Trent University’s Officially Installs Zabeen Hirji As Institution's 13th Chancellor; Ready to Lead Next Wave of Students to Success

Zabeen Hirji has been officially installed as Trent University’s newest chancellor; the 13th in the institution’s history, during a convocation ceremony on Wednesday morning.

Hirji (Right) dances with Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent President and vice-chancellor (Left) and other faculty during one of the convocation ceremonies for the class of 2026. Photo by David Tuan Bui.

She began as a bank teller before assuming prominent roles. She was an executive advisor at Deloitte on the future of work, a member of the Board of the Public Policy Forum and a special advisor to public service leaders. She serves on the Board of Junior Achievement Worldwide, a global youth-serving organization and a top 10 NGO. 

The newly installed chancellor holds a Master of Business Administration from Simon Fraser University and an ICD.D (from the Institute of Corporate Directors) and is a fellow of Centennial College.

@ptbo_canada Zabeen Hirji has been officially installed as Trent University’s newest chancellor; the 13th in the institution’s history. #ptbocanada #journalism #fyp #news #trentuniversity ♬ Graduation Day - Jhovanmusic

Hirji came to Canada from Tanzania in 1974. She says that, in assuming the role of chancellor, given the challenges she has faced since immigrating, she is ready to help the next wave of students achieve their goals and dreams, as she reached hers when she came to the country.

“When I think about the country that Canada is and the opportunities that people have (and not just regardless of where people come from but because of where we come from), we really value the different perspectives,” explained Hirji. “When I stop to think about it, it's reassuring that this is the Canada I came to and this is the Canada I think we all want for all Canadians so being part of Trent now is really that opportunity for me to support young people to achieve their potential.”

Hirji begins her tenure on July 1 on a three-year term. Serving as Trent’s ceremonial head and chief ambassador, Hirji will preside over convocation ceremonies to confer degrees and help advance the University’s public profile, community engagement and external relationships. She succeeds Stephen Stohn, who held the role since 2019.

“Go outside your comfort zone, push yourself into places you perhaps you don't think you belong, step into it, step into opportunities that are there for work,” Hirji explained. “Judge success by your own standards. There are so many different ways you can achieve success and be guided by your purpose.”

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Trent University Canada Research Chair Receives Polar Medal From Governor General of Canada

With his work for Arctic sovereignty and northern security, Trent University’s Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer has been awarded the Polar Medal from Mary Simon, former Trent chancellor and Governor General of Canada.

Dr. P. Whitney Lackenbauer (right) stands with fellow Polar Medal recipient Marie-Pierre Parenteau (left) and Governor General Mary Simon (middle) after the medal presentation ceremony. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Whitney’s work on polar policy and research has helped shape Canada’s understanding and engagement in the North at a pivotal moment for our country,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Through leadership service and his role with the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group, he is advancing Canada’s work in Arctic sovereignty and security. It is an exception honour for Trent to see Whitney recognized with the Polar Medal.”

The Polar Medal is awarded to individuals who have provided outstanding service in support of scientific research and exploration relating to Canada’s polar regions and interests. A professor in the School for the Study of Canada at Trent University, Prof. Lackenbauer’s award-winning research explores the historical and socio-political dimensions of Arctic governance and the relationships between Northern peoples, their environment and federal policy.

“In 2026, I cannot say strongly enough how vital this work is—how much it matters to our country and to our shared future. For a long time, there was a disconnect between the needs of Arctic peoples and the decisions that shaped their lives, not to mention the legacy of colonialism,” said Simon. “Today, the Arctic is seen as a region of opportunity. Issues of security and sovereignty are coming to the forefront. Dr. Lackenbauer: thank you for your research on Arctic governance and for your commitment to security, notably as honorary lieutenant-colonel of the 1st Canadian Ranger Patrol Group.”

“With a proliferation of perceived security and sovereignty challenges through, to, and in the Arctic, it is more important than ever to characterize threats appropriately and to ensure that the right actors are empowered with the right tools to mitigate risks and respond as needed,” said Lackenbauer.

