Leading Alumni, Business & Legal Professionals Appointed to Trent University’s Board of Governors
Board of Governors also approves merger of Humanities and Social Sciences, receives reports on alumni engagement and Durham community relations at May meeting
The Trent University Board of Governors held its fifth regular meeting on May 7, 2021, virtually via Zoom, with the following highlights:
Board of Governors Appointments & Reappointments
Trent University’s Board of Governors approved the appointment of three external board members. Kate Ahrens, Pras Kayilasanathan, and Valentine Lovekin, will each begin a three-year term effective July 1, 2021.
Ms. Kate Ahrens (’02) a Trent alumna with a Bachelor of Business Administration, is a notable member of the Peterborough region’s business community with a strong entrepreneurial skillset, and aptitude for business development and partnerships in the public and private sector. Ms. Ahrens is the VP Interior Design and Corporate Development at Flying Colours Corp., an international aviation services company located at the Peterborough Airport, as well a partner in Yorkshire Valley Farms, a thriving organic farm enterprise specializing in food production.
Mr. Pras Kayilasanathan (’04) an alumnus with a degree in Political Studies, brings a legal skillset and a global perspective to his appointment to the Board of Governors, and is currently the principal of Investment Banking – Technology & Healthcare at INFOR Financial Inc. In addition to his B.A. from Trent, Mr. Kayilasanathan holds three graduate degrees: a M.Sc. in Global Politics from the London School of Economics; a law degree from Queen's University; and an MBA from the Richard Ivey School of Business at Western University.
Mr. Valentine Lovekin (’84) is a practicing lawyer in Newcastle and Toronto specializing in real estate, land use planning, estate administration, and elder law. Mr. Lovekin is also a highly engaged community volunteer, having served on numerous boards, including the Newcastle Business Improvement Association, the Bloor-Yorkville Business Improvement Association, Lakeridge Health Board of Trustees, Credit Canada, and Toronto Parking Authority. He currently serves as president of the Canadian Association of the Order of Malta. Mr. Lovekin graduated from Trent with a B.A. (Hons) in English and Philosophy, and received his law degree from York University Osgoode Hall Law School.
The Board of Governors also appointed Daniel Palberg, to the seat designated for a Peterborough student for a two-year term commencing July 1, 2021.
Mr. Daniel Palberg is currently pursuing his Ph.D. in Environmental & Life Sciences, and holds a B.Sc. in Biochemistry from Trent. He brings to his board position extensive experience in managing a corporate research portfolio, and is currently conducting research in the Emery Lab.
Trent’s Board of Governors also approved the re-appointment of Dr. Aaron Slepkov and Mr. Matt Keefer, to the Trent University Board of Governors (in the seats designated for faculty and staff, respectively), each for a two-year term commencing July 1, 2021.
Merger of Humanities & Social Sciences Divisions
Trent University’s Board of Governors approved the merger of the Humanities and Social Sciences decanal divisions under a single dean of Humanities and Social Sciences.
By operating under a single decanal division, there are opportunities to enhance Trent’s performance in Humanities and Social Sciences grant funding and research mobilization, while bolstering Trent’s reputation for excellence in the liberal arts. The merger also proves beneficial to academic units in terms of communications, access, decision-making expediency, as well as enhanced opportunities for collaboration.
“Trent University has a longstanding reputation for research and teaching excellence,” explained Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “This merger will support Trent’s continued leadership in liberal arts at the same time that it creates synergies and enhances interdisciplinary collaboration amongst our faculty and students in the Humanities and Social Sciences.”
The merger follows a consultation process that began in January 2020, which involved 185 participants, including staff, students, and part-time instructors, as well as appropriate councils, committees and senior administration.
Trent Durham GTA Community Relations Report
Governors received a presentation from Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent Durham, on community relations efforts within the Durham Region. The presentation provided an overview of stakeholder engagement; community partnerships including TeachingCity Oshawa and CityStudio Durham; efforts to enhance visibility of the newly-expanded campus; and activity with government relations and advocacy groups. Dr. Henderson also highlighted the successful Campaign for Trent Durham, as well as the ‘Local Matters’ campaign, which encouraged members of the broader Trent community to support the local economy over the December holiday season.
Alumni Engagement Report
The Board of Governors also received an annual report on alumni engagement. Presented by Lee Hays, director of Alumni Engagement, the report, prepared in partnership with the Alumni Association, gave an overview of efforts that facilitated closer connections between alumni, students and the University, resulting in a pipeline of inspiring alumni mentors for current students, enhanced reputation for the University, connections to student recruitment efforts, and access to a wealth of talent and expertise. The report concluded with the presentation of four focus areas for continued alumni engagement: promotion of alumni leadership, fundraising and revenue growth, supporting student-to-alumni transition, and improving data quality and analytics.