On October 20, Trent faculty, staff, students and alumni gathered to celebrate the 50^th anniversary of an important day in Trent history – 50 years ago, Trent associates celebrated the laying of the Champlain cornerstones, which represent a bilateral agreement between the two premiers of Ontario and Quebec.

“It was a landmark event in English and French relations,” said Champlain College head Melanie Sedge, who spoke at the event.  

 The group gathered around the cornerstones, which are placed at the base of the Thom Tower in the Champlain courtyard. Ms. Sedge spoke on the agreement’s ability to work as a fundamental supporter of the two provinces since this time, and further dissected the agreement as one of possibility for education and culture.

“The college system at Trent continues to have the opportunity today, as it did fifty years ago, to bring people together and to forge new understandings,” said Ms. Sedge, who also read remarks from Trent’s founding president, Professor Tom Symons, in which he said the stones “represent the value of cultural exchange and respect that is still alive in Champlain today.”

Following the ceremony, the group continued celebrations in Alumni House. In positive spirits, members of the University community shared further comments. Dr. Michael Eamon, professor and head of Traill College presented a speech of great educational value, touching on the history of Samuel de Champlain and his voyages through the region four hundred years ago. Following Dr. Eamon, Alaine Spiwak, president of the TCSA shared her comments on Champlain’s striking architecture and timeless character. Lastly, Richard Morgan of Trent’s Advancement Office, spoke on behalf of Trent’s Heritage Committee where he also divulged in Trent’s heritage.

Let this anniversary not only be a celebration of the significant event of the past, but of the potential found in Trent community every day.