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COMMUNITY BUILDERS

FALL 2015 46.3 PUBLISHED BY THE ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

8 ’66 COMES FULL CIRCLE

15 TUAA ANNUAL REPORT

21 UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL CAMPAIGN

30 LEADING BY EXAMPLE TRENT is published three times a year in June, September and February by the Trent University Alumni Association. Unsigned comments reflect the opinion of the editor only.

Trent University Alumni Association Alumni House, Champlain Trent University Peterborough, , K9J 7B8 705.748.1573 or 1.800.267.5774, Fax: 705.748.1785 Email: [email protected]

trentu.ca/alumni

EDITOR • MANAGING EDITOR Donald Fraser ’91

COPY EDITOR Jenna Pilgrim, Megan Ward

DESIGN Beeline Design & Communications

CONTRIBUTORS Donald Fraser ’91, Lee Hays ’91, Kate Weersink, Jenna Pilgrim, Ryan Perks ’08, Marie Walford-Palmer ’88 Cover Story 8 EDITORIAL BOARD Marilyn Burns ’00, Donald Fraser ’91 Lee Hays ’91, Terry Reilly ’69, Kathryn Verhulst-Rogers Stephen Stohn ’66 and cast members at the Emmys. Photo courtesy of PRINTING and BINDING Maracle Press,

TUAA COUNCIL HONORARY PRESIDENT T.H.B. Symons

PRESIDENT 21 Robert Taylor-Vaisey ’66

PAST PRESIDENT Adam Guzkowski ’95

VP, CAMPUS AFFAIRS Charlene Holmes ’85 27 30 VP, GOVERNANCE Jess Grover ’02

VP, MEMBER SERVICES 4 | Editorial John Igiebor-Isoken ’98 5 | A Message from the President and Vice-Chancellor COUNCILLORS Teresa Bugelli ’92, Pat Carson ’74, Wei Lynn Eng ’99 6 | Alumni Director’s Notes Vidal Guerreiro ’01, Adam Hopkins ’03, Terry Reilly ’69, 12 | What’s New at Trent Jessica Lee ’05, Diane Therrien ’10 15 | TUAA Annual Report BOARD OF GOVERNORS REPRESENTATIVE 20 | Student Column Steve Kylie ’72, Robin Sundstrom ’78 21 | Unleash the Potential: $50 Million Campaign SENATE REPRESENTATIVE Jess Grover ’02 27 | Profiles: Three New Alumni on the Board of Governors CHAPTER PRESIDENTS 30 | Alumni Profiles: Community Builders Maile Loweth Reeves ’79 (York Region) 34 | A Jamaican’s Tribute to Trent Leaders Caleb Smith ’93 (Niagara Region) Laura Suchan ’84 (Oshawa/Durham Region) 36 | Sunshine Sketches/Alumni Pursuits Lorraine Bennett ’72 (Vancouver) Derrick Farnham ’83 () 37 | New Bachelor of Social Work Program Hits Home David Wallbridge ’96 (Halifax/Dartmouth) 39 | Looking Back Steve Cavan ’77 (Saskatoon) Gordon Copp ’76 (British Isles) Follow us on Twitter @trentalumni, and at the Trent University Alumni Association Patrick Lam ’86 (Hong Kong) group on Facebook and at LinkedIn. DIRECTOR OF ALUMNI AFFAIRS Lee Hays ’91 ON THE COVER: Stephen Stohn ’66 This year’s Regatta people braved the cold, huddling along the ALUMNI SERVICES COORDINATOR The Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame inductee looks back and Homecoming Weekend attracted Otonabee to cheer their teams and crews Sue Robinson to the place where it all started. The co-founder of Arthur and Trent Radio athletes and alumni from across on. Here, the women’s soccer team prepares ALUMNI AFFAIRS ASSISTANT reminisces about his student years. and around the world for a celebration of to take the field against the University of Sylvia Hennessy Photo: Micheal Cullen ’82 athletics and university spirit. Thousands of Varsity Blues.

Trent Magazine 46.3 3 EDITOR’S NOTES A MESSAGE FROM THE EIGHTH PRESIDENT & VICE-CHANCELLOR

TRUSTING YOUR GUT A SEASON OF RENEWAL: Where Professional Programs Meet the Humanities

DONALD FRASER ’91

ot knowing how to do This new project soon became The reason we launched our rent’s Symons Campus is Other developments that challenge was far beyond their control, but they something shouldn’t get in Trent Radio, which is still operating to podcast—two podcasts, really, the stunning in the summer. the way we think are tied to trends in flourished by adapting to it. Nthe way of trying. OK, there this day. Stephen went on to become Trent Talks and Trent Voices—was to TIn July it is a memorable post-secondary education. One of At Trent, there are many ways are probably some exceptions to the executive producer for projects showcase alumni who were leaders Canadian landscape, melding the most fundamental is the migration to manage the current trends in this rule—such as bomb disposal. Or that include Degrassi and The Juno in creating positive change in their together the river, the cedars of students away from traditional . If we manage our brain surgery. In those cases, practice Awards. He’s become a giant in communities. Coincidentally, that is in the forest, and our famous disciplines and towards programs development carefully, I believe that definitely makes perfect. both entertainment production and the theme of this issue: Community architecture. associated with particular careers. they will allow us to maintain core But when it comes to pioneering entertainment . Not bad for a guy Builders. In August the mood changes In some cases moves in this programming in the humanities and new projects, we should be who had never seen a studio before. Within these pages, we’ve shone as we anticipate the start of the direction have been extreme. In Japan social sciences at the same time encouraged to follow our intuition There are times working with the light on “Community Builders” fall term. Before one knows it, last month, the education minister that we emphasize interdisciplinary and gut. The skills needed for the Alumni Affairs when I feel a little like who are helping to shape our world September arrives and ushers in asked all of Japan’s national universities professional programs that are fully task will either be learned or provided Stephen Stohn in those early Trent in their own unique ways. We’ve the energy of a new academic to take active steps to abolish their integrated with the arts, and the by partners, colleagues, or fellow days. Here at Alumni House, we’ve featured political leaders, religious year. social science and humanities development of new programming stakeholders. been creating podcasts, building new leaders, financial leaders, and social Fall is a harbinger of renewal. programs. Close to half have decided that combines all our disciplines in social media streams, and slowly innovators—as well as alumni named Over a few short years, Trent to comply. ways that are clearly relevant to the dragging our communications into to Trent’s Board of Governors. We’ve is introducing $100,000,000 In Ontario, government moves issues of today. the 21st century. We’re doing things also featured Stephen, who is a of capital improvements have not been so drastic, but every Even if one focuses on career that have never been done before at leader in so many ways to the Trent in Peterborough: four new year we witness a further decline in success (only one element of a Trent—and sometimes breaking new Community. residences; a new Student Centre; the numbers of students enrolling in good education), education in all the ground for alumni organizations in All of these esteemed alumni and, in partnership with the City of programs that are not tied to specific disciplines we teach is highly valuable Canada. have one thing in common. At some Peterborough, a state-of-the-art careers. and worthwhile. In the case of the “Do you actually know how to point or another, they’ve all done diamond and sports field, What does this mean for Trent? traditional disciplines in the liberal arts produce a podcast?” I was asked things that they didn’t know how to do and a twin pad ice arena. We are a university that boasts and sciences, they are not preparation during the communications planning beforehand, like being a city councillor, These changes will transform impressive professional programs for success in a career, but preparation process. chief economist, or becoming an student life on the campus while that prepare our students for careers: for success in any career. “Sure!” I replied. The “in theory” Aboriginal diplomat. And they have all providing sports facilities that will most obviously, in Social Work, One can see this in the careers of part was left silent. succeeded as a result. make us a recreational hub for all Nursing, , Forensics and the successful alumni who are profiled Take media creation as an One season later, I can Leadership, it seems, is all about of Peterborough. Education. We are, at the same time, and noted in this issue of TRENT example. In the late 1960s, when comfortably say that we now know stretching your comfort zone. In the longer term, we an institution with a proud tradition Magazine. Their majors: , alumnus Stephen Stohn ’66 teamed how to produce professional sounding As for those brain surgeons and hope to make our partnership that is founded on programs in the English, Indigenous Environmental up with some fellow students to create broadcasts—and that most people bomb disposal experts, they can stay with the City of Peterborough traditional disciplines associated with Studies, , , Native a new radio station, they did not allow probably didn’t know that we were exactly where they are, starting off as a basis for other transformative the humanities, social sciences and Studies, and Biology. As so happens their lack of technical knowledge to making things up as we went. Special comfortably as humanly possible. developments—notably, a sciences. in the course of a long life, it is the get in the way. thanks to my student assistants, Katrina Enjoy your autumn edition of research and innovation park, We will not, in the midst of the general skills and knowledge one gains “We had absolutely no idea of Gormley and Jenna Pilgrim for all of TRENT Magazine. and, in the longer term, a possible changing preferences of students and in university—a broad understanding what a real station was or how we their help in the process. I invite you “Sustainable Village” which would their parents, driven by real concerns of the world and higher order literacy, were supposed to do things,” he all to check out the shows at comprise a residential community. about youth unemployment and numeracy and critical thinking skills— recalls. “We didn’t know how to be trenttalks.podbean.com At Trent’s Durham campus, economic uncertainty, be able to stop which are the best basis for success. announcers and we had no clue how this promises to be a year of a migration toward career focused to use the equipment. But we went for forward-looking planning. The programming that has been going on it anyways.” jump in Durham applications and for a decade or more. But there are Dr. , Ph.D. enrolment, the introduction of ways that we can adapt to it. President & Vice-Chancellor new programs, and the growth of When I lived in Finland, I was [email protected] the GTA East make this a time to fascinated by the lives of the Sami, consider the possible expansion of an Indigenous people who lived by our presence in Durham. moving with the caribou as they made their annual migrations. They did not attempt to stop a migration which