Prof. Lackenbauer has worked with the Canadian Ranger Patrol Group forovern a decade, which has been a source of knowledge and guidance for much of his work on community-centred policy and advancing knowledge of Arctic governance, Northern sovereignty and security. In 2025, he published TAKUNIQ: The Canadian Rangers and Canada’s High Arctic in an Era of Strategic Competition, based on his ongoing engagement in this capacity, working alongside Northern communities.

“The Canadian Rangers are the Canadian Armed Force’s eyes, ears and voice in the North, and Northern communities’ voice in the Canadian Armed Forces,” said Prof. Lackenbauer. “Most of the ‘exploring’ that I have done is with experts who are operating in their homeland, which they know intimately. If anything, I have learned to become an ‘expert’ in following their lead, listening to them and then being entrusted with telling stories of what they or we have experienced in hopes that this will improve policy, practice and public awareness.”

Created in 2015 as part of the Canadian Honours System, the Polar Medal was last awarded in 2019. Prof. Lackenbauer is the second Trent faculty member to receive the honour, following the late Arctic historian and author Dr. Shelagh Grant, one of the medal’s inaugural recipients in 2015.

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Trent University Statistician Receives Two National Awards for Teaching Excellence

Dr. Wesley Burr, associate professor and chair of Mathematics & Statistics at Trent University, is the recipient of two national honours for teaching excellence, announced on Monday.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

Burr received the Statistics Society of Canada’s (SSC) 2026 Early Career Educator Award and the Canadian Mathematical Society’s (CMS) 2026 Excellence in Teaching Award. 

“Stemming from his ability to combine expertise with enthusiasm and curiosity, Dr. Burr’s work is transforming the experience of learning math and stats for countless learners,” says Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent president and vice-chancellor. “Some students are intimidated by mathematics, and Wesley is effectively changing that experience. He is helping students build confidence and competence in their learning journey of statistics. These national honours recognize Dr. Burr’s commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.” 

“Mathematics and statistics are fundamental for life and learning, particularly in the sciences, but like a language, you have to practice and speak it regularly to gain fluency. All it takes for kids to believe they can't do math is one bad year, so people close that door too early and shut themselves off from some really interesting possibilities,” explained Burr. “Like a story, courses in math and stats should take students on a journey. Students start somewhere, arrive somewhere else, and along the way they’re connecting ideas, reinforcing concepts and growing.”

Since joining Trent in 2016, Prof. Burr has taught 19 different courses, some as many as 13 times. 

This month, Burr will formally receive the CMS Excellence in Teaching Award at the 2026 CMS Summer Meeting in Saint John, N.B. and the SSC Early Career Educator Award at the 2026 SSC Annual Meeting in Hamilton.

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Trent University to Undertake Major Rehabilitation For Faryon Bridge With Philanthropic Support

Trent University’s Faryon Bridge rehabilitation and renewal project is underway after more than six million dollars in donations were raised, announced on Thursday afternoon.

The Fayon bridge is widely regarded as one of the defining works within Canadian architect Ron Thom’s master plan for the University, brought to life by architect Paul Merrick and structural engineer Morden Yolles. File Photo.

The project is to preserve its structural integrity, support safe daily use, and protect its defining architectural features for future generations.

“The Faryon Bridge is central to the identity of Trent’s Symons Campus, and this rehabilitation project will help preserve both its architectural significance and role in everyday campus life well into the future,” said Julie Davis, vice-president, External Relations & Development. “We are incredibly thankful for the support this project has already received.”

The Faryon Bridge serves as the main connection between the east and west banks of the campus. According to the University, it supports thousands of daily crossings while carrying critical power and telecommunications infrastructure across the Otonabee River. Independent engineering assessments confirmed the need for significant rehabilitation work to maintain the bridge’s structural integrity and long-term reliability.

It opened in 1968 as part of the original vision for Trent. Its design has earned national recognition, including a merit citation from the Design Canada Concrete Awards in 1971.

