Close to 850 years of service to Trent University by dedicated staff and faculty was recognized at the annual Service Awards Luncheon on June 24, 2015 in the Great Hall of Champlain College.

Dr. Leo Groarke, Trent president and vice-chancellor, and Bryan Davies, chair of the Board of Governors addressed the attendees, while Dr. Gary Boire, provost and vice-president academic, and Stephanie Williams, associate vice-president human resources, presented the service awards.

Thirty staff and faculty members were recognized for their contributions of 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service. Full list of Service Award recipients

“Whether our staff and faculty work directly with the student body or behind the scenes, they all play a vital in the operations and successes of Trent," said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “It’s the faculty and staff here at Trent that create the interactive and personal teaching environment this University is so well known for.”

Among the staff members recognized for 25 years of service was Sandra Sisson, administrative assistant for the Biology Department. Ms. Sisson started her career at Trent in the University bookstore as a part-time general merchandise clerk. She moved on to hold a number of other positions, including library catalogue clerks and research and restricted funds accounting assistant, before finding her place in Biology ten years ago.

“I am always proud to say that I work at Trent. I have always felt that I have made a difference. The students are forever reinforcing this sentiment,” Ms. Sisson says. “I like that Trent works not only to promote itself nationally and internationally, but is concerned about local projects and investments in the Peterborough community. I love being able to talk to researchers, grad students and undergrads and listen to their successes.”

In the 35 years of service group is Carol Cartwright, senior network analyst with the IT department. Since starting at Trent in 1980, Ms. Cartwright held a number of positions within the library for 17 years, before moving into IT where she has worked for the past 18 years. Asked about her favourite part about working at Trent, Ms. Cartwright says: “In all of my roles at Trent there has been a constant energy from learning new information and engaging in new technology. I have had excellent people to work with and awesome team environments.  We have been able to share a great sense of accomplishment in many projects which makes it fun to come to work each day.  The University’s size allows us to recognize and greet our co-workers by name. Being able to work in such a beautiful campus is bonus.”