The Trent University Board of Governors held its final regular meeting of the academic year on June 23 at the University’s Symons Campus. 

Board Chair Debra Cooper Burger and President Leo Groarke welcomed several special guests, including Peterborough Mayor and Trent alumnus Jeff Leal ‘74, County Warden Bonnie Clark and Curve Lake First Nation Chief Keith Knott. 

Further highlights from the meeting include: 

Honouring Departing Governors 

The Board paid tribute to four departing members: Brian Cowie, Daniel Palberg, Dr. Aaron Slepkov, and Saäd Rafi. 

Brian Cowie was appointed to the Board in 2017 and has served on the External Relations & Advancement Committee, Endowment Lands Committee, and the Nominating & Governance Committee. His expertise and insights were particularly instrumental in shaping the Indigenous Education Council and the Honorific Naming & Wayfinding Committee. With a background in Canadian law and a steadfast commitment to social justice, he brought a unique perspective to Board deliberations, making him a respected champion of community development. 

Daniel Palberg ‘15, has held a student seat on the Board since 2021. He actively served on the Honours Subcommittee and contributed to various endeavours at Trent, including volunteering with the Trent University Emergency First Response Team (TUEFRT) and publishing multiple studies during his Ph.D. degree. Daniel's research earned him the prestigious Canada Graduate Scholarship at the doctoral level from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC). 

Dr. Aaron Slepkov, appointed to the Board in 2019, has made significant contributions during his four-year tenure. He actively served on committees such as Finance & Property and the Honours Subcommittee. In addition to his Board role, Professor Slepkov is the chair of the Physics and Astronomy department at the University, coordinating the overall success and growth in these academic areas. His passion for Trent's progress and continuous betterment has been eminent throughout his time on the Board. 

Saäd Rafi, appointed to the Board in 2017, has made significant contributions during his six-year tenure. He served as vice-chair for two years and actively participated in key committees, including Investment & Pension, Endowment Lands, Finance & Property, and Nominating & Governance. His extensive experience, including his former role as deputy minister of Health and Long-Term Care, brought invaluable insight to the development of notable projects at the Trent’s Symons Campus, including the Senior's Village. 

Strategic Research Priorities   

At the meeting, the Board was presented with Trent University’s Strategic Research Priorities 2023-2028. This five-year plan aims to celebrate, support, and guide the growth of research activities and their impact. Developed through extensive consultation, the plan will further strengthen and uphold the integrity of Trent's research endeavours. Emphasizing the University's focus on healthy and sustainable environments and communities, the research ecosystem at Trent incorporates a diverse range of research methods and priority areas for intensification, with six key areas of focus: Student Engagement with Research, Enhanced Communication of Research, Faculty Support & Mentorship, Research Funding & Partnerships, Research Leadership, and Research Collaboration. 

Momentous Impact Report 

The Board also received an update on the University’s philanthropic activities, showcasing a year of remarkable generosity and the unveiling of Trent University's 2022-23 Momentous Change Impact Report, which featured the following key highlights:  

• $10.3 million raised, with top areas of support including student financial aid, student wellness, accessibility, Athletics, and Colleges, as well as research.  
• Over $1.1 million allocated to Indigenous students and programs, with more than $266,000 supporting Trent International students and programs.  
• Opening of the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, a dynamic performance space downtown, supported by estate funds from former board member Jalynn Bennett.  
• Establishment of a climate change monitoring station at Trent Farm, benefiting researchers, students, and the local agricultural community.  
• Record-breaking number of new monthly donors signed up on Trent Day, providing reliable and stable support to students, researchers, programs, and Colleges.  

Assigning Year-End Funds to Key Areas of Development  

The Board approved the allocation of nearly $13 million in excess revenue over expenses for key strategic priorities at the University. The allocated funds will be used to support a range of projects and initiatives including: infrastructure projects such as parking expansion, further Durham campus expansion, and development of college spaces. Funds will also support the acquisition of an Indigenous sculpture that will be prominently displayed at Trent's new college, enriching the cultural environment. Philanthropic matching funds have also been approved, which will leverage significant donations. Additionally, funds have been earmarked to support teaching and research, improve academic spaces, enhance the infrastructure of the Trent Farm, and renovate a greenhouse on campus for innovative student and faculty research. 

Anti-Racism Task Force & EDI Update 

The Board also received an update on the work of Trent's Anti-Racism Task Force (ARTF), highlighting significant ongoing progress in promoting equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) at the University. Efforts encompass new leadership appointments, policy reviews, faculty hiring, academic program development, Indigenous initiatives, student services, and campus safety. The report also made note of ongoing renovations to the Office of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion to enhance accessibility. The report also noted several Indigenous initiatives and the expansion of student services, showcasing the dedication to fostering inclusivity.