The Faryon Bridge has been part of generations of Trent’s growth, from convocation and Head of the Trent to student chalking, postering and public expression. Several love stories, bearing witness to first kisses, engagements and wedding photos have occurred on the bridge.

That connection inspired Doug Kirk, chair of Trent’s Board of Governors, and his partner, Mary, to kickstart the fundraising campaign for the Faryon Bridge rehabilitation with a $1-million gift.

“The Faryon Bridge is tremendously important to the Symons Campus and to the Trent community,” said Kirk. “We made this gift to help ensure the bridge is restored fully and part of a defining Trent experience for the next generations of students. We encourage others to dig deep and help support this meaningful project.”

Work on the bridge began in February and will continue over multiple construction seasons. The project includes renewing the deck and balustrades, restoring the beams and arches that support the structure and strengthening the piers and foundations. Environmental stewardship will guide each phase of the work to protect the Otonabee River and surrounding habitat, and heritage stewardship will preserve its original design and visual presence on campus.

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Trent Excalibur Hires New Head Coach For Women's Rugby Ahead of 2026-27 Season

Trent Athletics has named Luke Bentvelzen as the new head coach of the Excalibur women’s rugby program for the 2026-27 season.

Photo courtesy of Trent Athletics.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Luke to the Excalibur coaching staff and to our women’s rugby program,” said Nathan McFadden, director of athletics and recreation. “He brings an exceptional breadth of experience in rugby, along with a strong commitment to leadership, education, and student-athlete development. Luke has already made a meaningful impact within the local rugby community, and we’re excited to see him bring that energy and expertise to Trent as we continue to build a competitive and supportive environment for our women’s rugby student-athletes.” 

Bentvelzen is a former professional rugby player and veteran coach who has worked with athletes at all levels of the game in Canada, Australia and New Zealand. Most recently, he served as head coach of the senior women’s program at the Peterborough Rugby Union Football Club, where he led the team to an undefeated 2022 season and promotion to the provincial league. 

Outside of coaching, Bentvelzen has worked with the Male Allyship and Leadership Coordinator with the Kawartha Sexual Assault Centre, where he has led violence prevention and education initiatives across the local sport community. He worked with organizations including the Peterborough Petes and minor hockey associations, designing and facilitating on topics such as healthy relationships, consent, bystander intervention and positive team culture according to a press release.

Bentvelzen currently serves as Coordinator of Training and Education with Rugby Canada, where he supports coach and athlete development programming across the country. He previously served as Coordinator of Leagues and Competitions at Rugby Ontario, contributing to the structure and delivery of competitive rugby throughout the province. 

“I’m grateful to be given the opportunity to work with a fantastic staff at an institution with a great academic reputation,” said Bentvelzen. “There is a great group of coaches and returning players that I think can lay a foundation of continued excellence.” 

He added that he hopes to elevate both the program’s performance profile and its regional impact.

“We want to be a destination for student-athletes to begin or continue their rugby journey in an environment that supports their holistic development,” said Bentvelzen.

The Excalibur women’s rugby team will begin preparations for the upcoming season later this summer.

Trent Excalibur Rowing Captures Women’s National Sculling Championship at U.S. Regatta

The Trent University Excalibur rowing team returned home with three gold medals, one silver medal and the National Women’s Overall Sculling Championship title at the 2026 Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta over the weekend.

Photo courtesy of Trent Athletics.

The team consisted of 21 varsity and novice student-athletes under the guidance of varsity rowing head coach Ugette Vanderpost and novice women’s rowing coach Kate Mackenzie. The Excalibur earned the championship title by accumulating the highest point total across the women’s sculling events.

“After five long months of rigorous winter training and only a short window on the water before racing, this team showed extraordinary resilience and unity at the prestigious Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta,” said Vanderpost. “We came away with incredible results, but what impressed me most was how these student-athletes responded to every challenge - near wins, unexpected losses, difficult weather, injuries, fatigue, and fierce competition.”

