TRENT Magazine is published twice a year by the Trent University Alumni Association. Unsigned comments reflect the opinion of the editor only
Trent University Alumni Association
Alumni House, Champlain College
Trent University
Peterborough, Ontario, K9L 0G2
705.748.1573 or 1.800.267.5774 alumni@trentu.ca trentu.ca/alumni
MANAGING EDITOR
Ruth-Ann Dafoe
COPY EDITOR
Megan Ward
DESIGN
Beeline Design & Communications CONTRIBUTORS
Stephen Stohn ’66, Alan Harman ’80, Dr. Amanda Paxton, Celia Grimbly, Dr. Cris de Clercy, Deborah Earle ’87, Elizabeth Bower-Gordon, Kyla Woods, Dr. Martina Orlandi, Max Leighton ’06, Sandra Lamouche ‘08, Jeremy Ward ‘89, Dr. Kathryn Norlock, Alison Scholl, Dr. Mark Skinner, Naomi Handley, Sherry Booth ’98, and Dr. Scott Henderson ’84
Welcome to this latest edition of TRENT Magazine If you are like me, you look forward to each edition, excited to catch up on all that has been happening at Trent and searching the articles and images for familiar names. It is an honour to be serving as guest editor for this edition. I have no doubt that you will be as delighted as myself in finding that Trent remains the outstanding university that we all remember, and that the qualities that attracted us to Trent remain the backbone of this institution.
I still remember my first arrival at Trent way back in 1984. I pulled up in my blue Chevy Nova to Champlain College, where the orientation team quickly surrounded my vehicle, helped grab my belongings (mainly heavy crates of records in my case) and helped me find my room in IJ staircase. From the moment I pulled in that parking lot, I felt like I belonged, and knew that those welcoming me saw Trent not just as a place to study, but as a community. When I returned to Trent just over five years ago, in the role of dean and head of the Trent Durham GTA campus, it was a joy to realize that the characteristics that had made my own Trent experience so special were evident on both of our campuses. Now, five years later, as Trent Durham celebrates its 50th anniversary (alongside City of Oshawa’s 100th, Trent’s 60th, Traill College’s 60th, and Gzowski College’s 20th), this issue of TRENT Magazine is allowing us to reflect on the incredible progress we have made in Durham, and on our campus’s unique incarnation of Trent’s values and ideals.
As part of our growth to around 3,000 students, which is roughly the same size as the Trent Peterborough campus I arrived at in 1984, my own role has changed, and I am now in an interim role as the inaugural vice president and head of Durham. This leadership role has evolved as we engage more and more with our community and also support the 10,000 or so alumni from Trent Durham.
A Message from the Guest Editor
It is a thrill to be out in the community, talking about Trent, sharing the qualities that make this such a special place. Even with new challenges, and the changes, such as AI, brought by technology, the core attributes that are the hallmark of a Trent education remain in place. Students have the same opportunities to engage with faculty, to become involved in research as undergraduates, and to know that support from faculty, staff, and their fellow students is always close at hand. Trent continues to offer an unparalleled academic experience.
In Durham, we have developed unique programming responsive to community needs. The student experience is so central to what we do on our campus, and the academic journey is critical to setting our graduates up for future success. Among the programs that are distinct in Durham are Child & Youth Studies, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Communications, and Policing & Community Well-Being. In addition, an innovative B.A. and B.Sc. in Artificial Intelligence is scheduled to start next fall, while programming in Black Studies and in Climate, Communication, Culture is currently under development.
I’m pleased to know that longtime alumni are reading this message, including those from my own mid-’80s era, along with our newest alumni, those who crossed the stage in Peterborough or Oshawa this past spring. A special welcome to you as you begin your time as Trent alumni— part of a growing, influential community who take what is special about Trent and use that to enrich each of their encounters.
Scott
Dr. Scott Henderson ’84, Acting Vice President and Head of Trent University Durham GTA
A Message from the President
It’s a great pleasure to connect with you through TRENT Magazine. My first six months in the role as president have been filled with profound moments that have deepened my appreciation for this remarkable university and its community.
From the energy of Head of the Trent and my induction into the storied Piggy degree tradition at the Pig’s Ear Tavern, to my official installation (which turned out to be a beautiful fall day on the podium), these early experiences have reinforced what I’ve always known—Trent is a remarkable University and it is the people who make it thrive. As one of our current Board members shared, “my heart beats a little faster for Trent.”
This issue of TRENT Magazine reflects that spirit. Within these pages, you’ll find a lively conversation between myself and our renowned Chancellor Dr. Stephen Stohn ’66. It was a privilege to sit down with Stephen—an alum whose deep appreciation for Trent shines through in everything he does. In conversation, we explored what makes this university so extraordinary. I might happen to be featured on the cover of this edition, but it is the vision we are building together for Trent’s future that deserves centre stage. Our future is one shaped through collaboration, grit, and the creative energy of our entire community.
That creative energy is reflected in numerous articles in this issue, including: Dr. Martina Orlandi, a professor in Trent Durham’s new Artificial Intelligence degree, who explores some of the complexities of disinformation; Dr. Cris de Clercy, Trent’s inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust
and Political Leadership; and Indigenous alumna Sandra Lamouche ’08, whose journey reflects the depth and strength of Trent’s values.
At my installation, I spoke about hope, curiosity, and courage as cornerstones for Trent’s next chapter. We can understand these Trent qualities as a basis for action. Qualities that we need now, more than ever, as we honour our past while forging ahead in defining the Trent of tomorrow.
With this in mind, I believe it is time to revisit the vision and mission of Trent University—a vision that will be rooted in the themes I have begun to hear in my travels and meetings during the first six months as president. Themes such as: the power of community, the value of lifelong learning, and the importance of sustainability—both environmental and financial.
As alumni and Trent supporters, you are part of Trent’s past and key to our future. Your perspectives and contributions are invaluable as we rise to the challenges of a changing world and imagine what’s next for Trent. I look forward to engaging in a bold dialogue about what comes next for the University we all hold close to our hearts.
I look forward to meeting you along the way at upcoming alumni events and conversations.
Cathy
Dr. Cathy Bruce, Ph.D. President & Vice-Chancellor
at Trent University WHAT’S NEW
Revitalized Shoreline Brings New Perspective to Trent’s West Bank
Visitors to campus this fall will have noticed a significant transformation along Trent’s iconic Otonabee River shoreline. The shoreline, stretching between Bata Library and Champlain College, features a new, durable armour stone wall and enhanced water access for recreational activities and Indigenous ceremonies.
The expansion of the Founders Walk, a trail that has now expanded along the river from Blackburn Hall, past the Bata Library, and under the Faryon Bridge to Champlain College, aims to improve mobility across campus and invite more visitors to experience the natural beauty of Trent’s riverside setting and distinctive architecture.
Enhanced Support: Trent Introduces Full Tuition for Top Scholars
Building on Trent’s longstanding reputation as a leader in scholarships and bursaries, the University is investing further in the academic excellence and community leadership of our students.
Beginning in 2025, top scholars from Canada who achieve a 95% or higher entering average will receive an automatic full tuition scholarship for first year— renewable at $4,000 per year, the scholarship adds up to more than $18,000 over four years. Trent has also enhanced prestigious scholarships in support of students with exemplary community leadership and academic achievement, now valued at up to $30,000 over four years.
“When students work hard and demonstrate a strong commitment to their studies, we must recognize and nurture that dedication, especially in a way that has meaningful material benefit to their life on campus and their life outside of academics,” said President Cathy Bruce.
These enhancements to Trent’s scholarship offerings place the University among the highest in Ontario for available support for domestic students. To further assist international students, the University has also introduced renewable entrance scholarships for top international scholars.
Forensics Facility Sets Gold Standard for Green Construction in Canada
Trent University’s Forensics Crime Scene Facility has become the first Canadian building—and the 11th worldwide—to receive the Zero Carbon Certification from the International Living Future Institute.
The state-of-the-art facility was constructed using low-carbon, climate friendly materials, such as cellulose insulation (a plant-based insulation alternative) and wood, to store carbon within the building structure and it is
equipped with a 33-kilowatt solar panel that generates 30% more electricity than the building requires. The Crime Scene Facility’s surplus of energy is shared with Otonabee College, further enhancing the environmental sustainability on campus.
“Achieving zero carbon results like this only happens with committed teamwork,” said Chris Magwood ‘85 (Traill College), a two-time Trent alumnus and a key member of the building design team.
The Forensics Crime Scene Facility is made possible thanks to philanthropic support from the Jalynn Bennett Estate.
Trent Durham Community Raises New Tipi, Opens Medicine Garden on Campus
A new 30-foot Tipi, Medicine Garden, and Healing Pathway officially opened this fall to help foster cultural connections for Indigenous and non-Indigenous students. The Tipi offers a space for ceremonies like sacred fires to learn Indigenous worldviews and ways of knowing. The Garden includes beds for growing traditional medicines. The Healing Pathway for reflection is framed by steel sculptures etched with English, French, and Anishnaabemowin words by artist André Fournelle. The project was supported by the Herman Kassinger Foundation, The Edmond & Sylvia Vanhaverbeke Foundation, the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation, and philanthropic support from Anne Wright, former Trent Board chair.
The pioneering Trent Research Farm received official designation as a research centre, helping bring additional funding and support for its initiatives related to food security and sustainability.
“The establishment of the Trent Research Farm provides continuity and stability for the important research we are conducting,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, vice-president of Research & Innovation at Trent. “We envision the Centre as an active learning hub for academics and students from a variety of disciplines.”
Located on a 35-hectare parcel of the Trent lands on the East Bank of campus, the Farm is growing with the addition of new facilities, including a drive shed for equipment, teaching, and lab space, and the addition of a new well.
New Cornerstone Recognizes Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg Territory Origins
Recognizing the Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg as the traditional inhabitants of the territory on which Trent University sits, and Anishnaabemowin as the original language of this land, a new cornerstone has been installed at Champlain College on the University’s Symons Campus in Peterborough.
Carved in local granite and featuring text in both Anishnaabemowin and English, the cornerstone was unveiled by president and vice-chancellor Dr. Cathy Bruce and Dr. Keith Knott ’18 (hon), chief of Curve Lake First Nation, at a special event held on campus. Additional guests included Trent Chancellor Dr. Stephen Stohn ’66, members of the Elders and Knowledge Keepers Council, and Trent faculty and staff.
“Supporting truth, reconciliation, and resurgence is a priority of the University,” said President Bruce. “The addition of this cornerstone creates opportunities to foster ongoing
learning and dialogue about the shared history that defines our region. It also honours Curve Lake First Nation and the wider Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg Nation for their care for this territory and their friendship with Trent over the past 60 years.”
Trent Farm Establishes Roots as Official Research Centre
SPOTLIGHT ON RESEARCH
FACULTY RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
Tracking White-Tailed Deer to Understand Climate Adaptations
A collaboration with Parks Canada and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry tracking white-tailed deer with radio collars is helping inform conservation and wildlife management practices in Ontario.
Trent University chair of Forensic Science and associate professor of Environmental & Life Sciences, Dr. Aaron Shafer, is part of a large research team tagging deer and collecting DNA samples, such as hair, from each deer, to put together a picture of how the animals are responding to climate change, both in physical space and genetic traits. Signals from the radio collars provide location information that help define home ranges and offer insight into both living areas and where mortality takes place.
The latest tagging effort at Thousand Islands National Park showed deer are mobile and not limited by the St. Lawrence River nor the 401 Highway.
“Measuring body size and taking tissues and hair samples helps determine age, health, and genetic traits of the deer,
During the 2008 Canadian election, some of the nation’s top polling companies conducted polls during the summer months—a time known for providing unreliable data as many people are on vacation and unplugged from the news, therefore compromising the representative nature of the polls.
providing vital information on new diseases that could impact the population of deer within the province,” said Professor Shafer.
This research will contribute new knowledge that could support better design of infrastructure such as wildlife overpasses that would reduce deer mortality along roads and develop our understanding of the genetic composition and health of deer populations.
