolment
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
United Kingdom (Swansea University) China (Tianjin University of Commerce) Mexico (Ibero) South America (University of Guyana) Arctic (University of the Arctic) India (Chitkara University) Italy (Trent University)
Law & Engineering Pathways
Swansea University (UK)
MEDICAL SCHOOL PATHWAYS
University of Medicine & Health Sciences (St. Kitts) • St George’s University School of Medicine (Grenada) • Trinity School of Medicine (Saint Vincent & the Grenadines) • Swansea Exchange (UK)
Study Abroad & Global Student Exchanges
LG: I would say that one of the things— and maybe more over the last five years than my first five years—that we have been doing is trying to internationalize Trent University. This is my CanadaTurkey pin. [Points to lapel pin.] I’m just back from a trip to Turkey.
It’s not just students, though student recruitment is part of it—it’s joint research projects. We have been to Africa, China, India … and I think this is a trend within Trent which will continue. I think the new president, Cathy Bruce, is very committed to internationalization as well. Of course, I want to put Trento and Italy into that mix as well, but yes, that has been a very big part of what we’re doing at Trent.
PW: One of the last athletic activities I took part in at Trent was to bowl a cricket ball to an international student on the Champlain turf. Is there still cricket at Trent?
LG: I believe there is, and I believe with the rise in numbers of international students that’s one of the things that Michael Kahn, the provost, and Trent Athletics have been pursuing. I don’t know that we have an official cricket pitch, but there is interest in cricket and in other sports like eSports.
PW: Now, after a very successful tenure as president, what are your plans for the future?
LG: So first, I want to say you are very kind, and it has been a wonderful 10 years. There was COVID. There have been labour negotiations. It’s had its challenges, but it’s been a privilege and a joy even to be able to lead Trent University. My aim is to go back to my roots at university, to being a professor. I’ve always wanted to end my career in the classroom with students. I’m first
going to take a leave of absence and rest, recover. It’s a stressful job. I have two book projects that I’m working on next year. Then the following year, I want to get back to teaching at the University. I’m very curious and interested to see how that goes. I’ve done lots of lectures in classes, but I haven’t taught for 25 years. So, it will be an interesting experience, with ChatGPT and all the rest of it.
PW: But you’ve left Trent in very good shape for the future, have you not?
LG: I hope so. I think right now we’re in a great place and the future looks bright.
PW: Your relationship with the city is very positive. Do you still have the City University Liaison Committee?
LG: We do. The administration at Trent certainly takes seriously the idea that commitment and contribution to the city, both in Peterborough and also in Oshawa and in Durham—that’s one of our core values that we have. In Peterborough, we have a long-term care home coming, a seniors’ village which will provide much needed residential accommodation for seniors in Peterborough. We have Cleantech Commons; it’s come a little bit more slowly than we want, but it is coming along. And in a whole lot of other ways, we’re committed to making our communities a better place to be.
PW: The long-term care home and the seniors’ village, when is that likely to open?
LG: I would hope that the long-term care facility is open in two or three years, and with the seniors’ village to follow quickly after that.
PW: And nursing students and students in other disciplines will help run the facility?
LG: One of the core areas of research, study, and teaching at Trent University is aging. We have the Trent Centre for Aging and Society (TCAS). Of course, Nursing is part of that; Kinesiology can be part of it; we even think that Business students can be part of managing this. Managing a long-term care home is a business endeavour. With all the various projects that we have on the [Trent] lands, we try to [consider] that projects need to be good for the University; they have to be good for the community; and they have to be good for our students. We’re always looking for opportunities to give them experiential learning, to take whatever it is they’re studying and apply it in practice.
PW: Well, maybe the next interview for you and I could be in the seniors and long-term care home.
LG: This is when we have apartments beside each other there, Paul? I look forward to that. I’m sure there’ll be a beer there while we do that.
PW: I hope so. Leo, you were paid a huge compliment by an academic who I will not name. He said to me over a beer that he felt it was a privilege to teach at Trent. Now, that doesn’t come very often from academics, does it?
LW: Well, I’m an academic, so I don’t want to make judgments about academics. But of course, I love the attitude. Sure, in some ways to be an academic is a great thing, and academics are human beings, and human beings tend to take for granted the good things in their life and sometimes to focus on the negative.
That’s not the right way to live your life. It is great to be an academic; I think to be an academic at Trent is a great privilege. These are very special jobs. You get to teach students. Students look up to you. You get to study things that are of interest. So, I’m very pleased to hear that someone said that.
PW: The other thing I’d like to say at the end; I am a great admirer of founding president, Tom Symons. I think now he would be delighted with what you have accomplished at Trent. He was a great believer in the colleges, and I pass that on because I think that is a great compliment to you.
LG: You know, getting to know Tom Symons was one of the pleasures of being president. As I got to know him, we went from drinking tea to drinking scotch. It was a regular occurrence for Glennice and I to have scotch with Tom and Christine. I’m not sure we’ve done all the things he wanted—I’m sure he wanted Peter Robinson College to come back—but I think we’ve done a lot. The colleges were so important to him. He didn’t want to lose [them]. And the traditional liberal arts and sciences were tremendously important to him. I hope we’ve done a whole lot of things that he would approve of.
PW: Well, I think you have. Leo, you can leave your position confident that you’ve left Trent University in very good shape. So, on behalf of all of us that really love this place, thank you very much and have a wonderful retirement.
LG: Thank you so much, Paul.
• Established in 2019 to honour Chancellor Stephen Stohn
• Symbol of Trent spirit and community
To watch the full interview, and to learn more about Leo’s Legacy, visit trentu.ca/presidentgroarke
of
GIDIGAA MIGIZI COLLEGE
Trent University’s newest college first to be named in honour of an alumnus
Gidigaa Migizi College, expected to open in fall 2028, is named in celebration and memory of the late Gidigaa Migizi (Doug Williams) ’69 (Traill College). He is remembered as a Trent professor, Elder from Curve Lake First Nation, and community leader renowned for his dedication to students and protecting Anishnaabeg treaty rights.
The new college—to be built on the east bank of Symons Campus—will feature 700 new residence beds for first-year students, large lecture halls and active learning spaces, as well as additional student spaces. It will be an architecturally significant building, purposefully constructed to promote learning, embrace diversity, and foster meaningful connections between students, staff, and faculty.
The decision to select an Anishnaabe name for the new college was a recommendation of the University’s Champlain Report to honour the treaty and traditional territory on which Trent University sits. The name Gidigaa Migizi College was recommended by the University’s Elders & Knowledge Keepers Council and approved by Trent’s Board of Governors.
Known for their memorable sense of community and time-honoured traditions, Trent’s colleges are modelled on the collegiate system found at universities throughout the
To learn more about the campaign to support the Colleges of Trent University, visit momentouschange.trentu.ca/colleges
world. Trent University is currently home to five colleges: Champlain, Lady Eaton, Peter Gzowski, Otonabee, and Catharine Parr Traill. These scholarly communities comprise student residences, dining halls, and academic and administrative spaces.
WHO WAS GIDIGAA MIGIZI?
Gidigaa Migizi (Doug Williams) ’69 (Traill College) was many things to many people—an award-winning Trent University alumnus and professor, Elder from Curve Lake First Nation, codirector of Trent’s Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program, fisherman, historian, ceremonialist, storyteller, pipe carrier, and writer.
Throughout his life and career, he was celebrated for protecting and enhancing the treaty rights of Indigenous people, and teaching Indigenous Knowledge (IK) and language. One of the first graduates of what was then known as Trent’s Native Studies program, Gidigaa Migizi stayed involved with the University, helping to shape academic programs, administrative policies, and cultural practices, advancing education about and for Indigenous peoples.
Gidigaa Migizi was a professor with the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and served on the University’s Indigenous Education Committee and the Elders & Knowledge Keepers Council. Through this work, he helped to bridge two very different world views, bringing IK into the academy through land-based teachings and oral traditions and stories of growing up in Curve Lake.
Within his community, he had a successful political career serving as chief and as a band councillor for many decades. Beyond politics, he held the highest honours within Anishnaabeg spirituality as a pipe-keeper, and a leader of sweat lodges and other spiritual ceremonies.
Gidigaa Migizi was an inspiration for all who met him. He dedicated his life’s work to Curve Lake, the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg Nation, and Trent University, because he believed in the potential of future generations of Indigenous students, and because he saw the path to reconciliation through the education of Indigenous and non-Indigenous people. He led with gentle wisdom, teachings of kindness, courage, and bravery, and a commitment to keep working towards a better tomorrow. Prior to his passing, he was awarded the 2022 Distinguished Alumni Award for his contributions to Trent University and to the Anishnaabeg Nation.
As Gidigaa Migizi means spotted eagle in Anishnaabemowin, this imagery is featured in Gidigaa Migizi College’s new crest, which also features a pike, a nod to Doug’s clan. The crest was designed by First Nations artist Jared Tait.
“Gidigaa Migizi was a giant both at Trent and in the Anishnaabeg Nation. He was a champion of knowledge, of learning, of students and of our community,” said Anne Taylor, Elders Council member from Curve Lake First Nation. “In our culture, eagles are held in high esteem and symbolize honour, respect, strength, courage, and wisdom. These are all characteristics we want Trent students to embody.”
alumni authors
Three alum authors outline their recent books that will inspire, inform, and entertain readers of all ages
Danièle Cybulskie ’02 (Traill College)
Dr. Annalice Hayes (nee Hill) ’07 (Otonabee College)
Dr. Bill Waiser ’71 C.M. (Champlain College)
After discovering a passion for medieval history as an undergraduate student at Trent University, Danièle Cybulskie has gone on to become an award-winning writer, podcaster, and professional speaker who has been making the Middle Ages fun, entertaining, and accessible to all ages. Especially popular with the pre-teen/ teenager audience is her book A Five-Minute Medievalists’ Guide to Surviving the Zombie Apocalypse, which outlines tips from the Middle Ages to survive a postapocalyptical world without electricity. She outlines, for example, tips on building and defending a shelter, growing food, and surviving disease. Cybulskie has travelled to elementary schools to read excerpts from the book and answer children’s questions about life in the Middle Ages.