Hosted by Thomas Jefferson University on the Cooper River in Pennsauken, N.J., the annual Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta is the largest collegiate regatta in North America, with over 100 universities from Canada and the U.S competing. This year was the 50th anniversary of women being able to compete at the event.

Tess Friar in the Women’s Single, placed first in her time trial, semifinal and final while leading from start to finish. She finished more than 26 seconds ahead of the second-place finisher in the final.

Caitlin Cox earned silver in the Women’s Double, finishing just four seconds behind Queen's University. Nina Sadlik and Avery Nelder added points with a sixth-place finish in the same event.

The championship was sealed in the Women’s Quadruple Sculls, where Ellie Hutt, Lillian Terpstra, Mia Switzer and Nelder captured gold in 7:24, defeating the crew from Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) by six seconds.

One of the weekend’s most memorable moments came from the Frosh/Novice Women’s Eight. Just 10 minutes before launching for the Grand Final, the crew discovered a damaged part that made their boat unusable. According to Trent Athletics, after the team scrambled to find a replacement, Queen's University offered its varsity eight boat. The Trent student-athletes raced in an unfamiliar shell with different oars and a completely reversed seating order.

Trent rowed to a gold-medal finish, defeating La Salle University and the University of Pittsburgh by 20 seconds.

“Despite these challenges, we trusted each other, executed our race plan, and came out with a dominant gold,” said student-athlete Sam Moss. “To represent Trent at the largest collegiate American regatta and to do so well brings me so much pride. To do it alongside the best crew makes it that much better.”

Trent Excalibur rowing full team results are as follows:

Gold Medals:

• Varsity Women’s Single (1x): Tess Friar - 8:24.350 finish, 26.25 seconds ahead of second place finisher Drexel University.

• Varsity Women’s Quadruple Sculls (4x): Ellie Hutt, Lillian Terpstra, Mia Switzer and Avery Nelder -  7:24 finish, beating Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Oklahoma City University.

• Frosh/Novice Women’s Eight (8+): Isabelle Plourde, J. VandenAkker, A. Ferguson, L. Lajoie, E. Batchelor, S. LeMoine, Sam Moss, E. Narraway, and H. Scullion - 07:36.380 finish. Defeated LaSalle University by 20 seconds at the finish.

Silver Medals:

• Women’s Double (2x): Tess Friar and Caitlin Cox - 7:46 finish, four seconds behind Queen’s University.

Additional Standout Performances

• 4th Place – Men’s Single (1x): Gus Suddard

• 6th Place – Women’s Double (2x): Nina Sadlik and Avery Nelder

• 7th Overall – Men’s Double (2x): Sam Ferrer and Brayden Walsh

• 8th Overall – Men’s Single (1x): Luke Sullivan

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Head Coach Returns to Lead Trent Excalibur Men’s Curling

Joe Muldoon is returning as head coach of the Trent Excalibur men’s curling program for the 2026–27 season, announced on Tuesday.

Photo courtesy of Trent Athletics.

Muldoon previously led the men’s team from 2016 to 2022 before transitioning to the women’s program following the retirement of longtime coach Dave Farnell. During his time with the women’s team, Muldoon led the Excalibur to top-eight finishes and Ontario University Athletics quarterfinal appearances in each of his seasons as head coach. 

He was named Ontario University Athletics (OUA) Women’s Curling Coach of the Year for the 2022–23 season.

In 2024–25, Muldoon moved into a lead assistant coach role as Dillon Muldoon took over as head coach of the women’s program. Under Dillon’s leadership, the Excalibur women achieved their highest finish since 2008, placing fourth in the province during the 2025–26 season. 

“We’re fortunate at Trent to have a tremendous curling coaching staff and Joe has been an integral part of that,” said Nathan McFadden, director of Athletics and Recreation. “We’re thrilled to have him move into this leadership position with our men’s curling program, which took a major step forward last season. Having both of our men’s and women’s curling teams led by a former OUA Coach of the Year is unique and positions Trent curling at the forefront of coaching excellence as part of our overall student-athlete experience.”