4 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 5 ALUMNI DIRECTOR’S NOTES TRENT UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE Building on Tradition Faber est quisque terrae suae A Year of Celebrating Our Past and Building Our Future

ince the spring of 2015, a group Strategic Plan, as well as all of the input bronze in the Best Fundraising he last four years have been of alumni volunteers, staff, faculty, reports, can be found on our website Initiative category for the Celebrating quite a journey. We have a Sretirees, and students have https://mycommunity.trentu.ca/ Legacies event, which marked the Tstrengthened, enthusiastic, and undertaken a review of Trent alumni alumni/outstanding completion of Trent’s successful Legacy productive alumni council; we have interests and engagement. Building on I once again want to recognize and Campaign. more alumni on the Board of Governors the input received through two recent thank the volunteers, staff, and guests Earlier this year, Trent was also than ever before; we have outstanding alumni surveys, the review process who were involved in the TUAA 50th presented with the 2015 J. Hampton direct representation with both the involved one-to-one interviews and Anniversary Alumni & Friends Reunion Burnham Heritage Award by the Board and the Senate. Yet, one question small group workshop sessions. We had Weekend (August 7-10, 2014). The Peterborough Historical . The pops up all the time. And that is: what the privilege of including a volunteer event was recognized nationally as the award was in recognition of Trent’s 50th is the role of alumni with their alma consulting group from the Yale Alumni Best Alumni Event of the year by the Anniversary celebrations—particularly mater? Association in the review. They spent Canadian Council for the Advancement ones that highlighted the half-century Over the last nine months, I several days at Trent interviewing of Education and was presented with of the university and the have spoken with administrators, alumni, staff, administration, and board the Prix D’Excellence Gold Award at a contribution it has made (and continues alumni relations professionals, and members to best understand the broad ceremony held in Montreal in June. to make) to Peterborough. alumni representing 25 universities picture of alumni engagement and the In addition, Trent University’s around the world. What is the answer Alumni Mentors opportunities to bolster our alumni Advancement and Alumni teams were For more information on alumni to the question? It is twofold. First, programs. Their recommendations also awarded Gold for Best New Idea events, please visit trentu.ca/alumni alumni should (and do) support their Through a partnership with Trent’s Alumni Affairs Office, Career Centre and the , were insightful and helped us to on a Shoestring for the 50 in 50 Giving university however they can, whether the Life After Trent program connects students with successful and prominent alumni on a better gauge the appetite for alumni Tuesday Fundraising Campaign; a silver Lee Hays ’91, financially or in kind. Secondly, there one-on-one basis or at group networking events. You could help students navigate career options, learn invaluable skills for professional development and make new contacts. involvement around the university and for Best Annual Report for the 2014 Director, Alumni Affairs are four aspects of alumni-university in the local communities where Trent’s Report to the Community; and a 705-748-1599, [email protected] interaction that represent the alumni For more information, trentu.ca/alumni/getinvolved.php campuses are located, in addition to relationship-building cycle—affinity, a variety of perspectives regarding the affiliation, engagement, and support. alumni understand the changing face of and perhaps the GTA. Outside of that role of alumni and ways to best serve “These interactive opportunities lead the institution. That “changing face” is catchment area, what can we do? The alumni. to an enhanced and robust sense of a given as universities adapt to difficult answer is, a lot. Trent has a considerable In September, a task force met at belonging, connection and loyalty, and political and financial challenges and number of success stories where Trent’s Durham campus for a Strategic allow the alumni-university connection attempt to adjust accordingly. alumni have either taken a lead, or been Planning Retreat. The task force to evolve” (See Maria L. Gallo, “Higher Second is the role of the alumni prominent players; mentorship and Trent included Board members, alumni, and education over a lifespan: A gown themselves. At the top of the hill by Talks are but two. staff. Based on research and the broad to grave assessment of a lifelong my house, there is a condominium input that had been received, they relationship between universities and complex whose motto is faber Here is my challenge to you: drafted the first edition of the Trent their graduates,” in Studies in Higher est quisque terrae suae. It was the Alumni Strategic Plan 2015-18. Over Education, 38:8, 1150-1161) brainchild of a Trent alumnus and Explore opportunities that exist where the next several weeks, the plan will be Sense of pride prevails among means “man is the architect of his you live, and present them to the reviewed by key groups and individuals Trent alumni, and the sense of environment.” Let’s recast that as Alumni Affairs Office for consideration and will ultimately receive endorsement belonging is strong—as is our emotional “alumni are architects of their destiny.” and comment. Use current successful by both the TUAA Council and the attachment to the institution that To me, this means that we need to be programs as a launching pad to exploit Board of Governors. Ultimately, it is changed our lives. actively inquisitive about our university; the incredible skills that alumni around the desired that a positive, shared purpose A fairly common conclusion is that we should not be passive recipients world bring to bear on the future of Trent. for the Alumni Association is clarified, that between three and five percent of information flowing out from the Don’t wait to be asked. We can make a and major initiatives are agreed upon of alumni remain active to some University; and that we should watch difference individually and collectively. between the university and its alumni. Tom Symons, Lee Hays, Michael Eamon and Dennis Carter-Smith accept the 2015 Heritage degree with their university. At Trent, what is happening (follow trentu.ca/ We have ideas that will change the world All alumni are invited to review the Award it is no different. Is this participation newsevents), identifying opportunities (the name of the TUAA annual signature first draft and to provide feedback by something that can be improved? to become involved where there is a symposium) and most certainly be of November 8 in order for the final draft Are you on the LOST ALUMNI list? Could a larger number of alumni be satisfying personal fit. benefit to our university. Isn’t that our to be prepared for presentation to the persuaded/enticed to reconnect? In my A primary challenge is the reality responsibility? I think it is. To ensure you don’t miss out on important news and opportunities for TUAA Council and Board of Governors. opinion, we need two strategies. One of and connection by Trent alumni, please update your contact information at trentu.ca/mytrent The first draft of the Trent Alumni is continued communication from the distance. Increased physical connection Bob Taylor-Vaisey ’66 university to its alumni to the extent that is probably possible only for those in the greater Peterborough area

6 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 7 Stephen Stohn has been named Alumni-In-Residence for 2015. From October 13–18, he will participate in workshops and seminars with Trent students. As part of the residency, Mr. Stohn will also interact with members of the Peterborough community through public presentations and “drop in” functions.

On October 15, he will be a featured panelist at Through a Canadian Lens: The Current and Future Landscape of Television and Film—a free event taking place at 7 p.m. in Bagnani Hall, Traill College.

“Our programming ran on Sunday evenings—I think including on a U.S. Destroyer and the Playboy Club in Ankara, from 7–11 p.m. And it wasn’t like Trent Radio today, where Turkey.” you turn it on anytime and there it is. You had to tune in As songwriters, Ward and Stohn would go on to specifically for us. Which is probably why it was aired on collaborate on a couple of modest musical successes— Sunday nights. I mean, who listens to radio on Sunday “Once in A Longtime” and “Maybe Your Heart,” both charted nights? I think there were probably three people tuning in— in Canada. and we may have boosted that to 30.” It was this passion in songwriting that led him to help Known as a Canadian media giant now, Stohn was a form the Songwriters Association of Canada (SAC)—a group Trent media mogul in the ’60s. Along with Trent Radio, he that aimed to develop and financially nurture the creative was one of the founders of Arthur newspaper—even giving process of Canadian composers, songwriters, and lyricists. the paper its name. “Songwriters are a downtrodden, lonely lot. They “It was just called ‘The Trent Newsletter’ at the time” he tend not to be really strong when it comes to standing up remembers. “And people were insisting that it had to have and lobbying for their own rights. They tend to be more a real name. And yet none stuck, so each week we would withdrawn. They tend to be really into their art—which is come up with a new one. Names ranged from the Trent exactly the way they should be.” Telegram—which wouldn’t be bad—to the Stoney Creek Gazette to The Stentorian—and I’ve never figured out what “Stentorian” even means. One week, my friend, Geoffrey O’Brian ’66, and I were working on the paper. It was 1 a.m. and everything was delayed. We were finishing the front page and still didn’t have a name. Geoffrey asked what we were going to do, and I replied ‘let’s call it Arthur.’” 1969 The name came from Stohn’s love of The Beatles. In particular, it comes from George Harrison’s quip in the Hard STEPHEN STOHN’S PIONEERING SPIRIT Days Night movie that his shaggy Beatle haircut was, in fact, named Arthur. Both Harrison and Stohn had tongues firmly in From Trent Radio and Arthur to The Canadian Music & cheek. Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame “Geoffrey and I roared with laughter at that—we were tired and punch-drunk—and didn’t think the name would even last a second edition, let alone almost 50 years.” oday he is the executive producer of Degrassi, a know how to breathe on air, we knew nothing about At the same time, he was a contributing member of former longtime executive producer of the Juno programming.” the Trent and Peterborough music scenes—teaming up TAwards, and the president of Epitome Pictures, but True to form, though, the younger Stohn had an ear for with good friend (and eventual #1 Billboard hit songwriter) flash back almost 50 years andStephen Stohn ’66 was a matching his product to his market. He and his colleagues Christopher Ward ’67. But where Ward was making more fresh-faced kid trying to figure out how a radio studio was did a university-wide survey to decide upon programming serious folk music, the Stohn/Ward duo were another matter supposed to work. for the fledgling station. In the early days, they followed this entirely. A young Stephen Stohn prepares reels of tape for the first season of Trent Radio. Photo courtesy of Trent University Archives. As one of the creators of Radio Free Arthur—soon to be survey stringently. “We created our own fictional group, Cookies and Milk,” Trent Radio—the learning curve was steep. “We followed it to the letter,” he laughs today. “If 17% says Stohn with a mischievous smile. “One of us was Captain “We really had no clue of what a radio station was or of respondents wanted jazz, we tried to make sure that Cookies and the other was Major Milk—we never said which By the time that Stohn had become a founding Board how we were supposed to do things,” he recalls. “Peter 17% of what was on the air was jazz.” one of us was which. That remains a mystery to this day.” member for SAC, he was already a young lawyer with a keen Northrop had the language lab set up in the library and Those early days featured reels of tape spooling to The duo would steer their music away from the interest in the entertainment field—and he was looking to there was a recording booth there with a 4-track tape the floor as they tried to get good takes, sprinting these mainstream—taking an Everly Brothers song, for instance, help strengthen Canada’s copyright , which he found to recorder. We didn’t know how to be announcers, we didn’t tapes across town to CKPT AM and CHEX FM by bike, and and adding some high falsetto harmonies. be “woefully weak.” The organization that he helped found generally a whole lot of chaos for a quite limited audience. “We carried this on, even after we left university,” he has helped countless songwriters ever since. notes. “We spent a year travelling Europe in a Volkswagon van and ended up playing songs in various locations—

8 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 9

What’s New in Media Studies?

