Peterborough Regional Health Centre and Trent University Advance Healthcare Collaborations at Inaugural ‘Collider’ Event

The Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and Trent University held the first annual joint Collider event, bringing together more than 100 clinicians, researchers, students and staff to shape community-focused care through research collaborations and knowledge sharing.

photo courtesy of the peterborough regional health centre.

“By creating opportunities for our clinicians, researchers and students to come together, we’re turning collaboration into something tangible,” said Dr. Lynn Mikula, President & CEO of PRHC. “Collider is about showing what’s possible when we combine clinical insight, academic expertise and real-world data, and it’s only the beginning.”

Collider marks the latest milestone in a collaboration formalized in 2025 through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between PRHC and Trent University. Over the past year, the two institutions have been working to move from alignment to action, focused on connecting people, ideas, and infrastructure to accelerate healthcare research, education and innovation.

“This Collider event brings people and ideas together. It reflects Trent’s commitment to working alongside community partners to respond to regional needs,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, President and vice chancellor of Trent University. “By connecting Trent researchers with clinicians at PRHC, we are advancing work that is grounded in community priorities and focused on improving health outcomes close to home and with impacts that reach much further afield.”

One of the first research projects to begin collaboration is led by Trent professors Dr. Amy Greer and Dr. Wesley Burr. In collaboration with PRHC and paramedic service colleagues from PCCP, Greer and Burr, alongside Trent M.Sc. student Shawn Yip, are exploring patterns and trends in toxic drug poisonings in our local community with a focus on the unique nature of healthcare service delivery in large, mixed urban-rural regions.

Research projects emerging through Collider also have access to a new source of funding, which was announced at the event. The Natalie Beavis Collaborative Research Grant, named in honour of a two-time Trent alum and PRHC leader who passed away this past December, will help move ideas from concept to implementation.

“Networking events like Collider are critically important to the advancement of research and projects that are focused on multi-faceted issues, such as healthcare,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, interim vice-president of Research & Innovation at Trent. “Opportunities for experts to engage in discussions facilitate better questions and investigations, and ultimately better solutions. Providing targeted funding enables those ideas to come to life.”

Looking ahead, PRHC and Trent are working to further align priorities, expand joint research initiatives and develop a sustainable community of practice. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trent University Students Showcase New Ideas for the Future of Work at STRIDE Challenge

After months of preparation and mentorship from business experts at Trent University Durham GTA, three teams earned top honours at the 2026 Business STRIDE Challenge for their innovative approaches to hiring, hybrid work and artificial intelligence.

Master of Management students and T.Member champions Zeyu Xie, Sumaya Ahana and Buyang Li celebrate their win with Zabeen Hirji. photo courtesy of trent university.

Hosted at Trent Durham, the first annual STRIDE Challenge showcased student examinations of real workplace challenges and shifts in how organizations recruit, operate and evolve. The competition aimed to create a collective learning opportunity for students to engage with diverse perspectives, explore future pathways and take early actions in responsible leadership.

Thirty students across nine teams competed in three distinct streams. for undergraduate students from the University’s Business Administration program, graduate students in Trent’s Master of Management program and students from local high schools.  

“We are so impressed by how all students tackled the issues facing today’s workforce and showed their creativity and skillsets in developing ideas that respond to them in practical ways,” said Dr. Ken Chen, professor in the School of Business at Trent University Durham GTA and STRIDE coordinator. “The competition highlights the impact of applied, real-world learning, an approach emphasized in the Trent School of Business. Working with the students over the past few months, I saw how much they deepened their understanding of academic theory and the working world they will enter.” 

STRIDE teams competed for more than $10,000 in prizes, with three winners receiving both a cash prize and a charitable donation credit to give to the organization of their choice. First-place winners in each stream were: 

• T.Member: Master of Management Stream  
  Recognized for their proposal for an AI-enabled training system designed to help organizations retain knowledge and address labour shortages. Using a dry cleaning business as a case study, their model captures practical expertise through AI sensor-based technology to support onboarding, improve workplace safety and strengthen long-term skill development across workforce generations. 

