The voice on the telephone patiently explained what would be expected of an "Ashley Fellow" at Trent University. But neither Prof. Tom Hutchinson nor anyone else could really prepare us for a plunge into the midst of campus life, living in a student residence for the first time in some decades, participating in classes of several disciplines, discussing a wide range of issues with students and faculty.

So when my wife Winnifred and I moved into an apartment in Champlain College at Trent, we were not really sure of what lay ahead. After living on campus for most of November, and another three weeks in February, we can share a glimpse of what we discovered.

First, the most impressive element of Trent: its students. On days when I am tempted to feel depressed about directions in which our country seems to be headed, I need only reflect on the calibre of young people I met in classes, workshops and social events at Trent to regain my optimism. Trent seems to attract students who are free-thinking, intellectually curious, deeply concerned about the key issues of our day, and, in many cases, determined to prepare for and create careers that will enable them to contribute to a better world.

They are encouraged in this by a faculty that seems to me to be particularly imaginative, encouraging students to follow their ideals and, in many cases, to participate in programs in the wider Ontario community and internationally. Research and development relationships Trent has established in the Haliburton region and in Ecuador come to mind.

It seems to me that the qualities I observed at Trent are rooted in the fact that this is still, in the best sense of the term, a public university. It has not forgotten that it exists to serve its students, the people of Ontario, and the wider Canadian and international community. On many Canadian campuses these ideals, along with academic freedom itself, are diminishing with increasing domination by corporate interests. University of Toronto philosopher James Brown described this process in the journal "Science" as "Privatizing the University - the New Tragedy of the Commons." Trent will continue to make a unique contribution if it can avoid this trend.

So many memories of Trent. The warmth and hospitality of everyone from students to President Bonnie Patterson, but particularly on the part of our hosts, Prof. Stephen Brown, Master of Champlain College, and Prof. Kathryn Chittick. Participation in the "Chancellor's Dialogue" on water, moderated with wit and skill by Peter Gzowski, whose passing would be mourned so soon after the event. Stimulating discussions in classes with students from a number of disciplines, from ethics to water resources to agriculture to music. Meeting senior students at St. Peter's Secondary School to discuss genetic engineering - an experience convincing me that the quality of future Trent students is assured.

A glimpse of the breadth of Trent interests and influence was provided by a three-day workshop entitled "Simply Water?" sponsored by the David Sheperd family. Students, faculty and a wide range of expert contributors from across the country discussed water issues under the broad headings of "Who Owns it," "Can You Trust it," and "Is There Enough." In a process that is continuing, the workshop developed many recommendations for improvement in the stewardship of Canada's water. One suggestion for Trent itself was the establishment of a centre for the study of public water policy, a pressing need at a time when global corporations are seeking to take over management and control of our most precious resource.

Another niche for which Trent seems admirably suited would be a centre for sustainable agriculture. This has been discussed in the past by Trent faculty members, but it would seem to be a project whose time has come. People are more interested today in the sources and quality of their food, and they are concerned about the impacts of industrial agriculture. Trent owns farms which could provide the base for such a centre, many of its students have shown an interest in the issues involved, and this community with its deep rural roots would undoubtedly support research into sustainable models of agriculture.

It was a privilege to meet the founding president of Trent, Dr. Thomas Symons, and to hear from him that Prof. Allan Ashley was a mentor and friend at the University of Toronto. Prof. Ashley was a unique and influential presence on that campus; his bequest to Trent made possible the fellowship it has been my honour to hold this year. Winnifred and I are very grateful to the University and to the Peterborough community for making it a rich and fulfilling experience.

Richard C. Bocking has just completed a term as Ashley Fellow at Trent University. After graduating from the University of Manitoba as an agricultural economist, Bocking wrote, produced and directed documentary films related to science, the environment, and the performing arts for the CBC and TV networks in the U. S. and Europe for more than 25 years. He has given a collection of more than 30 of his films to the Bata Library at Trent for use by students and faculty.