While here, he’ll be spending a week as alumnus in Though Media Studies is a relatively new program at residence at Champlain College—a stay he is most excited Trent, it is already making waves in the disciplines of about. While Stohn regularly communicates with members , Journalism, and Computer Science. As of the Trent community, it’s not often he gets to interact in a subset of the department of Cultural Studies, students person. are encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary studies in “I love social media and digital interaction, but there’s their time at Trent, while gaining a Bachelor of Arts in nothing like face-to-face get-togethers. In my producing Media Studies. Students take several compulsory credits and legal career I’ve benefited from being surrounded by in Cultural Studies and Computer Studies, and choose extremely talented and grounded young people, many of from a host of courses in , Business, whom are the same age as most Trent students and are just Political Studies, Computer Studies, Cultural Studies, starting the great path through their lives. I’m a huge fan of Canadian Studies, Gender & Women’s Studies, and mentoring, and not just because it’s good for those who . are being mentored. It’s equally good for those who The Cultural Studies department is now offering are mentoring. This visit is a chance to revisit my own two new application-based film courses: “Documentary experiences and world views in the light of fresh and Film” and “Experimental Film.” Both invite students to entirely open-minded questioning. create films on Super 8 or 16 mm film. Right on the Now, the alumni-in-residence program is not coattails of these new film courses comes two new mentoring in the traditional sense, but it certainly has many courses in Music Production: “Electronic Music” and 2010 of the same elements and I’m looking forward to all the “Experimental Music.” Stohn, his wife/production partner Linda different chances for interactions with the students. More This past year, the Media Studies program, in Schuyler, and the cast of Degrassi on the down-to-earth, I’m really looking forward to the Escape partnership with the Computer Studies program, set of Epitome Pictures. Maze adventure, which I understand will be taking place on purchased a 3D printer and a 3D scanner for student the Sunday afternoon!” use in both disciplines. This new equipment enables And, who knows, while here, perhaps we can persuade students enrolled in “Multimedia and Design” and “Visual And while interested in shining Stohn, Schuyler, and presenter Ben Mulroney celebrate Stohn to start a show or two on Trent Radio. They’re always Design Studio” to conduct projects in mediums other the light on songwriters, he also Degrassi’s 300th episode. Photo courtesy of Epitome on the lookout for fresh new talent. than pen-to-page, and interface between multiple carved a niche promoting the best Pictures forms of media. in Canadian musical performance as In the works is a new Game Studies course, being a longtime executive producer for “I majored in philosophy and economics— developed by program coordinator Dr. Liam Mitchell. the annual Juno Awards. At the same two very disparate uses of language and The course focuses on theories of game play and time, he was a director and then chair ways of thinking—but that is the kind of the theories to support it, but also offers a practical of the Academy of Recording Arts and thing that Trent really promoted, and still approach to game design and structure. This course is Sciences. promotes. You add the extra-curriculars onto piloting this fall, looking towards a regular offering for Although he has produced that—working on the radio station and the September 2016. a number of network television newspaper, as well as all the social events— When addressing the future of the Media Studies shows, including , the and your mind starts working in whole new program, Dr. Mitchell stated that, “the future of Media L.A. Complex and Riverdale, Stohn is ways. We used to call it a Renaissance mode Studies revolves around the integration of practice probably best known for his role as 2013 of thinking—it really is the Trent way of and theory, as well as establishing links between the executive producer of Degrassi: The thinking. And I think it is quite unique. That University and the community, with an eye to the Next Generation. At 500 episodes in, has been a foundation for everything else political and ethical consequences of our entanglement he’s once again at the forefront of emerging media. Degrassi that I’ve done for the rest of my life.” in the media.” This shift from more theory-based study has just made the leap from traditional television to . Stohn will be back at Trent this month to deliver an to more application-based will make Media Studies Along the way, Stohn has been showered with awards impressive donation to the university—a $1 million gift that courses more accessible to students across disciplines, and accolades, including 24 Canadian Screen Award/Gemini will enhance student lives through the creation of the new diversifying the community and widening the student nominations (with 11 wins), four Emmy nominations, a student centre (please see our Campaign centre spread for range of thought. In our digital age, awareness of the Peabody Award, and more. In 2011, he was inducted into the more details, page 21). world around us—and the many mediums in which we Canadian Music and Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame. He feels honoured by the opportunity to give. “The fact 2015 can be reached—is an issue that becomes more and Earlier this year, he was awarded an honorary doctorate is that I have been given the opportunity to ‘pay back and more pressing. by Trent. He looks back at his years here and calls them pay forward’ for an early experience which shaped my life transformative. and career.”

Photo courtesy of Epitome Pictures 10 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 11 WHAT’S NEW AT TRENT

BUILDING TRENT’S LEGACY: TWO NEW SCHOOLS OF STUDY Harvesting a Sustainable Future: Embracing Local Food Movement When it comes to food, the more local, the better. At With so many different ways to characterize Canada and Trent University, it doesn’t get more local than having with issues such as melting icebergs and the pollution organic produce grown on-campus by Trent students at of our fresh water all-too-common themes in daily the Trent Market Garden and served up on the menu in headlines, Trent University has reaffirmed its longstanding Trent’s dining halls. This fall, students, staff and faculty commitment to two important fields of study by launching were treated to fresh, organic produce across campus at two new schools—the School for the Study of Canada and variety of food service locations, thanks to an innovative the Trent School for the Environment. partnership between the new student-run agricultural enterprise, the Trent Market Garden, and Chartwells, the Seeing Green: New School of the on-campus food provider. The Garden, which is located Environment Unites Trent’s Renowned on one and a half acres at Trent’s Sustainable Agriculture Environmental Expertise Environmental Farm, was launched last March as a cooperation between Trent University Food Services, After 50 years as a trailblazer in environmental research Chartwells and the Sustainable Agriculture and Food and teaching, Trent University has launched the School of Systems program, with the aim to have crops planted this the Environment, bringing together vast expertise to spark Employer Demand Sparks New the next generation of global environmental leaders in Communications and Critical Thinking fields from aquatic science and Indigenous environmental Program studies to agriculture and food systems, sustainability and geography. The Trent School of the Environment will enable In response to increasing employer demand for excellent Oh Canada: Trent Launches School for the communicators, problem solvers and lifelong learners, Trent and empower innovative thinkers and researchers who will Study of Canada put knowledge into action on the world’s most pressing University Durham has launched a new Bachelor of Arts environmental concerns: climate change, the quality of our Rising from the collective desire of scholars and students degree program in Communications and Critical Thinking, water, sustainable agriculture and at-risk ecosystems. “The to understand Canada in its local, regional, national, a three-year degree that offers students an interdisciplinary Trent School of the Environment confirms Trent University’s and international contexts, and leading up to the 150th learning opportunity in a dynamic academic setting, as well commitment to both excellence in environmental anniversary of our nation, Trent University has launched a as practical, hands-on experience. Communication and education and to environmental research that is recognized new School for the Study of Canada. The school will profile writing skills are a few of the top skills employers are looking around the world,” said Dr. Stephen Bocking, director of Trent’s longstanding leadership in interdisciplinary teaching for. The new Communications & Critical Thinking degree summer and ready for harvest this fall. Trent University the new school and professor of environmental history and and research expertise and engage students in broad ranging program, which recently received official approval from the students have played a key role in the development of the policy. “The school will enable us to build on our 50-year projects and dialogues about our nation. Led by over 40 Ministry of Training Colleges and Universities, is one of many Trent Market Garden and the partnership. The project has record of leadership as Canada’s outstanding environmental scholars at Trent who study Canada across multiple programs examples of how Trent University Durham is taking a leading- also offered students a bridge between the classroom and university.” and disciplines, many of them national and international edge approach to developing new academic programs that the real world, by having students in the program plant trentu.ca/environment experts in their field, students in the school will be challenged meet both student and employer demands. at all levels of study to explore issues of relevance to and harvest the crops in the Garden. Canada, and what it means to be Canadian through a critical examination of themes such as sovereignty, nationalism, health and aging, the environment, indigeneity, regionalism, multiculturalism, immigration, labour, and peacekeeping. A Top 1,000 University “The School for the Study of Canada confirms Trent as ‘the’ Trent University is among the world’s top universities, place for the study of Canada,” said Dr. James Conolly, according to the recently released Center for World professor of Anthropology at Trent and director of the new University Rankings (CWUR) 2015 list of the world’s top school. “The school will build on Trent’s existing leadership 1,000 universities, coming in at number 31 nationally, in Canadian Studies and draw upon Canadian-focused and number 910 overall worldwide. The Center for World scholarship from other disciplines including Geography, University Rankings (CWUR) is the only global university Sociology, Anthropology and Environmental and Resource ranking measuring the quality of education and training of Studies, reinforcing the study of Canada as a central part of students as well as the prestige of the faculty members and Trent’s broader mission.” the quality of their research, without relying on surveys and trentu.ca/canada university data submissions.

12 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 13 2014-15 Trent University Alumni Association WHAT’S NEW AT TRENT Annual Report 2015

TUAA Council Events and Accomplishments

BY TUAA COUNCILLOR TERRY REILLY ‘69 connecting with Trent’s student a draft protocol for the naming of associations on matters of mutual university facilities. Since April 2013, council membership interest; serving on a variety of Council worked together to has been retooled to better reflect the university committees and task forces; develop and submit reports on Trent’s diversity and geographical spread of and providing content and editorial proposed Strategic Management Trent alumni. To move its work plans input to TRENT Magazine. Agreement with Ontario Government forward, Council held two retreats and TUAA Council has completed the and Search Committees for the seven meetings (twice at the Durham following projects: it has reviewed President and the . One of the campus), making effective use of and revised TUAA structures and major outcomes for TUAA Council conferencing technologies. policies; negotiated a one-year free was the Report on Alumni College Following a structural review, the membership for alumni with the Engagement. number of TUAA vice-presidents was Canadian Canoe Museum; developed During this past year, alumni reduced from four to three, and the TUAA Council records management participated deeply in College life number of committees from twelve to and retention policies and procedures; through Life After Trent, Pan-Colleges three. Each council member had lead tested a Chapter model focused on Programming Fund Committee, responsibility for a particular segment the “Ambassador Theme;” developed LEC Celebrates Music, Your Trent of Alumni work, e.g. international draft guidelines for awarding honorary Student Symposium, Three Minute alumni, Indigenous alumni, graduate alumni designations; developed a Paper, the Last Lecture, “What Does student alumni, mentorship programs, draft agreement to provide consumer Undergraduate Research Look Like,” chapter development, TUAA policies discounts to alumni; and developed and Why Act(ivism) Series. and procedures, and campus affairs. These changes are being evaluated by $25,000 Raised in Support of Trent the TUAA Council strategic planning team, who will report this fall. Student Refugee Program TUAA Council received In response to overwhelming concern expressed presentations on College throughout the Trent community over the plight of The Canadian Difference: A Conversation Revitalization, the Trent Endowment an historic wave of refugees seeking refuge from war about our Country Lands Plan, the 50th Anniversary, and strife in Syria and Northern Africa, the University the Trent Durham Strategic Plan, the organized a two-week fundraising effort, successfully As our country approaches its 150th anniversary, Trent new Trent Student Centre, social raising $25,000—enough to welcome an additional University faculty members and students are inviting media and communications for TUAA, refugee student from Syria to Trent in fall 2016. Trent Canadians to join in an unprecedented online conversation prospective corporate partners for has been sponsoring one student per year through the about Canada. The Canadian Difference Project, a new Alumni Services, Trent Talks, and World University Service of Canada Refugee Program initiative of the School for the Study of Canada, and student-led proposals for fossil fuel (WUSC SRP) since 1983. With generous support from Trent University’s Canadian Studies Department with the divestment. We are grateful to the Trent leaders, and the broader Trent and greater philanthropic leadership of Ontario-based executives university staff, especially Presidents Peterborough community, the success of this recent William A. Macdonald and William R.K. Innes, will be a Franklin and Groarke for this crucial fundraising initiative means the University is able to digital conversation about who we are as a nation. The input that informs our ongoing work. double its commitment to refugee students next year. conversation has started with an essay series in the Globe Every year council members and Mail written by Macdonald.. The project will evolve into support Trent’s mission by welcoming a bilingual online community dedicated to encouraging new students on “moving in” days; open and thoughtful discussion about “what makes Canada delivering addresses at Convocation; work?” and “what could make Canada work?” Centred on a providing mentorships; attending number of topical issues, and with Mutual Accommodation College and the Graduate Students as an underlying theme, it will seek to crowdsource a Association dinners; participating wide range of perspectives and understanding from in student and faculty symposia; Stanislav Puchyn (mentoree), Carol Gray ’75 (mentor) and Brian Smith met at Alumni House a diverse audience of engaged. To learn more visit as part of the Student-Alumni Mentoring Connections Program canadiandifference.ca

14 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 15 TUAA Annual Report 2015 Events & initiatives