After graduating from Trent’s Education program, Dr. Annalice Hayes has been working with children across the world and has recently published her first children’s book, With This Note, which tackles the difficult topic of personal safety and consent for children. The mother of two has more than a decade of experience as a school counsellor in Mexico and Qatar and is also trained in childprotection laws. With This Note offers an age-appropriate way for children to understand they have autonomy over their bodies and empowers them to listen to their gut feelings when things don’t feel quite right.
With colourful illustrations and rhymed storytelling, the book provides children with the tools to remove themselves from unsafe and uncomfortable situations.
Dr. Bill Waiser, who received a 2022 Trent University Distinguished Alumni Award, is an award-winning historian and author who recently published his first children’s book, Gordie’s Skate Set in Saskatchewan during the Great Depression, the story focuses on hockey legend Gordie Howe and his first experience with skating. With charming illustrations capturing life in the 1930s, the book tells the story of Gordie using an old pair of hockey skates, that were several sizes too large, to fall in love with the sport. Gordie and his friends would play for hours with little or no equipment, lending to an inspirational story that shows how people came to depend on one another to endure hard times.
Did you know that Trent Library & Archives carries books and other publications by alumni authors and that, as an alum, you still have access to all of the Library resources in Peterborough and Durham? To learn more about Trent Alumni benefits, visit trentu.ca/alumnibenefits
BRIDGING TWO WORLDS
Jennilee Austria-Bonifacio ’02 discusses her Filipino heritage, her Trent Experience, and how both informed her career and the success of her debut novel Reuniting with Strangers
For Jennilee Austria Bonifacio ’02 (Champlain College), it has been a great privilege to have dual perspectives throughout her life—that of a middle-class Canadian as well as someone intimately acquainted with the heartbreaking stories of Filipino women who leave their children behind to become caregivers in Canada.
Born and raised in Sarnia, Ontario with a “typical” Canadian upbringing, Jennilee’s Filipino parents and community helped her understand the complicated stories of the many Filipino women who leave home to find employment as caregivers, all in the hopes of eventually reuniting their families in Canada.
“I can see the whole picture clearly because I’m Canadian with Filipino heritage and have worked closely with newcomers from the Philippines to understand their heartache, hardships, and resilience.”
Shaped by both perspectives, Jennilee has enjoyed a prolific career as a settlement worker, researcher, and school board consultant who helps Canadian educators understand that many Filipino students, smiling through the pain of being emotionally disconnected from their mothers, are struggling to cope.
Now Jennilee has extended this understanding to people across the globe through her debut novel, Reuniting with Strangers. Named one of CBC’s Best Books of 2023 and longlisted for Canada Reads 2024, this collection of interconnected stories follows the reunification of Filipino families over one Canadian winter, describing their estrangement, displacement, and healing.
“I can see the whole picture clearly because I’m Canadian with Filipino heritage and have worked closely with newcomers from the Philippines to understand their heartache, hardships, and resilience,” says Jennilee. “I’m passionate about building bridges— empathy and awareness about these families’ struggles—that the next time
people see a Filipino caregiver pushing an employer’s child in a stroller, they have a better understanding of what’s happening behind closed doors and the ripple effects that this can create for generations.”
Jennilee sat down with TRENT Magazine to talk about how her Trent Experience has been foundational to her success, how she discovered her passion for helping newcomers, how a non-verbal five-year-old Filipino boy informed her manuscript, and how the “surprising” success of her first novel is now redefining her future.
TRENT EXPERIENCE BUILDS STRONG FOUNDATION
Throughout Jennilee’s childhood and teenage years, the Filipino community ensured she felt connected to her heritage by immersing her in Filipino songs, dances, and food. After arriving at Trent University in 2002, she was ready to learn more about the world, pursuing a B.A. (Honours) with special concentration in global studies.
Thanks to Trent’s interdisciplinary focus, Jennilee says she found herself enjoying various courses including
Jennilee stands on the Faryon Bridge when she was a student in the International Studies program (2002 to 2007).
women’s studies, cultural anthropology, and English. She took advantage of multiple immersive opportunities, including a Trent Centre for Community-Based Education placement at the local school board, a semester at a U.S. university, and serving as secretary for the Trent Southeast Asian Organization, where she met some of her best friends.
“Although many of my friends now live in Kuala Lumpur, Vancouver, and Philadelphia, we all still try to meet up when we can. Last year, we even made our own Head of the Trent celebration in Kingston!” she says.
While Jennilee went on to do a Master’s degree in Immigration & Settlement Studies at another university, she says she always flies her “Trent flag the highest.”
“At Trent, I felt like I was a part of something bigger,” she says. “Students weren’t commuting to campus—we were together all of the time, studying, having fun, and planning social events. When I left Trent, I really missed that.”
FILIPINO CHALLENGES OFTEN MISUNDERSTOOD IN SCHOOLS
Professionally, Jennilee says her most rewarding role has been as a school settlement worker. With North York Community House—a Toronto-based organization that assists newcomers in settling and integrating into their community—she worked within the schools to support families, getting children the support they needed, and with parents in areas such as finding employment.
While she initially worked with newcomers from all sociocultural backgrounds, she quickly developed an understanding that Filipino children had distinct issues that were largely misunderstood by the Canadian education system. Jennilee found that a disproportionate number of Filipino students, after being reunited with their
mothers who are Canadian caregivers, suffered greatly in schools. They were chronically absent, disengaged, not completing work, and struggling with mental health. Through one-on-one conversations with these students, Jennilee discovered that many didn’t feel welcome in Canadian schools, weren’t getting support at home, felt voiceless in the family’s big life changes, and would rather return to the Philippines.
“At Trent, I felt like I was a part of something bigger.”
What educators often don’t understand, she adds, is the background of disengagement with the absent mothers and the devastating effects that can have on families. Even more confusing for educators, Jennilee says, is that Filipino kids are known for smiling through hardships, not seeking support of the counsellors, and pretending that they’re fine.
“Filipinos are famous for appearing happy because it’s not part of our culture to be open about our feelings and emotions,” she says.
Over the years, Jennilee has tackled this issue—as well as issues related to refugees from across the world—by counselling newcomer families and working with equity and diversity departments in school boards, non-profit organizations, and libraries across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA). Her career has included working with the Welcome Group Program, which creates newcomer social connections, supports newcomer integration priorities, and helps build more welcoming communities in Canada.
She has also worked for the Refugee Protection Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada and served as program coordinator for the Settlement and Education Partnerships in Toronto, a schoolbased program that helps newcomer students and their families settle in their school and community and navigate the educational system. At the national level, Jennilee has explored these issues as a community policy analyst with the York Centre for Asian Research, participating in the Filipino Youth Transitions in Canada study.
Combining her love of public speaking, research, settlement work, and mentorship, Jennilee elevated her work even further in 2016 by creating Filipino Talks, offering professional development for educators to better understand issues related specifically to families from the Philippines. Through Filipino Talks, she has surveyed more than 1,200 Filipino students across the GTA to create impactful programming through workshops for youth, parents, and school staff. Consistently rated by educators as “the best PD we’ve ever had,” these workshops are noted for delivering difficult material from an inclusive and anti-oppressive perspective.
“Filipino Talks can make teachers cry from finally understanding their Filipino students’ needs and why they are disengaged,” she says. “I can see the lightbulb switch on for teachers; they get it. Then we work together to come up with solutions.”
Solutions include bringing Filipino culture into schools through engaging guest speakers, creating clubs and events to build bridges between newcomers and Canadian-born youth, and incorporating culturally responsive books into lesson plans.
GIVING A VOICE TO A NON-VERBAL BOY
While Jennilee has always found her career rewarding, she has also made time for her other passion—writing. Her short stories can be found in publications such as Geist, Changing the Face of Canadian Literature, and Magdaragat: An Anthology of FilipinoCanadian Writing; accolades include an emerging author’s award from the Ontario Book Publishers Organization and being longlisted for the 2022 CBC Short Story Prize.
Then came the idea for a novel. From all her previous work, research, and work with Filipino families, she had great insight and a rich background of material.
“Newcomer families tell me a lot of heavy stuff, especially the kids, because they see me as a cool big sister and pour their hearts out to me,” she says. “It’s a lot of emotional labour, and writing was my method of self-care.”
The first spark for Reuniting with Strangers, released in 2023, came when a Toronto teacher told her a story about a family in crisis who had recently moved to a different city. She heard about a five-year-old Filipino boy who was non-verbal and violent, especially at nighttime, after being reunited with his mom in Canada. The teacher told Jennilee that the mother didn’t know how to handle her son and had resorted to calling police; officers controlled the boy by putting him in a straitjacket.
Jennilee couldn’t get the story out of her head. She tossed and turned at night wondering who this boy was, what he had experienced, and why he was so filled with anger. Her heart ached that the boy was non-verbal and couldn’t properly
express all the heavy emotions that she knew other Filipino children were experiencing.
“This boy was emblematic of everything I was seeing in my community,” she says.
Jennilee started writing what would become Reuniting with Strangers. Throughout the stories, a young, troubled non-verbal character named Monolith is interwoven throughout, connecting them all.