Joe returns to the men’s program after his 2025–26 campaign under head coach Brad Robinson. The Excalibur earned their first OUA playoff berth since 2013 and finished among the top eight teams in the province.

“I am excited to take on the coaching duties of the men’s varsity curling team again,” said Joe. “I look forward to working with our talented student-athletes and continuing the development and success of the program at the OUA and USPORTS levels.”

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New Vice-President and Head of Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area Appointed

Trent University has appointed Glenn Craney as vice-president and head of Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, effective July 1. 

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Glenn brings deep experience across Ontario’s postsecondary system, paired with a strong understanding of government, planning, and community engagement,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor. “As Trent Durham continues to grow and evolve, Glenn’s leadership will support our commitment to students, our relationships in the region, and Trent’s vision as a dual-campus university.” 

“I am honoured to be joining Trent University at an important moment for Trent Durham,” said Craney. “Trent has built something truly distinctive in Durham, rooted in community and an exemplary experience for a diverse range of students. I look forward to working with faculty, staff, students, and partners to support the campus’s continued growth and development.” 

With over 25 years in leadership roles, Craney most recently served as vice-president, Planning & Strategy at Humber Polytechnic, where he led institutional planning, enrolment management, facilities development and operations across multiple campuses. 

Prior to Humber, Craney served as deputy provost and chief strategy officer at Toronto Metropolitan University. In this role, he led the development of TMU’s Brampton strategy, which resulted in the creation of the first new medical school in the Greater Toronto Area in more than a century and included negotiating a landmark multimillion-dollar municipal contribution. He also played a key role in implementing TMU’s inaugural international strategy, which led to a significant increase in international enrolment and the development of transnational campuses across three continents. 

Earlier in his career, Craney served as assistant deputy minister with Ontario’s Ministry of Advanced Education and Skills Development, contributing to postsecondary policy and system-level planning across the province. Prior to this, he served as the founding executive director of the Ontario Council on Articulation and Transfer (ONCAT), where he established and led the new provincial agency, facilitating student mobility across Ontario’s 45 publicly-funded universities, colleges and Indigenous Institutes. Craney completed undergraduate and graduate studies in economics at Western University and the University of Toronto, respectively. 

This appointment follows the completion of Dr. Scott Henderson’s interim role as vice-president and head of Trent University Durham since 2024, after having served as dean and head of Trent Durham for five years. Henderson continues as a faculty member at Trent University.

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Trent Giving Day Raises Over $2.6M in Support of Student Opportunities

The Trent University community raised more than $121,000 during the 2026 Trent Giving Day, bringing Giving Day contributions over $2.6 million in support of students over the past six years.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

“Thank you to the Trent community for your generosity that strengthens our student supports and reflects our shared commitment to their future and the momentous impact they will have on the world,” said Sandy Marett, Trent associate vice president of Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement.

Launched in 2021, Trent Giving Day is a 24-hour campaign that supports students where it matters most, including on-campus employment, experiential learning, wellness initiatives, scholarships, and enhancements to collegiate and campus spaces.

This year’s campaign saw major support from alumna Joanne Dereta, who increased her matching gift to $18,000.

“Seeing the level of engagement and participation on Trent Giving Day to support Trent students encouraged me to increase my match and gift to the Trent Fund so that even more students can access opportunities and support,” said Dereta.

Trent Giving Day also highlighted the Trent Fund, the University’s most flexible source of support, helping address students’ most pressing needs, including financial assistance, on-campus employment, experiential learning opportunities, and wellness supports.

Tabytha Wells benefited from the Trent Fund by securing on-campus employment that aligned with her research interests in Aging. Wells worked with the Trent Centre for Aging & Society and gained invaluable experience launching an intergenerational classroom model that fosters connection between Trent students and older adults.

“My work with TCAS was the ultimate launchpad,” she said. “It gave me the professional velocity to transition from a student to a researcher, providing the skills to ensure that academic work actively makes life more accessible and equitable for our neighbours.” 