2014-15 was the University’s 50th Anniversary. Trent alumni were highly involved leading up to and throughout the celebratory year. The We thank our fellow council members who have 2014-15 Yearbook was produced at 2014-15 council members included: completed their terms of service to Council in the 2014-15 the end of the year to capture many year: Bianca Bannister, Fallon Butler, Cheryl Coss, Hamdy of the highlights. Faye, Evan Fleming, Adam Guzkowski, Dean Howley, Kate THB SYMONS, Honorary President Knight, Jonathan Lake, David Mahon, Ian McFarlane, Murray BOB TAYLOR-VAISEY ’66, President In addition to 50th Anniversary events, Miskin, Kylie Patrick, Jonathan Pinto, Sheldon Willerton, Erin ADAM GUZKOWSKI ’95, Past President the following events were organized Whitton. or supported by TUAA: LEE HAYS ’91, Alumni Affairs Director We also deeply appreciate the ongoing support we JESS GROVER ’02, Senate Representative; VP Governance receive from Lee Hays, Director of Alumni Affairs, and the Chapter events: New York City, British CHARLENE HOLMES ’85, VP Campus Affairs team at Alumni House. Isles, Hong Kong, Vancouver, Halifax, Montreal, and Malaysia JOHN IGIEBOR-ISOKEN ’98, VP Member Services Alumni met at the Canadian Consulate in New York: Leanne Burney ’92, Rudolf Rainer ’65, TERESA BUGELLI ’92, Councillor September 20, 2014 – Alumni & Mark Gentry ’73, Mary Ritter ’90, Michael Jakob ’87, ’66, Lee Hays ’91. PATRICIA CARSON ’74, Councillor Friends Golf Tournament WEI LYNN ENG ’99, Councillor October 2–4, 2014 – Homecoming & VIDAL GUERREIRO ’01, Councillor Head of the Trent Regatta DIANE THERRIEN ’10, Councillor November 15, 2014 – Fall Preview Awards & Honours 2014-15 ADAM HOPKINS ’03, Councillor Open House JESSICA LEE ’05, Councillor Young Leader – Ryan Heighton ’05 CC alumni recognition award – February 7, 2015 – Gzowski 10th TERRY REILLY ’69, Councillor and Jovan Groen ‘01 Jenna Lawson anniversary reunion ROBIN SUNDSTROM ’78, Board of Governors Rep Spirit of Trent – Linda Viscardis ‘76 and LEC alumni recognition award – February 27, 2015 – Indigenous STEPHEN KYLIE ’72, Board of Governors Rep Edward Sawdon ’82 Tonia Brooks Studies Reunion as part of the elders A Montreal Chapter gathering: Douglas Sweet ’73, Marjolaine gathering weekend Distinguished Alumni – Sigrid Johnson OC alumni recognition award – Boutin-Sweet ’74, Sabelo Lukhele ’04, François Senecal ’83. ’78 and Gary Botting ‘64 Sydney Phillips March 14, 2015 – Spring Thaw Open House Tony Storey Alumni Service Award – Gzowski alumni recognition award – John Butcher ‘67 Jennifer Patterson March 20 & 21, 2015 – 39th Team Trend Hockey Reunion TUAA Awards & Honours presented Trent University Durham alumni to students: recognition award – Raheleh Saryazdi April 10, 2015 – Trent in Durham 40th Anniversary Reunion Celebration David Glassco Prize – Dane Shumak April 18, 2015 – Alumni Awards Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize – Betty (Betelhem) Wondimu Robert Lightbody Prize – Gillian Fraser Bryan & Cheryl Davies Award – Kaitlyn McLinton Scott Rennie Medal – Jim Maxwell- Campagna Eileen Gallagher Medal – Felicia Birmingham Nancy Stephenson ’69 and Bob Taylor- Vaisey ’66 present Betty Wondimu with the Stephenson prize.

The 11th Peterborough Alumni Garden Party held on June 28 in the garden of Paul & Gillian Wilson

Team Trend 39th Reunion organized by John Kennedy ‘85, David Wright ‘74 and Bill Fields ’71

16 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 17 Alumni by Age Group

416 2,187

3,540

5,956

13,541 8,329

10,486

75+ 65-74 55-64 45-54 35-44 25-34 20-24 The TUAA thanks Bob Taylor-Vaisey ’66 for serving four years as president of the TUAA Council. Bob, your contributions of time, energy and expertise have made a lasting difference. We wish you well in Number of Alumni by College Affiliation your next adventure!

3,331 640 3,331 640 3,2073,207 5,6915,691

8,0658,065 7,6657,665 8,9968,996

6,721 7,2797,279 6,721 10,64310,643 For the period May 1, 2014 to April 30, 2015

Trent University Durham Lady Eaton College $1,688,778.99 Trent University Durham Lady Eaton College College Otonabee College Total donations by alumni Catharine Parr Traill College Otonabee College Champlain College College The TUAA welcomes Jess Grover ’02 as the Champlain College Peter Gzowski College Julian Blackburn College Peter Robinson College new council president, effective October 3, 55% Julian Blackburn College Peter Robinson College 2015. Alumni giving as % of total donors 49.4% Alumni by Decade of Graduation 2,433 Alumni giving as % of total dollars 2,433

of Alumni Giving Top 5 Areas 5,863 5,863 1. Trent Student Centre 2. Annual Fund – Greatest Need 17,23617,236 3. Student Financial Assistance 8,996 4. Bata Library General Support

5. Athletics 10,64310,643

Homecoming festivities drew an alumni crowd, including GraduatedGraduated 1966-1975 1966-1975 Graduated 1986-19951986-1995 Tom Miller ’82 (far left), Bob Forsyth ’82 (left), Bubba GraduatedGraduated 1976-1985 1976-1985 Graduated 1996-20051996-2005 Lougheed ’84 (right), Jeff Lanctot ’82 (far right). Graduated 2006-20152006-2015 18 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 19 STUDENT COLUMN Innovation and Hammerhead Sharks

BY JENNA PILGRIM

“The architect, in proposing a the architectural community. It was a no formal training in architecture. building, makes a choice—an design before its time. Perhaps it was because he believed imaginative choice which outstrips Again and again, geniuses of the that “An architect, no less than an the facts. The creativity of past were criticized because they artist, should be willing to fly in the architecture lies here, it imagines were different. Ron Thom knew he face of what is established, and more than there is grounds for and was different, and that is what made to create not what is acceptable creates relations which, at bottom, him so successful. Thomas H.B. but what will become accepted” can never be verified.” Symons was the youngest university (Canadian Architect, 1962). Isn’t this – Ron Thom, Canadian Architect, 1962 president in Canada, a record he what is expected from students today? still holds today. PSB Wilson came To innovate, I must not do what I compare the way many students fly straight out of a everyone else is doing. I must create through their undergraduate degrees Blues rugby jersey to become the what the people need, before they similar to the way a hammerhead shark inaugural director of Trent Athletics know they need it. must swim. The large protrusion on (though we’re not sure if he ever really Do you remember the first time the nose of a hammerhead shark is so took the jersey off). Trent succeeded you came to Trent (perhaps from a heavy that if the shark stops , against all odds, and is one of the only larger city) and breathed in the smell THE it drowns and dies. Students who study universities to be founded with the of pine trees and freshly cut grass? UNLEASH POTENTIAL in the mass of the cultural multiversity support of unionized funding. If you Or stopped in the middle of the bridge cram their heads so full of facts and tried to ask the unions of today to to admire the picturesque scene of figures that they must keep moving donate $1 from their paychecks every Champlain College in the winter? Like TRENT UNIVERSITY’S $50 MILLION CAMPAIGN forward, for fear of drowning or being week (that was a lot in those days) you many others before me, I revel in the overrun by the rest of the hammerhead would be met by a full-fledged uproar. adventure of finding secret nooks and population. Upon graduation, these Trent is a 50-year-old example of how intimate study spaces in the depths students receive their degree, release crowdfunding can bring a community of the Bata Library and the furthest the pressure on their brains, and start together. corners of Champlain College. It is searching for a way to apply all of the In the Peterborough Examiner’s almost like the buildings are begging Our Honorary Campaign Chairs facts they no longer remember, in a Trent inauguration edition, dated you to see them for more than just suit they likely cannot afford. October 12, 1964, the headline reads limestone and concrete, more than It seems now, we have come More Thorough Education Now just lines and walls. They are begging “I am optimistic about “Trent introduced me “Being creative and full circle in “challenging the way Needed, to Face Automation. We are for you to see them for more than they the future because I to exciting worlds of innovative — that’s what you think.” In the 1960s, architects facing the same challenge today, as are, to discern motion and progression. believe we are in the possibility. Anything can it’s all about. That’s how were designing buildings that usually the argument for retention of humanity It is this kind of discovery and sense of early days of a new civilization happen when you’re given the we enrich our lives and come to represented the industry in which in education only grows stronger. adventure that many of us have lost in — one that is enabled by a chance to explore the infinite a richer understanding of who they were to function. This style As Lisa Rochon states, “[Modernist our hustle-and-bustle lives. We move communications revolution and potential that exists in all of us.” we are, where we are going, of design, later dubbed Brutalism, architecture] argues for place, it argues back and forth like pawns, afraid to go forged by young people around and what we can accomplish created buildings where “what you for us to slow down and breathe.” against the grain or split the mould, for Stephen Stohn ’66, artist, the world.” together.” see is what you get.” The Scarborough Trent is not training hammerhead fear of societal retribution. entertainment entrepreneur Town Centre Mall and the University sharks. They are training individual So really, I think Trent has been Don Tapscott ’66 and lawyer Linwood Barclay ’73, novelist, of Toronto Scarborough campus beings, who care about their impact “Challenging the Way You Think” all Trent University Chancellor humourist, columnist are examples. When Ron Thom first on the environment they live in, and along; in creating an environment and one of the world’s top designed Massey College at the truly locating and nurturing their sense where innovation is the norm and management thinkers University of Toronto, it did not show of place. They are activists, mentors, critical discussion is invited at every up in any architecture magazines, and speakers, leaders, and critical thinkers. opportunity. We are not a bathtub was met with a mixed response from Ron Thom is a prime example for hammerhead sharks, but utopian of an unabashed innovator. Perhaps aquarium of diverse wildlife. it was the fact that he possessed

20 Trent Magazine 46.3

UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL TRENT UNIVERSITY’S $50 MILLION CAMPAIGN

Our vision

Trent University has always been a very special place. From the beginning, 50 years ago, it was designed to be a university like no other – a highly interactive, cutting-edge learning environment that prepares students to be creative, think critically, understand diverse perspectives and act with a strong moral compass.

Trent remains true to this vision. Students work closely with faculty in smaller classes where they are encouraged to articulate their ideas, debate with their professors, and seek different viewpoints. Trent encourages independent, critical thinking and intellectual risk-taking, attracting aware, passionate and inspiring students and faculty committed to creating a better world.

This learning environment means Trent is unique. The colleges offer leadership opportunities, close community connections give students the chance to explore societal issues through hands-on projects, and students have unparalleled opportunities to participate directly in research and work side-by-side with world class researchers.

Trent University is reinvesting in this outstanding legacy through the $50 Million Campaign − our most ambitious philanthropic campaign to date. We are excited to announce that we are entering the final phase of the campaign and are celebrating with two generous gifts.

Stephen Stohn ‘66, artist, entertainment entrepreneur and lawyer, is giving $1 million to the new Student Centre, which will provide students with dynamic, collaborative space. And David and Joan Moore, longtime members of the Trent ‘family’ are giving $1 million towards the renewal of the Bata Library.

