For their commitment and dedication to Trent University and its students, Dr. James Struthers and Dr. Jim Sutcliffe will receive the 2015 Eminent Service Awards at this year's convocation ceremonies.

First awarded in 1978, the award is bestowed by the Board of Governors and recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the life of the University.

"Professor Struthers and Professor Sutcliffe have had remarkable, multi-faceted careers at Trent," said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor at Trent. "I am thoroughly impressed by their contributions to teaching, research and service. We are lucky to have had them choose Trent as the place to develop their careers and look forward to celebrating them at our upcoming convocation ceremonies."

Nominated for the award by their colleagues, Professors Struthers and Sutcliffe, who are both retiring from Trent this year, were lauded for their strengths as leaders within their faculties and across the University.

"Jim has an uncanny ability to offer support to those around him, stepping forward when needed and, even more notable, stepping back when that is the supportive thing to do," stated one nominator, adding Prof. Struthers is an incredible mentor to junior faculty members and students alike.

An historian who specializes in the country's social policy, Prof. Struthers is a long-time faculty member in the Department of Canadian Studies. Since 1977, he 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 prestigious Journal of Canadian Studies. In 2008, Prof. Struthers received the University's Distinguished Research Award, and in 2010 he was awarded the Trent University Award for Educational Leadership and Innovation.

"I am deeply honoured to receive this award," Prof. Struthers said. "Trent University has provided so many opportunities for me to combine administrative work, teaching, and research in ways that connect the University's mission to the wider community."

Prof. Sutcliffe began his career at Trent in the Department of Biology in 1989. He is Trent's resident research expert on biting flies and his teaching interests include biology of insects and infectious disease biology. During his tenure at Trent, Prof. Sutcliffe has held roles including chair of the Department of Biology, acting chair of the Department of Anthropology and associate dean of Science. He has also served on an array of committees including Faculty Board and Senate. He is a strong supporter of the longstanding Peterborough Regional Science Fair and played an integral role in the Canada Wide Science Fair hosted at Trent in 2010. In 1997, Prof. Sutcliffe received the Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, and has been noted for his effective lecturing style, approachability and enthusiasm.

"Dr. Sutcliffe's 26-year career at Trent University represents a lifetime of contribution and accomplishment beyond excellence," stated one nominator. "He has given selflessly to Trent, through his love of teaching and his extensive administrative and volunteer service."

Speaking of the honour, Prof. Sutcliffe said "It's a little humbling to contemplate being in the company of so many that I have admired for their efforts and commitment to making a better Trent. One has to be nominated for the Eminent Service Award so it's especially gratifying for me to know that colleagues and co-workers think highly enough of whatever I have been able to contribute in my two-and-a-half or so decades at Trent to have made this effort."

Prof. Sutcliffe will receive the Eminent Service Award at Trent's convocation ceremony on Tuesday, June 2 at 10:00 a.m. Prof. Struthers will be presented with the award during the ceremony on Wednesday, June 3 at 10:00 a.m.

For more information on Trent University convocation and the Eminent Service Award, visit www.trentu.ca/convocation/facultystaff.php

Posted on Monday, April 20, 2015.