Trent Press Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TUESDAY, MARCH 11, 2003

RENOWNED CANADIAN DANCER FRANK AUGUSTYN TO RECEIVE HONORARY DEGREE FROM TRENT UNIVERSITY

The Senate of Trent University is pleased to announce that award-winning Canadian dancer, educator and author, Mr. Frank Augustyn, will be awarded an honorary degree at convocation this year.

One of the foremost professional dancers in Canada, Mr. Augustyn has had a distinguished career as celebrated male principal dancer of the National Ballet of Canada. An Officer of the Order of Canada, he also co-authored Dancing from the Heart, published in 2000.

Bonnie Patterson, President of Trent University, notes that Mr. Augustyn’s selection as this year's honorary degree recipient personifies many of the values cherished by the Trent community. "By identifying Mr. Augustyn as a recipient of an honorary degree from Trent University, the Nominations Committee has selected a recipient who excels in the arts, education and community service. We are very grateful that such a nationally known member of the arts community is affiliated with our University," she said.

During the time that Mr. Augustyn was a Distinguished College Visitor at Trent University’s Traill College and a Trent Ashley Fellow (2000-01) he was a forceful presence in the University and Peterborough communities. He has conducted colloquia, given public lectures, made media appearances on behalf of Trent, and supported fundraising efforts for Peterborough’s Market Hall performance space.

During his participation in the life of the University community, Mr. Augustyn promoted the cause of dance and the performing arts to Trent University students, and to adults and children in the Peterborough area.

As an educator and committed advocate for the arts, Mr. Augustyn’s accomplishments include his dedication to conducting dance classes for students residing in the Kawarthas region. With access to limited dance facilities, he welcomed advanced students and beginners, who could not believe their good fortune in receiving instruction from an artist of his calibre. Mr. Augustyn has identified himself wholeheartedly with Trent, has lent the University the prestige of his name, and has served as a friend of the University.

Mr. Augustyn currently serves as Assistant Professor and Director of the Dance Department at Adelphi University in Garden City, New York.

A listing of other honorary degree recipients can be found on Trent's Web site at: http://www.trentu.ca/secretariat/honorary-present-to-1967.html

Trent University’s 2003 convocation ceremony is set for Friday, May 30.

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For more information contact:
Don Cumming, Senior Director, Public Affairs, (705) 748-1011, ext. 1224

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