The goal of the $50 Million Campaign is to unleash the potential of our students. Along with the new Student Centre and the reinvigoration of the Bata Library, we will equip students to be social innovators and entrepreneurs through our new Centre for Entrepreneurship and Social Innovation, support research on pressing issues such as water quality, food sustainability, ecosystems, and Indigenous health, offer new scholarships and travel funds to deserving students, renew spaces in the Colleges, and invest in our architecturally significant campus for future generations.

OUR Fifty years ago, Trent made a promise to be a vibrant institution of learning, PROMISE discovery and action. It is only with the support of Trent alumni, our community and others who believe in our vision that we are able to keep that promise, now and into the future.

22 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 23 VIEW FROM FOUNDERS WALK

UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL TRENT UNIVERSITY’S $50 MILLION CAMPAIGN

OPENING $1 MILLION DONATION TOWARDS SEPTEMBER 2017 A LIBRARY S A E

D I

R

U O $1 MILLION DONATION TOWARDS Y FOR THE FUTURE ENRICHING STUDENT LIFE N

rent was a transformative The rest will largely come from the n Space for hosting conferences hen David Moore toured the David’s enthusiasm for Trent began Texperience for Stephen Stohn Student Centre Challenge, which and public meetings, fostering WBata Library he thought about over 30 years ago, when he joined ’66. He credits his time here for calls on staff, faculty, alumni and even stronger community the rocketing pace of change, new the Board of Governors in 1982. his enormously successful career others to invest in this opportunity engagement information technologies, digital He chaired our For Tomorrow as an artist, and entertainment to create an intellectual and social resources, and how the library can fundraising campaign in 1989, and in entrepreneur and lawyer. hub in the spirit of Trent’s tradition of “It is an honour to be able to serve future generations of students. 2011, he and his wife Joan donated empowering our students. contribute to an institution that $200,000 towards the construction Stephen believes in the potential reflects those elements of the David and his wife Joan are giving of the Athletics Centre. of today’s students to forge a new The new Student Centre will be a Trent experience which have $1 million to the renewal of the world. He is giving $1 million towards lively and social space. Some of the meant so much to my life, and library because the project appeals to Building on approval of a new construction of the new Student features include: their interest in creating inspirational Strategic Plan for the Bata Library, the could mean so much to the Centre, scheduled to open in spaces to support student learning. next step in the multi-million dollar n Bookable meeting spaces for September 2017 on the West Bank lives of Trent students in the project is a Space Renewal Plan. The Trent’s 50 clubs and 36 groups, of the Symons Campus between the future.” – Stephen Stohn ’66 “What really got me excited was plan will transform the library into where students can do everything Bata Library and the Athletics Centre. looking at the library differently and a modern learning hub, with quiet, from promote social justice to Stephen wants future generations of seeing its potential,” says David. “The individual study pods but also with touch tables, cutting edge gaming upgrade their language skills students to have new opportunities library of the future will be less of a project rooms for collaborative work, computers, 3-D printers and other to explore, connect and engage. n Space for the new Centre for space to read and be silent, and more a discovery centre for learning and innovative technologies to stimulate Entrepreneurship & Social of a place for innovation, inspiration research, technology hubs to explore research and learning. Trent students are the driving force Innovation, which will provide and collaboration.” digital collections, and with dedicated behind the new building, providing knowledge, tools, experiences space for graduate students and The potential is limitless. $10.5 million of the $15 million and supports students need to faculty. Imagine edit suites, project through a student levy. become successful innovators, entrepreneurs and change agents

24 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 25

UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL TRENT UNIVERSITY’S $50 MILLION CAMPAIGN Building Trent: Three alumni newly appointed to Trent’s Board of Governors

DR. ARMAND LA BARGE ’95 he often found himself communicating them to understand that policing in Our Campaign Chair with individuals or groups that had a Canada was different from policing in For Dr. Armand La Barge, leadership natural mistrust of law enforcement. wherever they may have come from.” Ken Hartwick ‘81, is the chair of this final phase of our is closely tied to communication—and “For a lot of people who Which was not always an easy $50 Million Campaign. He describes Trent as a place that cares about the the ability to make lasting relationships immigrated to the area, their task. “Sometimes leadership consists individual student. That struck home when his daughter Brooke transferred from disparate points of view. Much understanding of the role of police was of not being afraid to confront issues here in 2012 because she was unhappy at a larger university. of this philosophy stemmed from his radically different than that of other that have been simmering for a long experiences policing in an area that Canadians. The police, as they knew time—but confronting them from “From the very first interaction, it was remarkable,” he says. “On her first day, saw rapid cultural change within a them, weren’t always there to help or a perspective of engaging people her professor introduced himself. The next day, he called her by her name. relatively short period of time. to protect—in a lot of cases, the police and discussing them in an open and What I see is the same spirit I experienced 30 years ago.” Eventually becoming chief of were merely extensions of a military or respectful manner. And engaging them York Regional Police, La Barge learned government denying them of their civil from a perspective of finding solutions. Today, Ken asks, “What can I do to ensure that future students enjoy the best early in his career that leadership liberties and rights.” Working together to find ways around of Trent?” was a matter of both teaching and His role, and the role of his fellow the impasses that exist within society.” understanding. officers, was to find a way of easing Dr. LaBarge was appointed The $50 Million Campaign is fundamentally about our students, enriching “I started policing in a community tension and natural suspicion. As he chief of police in 2002, a position a their learning environment and unleashing the potential of the next that, in 1973, was uniquely different grew in the ranks, this responsibility position he held until his retirement in generation to make this a better world. It’s an investment in our shared than the community I retired from in became more and more important. December 2010. During that time, Dr. future. 2010,” he explains. “And it was about “The challenge for me was La Barge served as the president of the embracing that change—finding ways figuring out how, as a police leader, Ontario Association of Chiefs of Police, Unleashing the potential. That’s what it’s all about. to partner with communities within to establish contact with the various and was a member of the First Nations our community that traditionally didn’t communities—and how to establish Chiefs of Police Association. have a good relationship with police partnerships with them. In the end, As a person passionate about services and police in general.” I think we were quite successful in building community, Dr. La Barge Working in area that saw a rapid doing so. A lot of the time it was a case has also been a dedicated volunteer “A lot of opportunities “What could compel “I consistently hear growth in new Canadian populations, of reaching out to them and helping for numerous organizations. He was outside of the classroom, me, originally a Business students bringing in vice-chair of the St. John Council like an undergraduate Marketing Major, to concepts learned in class, for Ontario, and a past member of research internship one devote a significant with cultural knowledge the Canadian Community Living summer, allowed me to gain real amount of time to learning more and personal experience and Foundation, and the Herbert H. experience in the lab. Trent’s Study about heritage preservation and braiding these notions into powerful, Carnegie Future Aces Foundation. He Abroad program in Ghana was, Ron Thom? It had little to do with moving statements that call for has served as chair of the Uxbridge honestly, life changing. I learned grades, classes, or even academic change from their peers. Trent Public Library Board, chair of St. John so many things about myself, discipline. It is a prime example of provides a space for this challenging Ambulance York Region, and was a development and the environment. It how at Trent an intellectual passion thought to fourish, take form and charter member of the Rotary Club of was so much more than a classroom can take hold of an individual.” create change on campus that can Uxbridge. He was the chair of Special Olympics Ontario and is a member experience. After school, my dream be carried forth with students into Jenna Pilgrim, Business of the Special Olympics Hall of Fame. job is to work at the UN.” the world. We must decide now Administration student Dr. La Barge currently serves as the what the future of Trent will look Irene Brueckener-Irmin ’09, B.Sc. chairman of the St. John Council like, and what steps can be taken Honours Environmental Chemistry for Ontario, the co-chair of the to ensure that this exceptional Association of Progressive Muslims of thinking space be preserved for the Canada Advisory Board, and a member generations to come that will face of the Universal Peace Federation. even further complex challenges we Continued on the next page. are trying to decipher now.” UNLEASH THE POTENTIAL TODAY Anastasia Koschenko, Environmental Web: trentu.ca/give & Resource Sciences/Business Armand La Barge with Professor John Wadland Phone: 705-748-1601 Administration student Email: [email protected]

26 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 27 Volunteer! When it comes to developing leadership skills, volunteering There are now 16 alumni on the Board of Governors. exposes you to opportunities and individuals you might not ordinarily meet. It opens doors. This is the first time in history this has been the case.