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Trent University Chinese Program of Languages and Linguistics On Display at Its 25th Chinese Bridge Chinese Language Proficiency Competition

The Chinese Bridge Chinese Language Proficiency Competition for Foreign University Students was successfully at Trent University on Saturday.

Dr. Shaoling Wang (left) and third-place winner Antonella Batchi (right). Batachi competed and placed in the top three despite having studied only one semester of Chinese. Photo courtesy of Trent University.

The event was organized by the Chinese Program of Languages and Linguistics (L&L) and sponsored by the Centre for Language Education and Cooperation in China, as well as the Education Division of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto.

This year’s competition was especially significant as it marked the 25th anniversary of the globally recognized event. The theme, ‘One World, One Family,’ which emphasized cross-cultural understanding and global connection.

The competition consisted of two parts: a speech and a cultural talent performance. According to a press release, participants demonstrated not only linguistic ability but also creativity and cultural appreciation through performances tied to Chinese traditions. The event also featured special guest performances, including a Comic Cross Talk presentation by Mr. Qining Wang and Heliang Yu of the Toronto Happy Laughing Association, and a traditional dance by students from Queen’s University, adding further cultural richness and audience engagement to the program.

Dr. Shaoling Wang from Trent’s Chinese Program of L&L has long been involved in the event, serving both as an adjudicator and as a dedicated mentor preparing students for participation. In earlier years, Trent University had limited recognition and support for the event, with most funding directed toward larger institutions. Through continued effort and advocacy, Dr. Wang successfully secured funding this year, enabling Trent’s Chinese Program to host the competition—an important milestone for the university.

Students trained by Dr. Wang have achieved notable success in past competitions, earning first-, second- and third-place prizes. This year, two of her students, Antonella Batchi and Magali Nichol, participated in the contest.

Although Magali Nichol was unable to compete in person due to a recent move, she submitted pre-recorded entries for both components of the competition. Her talent performance featured a traditional Chinese folk song played on the piano, demonstrating both musical skill and cultural appreciation.

Antonella Batchi earned third prize, despite that she had studied Chinese for only one semester. Batachi recited a poem by a Tang Dynasty poet reflecting on enduring friendship despite distance, aligning with the competition theme.

The competition brought together participants from multiple institutions, including Trent University, the University of Toronto (Scarborough, St. George, and Mississauga campuses), and Toronto Metropolitan University. The first and 2 second prize winners came from the University of Toronto Scarborough campus and Mississauga campus, and they are Thuy Nguyen, Brendan Webster and Harshita Nagireddy, respectively, while the remaining two third prize winners (a total of three) are Alon Averbouch and Bobbi Rimrott, represented the University of Toronto St. George campus and Toronto Metropolitan University. The remaining contestants also contributed to the strong level of competition. The MC of the event was last year’s first prize winner of the competition, Elizabeth Schunner, who graduated from the University of Waterloo. She used both Chinese and English to connect the contestants and the audience.

To make the competition more transparent and fair, the organizing committee invited adjudicators experienced in Chinese language teaching outside the university system. They are: Mr. Tian Yang from the International Language, Peel District School Board; Ms. Yuanzhi Cai from the International Language, Toronto District School Board; Ms. Ling Yu, retired from Havergal College; Ms. Jinghua Li from Hong He Chinese School, Waterloo and Ms. Jingming Li from Upper Canada College.

Distinguished guests in attendance included Trent University’s Associate Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences and Languages and Linguistics Coordinator, Dr. Martin Boyne; Counselor Meng Zhang and Consul Ying Wang of the Chinese Consulate General in Toronto – Education Division; and Allie Bonner from the office of Peterborough MP Emma Harrison. They delivered opening and closing remarks, recognizing the importance of the event and celebrating participants' achievements.

As Dr. Shaoling Wang noted, events such as the Chinese Bridge Chinese Language Proficiency Competition not only promote awareness of the Chinese language and culture and highlight the host institution, but also, most importantly, provide valuable opportunities for student volunteers to develop teamwork and organizational skills.

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