April 3, 2013 Marks 50th Anniversary of an Act to Incorporate Trent University
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Trent commemorates event with launch of 50th anniversary website and historical timeline, and announces events and volunteer opportunities toward October 17, 2014 and beyond
April 3, 2013, Peterborough
In a lead-up to 50th anniversary celebrations in 2014, Trent University is commemorating the milestone of the Act to Incorporate Trent University, signed 50 years ago today, by launching its 50th anniversary website and historical timeline, and announcing a series of celebratory events and volunteer opportunities.
The Trent Act 1963
The Trent Act (see PDF attached), dated April 3, 1963, affirmed the objects and purposes of the University:
- the advancement of learning and the dissemination of knowledge; and
- the intellectual, social, moral and physical development of its members and the betterment of society
Under the authority of lieutenant governor at the time, The Honourable John MacKay, the Trent Act also outlined the composition and responsibilities of the Board of Governors and Senate, and provided the University, its Board and Senate the power to grant degrees, honorary degrees and diplomas, and establish and maintain faculties, schools, institutes, departments, chairs and courses.
50th Anniversary Website and Timeline
In recognition of the significance of the anniversary of the Trent Act in continuing the momentum toward the opening of Trent University just over a year later in 1964, Trent University today launched its 50th anniversary website at www.trentu.ca/fifty. In addition to information about various events and opportunities to get involved, the site features an interactive timeline where users can browse milestone events, images and documents over the history of the University from the December 1957 letter from Reginald Faryon to the present day. More highlights will be added leading up the 50th anniversary.
50th Anniversary Events
A series of events are planned leading up to the 50th Anniversary in 2014 and throughout the year of celebration.
“West Coast Points East: Ron Thom and the Allied Arts” Exhibit
August 2013 – October 2014
A national, travelling exhibit, will explore the trajectory of the creative output of the award-winning architect of Trent University, Ron Thom, the narrative link between his earliest creative work with Vancouver homes and his two great masterpieces in Ontario, Massey College and Trent University. The Trent exhibition will be housed in Ron Thom’s architecture at Alumni House.
June 25 2013 – August 15, 2013: Opening and initial leg of exhibition in Vancouver
September 12, 2013 – November 16, 2013: Exhibit runs at Gardiner Museum in Toronto with a focus on Massey College
August 7, 2014 – October 22, 2014: Exhibit at Alumni House, Trent University with periodic tours of the University and specific buildings
50th Anniversary Alumni Reunion Weekend 2014
August 7 – 10, 2014
Presented by the Trent University Alumni Association 50th Anniversary Leadership Committee and the Office of Alumni Affairs, this event will feature a full weekend (Thursday through Sunday) of events to draw alumni and retirees back to campus with a full menu of options – and surprise elements to come. The weekend will be open to the entire community. Highlights feature:
Thursday, August 7, 2014: Opening reception and Trent's 50th Anniversary Book launch and signing with author D'Arcy Jenish
Friday, August 8, 2014: Symposium Day 1: variety of inspiring topics featuring legendary professors and accomplished alumni; followed by an alumni barbeque and concert featuring one of Canada’s favourite bands
Saturday, August 9, 2014: Symposium Day 2 continued: Alumni Athletics Reunion; tours of campus; tours of Peterborough; followed by alumni reunions and pub crawl
Sunday August 10, 2014: alumni reunions continue
Head of the Trent Regatta
October 3 - 6, 2014
An opportunity for alumni and all community members to watch North America's largest single-day, head-race regatta: a 5 km long course on the Trent Canal, finishing on Trent's Symons Campus, with over 1,000 rowers competing. Alumni homecoming festivities at the Champlain College Ceilie and riverside featuring kids’ activities and alumni barbeque, bands and beer garden; varsity sports games in the Justin Chiu Stadium and in the gym as well as a campus/community open house.
Chancellor 50th Anniversary Gala
October 17, 2014
A 50th Anniversary dinner will be held in the Athletics Centre, hosted by Trent University’s chancellor, class of ’66 alumnus, Dr. Don Tapscott.
Town and Gown Community Celebration
October 18, 2014
Trent University will recreate the original parade to commemorate the official opening of Trent on October 17, 1964 and say thank you to the Peterborough community. Members of the community will be encouraged to wear Trent green; a series of downtown events are planned including a special 50th Anniversary Show at Showplace Peterborough written and directed by alumna Beth McMaster, Professor Emeritus Gordon Johnston, Gillian Wilson and Professor Emeritus Orm Mitchell.
50th Anniversary Entering Students
Fall 2014
Trent will create a special focus for incoming students including Introductory Seminar Week, opening Convocation ceremony, and recreating the original signing of the register.
World Conference on the Study of Canada
An international conference to be held at Trent University highlighting interdisciplinary and research strengths across a broad and inclusive spectrum.
Oshawa Celebrations
Trent University 40th Anniversary Gala Event
Friday, April 3, 2015
To recognize the distinct anniversary, history and presence of Trent University Oshawa, a Gala event is planned for 2015, celebrating the 40th anniversary Trent University’s history of granting degrees in Durham region.
Oshawa Homecoming
Fall 2015
First ever special homecoming event centered at Oshawa campus, the event will be held in the fall of 2015 and focus on those students who earned their degrees at Trent University Oshawa. The alumni-led event will feature special events, intramural sports competitions and more.
Volunteer Opportunities
Trent University is looking forward to engaging the entire community in anniversary celebration and welcomes volunteers for a variety of committees and events over the next two years. Those interested are encouraged to visit the 50th anniversary website at www.trentu.ca/fifty.
50th Anniversary Book
To commemorate the 50th anniversary milestone, Trent University has commissioned former student and journalist D’Arcy Jenish to research and write a commemorative book that will celebrate the history of the university and contemplate Trent’s vision for the next half century. Mr. Jenish has been drawing upon many sources in the course of his research including interviews, archives and submissions from friends of Trent. Be sure to share your Trent story: www.trentu.ca/fifty.
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For more information, please contact: Julie Davis, Vice President, External Relations and Advancement 705-748-1011 ext. 6184.