Continued on the previous page. In addition to strong programs in STEVE KYLIE ’72 Fontbonne Society Board of Directors, goals for anyone who wants to start And then there is his involvement with General Welfare, Adult, Children and and treasurer of the Catholic Health volunteering. Stephen Kylie finds inspiration post-secondary institutions. With a Family Services, Durham also offers Association of Ontario. “You don’t have to be educated to in community. In particular, the B.A. (Hons) degree and a Multicultural programs such as Adult Protective In each of these roles, he’s made make a difference. You don’t have to community that helped raise him—and Studies Certificate from , Services (which offers social workers for it a point of championing the more be able to write cheques to actualize the community he chose to return an Honorary Bachelor of Applied adults with developmental disabilities), vulnerable members of our society. change. We can all be a part of the to after completing law school and Studies degree from , Behaviour Management, and an If Stephen Kylie had his way, no one process. But don’t be afraid to walk into beginning a career in Toronto and an M.A. in Canadian and Native Studies Employee Assistance Program. The would fall through the cracks. an organization that you are interested . from Trent University, and an Honorary latter—a part of the Family Services Not that he’ll accept praise for his in. Don’t be afraid to put your hand up “As a lawyer, there are many LL.D. from the University of , department—is the only program in leadership. when people are asking for help. Every places to set up shop,” he notes. “But he has been a part of several college/ Canada to be accredited by Excellence “There are so many people bit of effort is needed and the skill sets Peterborough was the place where I university communities. He found Canada, a particular point of pride for here who won’t hesitate to help needed are far reaching. Besides, you wanted to raise a family.” a leadership role in all of them. Dr. Garry. “This speaks to the high level of when asked,” he says. “There is will gain skills and knowledge through The big cities’ loss was definitely La Barge was a member of the York professionalism, quality, and passion never a shortage of volunteers in the volunteering effort.” Peterborough’s gain, as Kylie has University Board of Governors and for service that my team possesses,” he Peterborough.” Because for Kylie, being a become an integral part of many a member of the Governance and GARRY CUBITT ’67 explains. His team’s motto for service While Kylie was always willing to good leader means understanding initiatives that have made the area a Human Resources and Marketing, development and delivery is “a hand up, offer time and energy both the causes and the As Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) better—and more humane—place to Communications and Community not a hand out.” to sports groups, it organizations that you for the Regional Municipality of live. Affairs Committees. He is president of As his career switched to being took a bit of a nudge are working for. That and Durham, a member of the Trent Board He’s chair of the Peterborough the Seneca College Alumni Council. more administrative in nature, his to get him into a more gaining the applicable skills. of Governors, the founding chair of Poverty Reduction Network, a member This past July, he began a three-year leadership role has evolved into one robust community “If you are on a the Board of Governors of UOIT, and of the finance committee of St. term on the Trent University Board. that has impact on greater numbers volunteer role. board or committee, you a Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Alphonsus’ Church, president of the All of this speaks to a second tenet of people. His philosophy through “Stan McBride, a need to learn as much medal recipient, Garry Cubitt has Roman Catholic Peterborough Diocese of this philosophy toward leadership. all of this has remained remarkably former Peterborough about them as possible. It is carved out a position as a leader in his Good Shepherd Foundation, co-chair of “Volunteer!” he urges. “When consistent. mayor, sheriff, and a matrix of this knowledge community and beyond. Interestingly, the Rotary Club Victoria Day Fireworks it comes to developing leadership “We can all be leaders,” he says. Citizen of the Year, and primary skill sets that is despite the impact he has on huge and Family Night, and vice-president skills, my best advice is always to “No matter our roles or positions. When told the Kawartha Pine needed for leadership.” communities of people, he originally of the Peterborough Federal Liberal volunteer. Volunteering exposes you to people bring their best to the table, Ridge Lung Association Lately, much of found a leadership role on a more Association. opportunities and individuals you might they end up going beyond what they that if they were his energy has gone into immediate one-on-one level as social But that only scratches the surface. not ordinarily meet within a specific thought they were capable of. When we looking for new directors, he knew a the Peterborough Poverty Reduction worker. Previous stints include: director of professional or work sector. It opens embrace each other as colleagues and young lawyer that might be interested. Network—and their major project “My desire was to work in the the Rotary Club of Peterborough, doors.” try our best to facilitate new ways of “And when Stan McBride to transform the historic Mount St. community and help facilitate positive United Way cabinet member, chair/ And Dr. La Barge speaks from thinking, the sky is the limit.” recommends you,” he smiles, “you step Joseph’s convent into a hub for outcomes for people. Very early on, I Director of Kawartha Pine Ridge Lung experience. His volunteerism has Looking at the Trent community, forward and do your best.” community housing and community learned how listening could be such Association, director of Ontario Lung led to numerous prestigious awards, he sees unlimited opportunity for There was no looking back for development spaces. It is a project a positive tool in helping people bring Association, member of the Institutional including the 2012 Black Business people to find leadership roles. Kylie. Within a short period, he took on that much of Peterborough is rallying about personal change.” Ethics Committee for St. Joseph’s Professional Association Harry Jerome “You look at the exceptional more and more important positions around. Durham Region, where Cubitt Health Centre and Marycrest Home Award for Diversity, the Wilf Wilkinson faculty, our passionate staff, and the within the local Lung Association and Kylie has also just taken on a new serves as CAO, has a historical for the Aged, member of Save the Rotary Peace Award, the YMCA Peace energy of our student body and there then the Ontario Lung Association. role with Trent’s Board of Governors. commitment to mental health. Since Market Hall Campaign, member of Medallion, the Police Exemplary is so much to offer. It is a matter of Since then, he has been looked Initially appointed to two-year term in the 1970s, when he first started looking the Board of Directors of the Central Services Medal and First Bar, and the people bringing their gifts to the fore. upon as a leader who guides through the alumni seat in 2013, he has more into mental health concerns as a social East Local Health Integration Network, Queen’s Golden and Diamond Jubilee This is particularly true for alumni. They understanding and compassion. recently been appointed to an worker, he has understood that the past chair and director of St. Joseph’s Medals. He was invested as an Officer have passion, care and concern for While he is now comfortable external seat. complexity of these issues represents Care Group, member of the Board of the Order of Police Merit and an the university, and often quite a bit of in leadership roles, he knows that a constant challenge. Under Cubitt’s of Directors for St. Joseph’s Health Officer in the Most Venerable Order of experience to offer.” everyone has to start from somewhere. leadership the region has introduced Centre Peterborough, member of the the Hospital of St. John of Jerusalem. As a result, he sets very reachable some of the best programs in the country.

Don’t be afraid to put your hand up when people are asking for help.

28 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 29 Trent Alumni COMMUNITY BUILDERS Impacting Change

calls it. “My fondest memories,” he , it seems that DR. YUWA HEDRICK-WONG ‘74 Hedrick-Wong stresses the importance Columbia, he admitted that when he says, “involve cleaning snow geese Kuptana’s experience here was as of taking this a step further. first came to Trent in 1971, he was not An economist with experience in with my grandmother, and then much about developing his character “We work with governments to particularly serious. “To be honest,” over 30 countries, ranging across smoking them in her smokehouse as it was about attaining a degree. create a deeper understanding of the he explains, “I was a very indifferent three continents, Dr. Yuwa Hedrick- with drift wood that we’d collected “My time at Trent wasn’t importance of inclusive growth—and student when I came to Trent. Basically, Wong ‘74 has been at the centre ourselves. As we say in Sachs Harbour, just about my experience in the of equity,” he explains. “The impact of I didn’t know what I wanted.” of global development efforts for ‘Mamaqtut’—which means delicious!” classroom; it was also about growing this can lead to being a win-win-win And so—like many undergrads over 25 years. Since 2001, he has I asked Kuptana what it was like those aspects of my personal situation.” —he took a variety of subjects: from been with MasterCard, where for to grow up in Ottawa, a place that I character—the physical, the spiritual, It’s a fast paced, hectic line of history and philosophy, to political JAMES KUPTANA ’10 the past six years he has served as assumed is as far removed from the and the emotional.” work, one that often finds Dr. Hedrick- science and, of course, economics. Global Chief Economist. He is also North culturally, as it is physically. His time at Trent also allowed him Wong traveling to But it wasn’t any specific Though he graduated just a few years Chair of the Academic Advisory But as he tells me, the city has the to return to the north doing valuable two or three different discipline, so much as ago, James Kuptana ’13 has already Council at the MasterCard Center “Trent University taught largest population of Inuit outside work. countries in about the “unique intellectual gone far—physically as much as for Inclusive Growth, a position— me how to learn.” of the Canadian Arctic, something “After class one day I asked my as many days. “At environment” he professionally. Currently, Kuptana is and an organization—that is much that allowed his family to maintain a professor, Dr. Chris Furgal, for extra the drop of a hat I fly encountered at Trent that working as the Aboriginal Liaison for more progressive than what many sense of connection­—not only to the help. He asked what I was doing halfway across the world,” he explains. Dr. Hedrick-Wong credits with setting ConocoPhillips, a role he assumed people might assume for a financial for the summer, and before I “I’m met at the airport by someone him on his future course. He recalls after completing an internship organization. knew it I was working in my whose job it is to brief me on hotel one philosophy seminar in particular, with the company’s Canadian “My time at Trent wasn’t just about “A major challenge for economists home community and two other information, and on what my day with the late Dr. Alan Orenstein, for the Arctic Business Unit in 2013. It’s learning, but growing physically, spiritually and advocates over the past half communities in the Inuvialuit will entail” he says, as if it’s the most way it gave rise to a sort of “learning by a job that keeps him moving and emotionally.” century has been to find ways to drive Settlement Region on a traditional natural thing in the world. “Within an symbiosis.” It was in groups like these between various locales, from the inclusive growth,” he says. “We aim knowledge study of the Beaufort hour, I could be in front of government that “I learned, implicitly, how to learn… company’s Canadian headquarters to ensure that a country’s economic community around them, but to the Sea ice. “ officials or senior executives to talk that is the greatest gift that Trent gave in Calgary—to field offices in growth drives shared prosperity – that North as well. “I grew up in Ottawa,” The experience armed him with about various issues in the global me.” Edmonton, Red Deer, and Eckville— it is not just limited to a single class or Kuptana explains, “but I feel like Sachs the confidence and skills to reach out economy.” It’s no surprise, then, that Dr. and to various Aboriginal communities group of individuals.” that are often much farther afield. Harbour is one of my homes away to other communities. As he himself readily admits, “these Hedrick-Wong is often praised for Talking to Kuptana, you get the sense from home. I feel quite welcome there “Since then I have traveled are not people that would put up with his ability to grapple with complex that he’s alright with a somewhat whenever I have a chance to visit.” around the world advocating for Inuit a turgid, jargon-filled presentation. It’s economic issues, and present them nomadic lifestyle. Indeed, he seems The emphasis on community is rights and the inclusion of traditional an audience that, if you don’t get their to a variety of audiences with clarity to make himself at home wherever his a recurring theme in my conversation knowledge in policy, legislation and attention in the first five minutes, you’re as well as authority. I was curious experiences have taken him. What’s with him. And it just so happened curriculum. The opportunities that toast.” It can be physically demanding what role his time at Trent had in the more important to him is cultivating to be a major part of his decision have arisen from post-secondary as well, he explains, “especially as you development of these skills. “I would a sense of community, wherever he to move to Peterborough as well. education are far and wide.” grow older. But intellectually it’s very absolutely connect what I do today happens to be. “I actually visited the Trent campus Kuptana credits several Trent stimulating—that’s why I continue with my experience at Trent,” he Though he grew up in Ottawa, prior to applying,” he explains. professors—John Wadland, Shirley to do it. I’m constantly taxed to the says. Kuptana has longstanding ties to the “It was during a spring break one Williams, Chris Furgal, and Dan maximum in trying to understand the “Just imagine, you’re sitting Canadian North, as his mother was year—in high school, actually. My Longboat, in particular—with fostering different social, political, and economic there, with a professor and several born on the Prince of Wales Strait in dad suggested we make use of the a classroom environment in which dynamics that are at work across the fellow students, and you cannot the Northwest Territories. He grew up time, so we visited several campuses such growth could take place. world.” communicate—you’re in big trouble. in Ontario. It might sound a little Speaking of Dr. Wadland, Kuptana Given the level of stress he’s used That’s another gift that Trent gave me: in nearby Sachs Harbour (in what is The Centre for Inclusive Growth cheesy, but when we arrived at Trent, praised the way he “encouraged me, to facing on a daily basis, and the not only did I learn to express myself, now the Inuvialuit Settlement Region). works to expand the middle class—in it was love at first sight. And after in smaller seminar groups, to share seeming ease with which he meets but I was constantly challenged in Growing up, Kuptana visited often, both developing and developed nations chatting with several professors in my perspective … he really helped to the many challenges of his work, the process by people demanding, spending time with an extensive —in order for a better sharing of the the Environmental and Indigenous nurture my development and growth, you’d be forgiven for assuming that ‘what exactly are you saying? Explain family unit that included uncles and benefits of economic development. Studies programs, I became interested and helped me to grow out of my Dr. Hedrick-Wong sailed effortlessly yourself!’…This was a major factor aunts, nieces and nephews, and In this situation, there is large-scale in applying there because I felt a really introverted shell a little bit. Or at least through his undergraduate years. And in terms of learning to do what I do many cousins. These were formative betterment­—a boost to the common strong sense of community.” grow into a larger one,” he says, with yet, when I recently caught up with today.” experiences for a young Inuit boy good—and growth for MasterCard’s Though he did well at Trent, a laugh. him by telephone at his home on Salt BY RYAN PERKS ’08 growing up in “the South,” as he aptly business as well: a win-win process. graduating with a B.A. in Indigenous BY RYAN PERKS ’08 Spring Island, off the coast of British

