Prestigious Leadership Development Grant Awarded to Second Year B.B.A. Student
Rhode Thomas working to establish Trent University Native Association alumni network
For Indigenous students at Trent, the Trent University Native Association (TUNA) is often an inspiring group to be part of. The student group works to connect Indigenous students with each other, and the greater campus community, helping students to feel a sense of belonging. Joining TUNA was one of the first things that second year Business Administration student Rhode Thomas did when he arrived on campus. Now he’s set to establish an alumni network of that same community, thanks to a recent scholarship.
Mr. Thomas was recently awarded the Bonnie M. Patterson Leadership Development Grant. Established through the generosity of former Trent University president and vice-chancellor Dr. Bonnie Patterson, the grant is awarded to students enrolled in the B.B.A. program to support the development of students’ collaborative and entrepreneurial leadership skills.
“Receiving the Bonnie M. Patterson Leadership Development Grant allows me the opportunity to give back to the Indigenous student community that welcomed we with open arms when I first arrived at Trent University to begin my undergraduate studies,” says Mr. Thomas. “TUNA has been pivotal to my growth and development as a student leader on campus.”
Mr. Thomas, who is currently the Indigenous students’ commissioner for the TCSA, and the treasurer of TUNA, will use his grant funding to host an event celebrating the 50th anniversary of TUNA, as well as develop an alumni network for the student group.
“Indigenous student learners are not always exposed to major personal development opportunities,” Mr. Thomas explains. “The undertaking of this initiative will provide opportunities for Indigenous students to engage in collaborative leadership opportunities through project management, networking, and event planning.”
It was with this rationale that Mr. Thomas conceptualized the idea of celebrating the work of TUNA, past and present. He says that this commemoration and alumni network establishment is fundamental to the success of Indigenous students at Trent.
In April of 2018, faculty and staff of the Trent School of Business, along with guests from the Advancement Office and the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies will be hosting an event to celebrate the awarding of grants, prizes and scholarships to our business students. Check the events calendar for details