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On the "best" side, my husband Bryan and I served as Alumni in Residence at Champlain College. We were not dons, but we took part vigorously in college and university life. It was very pleasing and rewarding to get to know students, staff and faculty, to return to the college dining hall on a daily basis, to attend parties, dinners, lectures, workshops, to revive a folk club with the joy of jamming and singing with gifted Trent students, to help in the college office and to offer real-life seminars on the entrepreneurial world. It was also exciting to see how often Trent alumni return to campus to contribute to the overall community. It was reassuring to see for ourselves that many of the values, ideals and practices that we cherish from our Trent era are still alive and well. The dedication of staff, faculty, board and administration ensure that the education at our Alma mater is a personal and individual experience.

Still more of the "best of times" was evidenced by the dramatic progress of the Alumni Association in fulfilling its Planning Priorities (1998-2001). These priorities were formulated at a wonderful retreat in November 1997, very expertly facilitated by alumnus John Butcher '67. Seven important portfolios emerged, each led by an Alumni Councillor. As the year 2000 winds down, we have achieved dozens of objectives related to Campus Profile, Governance, Chapter Development, Mentoring, Services and Finance, Reunion Weekend and Website Development. We continue to work towards achieving another 35 or so goals before May 2001. I am so proud of the talented, enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers throughout our Council, Chapters and Committee networks. Bravo! Your service strengthens Trent.

Association President Cheryl Davies '68 (centre) was surprised and pleased to learn of the establishment of the Cheryl and Bryan Davies award, in recognition of their unique contribution to Trent as Alumni-in-Residence 1999-2000. The award will be presented annually to a Champlain College graduating student. The surprise presentation was made at the Annual General Meeting in Toronto on November 25, 2000.

Unfortunately, the year 1999-2000 was also filled with distress and controversy. The announcement in autumn 1999 of a capital development strategy for the university, in conjunction with a major funding opportunity from government, generated significant alumni concern, and in some cases, outrage. At the heart of the controversy lay the proposal to relocate Peter Robinson and Traill Colleges to the main campus. I would like to express my heartfelt thanks for the care and compassion shown by many downtown college alumni, who took the time to register concern, to seek information and clarification, and to those who just wanted to signal their dismay in emphatic terms. It was not an easy time, and alumni opinion was diverse and divided.

In May 2000 Trent learned that indeed the province of Ontario would fund almost $30 million in main campus facilities development. Recently, Trent's Build 2000 Steering Committee issued its first report. I was very encouraged to see that our residential college system was confirmed as a fundamental principle of campus development.

"The new college buildings should continue to support Trent's residential college model with the integration of residence and academic spaces." If you have not read the committee's first report, I urge you to visit Trent's web site and do so. I believe you will be encouraged at its principles and preferences.

There are several alumni serving on the Build 2000 Reference Groups and the Alumni Council Executive will ensure that alumni views and perspectives are heard and understood.

As I look ahead to my final eight months as Association President, I am excited and confident for Trent's future.

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