Four who make a difference

Four individuals were acknowledged for personal excellence and contributions to the advancement of Trent during this year's convocation ceremonies.

Marg Sanders, a recently retired staff member who made an enormous impact on the lives of faculty, other staff and students throughout 20 years of dedicated service to Trent was presented with an Eminent Service Award during the afternoon ceremonies. Colin Taylor, Dean of Arts and Science, called the award "another small way that we can show how important she has been to this university."

Marg Sanders

Lois Davidson

Lois Davidson, a member of the Peterborough legal community, received the Eminent Service Award at the morning session. In her introduction Ann Farquharson, lawyer and member of the Trent community, said Davidson's tremendous involvment in the university Foundation has been instrumental in the success it has achieved. "Lois invested a great deal of time and expertise in the establishment, marketing and management of the Foundation." Davidson, who was Founding Chair, continues to serve as a Director of the Trent University Foundation.

Internationally respected sleep expert and long-time member of Trent University's Psychology Department Carlyle Smith was honoured with the Distinguished Research Award. Noted for outstanding faculty performance in research, Dr. Smith has contributed to the understanding of how the brain, during sleep, continues to process information that was learned earlier in the waking state. His work has led to fundamental changes in our understanding of the complex interrelationships among sleep, learning and memory.

Carlyle Smith

Richard Hurley

The Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching was given to Dr. Richard Hurley, Associate Professor and Chair of Computer Studies, in recognition of outstanding teaching and exemplary concern for students. Kim Fielding a student member of the Teaching Awards committee said Dr.Hurley is "dedicated to his students" bringing to the classroom a commitment to education and "a level of knowledge on pace with an ever-changing field of study."

President Patterson paid tribute to the award recipients saying that "they are all people who make a difference in the lives of friends and family members graduating today."