At this year's convocation ceremonies in June, Trent University will honour a former housekeeper who went on to become the school's senior records officer and a professor who, literally, helped to build Champlain College as the 2016 recipients of the Eminent Service Award.

Ms. Marian Leahy and Dr. Peter Dawson will receive the Eminent Service Awards in recognition of their commitment and dedication to Trent University and its students. Awarded annually since 1978 and bestowed by the Board of Governors, the Eminent Service Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the life of the University, either as staff, faculty or volunteers. It is normally awarded at the culmination of service to Trent.

"Ms. Leahy and Professor Dawson have both held remarkable careers at Trent that have influenced our students’ success," said Dr. Jackie Muldoon, provost and vice-president Academic at Trent. "We are fortunate to have had both of them choose Trent University as the place to develop their careers and we look forward to celebrating their long-time commitment to our institution at our upcoming convocation ceremonies."

Ms. Leahy started at Trent University in 1986 as a housekeeper at Lady Eaton College and later worked at Bata Library before joining the Registrar's Office in 1994. She retired in June 2015 as senior records officer, a position she held for 14 years. Among her duties, Ms. Leahy was responsible for overseeing the degree audit process, organizing the logistical aspects of Trent's convocation, and advising students of the results of their application to graduate, a task she carried out "with patience and thoughtfulness." From 2009 to 2011 Ms. Leahy was also a staff representative on Trent University's Board of Governors.

"I have been enlightened, humored and inspired by Marian," said one of Ms. Leahy’s nominators. "As a long-serving employee in the Registrar’s Office, Marian’s institutional knowledge, commitment to the institution, and students was unwavering."

"I'm overwhelmed to be joining the impressive list of past recipients of the award, some of whom are considered legendary at Trent," Ms. Leahy said, pointing out that some of her fondest memories are of the relationships she built with students and staff. "I worked with wonderful people who care deeply about Trent and work hard to help our students succeed.'"

A member of Trent's Physics department, Professor Peter Dawson first arrived at Trent in 1965 as a student and was part of the University’s second graduating class. In the summer of 1966 he worked on the construction of Champlain College. He went on to obtain his Masters degree at Trent. He joined Trent's faculty in 1981 and over the years taught courses in Physics, Astronomy, and Computer Studies. During his career, Prof. Dawson served on numerous committees and was chair of the Physics Department. He was active on the Trent University Faculty Association, serving as president from 2000 to 2004, and was a member of the Trent University Senate. Prof. Dawson, whose research interests focus on stellar populations and galactic structure, will retire June 30, 2016 and will be honoured with the title of professor emeritus.

"Dr. Dawson's 35 year career at Trent University represents a lifetime of contribution and accomplishment beyond excellence," stated one nominator. "He has given selflessly to Trent, through his love of teaching and his extensive administrative and volunteer service."

"I'm thrilled and flattered to be receiving this award," said Prof. Dawson, who credited Trent with keeping him in academia. "I was fortunate to get in on the ground floor at the University. The place was, and is so vibrant, with so many interesting, wonderful people, that you really felt part of something exciting and worthwhile." 
Ms. Leahy will receive the Eminent Service Award at Trent's convocation ceremony on Wednesday, June 8 at 2:00 p.m. Prof. Dawson will be presented with the award during the ceremony on Tuesday, June 7 at 10:00 a.m.

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