• TAEQN: Bachelor of Business Administration Stream  
  Winning Business Administration team TAEQN designed a structured onboarding model for hybrid workplaces that tailors training and communication to individual employees using cultural dimension surveys. The model supports flexibility while addressing shifting workforce expectations, mentorship and professional development needs and challenges such as employee isolation. 

• Triple Point: High School Stream  
  High school teams were challenged to rethink how employers hire for entry-level roles based on skills rather than credentials. Team Triple Point (Pickering) developed a multi-stage digital hiring platform that shifts focus from credentials on paper to performance. Combining AI-enabled blind screening with assessments, team exercises and interviews, the model helps employers build a more complete picture of candidates and better match them to roles. 

“What impressed me most was how students combined analytical thinking with human insight to tackle some of the most pressing challenges in the future of work,” said Zabeen Hirji ‘25, founding sponsor of STRIDE and chancellor-designate of Trent University. “They showed that it’s not just about technology or policy, it’s about people. Experiences like STRIDE help build the human capabilities that will define leadership in an AI-driven world, one that is more human, not less.” 

Throughout the competition, students also engaged directly with judges and industry experts, including Stephen Harrington, national leader of Workforce Strategy & Insights at Deloitte Canada, and Omo Akintan, chief engagement and people officer at the University Pension Plan. 

“The chance to connect with the judges, during our presentation and at the networking portion, was really valuable as I look ahead to graduating this year,” said Trent Durham Business Administration student Misba Arian. “It was nice that they were interested in our presentation and ideas and I’ve made a career connection that I will keep for the future.”  

Learn more about the STRIDE Challenge and the Trent School of Business by clicking the links.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Eight Trent University Professors Recognized For Their Innovation and Dedication In Teaching and Research

Trent University is celebrating teaching and research excellence, recognizing eight individuals for innovation in Canadian Studies, Child & Youth Studies, Environmental Science, English, Cultural Studies and Biology, as well as dedication to inspiring and supporting students, colleagues and the broader Trent community.

photo courtesy of trent university.

“At Trent, dynamic teaching and critical research go hand in hand. Our Teaching and Research Excellence Awards recognize the people who propel Trent’s strengths in both areas. This year's recipients have demonstrated excellence in how they engage students and advance knowledge in their fields,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice chancellor of Trent University. “Their work is thoughtful, rigorous, and grounded in care for student learning. It is wonderful to be able to recognize their contributions to our academic community.”

The 2025-26 award recipients will be recognized at Trent’s Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research on April 29.

Award Recipients:

Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Nour Hammami, Child &Youth Studies 

Dr. Nour Hammami is an assistant professor in Child & Youth Studies at Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area. Professor Hammami is recognized as a creative, inspiring and generous educator whose interactive teaching, supportive mentorship, and ability to simplify complex material through real‑life examples have left a meaningful impact on her students. The university recognizes Prof. Hammami for building students’ confidence through ongoing encouragement and creates safer learning environments where students can thrive both academically and personally. Prof. Hammami inspires and challenges students, facilitating difficult discussion topics with sensitivity and care. Her passion for teaching is evident in all aspects of her work, as is her steadfast commitment to students’ success.

Distinguished Research Award: Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Canadian Studies

The 2026 Distinguished Research Award honours Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer, Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North and a professor in the School for the Study of Canada. He is internationally recognized as one of Canada’s leading experts on Arctic and Northern security, governance, and policy. His research has shaped national and global conversations on climate change, emerging security challenges and northern sovereignty, while advancing Indigenous‑centered, community‑engaged approaches. Since joining Trent University in 2018, the university says he has produced an exceptional body of scholarship that continues to inform government decision‑making. Professor Lackenbauer founded the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN) in 2019, now a major policy research hub with significant external funding. A prolific and award‑winning author, he is also a former Killam Fellow, Fulbright Scholar, and Distinguished Visiting Professor at the Canadian Forces College, which underscore his outstanding impact and influence.

Award for Excellence in Online Teaching: Dr. Andrew Loeb, English  

Dr. Andrew Loeb, an assistant professor in English, is recognized for his innovative teaching methods and course design that foster student engagement and success. Nominators noted the ways in which Dr. Loeb seamlessly incorporates online learning tools, such as hypothesis and voice recordings, into his courses to support students’ learning. The university notes that Professor Loeb creates dynamic online learning environments that build a sense of connection and deeply enhance student learning at Trent.