You can catch a glimpse of Prof. Shafer’s work in the latest documentary episode of Parks Canada’s Climate Crew YouTube series.
STUDENT RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
How Data Flaws Impact Election Outcomes
The polls were also flawed because the sample sizes were considerably smaller than what is considered best practice. Political Studies graduate Laura Page ’20 (Champlain College) drew upon skills learned in a senior-level quantitative methods course taught by Dr. Cris de Clercy, Trent’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership, to analyze the error margins of election-period public opinion polls and show why the media reporting of these election polls was biased.
Several major media outlets used this unreliable data as a baseline for comparison and presented the public
with a “two-horse race narrative” by focusing only on data for the Liberals and Conservatives.
Page’s research shows the media dismissed data from the other federal parties and focused almost exclusively on the rise and fall of polling percentage points, dragging attention away from important policy issues such as housing, food security, and Indigenous rights. In recognition of her work, Page was awarded the 2023-24 Denis Smith Prize for best paper by a fourth-year Political Studies student.
ALUMNI RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
The Role of Metals in ALS Diagnosis and Therapy
Two years after completing her master’s degree at Trent and working as a research chemist, Josephine Esposto ‘19 (Traill College) is back for her Ph.D. and earning national attention for her research on amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS).
Under the supervision of Dr. Robert Huber and Dr. Sanela Martic, Esposto is investigating how ALS proteins attach to metals, which could potentially act as biomarkers for detecting the disease and improve therapeutic strategies.
“I think the most exciting part about my work is that no one seems to have really done this before in the context of ALS, at least not with the approach we are using,” said Esposto. The novelty of her study has earned the Trent alum a $12,000 Rising Stars Trainee Award from Brain Canada, funding that will help advance our understanding of the fast-moving and lifethreatening neurological disorder. ALS affects 3,000 people in Canada, a disease in which patients can lose the muscle control to move, speak, eat, and breathe.
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
DURHAM RESEARCH SPOTLIGHT
Creating an ethical space in knowledge creation processes
Social work draws from many different areas, including but not limited to Indigenous studies, business, education, nursing, psychology, sociology, gender and social justice, and child and youth studies.
Building on this multidisciplinary strength, social work experts at Trent University Durham GTA are bringing multiple worldviews to the centre of social work re-search by promoting adding a hyphen to the word “research” to form “re-search.”
In their new book, Re-Search Methods in Social Work: Linking Ways of Knowing to Knowledge Creation, professors Dr. Kimberly Calderwood ‘19, a Trent Durham graduate, and Dr. Marina Morgenshtern from the Social Work program, alongside Wilfrid Laurier University professor Dr. Kathleen Absolon (Minogiizhigokwe), write that adding the hyphen highlights the breakdown of the word: to look again.
“This re-search methods textbook is the first of its kind that brings together multiple worldviews into one ethical space where no one worldview dominates over the others,” said Professor Calderwood.
The hyphen creates a pause with the intention of inviting re-searchers and consumers of re-search to reflect on the colonizing aspects of traditional euro-western “research,” and engage in critical reflection about what it means to search again and the impacts (both positive and negative) of the search. It also denotes the journey of restoring Indigenous Knowledge production again by Indigenous searchers or from a critical de-colonial lens.
ALUMNI
Be Relevant:
Insights from Our Alumni Community
As I embark on my second year as director of Alumni Engagement & Services (AES) at Trent, I am filled with gratitude for the incredible experiences I’ve had in this role—and excitement for what the future holds.
My first year has been a whirlwind of reconnecting with you, our alumni, hearing your inspiring stories, and participating in unforgettable events, including my very first Head of the Trent (HOTT) weekend! A standout moment for me was the 2024 Alumni Awards, where we celebrated eight distinguished alumni at a gala in the Great Hall at Champlain College. It was a spectacular evening filled with camaraderie and a shared sense of pride in our community.
One of the most rewarding aspects of my role has been witnessing the deep, enduring connections you have with Trent. Whether it’s reminiscing about campus life or reflecting on the profound impact of your Trent education, the passion and loyalty within our alumni community is nothing short of extraordinary.
When I first started at Trent, I had the privilege of meeting Armand La Barge ’95 (Peter Robinson College),
a distinguished alumnus with a remarkable career. Armand, former chair of the Trent University Board of Governors and recipient of the Order of Ontario, shared a powerful piece of advice with me over iced coffee: “Be relevant.” This advice has stuck with me, guiding our work as we strive to meet the needs and interests of alumni like you.
The strategic plan we’re putting into action is a dynamic, living document that will evolve alongside our growing alumni population. It’s more than just a blueprint—it’s a roadmap that reflects the changing ways alumni wish to stay connected with their alma mater.
Read the full strategic plan here!
As we begin to implement our plan, I want to share a few of its key priorities and how we’re putting them into action. But, as always, your feedback is essential. You, our alumni, help us shape these efforts and ensure that what we create is meaningful, relevant, and engaging for everyone in the Trent community.
Diversified Alumni Experiences
Our alumni community is vast, with more than 65,000 members across the globe. As this community continues to grow and evolve, so too must our approach to engagement. Alumni now represent a wide variety of cultural backgrounds and stages of life, and we know that personalized, dynamic experiences are what make you feel truly connected.
This year, we’re committed to offering more ways for you to engage, no matter where you are in the world. We’re increasing our remote offerings and revitalizing our YouTube channel, making sure that programs like the Community Speaker Series are accessible to everyone. Virtual programming removes barriers to engagement, allowing you to connect
Naomi Handley
with Trent and continue your lifelong learning journey from the comfort of your home—or anywhere in the world.
Elevating Alumni Voices
Your stories are what make Trent unique, and we want to celebrate them. One of our key priorities this year is to amplify the voices of our alumni in all our communications and programming. We’re bringing back Class Notes to share the personal and professional milestones of our alumni community. These stories will allow us to highlight the diversity and richness of the Trent Experience, from your successes to the incredible ways you continue to impact the world.
Be sure to check out this edition of TRENT Magazine (page 12) and our newly reimagined Alma Matters e-newsletter for a spotlight on alumni news and accomplishments.
Engaging Alumni of All Ages & Stages
Whether you’re a recent graduate or a seasoned professional, we want to ensure that there are meaningful
opportunities for alumni at every stage of life. From tailored programs for young alumni to career development resources, mentorship, and networking events, we’re working to make sure
Trent continues to be a place where you feel supported, no matter where you are in your journey.
This year, we’ve also expanded our family-friendly events to ensure that alumni with children can fully enjoy the benefits of being part of our community. It was fantastic to see so many alumni families at HOTT this year, where we introduced a dedicated children’s area complete with musical performances, face painting, balloon animals, and the popular petting zoo at Gzowski College.
Our Alumni, Our Focus
As we move forward with the implementation of our strategic plan, know that everything we do is focused on you, our alumni. You are the heart of this community, and your experiences, feedback, and needs drive our work. Together, we can continue to build lasting connections, foster meaningful engagement, and create positive impact in the world.
Thank you for being such an integral part of the Trent family. Your continued involvement ensures that the spirit of Trent will remain strong for generations to come.
P.S. Stay connected with us! Follow Trent Alumni on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn for updates on exciting upcoming events and initiatives. We’re growing our social presence, and we’d love for you to be a part of it!
CLASS notes
We’re pleased to bring back Class Notes. This is your chance to share your personal and professional updates with the alumni community.
1970s
WE VISITED TRENT recently to commemorate our first meeting there 50 years ago, which led to 44 years of marriage. We have been enjoying retirement for 10 years now—Maribeth after 30 years with Procter & Gamble (she retired as senior manager, Human Resources) and myself, Chris, after spending 35 years in Human Resources (I retired as the VP Human Resources with the Royal Ontario Museum). We live in Toronto and spend May to October at our cottage on Lake Simcoe, cherishing time with our two grown children and their partners, and our granddaughter.
Chris Koester ’74 (Champlain College) and Maribeth McKnight-Koester ’74 (Peter Robinson College)
EVERY COUPLE OF years for the past four decades, Peter Robinson College alumni of the ’70s have gathered in Peterborough during the fall to enjoy one another’s company. It’s a time to get caught up on what’s been happening in our lives as well as reminisce about the wonderful experiences we had while at Trent. This year we all enjoyed a visit to the Canadian Canoe Museum. Afterwards, as is our custom, we gathered for a group dinner at a local Peterborough establishment, which this year was the Ashburnham Ale House. Deluxe food and beverage, as well as laughter and “prizes,” highlighted the evening’s festivities. Needless to say, we look forward to reconvening again in the not-too-distant future.
Owen Wass ’71 (Peter Robinson College) and David Haldenby ’71 (Peter Robinson College)
1990s
TWO YEARS AGO, I met Carolee Custus working in an Inuit art gallery, where we immediately bonded and realized we attended the same high
school. We married on June 29, 2024, the first time for both of us. Newlyweds at 55! My milestones since Trent include working for law firms on major Aboriginal Treaty and title ligation cases as advisor, researcher, and database manager. My graduate work resulted in a settlement of $1.2 billion for Williams Treaties First Nations. Currently, I am a college professor in Indigenous studies and reconciliation and continue my work on Aboriginal Treaty and title litigation. Dan Shaule ’91 (Champlain College)
Left to right: Ernie MacMillan ’71, Margaret MacMillan, David Haldenby ’71, Marie Jones, Owen Wass ’71, Al Darlington, Diane Peck, Bobby Brown ’71, Cindy Forbes Conner, Jim Carling ’71, Judy Marsh, Ani Carling, Joanne Dereta ’72, Ann Prince Stevens, Tony Carlson ’70, Naomi Handley, and PSB Wilson.
THROUGHOUT MY CAREER, I’m proud to have reached a number of milestones, including being named a leading lawyer by both Lexpert and Who’s Who Legal, as well as most recently being recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada™ (2025). Since graduating from Trent University, I earned my law degree and have counseled some of Toronto’s major companies as they navigate an everevolving employment landscape. The latest step of my professional journey has led me to the world’s largest labour and employment law firm, Littler. My undergraduate experience and the relationships I formed at Trent taught me early on about the importance of authenticity, integrity, and challenging set narratives.
Shana French ’93 (Champlain College)
AS A PROUD member of Trent’s Class of ’94 and an Otonabee College affiliate, I was delighted to return for HOTT to celebrate my son, Felyx Greenway-Moore, at his 2024 Traill
College scarfing ceremony. It fills me with joy that he has chosen the institution that shaped my life so profoundly. My time at Trent gave me cherished memories and lifelong friendships I will always treasure. Returning was a nostalgic journey that allowed me to reconnect with so many other graduates that I had lost touch with, rekindling cherished relationships.
2010s
AS AN ELEMENTARY school teacher, I saw the need for more social emotional learning. I wrote the children’s book, Releasing the Complain Dragon, which includes a detailed discussion guide for parents and teachers. This story is designed to help children understand that all emotions are important, that we are capable of meeting our needs, and that the best way to move forward during uncomfortable feelings is to practice self-compassion. The book is currently available for purchase on Amazon.
Jennifer Gillingham ’07 (Traill College)
THIS PAST SUMMER I had the incredible opportunity to complete a field research internship with the prestigious Orca Behavior Institute on San Juan Island, Washington. By recording the behaviours of two separate populations of killer whales in the Salish Sea, including the critically endangered southern resident orcas, I was able to utilize the skills I’ve gained from Trent, contribute to meaningful science, and make global connections with the marine mammal community. It was the experience of a lifetime, and I hope to continue advocating for these whales and their environment throughout my conservation career.
Kelsey Scott ’19 (Gzowski College)
Submit your news and a photo to alumni@trentu.ca for the chance to be featured in our upcoming edition of the magazine, or Alma Matters, our bi-monthly e-newsletter.
Angela Moore ’94 (Otonabee College)
REWIND & RELIVE
50 Years of Milestones at Trent Durham GTA
From humble beginnings with a few course offerings at Eastdale Collegiate, to a dedicated campus now home to nearly 3,000 students from around the world, Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area (GTA)’s first 50 years have been marked by growth, collaboration, and innovation. Take a look back on the highlights.