30 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 31 COMMUNITY LEADERS

DIANE THERRIEN ’10 There is a certain amount of risk- DR. SURESH NARINE ‘91 in the respective countries. It is facts. “I learned to think for myself, taking in being a somewhat unique expected that these partnerships will to challenge the status quo, and I Diane Therrien’s move from political It’s hardly surprising that Dr. Suresh voice on council, but Therrien feels it is help drive the advancement of green learned that solutions often reside in activist to politician was one that Narine was named one of Canada’s an important one. technologies as well as lead to the unconventional partnerships. Without took even her by surprise. The recent Top 40 leaders under the age of 40 in “So many young people are development of internationally trained this approach, many of the successes M.A. graduate in Canadian Studies 2011. After graduating from Trent with frustrated with the political system at all highly qualified personnel. I have counted in my life would not and Indigenous Studies—and current a M.Sc. in Chemical Physics, Dr. Narine levels—a lot of it has to do with the fact The TCBR reflects Dr. Narine’s have been possible.” Peterborough City Councillor—had has been instrumental in expanding that so few politician are willing to take commitment to making the world a “Without change, our long been politically active, but not in the scope of biomaterials research. At risks, instead, falling into party line.” better place and to taking a holistic irresponsible consumption of harmful a way that was conducive to public the same time, he’s been inspiring a For her, the status quo isn’t good approach to solving problems. materials poses a serious threat to our office. whole new generation of students to enough. Something else needs to be “Our work is focused on attempts way of life and our world.” “I spent a long time being do the same. brought to the table. to remake many of the world’s frustrated by governments at all levels,” not representative. There are people Internationally recognized as a As a young female council materials in a sustainable, toxin- Now an award-winning teacher, she explains. “And, even then, when it there that don’t understand the realities pioneer researcher, Dr. Narine began member—she was 28 when she was free, environmentally-friendly, but Dr. Narine is instilling the same came to really following politics, the of being precariously employed or his teaching career at the University elected last year—Therrien has become economically-viable, manner,” he approach to learning in his students. municipal branch was one I probably growing up in the fiscal environment of Alberta where he was appointed a political role model. Her advice says. “I think without this change, our “I am back at Trent because I believe spent the least amount of energy on.” that we are experiencing right now.” professor and AVAC Research Chair for harnessing political passion and irresponsible consumption of harmful that propagating this culture is vitally Instead she was a passionate And then she came to a at the young age of 27. While at the conviction? materials poses a serious threat to our important to a whole new generation advocate, most recently working with realization. University of Alberta, he was the “Not everyone is cut out to be a way of life and our world.” of thinkers and doers.” the Peterborough Poverty Reduction “I was at a point of my life where I founding director of the Alberta Lipid candidate—not a lot of people want Dr. Narine also points out Network. recognized ‘I could do this.’” Utilization Research Program and was to be a candidate… But if you know that Trent’s small size, world-class All of this changed when a major She also recognized that there twice named Professor of the Year. somebody that would be good at it—or facilities and faculty provide students political issue in Peterborough came to was no reason for her not to run for Returning to Trent in 2009 as even know of someone who would with opportunities beyond the a head. office—despite the fact that she didn’t professor of Physics, Astronomy be good at it, try to help them and classroom that don’t exist at larger “When the Parkway debates fit the traditional demographic mold and Chemistry, Dr. Narine quickly get behind them. If you have good institutions. “Trent students have the started heating up, a lot of people who of Peterborough City Hall .Like many established himself as a leader. In just organizational skills or good social opportunity, at an early stage in their weren’t used to being engaged in local municipal councils, it skewed male fourteen months he built the Trent media or web design skills, offer to academic careers, to be involved politics became a lot more tuned in. I and it skewed older. She nonetheless Centre for Biomaterials Research be their tech or social media planner. in projects of potentially significant began attending council meetings and succeeded in gaining a seat. (TCBR), a 7,000 sq. ft., state-of-the art, Go with what your skills are. I’m an impact on the environment and on really following the process. I mean, I “It’s still a bit of an old boys research and technology development extrovert—my parents will tell you all commercialization of new business had never been to a council meeting.” club,” Therrien notes—she is joined facility that focuses on the creation kinds of stories about that side of me ideas, which could additionally lead And then a strange thing by only one other of petro-chemical replacements and —and that comes to authorship, patents or other career happened. female councillor. Senior biomaterials from lipids. Under Dr. Find organizations that you in handy when you A native of Guyana, Dr. Narine first opportunities,” says Dr. Narine. “Even when the Parkway debate staff at City Hall is also Narine’s directorship the TCBR has think are doing good things and are out canvassing came to Trent as an undergraduate This past February, Dr. Narine ended, I continued to attend council predominantly male. “No developed into a world-class facility offer your services. and knocking on student in the Trent International was named laureate for the Anthony meetings,” she recalls. “Even if they one makes a big deal that is collaborating with universities in doors for hours. Program. He was attracted to Trent’s N Sabga Awards for were only discussing one or two issues about it. And no one is other countries. If you’re not, then beautiful setting, its emphasis on Excellence in the Science and and they didn’t have any real weight on disparaging about it.” Research agreements have chances are there are a whole bunch of cross-disciplinary learning and its Technology category. The honour is my life.” There is one exception to that been arranged with the Mahatma other skills you can bring instead.” world-class faculty. in recognition of his work in Guyana But Therrien also noticed a fairly statement, however. Ghandi University in Kerala, India, The Not that politics is the only way to “I felt that it would be a place and Canada creating the rare bridge large discrepancy. “They sometimes call me ‘girl’” she Hebrew University in Jerusalem, Israel, make a difference in your community. where I could develop my somewhat between scientific research and “I remember watching the laughs. “Which I guess is something University of the West Indies in Cave “Volunteer,” Therrien urges. “Find radical ideas, in an environment which commercial application. conversations and thinking that there that 60-65 year old dudes do.” Hill, Barbadoes, and the Universidade organizations that you think are doing would encourage deviation from In addition to his roles at were so many voices that weren’t at Bridging the gap can be hard. Estadual Paulista in Botucatu, Brazil. good things and offer your services. the larger schools’ factory-focused Trent and in Guyana, Dr. Narine is a that table —but should be. And that “I’ve talked about things that other These relationships allow for cross- But find something that interests you approach member of the Canadian Association there had to be something more that councillors don’t agree with—or in fertilization among undergraduate and and drives you.” to learning.” of Physicists, the American Physical Peterborough could offer from their some cases don’t really understand. graduate students in multi-country, After all, two years ago, Diane As a student, Dr. Narine says Society, the International Federation of elected representatives…I’m not trying But then I get phone calls or emails multi-disciplinary research projects Therrien wouldn’t have even Trent’s unique approach to learning Food Technologists, and the American to disparage anyone, but it is from constituents saying ‘thank you for supported by both industrial partners considered being a politician. taught him much more than textbook Oil Chemists Society. bringing that up!’” and various levels of government 32 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 33 43rd Annual Trent Temagami A JAMAICAN’S TRIBUTE Colloquium – The Best Year Ever! TO JIM, JACK & JOHN The 43rd annual trip to Temagami for Trent students, faculty, and alumni wrapped up this past September. The event was a great success, in no small BY MARIE WALFORD-PALMER ’88 part because of a tremendously generous $30,000 donation to support student participation and keep spirited, engaging and appeared student costs affordable. The anonymous donor to have my best interests at heart. made the donation in honour of Professor Emeritus He enquired about Fr. Webb while Bruce Hodgins and his wife Carol. encouraging me to keep warm! Bruce and Carol began leading canoe trips in Unfortunately for me, he retired from 1957 for Camp Wanapitei on Lake Temagami. Bruce the university when I enrolled. became a faculty member in the History Department During my first week at in 1966 and was part of the development of Canadian Trent, student Michael Ganley ’87 Studies at Trent. Bruce and Carol have co-hosted introduced me to his parents, John was the voluntary John Ganley and Maydene Chuck in Jamaica the annual trip to Temagami for 43 years, helping Executive Director of then CIDA-funded Jamaica Self-Help students, faculty and alumni to begin to (JSH), which gave donations to Jamaican organizations. It share in their love of nature and the land. extremely poor backgrounds, I became cognizant of the was a very traumatic week, not only due to culture shock “There are few people I have met fact that I had to answer the call and say “Yes” to them and, but also because Jamaica was hit on September 12, 1988 by who bring more energy and enthusiasm consequently, to Jamaica. $30,000 devastating hurricane Gilbert. I had arrived in Canada on for inspiring young people to connect My years at Trent provided a platform for my future the 9th! positively with the land, and with each anonymous John with youth group at Riverton City development as an educational administrator, where my Reports stated that three-quarters of Jamaica was other, than Bruce and Carol Hodgins,” donation! determination to master adverse situations was honed. flooded. Images of inundated areas, makeshift boats passing said Prof. Stephen Hill the chair of the n the 1980s, Canadian Jesuit Fr. James “Jim” Webb, Overcoming initial apprehensions upon my arrival in Canada tree-tops and people crying for missing relatives was all over Colloquium organizing committee. took a team consisting of another priest Brian Massie, was made easier by the many friends I made there. Decades the television. I feared the worst for my family. In Gilbert’s The colloquium, celebrating interdisciplinary religious sisters Mary Power, Rita Lavoie and Mary Ryan, later, I’m an appreciative Trent graduate. I aftermath, Jamaica’s resilience gained support from abroad, and experiential learning, is sponsored by a number and Jesuit novice Phil Nazar, to work in Jamaica. Their duties These giants have now been called to glory; Jack in including JSH. of academic departments at Trent and seeks to concentrated mainly in the inner-city communities of South 2008, Jim in 2012, and John in 2013 though their attempts to John, the consummate teacher, taught in Jamaica, examine our understanding of the land, with a St. Andrew and a rural parish, St. Mary. improve this global village continue through JSH. and always grasped opportunities to educate me. Through focus on the study of Canadian, environmental, Fr. Webb worked assiduously and was an ardent social Marisa Kaczmarczyk and her team still invite Peterborough his influence, I received a well-needed blanket and a JSH- and Indigenous issues. All students are invited. justice advocate who passionately developed activities to youngsters to experience Jamaica with them. I express my sponsored trip home in summer ’89. Family-man John The 60 participants in the fall 2015 colloquium elevate the marginalized. These included: sincerest gratitude to JSH and all Trent alumni who have possessed a big heart; hosting monthly meetings, planning had the chance to interact with Jeremy Ward ’89, the • creating banana and marmalade cooperatives; assisted Jamaica with their time, talents and treasures. May aid for Jamaicans, fund-raising, plus other responsibilities. curator of the Canadian Canoe Museum; filmmakers • providing renovated homes to single mothers and we be aware of the lives we impact and never avoid the He even worked on projects with Fr. Webb. Alex Williams and Sara Roque; environmental constructing institutions which were predominantly opportunities to help. If we are not effectively impacting the In 1992, while attending the University of the West educator Glen Caradus ’88; Joe Katt, Second Chief Canadian-funded; lives we touch, being blessings, as Jim, Jack and John, then Indies, Fr. Webb asked me to teach at my alma mater, St. of the Temagami First Nations; Dan Longboat ’70 and • starting an election-watch committee, Citizens’ Action Trent’s motto, from 1 Cor. 13:12, will be a farce for us. Peter Claver Primary. I replied, “Just for one year”…it’s 23 James Wilkes ’07 of the Indigenous Environmental for Free and Fair Elections (CAFFE), which invited the This article is long overdue. I thank these individuals years later! After encountering students first-hand from Studies Program; and Professors Peter Andrée ’88 of Jimmy Carter Centre to observe elections in the ’90s; for the part they played in my development, both at Trent Carleton and David Welch from . and and beyond. From trans-Atlantic to Jamaica, these stalwarts • delivering thought-provoking sermons on how to abandoned their comfort zones to positively change others’ Planning for the 44th Colloquium is already “live the gospels” for Jamaica’s Amnesty International lives. Not through sympathy but with love and empathy, underway. All are invited! chapter. These sermons challenged members of not through haughtiness but with humility and sincerity, not

parliament to be integrally involved in their constituents’ through complicated efforts but with simplicity, not through lives instead of only when elections were drawing near. being imitative but through being authentic. Their distinguished lives of service answered Cain’s Fr. Webb collaborated with Jack Matthews to secure question, “Am I my brother’s keeper?” They opted to serve Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) rather than be served. Determined to make a difference in the scholarships for Jamaicans to attend Trent. I was the third lives they encountered. Their legacies and spirits will live on, recipient, preceded by Joy Forrester-McLeod ’85 and and may their families continue being grateful for these men’s Devon Leckie ’85. I had the privilege of meeting Jack on two lives and may their souls rest in peace. occasions—first at our orientation camp in September 1988, and then at a pre-Christmas Trent International Student One Love. Association (TISA) meeting that same year. He was warm- John and Rosemary Ganley with Fabian Brown

