When former Board of Governors chair, the late Jalynn Bennett, remembered Trent University with a gift of $1.13 million from the Jalynn H. Bennett Foundation, she encouraged Trent to do something “bold, audacious and effective.”

The University plans to do just that in directing the transformational donation, one of the largest legacy gifts in the institution’s history, toward projects that will enhance Trent’s natural setting, advance academic excellence, increase engagement with the local and First Nations communities, and enrich the student experience.

“Jalynn Bennett was a trailblazer who showed leadership in everything she undertook. She broke glass ceilings and encouraged others to be brave and make their mark,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “She did that at Trent University in many ways, with her steady hand as chair of the Board and in guiding one of Trent’s most successful fundraising campaigns. I think she would be pleased to see that her gift will make an enormous difference in very tangible ways right across the University’s campuses, and in the spirit of Trent’s current tagline, which I think she would have liked very much: ‘Challenge the Way You Think.’"

Ms. Bennett’s transformational gift will launch and support the following projects:

Nature Areas Stewardship Plan and Enhancement to Natural Areas, Trails, and Teaching Spaces

Trent is conducting a review of the Nature Areas Stewardship Plan and studying campus lands to identify and evaluate areas of natural, cultural and archaeological significance. The funds will support student and public involvement in the review process and invest in teaching shelters, trail improvements, and other resources to enhance the natural areas and their important role in teaching and research.

Forensic Crime Scene House

Ms. Bennett's estate will help build a new state-of-the-art crime scene training facility designed specifically for teaching purposes. The new facility will support the recent launch of Canada’s first Masters in Forensic Science at Trent.

Public Sculpture Initiative

The gift will help acquire nationally significant sculptures as part of Trent's new public sculpture initiative, set to launch during Peterborough's 2018 Artsweek celebrations on September 21.

Recognition of Local Indigenous Communities

Funds will assist the University to recognize the Mississauga Anishinaabeg as the treaty and traditional peoples of this area through honorific naming across the Peterborough and Durham GTA campuses, information panels, and enhancement of sacred and Indigenous teaching spaces.

Traill College Amphitheatre

Engagement with the local arts and music community in Peterborough will be enhanced with the creation of a new outdoor performance space at Traill College.

Campus Arbour at Trent University Durham GTA

Building on Trent’s more than 40-year history in the Durham region, Trent’s Durham GTA campus is growing. With thanks to gifted land by the City of Oshawa, the campus plans to expand and add several new facilities. This gift will create a vibrant natural and social space at the expanded Durham GTA campus, which will connect the current and planned new building.

Jalynn Bennett was the vice-president of Corporate Development at Manufacturers Life Insurance company before founding her own consulting firm in 1989, specializing in strategic planning and organizational development. She chaired the Board of Governors at Trent from 1994-1999. She was known as an intelligent and humble leader. During her service to Trent, Ms. Bennett was passionate about the environment, leadership, and sustainability of the University. She was a champion of philanthropy and a key volunteer, inspiring others to support the University, especially through a gift in their estate.

To learn more about legacy giving at Trent University, visit trentu.ca/legacy.