Three Long-Serving Members of Trent University Community to Be Honoured with 2018 Eminent Service Award
Bryan Davies, Sue Graham Parker and Gillian Stamp to be recognized at convocation ceremonies in June
Two Board members and a longtime Trent employee are this year’s recipients of the prestigious Eminent Service Award, to be presented in June at Trent University’s Convocation ceremonies.
The honour, which has been handed out annually at Trent’s convocation since 1978, recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to life at Trent during their time at the University. The 2018 recipients are: past Board chair Bryan Davies, Trent alumna and Board member Sue Graham Parker, and Gillian Stamp, former assistant athletics director.
“All three recipients of the Eminent Service Award have made a tremendous impact on the Trent community,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “Bryan, Sue and Gillian are incredibly dedicated members of our community. We look forward to celebrating them at convocation in June.”
Bryan Davies has brought his extensive experience in the business, government and academic sectors to Trent through his various roles on the Board of Governors. Mr. Davies was first appointed to the Board in 2008. Throughout his time with Trent, he chaired the Advisory Committee to Review the Presidency and served as both Board vice-chair and chair before leaving the Board in 2016. He is also recognized for his role as a philanthropic leader, contributing to and supporting many fundraising initiatives, including Trent’s new Student Centre, the Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship and Bata Library renewal.
“I feel very privileged to be receiving this award,” said Mr. Davies. “Several years ago, the Alumni Association granted me honorary status and that truly cemented my already strong relationship with this wonderful institution. I am flattered to be recognized as a dedicated member of the Trent family.”
Sue Graham Parker ’73 has been a longtime supporter of her alma mater, giving back to the Trent community in countless ways. She was a strong supporter of the Student Centre, with the event space patio in the new building named after Ms. Graham Parker and Jim Parker thanks to her generous donation. Ms. Graham Parker has also provided exceptional leadership on the Board of Governors since joining in 2011.
Speaking of the award, Ms. Graham Parker said: “it is truly an honour to receive the Trent University Eminent Service Award and I am humbled and grateful to be chosen as a recipient. I often say that I have benefited much more by my association with Trent as a former student and graduate than I could ever hope to repay. It’s been my great pleasure to serve on the Board of Governors for the past seven years and as a proud resident of Durham I will continue to watch and applaud Trent's ongoing success.”
Gillian Stamp has shown immeasurable commitment and dedication to Trent University both as an employee and as a volunteer. She was the assistant director of athletics at Trent for 15 years during which she was a varsity coach, and committed much of her time to intramural programs, and community recreation partnerships. Ms. Stamp has been actively volunteering with Trent for 25 years since her retirement.
“I’m very honoured to receive this award. My work with Athletics, including intramural and varsity sport, didn’t feel like work at all. I thoroughly enjoyed the years I was at Trent,” said Ms. Stamp. “Since I’ve been retired, it was only natural that I return to volunteer.”
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
Kate Gennings, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or kategennings@trentu.ca