Traill College Dinner Celebrates Graduates and Springtime
The Trent way is about knowing in part, rather than being a “know-it-all,” says principal
Traill College’s Bagnani Hall was filled to capacity on April 22, with a diverse crowd of undergraduates, graduates, alumni, staff and faculty members, who all gathered for the annual Traill College Spring dinner.
The evening started off in the classically-appointed Bagnani Room around the College’s rare Bechstein piano played by Trent’s own Sako Khederlarian, orientation coordinator, Office of Student Affairs at Trent University. After hors d’oeuvres and music, the crowd took their places to dine on a special menu provided by BE Catering.
Many special guests were in attendance including City councilor and CUPE president Diane Therrien, Champlain College Head, Melanie Sedge, and former Traill College Principal Dr. Michael Peterman. Among the group of current fellows and staff, retiring English professors Lorraine Clark and Elizabeth Popham were singled out for their inspiring service to the University.
Dr. Michael Eamon, the current Traill principal, spoke about the importance of collegiality and why it is better to “know in part” (following both Trent and Traill’s motto), than to be someone who “knows it all.” He wished the graduates success and not to forget that their job now is to continue to better themselves and the lives of those around them. He also thanked the Traill community for their support and participation in the Traill review process.
After dinner, Prof. Eamon offered a round of toasts including one to University founding president Tom Symons, the college namesake Catharine Parr Traill, as well as the graduates for whom this would be their last college event. A final toast had everyone enthusiastically shouting: “All hail Traill, the College on the Hill.”
Ph.D. Candidate David Hollands then premiered an abbreviated, 15-minute version of his full-length Traill documentary to a rapt audience. Partly narrated by Traill’s first principal Dr. Marion Fry, the documentary featured interviews with the current principal, professors and students. It was a poignant and, at times, humorous look at Trent’s oldest college. The evening was capped off with a special acoustic guitar and vocal performance by Trent alumnus, Dr. David Tough.
Traill holds two formal dinners a year that embrace the collegiate tradition, foster interdisciplinary spirit, and showcase student achievement. The dinners are generous sponsored by the graduate departments at Trent University and CUPE 3908.