1974: Trent Moves to Oshawa
Trent begins offering a small number of part-time courses in Oshawa at Eastdale Collegiate and Vocational Institute.
1977: Part-Time Courses Expand
Senate approves the expansion of courses offered to part-time students and begins offering courses at Durham College.
1989: Increasing Adult Education Opportunities
Trent becomes founding partner in New Durham Alliance for Training and Education to increase opportunities for adults in the Durham region.
1975: Julian Blackburn College Established
Julian Blackburn College is formally established, named in honour of a late psychology professor who had been an advocate for part-time studies.
1984-85: Enrolment on the Grow
Enrolment of off-campus part-time students reaches 547 in the fall winter and 370 in the summer.
917 part-time students
55 courses
1988: 55 Course Offerings
Trent’s presence in Oshawa grows to 55 course offerings.
1995: Daytime Courses Available
Trent begins adding daytime courses to its evening offerings.
1993: First Full-Time Programming
Trent students enroll fulltime in evening classes at the Oshawa Durham campus, marking the beginning of full-time University programming in Durham.
1998: Day and Evening Full-Time Programming
Ministry of Colleges and Universities initiates grant for university-level programs to be offered at Durham College, allowing Trent to offer and stabilize full-time academic programs during the day and evening.
2004: More Professors on Campus
Trent makes additional tenure-track appointments, bringing the total positions to nine.
2010: Oshawa Location Opens
Trent celebrates the opening of the Thornton Road campus with the community.
2008: New Space, Same Great Programming
Trent’s offices consolidate in the Simcoe Building, providing the first dedicated space for Trent University on the Durham College/ Ontario Tech campus.
2009: Trent Buys New Home
Trent buys the Thornton Road property, which previously had been St. Michael’s Catholic Elementary School. City of Oshawa supports 75-year lease of lands and access to athletic facilities for Trent students.
2012: Campus Wins Architecture Awards
On November 22, 2012, the Thornton Road Campus wins an Award of Excellence for its architecture at the first City of Oshawa Urban Design Awards. Trent Oshawa has 850 fulland part-time students.
Over 1,000 students
2017: Oshawa Supports Campus Expansion
City of Oshawa gifts 1.8 acres of land, with an estimated market value of $1.4 million, to support the growth of Trent University Durham. As of June 2017, the Durham campus has more than 1,000 students.
Trent Durham celebrates inaugural dedicated convocation ceremony at the Ajax Convention Centre with 111 graduates on June 3, 2016.
2019: $5 Million Goal Achieved
Campaign for Trent Durham launches with the goal of raising $5 million towards the expansion of campus. Alumnus and co-chair Doug Kirk ’70 (Champlain College) supports the campaign with a $500,000 gift.
2018: First Grad Studies Program Launches
Master of Management—Trent Durham’s first graduate studies program—launches exclusively at the Durham campus.
2020: New Residence and Academic Building Opens
New 200-bed residence and academic building opens in September, featuring a 100seat lecture hall, two 64-seat classrooms, research space, student Common spaces, outdoor green space, and faculty offices.
2016: First Dedicated Convocation Celebration
2022: Building B Wins Design Award
Trent Durham’s academic and residence building wins Award of Excellence for its architecture at the City of Oshawa Urban Design Awards.
2024: Trent Durham Celebrates 50 Years!
Trent Durham celebrates 50 years of academic excellence and community impact with a special event at the Thornton Road Campus.
2023: Advanced Learning Centre Opens
Advanced Learning Centre—a modern new home for postgraduate programs— opens at 11 Simcoe Street North, marking Trent Durham’s expansion into downtown Oshawa. Enrolment reaches close to 3,000 students by fall 2023.
2023: Enhanced Indigenous Spaces and Support
Trent Durham announces the enhancement of its Indigenous student spaces and supports—including a larger and more modern Tipi, thanks to a gift from past Board Chair Anne Wright— and First Peoples House of Learning announces full-time Indigenous support staff at Trent Durham.
2022
2024: Trent Durham VP Dr. Scott Henderson appointed as acting vice president and head of Trent University Durham GTA.
2024
2023
CELEBRATING EXCELLENCE
Trent Alumni Making a Global Impact
2024 Alumni Awards honour eight accomplished individuals during gala ceremony that paid tribute to the late John Horgan ’79 and introduced a new award featuring Indigenous beadwork.
Eight Trent University alumni were celebrated during the 2024 Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) Alumni Awards gala ceremony that paid a heartfelt tribute to the late John Horgan ’79 (Peter Robinson), who received a Distinguished Alumni Award, and introduced an all-new award featuring Indigenous beadwork.
The ceremony at the Great Hall in Champlain College recognized the alumni who have made significant contributions to their university, their professions, and their communities around the world. Ashley Thompson ’19 (Gzowksi College), a proud Kanien’kehaka (Bear Clan) from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory, was also recognized for designing and creating the new award featuring original
interpretations of the Trent crest in Haudenosaunee raised beadwork.
“What a beautiful and memorable evening celebrating Trent University alumni excellence,” said Sherry Booth ’98, associate vice president, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement.
“We are immensely proud of our alumni who are leading positive change and building a better world. This year’s awards were particularly meaningful as we honoured the late John Horgan and welcomed his family to the ceremony.
We also applauded alumna Ashley Thompson, whose beautiful beadwork will surely be cherished by all recipients.
The evening was truly a testament to the enduring impact of Trent alumni around the world.”
For full descriptions of the awards and recipient biographies, please visit mycommunity.trentu.ca/alumniawards
John Horgan ’79 (Peter Robinson College) Distinguished Alumni Award
Who: The late John Horgan (1959–2024) was Canada’s ambassador to Germany, former leader of the BC NDP, and former BC premier (2017–2022) who became a national champion for public healthcare reform, earning the status of “Canada’s most popular premier.”
Career Achievements: Ambassador Horgan’s government was committed to social justice and economic equality including introducing historic legislation on Indigenous rights and climate action. In addition to introducing Canada’s first Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, he worked diligently to find constructive solutions to Canada’s ongoing health funding issues. His government was also the first in North America to pass legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which Canada’s Truth and
Reconciliation Commission describes as the “framework for reconciliation.” When he left public office, Ambassador Horgan was the first two-term and longest serving NDP premier in the history of the province.
What does receiving this award mean to you? I am proud to be honoured among the many distinguished Trent grads over the years. My last BC cabinet had two other Trent alumni so BC certainly attracted some of the best from Trent.
Advice to Students: Never stop learning. Don’t be afraid to change your perspective when faced with new information.
*Please note that Ambassador Horgan provided these responses prior to his passing in November 2024.
Dr. Henry Lickers ’68
(Champlain College)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Who: Dr. Henry Lickers, a Haudenosaunee citizen of the Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan, is a renowned biologist and environmental leader who, for more than three decades, served as the inaugural director and environmental science officer for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Department of the Environment.
Career Achievements: In addition to his role with the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Lickers was also frequently appointed as a member of the Great Lakes Science Advisory Board over 37 years. After retirement, he represented Canada as commissioner of the
International Joint Commission where he effectively brought Indigenous ways of knowing and doing to his colleagues in Canada and the US. Throughout all his roles, Lickers has been instrumental in bringing Indigenous perspective to local, national, and international environmental initiatives.
How did Trent prepare you for life after graduation? As an Indigenous student used to observing and experiencing the world and not used to “book learning,” Trent showed me a different way of thinking. One that looked at the world with different tools to study it in minute detail but also allowing me to use the traditional methods of my people to see the broader implication and, by integrating them, gain some wisdom.
Advice for Students: Follow your heart. Your heart and mind are connected by a thin cord which is flexible and strong. Sometimes your heart leads and sometimes your mind leads; wisdom is gained by knowing which.
Dr. Heather McKillop ’72
(Peter Robinson College)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Who: Dr. Heather McKillop is an awardwinning archaeologist, professor at Louisiana State University (LSU), and a leading authority on the coastal Maya of Belize.
Career Achievements: McKillop was awarded a prestigious Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council post-doctoral fellowship, which she held at Trent from 1987 to 1989. Her awards include the 2020 Distinguished Research Master Award, LSU; CHOICE (American Library Association) book selection for Salt: White Gold of the Ancient Maya as outstanding national academic book published in 2003 in the US; and the 2008 Rainmaker Award (as one of LSU’s top faculty researchers). With five published books and more than 100 articles in journals and edited volumes, her publications appear in the leading academic journals across the world. She has become one of the most
important archaeologists of the past century to have enhanced the world’s understanding of the coastal Maya of Belize.
What is most memorable about your Trent Experience? Having professors give the lectures and lead seminar and tutorial discussions was amazing! My first intro to anthropology lecture began with a professor walking on stage and talking in Hotentot.
Advice for Students: You have an opportunity to do what interests you, so take advantage of this opportunity and follow your dreams. Trent is a great university—small in size with an emphasis on research, which is rare for small undergraduate universities.
Dr. Deryck R. Persaud ’89 (Lady Eaton College) Spirit
of Trent Award
Who: Dr. Deryck R. Persaud is an innovative researcher, scientist, academic, mentor, and entrepreneur whose groundbreaking research has helped alleviate symptoms for people with autism, ADHD, anxiety, diabetes, and dementia.
Career Achievements: Persaud left his promising academic career when his son was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism and required extensive reconstructive skull surgery. From home, he embarked on intensive research, leading to the development of a revolutionary dietary supplement that enabled his son to become an independent adult and college graduate. His work led to the founding of Infogenetica Solutions Ltd., a company that has improved the cardiovascular and mental health of countless individuals.
What does receiving this award mean to you? This recognition is a humbling reminder of the hard work and dedication that have gone into my endeavours. It motivates me to keep striving for excellence and highlights the unwavering support, dedication, and love from my mentors, colleagues, family, and friends throughout my journey.
Advice for Students: Choose courses that align with your life goals and career aspirations, but don’t hesitate to explore a few courses outside your main path to gain a broader perspective on life.
Embrace learning wholeheartedly and seek out practical internships or coop opportunities that Trent University offers. Focus on enhancing your communication and networking skills.
Jaleesa Allen ’18 (Trent Durham) Young Leader Award
Who: Jaleesa Allen is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist whose career is anchored in disrupting oppressive practices, advocating for systemic change through research, meaningful policy reforms, and accountability initiatives.
Career Achievements: Specializing in child and adolescent mental health, Allen demonstrates tremendous compassion while working with young people who have experienced a wide range of issues that have impacted their wellbeing such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, and traumarelated disorders. Although still early in her career, she has returned to Trent as a guest lecturer in the Child & Youth Studies Department, with a focus on “Ethical Considerations for Working with African, Black, and Caribbean Youth.”
What was most memorable about your Trent Experience: My time at Trent offered incredibly enriching and memorable opportunities, such as participating in Indigenous Ceremony on campus grounds via the Medicine Garden and Fire Pit, and becoming a club executive for Trent Durham’s Women’s Support Group.
Advice to Students: Whenever you are feeling discouraged or defeated, reject the notion of limitations and trust in your own capacity to thrive.
Kelsey Scott ’19 (Gzowski College)
David Glassco Prize
Who: Kelsey Scott was an outstanding student leader who worked quietly and without fanfare to lead her peers, demonstrate excellence in paid and volunteer roles, and engage in a vast array of extracurricular activities.
Career Achievements: Scott coordinated the University’s 2024 East Bank vs. West Bank charity hockey game—the largest studentrun event at Trent, where 500 students attended to watch their fellow students on the ice. In addition to serving as a Gzowski College student ambassador and orientation facilitator, Scott’s extracurriculars included the competitive Trent Dance team and, Trent’s Wildlife Society, playing intramural hockey, serving as an Orientation Week team leader, volunteering as a peer notetaker, and walking the University’s alpacas for Trent Animal Care.