The stories are based in various areas including the Tagaytay highlands of the Philippines, the desert of Osoyoos, the suburbs of southern Ontario, and Filipino neighbourhoods in Montréal and Toronto (Jennilee even says that one chapter was inspired by a friend from Trent who had moved from the Philippines to Iqaluit).
Each chapter is written in a different format—one as a caregiver’s instruction manual, for example, while another describes a custody battle through a series of texts and emails. While the stories are meant to educate readers about the plight of the Filipino community, Jennilee says she was surprised by the accolades she received, including being named a finalist for the Jim Wong-Chu Emerging Authors Award. She is overwhelmed to now be fêted by the CBC and to receive invitations to literary festivals in Ontario, Saskatchewan, and British Columbia. Her greatest pride, however, is getting fan mail from people who tell her that they now better understand their mothers, family dynamic, or caregivers.
“One person wrote that she sees her mom clearly now and had reached out to her for the first time in a number of years,” she says. “As a writer, this means everything to me.”
With this literary success, Jennilee is now focusing on a future literary career and is working on a young adult novel, as well as historical fiction about 1960s Manila intertwined with modern-day Toronto.
She reflects that Trent was the place where her journey began, and she credits the University with being the starting block for finding careers built on compassion and understanding.
“Trent was a great place to build a strong foundation for empathy,” she says. “I met so many different people, from so many different backgrounds, and there was this culture of caring about everyone—people who are from your community and people who are not from your community. There’s nothing better than that.”
HARVESTING EQUITY
The dynamics of food and its availability in Canada are continually changing. Rising urbanization has meant fewer people are growing their own food. In 1931, one in three Canadians resided on a farm, according to Statistics Canada,1 while today, the chances of personally knowing a farmer are slim. The cost of buying and maintaining farmland has skyrocketed, rendering it unattainable for many aspiring small-scale farmers.
Trent University alumni and researchers address the dynamics between social justice and how people grow, distribute, and access food
If Canadians aren’t growing their own food, they are relying on others to produce, package, and transport food for them; the longer the food chain becomes, the more precarious access can be for many people. Food insecurity has become a function of social inequality; those with fewer social and economic resources are more likely to go without. Despite the 1948 Universal Declaration of Human Rights stipulating that people have a right to food, this inequality is seen worldwide.
“What you have is a systematic violation of people’s fundamental human rights,” says Dr. Haroon AkramLodhi, professor in the Department of Global Justice & Development (formerly International Development Studies) at Trent University.
“Governments that purport to support human rights are completely ignoring that. There’s a big problem in our communities in Canada and across the globe.”
“Food insecurity is a global injustice, rooted in problems of global human inequality.”
Dr. Haroon Akram-Lodhi, Professor, Department of Global Justice & Development at Trent University
Food insecurity issues were particularly apparent during the COVID-19 pandemic. In Canada, food systems were challenged, and many non-profit food distribution organizations were quick to rise to meet the glaring food insecurity issues facing much of the population.
The issue of food insecurity, like so many challenges facing humanity, lies at the intersection of economics, agriculture, and social justice. Graduates and professors across the International Development Studies (recently renamed Global Justice & Development), Economics, and Sustainable Agriculture programs are shining a light on the inequities in global food systems and implementing creative ways to bring reliable food sources to marginalized communities.
CLAIRE PERTTULA ’14 (Champlain College), an International Development Studies and Environmental & Resource Studies graduate from Trent University, is at the forefront of cultivating food justice and sustainability in urban communities.
As the food justice projects coordinator at the Malvern Family Resource Centre, Perttula oversees a two-acre urban farm in the Finch hydro corridor located in Toronto, Ontario. Nineteen urban farmers— many of whom are immigrants with agricultural experience—cultivate a unique variety of crops destined to be sold at local markets or donated within their community, ensuring fresh and culturally diverse produce reaches those in need.
At the forefront of Perttula’s work is her dedication to leading programs that work towards food sovereignty. While food security addresses hunger and malnutrition in broader terms, food sovereignty seeks to empower communities to reclaim control over their food systems and promote social, economic, and environmental justice.
Commenting on the importance of food sovereignty, Perttula says, “There’s so much variety in what you can possibly eat. Food is so important to identity, cultural preservation, and connection. Having a say in what food you’re eating and able to access is important. This concept of food being culturally significant is addressed in food sovereignty.”
Perttula and her team collaborate with the community farmers to offer local residents a variety of affordable and culturally diverse food choices at weekly farmer’s markets. Here, community farmers have the autonomy to select their crops and establish prices, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment within the community.
The community farming program at Malvern Family Resource Centre is one of many that Perttula oversees. Her team’s latest initiative, the Future Farming program, equips youth aged 16 to 24 with agricultural skills and knowledge, including hands-on experience with hydroponics.
Her hard work is empowering communities through equitable food practices, demonstrating her commitment to building a healthier and fairer future for food in Canada.
CHIARA PADOVANI’S ’06 (Champlain College) time at Trent University, particularly in the International Development Studies program, sparked growth and exploration. After convocation, she worked with human rights organizations in Ecuador and Argentina. Despite the meaningful work she was pursuing internationally, she felt a strong pull to return home to Toronto, where she could take ownership of her efforts and make a difference in the community where she grew up.
Driven by a conviction that social, cultural, and economic rights were lacking in her neighbourhood, Padovani ran for city council in 2018, looking to represent the Toronto, Ontario riding of York-South Weston.
Despite losing the election by 94 votes, Padovani’s sense of responsibility to her community never waned.
Currently, Padovani is the senior manager of community engagement and advocacy for the North York Harvest Food Bank.
“Food banks are called an essential service, but they aren’t structured as one,” says Padovani on the state of food security in Canada.
“It really shouldn’t be that way. People should have enough money to be able to afford food, it’s such a basic necessity.”
The COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated food insecurity across Canada and the levels of need are still high. According to Food Banks Canada, food bank usage in 2023 represented a 32% increase compared to March 2022, and a 78.5% increase compared to March 2019.
Even in challenging times, Padovani is driven to look for creative solutions. During the pandemic— when lockdowns and food panic spread across the city—she trained City of Toronto library staff to operate a food bank.
Her community engagement and advocacy work goes beyond food, recognizing the complexity of food insecurity and how it relates to social assistance rates, cost of housing, and living wages, saying, “These are systemic problems that need systemic solutions.”
When asked how she remains optimistic in the face of such inequity, she says, “It’s the small victories that keep me going.”
JESSICA TOPFER ’15 (Champlain College) is used to being in overdrive. By the time she was in her fourth year pursuing a double major in International Development and Business Administration, she had a full-time job as a coordinator of a non-profit organization. She completed her degree over the next three years while working full-time (she had since been promoted to
director), building a career focused on addressing food insecurity and delivering choice-focused community programming.
Currently serving as the executive director at The Nourish and Develop Foundation, Topfer oversees a range of programs aimed at tackling food insecurity in Cannington, Ontario and surrounding rural areas. Under her leadership, the foundation offers a diverse array of food and social services to address the multifaceted nature of poverty. From transitional housing to a shopping-style food bank and a community kitchen, the organization provides wrap-around support to those in need.
People in rural areas often face unique challenges in accessing food. Topfer sees transportation as one of the largest barriers facing her clients. The team at The Nourish and Develop Foundation operates a Mobile Food Market—a refrigerated van, with a trailer in the warmer months, that sets up in various rural locations throughout and surrounding Brock Township.
The financial burden associated with transportation costs can exacerbate the challenges faced by individuals experiencing food insecurity. Topfer says, “I’m not trying to change the world, I’m just trying to make a difference in one small corner.”
DR. HAROON AKRAM-LODHI, professor in the Department of Global Justice & Development at Trent University, focuses his research on how gender affects farming and the economy, especially in Asia and Africa. He studies the ways in which changes in agrarian systems impact food security rural communities in the global south, and specifically why women who are managers of land are less productive than their male counterparts. Hint: women, who perform unpaid domestic tasks and face cultural expectations, have less time for farming. They often earn lower incomes, hindering access to essential resources like fertilizers and better tools. Gender-based violence further marginalizes women, impacting their economic autonomy.
To learn more about global food systems, listen to The World Food System podcast by Dr. Haroon AkramLodhi, available online and on many podcast apps.
Community farmers from the Malvern Family Resource Centre tend to their plots in the Finch hydro corridor in Toronto.
BREAKING THE ICE: Inuit Food Security in the Face of Climate Change
Inuit Knowledge and scientific research unite to protect food security in the Arctic amidst the challenges of climate change
The relationship Inuit have with the land is fundamentally connected to their beliefs, identities, knowledge, and livelihoods. The term Inuit Nunangat, or “homeland,” refers to the land, water, and ice contained in the Canadian Arctic region. Climate change is challenging this relationship, making it difficult for Inuit communities to gather food from the land, threatening their food security, health, and well-being.
In March 2020, Polar Knowledge Canada (POLAR) hosted a regional knowledge sharing workshop at the Canadian High Arctic Research Station (CHARS) in Cambridge Bay, Nunavut, bringing together the perspectives of Indigenous Knowledge holders, knowledge producers, and knowledge users in Nunavut and the Northwest Territories. Indigenous participants voiced their concerns about how climate change has impacted their
access to foods obtained from the land such as wildlife, fish, berries, and plants.
Understanding the full impact of climate change on food security in the North requires bringing together Indigenous Knowledge and scientific research. Dr. Chris Furgal, professor in The Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and Trent School for the Environment, has been researching the impact of climate
“Inuit communities have unique and valuable knowledge and perspectives on their environment and food system, and their involvement in this research is critical.”
