Trent University Unveils Pillars Honouring Over 100 Donors and Philanthropists
/Trent University unveiled six pillars honouring 185 donors that have contributed to the school since its inception in a ceremony held on Wednesday afternoon.
Gavin Marshall (left) and Doug Kirk (right) shortly after the monuments were unveiled. Photo by David Tuan Bui.
Located outside the Student Centre, the monument commemorates receiving over $100 million in philanthropic support.
"This is a testimony to donors, contributors and to Trent who have been committed to us for 50-60 years," said Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor. "It's amazing and we thought we just had to celebrate that."
Photo by David Tuan Bui.
The idea to create the monument was created roughly two years ago according to Groarke and took roughly three weeks to install.
The first and last pillars as been marked with this quote:
“Trent University is an institution profoundly anchored in philanthropy. Our donors are vital partners, and with support from alumni, our community and friends, Trent University remains a vibrant institution for collaboration, discovery and leadership. This installation recognizes cumulative, lifetime giving to Trent University. We express our deep gratitude and appreciation to these donors for their generosity.”
The middle pillars list the donors depending on the amount of their donation in four recognition categories:
The Trent Visionaries - $1,000,000 - $10,000,000+
The Chancellors’ Guild - $500,000 - $999,999
The Governors’ Council - $250,000 - $499,999
The Presidents’ Circle - $100,000 - $249,999
During the unveiling event, Trent also announced a new $1-million gift, from long-time Trent supporters David and Joan Moore, that will establish the prestigious Moore Family International Scholarship. This new scholarship will offer a recurring four-year scholarship for three students from outside of North America.
“This momentous gift will truly impact the lives of international students,” says Sherry Booth, Trent associate vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement. “All of our supporters are vital partners, and with support from alumni, our community and friends, Trent University remains a vibrant institution for collaboration, discovery and leadership. Today’s event celebrates the momentum of positive change since the University’s inception and honours the generosity of our supporters.”
Trent thanked generous supporters who have contributed to the following initiatives over the past academic year:
Support for Indigenous graduate students through a $1 million estate gift from Bill Reid.
A new residence and academic building at Trent Durham following a successful inaugural campaign that raised $6.6 million.
A new nursing scholarship supporting local students from a rural background thanks to a $100,000 gift from Doreen Stewart RN.
Improved financial aid and student spaces following the second annual Trent Day, which raised more than $1.1 million, while also collecting non-perishables for local food banks in Peterborough and Durham.
