Trent University reveals historic $56.8M tally for Unleash the Potential
Trent University concluded the most ambitious fundraising effort in its history Wednesday as officials announced that the Unleash the Potential campaign had raised more than $56.8 million – nearly $7 million more than its goal.
The announcement was made during the Heart of Trent employee, faculty and retiree appreciation event in Stohn Hall on Symons Campus’ new Student Centre, a facility made possible by donations.
To be able to raise that much money is a vote of confidence in the university, vice-president of external relations and advancement Julie Davis told those gathered.
“People chose to make a philanthropic gift to Trent because they believe in what we are nurturing from what we started here 50 years ago, as well as what we are building for the future,” she said.
The campaign was launched nine years ago with a goal of raising $50 million to celebrate Trent’s 50th anniversary four years ago.
The effort was going so well, officials decided to continue it and four years after the gold anniversary, the goal was exceeded by nearly $7 million, university president Leo Groarke said.
The campaign exceeded all expectations and is officially over.
“But that doesn’t mean that you should stop giving,” he told those gathered, prompting applause and laughter. “It’s going to be hard to beat this at the Heart of Trent next year.”
The fundraising total was revealed in a video presentation that followed an interactive drumming activity co-ordinated by The Drum Café of Toronto. Facilitator Tom Wolf provided instruction after dozens of drums were handed out.
More than 8,461 individual donors contributed more than 57,749 gifts to the campaign. Donors started 690 new funds; 399 of which provide student assistance in the form of scholarships and financial aid. More than 10,000 students have benefitted.
University alumni raised $20.2 million, staff, faculty, retirees and board $10.9 million, students $9.6 million, parents $7.9 million and foundations, corporations and organizations $8.2 million for the campaign.
Some 270 people left gifts to the campaign in their wills, director of philanthropy, external relations and advancement Sherry Booth said.
Supporters have invested in state-of-the-art facilities like the Trent Athletics Centre, Bagnani Hall at Traill College and most recently, transforming Bata Library – which is soon set to reopen its doors.
The campaign established endowments to fund annual teaching scholars, distinguished visiting teaching scholars, endowed lectures, experiential learning funds and resources for research and knowledge mobilization, officials said.
“Thank you so much. Your success is our success and you are amazing, as Trent is,” Booth told those gathered.
The campaign included many milestone moments, such as a $1 million donation from an anonymous donor to create the David Schindler Endowed Professorship in Aquatic Science in honour of the world-renowned water scientist.
The Trent School of the Environment also received an anonymous $1.4 million donation in October to support scholarships and experiential learning.
NOTE: To learn more about donating to Trent, visit mycommunity.trentu.ca/ and see the video posted at www. thepeterboroughexaminer.com