Early Career Researcher Award: Dr. Kira Borden, Trent School of the Environment 

Dr. Kira Borden, an assistant professor at Trent University’s School of the Environment since 2022, has rapidly built an outstanding research program focused on plant-soil interactions and climate‑resilient agroecosystems. In just over two years she has secured significant competitive research funding as principal investigator, earned Trent’s 2025 Merit Award in Research, and produced an impressive record of published scientific articles in high‑impact journals. Her research integrates mechanistic plant-soil interaction research with applied studies of soil carbon cycling and greenhouse gas emissions in agroecosystems. Trent has said that Professor Borden’s work is already influencing sustainable agriculture and food‑security strategies across diverse farming contexts as she collaborates with farmers, government scientists and industry partners to apply nature‑based climate solutions.

Early Career Researcher Awards: Dr. Joshua Synenko, Cultural Studies

Dr. Joshua Synenko, an assistant professor in Cultural Studies, is emerging as a leading voice in media studies through his research on technological, cultural and political transformations in artistic practice. His growing scholarly profile includes a strong record of peer‑reviewed publications, editorial leadership and major grant activity. Professor Synenko’s monograph, Reconfiguring Locative Art, along with his role in founding the international Media Theory Association and organizing conferences in Toronto and Naples, highlight his expanding global impact. 

Award for Faculty Leadership in Community-Based Research: Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, Trent School of the Environment 

Dr. Stephanie Rutherford, an associate professor in the Trent School of the Environment, is recognized for her strong commitment to community‑based research and the support of student achievement. Through her longstanding collaboration with the Trent Community Research Centre, she has mentored students on applied research projects exploring connections between nature, mental health and pro‑environmental behaviour, work that directly informs community sustainability initiatives. Professor Rutherford’s supervision consistently enables students to translate academic learning into meaningful community impact, exemplifying faculty leadership that advances both research engagement and student success.

CUPE 3908-1 Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. Shiva Jian-Javdan, Biology

Dr. Shiva Jian-Javdan, a sessional faculty member in Biology, is praised for her ability to creatively adapt labs and assignments based on student feedback to create immersive learning experiences. Professor Jian-Javdan inspires students with her passion for mammals and conservation and empowers them by creating a respectful and supportive learning environment where they can learn from mistakes and thrive. 

Award for Excellence in Teaching Assistance: Jonathon Smith, Child & Youth Studies

Jonathon Smith, a teaching assistant in Child & Youth Studies, is recognized for his outstanding support in academic writing and APA formatting, and his ability to give constructive and supportive feedback in ways that build students’ confidence. His approachable teaching style fosters an inclusive, impactful learning environment that prioritizes student success, supported by his willingness to meet with students outside of class and share helpful academic resources. 

“Trent researchers continue to drive the University’s reputation for scholarly excellence, and this year’s award recipients exemplify the creativity and dedication behind that success,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, interim vice president of Research and Innovation at Trent University. “Transformative research is a long-term commitment. These awards celebrate both those with established records of sustained achievement and those whose promising early work is opening new pathways of discovery. Together, they demonstrate the strength and momentum of Trent’s research community and its ongoing contributions to knowledge creation.”

“The teaching awards celebrate educators and teaching assistants who foster the kind of dynamic learning environments that students can expect from Trent University,” said Dr. Kristy Buccieri, acting associate dean of Teaching and Learning. “The individuals recognized this year have demonstrated exemplary pedagogical practices, ensuring that students remain at the heart of the learning process.”

Learn more about this year’s teaching and research award recipients, and the sixth annual Celebration of Faculty Excellence in Teaching and Research, an event hosted by Trent Teaching Commons and the Office of Research and Innovation in partnership with the Trent Community Research Centre.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Civic Engagement Trailblazers to Receive Honorary Degrees From Trent University

Three individuals whose work has contributed to Canada’s civic life and public discourse: Judy Rebick, Dr. Mike DeGagné and Desmond Cole will each receive honorary Doctor of Laws from Trent University in recognition of their national leadership.