Dr.
Chris Furgal, Professor, The Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies and Trent School for the Environment
change and other forces on Indigenous food security for nearly 20 years. This collaborative approach to knowing, often referred to as the “two-eyed seeing approach,” can provide insights that inform comprehensive policies and support decisions that enhance the resilience and sustainability of northern Indigenous food systems. “Inuit communities have unique and valuable knowledge and perspectives on their environment and food system, and their involvement in this research is critical,” says Prof. Furgal. “By learning through both Indigenous Knowledge and scientific methods, these programs can provide a more comprehensive understanding of the changes taking place and solutions possible.”
A major concern resulting from climate change is the impact on access to traditional Indigenous foods. Environmental changes—late freeze-ups, unpredictable spring melts, warmer or colder winters, thawing permafrost, loss of long-term ice, shifting precipitation patterns, and coastal erosion—make it difficult to travel to traditional hunting and harvesting areas. For example, in the Inuvialuit region of the Northwest Territories, recent intense spring melts in the Mackenzie River system have forced hunters to take longer, more precarious routes home, increasing the danger and cost of harvesting and reducing the predictability of hunting success.
There are also worries about the quality and availability of food. People in the Inuvialuit region have noticed the quality of meat has declined, with instances of worms in lake trout and increasing reports of abnormalities in the livers of caribou. Shorter winters are creating conditions conducive to the northward migration of parasites. Natural shifts in habitats that cause changes in animal populations and
migration routes are also amplified by climate change. These changes are deeply troubling for those whose well-being is dependent on their connection to the land and water and the resources they provide.
To tackle these challenges, it is crucial to support and enhance resilience in local Indigenous food systems through cooperative research, learning, and ultimately, action. One approach to finding solutions is to ensure that research and monitoring efforts are culturally relevant and led by Inuit communities. This means that research is based in local knowledge systems, cultures, and priorities. When communities lead these efforts, they are more likely to be effective in addressing local needs and providing meaningful insights that can inform adaptation strategies.
Dr. Furgal has also been integrally involved in launching Trent’s new Indigenous Environmental Studies & Sciences diploma in collaboration with the Yellowknives Dene First Nation (YKDFN). This program blends Western science with Dene Indigenous Knowledge, providing experiential learning opportunities rooted in Dene culture. Dene students will be equipped with the tools necessary to address environmental challenges in their territory while staying connected to their cultural heritage, highlighting the importance of bringing together Indigenous perspectives in education and research. Through this one-ofa-kind cooperation between Trent and YKDFN, students earn a university diploma while studying in their home territory.
Enhancing community-based action and complementing Indigenous Knowledge with scientific research can lead to robust and suitable strategies that support the resilience and sustainability of northern communities and their food systems. This approach
will help preserve the cultural heritage and bolster food security while recognizing and respecting the sovereignty of Indigenous communities in the face of climate change.
About Dr. Chris Furgal
Dr. Chris Furgal is a researcher and educator whose work spans the intersections of environmental health risk assessment, management, and communication, particularly within Indigenous communities. He contributed to the Nobel Prizewinning work of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change as a leading scientific expert and was one of only two Canadians involved in the 2007 report, which presented the effects of climate change in the polar regions. A passionate teacher, he strives to instill a deep respect for diverse forms of knowledge and critical thinking skills in his students.
Prof. Furgal has played a pivotal role in bridging Indigenous Knowledge with mainstream science education; he co-founded the award-winning TRent Aboriginal Cultural Knowledge and Science (TRACKS) initiative and, with the establishment of the Indigenous Environmental Institute in 2018, he continues to champion community and public education, professional development, and community-based research in support of Indigenous environmental health and well-being.
Housing Crisis or Business as Usual?
Insights on the state of housing security in North America and where we go from here
Bruno Dobrusin ’06 during a York-South Weston rally for housing security. Photo:
While Bruno Dobrusin ’06 (Traill College) has always been civically minded, he never expected to help found a powerful tenants’ union that’s fighting for province-wide rent control amid sweeping rent strikes across the Greater Toronto Area.
Dobrusin says this role came about organically; several years ago, after going door to door in his neighbourhood of York-South Weston to discuss minimum wage increases, he came to realize that people’s primary concerns were not wages, but housing security. Many worked multiple part-time jobs to support their families, lived in terrible conditions in need of repairs, faced landlords who found loopholes to keep increasing rent, and feared they’d eventually become homeless if rents weren’t kept under control.
“Housing security for this Toronto neighbourhood, like so many across Canada, is the biggest concern for people who face a power imbalance when dealing with landlords and don’t often have the resources for lawyers and paralegals,” he says. “I realized immediately that we all need to better understand our rights and how we are able to fight back.”
Now an organizer for the YorkSouth Weston (YSW) Tenant Union, Dobrusin has been at the forefront of preventing illegal evictions, taking corporate landlords to court for legal infringements including a lack of repairs and questionable rent increases, and organizing rent strikes. In Spring 2024, four YSW Tenant Union buildings, home to roughly 500 residents, were withholding rent to demand fairer conditions.
“We truly are stronger together,” Dobrusin says.
Across North America, housing security remains a pressing concern as affordability remains a significant challenge for many households who face stagnant wages and rising housing costs. Homelessness rates are impacted by limited affordable housing options, particularly in urban centres where demand outstrips supply. Gentrification in certain neighbourhoods displaces low-income residents, and policy efforts to address these issues often face obstacles such as political gridlock and insufficient funding. All this highlights the complex and multifaceted nature of what many are calling a housing crisis. TRENT Magazine spoke with housing experts— including Trent alumni and a Fulbright Canada Research Chair—about the issue as it relates to socioeconomic equity and where we go from here.
“We all need to better understand our rights and how we are able to fight back.”
Dobrusin, who says his Trent Experience and Political Studies degree ignited his passion for social justice, explains that a key issue in Ontario housing security is currently Above Guideline Increases (AGI). Each year the Ontario government announces the province’s rent increase guideline, which is the maximum amount a landlord can increase the rent for most current tenants without approval from the Landlord and Tenant Board (LTB). Landlords can apply for AGIs, however, if they can prove they made capital repairs such as renovating balconies or enhancing parking.
“These increases have exploded over the last four years in Ontario,” Dobrusin says. “So many landlords are taking advantage because AGI is difficult to challenge, and it’s difficult to prove if those repairs have actually been completed.” Should tenants wish to challenge AGI, Dobrusin says they likely can’t afford a lawyer, and legal clinics are often overstaffed and underfunded. Hearings can take place years after the AGI takes effect and it can be difficult to prove whether a repair took place at the time of the rent increase.
“It can be very discouraging,” Dobrusin says. “There is a general feeling amongst tenants that the courts are stacked up against you.”
Other issues include landlords who are incentivized to try and get rid of long-term tenants because this allows them to significantly hike the rent. Dobrusin says there have been many cases of landlords claiming they need the space for a family member, leading to an eviction, only to find out months later that the unit is back on the market for double the rent.
That’s where the union comes in, he adds. “The union provides support and motivation that these
Bruno Dobrusin ’06
“The growth in short-term rentals has reduced the number of housing units available for long-term rental or owner-occupancy by families and individuals.”
Professor Kallen Zale, 2023 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-U.S. Studies
fights can be won.” Rent strikes take a lot of coordination and could not be achieved by individuals alone, Dobrusin says. “Rent strikes are both a last resort and an underutilized tool. They’re powerful financially and symbolically.” He adds that it’s unfortunate that rent strikes are seen as radical and that the residents can be grossly mischaracterized as simply not wanting to pay their rent, when in reality, they are seeking a decent living space and fair rent that doesn’t exceed 30% of their income so that they can enjoy life beyond simply paying for housing.
“These are just regular folks who are not usually involved in politics and are bravely fighting for their rights,” he says. “They want to pay rent—it is a point of pride, and they are not being lazy or disrespectful—but they are demanding that the rental costs be fair. These are folks who are barely making it to the end of the month saying, ‘Can you treat me fairly?’”
Dobrusin points out that national rent strikes would be ideal, but that notion is complicated by a lack of organization and coordination between tenant groups from coast to coast.
One of the many issues facing the complex issue of housing security is the proliferation of short-term rentals including the explosive vacation rental market led by companies such as Airbnb. Kellen Zale, an esteemed professor from the University of Houston Law Centre, says this was the focus of her research when she joined Trent in fall 2023 as the Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-U.S. Studies.
Short-term rentals can be found both in major urban centres such as Toronto, Montréal, and Vancouver, as
well as in smaller rural communities with outdoor amenities where investors find it lucrative to purchase housing for short-term rentals. Shortterm rental properties can be a source of revenue for those who own them and provide more options for travelers and guests seeking accommodation. However, the growth in short-term rentals has also reduced the number of housing units available for longterm rental or owner-occupancy by families and individuals, and they have been a contributing factor in rising levels of housing unavailability and unaffordability in many North American housing markets.
In response, governments at the municipal and provincial level across Canada have enacted a variety of regulations. Some governments are capping the number of shortterm rentals permitted in certain neighbourhoods, or limiting permits to properties which are someone’s primary residence.
“Then it becomes more like home sharing,” Prof. Zale says. “The primary residence regulation allows the unit to
be monetized by an owner-occupant, who might rent out a spare bedroom or their home when they are out of town, but it doesn’t remove a housing unit from the long-term residential market like investor-owned short-term rentals do.”
Across North America, some governments are also looking at whether to tax properties used as short-term rentals at commercial property rates, since the properties are being used for commercial purposes but are being taxed at the much lower residential tax rate (which in some jurisdictions is a quarter of the commercial property tax rate that hotels or traditional B&Bs are assessed at). That regulatory reform might cut down on the number of short-term rentals that are being created and impacting housing security.
