For Rianna Rogers ’19 (Otonabee College), the decision to get involved at university was about building a life rooted in purpose. A recent graduate with a joint major in Indigenous Studies and Environmental Studies and a specialization in Indigenous Resilience and Resurgence, Rianna’s time at Trent was defined as much by what happened outside the classroom as within it. 

“Trent offers the kind of environment where you can grow not just academically, but personally, and where you’re encouraged to get involved and shape your own experience,” Rianna shares.

Throughout her six seasons as a member of the Trent Excalibur Women’s Rugby team, Rianna emerged as a team leader and mentor, guiding rookies on and off the field. She earned Forward Most Valued Player titles in 2023 and 2024 and served as President of the 1EX Council, a student-athlete-led group, where she championed initiatives to build community among varsity teams and fostered connections with the broader Peterborough community.

Rianna’s commitment to community extended beyond Trent’s campus. As a coach of the Peterborough Pagans U18 girls' rugby team, she encouraged young athletes through programs like Play Like a Girl and served as the club’s senior Women’s Coordinator. Her passion for community betterment called her to lead clothing drives, support local shelters and youth programs, volunteer at animal shelters, and participate in Elder Gatherings.

"For me, volunteering isn’t something extra. It’s what makes your university experience truly memorable," Rianna explains. "Getting involved helped me connect not just to Trent, but to the broader Peterborough community, which enriched my whole university experience."

Her dedication both on and off the field was recognized with Trent Excalibur awards like the Arthur Cup and Community Betterment Award. Rianna says these experiences taught her resilience, leadership, and the power of small actions to make lasting change. She credits Trent’s culture of encouragement and support, particularly through Trent Athletics and the First Peoples House of Learning, for giving her the foundation to lead.

"There’s a real culture at Trent of 'if you want to build something, we’ll support you,'" she adds. "The moments you’ll remember most aren’t the ones where you stayed in your comfort zone – they’re the ones where you said yes to something new and grew because of it."

As she prepares for convocation this June, Rianna encourages future Trent students to "get involved early and often. Even if it initially feels intimidating, stepping into a club, a team, or a volunteer role is the best way to make Trent feel like yours."

Learn more about Trent University Excalibur Varsity.

Discover programs in the Chanie Wenjack School of Indigenous Studies and the Trent School of the Environment.