For the past 38 years, Dr. James Struthers has enjoyed a remarkable career as a professor in the Canadian Studies department which has immersed him into almost every aspect of Trent University life.

“Working at Trent has allowed me to combine the right proportions of administrative work, teaching, and research,” says Professor Struthers, an historian who specializes in Canadian social policy. “I’ve been incredibly lucky to have this long a career in one place, and for that place to be Trent University.”

Since arriving at Trent in 1977, Prof. Struthers has played important roles in the Trent University Faculty Association, the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies, the Trent Community Research Centre, and the new Trent Centre for Aging and Society. He twice chaired the department of Canadian Studies, served as director of the Frost Centre, and was an editor of the Canadian Historical Review and an associate editor of the Journal of Canadian Studies.

In 2008 Prof. Struthers received the University’s highest award for research, the Trent Research Award, and in 2010 he was awarded the Trent University Award for Educational Leadership and Innovation.

Reflecting on his long career, Prof. Struthers considers the people he associated with to be a highlight.  “I’ve been privileged to work with wonderful faculty, staff, and students,” he says. “I’ve learned as much from my students as I’ve given to them. It’s been a reciprocal relationship.”

“Jim is the ideal academic,” says Dr. Chris Dummitt, current chair of the department of Canadian Studies. “He has given service to the University in so many ways, but he is also an unassuming, humble man.”

In honour of Prof. Struthers’ service, Trent University has established “The James Struthers Canadian Studies Library Fund,” which will be used to purchase important Canadian Studies materials for Trent University’s libraries.

“There is a pressing need to obtain new resources, not only books but also digital materials which are now so essential for students,” Professor Dummitt says.

Commenting on the fund, Prof. Struthers, who intends to continue writing and conducting research after his formal retirement, says: “I’m excited that I can lend my name to funding that will add collections to the university and enhance Trent as a place to study and do research in Canadian Studies.”

Donations to the James Struthers Canadian Studies Library Fund can be made at https://mycommunity.trentu.ca/give-now.

Posted on Tuesday, March 31, 2015.