What was most memorable about your Trent experience? One of my most memorable moments from my first year at Trent was the annual East Bank vs. West Bank Charity Hockey Game. As a big hockey fan and someone with a lot of college pride, I could not wait to attend this highly anticipated match (Go East Bank!).
Advice to Students: Get involved! Whether it be with a club or group, intramural sport, or within your college community, there are many opportunities to create a smaller community within the larger Trent community. Doing this throughout my degree is definitely what made my five years at Trent so enjoyable.
Emma Kaszecki ’16 (Lady Eaton College)
Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize for Excellence in Student Governance
Who: Emma Kaszecki is a graduate of Trent’s Forensic Science program, a third-year Ph.D. candidate, and a wellestablished student leader in a variety of University governance areas including Student Services, graduate studies, research, and the Trent University Board of Governors.
Career Achievements: As the Trent Graduate Students’ Association (TGSA) president (2022–2024), Kaszecki overhauled the group’s bylaws and policies, negotiated reduced tuition for fifth-year Ph.D. candidates, ensured graduate-student space in the new Gidigaa Migizi College, restructured bursaries to provide more funds for graduate students, and established a TGSA endowment to provide additional funds for the operating budget. Kaszecki currently sits on the Trent Board of Governors (2023–2025) where she supports projects that increase graduate student visibility.
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Celebrating Alumni Excellence Through Indigenous Beadwork
Gzowski College alumna creates Indigenous beadwork as all-new Trent University Alumni Association Alumni Award.
Ashley Thompson ’19 (Gzowski College) is the creator and designer of an allnew Trent University Alumni Association Alumni Award featuring Indigenous beadwork.
Using nearly 3,000 beads per piece, Ashley created original interpretations of the iconic Trent crest. Each piece took roughly 12 to 15 hours to create by meticulously hand stitching the individual green and white beads that were then laid on white deer leather.
“I feel like I’ve come to a beautiful full circle in my Trent Experience,” says Ashley, a proud Kanien’kehaka (Bear Clan) from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory and founder of Kahionhatatie Beadwork. “It is very meaningful to create this beautiful art for my fellow Trent alumni who are being recognized for excellence in their fields.”
Learn more about Kahionhatatie Beadwork
How is Trent preparing you for life after graduation? The opportunities that have been afforded to me in classrooms and labs have helped shape the person that I am today. I’m not sure if any training or experience can truly prepare a student for life after university, but the independence, resilience, and countless other soft skills I have developed during my time at Trent serve as an essential component in Trent’s mission to deliver a well-rounded education.
Advice to Students: I would encourage students to follow the things that pique their interest because you never know what path it may lead you down.
Aimée-Marie Anctil ’20 (Lady Eaton College)
Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize for Excellence in Student Governance
Who: Aimée-Marie Anctil was a remarkable student leader who used her governance roles at Trent to successfully pursue socioeconomic justice for students including
efforts in anti-racism, housing, mental health, access to free legal advice, transportation rights, and food security.
Career Achievements: Anctil was first elected to the Trent Central Student Association in 2021 when she served as racialized students commissioner. The following year, she was elected vice president Campaigns and Equity, bringing attention to student needs in areas such as mental-health and housing. She also helped establish the Multi-Faith Space on campus and cofounded a student food pantry. After
being elected as TCSA president, Anctil spearheaded a legal clinic for students so that students could access legal advice on discrimination, hate bias, hate crimes, and housing.
What does receiving this Award mean to you? This honour reaffirms my passion for leadership and advocacy and allows me to reflect upon how I have created lasting change at the University as a student leader.
Advice for Students: Changemakers are tired, overworked, and more often than not, deeply stressed. However, that does not necessarily mean you should feel as though you must approach it all on your own. There are so many people at Trent willing to listen and help you on your path—whether that is a professor during office hours, or a colleague feeling the same way. You can make a difference, no matter how monolithic or immovable the problem may seem. You can make waves.
THE BATTLE AGAINST DISINFORMATION
NAVIGATING TRUTH IN THE DIGITAL AGE
How Trent University and alumni are helping tackle the spread of false information and restoring trust in public institutions, journalism, and democracy.
In an age where information is instantly accessible and can easily traverse international borders, the rise of disinformation has emerged as a grave global threat. The intentional dissemination of false or misleading content has become a potent weapon, capable of shaping public opinion, destabilizing democratic processes, and eroding trust in both public institutions and the media.
From social media platforms to independent websites and blogs, there are many new and emerging channels to spread false information, making it increasingly difficult to discern fact from fiction. The consequences are farreaching and impact almost every area of our lives, including public health, the
economy, social cohesion, and political stability.
Trent University is helping tackle this issue. Through its interdisciplinary focus, distinctive collegiate system, impactful initiatives, innovative programs, and longstanding commitment to critical thinking, Trent is helping to combat disinformation and helping restore trust in public institutions, journalism, and democracy itself. Trent’s foremost initiative in this regard has been launching the endowed Jarislowsky Chair in Trust & Political Leadership. As Trent’s Jarislowsky chair, Dr. Cristine de Clercy has become a national leader in addressing this alarming issue through a democracy lens.
“The denigration of truth and power of rumour are terribly powerful factors in the fight for good information,” Professor de Clercy says. “When people don’t know who to trust or what to believe, it has worrying effects for the nature and quality of democracy itself.”
Dr. Cristine de Clercy
Disinformation is Nothing New Disinformation has always existed, Prof. de Clercy adds, but technology has made it much easier to spread bad information quickly. Most democratic countries around the world are currently grappling with a rising number of problems from this issue.
In Canada, she says disinformation has affected academics, public watchdogs, political parties, and, perhaps most troublingly, Elections Canada—the government body tasked with ensuring free and fair elections. This situation helped prompt the establishment of Canada’s Public Inquiry into Foreign Interference in Federal Electoral Processes and Democratic Institutions in 2023. The Commission investigates foreign interference by countries like China and Russia in Canada’s 2019 and 2021 federal elections, and works to assess and enhance the nation’s ability to detect and counter these threats. Its findings and recommendations are expected to significantly influence Canada’s policies on electoral integrity and national security.
Although Canada is not the only country facing this issue, Prof. de Clercy highlights that the nation is relatively protected from the most severe instances of political disinformation, thanks in part to stringent campaign finance regulations and Elections Canada’s comprehensive policies and procedures.
As countries worldwide continue to navigate the complexity of truth in what some call the “post-truth era,” Prof. de Clercy says the University remains committed to preparing the next generation of leaders through its core teaching principles: fostering critical thinking, encouraging logical reasoning, and promoting diverse information sources.
“These are classical academic skills, but they now have a new salience,” Prof. de Clercy adds.
Trent also has a long and storied history of training future leaders in myriad fields through its distinctive collegiate system that enhances a sense of community, adds Dr. Mark Skinner, dean of Humanities & Social Sciences.
“Polarization and mistrust grow in isolation, and our students benefit as future leaders from interaction with each other and with professors through our tightknit college communities,” he says.
Trent has adapted to this new era by innovatively creating courses and events specifically designed to address disinformation and polarization. For instance, Professor Skinner notes that the Philosophy Department offers a course on analyzing conspiracy theories and organizes the annual Groarke Debates, providing students with the opportunity to engage with differing expert perspectives and opinions.
Trent’s Media Studies Program also expanded its offerings in recent years and cross-lists courses with Computer Science on the effects of the digital world in our culture. The University’s new degree program in Human Rights & Global Justice offers academic learning on building trustworthy institutions and laws. Trent is also implementing a degree program in Artificial Intelligence (AI) at Trent University Durham GTA
in 2025, adds Dr. Kathryn Norlock, associate dean (Academic), Humanities & Social Sciences at Trent University. She says the program is deliberately interdisciplinary so that students gain both technological skills and a complex understanding of the ethical, political, and social impacts of AI.
“What a CBC commentator recently called ‘the golden age of fraud’ is made more challenging by the rise of forms of AI that make public trust more difficult because people wonder if what they read or see online is real,” Professor Norlock says. “Our AI degree students will be the next leaders in responsible AI development and regulation.”
Well-Funded Journalism More Important than Ever
With the meteoric rise of digital media fueling disinformation, solid journalism is more important than ever, adds Max Leighton ’06 (Champlain College), a CBC Radio current affairs producer.
“We’re living through several intersecting events at the moment, including the rise of digital media and slow death of traditional media, which make it harder for journalists to create good journalism and harder for the public to trust the information that they are getting is verifiable,” he says.
“The current digital media landscape creates fertile ground for
Dr. Kathryn Norlock
Dr. Mark Skinner
“Trent University remains committed to preparing the next generation of leaders through its core teaching principles: fostering critical thinking, encouraging logical reasoning, and promoting diverse information sources.” – Dr. Cristine de Clercy
disinformation including conspiracy theories, pseudoscience, and intentional disinformation campaigns by hostile foreign governments and other bad actors.”
Leighton argues that authoritarian leaders around the world often see the free press as an enemy and benefit greatly from the doubt and division created by an information vacuum.
“As a reporter, it’s also much harder to counter disinformation with straight fact-checking, because, for some, expertise itself is suspect and ‘mainstream media’ all the more so,” he adds.
To help address the issue, Leighton has worked with Journalists for Human Rights on the Fighting Disinformation Project. Led by investigative reporter Craig Silverman, a disinformation expert who works for ProPublica, the project trains Canadian journalists in digital
investigation skills like tools for opensource digital investigation, reporting techniques, and methods to use online search engines to help verify digital content. After receiving the training himself, Leighton provided the same tools to reporters from the Canadian Press, CBC, and National Post
“I think disinformation thrives wherever people don’t have the tools or the wherewithal to counter it,” he adds.
“We know disinformation drives wedges into fissures that already exist
in our societies, but I think the most concerning thing is how effective it has been at exploiting those divisions. So, I think each of us has a role to play in fighting it—with facts, and also with humility and kindness.”
To keep debunking fake news and exposing disinformation, Leighton adds that society requires employed journalists in well-funded newsrooms.
“I think we should all have at least one paid news subscription,” he says. “I suggest finding out which media outlet is doing the most good in your community—who is doing meaningful, diligent, accurate, responsible journalism that benefits you and the people you care about—and subscribe to that. If that happens to be your local paper, buy your mom a subscription too.”
Dr. Amanda Paxton, an assistant English professor at Trent Durham GTA who serves as coordinator of the Journalism and Creative Writing (JCW) Program, agrees that the value of journalism is more important than ever because it is fact-based and considers broader social and political contexts in framing its analysis.
“An informed public is the backbone of a functioning democracy, and its starting point is trusted sources of information,” she says.
The JCW Program guides students in critically examining controversies around news and social media content as well as research into issues like media echo chambers. Throughout the interdisciplinary liberal arts courses, she says students hone critical thinking skills that allow them to take an informed perspective on information and media. “The program not only develops critical thinking tools but also empowers students to produce informed, reliable, and finely crafted journalism themselves,” Professor Paxton adds.
A Need for “Old-Fashioned Diligence”
For Jarislowsky Chair de Clercy, there’s unfortunately “no special trick” to fix disinformation and the decreasing levels of trust in public institutions and leaders.
Although a 2024 survey by the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development Canada shows that Canada still has relatively high levels of trust in its institutions and leaders, compared to other countries, the levels are indeed declining.
“As a researcher, I know the concept of trust is very complicated and builds slowly, so it could take years for higher levels of trust to return in Canadian politics,” Prof. de Clercy says. To address this issue, she says governments need to focus on effective communication and ensuring diversity in leadership so all citizens can see themselves reflected in politics and trust that their leaders are acting in their best interest.
Academically, she notes that all post-secondary institutions should focus on promoting critical thinking, logical reasoning, and regularly reviewing diverse news sources to create well-informed citizens.
“In the fight to retain and bolster democracy, we don’t know what the future will bring,” Prof. de Clercy says. “But, while they may not be flashy or sexy, we do have the tools to solve this problem. It just takes time and oldfashioned diligence.”
