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Trent University's 10th Chancellor, Tom Jackson“The Creator has blessed me, challenged me, given me the opportunities that allow me to effect change, to help improve the quality of life for those who are needy and hungry, not just for food, but also for knowledge. It is with honour that I accept this new challenge and I look forward to a collaboration that will feed the need and the hunger. I feel truly blessed.” Tom Jackson
About Tom Jackson Born on the One Arrow reserve in Saskatchewan and raised in Winnipeg, Tom Jackson left school at the age of 15 and spent seven years living on the back streets of Winnipeg. This experience built the foundation of his character – a tenacious leader determined to succeed with an altruistic capacity to care for others. As a singer and songwriter, Mr. Jackson has recorded 14 albums, two of which have received Juno nominations. His rich bass baritone is recognizable to music fans and concertgoers across the country. He is also an award-winning actor. Fans of the CBC hit television series North of 60 will know him as Chief Peter Kenidi, a role he portrayed for six seasons. From Shining Time Station to Star Trek to Law & Order, Tom is no stranger to television and film and notes his favourites films - three North of 60 movies, The Diviners, Grizzly Falls, Mee-Shee The Water Giant and Skinwalkers. Mr. Jackson’s gifted voice can also be heard narrating television projects such as Life & Times, The Snow Eater and Great Canadian Rivers. Appointed an officer of the Order of Canada in 2000 for his music and humanitarian work, Mr. Jackson is well known to Canadians as an accomplished musician and actor dedicated to helping the less fortunate. At the 2007 Junos, the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences (CARAS) bestowed Mr. Jackson with the Humanitarian Award in recognition for his positive contributions to the social landscape of Canada. The Academy of Canadian Cinema & Television also presented him with their prestigious Humanitarian Award at the 2007 Geminis. Mr. Jackson also received the Queen’s Jubilee medal in 2002 and Centennial Medals from Alberta and Saskatchewan in 2005. Time Magazine named him one of Canada’s best activists, and honorary degrees have been conferred upon him by the Universities of Alberta, Calgary, Lakehead, Laurentian, Lethbridge, Regina, Winnipeg, and Victoria. Trent University granted Mr. Jackson an honorary degree in 2000. Duties of a Chancellor The Chancellor is the ceremonial head of the University who confers all degrees and diplomas on behalf of the Senate, and represents the University in an official capacity at external functions from time to time. Mr. Jackson’s three-year term runs from July 1, 2009 to June 30, 2012. The appointment is renewable. On September 24, 2009 there was a special dual installation ceremony held at Trent University for Chancellor Jackson and President Franklin. |
