Trent University’s tradition of promise and potential

Just 71 students were eligible to graduate on June 2, 1967 when Trent University held its first Convocation ceremony on a construction site that would soon become the Bata Library. Trent’s very first chancellor, The Honourable Leslie M. Frost, was installed, and honorary degrees were granted to Charles Allan Ashley, Alex Colville, Major James William Coldwell, Edwin Mirvish, and The Right Honourable Bora Laskin, who gave the Convocation address.

Since then, 11 chancellors and nine presidents have welcomed nearly 50,000 graduates into the Trent University Alumni Association, paid tribute to 230 Honorary Degree Recipients and awarded 371 medals to outstanding students. Our seven convocation ceremonies this week will recognize five outstanding Canadians, including the former chief of Curve Lake Keith Knott, and past prime minister, the Right Honorable Paul Martin. How apropos that this year’s convocation, too, will be on the doorstep of a construction site as we undertake a revitalization of the Bata Library to serve a growing number of students and meet increasing needs for digital knowledge infrastructure.

From its very beginnings, the brand new University inspired high hopes that it would usher in a new era of possibility for the region. There is no doubt, as we look at Trent today, that this potential has been realized. We are also sure that there is so much more we can do to enrich our communities – together.

In today’s paper you will see the first in a series of three reports on the benefits Trent University brings to our community.

In the past two years, Trent has had the highest percentage increase in applications of any University in the province – and this year, the greatest increase in students making Trent their first choice. More than three quarters of our students come from outside of the region thus bringing significant incremental benefits to our local economy. Trent students are valued partners at many local businesses and organizations where they complete placements and community-based research projects. The energy, creativity and innovation of Trent students contributes to our vibrant downtown and our growing entrepreneurial ecosystem. Trent is also a major contributor to the sports and recreation scene in the region with our beautiful nature trails, Justin Chiu Stadium, new ball diamond and sports fields that opened last year on the east bank. As a regular user of the Athletics Centre I can attest to the great facilities and friendly environment at the state-of-the-art Trent Community Sport and Recreation Centre. More than 700 youth participate each year in the Excalibur Sports Camps which this year are celebrating 25 years of fun and friendship by expanding into Lakefield with a satellite location.

In the past year alone Trent hosted more than 100 public lectures and screenings bringing new ideas and provocative discussions to our community, including a special presentation of the story of Chanie Wenjack and a panel addressing the legacy of residential schools.

As we watch with pride this week while more than 1,700 graduates cross the stage, what an excellent time to reflect on the role that Trent University has played since that first ceremony 50 years ago.

I hope you enjoy reading our Community Report. We look forward to many more years building this great community together.