Trent University’s Board of Governors held its first regular meeting of the academic year on October 18, 2024.

In his opening remarks, newly appointed Board Chair Doug Kirk highlighted the recent 50th anniversary celebration at Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, which brought together members of the Trent community, government officials, donors and partners from the Durham Region. Chair Kirk recognized Trent Durham’s remarkable expansion and the opportunities the campus provides for students.

Noting that 2024 also marks the 60th anniversary of Trent University in Peterborough, Chair Kirk introduced new president and vice chancellor Dr. Cathy Bruce who will steward the University into this next chapter.

In her first remarks as president at a Board of Governors meeting, Dr. Bruce reflected on recent Trent events and postsecondary news. President Bruce talked about connecting with prospective students and the new Minister of Colleges and Universities Nolan Quinn at the Ontario Universities Fair, the success of this year’s Head of the Trent weekend, and the recent changes and updated limits on international student study and work permits announced by the federal government.

Further highlights from the meeting include:

Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship

Chair Kirk extended his congratulations to the 2024 recipient of the Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship, Denise Marek. Denise, a Bachelor of Social Work student, is the first Trent Durham GTA student to receive the scholarship, selected for her outstanding leadership and involvement in the community, as well as high academic achievement. Chair Kirk took the opportunity to talk about the important role the Board of Governors plays in supporting students.

Long-Term Care Home Update

Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations & Development, spoke to progress on the long-term care (LTC) home to be built on Trent University’s Symons Campus. Plans are underway for an anticipated groundbreaking on the LTC home in Spring 2025, following the successful submission to the Ontario Ministry of Long-Term Care by peopleCare Communities.

Representatives from peopleCare Communities joined the Board meeting to share information about their organization and plans for the LTC home, including collaborations with the University to provide students with unique and invaluable opportunities for hands-on care and research throughout their degree. VP Davis also highlighted President Bruce’s recent appearance on the Ontario Long Term Care Association’s Coming of Age podcast.

Audited Financial Statements

The Board of Governors reviewed and approved the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2023/24, noting that the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the University as of April 30, 2024. Following strategic appropriations and other contributions, the Operating Fund ended the fiscal year with a nominal surplus of $0.1 million before fair value and pension actuarial adjustments.

Governor Emeritus Appointments

The Board celebrated Debra Cooper Burger and Julian Smith, granting each the honorific title of governor emeritus, in recognition of their exceptional leadership and service to the University.

Debra Cooper Burger was first appointed to the Board in 2018 and held the position of chair of the Board from 2021 to 2024. She also served as chair of the Nominating & Governance Committee and chair of the Finance & Property Committee. Cooper Burger also volunteered for additional committees including the Trent Durham Task Force, City-University & County-University Liaison committees, the Human Resources subcommittee, as well as the Presidential Advisory and Presidential Search committee which she chaired. During her time with the Board, Cooper Burger offered expertise around the development of the Seniors Village and LTC home. She was a champion of Trent Athletics and attended games and supported Varsity athletes. She was also a strong advocate for the Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship.

Julian Smith ’93, a proud Trent alumnus, joined the Board in July of 2018. Over his terms on the Board, he participated on several ad-hoc committees overseeing initiatives including the pension plan transition and endowment fund asset mix implementation. He also served on the advisory committee for the Trent Entrepreneurship Centre, as chair of the Finance & Property committee, and as chair and vice-chair of the Audit & Investment committee. Smith also served on the Executive Committee for several years, providing key insights gained from his 20 years of experience in investment advisory services.