While these types of regulations can help address the impacts shortterm rentals have had on housing markets, municipal zoning reforms are even more important to addressing the housing affordability crisis, Prof. Zale argues. These reforms permit more density in general—such as accessory dwelling units, duplexes, attached townhouses, and apartments—in more locations.
Crisis By Design?
While many experts weigh in on the solutions to what is being called a housing crisis, Ricardo Tranjan ’04 (Otonabee College), argues there is no crisis, because he says the market is working exactly as intended—to make the rich richer and the working class beholden.
Tranjan, a graduate of Trent’s International Development Studies program, is the author of the national bestselling book The Tenant Class and a senior researcher at the Canadian
Kellen Zale, 2023 Fulbright Canada Research Chair in Comparative Canada-U.S. Studies.
Photo courtesy of University of Houston Law Centre.
Centre for Policy Alternatives. He says a true crisis is something that is shocking, affects everyone negatively, and is cause for the entire community to pull together to find solutions.
Housing crisis, on the other hand, is a term that’s ebbed and flowed in public consciousness since the early 1900s, and although there are obvious policies and regulations to make housing more secure for all, governments don’t act upon them to win political favour from those who are largely unaffected or even profiting—namely landlords, developers, and homeowners with growing equity.
“Every time housing insecurity becomes widespread, public debate turns to solutions to make housing more affordable, and every time we hear the same ideas from housing experts: strengthening tenant protections while increasing our supply of non-market housing, which is more affordable since profit is not part of the equation,” Tranjan says. “What we’re missing is not new ideas, but the political will to implement known solutions.”
Ricardo says civil society organizations spend too much time and too many resources on official government consultations about a plan to plan, which he calls the “policy merry-go-round.” Instead, civil society’s energy should focus on supporting tenant organization and the political struggle for an alternative housing system. “This is a political fight, not a policy puzzle,” he says. Those sentiments are echoed by Dobrusin, who has achieved victories through the YSW Tenant Union, including rent decreases following court cases and formal negotiations.
This summer, he adds, he’s leading a major case before the Landlord and Tenant Board asking the CEO of a
Ricardo Tranjan ’04 during a demonstration in Ottawa through The Front d’action Populaire en Réaménagement (FRAPRU), a national group for the right to housing. Photo courtesy of FRAPRU.
development company to testify about the justifications for an AGI.
While demanding fair rent, he says tenants are also demanding landlord accountability. “Accountability means talking to tenants as a collective and recognizing them as counterparts, not as a cash cow,” he says. “They should explain why certain things are happening and actually listen and act upon tenant concerns.”
At the heart of this issue, he says, is that although housing is part of a free-market economy, it is an essential human need.
“This is not manufacturing skateboards. We shouldn’t be focusing on landlord profits because we are talking about people, and families, living in a home,” Dobrusin says. “In Canada, we are very proud of our healthcare system and the right to universal healthcare. We need to move that logic to housing because everyone needs a place to live. We need to treat it like a human right, and then act on it accordingly.”
FIRST COMES TRENT, THEN COMES MARRIAGE…
Meet just a few of the many alumni whose love stories started at Trent University
University is a life-changing experience, propelling graduates on their professional journey. For many Trent alumni, this life-changing experience also extends to their personal lives.
Sarah and Iain Leitch at Convocation and their wedding
Sarah Leitch (née Stooke) ’16 (Gzowski College) and Iain Leitch ’16 (Gzowski College) met on their first day at Trent. The couple had many firsts in residence including a first kiss and first time saying, “I love you!” “I can’t imagine how our paths would have crossed if it wasn’t for Trent,” Sarah says.
Robertson and Athena Flak, left in 1993 and right
Athena Flak ’93 (Champlain) and Steve Robertson ’93 (Champlain) met when they both moved into the C-D staircase at Champlain College. They immediately became close friends among a tight-knit group of other Trent students, who remain their closest and dearest friends to this day. After graduating, they followed their own paths— they each got married and had kids, all while continuing a strong friendship. Many years later, they found their way back to one another, realizing that this friendship was the foundation for a great love. They will be getting married this summer at The Ceilie—it only took them 30 years!
Jocelyn Donovan (née Ruano-de-la-Haza) ’09 (Otonabee) and Steven Donovan ’07 (Gzowski) met at an audition for The Classics Drama Group’s 2010 production of Aristophanes’ Wasps, directed by Ancient Greek and Roman Studies professor Dr. George Kovacs. The auditions were a success; they were both cast in the play, fell in love, and have been together for 13 years. Married in 2016, they have two young daughters and work as educators in Brantford, Ontario.
Sheyenne Carette ’14 (Champlain) and Tobin Wine met on their second day of Intro Week. They instantly became best friends and hung out every day, until one day they realized there was a romantic spark. “Now, 10 years later, we are happily married and still going strong,” says Sheyenne.
Steve
in 2023
Tobin Wine and Sheyenne Carette
Jocelyn and Steven Donovan
Sara Deris ’14 (Lady Eaton College) and Mathew Crouthers ’09 (Lady Eaton College) were close friends during their time at Trent. They worked together at the Ceilie through the academic year, bartended weddings in the Great Hall in the summer, and spent a few years as roommates sharing an apartment downtown Peterborough. Years later, their love blossomed, they welcomed their son, and were married in 2019.
At the start of the 1990 school year, Deryck Persaud ’89 (Lady Eaton College)—a student volunteer with the Trent International Program (TIP)—was sent to the airport to pick up Dr. Alma Barranco-Mendoza ’90 (Lady Eaton College) on their way to TIP Camp. He was the first person she met in Canada … and it was love at first sight. They were married three years later. In December 2023, they celebrated 30 years of marriage.
Lindsay Maxey (née Healy) ’16 (Otonabee College) and Kurtis Maxey ’19 (Otonabee College) met in SC137 after a chemistry lecture and have been together ever since. Within a year after convocation, they found themselves working for the same company and gaining success in their field. Lindsay was soon offered a management position, but the opportunity meant relocating. They sold their home, packed up their dogs, and took off to new adventures in Alberta. They have since gotten married, bought a home on several acres, welcomed a beautiful little girl into their family, and are expecting a second baby this fall.
… BUT DOES YOUR MOTHER APPROVE?
Trent research explores the impact of support networks on romantic relationships
Do romantic relationships last longer if your mother approves? Does your physical health improve when your family and friends support a new romance?
Psychology professor Dr. Karen Blair studies the impacts of social support on relationships as part of her research at Trent University. Specifically, she explores if people in marginalized relationship types, such as same-sex and interracial, experience the same levels of support as those in non-marginalized relationships.
“These are just some of the questions that I seek to answer within this line of research,” Professor Blair says. “I have examined these questions using longitudinal survey methods with same-sex and mixed-sex couples. My current
work examines how people make decisions about their relationships based on the levels of support they perceive for their relationship. If your friends don’t approve, do you find a new mate? Does the opinion of your best friend matter more or less than the opinion of your mother?”
Prof. Blair is director of the Trent Social Relations, Attitudes and Diversity Lab and an ambassador for the Campaign for Momentous Change. Outside of Trent, Prof. Blair is president of LGBTQ Psychology Canada and chair of the Sexual Orientation & Gender Identity Issues Section of the Canadian Psychological Association.
Learn more about Dr. Blair’s research and recent publications
Sara Deris and Mathew Crouthers
Lindsay and Kurtis Maxey
FROM THE CLASSROOM TO THE BOARDROOM… & BACK
AGAIN
Bob
Gauvreau ’01 inspires next-gen business leaders as CEO in Residences
In his 20s, Bob Gauvreau ’01 (Lady Eaton College) worked hard at one of his first jobs with a big global finance brand and was quickly offered a lucrative promotion. The next day, he quit.
“I had to ask myself hard questions about whether the business aligned with my personal values, and it did not,” says the founder and CEO of Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory. “I ended up starting my own business with a new vision and building a team whose values aligned with mine.”
During his time as the 202324 Trent School of Business CEO in Residence, Gauvreau inspired students, staff, faculty, and alumni across both campuses with lectures, Q&A sessions, classroom visits, panel discussions, podcasts, wine-and-
cheese receptions, and mentorship activities. He encouraged others not only to work diligently and earn wealth, but to also follow their dreams, pursue careers that align with their personal values, and always reinvest back into the community for “the power of good.”
“He has inspired me to find what I’m passionate about and make it my career,” says Sam Dever, a fourth-year Business student.
Trent Foundational to Success
Gauvreau is leader of one of Canada’s fastest growing businesses (as recognized by The Globe and Mail and Financial Times), author of The Wealthy Entrepreneur, creator of the mastermind coaching program The Million Dollar Year, and is frequently cited in major business journals.
“Trent University has been foundational to my success, and it has been an honour to return to this world-class institution to inspire and mentor the next generation of business leaders,” he says.
Last fall, Gauvreau’s residency focused on the Peterborough campus, including leading the panel discussion “You’re the CEO of You.” Along with Trent School of Business faculty— award-winning professor Dean Howley ’06, Dr. Ken Chen, and Dr. Laura Ierfino-Blachford—he discussed leadership, values, and overcoming failure. Episodes of his Wealthy Entrepreneur podcast showcased Dr. Chen (Episode 26, “Resourcefulness for Small Business Success”) and Gzowski College Principal Melanie Buddle (Episode 36, “Unleashing the Potential of the Next Leaders”).
“Trent University has been foundational to my success, and it has been an honour to return to this world-class institution to inspire and mentor the next generation of business leaders.”
