Annual Trent International Gala Recognizes Trent International Students
Members of the Trent International Community Celebrated
On March 31, students, staff, faculty and community members joined in celebration at the annual Trent International gala, honouring graduating international students and recognizing the outstanding accomplishments, energy, and volunteerism of Trent's international community.
“Our international students are some of the busiest and most engaged students on campus,” said Dr. Michael Eamon, acting director of Trent International and emcee for the event. “This year we honoured an incredible group who have contributed so much to the fabric of the University. It was also wonderful to have in attendance both Cynthia Bennett Awe, former Trent International programs & services manager, and the new AVP International, Glennice Burns, who demonstrate the continuity of Trent International; embodying both a past and future committed to the importance of the global perspective in higher education.”
Professor Eamon presented Mikeela Skellekie with the prestigious Jack Matthews Award, named in honour of the founding director of Trent International. This award is given to graduating students in recognition of their outstanding commitment and contributions to internationalization, both locally and globally. Ms. Skellekie, who is from Anguilla and with roots in Guyana, has distinguished herself both academically and as a campus leader throughout her years at Trent. She is currently completing an Honours Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in French. She is a regular volunteer in the Trent International office, has been an active volunteer in the Trent African-Caribbean Student Union, and a member of the TISA Choir. She has also been a performer and choreographer in Afrobana and Cultural Outreach.
Sylvia Mulowayi, originally from the Congo, was named the recipient of the David Morrison award, an award named for a past Trent International director and presented to graduating students in recognition of substantial involvement academically and socially at Trent and with Trent International.
Sancha Reynolds, an international student from St. Lucia studying Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, concluded the evening as valedictorian and inspired her fellow graduates to recognize their significant accomplishments and capabilities.
“Create the world you desire and write your own narrative against the limitations that have already been set against you…whether these stem from class, family background, religion, race and ethnicity or your social status,” she said. “You’ve already done it here. Continue to discover who you are, what you love to do, what makes you happy. It will pay the bills, if you don’t give up. Stay curious. Never settle. Because the change you desire starts with you.”
Other awards presented at this year’s gala include:
- The Leonard Conolly Award, which recognizes outstanding commitment and contribution to the support of refugee students, was presented to Joshua Low Yee Aung (Malaysia) for extensive work with World University Services Canada (WUSC).
- For his commitment to student involvement, and dedication to development education, equality and inclusion,Emmanuel Gasore (Gman) (Rwanda/Malawi/Canada) was awarded the Karanja Njoroge Service Award.
- The Hulcoop Cup was awarded to Zubby Ezema (Nigeria/Jamaica) and Cinthia Rivera (Ecuador) who have both become actively involved in many groups on campus during their first-year as part of the international student community.
- The Exchange Award was presented to Molly Dowrick (UK), an exchange student from Swansea University, who has actively invested herself in the Trent and Peterborough communities.
- Jaynain Panchal (Zambia) received the Cynthia Bennett Awe Award, formerly the Continuing International Student Award, in recognition of his commitment to equity, accessibility and rights of International students on campus. The award was renamed this year in honour of the former Trent International programs & services manager and her involvement in growing Trent International.
- The ESL Award, presented to a student in ESL who has made a positive contribution to the ESL program, TI, the Trent community, and/or wider community, went to Mohammed Shammout (Syria/Canada).
- The Trent International Staff Award was presented to continuing Canadian students in recognition for their contributions and engagement in the international community at Trent. This year’s recipients were Chris Giordano and Elijah Gwayumba.
- The Robert Campbell Friends of TI Award, which recognizes a member of the faculty, staff, or wider Peterborough community for enriching the international programming of the University and/or the experience of Trent's international students, was presented to Kate MacIsaac, Trent’s student crisis response coordinator.
The Trent International Student Association also presented awards to their members in recognition of the embodiment of their founding values: breaking barriers, connecting cultures and bridging boundaries. The Trent African Caribbean Student Union (TACSU), Trent South East Asian Organization (TSEAO), and volunteer Francini Brice (St. Lucia) all received recognition for their work.