Trent University names three trailblazers, Judy Rebick, Mike DeGagné and Desmond Cole as 2026 honorary degree recipients. photo courtesy of trent university.

“Trent’s 2026 honorary degree recipients are trailblazers whose work has shaped public discourse in Canada. Each has demonstrated a combination of leadership and resolve, advancing responsive policy and practice,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Their contributions have strengthened civic understanding and remind us of the role education plays in preparing individuals to engage thoughtfully with the world. We are proud to recognize their impact and to celebrate them alongside our graduates.”  

Honorary degrees are conferred during Convocation ceremonies, which take place June 2 to 10 in Peterborough and on June 12 in Oshawa.  

Judy Rebick is a writer, journalist and political activist recognized as one of Canada’s leading feminist voices. In the early 1980’s, she played a prominent role in winning legal abortion in Canada and later served as president of the National Action Committee on the Status of Women, fighting to improve sexual assault criminal code, supporting Indigenous women’s constitutional rights, pioneering anti-racist transformation and making the feminist movement a powerful force in the country. Her advocacy has also championed Indigenous rights as well as supporting 2SLGBTQIA+ communities, people with disabilities and the labour movement. Rebick has authored several books, hosted two national CBC television programs, and founded rabble.ca, one of Canada’s leading independent online news platforms.

Rebick will be recognized at Trent Peterborough’s Convocation ceremony on June 3 at 2 p.m.

Dr. Mike DeGagné, a member of Northwest Angle 37 First Nation, is a leader in Indigenous education and reconciliation. As founding executive director of the Aboriginal Healing Foundation, a national Indigenous organization addressing the legacy of Canada’s Residential School system, he helped lay important groundwork for reconciliation. With his appointment as president and vice chancellor of Nipissing University, he became one of the first Indigenous presidents of a Canadian public university, advancing inclusive approaches to higher education. DeGagné also held the position of president and CEO of Indspire, Canada’s largest Indigenous-led charity, overseeing national programs that support and invest in First Nations, Inuit and Métis students. His leadership has been recognized through numerous honours, including the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario and the Indspire Award for Public Service. 

DeGagné will be recognized at Trent Peterborough’s Convocation ceremony on June 4 at 2 p.m.

Desmond Cole is an award-winning journalist, author and broadcaster whose work has brought critical issues including racial profiling, police accountability, and immigration justice, to the forefront of national debate. He is widely recognized for his 2015 Toronto Life article, “The Skin I’m In,” which sparked a nationwide reckoning on police carding and earned three National Magazine Awards. His bestselling book, The Skin We’re In: A Year of Black Resistance and Power, won the Toronto Book Award and was shortlisted for the Shaughnessy Cohen Prize for Political Writing.

Cole will be recognized at Trent Durham’s Convocation ceremony on June 12 at 2 p.m.

Further details of Trent’s in-person convocation ceremonies, including full profiles of all 2026 honorary degree recipients, can be found online. 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Trent University Welcomed Future Students to Explore Scholarships, Academic Programs and Student Life at Open House Event

Trent University welcomed prospective students to its Open House event on Friday, giving attendees the opportunity to learn about renewable entrance scholarships, paid co-op programs, research opportunities and student life.

All photos courtesy of Trent University.

All photos courtesy of Trent University.

All photos courtesy of Trent University.

Visitors had the opportunity to connect directly with faculty, staff and current students to explore academic programs, hands‑on learning, supports and life on campus.

“Students and their supporters want to know that university will open doors; academically, financially and professionally,” says Marilyn Burns, Vice President of Communications and Enrolment. “Trent’s investments in renewable scholarships, bursaries and hands-on learning reflect our commitment to supporting students from day one through to graduation and beyond.”

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Three Trent Scholars In the Humanities and Social Sciences Renewed as Canada Research Chairs

Three Canada Research Chair (CRC) appointments have been renewed for Trent University researchers Whitney Lackenbauer, Anne Pasek and Naomi Nichols.

(From left to right) Whitney Lackenbauer, Anne Pasek and Naomi Nichols. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC), the CRC program supports researchers whose work drives discovery, engagement and innovation, ensuring continued national recognition and support for their work in the humanities and social sciences, Trent University says.

Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer, Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in the Study of the Canadian North, has been renewed for a seven-year term with $1.4 million in funding. A leading authority on Arctic sovereignty and northern security, Lackenbauer’s research explores Canada’s evolving role in the circumpolar world and the intersection of Indigenous, national and international interests in northern policy and governance. Lackenbauer contributes directly to public policy as the network lead of the North American and Arctic Defence and Security Network (NAADSN) based at Trent.

Dr. Anne Pasek was renewed as a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Media, Culture and the Environment, securing $500,000 over five years to advance work at Trent on climate change, media technologies and sustainability. Pasek’s research examines how digital companies are increasingly shaping energy policies and markets, for both good and ill. 

Dr. Naomi Nichols has been renewed for her second term as a Tier 2 CRC in Community-Partnered Social Justice. Through the program, Trent University will receive $500,000 over five years to support Nichols' research with community organizations on social inequities and the development of practical tools and policies to promote justice and systemic change. In her first term as a CRC, Nichols established the Research for Social Change Lab and, as principal investigator, secured more than $1 million in additional research funding. Along with CRC funding, the grants have supported training opportunities for student and community researchers, the publication of several peer-reviewed articles, the creation of open-access resources, and the organization of several knowledge exchange events. 

“These renewals speak to the extraordinary calibre and continued impact of Trent’s research community,” said Dr. Holger Hintelmann, Trent University vice-president of Research and Innovation. “Our Canada Research Chairs are advancing knowledge and action on issues that matter people across Canada and around the world.” 

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook, Threads, Tiktok, Youtube and LinkedIn. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for our newsletter here.

Virtual Museum Of The Spanish Civil War Launches At Trent University

A first-of-its-kind virtual museum, dedicated to the exploration and understanding of the Spanish Civil War is now open to online visitors after its launch event at Trent University on Thursday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Developed and co-directed by Trent University history professor Dr. Antonio Cazorla-Sanchez, the project brings together scholars and experts from Trent, York University, the SSHRC and the University of Warwick, as well as the Embassy of Spain in Canada and Spain's Ministry of Culture and Sport. 

This virtual museum is the first dedicated museum that gives a global explanation of the conflict from a variety of interdisciplinary perspectives including history, archaeology, digital humanities, literary and cultural studies.

The project has received international support from institutional partners as well as the Social Science and Humanities Research Council of Canada’s Connections Grant which supported the museum by providing $30,000 in funding.

“In many ways, the past is a foreign country. Through the visual elements of this museum, we are witnessing what people experienced in the moment,” said Prof. Cazorla-Sanchez. “A way for visitors to immerse themselves in the mentalities of the people who experienced those events. The big issues that were relevant in the Spanish Civil War [social justice, democracy, women’s rights, rights of minorities] remain relevant today.” 

Trent president and vice-chancellor Dr. Leo Goarke said that the museum is a reflection of Trent’s commitment to interdisciplinary, international collaboration and the digital humanities.

“The impressive result of the efforts of Professor Cazorla-Sanchez and his fellow researchers is an online tool which can mobilize knowledge in a way that makes it accessible from around the world,” he said.

Those interested can explore the Virtual Museum for the Spanish Civil War at www.vscw.ca.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Trent University Raises over $172,000 on Giving Tuesday

Trent University surpassed their fundraising goal on Giving Tuesday, raising over $172,000 to support student-focused programming and projects at the University on Nov. 30.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Through generous gifts, alumni, staff, faculty, and the broader community underscored Trent’s important role in transforming the educational experience and building a strong foundation for the next generation of leaders,” said Sherry Booth, associate vice-president, Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement. “The overwhelming response is validation that the Trent community is committed to supporting the student experience. On behalf of all Trent students, I extend my sincere thanks to everyone who chose Trent on Giving Tuesday.”

Giving Tuesday donors were able to choose an area of interest, supporting programs and projects run through Trent’s colleges, Trent Athletics, Trent Durham GTA, and various academic programs.