Max Leighton ’06
Dr. Amanda Paxton
THE EMOTIONAL TRAP
HOW DISINFORMATION EXPLOITS
OUR BELIEFS
When it comes to disinformation, emotions can profoundly influence our beliefs, often overriding the most compelling logical arguments, says Dr. Martina Orlandi, assistant professor of philosophy at Trent Durham GTA.
“For example, I have evidence for the belief that my baby girl loves me because she smiles every time she sees me, but there surely is also an emotional component to that belief,” she says. “By this I mean that I have an interest in that belief being true.”
This becomes problematic when our emotions interfere with the way we should examine evidence for and against our beliefs. “And unfortunately, there are many times when our interests, our desires, lead us to hold
beliefs that, had it not been for those interests, we would not hold,” she says.
Psychological evidence shows that when it comes to beliefs, we embrace those that align with what we want to be true more easily because we require less evidence. This can lead to deepfakes, especially when artificial intelligence can make photos and videos look remarkably real.
“Deepfakes make an already tricky relationship with evidence even more insidious,” she says. “If we watch a compromising video on a politician that we already dislike, we are unlikely to question its reliability and are easily going to form beliefs accordingly, regardless of whether what we saw is true. But even for those deepfakes that are not high quality, and
MOMENTOUS AMBITION THRIVES HERE
Consider supporting Trent Students who will answer some of society’s most complex questions.
that do not look as realistic, the danger is that we might be deceived anyway if their content aligns with our interests and biases.”
How can you best prevent yourself from being deceived? Treat yourself suspiciously, Orlandi advises.
“Check yourself, and ask: Do I believe this piece of evidence because I think it’s good evidence or because I want it to be so?” she says. “This doesn’t mean that all your beliefs will clash with your interests—there will be times where your beliefs accord with the evidence, and it also just so happens that that belief is particularly comforting to hold! But being vigilant is never a waste of time.”
Dr. Martina Orlandi
In October 2024, Trent University hosted the inaugural Groarke Debate, where two AI experts, Dr. Lai-Tze Fan and Dr. Makhan Virdi, discussed AI’s promises and perils.
Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly advancing, driving innovations such as personalized medicine and efficient supply chains. As it becomes central to decisionmaking, an important debate arises about whether AI is a friend or foe to humanity. An exploration of current trends sheds light on these concerns.
One trend is its impact on the workforce. Dr. Makhan Virdi, lead research scientist at Science Systems and Applications, Inc. and science adviser at NASA’s Atmospheric Science Data Center at the Langley Research Center, expressed optimism, suggesting that AI could boost productivity by automating repetitive tasks, giving people the freedom to focus on more
AI’S FUTURE: TRENDS, IMPACTS & ETHICS
creative pursuits. However, Dr. LaiTze Fan, Canada Research Chair in Technology and Social Change and associate professor at the University of Waterloo, emphasized that it is about more than productivity. She noted that there is a real concern that AI could worsen societal inequalities by displacing jobs, particularly in low-wage sectors.
Ethical and political challenges, including biased facial recognition, reinforce inequalities. Attempts to fix these biases with more data or technological solutions often fail to address these issues. Fan noted, “You’re taking outdated information and using this data, which may no longer represent societal values, to predict the future.”
Climate change is one of the most pressing issues of our time, making the environmental impact of AI a critical concern. AI has helped sustainability by improving agriculture and monitoring
ecosystems, but these sustainable benefits are not without a cost, as the carbon footprint is significant. Virdi noted that training a language model could produce carbon dioxide in amounts equivalent to the lifetime emissions of up to five sedans, and interacting with AI systems like ChatGPT draws on resources such as water for cooling data centers. Balancing benefits with environmental costs is crucial for sustainable practices.
AI shows promise in education. Last year, Fan started a project where she taught seventh and eighth graders to use generative AI art tools, stressing the importance of critical use. “AI can be a personalized form of education, but it doesn’t mean that AI replaces teachers,” she said. “You still need to use critical thinking skills.”
Ultimately, AI holds immense potential and its future impact will depend on how humanity chooses to harness it for the greater good.
Trent University’s New President, DR. CATHY BRUCE, Shares Vision for the Future
A Conversation with Chancellor Dr. Stephen Stohn ’66
In an insightful and engaging conversation, Dr. Cathy Bruce, the newly appointed president and vice-chancellor of Trent University, reflects on her journey—from growing up as the youngest of four children to becoming a transformative leader in higher education.
Joining Chancellor Dr. Stephen Stohn ’66, President Bruce discusses her deep connection to Trent’s community, the University’s rich legacy in Indigenous and environmental studies, and the exciting projects shaping its future. With a focus on innovation, personalized education, and navigating challenges in an ever-evolving world, Cathy reveals how she plans to build on Trent’s reputation as a hub for interdisciplinary problem solving and lifelong learning.
Stephen Stohn: Tell us a little bit about early Cathy Bruce. You grew up in a household as the youngest of four kids, did that mean you had to reach out for attention?
Cathy Bruce: Absolutely, I had to speak loudly and fight for what I got. My parents were amazing, but with four children, and you’re the fourth … there are less photos, there’s less attention, so I developed some scrappiness and some persistence through that.
SS: Fast forward to about 20 years ago, when you first came to Trent University. What made you come to Trent?
CB: I’m an educator at heart, and there was an opening in the Faculty of Education. I pursued my graduate studies and along the way I thought, “this place feels good.” Just walking on the Symons Campus along the river was an incredible experience. I’m a water person, I get my energy from the water. To have the water nearby at all times is very important to me. But it’s the people, the people here are amazing. The faculty, the staff, the students and the alumni are just incredible. I describe it as collective effervescence. It’s this idea that there’s joy and energy, and in the end, a shared purpose. I just was so drawn to that.
SS: Why education? Were you drawn to education? Did you have a great teacher or something?
CB: I don’t think I was the best student. I was probably pretty trying. I remember my kindergarten report card said something quite negative about speaking out, which I had learned as the fourth child, but kept that spirit all through school. Sometimes that was well received and sometimes it wasn’t. As I grew up, I started to learn in a way that was more personalized to me and eventually really found my place. In the end, I wanted to teach. I’m really interested in mathematics, and I wanted to figure out how to teach math in ways that really gave all kids access to complex ideas and to problem solving.
That’s my lifelong passion, and I’ve studied how to teach mathematics for a long time now.
SS: And written books.
CB: Yes, I’ve written books. I usually do these long studies with colleagues, for about 10 years. I did a study on linear algebra, another one on rational numbers, and then from that, I publish papers, but at the very end of that, I write a book for teachers that will help them do the work and spread the word.
“There are so many geopolitical matters, financial matters, it’s a complex time, but I’m a problem solver. Coming back to the energy of this place, we are problem solvers together.”
SS: Over the past 20 years, you’ve been able to do that and to work at Trent University—amongst the effervescent at Trent—and now, after a nationwide search, you’ve been named the president. That’s something entirely new and different from being a dean, vice-president of Research, or a teacher. What’s the future going to hold?
CB: Yeah, absolutely different. It’s much more external facing. Great opportunities to connect with alumni, with supporters, with government officials, and so on. That part’s interesting. But Trent took a chance on me in 2003 and now it’s my turn to give back. Through my various roles, vice-president of Research, dean of Education, and now president, I’ve developed leadership skills and the innovation to really make this hum. When the opportunity came up, I thought, “This is something I must do.”
SS: These are interesting times. Stepping back from Trent for a moment, to be the president of a university is an extraordinary opportunity, but an extraordinary challenge. The world is going through such changes.
CB: There are so many geopolitical matters, financial matters, it’s a complex time, but I’m a problem solver. Coming back to the energy of this place, we are problem solvers together. The vice president team is amazing, the administrators are amazing, the deans are amazing. And frankly, our students are going to be facing these complex issues as they go forward. We need to be models so the next generations see how they might go about their work. It takes interdisciplinary work, it takes creative minds, critical thinking, and broader pictures.
SS: That’s very much Trent. You talked about when you were growing up how important a personalized experience was to you, and that’s something we really treasure here at Trent—the multidisciplinary approach, but a personalized, college-oriented approach.
CB: That personalized part of things is key. I think about alumni like yourself and alumni I’ve been talking to lately, and they talk about what happened to them as Trent students, and how it transformed them because it was personalized. How it led them to great things in their lives, both personally and professionally. I hear those stories every day. It’s incredible. We want to pick that up and take it forward to the needs of students today, which is a little bit different than when you were here. We need to evolve with that and support what personalized means for the students of tomorrow.
SS: I’m really convinced that over the next five to ten years, the world around us is going to change dramatically, but that Trent is uniquely positioned to address this new world where there could be unemployment, there could be disinformation, there could be all sorts of things going wrong. There could be a lot going right. Maybe we’ll cure cancer, maybe carbon will be solved, but it’s going to require thinking in new and different ways. And that’s always been a hallmark of Trent, and you’ve talked about that.
“Trent was built from community, and we need to pay attention to community at all times. In future, I want to make sure we are buiding together.”
CB: We need to be THE university in Canada where bright minds gather and work on these innovative solutions to some complex problems. It doesn’t mean you have to always be a problem solver, but that’s part of the work ahead. Thinking in different ways, critical thinking, creative thinking, capturing that innovative spirit and pushing that forward to get to solutions. We haven’t even talked about environmental challenges ahead.
SS: If we could fast forward yet again to, let’s say, 10 years from now, what would you like your legacy at Trent to be?
CB: Legacy comes in a few different forms. One is physical, we have some major projects on the horizon. The largest build ever for our new college and residence building, Gidigaa Migizi, named after First Nation Elder and alumnus Gidigaa Migizi (Doug Williams) ’69, which will be on the East Bank. I’m hoping we’ll make progress, and maybe even work toward completion by 2028.
There’s the University-Integrated Seniors Village and the long-term care home—we’re moving ahead with shovels in the ground in the spring. The Seniors Village is critically important to the idea of the “Trent of tomorrow” being a space for lifelong learning. It starts with childcare or even sooner, and it moves all the way through life.
One more physical example would be the Trent Research Farm—we have a new 30-acre research farm. There are two other parcels we can develop as well. The drive shed is going up right now, that’s the first building on that land. There’s so much interesting research on sustainable agriculture ahead of us. It just really fits with Trent.
Those are three examples of physical projects. But I think there’s another side to legacy. It’s about coherence and bringing coherence to the institution. One of the things I’ve been mandated to do by the Board of Governors is to crystallize the vision and mission of the University. It’s been over 10 years in development, and it’s
time to ask, “What are we aiming for in the next 10 years?” This isn’t just about me. When I talk to people, I ask two key questions: “What is Trent at its best?” and, “What will Trent look like and feel like 10 years from now?” I’m taking detailed notes, and we’ll soon transition to a more formal process. The point is, this is a collective effort. I want to have a legacy. I want to make sure that we’re building together, but part of that is coherence, shared vision and community based. This University came from community. Where is that community base and where are we headed together?
SS: You talk about Trent being a city within a city, and the community is very important to you.
CB: Very important. Trent was built from community, and we need to pay attention to community at all times. We have First Nation communities, we have the city, we have the municipalities and the region, and then there’s a
Cathy’s Trent Timeline
Hired into the School of Education, 2003—the inaugural year of the Trent Consecutive Bachelor of Education program.
whole other community on the Trent University Durham GTA campus. We’re not just this thing in the north end of Peterborough, we are part and parcel of the community.
SS: Speaking about community, we’ve got the Symons campus. Traill, of course, is within Peterborough, and there’s the Durham GTA campus, which has been doing phenomenally.
CB: Yes, incredible growth at the Durham campus. It’s on the east side of the GTA, which really draws students from that region, and international students because it’s close to Toronto. That campus has grown dramatically. One of the most exciting things about Trent Durham is the communitybased research. Community members, government officials, or agencies will share an issue that they have with the University, and then students will work on that problem with supervision from a faculty member.
