Compiling stories and memories from friends, family, and colleagues, a new video tribute to Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, honours the life of Trent’s founding president.

“He was a leader, but he was a leader in a very interesting way. He was a gentleman. He was very reserved and quiet. But he had this vision for Trent University. And we all got imbued with that vision. So we followed him like a leader… Like a Beatle. Like a rock star,” reflected Trent University chancellor, Dr. Stephen Stohn.

Professor Symons, who passed away earlier this year, was an honoured Canadian and Peterborough resident, recognized with Queen Elizabeth II Golden and Diamond Jubilee medals, 13 honorary degrees from universities and colleges across Canada, the City of Peterborough Civic Award and Key to the City, and appointments to the Order of Ontario, the Order of Canada and the Royal Society of Canada.

The video features recollections of Professor Symons from Trent University, Peterborough, and Canadian luminaries, including: Trent University President Leo Groarke, the Honourable Elizabeth Dowdeswell, lieutenant governor of Ontario; former Privy Council member Tom McMillan; former Peterborough Mayor Sylvia Sutherland ’68; THB Symons biographer Ralph Heintzman; founding Trent University staff and faculty; alumni; and many others.

“I thought of myself as one of his students and I learned with every encounter I ever had with him,” noted Elizabeth Dowdeswell, lieutenant governor of Ontario.

Watch the video biography, Remembering T.H.B. Symons.