The Trent University Board of Governors held its fifth regular meeting of the academic year on May 9, 2025 at the Durham Greater Toronto Area campus.

In her opening remarks, Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University highlighted several events that have marked Trent Durham GTA’s 50th anniversary in the Region. President Bruce made special note of a recent celebration that brought together alumni from all five decades of Trent Durham’s history–from its inaugural courses in local high school classrooms to the era of remarkable growth that continues today. She also noted the first-ever business pitch competition at Trent Durham that connected learners in the Master of Management program with local companies.

“These events and celebrations reflect the spirit of our Trent community,” said President Bruce. “We come together to recognize our achievements, honour our shared values, and look forward to the future with pride and purpose.”

Building Community Engagement in Durham Region

Dr. Scott Henderson, vice-president and head of Trent University Durham GTA, presented the Durham Community Relations Annual Report to the Board of Governors. The report highlighted Trent’s strategic collaborations with businesses and civic leaders in Durham Region, and the growing number of work-integrated learning opportunities that are providing students with hands-on career experience while contributing to the local economy.

VP Henderson emphasized Trent’s participation in a number of key local initiatives. Leaders from Trent Durham and the University recently joined collaborators from Durham's innovation community on a delegation to Hannover Messe in Germany to support the region’s global ambitions drawing on its strengths in sustainability. As members of the Durham Economic Task Force and TeachingCity Oshawa, Trent Durham experts and students are finding solutions to local challenges through community-based research, positioning the institution as a hub for civic leadership.

Experiential learning continues to be a cornerstone of Trent Durham’s identity. Hundreds of students took part in field placements in 2024/2025, as the University strengthens its relationships with employers throughout the Greater Toronto Area. These community connections are kick-starting careers and helping to retain talent in Durham as the region faces rapid economic growth. By meeting the needs of local employers and participating in community-wide strategic planning, the University is reinforcing its role as a key partner in regional development.

New Appointments to the Board

Trent University’s Board of Governors approved the appointment of four new governors in governor roles for faculty, staff, students, and external communities.

Pattie Lovett-Reid is a respected voice in Canadian finance. She is the chief financial commentator for HomeEquity Bank and previously served as a senior vice president with TD Waterhouse and as a chief financial commentator for CTV News. With her extensive experience in financial analysis and commentary, she brings valuable insight to the Board of Governors.

Dr. Andrew Vreugdenhil is an expert in materials science and a long-standing faculty member in Trent’s Chemistry Department. He leads the Inorganic Materials Research Laboratory and previously served as director of Trent’s Centre for Materials Research and the Materials Science graduate program. His research focuses on developing materials with applications in environmental remediation, and will bring valuable perspectives on advancing research excellence at Trent.

Lindsay Mitchell brings over a decade of experience within Trent University, currently serving as a co-op coordinator facilitating work-integrated learning opportunities. She has served as a consultant to the Undergraduate Studies Committee of Trent’s Senate and actively contributed to course development. With a strong background in academic advising and Trent’s College system, Lindsay has been an advocate for student success.

Jazmine Raine is the president of the Trent Graduate Student Association (TGSA) with a history of leadership roles in post-secondary settings. They currently serve on multiple university committees, including Trent’s Research Ethics Board, and previously acted as the coordinator of the Accessible Learning Examination Department at Wilfrid Laurier University. Jazmine is committed to inclusive governance and community building.

Provincial STEM Funding Update

The Board of Governors approved an updated 2025/2026 operating budget which reflects the funding Trent University will receive as part of a new investment in STEM programming from the Ontario Ministry of Colleges, Universities, Research Excellence and Security (MCURES). This funding recognizes the role that Trent University plays in advancing education and innovation while serving the communities of Peterborough and Durham Region as a major economic driver and knowledge partner in these fields.