SS: Now, when I first came to Trent back in the ’60s, just shortly after Harvey McCue (Waubegeshig) CM ’66 and Tom Symons started, I believe it was the very first Indigenous Studies program, at least in Canada, and Trent has been known for Indigenous Studies since.
CB: Talk about standing on the shoulders of giants. I had dinner with Harvey McCue just the other day, he is just a phenomenon, and Tom Symons, who showed incredible
Associate professor, School of Education, teaching mathematics, 2008–2015
leadership as the first president of the University. Indigenous education is extremely important here. You’re right, we had the first Indigenous Studies program in Canada, and the first Ph.D. program in Canada, and we have First Peoples in our faculty. I’m committed to launching the next response to truth and reconciliation and Indigenous education now. With support from the vice-president of External Relations & Development, who oversees our relationships with the First Nations communities, we’re going to build the next Indigenous strategy. In the previous action plan, one of the things we included was a course in Indigenous education for every undergraduate student. Going forward, what’s next? It will probably be a 10-year plan. But there’s more we can do. One of the things I was so fortunate to do as the dean of Education was to launch the Indigenous Bachelor of Education program. That program started with six students and it has over 40 students now. It’s important for people to see themselves in their teachers. This is another way to connect all of those pieces for the long term.
SS: Indigenous Studies has been a hallmark of Trent University from the very beginning. The other courses that were really part of Trent from the very beginning are the environmental courses. Trent was focused on Indigenous Studies and the environment long before other universities.
Inaugural director of the Centre for Teaching and Learning and graduate director: Masters of Educational Studies, 2014–2015
CB: It’s so true, the School of the Environment has been punching well above its weight since its beginning. The research, grant applications, publications, and kinds of research they’re doing—locally and internationally—is quite remarkable. But it’s also the wide range of programs that students can take from undergraduate to post graduate, and we want to stay in the forefront there. Those are not dichotomous; Indigenous Studies and studies of the environment are very much interconnected.
SS: One of the challenges that is very much in the news is international students and caps on visas. Trent has been doing well in the international area, but a lot of universities are suffering. Tell me about that.
CB: There have been a lot of announcements reducing the number of international students that can come to Canada and get a visa to study, and Trent is no exception. We’ve had some major revisions in the way that we’re able to do our work. I’m worried about the reputation of Canada, to be honest with you. Students won’t be interested in coming to Canada if we’re turning them away at such a rapid rate, or if they get the impression that we don’t want them here, because we do. We will be working very hard to work with and attract international students. I feel very confident that what we offer is a high-quality education, whether the student is domestic or international.
HIRED
ASSOCIATE
DIRECTOR
Dean of Education, Teaching and Learning, 2016–2020
VICE-PRESIDENT
Vice-president, Research and Innovation, 2022–2024
Now, the impact of the reductions to international visas is going to have an impact on Trent, as it does everywhere else, and we’re going to have to navigate that together. It’s not going to be easy and it’s an interesting way to start a presidency.
SS: Everything we’ve been talking about really requires funding, and we’re in the midst of a very ambitious Momentous Campaign raising $100 million. We’re more than halfway there, momentous things are happening.
CB: Yes, inside the word momentous is the word moment, and the moments matter. It’s the moments that help people know that they should give to this University. You’re right, it is the largest campaign we have ever had. It is very ambitious, and we are over halfway, but I am the chief asker. That’s one of my jobs as the president, and I’m so happy to do that because Trent deserves people’s support. Trent deserves that energy and that push for our students. Our students deserve it, and our faculty deserve it. I am excited to be on the road and talking to potential supporters, and I feel very confident about it.
SS: I want to get back to Cathy Bruce the person. If there was a book you have not read but you would like to be reading now, what would that book be?
President, 2024
CB: Oh, so many choices. I have a stack beside my bed that is ridiculous. I love to read fiction when I can, because I’m almost always reading non-fiction. I think I want to read Louise Penny’s new novel, The Grey Wolf. I love her and her novels. I went to school in French, and her novels take place in Three Pines, a sort of French-English town. Inspector Gamache is the mastermind behind solving every crime. I just get so drawn in. But Louise Penny is an amazing writer at the same time. So, there’s poetry in there, and it’s just beautifully put together. So that would be my next book.
SS: A question I like to ask everyone is, if you could have dinner with anyone in the world whom you have not already had dinner with, who would they be?
CB: It would be the Italian mathematician, Leonardo Fibonacci. I’d like to sit with him for dinner because he went around the world and learned about number systems and mathematical systems. He introduced the Hindu-Arabic numeral system to the Western world, and that includes place value. Before that, there were all kinds of ways of doing the mathematics, but that was a major contribution. And somehow a real genius can take something really complicated and explain it in a way that makes sense to lots of people. That’s what he did. So, I’d love to hear about his travels. I’d love to hear about how he was synthesizing across math systems and number
systems and how he, in the end, determined how to introduce place value to the world. That’s my math geek side coming out.
SS: How about a living person?
CB: Malcolm Gladwell. He wrote The Tipping Point. He’s just come out with a new book, and I heard him interviewed the other day on CBC, and I thought, yeah—I want to meet him and I want to talk to him and ask him lots of questions. I love the way he is interested in education, especially higher education, and picks examples from that sector. Now he is a storyteller, and he builds story from evidence. I like that combination very much. Don’t you think he’d be fun at dinner?
SS: He makes things so accessible.
CB: Yes, once again, maybe the same theme. Somebody who’s extremely bright, who can take some pretty complex ideas and bring them to people in accessible ways and fun ways.
SS: That sounds like a description of Dr. Catherine Bruce at Trent University. Thank you, Cathy, it’s been such a pleasure.
CB: My pleasure. Thanks, Stephen.
To learn more about Cathy’s vision for the “Trent of Tomorrow,“ visit trentu.ca/president
FROM TAP SHOES TO JINGLE DRESSES
A Journey of Cultural Rediscovery through Indigenous Dance
Sandra Lamouche ’08 found her home at Trent’s Nozhem First Peoples’ Performance Space and became an award-winning global ambassador for Indigenous arts and education.
From the ballet studios of Alberta to Trent University’s unique Indigenous performance space, Sandra Lamouche ’08 (Traill College) has been on a lifelong journey of cultural rediscovery and artistic achievement. Growing up in Alberta, Sandra recalls loving tap dance and ballet classes as a child, unaware that her Cree heritage also offered rich and meaningful dance traditions.
It wasn’t until high school, she says, that she saw an Indigenous dance performance that ignited a powerful instinct to express herself, tell stories, and share important history lessons through Indigenous dance and song.
“Nozhem: First Peoples’ Performance Space helped me find that sense of community as an Indigenous artist that I didn’t feel like I had before.”
– Sandra Lamouche ’08
After becoming a dancer and learning more about Indigenous history and culture, she decided to pursue Indigenous studies at the graduate level and says Trent University was a natural choice. The University is home to Nozhem: First Peoples’ Performance Space—the only publicly funded, dedicated Indigenous performance space in Canada. During her master’s program at Trent, Sandra immersed herself in Indigenous culture and history by watching and participating in myriad performances including hoop dancing and Jingle Dress Dance. She also became lifelong friends, as well as colleagues, with many Indigenous artists who performed at Nozhem.
“Nozhem helped me find that sense of community as an Indigenous artist that I didn’t feel like I had before, and it really became a home away from home,” says Sandra, Nehiyaw Iskwew of Bigstone Cree Nation in Alberta.
Sandra went on to become an internationally recognized multidisciplinary artist, educator and advocate. Her accolades include being a champion hoop dancer, an awardwinning children’s book author, and a respected Indigenous education leader, known for her efforts to integrate
NOZHEM BY THE NUMBERS
While Nozhem First Peoples’ Performance Space is a small black box theatre that seats 100 in the Enwayaang Building, more than 10,000 audience members have enjoyed its performances since opening in 2004. Many performances have been filmed/recorded and are available through an archive.
Indigenous Knowledge and practices into educational settings.
Sandra continues to perform dance across the world and recently returned to Trent for the world premiere of Out of Wounds—a contemporary dance that she created and performed at Nozhem in early November. While back at the University, she sat down with TRENT Magazine to discuss her life growing up in Alberta, reconnecting with her Indigenous culture, and how Trent became the place that feels like home.
CHANGING LIFE GOALS
Sandra was born in High Prairie, Alberta, a member of Bigstone Cree Nation, and raised in a family who connected to their Cree culture through storytelling, hunting, fishing, and beadwork. “I grew up with a little Cree spoken in our home, but I am the first generation on my mom’s side where Cree is not my first language,” she explains.
She pursued her undergraduate studies out west in what was then called Native studies, intending to become a teacher, but changed her career plans after gaining a deeper understanding of the historical struggles and contemporary issues affecting Indigenous peoples in Canada.
“I changed my life goals to become an artist to share what I had learned about Indigenous culture and history with a broader audience,” she says.
When deciding where to pursue graduate studies, she was drawn to Trent because of Nozhem, but also because of the University’s reputation as a leader in Indigenous Studies, and the rich Anishnaabe history and culture of the local area.
“Trent is one of the oldest and most respected Indigenous Studies programs in Canada and I had been interested to learn more about hoop dance, which originates from Anishnaabe culture,” she says.
After arriving at Trent in fall 2008 to pursue her master’s in Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, Sandra was thrilled to be exposed to many Indigenous performances at Nozhem, including a Māori group from New Zealand that performed dance and theatre, and renowned Indigenous dancer/choreographer Rosalie Jones, who is known for her performances and teachings about the Jingle Dress Dance, a traditional healing dance of the Anishnaabe people. “It was powerful and special that we also had the chance to make our own Jingle Dresses as a workshop,” she says.
Did you know:
• More than 40 Indigenous works have been created in total at Nozhem
• 25 Indigenous languages have been included in performances
• Six performances have been entirely in Indigenous languages
• One co-production at Nozhem was invited to the Canada Dance Festival and filmed by the National Film Board of Canada
Consider helping preserve and celebrate Indigenous culture by supporting Nozhem today!
Sandra also gained valuable professional work experience by collaborating with performers who came to Nozhem. She was hired to work with Dancing Earth, a renowned performance company, and participated in their shows across Canada and the US. Additionally, she performed in Nozhem alongside Yvonne Chartrand—a distinguished Métis choreographer, dancer, and national award-winning master Métis jigger.
Academically, Sandra was gaining knowledge and wisdom from her Trent professors, including Professor David Newhouse, chair of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, whom she had admired long before joining the University. “His classes were very inspiring,” she says. “I particularly enjoyed when he taught different research methods through an Indigenous lens.”
Throughout her studies, the First Peoples House of Learning also offered many enriching activities including language learnings, storytelling events, and Elders Gatherings. One special memory is joining Indigenous singersongwriter Joseph Naytowhow in placing tobacco in the Otonabee River and saying a prayer before a performance at Nozhem.
“I learned so much at Trent about Indigenous culture, heritage, and perspectives in ways that are profoundly different from a lecture,” she says.
TRANSITIONING FROM STAGE TO PAGE
Another profound change in her life during that time was when she and her husband welcomed their first son who— only a year later—inspired her awardwinning children’s book We Belong to the Drum. The book, which won the 2024 Colorado Library Early Literacy Bell Award and was short-listed for the 2024-25 First Nation Communities READ Award,
is based on the true story of her son’s experience at a Peterborough daycare. He would sob every day after getting dropped off until his parents suggested bringing in powwow music and drum feathers to show the other children.
“The next morning, he was excited to go to daycare and never cried again!” she says. “The book tells that story of needing a sense of belonging and not changing who you are in order to fit in.”
She had been writing her thesis at the time on “Seeking a Good Life through Indigenous Dance,” exploring Indigenous dance as a social determinant of health and wellbeing. “My son’s experience reinforced that for me,” she adds.
Since graduating, Sandra and her husband have welcomed another son, and Sandra has gone on to work with public-school children as an Indigenous success coordinator in the Livingstone Range School Division in southern Alberta. For this work, she was awarded an Esquao Award in 2019 through the Institute for Advancement of Aboriginal Women. The Esquao Awards recognize and highlight the significant role Indigenous women hold in homes, communities, and in the building of Alberta.