Bob Gauvreau, CEO of Gauvreau Accounting Tax Law Advisory
As part of his advice to next-gen leaders, Gauvreau reminds his mentees of the importance of taking care of team members’ emotional wellbeing.
“His talk inspired me to take care of co-workers’ wellbeing because you can be a leader in your workplace without being a boss,” says Jaidyn Pond, a fourth-year Business student who attended the student-focused panel event.
Sharing Insights at Trent Durham
During the winter term, Gauvreau led programming at the Trent Durham GTA campus, including a Q&A session with students, as well as a networking reception, which connected students with entrepreneurs and mentorshipminded alumni living in the Durham area.
Katerina Salto ’94 (Traill College) joined the Durham campus events and said she was inspired to hear Gauvreau discuss how his company supports Big Brothers Big Sisters annually by providing back-to-school backpacks and haircuts to families in need.
“The importance of giving back to community is essential in any business,” Salto says. “If you contribute to the community, it always comes back to you ten-fold.”
Trent Durham Business Administration student Ronan D’Souza said Gauvreau is a role model because of his passion for mentoring and encouraging other business leaders.
“He inspired me to become a better mentor in my role as president of the Trent Business Durham club,” he says. “I want to help more students get opportunities, full-time jobs, and co-ops.”
As a proud alum, Gauvreau has stayed connected with the University over the years by providing co-op placements to students, supporting the annual Career Fair, hiring alumni as permanent employees, and championing initiatives such as Trent Day. In recognition of his accomplishments, the Trent University Alumni Association awarded Gauvreau with the Young Alumni Leadership Award in 2017.
Led by the Trent School of Business, the CEO in Residence program is delivered in partnership with the Life After Trent program, Careerspace, Gzowski College, and the Campaign for Momentous Change. Previous CEOs in Residence include Anita Erskine ’99 (Otonabee College), CEO of Anita Erskine Media; and Dr. Katie Taylor ‘16 (hon), former chair of the board of RBC and past CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts.
To learn more about the CEO in Residence program and the Trent School of Business, visit trentu.ca/ceo-in-residence
Katerina Salto ’94 (Traill College) and Bob Gauvreau ’01 (Lady Eaton College) connect with students at the CEO in Residence Networking Reception, Trent Durham GTA Campus
FROM MENTEE TO MENTOR
Four Trent University alumni recognize the impact of their campus mentors and now give their time and experience to mentor others
As a first-year international student, Sharon Walter ’19 (Champlain College) enrolled in Trent’s Rebound Program, a peersupport initiative that connects students with campus resources and networks to help them transition to university life. The experience as a mentee was life changing and inspired her to become a Rebound guide herself.
Walter is now a community coordinator for Outside Looking In, an Indigenous-led non-profit that works with First Nations communities to bring arts programming to schools, inspiring Indigenous youth to continue and complete their education.
Nabel Bendago ’09 (Gzowski College) remembers his Trent University experience being shaped by a supportive network of professors, classmates, and community members who sparked his curiosity. These encouraging relationships allowed him to lean into his inquisitive ways and to reach out when he needed guidance, creating lasting and impactful relationships.
Bendago now gives back as a mentor, offering his experience to aspiring entrepreneurs. Having benefited from the nurturing support of his mentors, he now sees how his approachable demeanor means opportunities to provide guidance occur in unexpected places. Even a casual encounter in a coffee shop can be a fitting moment to offer advice.
While studying at Trent University Durham GTA, Michelle Ryken ’17 had wonderful mentors who encouraged her to pursue her interest in research, introducing her to research methods often inaccessible to undergrad students. Above all, her mentors believed in her, which motivated her academic pursuits and fostered a desire to become an academic mentor. She found it especially rewarding to see the growth of her peers, leading her to a role as mentorship coordinator for students. Ryken emphasizes the value of reaching out to mentors with questions, highlighting the diversity of support available within Trent’s alumni network.
While Cameron Munro ’07 (Champlain College) came to Trent with no rowing experience, he soon connected with coach Carol Love. Under her guidance, he became one of the top five ranking rowers at the Canadian National Rowing Championships for his age and
weight class within two years. In the classroom, Munro fondly remembers his online marketing professor who went above and beyond. With her encouragement, Munro became a founding member of TrentWorks, a studentand-alumni-based web development and social media marketing agency that provided services to Peterborough area businesses and non-profit organizations. This experience has come full circle; a former client of the TrentWorks program recently approached Munro with a business opportunity and he is now co-founder of their new digital marketing agency. Munro later applied his passion for mentorship as a startup advisor at Toronto Metropolitan University, supporting student teams in the initial stages of forming startup companies.
Interested in mentorship opportunities and supporting the next generation of leaders? Visit trentu.ca/LifeAfterTrent
YOUNG AND OLD LEARN SIDE BY SIDE in Trent’s “Intergenerational Classroom”
Course focuses on the psychology of aging, and older adults are present every week to share their knowledge
By guest writer Will Pearson ’07 (Champlain College)
Students in a course currently offered at Trent University have some peers they might not have expected when they first enrolled as undergraduates. They’re sharing their classroom with more than a dozen people aged 65 and up. The course is a third-year Psychology class focusing on the biology, psychology, and sociology of aging.
Dr. Elizabeth Russell has taught the course to young people for years, and has documented how its curriculum helps students to better understand older adults and reduce ageist stereotypes. She has always had a hunch the course would be more impactful if it enabled students to develop relationships with older people to see firsthand what it’s like to age. So, for this year’s class, Prof. Russell invited older adults to join the course as volunteers. Dozens of people aged 65 and up expressed
interest, and 13 were selected. They don’t pay tuition, write exams, or get academic credit; they attend lectures, ask questions, share their experiences and get to know the students in the class.
“Aging is a beautiful thing and it’s not something that people should fear.”
Maeve
Hartnett, fourth-year student
Prof. Russell said one of the goals is to find a “positive way to include older people in our classroom.” And she said this pilot project is just the beginning of what she’d like to see happen at Trent.
“I envision an intergenerational university where we … have older people on our campus all the time,” she said.
Halfway through the semester, some of the students are already reconsidering their assumptions about what it’s like to grow old. Fourth-year Psychology major David Glassman used to think of aging as a period of physical weakening and cognitive decline. Now, he thinks of it more as a period of “continual growth.”
The average life expectancy in Canada is over 80 now, making our senior years “a big portion of life,” Glassman pointed out. “When I looked at that as a negative thing, it was kind of discouraging. So, it’s really opened my eyes a lot to … the benefits of aging.”
Maeve Hartnett, also a fourthyear Psychology major, said she’s learned from the class that “aging is a beautiful thing and it’s not something that people should fear.”
The course’s older volunteers are learning, too. Several said the experience has changed their perspectives on young people and given them more hope for the future.
“I find my attitude to young people is being modified,” said Diane King, one of the older volunteers. “I find them a lot more positive, a lot smarter, and just nicer people than I expected.”
“I have a much more optimistic attitude about the future,” agreed fellow volunteer Gordon Campbell. Volunteer Bill Bruesch said he signed up for the course because he thought it would be an “interesting experiment” that would lead to “better communication between pretty disparate groups.” And so far, he’s liking it. “It’s fun. It’s interesting,” he said.
Canada is an aging country. People over the age of 65 currently account for about 19% of the population, according to Statistics Canada, and that proportion is expected to grow over the coming decades. Ensuring a high quality of life for older Canadians begins with challenging the stereotypes often associated with aging, according to Prof. Russell.
“Modern research shows that [the] decline typically associated with aging is not inevitable.”
Dr. Elizabeth Russell
“Modern research shows that [the] decline typically associated with aging is not inevitable,” she said, adding there are a variety of social and individual factors that contribute to how a person experiences aging.
That means social supports for people of all ages will help to ensure Canadians stay healthy and happy as they grow older. “Supporting people who can be overlooked by society, during childhood and throughout their lives, can in turn enhance those people’s experiences of aging,” she said.
“Aging is joyful,” Prof. Russell said. “Aging is positive.”
Will Pearson is the co-founder of Peterborough Currents, an independent news outlet that is focused on producing in-depth and community-centred journalism. This story was originally featured by Peterborough Currents in February 2024.
Immigration and employment documents of Prof. Damasco’s aunt, including the offer of employment letter from Riverdale Hospital in 1965.
The Untold Story of Filipino Healthcare Workers in Canada BREAKING BOUNDARIES:
Dr. Valerie Damasco’s family history set her on an academic research journey that delves into the migration patterns of Philippine-trained healthcare workers to Canada. Her research sheds light on inequalities within the healthcare sector, revealing complex recruitment practices, challenges in career advancement, and the pervasive issue of burnout.
Trent University Durham GTA professor Dr. Valerie Damasco’s research on the migration of Philippine-trained nurses to Canada is personal. Inspired by her aunt’s migration to Canada as a recruited nurse during the 1960s, Professor Damasco embarked on a mission to unravel the intricacies and history of healthcare worker migration from the Philippines.
While pursuing graduate studies at the University of Toronto, Prof.
Damasco became involved in research initiatives focusing on understanding the history of Filipino immigrants in Canada through interviews with members of the community. Immediately, Prof. Damasco thought of her aunt Lourdes, the first in her family who had immigrated to Canada and later sponsored the rest of her siblings, including Prof. Damasco’s mother. Despite being close to her aunt, Prof. Damasco, who was born and raised in Toronto, knew little of her
journey to Canada. What she learned through her interview was the complicated—important—history of Filipino healthcare workers migrating to Canada, beginning in the 1950s and 1960s.
