The Board of Governors for Trent University is pleased to announce the appointment of Kate Ramsay to the position of honorary board member effective October 1, 2010.

Ms. Ramsay is an alumna and long time champion of Trent University.   In addition to experience in private sector corporate governance, she has always considered it a privilege to work as a volunteer alongside many dedicated individuals in the not for profit sector.

Kate's governance and advocacy roles have been in the fields of education, agriculture, conservation, children's mental health, victims of violence, the arts and community policing. 

Kate recently completed her last term on the Board of Governors in June, 2010.  A highly respected Trent graduate and supporter of the University she has served on the Board of Governors since 2001 (two terms in the alumni seat plus five more years as an external member).  She served nine years on the Advancement Committee and the Fundraising Council that raised $5.6 million for the Building Capacity and Peter Gzowski College campaigns.  Kate also chaired the Catharine Parr Traill campaign which raised $2.1 million.

She served as a Board visitor to Senate since 2002 and together with Len Vernon served as co vice-chair of the Board in 2006.  From 2007 to 2010 she served as vice chair of the Board, chair of the Executive Committee, chair of the HR Subcommittee and member of the Names Committee. 

Her extra volunteer roles included member of the Presidency Review Committee (2003 and 2008), member of the search team for the Board chair (2007) and member of the Presidential Search Committee (2008).

In May 2008, Kate received the Spirit of Trent alumni award.  The following is an excerpt from one of her nomination letters:

“There’s no question in my mind that Kate is one of our most involved Governors, and has been for years.  However, it’s not only the volume of her work that distinguishes her. Kate is willing – she loves this University, and takes its welfare very much to heart.  I have only ever seen her decline a request to help if it conflicted with a family commitment.  She is self-effacing and quiet, modest, generous, considerate, kind, and thoughtful.  More than anyone I know, Kate Ramsay has been a bridge-builder between past and present, between the University and the community, and among our many constituencies.”