Currently, Sandra resides in Fort Macleod, Alberta where she consults with national and international arts organizations. She is frequently invited to provide keynote addresses on Indigenous education matters to global educational conferences. Earlier this summer, she also taught a university credit course on Indigenous dance forms.
She isn’t sure what the future holds but is thankful for having followed her passion instead of taking advice, as a younger woman, to choose a career based on how much income she could earn.
Sandra’s return to Trent this fall for the world premiere of Out of Wounds was her first time back to Peterborough in a decade and an emotional homecoming that symbolized her journey of growth and cultural reconnection.
“Performing in a space where I learned so much feels like coming home,” she says, holding back tears. “This is one of the only places in the world that feels like that.”
A JOURNEY CARVED IN WOOD & WATER
Canadian Canoe Museum curator Jeremy Ward ’89 talks canoes, community, and navigating life’s currents.
As a paddling enthusiast and curator of the world’s largest collection of paddled watercraft at the Canadian Canoe Museum, Jeremy Ward ’89 (Julian Blackburn College) is all too aware that our journey through life, like that on a river, is never linear.
Growing up in Thunder Bay and Ottawa, Jeremy’s early experiences were shaped by outdoor adventures,
often centred on canoe trips. These experiences planted the seeds for what would become his life’s work but they remained dormant as he embarked on his Trent journey.
After completing his first year in a general Arts, History, and Anthropology program and being inspired by experiences such as participating in the Red Squirrel Road blockades supporting the Temagami
First Nation, Jeremy decided to immerse himself in developing applied skills and working with his hands.
During his four-year hiatus, he worked with cabinet makers and canoe builders, volunteered on an archaeological dig in the Cycladic Islands in Greece, planted trees, and travelled across the country. It was during this time that his passion for canoe building really bubbled up to the surface.
“I’ve always had a passion for learning through making and understanding the learning around making, such as learning about the cultures, the craftsmanship, the traditions behind it.”
Jeremy returned to Trent determined to blend his academic interests with his love for craftsmanship. As a part-time student, he completed his four-year degree in Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, where he received the James G. Wharry Scholarship. After that, he began pursuing his Masters, working in the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies.
Planting the Seeds for a Career Spanning Three Decades
When recalling his time at Trent, it is the opportunities to learn outside of the classroom that laid the foundation for Jeremy’s lifelong work, allowing him to
develop a deep respect for learning on the land and the power of communitydriven cultural exchanges.
Highlights include coordinating Trent’s field school in the Nunavut community of Pangnirtung for several years and participating in Trent’s esteemed Temagami Colloquium.
“It was a great period in my life. Those experiences, the field schools, the Temagami blockade, and getting out of the classroom into the community, meeting with people and learning from their perspectives, were eye-openers and put me on this journey,” Jeremy shares.
When Two Worlds Collide
In the mid-1990s, the Canadian Canoe Museum was in its early days of becoming established in Peterborough, fueled by a grassroots movement and driven by the dedication of paddling enthusiasts, Trent faculty, and community members, including some of Jeremy’s professors at the time.
Jeremy joined the Museum as a volunteer in 1997 and quickly became an integral part of its staff. He officially joined the team in 1998 and was appointed as curator in 2008.
“What has always enchanted me about working with a themed collection like this is that it’s much more than just the objects themselves. It’s a way to connect with people, culture, stories, and memories. The potential is limitless. The conversations it sparks often carry different perspectives on familiar subjects; whether about water connections and stewardship, craftsmanship, or the complex histories and changing relationships across this country over time, they are empowering and strengthen our connection to the landscape and to each other,” Jeremy explains, his face lighting up at the chance to chat about the Museum’s extraordinary collection and the dynamic team he works with.
“I’ve always had a passion for learning through making and understanding the learning around making, such as learning about the cultures, the craftsmanship, the traditions behind it.”
TWO BEACONS CONNECTED BY A RIVER
Trent and the Canoe Museum share an intrinsic connection spanning decades:
• Trent faculty members, students, and alumni paddling along the Museum’s journey to becoming stewards of the world’s largest and most significant collection of canoes, kayaks and paddled watercraft.
• Trent faculty members played an integral role in the establishment of the Museum in Peterborough in the mid-1990s.
• Honouring and sharing Indigenous history, traditions, cultures, and Indigenous Knowledge is ingrained in the very fabric of Trent and the Canoe Museum.
• The late Gidigaa Migizi (Doug Williams) ’69, professor, elder, and community leader, made vital contributions to both organizations as an educator and advocate for Anishnaabeg treaty rights.
• Over the years, many Trent faculty members and alumni have served as Canoe Museum board members and volunteers, helping move the collection and create exhibits.
• For years, Trent University’s academic departments have partnered with the Canadian Canoe Museum to bring experiential learning to life through workshops, field trips, research projects and other educational programs.
• The Jack Matthews Fellowship, established in 2008 with funding for an annual speaker series, honours the visionary leadership of Jack Matthews and his pivotal role in founding both Trent’s International program and the Museum.
A New Chapter in Sharing the Story of the Canoe
The recent move to a stunning new facility on the edge of Peterborough’s Trent-Severn Waterway marks a pivotal chapter in the Canoe Museum’s story. With the entire collection of over 650 watercraft housed within its walls, many of which are featured in its 20,000 square feet of new exhibits, the Museum is now able to showcase its collection in ways that were previously unimaginable. Built largely with local trades and designed to evoke the craftsmanship of a canoe, the facility also fosters a closer connection to the land and water and offers visitors a true sense of place, with its location on the water’s edge designed to facilitate outdoor experiences and community engagement.
Jeremy is especially proud of the ways the new museum integrates contemporary perspectives with historical artifacts.
“We have the opportunity to anchor what is a very historical collection squarely in the present, to bring contemporary perspectives that are firmly planted in their place of knowledge and experience,” Jeremy shares.
“Our role is more about facilitating the sharing of knowledge. Creating a space where diverse voices and perspectives can be heard and respected.”
For Jeremy, the canoe is not just a historical object—it is a living symbol of resilience, ingenuity, and community. As he reflects on his nearly 30 years with the Museum, he remains passionate about its mission to foster connections between people, the land, and the water.
“We have the opportunity not only to anchor this historically significant collection in the present but also to make space for contemporary voices rooted in unique knowledge and lived experiences,” Jeremy reflects. “Our goal is that visitors find a place where their story is seen and valued.”
The Museum was recently highlighted in the New York Times’ “52 Places to Go in 2025,” underscoring its importance as a cultural destination along the Trent-Severn Waterway. The Trent-Severn Waterway earned the 40th spot on the list and is the only Canadian location included. The Museum’s commitment to telling the story of the canoe, in all its historical and contemporary dimensions, ensures it remains a vibrant part of Canada’s heritage and our connection with the land.
RISING MOMENTUM FOR A BRIGHTER FUTURE
The positive progress continues as the Momentous Campaign reaches over $58 million raised to date—a tremendous achievement made possible thanks to contributions across the Trent community and beyond.
Thank you to those who have joined us in making our world a better place. The campaign underscores Trent’s commitment to driving positive progress and ensuring a sustainable and inclusive future for all members. In our Momentous Impact Report, you’ll discover the numerous ways we’re making these impactful transformations a reality.
It’s inspiring to witness firsthand how Trent is transforming the world. For instance, the Trent
Research Farm, an outdoor laboratory and research hub, is elevating our leadership in sustainable agriculture thanks to philanthropic support. These contributions have funded infrastructure improvements, such as a new well, and a legacy gift funded a new drive shed. This support strengthens research and hands-on learning in sustainable and regenerative agricultural practices, focusing on food security for communities across Canada.
At Trent University, we are driven to understand, activate, and steer momentous change for good. This work is important, and it requires the engagement and support of individuals and organizations near and far. As a community, we are achieving great
things together. We invite you to join us in this moment of momentum as we nurture the leaders of tomorrow.
Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Trent’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership
Music on the Hill at the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre
Raven, Social Work student at Trent University Durham and Trent Fund recipient
Trent Excalibur rowers at HOTT
Trent Research Farm expands
BUILD YOUR TALENT PIPELINE
with Trent’s Brightest Business Minds
By Deb Earle ’87 (Lady Eaton College)
For alumni in search of fresh perspectives and driven young talent, hosting a Trent University Business student for an internship could be the ideal solution.
Hiring student interns through paid internships holds many benefits for employers and students alike. For employers, students bring fresh perspectives, unmatched energy, and a firm understanding of modern workplace challenges such as artificial intelligence, social justice, and climate change.
“As an HR professional, one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is hiring intern and co-op students,” shares Sheena M. Thornton, human resources manager at Baker Tilly KDN LLP in Peterborough. “We believe in the energy of fresh insights and innovative generational ideas that interns bring to the table. This vibrant exchange not only benefits our organization by becoming the pipeline to our future talent, but also helps students gain invaluable insights and build a strong foundation and professional connections for their future careers.”
Dr. Jie Zhang teaching a class in the Financial Intelligence & Innovation Hub
collaboration, problem-solving, communication, and strategic thinking.
Jessica Revoy ’19 (Champlain College), whose internship with Baker Tilly resulted in a full-time position upon graduation, reflects positively on her decision to take part.
“As an HR professional, one of the most rewarding aspects of my job is hiring intern and co-op students.”
Sheena M. Thornton
“I initially didn’t plan to participate in the Internship Program because I wanted to finish my degree as quickly as possible. However, I decided to apply, and it turned out to be the best decision I ever made,” says Revoy. “Not only was it an incredible learning experience—since transitioning from the classroom to the workplace can be quite different—but I also graduated with a full-time, permanent position lined up in the HR field.”
Help Shape the Future of Business Talent
In addition to growing their professional networks, students develop important workplace skills such as
“Experiential learning has been shown to improve problemsolving skills and engagement, accelerate the new hire learning curve, and foster a culture of continuous learning, leading to improved business outcomes,” explains Professor Kirk Collins, part of the team leading the Internship Program.
“Experiential learning has been shown to improve problem-solving skills and engagement.”
– Professor Kirk Collins
“By hiring a student from your alma mater, you’re not just filling a role but nurturing the next generation of talent and continuing the legacy of your University. It’s a great way to get involved.”
Trent’s School of Business Internship Program has gained a reputation for helping employers audition young talent with the potential for full-time roles upon graduation. Through the program, fourth-year Business students are hired by partner organizations for six, eight, 12, or 16 months. There are also options for four month paid co-ops and shorter placements (100 hours per term). For companies with an extended internship of eight months or more, the Ontario Co-operative Education Tax Credit is available, further incentivizing participation.
With the support of a dedicated team, the program offers an easy, efficient process for employers looking to bring new perspectives into their organizations in areas such accounting, human resources, marketing, finance, or administration.
“I’ve witnessed the incredible growth and transformation of many talented students who started their careers with us and then succeeded in achieving full-time opportunities with us post-graduation,” Thornton says.
While internships are offered for September, January, and May start dates, internship postings can be shared at any time and are open to companies across Canada.
To explore partnership options, contact schoolofbusinessinternships@trentu.ca
MICHAEL NOLAN ’69
MEMBER OF TRENT’S FIRST ROWING TEAM
BUILDER OF SCHOOL COMMUNITIES
AVID TRENT VOLUNTEER
CREATIVE PROBLEM-SOLVER
ISLAND COTTAGER
Remembering
SOCIAL CHANGE & HIGHER EDUCATION A
POWERFUL COMBINATION
Alan Harman’s ’80 journey from Trent University activist to leader in socially responsible investing and philanthropy, is driven by a desire to nurture values of social change.
Alan Harman ’80 (Peter Robinson College) has long championed social responsibility and community investment, principles he credits to his transformative years at Trent University. As a student, Harman quickly became involved in student politics, the student newspaper, and social movements, all of which deeply influenced his future. “Trent was a very energetic environment, politically and socially aware and engaged,” Harman recalls. “The student body was different from other universities. Trent felt more in tune with alternative perspectives and social change.”