“I had one burning question for my aunt: ‘What made you come to Canada?’” Prof. Damasco explains. “That’s when I learned about my aunt’s journey to Canada, and how she worked as a nurse in a hospital in Manila and was actively recruited by a
Toronto hospital, Riverdale Hospital [currently Hennick Bridgepoint Hospital].”
Sitting in her aunt’s house in Barrie, Ontario, overlooking the water, Prof. Damasco’s interest was piqued by this concept of recruitment. Her first question to her aunt was, “What does [recruitment] even mean?”
Prof. Damasco’s aunt shared with her the offer of employment letter she received from Riverdale Hospital in 1965, outlining opportunities for accreditation. The letter states, “On obtaining registration with the Ontario College of Nursing, higher salary levels will be implemented.”
In addition to her aunt, Prof. Damasco interviewed Philippinetrained nurses who were recruited to other Ontario hospitals during the 1950s and 1960s, including Toronto General Hospital, Toronto Western Hospital, St. Michael’s Hospital, Wellesley Hospital, Women’s College Hospital, Hôtel Dieu Grace Hospital, Chedoke Hospital, and St. Mary’s of the Lake Hospital.
It tends to surprise people that these nurses were in Canada as early as the 1950s and 1960s, several
of whom managed hospital units, holding supervisory and leadership roles, and teaching, recounts Prof. Damasco. There can be a common assumption that immigrant healthcare workers in the 1960s didn’t occupy management positions.
Today, this promise of career advancement for immigrating Philippine-trained healthcare workers is less common. Healthcare workers from the Philippines, many of whom possess extensive training, are often offered opportunities far below their qualifications. For example, nurses are commonly offered positions as caregivers or personal support workers. According to the 2016 census, Filipino healthcare workers had one of the lowest average incomes among population groups classified as visible minorities. This becomes concerning given the prevalent issue of burnout in the healthcare sector and the need for skilled healthcare workers, particularly during the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prof. Damasco’s current research at Trent Durham investigates why Filipino healthcare workers
In 2016, approximately 30% of immigrants employed in nursing or healthcare support roles in Canada were Filipinos, totaling nearly 45,000 workers.
aren’t transitioning into more senior positions within the nursing profession, despite being qualified for these roles. She has discovered that many Filipino nurses in Canada are leaving large metropolitan hospitals to work in tertiary settings in northern Ontario as they try to manage extreme stress and burnout.
“A lot of these Filipino healthcare workers are not able to walk away from their professions due to stress and burnout,” Prof. Damasco explains. “Some of the workers are here as the primary breadwinner, supporting their families back home. They have no choice but to remain in this work despite the lack of supports, protections, and unfavourable conditions in these environments.”
In 2016, approximately 30% of immigrants employed in nursing or healthcare support roles in Canada were Filipinos, totaling nearly 45,000 workers. Prof. Damasco hopes that her research at Trent Durham will shed light on how inequality and inequity manifest in the workplace and how they are perpetuated through policies, practices, and legislation.
Dr. Valerie Damasco
A 60-YEAR BOND
Trent University’s first Chemistry professor Dr. Robert Stairs continues to support students through scholarships, prizes, and a seminar series
From the time he joined Trent University in 1964 as its first Chemistry professor, through his distinguished 26-year career at the University (during which he serviced twice as department chair), and well after his retirement in 1990, Professor Robert Stairs has been steadfast in his commitment to supporting students, both inside and outside of the classroom.
A recent gift from the professor emeritus will continue to enhance the Chemistry Department and support its students, creating five new scholarships and prizes, amplifying four current prizes, and establishing the Bob and Sybil Stairs Chemistry Seminar Series. The series honours Professor Stairs’s late wife, Sybil Stairs ’70 (Julian Blackburn College), who graduated from Trent with a degree in English and Anthropology.
“Trent University has been my second home for more than 25 years and I’m pleased to make this demonstration of gratitude,” Prof. Stairs says. “I’ve always said Trent is
one of the country’s best kept secrets and the Chemistry Department, in particular, has punched above its weight for years.”
The new scholarships and prizes will be awarded to outstanding students in chemistry, inorganic chemistry, physical chemistry, and biochemistry.
“We thank Bob Stairs for continuing to support students and Trent as he has done since the founding of this University,” says Sherry Booth ’98, associate vicepresident of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. “His legacy lives on in this generous gift that will support the bright young minds that pursue the sciences at Trent for generations to come.”
Since retiring in 1990, Prof. Stairs has stayed connected to the University by establishing the annual Stairs Lecture in Chemistry, the first chemistry lecture series at Trent, and returning to campus regularly for lectures, special events, and other opportunities to engage with students.
A DONOR’S PERSPECTIVE
“Throughout my 25+ years at Trent, I have seen how generous gifts ensure a purposeful and transformative Trent experience is available to all students. That is why I’ve recently become a monthly donor to the Trent Fund.”
Loretta Durst ’96 (Gzowski College), Manager of Finance & Administration, Trent University Library & Archives
For as little as $10 a month, you can support Trent students in a powerful, easy, and affordable way.
With your monthly donation to the Trent Fund, you will provide students with:
• resources such as emergency food and housing support
• on-campus employment opportunities
• scholarships and bursaries
• experiential learning opportunities
• health and wellness initiatives
The Trent Fund is our most flexible and responsive fund, allowing us to support students when and where they need it most.
To learn more about the Trent Fund, or to become a monthly donor, please visit trentu.ca/trentfund
Dr. Bob Stairs stands with Trent Chemistry students in Spring 2024 after announcing a gift that enhances the Chemistry Department and establishes new scholarships and prizes.
FORWARD THINKING For Trent History
A transformational gift will create new experiential learning opportunities, revitalize heritage space, and digitize Canadian history material in Trent Archives
Trent University will turn a new page in the history books thanks to Martha Wilder ’74 (Otonabee College). Her recent gift to Trent University’s Campaign for Momentous Change will enrich students’ understanding of Canadian history through experiential learning, revitalize Trent’s architectural heritage, and provide researchers from around the world with improved access to a treasure trove of materials in the Trent Archives.
The support from the campaign honorary champion is three-fold: strengthening Canadian history projects, reimagining an architecturally significant space on campus, and digitizing archival material.
“Thanks to this thoughtful and generous gift, Trent University will elevate Canadian history for students, the public, and researchers across the world,” says Sherry Booth ’98, associate vice-president of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. “Early plans are already underway to offer students, alumni, and community members tours through
sites where Canadian history was made. Our vision is to also breathe new life into K-House at Otonabee College, which will be known as The Wilder Place, to create a gathering space in the original architectural spirit of Trent. Our Archives will also digitize irreplaceable materials, such as handwritten letters from author Margaret Laurence, making them
available online and preserving them for generations to come.”
Wilder, a member of Trent’s Philanthropic Advisory Council, says she was inspired to support Trent so that the nation’s stories are never forgotten.
“I am fortunate that I am able to support Trent University,” says Ms. Wilder. “I am delighted to designate a gift to the Canadian Studies Department, the Archives, and The Heritage Fund. Shared knowledge of our nation’s history helps to sustain our collective identity and familiarity with our heritage gives us a better understanding of our lives. Momentous change happens when you create a vision and work collectively with a willing spirit to succeed.”
Through the Wilder Fund for Canadian History, two initial pilot projects are in the works: a video series highlighting the often forgotten or misrepresented figures who helped found the nation; and a new academic course that includes tours through
Coroner’s inquest records stored in the Trent Archives.
Martha Wilder
the places where history was made such as the battle grounds of the failed 1837–38 rebellions in Toronto, Niagara, and Montréal.
The gift also supports transforming a heritage space in Otonabee College. Once known as the OC Snack Bar and now as the K-House Lounge, the area features quintessential Trent architecture.
“With a cozy fireplace, updated furniture, and an enhanced outdoor patio layout, K-House will once again be a dynamic place to foster
community,” says Dr. Michael Eamon, co-chair of the University’s Heritage Stewardship Committee.
Digitization at the Trent Archives, meanwhile, will provide 24/7 universal access to materials such as an original proclamation related to British North America, militia lists, 18th-century coroner inquests, and oral history recordings describing Canada’s early medicine and dentistry.
“Researchers currently must decide if it’s worth it to travel to Peterborough (sometimes from
another continent), book a hotel, and make an appointment to review our archives,” says Karen Suurtamm, Trent archivist. “With digitization, researchers simply click a button. More Canadian stories will be told!”
Learn more about Heritage Stewardship at Trent University trentu.ca/heritage
Trent archivist, Karen Suurtamm, welcomes the opportunity to digitize the rare and delicate pieces housed at the University. Shown here, a plan of the town and fortifications of Montréal (QC), published in 1771 by Thomas Jefferys, geographer to His Royal Highness the Prince of Wales.
Hong Kong
$56.4M RAISED TO DATE
The Momentum Continues
Trent University’s most ambitious campaign continues on the path to success, thanks to the generous support of the Trent community
In March 2023, Trent University launched its most ambitious philanthropic endeavour ever: the $100 million Campaign for Momentous Change. Just over a year later, the momentum continues with more than $56.4 million raised to date—a tremendous achievement made possible thanks to contributions across the Trent community and beyond.
The campaign inspired an Alumni & Friends Gathering tour—an international series of casual social events where alumni shared memories and bonded over their mutual connection with the University. Attendees also met with Trent’s senior leadership team including President Leo Groarke ’24 (hon); Chancellor Stephen Stohn ’66; campaign leaders Linda Schuyler ’16 (hon) and Gavin Marshall ’76; Vice President External Relations & Development, Julie Davis; Associate VicePresident Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement Sherry Booth ’98; and Donna Doherty, Campaign Director. Gatherings have been held in Hong Kong, Fort Lauderdale, Los Angeles, New York City, Miami, Ottawa, Montréal, Vancouver, Victoria, Calgary, Halifax, and Kingston.
