It was truly a night to remember as Trent University welcomed hundreds of alumni, community supporters, staff, faculty and friends to a spectacular 50th Anniversary Chancellor's Gala on Friday, October 17, 2014, celebrating five decades of learning, laughs, friendship and unforgettable experiences.

President Leo Groarke, chancellor Don Tapscott ’66, and Master of Ceremonies, bestselling author Linwood Barclay ’73, welcomed over 300 guests to the Trent Community Sport and Recreation Centre to celebrate Trent’s past, present and future on this milestone occasion. Special guests included Ontario's newly-appointed Lieutenant Governor, The Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, who brought congratulations to the Trent community; past Trent chancellor Roberta Bondar; past presidents Bonnie Patterson and John Stubbs; and founding president Tom Symons, who shared wonderful memories of Trent's earliest days.

The evening also featured the debut of a new tribute video in celebration of the anniversary: watch "50 Years of Trent University"​ for an in-depth reflection on the meaning of this milestone in our history.

The weekend celebrations are far from over, as Trent brings two more unique and memorable events to the Peterborough community on Saturday, October 18. The Community Parade honours the original opening ceremony of Trent University at Rubidge Hall, Trent’s first home, in 1964. Showplace will also feature a truly one-of-a-kind performance at "Trent @ 50: In Story & Song."

To learn more about the anniversary celebrations, please visit trentu.ca/fifty and follow @TrentUniversity and #Trentu50 on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.

Posted on Saturday, October 18, 2014.