Trent University Mourns the Passing of Founding President Thomas H.B. Symons
/The Trent University community is mourning the death of its founding President Thomas H.B. Symons, remembering the remarkable man and the industrious, highly regarded scholar who brought his vision for Trent to life and helped sustain it for over 55 years.
Thomas H.B. Symons in his office at Rubidge Hall. (Photo courtesy Trent University)
“It was a privilege to know President Symons,” says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University.
“He was gracious, interested, and always obliging when I came to Trent. With great enthusiasm, he told me about Trent’s origins, the politics of Peterborough, and the lessons he learned from so many years in academic leadership,” Groarke adds.
Thomas H.B. Symons with Bata Library in background. (Photo courtesy Trent University)
Internationally renowned as a champion of education and student success, Professor Symons accepted the challenge posed by a committee of Peterborough citizens in 1961 to create a university for the city. He served as Trent University's president and vice-chancellor for 11 years until 1972.
Thomas H.B. Symons interacting with students. (Photo courtesy Trent University)
His leadership in education and his contributions to society and the nation were widely recognized, including his investment as a member of the Order of Canada in 1976 and the Order of Ontario in 2002. After retirement, Professor Symons remained an active member of the University community as well within Peterborough and beyond.
Elizabeth Dowdeswell, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario, had this to say about Symons in a tweet…
You can read more about Professor Symons’ life and legacy at Trent and around the world on Trent University’s special tribute website.
Thomas H.B. Symons in Trent University's 50th Anniversary parade procession. (Photo courtesy Trent University)