“Thanks to the commitment from the Trent community, we have had excellent opportunities to gain in-person time with alumni, learn about their important work, and provide space for everyone to connect, reminisce, and network,” says Booth. “It’s wonderful to witness first-hand how our alumni are making momentous change in the world. We’ve met scientists making advances against climate change, nurses and doctors improving healthcare for our loved ones, educators working hard to prepare our children for today’s world, and lawyers striving for social justice. I’m so proud of all that our alumni are doing to make the world a better place.” MOMENTOUS
is needed now, more than ever.
The Trent Alumni Hong Kong Chapter welcomed members of Trent’s Senior Leadership Team in May 2024.
Los Angeles
Momentous change is needed now, more than ever. Our world is rapidly changing, and Trent University continues to lead change with purpose. One research area of focus for the University is aging. Communities across the globe are experiencing rapid population aging, with the number of older persons worldwide projected to more than double over the next 30 years, according to the United Nations. Our shifting demographics require new ways of thinking and doing, driven by leaders who can draw from a range of disciplines to address new challenges.
Trent’s expertise in fields such as nursing, psychology, kinesiology, and Indigenous studies, and in aging in the Trent Centre for Aging & Society, culminates in globally significant research, gaining us international recognition as an agefriendly university.
“It’s wonderful to witness firsthand how our alumni are making momentous change in the world.”
Sherry
Booth ‘98, associate vice-president of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.
With your support, Trent can become a campus of care, bolster experiential learning opportunities, and attract world-class scholars to develop new best practices in senior care and respond to the opportunities and challenges of population aging. Trent’s envisioned University-Integrated Seniors Village will be a catalyst for change in our approach, bringing generations together in a campus of care.
Learn more and join our Campaign for Momentous Change trentu.ca/momentous
Montréal
Alumni and friends gathered in West Hollywood with Chancellor Stephen Stohn ‘66 (not shown).
Alumni and friends in the Montréal area gathered in September 2023.
FOURTH ANNUAL TRENT DAY
A Resounding Success
One might think of Trent Day as Trent University’s birthday, and across the globe, the alumni family likes to celebrate the occasion!
The annual event marks the April 1963 signing of the Trent Act, which formalized the incorporation of the University as a degreegranting institution. In a tribute to the University’s history and founding values, the Trent community comes together to support student needs, showcase school spirit, and give back to the community through acts of volunteer service.
The fourth annual Trent Day, held on April 3, 2024, was a resounding success thanks to the global community of people connected to Trent.
Trent Day 2024 Highlights:
• 119 students, alumni, staff, and faculty participated in service and spirit activities in their communities across the country and beyond, including working with Kawartha Food Share, Feed the Need in Durham, Peterborough Museum & Archives, Casey House, Cuddles for Cancer, Sending Sunshine, Teachers for Kids, and Edmonton’s Food Bank.
• 35 new monthly donors signed up to support Trent students—a new single-day record!
• 1,441 pounds of food was collected for Kawartha Food Share in Peterborough and Feed the Need in Durham, providing 1,200 meals for those in need.
The Trent community also celebrated by showing off their Trent spirit, donning their Trent gear, sharing stories, and posting photos on social media using the #TrentDay hashtag. Mayor Jeff Leal ’74 (Champlain College) welcomed Chancellor Stephen Stohn ’66 (Champlain College) and a gathering of students, staff, and alumni to Peterborough City Hall where he raised the Trent University flag and proclaimed April 3, 2024, Trent Day in the City.
To view photos from Trent Day 2024 and learn more about the event, visit trentu.ca/trentday
Save the date: Fifth annual Trent Day celebrations are scheduled for April 2, 2025.
Estate Planning Key to a Balanced Financial Plan
Financial planner Kevan Herod ’74 discusses ways to ensure more of your estate goes to the people and places you love
As the founder of a financial firm, I have had many discussions about money over the years and know that, for some, finances can be a real mystery. I always advise clients to keep it simple—pick two of the following three ways to spend your hard-earned dollars:
1. Spend it on yourself and family
2. Donate to favourite charities
3. Pay Revenue Canada
I have yet to have anyone pick Revenue Canada. As May is Leave a Legacy Month, I recently had many discussions about estate planning. In this article, I’d like to show you how to ensure that more of your estate goes to family and favourite charities, with less going to the government.
Make Charities a Beneficiary of Registered Funds
Did you know that retirement funds can be your most heavily taxed assets? While you can transfer registered assets to a surviving spouse, they are heavily taxed if transferred to children or next of kin, unless your child has a disability. Making a charity one of the beneficiaries on your RRSPs, RRIFs, or TFSAs means you’ll receive a tax receipt for what’s remaining in the plan, won’t pay probate fees on these assets, and will pay less in estate taxes overall because a charitable tax credit will be applied on your final tax return.
Rest assured that naming a charity as a beneficiary doesn’t mean you relinquish any control over these funds in your lifetime. You retain full control of what you need throughout retirement and then, when the time comes, whatever is left over goes to your loved ones and chosen charities.
In fact, with proper planning, you can not only make a meaningful gift to
your favourite charity, but also supersize the gift by taking advantage of tax rules. In some cases, tax credits are left over to apply to the previous year’s return!
Amplify Your Impact with Life Insurance
If you do not rely on your registered funds during your lifetime, you can also support your favourite charities by using the proceeds to purchase a life insurance policy, with a value much larger than if you donated them directly. There are then two options:
1. Assign the policy to the charity to get a tax deduction during your lifetime
2. Make the charity a beneficiary and your estate will get the deductions
The money you spend on insurance premiums will be less than the death benefit. The death benefit is paid out tax free to the charity when the time comes, and you would realize the benefits in your final tax return—a reminder that you can have significant tax liability after your passing.
Overall, it is my personal belief that you should have a happy, healthy, and long retirement, spend all your money, and all that remains is the life insurance(s) to benefit charities and your family.
Remembering Trent in Your Will
I know many of my fellow Trent alumni have included the University in their estate plans in unique and meaningful ways.
If you do remember Trent in your will, it is a good idea to let the University know in advance so that staff can understand the intentions of your gift and ensure it succeeds in doing as you wish. Any information exchanged would be held in the strictest of confidence.
However you decide to move forward with estate planning, I recommend that you speak with a qualified tax professional or financial advisor to understand the potential tax benefits of donating to charity and how this strategy fits within your broader financial and estate plan.
To learn more about legacy giving at Trent University, contact Donna Doherty, campaign director. donnadoherty@trentu.ca or call 705.748.1011 ext. 7208
Kevan Herod ‘74 (Otonabee College) earned his B.Sc. with a major in geography at Trent University. With 35 years of experience as a certified financial, tax, and estate planner, he is the owner of Herod Financial Services. He and his wife Roberta Herod, who also attended Trent, are proud parents of four children including alumna Jennifer Walsh-Hopkins ’06 (Champlain College), who currently works as academic advisor for Gzowski College.
IN MEMORIAM
Morton S. Berkowitz, Trent Retiree
William E. Bonnell ’67
Ed Broadbent, Honorary Alumnus
J. Bruce Falls, Honorary Alumnus
John W. Burbidge, Trent Professor Emeritus
Iona V. Campagnolo, Honorary Alumnus
Chelsey Campanaro ’15
Leslie G. Carmichael ’88
Paul E. Chlebowski ’76
Mary Lou Clancey, Trent Retiree
Jewel M. Collins ’80
Jack Contin ’76
James E. Dick ’72
Margaret Doxey, Trent Professor Emeritus
Catherine H. Eaton, Former Board Member
Brian J. Fitzgerald ’68
Jessica L. Fitzpatrick ’02
Anne L. Gallant ’05
Mary E. Goddard ’77
Melissa Greening ’07
Bruce Harschnitz ’87
John W. Hayden ’71
Ryan S. Heighton ’05
Susan B. Horrigan ’80
Beverley Howson ’75
Robert B. Ironside ’95
Norman Jewison, Honorary Alumnus
Tyrone D. Kab atay ’78
Kimberley A. Kabul ’85
John D. Leith ’67
Tom L. Lucy ’67
Donald Mackay, Trent Professor Emeritus
Nancy A. MacMillan ’85
David B. Marshall, Trent Retiree
John W. Merriam ’72
Jon C. Nelson ’87
Adam Peer ’82
Wayne D. Phillips ’66
Barbara M. Porter-Mills ’76
Alick J. Preslie ’80
Terry D. Prowse ’76
William M. Reid ’69
Jeffrey A. Sewell ’75
Ruth I. Sinclair ’85
Lucille Strath ’70
Michelle T. Sullivan ’74
Constance C. Swain ’72
Garth E. Teskey ’81
Robert S. Thompson, Trent Retiree
Helen L. Wallis ’92
Melanie L. Webb ’03
Sandra F. Wilson ’73
Alan Wilson, Trent Professor Emeritus
Morden S. Yolles, Honorary Alumnus
Wojciech Zaniewski ’78
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Dr. Robert Stairs joined Trent University in 1964 as its first Chemistry professor. Through his distinguished 26-year career at the University, and well after his retirement in 1990, Professor Stairs has been steadfast in his commitment to supporting students, both inside and outside the classroom. A regular attendee of events at the Peterborough campus, he has recently supported many current prizes and established the Bob and Sybil Stairs Chemistry Seminar Series in honour of his late wife, Sybil.
Dr. Robert Stairs (second from left) shown with a group of Chemistry students, originally published in Trent Trends on April 29, 1965. Courtesy of Trent Archives.