Highlights from Trent's historic and record-setting #GivingTuesdayCA included a donation from Anne-Marie Prendiville ‘69 and John Gillies for the Lady Eaton College Music Room, a gift from professor emeritus Dr. Harry Kitchen in support of his student assistance fund, and a matching donation to Catharine Parr Traill College from Barbara Finlayson-Pitts ‘66.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

Dr. Stephen Stohn Reappointed Chancellor of Trent University

Award-winning producer and esteemed entertainment lawyer, Dr. Stephen Stohn ’66, has been reappointed as chancellor of Trent University for a second three-year term.

June 7, 2019 Convocation ceremony. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Over the last three years, and with great perseverance during COVID, Stephen has embodied the Trent spirit as chancellor and a champion for the University,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president of Trent. “During this time he has worn many hats – that of a judge presiding over mock trials with our Trent/Swansea dual law degree students, as an ambassador at alumni events, and a host of the Trent Talks series. We are truly fortunate to have another three years of his engagement with the entire Trent community.”

Stohn was sworn in as Trent University’s twelfth chancellor – and second alumni chancellor – in June 2019.

As host of Trent Talks – an interactive video series offering timely, reliable and thought-provoking information, he engaged with faculty members and virtual audiences exploring a range of topics including the environment, epidemiology, learning-at-home, and unmasking racism.

“As someone who was a student at Trent in its early days, it has been my delight to serve as Chancellor, some 50 years later, at a time when the University is truly manifesting its early vision and promise in such exciting ways,” said Stohn. “I look forward to continuing to serve, and to being able to spend even more time not just online but also directly, in-person and on-campus, as the pandemic recedes and all of us in the Trent community face a new future.”

Since graduating from Trent with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Economics in 1969, Dr. Stohn has been a pivotal supporter of Trent University, while enjoying an outstanding career in the entertainment industry as a lawyer, award-winning producer, songwriter and author.

Stohn is a 14-time Canadian Screen Award winner (formerly the Gemini Awards) who may be best known as the executive producer of the Degrassi television franchise. For his innumerable contributions to the industry, Mr. Stohn was inducted into the Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame in 2011.

“Chancellor Stohn is an exceptional communicator and a shining example of the potential of a Trent education,” said Marilyn Burns, vice-president of Communications, Colleges and Enrolment at Trent. “His enthusiastic engagement with Trent’s colleges and special moments with Trent students brought an air of optimism during the pandemic. We are looking forward to seeing the creativity and engagement Chancellor Stohn brings to his next term.”

Stohn’s transformational philanthropic support for Trent has also been key in the development of several projects at the University, including a $1 million gift to make the new Student Centre a reality and establish Stohn Hall lecture theatre.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.

$1 Million Estate Gift Supports Indigenous Graduate Student Scholarship at Trent University

A generous $1 million estate gift from philanthropist Bill Reid will provide opportunities for Indigenous graduate student scholarship at Trent University.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

This is the largest gift of its kind in the University’s history.

The gift will help endow the William B. Reid Scholarship, first established at Trent in 2016, providing more than $30,000 in annual funding to support Indigenous graduate students at Trent.

The scholarship will fund research expenses of Trent graduate students in Canada or abroad, hands-on training opportunities related to the thesis or major research project, and opportunities to engage with specialists in the field, through attending international conferences

“After the recent inaugural Truth and Reconciliation Day, more and more Canadians are asking themselves how they can best support Indigenous peoples,” said Sherry Booth associate vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at Trent. “Bill was a passionate individual who listened to Indigenous people’s stories, wanted to make a difference, and created a fund that encourages many young Indigenous students in their pursuit of higher education so that they, in turn, can better support their communities.”

Trent’s Indigenous Studies Ph.D. program is a first-of-its-kind in Canada, and offers students an opportunity to engage in advanced learning experiences grounded in Indigenous cultures and reflecting on the interaction between traditional and contemporary Indigenous knowledges. The University’s deep roots in reconciliation date back more than 50 years.

Reid became involved in Indigenous issues through reading, personal friendships with Indigenous people, and a hobby of collecting and restoring Indigenous beadwork, says his long-time partner, Bob Seabourn. Before his death in 2019, he donated nearly 400 pieces of beadwork to the Art Gallery of Guelph.

Reid was a long-time supporter of Trent with a legacy of giving over more than 20 years.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.