The second Trent University Board of Governor’s meeting of the academic year took place on Friday, December 5, 2025.

In her opening remarks, President Cathy Bruce reflected on the term, sharing highlights of community engagement including Trent’s largest-ever Fall Open House events, the 49th Elders & Traditional Peoples Gathering, and the Alumni Awards celebration.

Board Chair Doug Kirk opened the meeting by recognizing the leadership and contributions of two individuals that exemplify Trent’s values of service, leadership, and community impact. He congratulated former governor and vice-chair Kristi Honey for being named one of Canada’s Top 100 Most Powerful Women by the Women’s Executive Network. Chair Kirk also introduced this year’s Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship recipient, Lily Walker, a first-year student from London, Ontario whose commitment to community service helped earn them the prestigious scholarship.

Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship: Life-Changing Recognition
A high-achieving student, Lily Walker was accepted to Trent with the University’s top entrance scholarship: full first-year tuition for students entering with an average above 95%. Lily’s exceptional leadership and community involvement also earned them the Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship, one of the University’s most prestigious scholarships, valued at $7,500 each year of their four-year degree.

Prior to enrolling at Trent, Lily demonstrated a quiet but powerful form of leadership, organizing clothing and food drives, offering literacy support for children, and encouraging youth participation in blood donation campaigns. Lily shared that receiving the Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship was the ultimate factor that fundamentally changed their future, making it possible to attend Trent to pursue a degree in Conservation Biology.

“This scholarship meant going to my dream university when my parents, grandparents, and everyone before them were unable to attend university at all,” said Lily. “It has left a mark on my family that truly cannot be replicated.”

Pathway to Zero Carbon: Decarbonization Study & Implementation Plan
The December Board meeting marked an important step in Trent’s long-term sustainability strategy as the Board received the Decarbonization Study Report and approved the development of a detailed implementation plan to achieve a zero-carbon campus.

The study, developed in partnership with Blackstone Energy Services, outlines the carbon reduction benefits of infrastructure renewals. Replacing aging systems with climate-conscious upgrades will strengthen operational reliability and reduce long-term maintenance pressures. The study also highlights opportunities to leverage external funding, evaluate costs of low-carbon improvements, and integrate lifecycle cost accounting to support long-term decision-making.

Aligning sustainability objectives with capital renewals positions Trent to advance its climate commitments while improving campus resilience and remaining competitive for future funding opportunities.

Audited Pension Statements
KPMG LLP audited Trent University’s contributory defined benefit pension plan for employees represented by OPSEU Local 365 and exempt administrative staff in October 2025. The audit confirmed the Plan’s financial statements fairly represent its position as of June 30, 2025, in accordance with Canadian pension accounting standards.