Trent University alumna and recently retired staff member Katherine Curle has been announced as the recipient of the 2014 Eminent Service Award in recognition of 25 years of passionate and dedicated service to the University.
Ms. Curle began her career working in the Trent International Program (TIP) Office in 1988, followed by time spent as the secretary of the women’s studies department, and then as the college assistant at Lady Eaton College from 1993 until her retirement in January 2014. Her colleagues among Trent staff and faculty have praised her exceptional commitment to student recruitment and relationship-building and her positive influence on student life.
Created in 1978, the Eminent Service Award is bestowed by the University Board of Governors on the advice of the Senate, and recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the life of Trent University.
“On behalf of the Board of Governors, I congratulate Katherine for this significant recognition of her long-standing commitment to Trent University and its students,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Our mission is to offer a unique educational experience, providing an excellent environment for the learning and growth of each student. Katherine’s dedication throughout her career exemplifies why Trent is truly special.”
During the 21 years Ms. Curle worked at Lady Eaton College, she was a force of both consistency and positivity, meeting with students regularly and acting as a significant resource to them. Her colleagues affirmed that she made the college office a positive place to work, which also improved the student experience. Lady Eaton itself experienced many milestones during Ms. Curle’s time as college assistant, including the College’s 40th anniversary. Ms. Curle’s support was vital to these activities, and her dedication helped to foster a sense of collegial respect and pride at Trent. Indeed, colleagues have stated that although her job was to help run a college, her true career at Trent was helping to create homes.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my 25 years at Trent. I learned so much from the students, faculty and staff – it was really a reciprocal relationship,” said Ms. Curle, who completed a Bachelor degree in sociology and women’s studies at Trent as a part-time student in 1996. “When I heard about the Eminent Service Award, I was really surprised and really pleased.”
Ms. Curle also received the inaugural Provost’s Award for Academic Support Staff in 2013, which recognized her as a member of the support staff at Trent who play an important role in student retention and who are indispensable to the academic enterprise. She will receive the Eminent Service Award at Trent University Convocation on June 3, 2014.
Posted on Monday, May 5, 2014.