34 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 35 STRIKING A FAMILIAL CHORD: New Bachelor of Social Work Hits SUNSHINE SKETCHES Close to Home

Brent Niganobe ’05, and Giselle Julia (Kennelly) Watson ’05, and Alyson (Rudkin) Truax ‘06 and Niganobe announce the birth of a Adam Watson announce the birth of Mitch Truax announce the birth of a BY JENNA PILGRIM daughter. Giizhgaate Hazel Niganobe a son. Cole Michael Watson was born son. Lucas “Luke” James was born was born on April 25, 2015. on March 31, 2015, weighing 7 lbs 8 oz on February 26, 2015, at 2:41 a.m., or Tracy Condon ’96, the choice very passionate about social justice The program boasts an impressive and was 19.5 inches long. weighing 6 lbs 14 oz. to attend Trent was an easy one. issues, and you can’t help but feel 700 hours of clinical field placement FComing from a Trent family, she enthusiastic about being an advocate per student, which is no easy feat for knew from a young age that Trent for the greater good as well.” department personnel and Director, was where she would begin her post- Now a certified social worker in Susan Hillock, to recruit and organize. secondary career. Ms. Condon is the Peterborough, Condon specializes in However, Dr. Hillock states that the daughter of Bob Condon ’69, alumnus advocacy for pregnant women at the volume of support the Department and 30-year employee of the Trent Partners in Pregnancy Clinic on Simcoe has received regarding placements has Physical Resources Department and Street. In her spare time, she is giving been overwhelming. the Athletics Centre at Trent; and back to her Trent Community by sitting “The community has been very granddaughter of Bernie Blodgett, on the Peterborough Field Advisory receptive and excited about the new one of the original housekeepers at Committee for Trent’s new Bachelor BSW program,” Hillock states. The of Social Work (B.S.W.) program. The BSW program has secured student Art Punk Field Advisory Committees (both in placement commitments from over Peterborough and Durham) consult 130 community organizations in both ALUMNI ACCOMPLISHMENTS & with the Department of Social Work to Peterborough and Durham, and that Television Rd is an alt-rock- review curriculum, mission and value number will continue to grow between something band with jazz and statements, stimulate innovation, advise this year and next when students enter PURSUITS funk influences. Along with a on local community needs, and recruit the professional stages of the program. Tania Pattison ’84, has published Critical Reading (Pearson playful and upbeat sound, the student placement sites for social work Coupled with the new program Canada, 2015), a textbook for ESL students in universities and CBC described their debut album students. is a new award, the Social Work Prize, colleges. Tania is a past curriculum coordinator of the Trent- has having an underlying “creepy, The new B.S.W. program has an which will be awarded to a graduating ESL program. She now works as a freelance materials writer menacing vibe.” unlimited enrollment in the first two B.S.W. student who demonstrates a and editor with educational publishers around the world. They have just released their years. In addition to four compulsory passion for social justice paired with sophomore album, Banshee Social Work courses, students are high academic achievement. The first Janette Platana ‘11, has published A Token of My Affliction, Cypher. Despite the fact that encouraged to study related courses in class of Social Work students are set a collection of 21 short stories, which is on the long list for the band has a traditional rock Our students at the September Peterborough Psychology, Sociology, Anthropology, to enter the professional portion of the Frank M. O’Connor International Short Story Award, with line-up, they utilize eclectic PRIDE parade Political Studies, Indigenous Studies, the program in September 2016 and ’s Stone Mattress and 88 other books by instruments such as the melodica, and Gender & Women’s Studies; graduate in the spring of 2018. writers around the world. Janette resides in Peterborough, maracas, tambourine, wood Catharine Parr Traill College. When all of which can be applied to the where she runs creative writing workshops and does blocks, saxophone, and keyboard. describing her grandmother, Condon completion of their B.S.W. degree. For more information, please visit: community building through the arts. Television Rd. plays a unique said that “the students were [like] her Upon completion of the first two trentu.ca/socialwork. blend of genres while channeling second family, she was more a mother years in the B.S.W. program, students a colourful punk energy. than a housekeeper.” It’s easy to see must then compete for limited All five members are how family ties like these could lead seats (25 on each campus) for their Lady Eaton affiliates, with four Condon down the career path of social third and fourth professional years. Social Media members being current Trent work and children’s advocacy. As the Students successfully admitted into students and lead singer Sara saying goes, the apple really doesn’t fall the two-year intensive professional Want to really tune in with your fellow alumni? Get timely news, Ostrowska ’10 is a recent alumna. far from the tree. program are required to complete information, and content by “liking” our Facebook page (Trent University Having studied a joint-major in two field placements that emphasize Alumni Association) or following us on Twitter @TrentAlumni. Psychology and Sociology, Condon experiential learning. The professional states that her unique degree structure years’ curriculum includes innovative Also, be sure to check out our latest podcasts, where we feature in-depth gave her the competitive edge to go topics ranging from diversity, social interviews with some our best and brightest alumni. Recent episodes on to complete a Master’s of Social policy, theory and practice, feminist include: singer/songwriter/playwright, Ian Tamblyn ’67; Canada’s first Work at the University of Toronto. She trauma models, social work, VJ, former MuchMusic host, and #1 Billboard hit songwriter, Christopher became captivated by child advocacy anti-oppressive child welfare, and Ward ’67; political firebrand and Peterborough City Councillor,Diane Students proudly sporting issues, and credits Trent with igniting leadership. Therrien ’10. Find them at trenttalks.podbean.com. department sweatshirts. this flame. “Trent as a community is

36 Trent Magazine 46.3 Trent Magazine 46.3 37 IN MEMORIAM CALENDAR OF UNIVERSITY EVENTS

Tariq Rafi ’86 Wed. Oct. 14, 7 p.m., The Venue Doug Stenton: The of the 1845 Franklin Expedition—New Evidence and Questions

Thurs. Oct. 15, 7 p.m., Bagnani Hall, Through a Canadian Lens: The Current The world has lost a wonderful friend, any inappropriate rugby influenced and Future Landscape of Television and teammate, father, husband, brother, gestures) by Dave Van Wees ’85, Film, Featuring: Stephen Stohn ’66, brother-in-law and comrade. Trent who spoke with great spirit about his Bill Corcoran ’70, Bay Weyman ’76. alumnus and Trent Rugby alumni, friendship with Tariq. Moderated by Molly Blyth ’01. Tariq Rafi, died on May 31, 2015 after Mark McLaughlin also gave a Tues. Oct. 20, 7 p.m., Market Hall, persevering through two and a half touching and thoughtful speech David Morrison Lecture in International years of cancer treatment, giving his recalling his friendship with Tariq Development: Winnie Byanyima, family two and a half more years of throughout high school in Ottawa and Executive Director, Oxfam International unique memories and time together. then at Trent. Kelly McBane ’88 offered her version of the song “Smile,” which Wed. Nov. 4, 7 p.m., Bagnani Hall brought the image of Tariq’s own Thomas H.B. Symons Seminar Series, genuinely uplifting smile to the minds Cristen Watt, Assessing Canada Lynx and hearts of everyone there. Dispersal Across An Elevation Barrier The visitation was anything but and Tessa Nasca, Public Spaces solemn for the members of the Rugby Planning and Engagement with the team. Hailing from a particularly Community. exciting era in Trent Rugby history, many of the team stayed in touch Tues. Nov. 10, 11, 12 (Location TBA) after graduation, raising their children Ryle Lecture Series, Speaker Leo together and living in similar cities. In Groarke Tariq, a student from 1986 to 1990 was true Trent Rugby style, many former Sat. Nov. 21, 3 p.m., Athletic Complex a key member of Trent Athletics, and teammates gathered at the local pub P.S.B. Wilson Lounge Dedication by all accounts a natural athlete, with down the street from the funeral home a particular intuition and passion for to reminisce about old times. To hear Tues. Nov. 24, 7 p.m., Bagnani rugby. He was also actively engaged McLaughlin tell it: “The one thing I Hall, Traill College, Elaine Stavro in the spirit of Trent in other ways. It believe nobody could quite escape was Distinguished Visiting Scholar in was while he was a student don in the thought that Tariq would come Theory, Politics & Gender: Dr. Kimberly Otonabee College that he first met his around the corner, take his place in Hutchings, Gendered Rhetorics in the In the early days of Trent Radio, there was no transmitter to get wife, Leslie Kirke ’83, while she was the middle of the gathering and lead Justification of Violence and Non- the College Assistant. With his good the gang into the next round of knee Violence: Gandhi and Fanon programming to air. Instead, shows were taped in the Language friend Brent MacFarlane ’86, he was slapping, table pounding, hilarity.” A Lab of Bata Library and then physically brought down to CHEX Radio Tues. Nov. 24, Ideas That Change co-manager of the Cat’s Ass pub in sports team is a special bond, but Tariq the World—The Big Picture (and for a Sunday night showcase. In this archival photo, circa 1978, Otonabee, and a staff member at the made this team unique through his other leadership concepts for the Commoner Pub. dedication to the team atmosphere Ben Henderson ’76 and Colin Stewart ’76 are seen spinning tunes. advancement of women), TIFF Condo Members of Trent Rugby and and his passion for the sport of Rugby. Tower Theatre, 80 John Street, Toronto the greater Trent alumni community With the support of both the gathered for a celebration of Tariq’s extended Kirke and Rafi families; Wed. Dec. 2, 7 p.m., Bagnani Hall, Traill life in Toronto this past summer. Phil especially Tariq’s brother Saad and wife College Thomas H.B. Symons Seminar Playfair ’82 ran the AV portion of the Sylvie, Leslie and their son Sullivan— Series: Meredith Purcell, Landscape celebration—Phil and his wife Jacqui who is 10 years old and the spitting Genomic Assessment of North Code are neighbours and good image of his father—are now figuring American Moose (Alces alces). Chad family friends. Many members of out life without Tariq, as he would Andres, The Technology of Consent: Trent Rugby—Greg Alfred ’87, Kevin have been 48 this September 25. In American Techno-military Fantasies in Elder ’85 and Mark McLaughlin ’85, the words of a close friend, “he is the 1980s. to name a few—were led in singing irreplaceable.” “Swing Low Sweet Chariot” (minus

38 Trent Magazine 46.3 Little Feet. Big Responsibility.

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