“Move with determination. Be strong. Be kind. Be curious. Think good thoughts and meet life with a firm handshake,” said Dr. Joel Baetz, professor of English Literature, as part of the poignant Last Lecture delivered at the Trent University Durham Graduation Dinner held on May 27.

The event presented an opportunity for Trent Durham’s newest grads to come together to commemorate their time at Trent before preparing to take on the next phases in their lives, whether that be career, further education, travel, or self-discovery.

Celebrating with his peers, Psychology graduate Chris Fernlund credits his experiences at Trent University Durham for contributing to his career success. Now employed as a project coordinator with eCampus Ontario he said, “My work with the Trent Durham Student Association and the Ontario Undergraduate Student Alliance was a big advantage.”

While addressing the audience, Joe Muldoon, head of Trent University Durham, asked students to remember the profound interconnectedness found on campus. Applauding student involvement through campus initiatives such as TEDx and the Career Gala, he stated, “You have made an incredible mark on Trent University Durham. In short we are a stronger community because of it.”

During the dinner, several outstanding student leaders were also honoured. Upon receiving the 2016 Graduating Citizen Award, Psychology graduate Aubrey Aguilar said: “We have done a lot of great charity events and with the spirit that we have, with organizations that we support, I love that everyone gets involved.”

English Literature graduate, Billie Clarke received the Alumni Recognition Award for her outstanding involvement.  She will return to Trent in the fall to pursue a postgraduate certificate in Human Resource Management.

All Trent Durham grads will come together once more on Friday, June 3 for the University’s official convocation ceremonies. This year’s ceremony marks an historic milestone as it is the first time Trent Durham will graduate as a distinct cohort with their own special convocation ceremony in the Durham Region.