Trent remembers Peter Gzowski
Voice of a Chancellor Continued
Peter Gzowski died of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. He was Trent's eighth Chancellor, known for the personal touch he gave to each encounter with students, faculty, staff and community members alike. Mr. Gzowski received an honorary degree from Trent in 1987 and donated his papers to the University in 1991. He had been re-appointed as Chancellor in November of 2001. At the time, he stated, "Trent was more important to me when I had the honor of first taking this job and it has grown more important to me every year . . . I am thrilled and honored again to be a part of this special university."
Trent President Bonnie Patterson spoke at both the Trent University memorial tribute and at the public memorial at Convocation Hall in Toronto. "Just as Peter made listeners of his radio programs feel that he was speaking directly to them, he also made strong individual connections with people at Trent," she said. "Whether he was speaking to a student, a member of faculty or staff, Peter made you feel that you were the sole focus of his attention . . . I believe that we should carry a little bit of Peter's spirit in all that we do. This would be the best possible tribute to his life's work"
Voice of a Chancellor: A memorial tribute to Peter Gzowski was attended by students, alumni, faculty, staff, and members of the surrounding community. The event featured speakers who had connected with Mr. Gzowski both inside and outside of Trent University: Avie Bennett, Chancellor of York University; Professor Stephen Brown, student Lynda Mannik; Eugene McKeiver, a retired Trent employee; Professor Orm Mitchell; David Morton, former President and CEO of Quaker Oats of Canada Ltd.; and Trent President Bonnie Patterson. Jazz and blues singer Molly Johnson accompanied by Andrew Craig on piano, sang two songs in his honour. Together, Erin Leahy on piano and Donnell Leahy on fiddle played a Hungarian song. The Otonaabe Women's Handdrum Singers played a song in honour of Mr. Gzowski's spirit. Local actors Kate Story and Emily Glasspool read selected messages from the condolence book. Clips from various interviews punctuated the event.
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Last updated November 30, 2001