Harman’s involvement in extracurricular activities at Trent sparked his deep commitment to political engagement, equity, and activism. A defining moment of his University experience came in 1977 when he participated in a study abroad opportunity in Spain. Then 20 years old, Harman described it as thrilling to witness the country’s first democratic elections after 36 years of dictatorship. Being immersed in the political drama ignited his passion for social justice. This experience, combined with his
growing awareness of social inequities, laid the foundation for his career in socially responsible investing (SRI).
After graduating from Trent, Harman earned an M.B.A., aiming to influence corporate behaviour through capital investment. Today, he is a leader in SRI, advocating for financial strategies that align profit with purpose.
Reflecting on his journey, Harman credits Trent with shaping his perspective and career. He believes that education is the best social return on investment, which is why he supports initiatives like the Gzowski College Endowment Fund and the construction of the Student Centre. “In a sense, it all goes back to my experience at Trent,” says the Gzowski College Campaign chair. “I believe in education, especially higher education. It shapes young people’s values.”
The Gzowski College Endowment Fund plays a crucial role in fostering student mentorship, wellness, and community spaces. Among its initiatives are the Gzowski Fellowship, the renovation of the Jake Thomas Room (Gzowski College kitchen and
common room), and the sailcloths outside the Enwayaang building, symbolizing collaboration and community. Harman also supports the Endahying Subsidy, which helps Indigenous students in the Endahying residence community by reducing the cost of premium Gzowski College residence to the price of a standard room. Thanks to Harman’s support, two students, rather than just one, benefit from the subsidy each year, allowing them to live and learn in this culturally enriching environment.
Harman’s philanthropy is driven by a desire to ensure Trent continues to nurture the same values of social change that inspired him. “If I can help create more people who share those values, it just seems natural to give back,” he explains. Harman’s ongoing support reflects his belief that education should do more than prepare students for careers—it should empower them to make a meaningful impact.
Each of Trent University’s five colleges has its own endowment to foster and protect its unique legacy.
Learn more about the impact of endowments on the collegiate system and make a gift to support your home college.
Trent Unveils New Projects
Progress with the Trent Lands & Nature Area Plan set to transform the student experience, advancing aging care, and meeting local housing demands.
Meeting the evolving needs of Trent students and advancing teaching and learning are two of the priorities driving the new projects on Trent’s Symons Campus in Peterborough. The Cleantech Commons, University-Integrated Seniors Village, and new housing
options will help enhance the student experience, advance research, foster employment, and add housing to the community.
“Through the Trent Lands and Nature Areas Plan, the University set forth visions for the future,” said Julie Davis, vice president, External
Relations & Development. “The University has carefully considered how we can thoughtfully grow the campus in ways that advance our academic leadership and our community responsibilities. It’s wonderful to see our plans coming to life!”
From left, Dr. Karen Thompson, Sustainable Agriculture and Food Systems program coordinator; Karen Wickerson ’87; Trent President Dr. Cathy Bruce; and Sherry Booth ’98, associate vice-president Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement standing in front of the new water well supported by the Wickerson Foundation.
Advancing Aging Care
Trent is advancing research on healthy aging and helping reduce the long waitlist for aged care in Peterborough through the University-Integrated Seniors Village, anchored by a longterm care home. Set to break ground in spring 2025, the 224-bed, notfor-profit long-term care home will be built and operated by peopleCare Communities.
What’s unique about the longterm care home is the partnership between Trent and peopleCare. “Trent and peopleCare are both committed to developing and implementing bestand model-practice seniors care,” said Dr. Nadine Changfoot, acting director, Trent Centre for Aging and Society. “Hosting 90+ student placements annually and research partnerships, in an area surrounded by nature and close to campus, the Seniors Village and long-term care home will advance care and add jobs to the market, while teaching and inspiring our future health care leaders.”
Planting Seeds for Success
With a new home and a new research centre designation, good things are growing at the Trent Research Farm. Located on a 35-hectare parcel of the Peterborough campus, a new drive shed and well are under construction, adding valuable infrastructure to this outdoor learning laboratory.
“The drive shed is our first major piece of infrastructure on the new farm and will allow us to add more equipment to our inventory, expanding our research projects,” said Dr. Karen Thompson, inaugural director of the Trent Research Farm.
Another example of Trent’s commitment to the community, the Trent Farm is focused on finding solutions to issues facing local farmers.
“We’re focusing on the needs of small-scale farmers, and we are working on field-based research to find innovative solutions to their unique challenges,” explained Dr. Thompson. “I think we really fill an important role in the future of farming.”
Listen to President Dr. Cathy Bruce talk about Trent’s vision for the long-term care home on the Ontario Long Term Care Association’s Coming of Age podcast.
MOMENTOUS STEWARDSHIP THRIVES
HERE
Consider making a gift to support the Trent Lands and Nature Areas.
Building More Beds
Like many growing communities, housing is a pressure point in Peterborough. To help address this need for Trent students, the University has a number of projects underway that enhance accommodation options in the community.
On Peterborough campus, Trent is building Gidigaa Migizi College and rebuilding Otonabee College’s residence to add 950 new beds for firstyear students. As well, the University has leased Trent land on Water Street to Residence Development Corporation to build an upper-year student residence, adding more than 300 new beds.
In addition to the 224 long-term care beds, Trent has also partnered with SpacesShared, where local seniors can rent unused rooms in their homes to students at a reduced rental rate in exchange for help around the house like cutting grass and shovelling snow.
“Housing pressures are not unique to Peterborough, but through new builds and creative partnerships, we’re adding options to the local housing market,” said vice president Davis.
Learn more about these projects, and other ways Trent is caring for its campus: trentlands.ca
Bears, Opossums & Beavers—Oh My! Meet the FUNGIs on Symons Campus
Fieldwork on the University Green Network guides planning and restoration across campus.
The University Green Network (UGN) covers 60% of the Symons Campus and includes 11 Nature Areas, green spaces and wildlife corridors. Thanks to support from the TD Ready Commitment Fund, Trent staff have been conducting four-season field studies in the UGN to better understand the landscapes that make up the campus, and to learn more about the creatures that call campus home. As Trent grows and evolves, understanding the landscape is foundational to caring for the natural part of our campus—a commitment the Board has made as an institution dedicated to environmental leadership.
“We’re lucky to have such a large land base for classes, research, and outdoor recreation. Our campus is a precious asset and caring for its health and future is important,” said Gillian Johnson ’18 (Gzowski College), associate land stewardship coordinator and recent Bioenvironmental Monitoring and Assessment grad. “Using trail cameras, audio recordings, and in-field observations, our team has collected three years of base-line data needed to create the SystemsLevel University Green Network plan, and the individual management plans for the Nature Areas.”
Play Peekaboo with a Porcupine
Using trail cameras, Johnson’s team of student researchers were able to see a variety of species, including rare sightings of red foxes, beavers, deer mice, Virginia opossums and porcupines, and regular actors like wild turkeys and white-tailed deer. Because of the different behaviour patterns, and animals’ sensitivity to humans, confirming the presence of a species is often done by finding animal tracks, scat, or other evidence after the animal has moved on.
“Trail cams are exciting because we can get more information about the animal’s presence in remote locations in the Nature Areas and track their movements,” Johnson explained. “The trail cams have helped us collect more data, especially for smaller mammals, than traditional field studies alone.”
Trail cams, and other passive monitoring devices like acoustic recorders, have already yielded interesting results. For example, there was an increase of opossums in the area this year, aligning with the increase in ticks—an opossums’ favourite meal—likely due to warmer summers and milder winters.
“We’re seeing evidence on campus of how our world is changing.”
Campus is Full of Fun-gis
Beyond animal study, the work on the UGN takes a close look at the different plant species on the Symons Campus in Peterborough. This year, field studies saw an abundance of mushrooms in the Canal Nature Area alone, finding 25 unique species like witch’s hat, grey night, and ink cap mushrooms.
Fungi are linked with vegetation, carbon, and nutrient cycling, and play a large role in carbon sequestration. Fungi are vital to a healthy ecosystem thanks to their ability to degrade various pollutants from the environment, including petroleumbased products, pharmaceuticals, personal care products and oil.
“When we see this diversity in our nature areas, we know that the soils are healthy and that they are acting as a major carbon storage site,” Johnson shared.
For more information about the University Green Network and Trent Lands and Nature Area Plan, visit trentlands.ca
IN MEMORIAM
Roy Bangs ’70
Jon Barry ’05
Roberta Beamish ’70
David Black ’80
Tonya Bosch ’05
Roy Bowles, Trent Professor Emeritus
Greta Bradley ’77
Michael Brown ’67
Elma Brown ’71
Jo-Anne Brown ’74
Jerry Bryans ’73
Eric Burgar ’83
Dane Burton ’98
Stu Butts ’65
William Carney ’69
Robert Carter, Trent Professor Emeritus
Margaret Clifford ’69
Mary Connor ’81
Eleanor Coppaway ’78
Bill Crane ’71
John Crysdale ’71
James Currie ’73
Michael de Pencier ’16 (hon)
Kimberley DeBon ’87
Susan DeCarlo ’78
Rose Delaney ’78
Douglas Devolin ’81
Bill Doyle ’70
Peter Duffy ’86
Brian Fallis ’74
Vince Filo-Carroll ’82
Adam Fisher ’68
Edward Flaherty, Trent Retiree
Tom Flynn ’89
Anne Fox ’71
Alexandria Frood ’71
Kathy Gilpin ’71
Gary Golob ’84
Jon Grant ‘91 (hon), Past Chair Trent Board of Governors
Barb Gregory, Trent Retiree
Hafsa Hannan ’18
Norma Hass ’69
Gladys Hearns ’84
Clair Hickson ’76
John Horgan ’79
Max Iland ’68
Margaret Irish ‘70
Sheila Johnston ’72
Tricia Kellestine ’94
Lynn Kenzora ’86
David, Kettler, Trent Professor Emeritus
Elizabeth Knox ’68
Mason Lampert ’97
Jean-Pierre Lapointe, Trent Retiree
Cynthia Lawrence ’99
Pamela Lewis-Young ’66
Tony Lovink ’66
Irene Lubowitz ’83
Debbie Lynch ’82
Valerie MacKenzie ’86
Carol-Ann Marshall ’71
Gerry Mason, Trent Retiree
Evelyn McGovern ’68
Patricia McLeod ’77
Gwendolyn Moffitt ’85
Janet Molson ’90
Helen Mongraw ’69
Reid Morden, Past Chair Trent Board of Governors
Kathryn Murphy ’69
George Nader, Trent Professor Emeritus
Teri Normoyle ’80
Somerville Olivieri ’99
J. Victor Parker ’04
Janice Patton ’69
Grace Ann Preston ’70
David Randall ’69
Kenneth Reynolds ’71
Victor Reynolds ’90
Teresa Roach ’75
Kevin Robinson ’93
Alton Robinson ’72
Robert Sager ’68
Eric Samtleben ’13
Sonja Schweter ’13
Colin Shepherd ’95
Janet Smyth ’68
Marcia Steele ’85
Mitchell Stillman ’74
Kevin Stone ’79
Lois Suss ’71
Katie Syrett, Trent Retiree
Merritt Taylor ’93
Arend Timmermans ’92
Liz Todd ’68
Christopher Tsang ’68
Kathleen Von Minden ’77
Kevin Wardle ’87
Stephen Weaver ’70
William Wedlock ’75
John Western ’67
Christine Whitfield ’74
Donald Wileman ’76
Gordon Winocur, Trent
Professor Emeritus
Paul Wong, Trent Professor Emeritus
David Wright ’68
Liane Zafiropoulos ’99
This photo, likely taken in the 1970s, captures a serene moment in the BL Music Listening Room at Bata Library. Now home to the IT Department, the room offers a nostalgic view of the first floor, with steps down to the water visible through the window.
Photo is courtesy of the Trent University Archives and Roy Nicholls Photography.
