1. Trent is #1 in Ontario 13 Years Running

For the thirteenth consecutive year, Trent has been named Ontario's number one undergraduate university, according to the 2024 Maclean's University Rankings. The University also continues to lead provincially in overall quality, innovation, and student services. 

     2. Momentous Milestones for a Momentous Campaign

Following the historic launch of the Campaign for Momentous Change – the University’s most ambitious philanthropic initiative to date – the campaign has already surpassed the halfway mark, raising $50M to date toward the $100M goal.  

     3. New College to be Named in Honour of Beloved Elder and Professor   

Trent’s newest college will be named Gidigaa Migizi College in celebration and memory of the late Gidigaa Migizi (Doug Williams) ’69, professor, elder, and community leader renowned for his dedication to Trent students, and for protecting Anishnaabeg treaty rightsWith an anticipated opening of fall 2028, Trent’s newest college will be an architecturally significant building, purposefully constructed to promote learning, embrace diversity, and foster meaningful connections between students, staff, and faculty. Watch for the new college crest, scarf, and colours to be unveiled in 2024.    

     4. Trent Durham Expands into Downtown Oshawa with Opening of Advanced Learning Centre  

The Trent Durham experience expanded into downtown Oshawa with the official opening of Trent University Durham GTA’s Advanced Learning Centre (ALC) – the new home to Trent Durham’s thriving postgraduate certificates. Designed with student success in mind and featuring a wide range of on-site support services, the ALC will continue to grow, with future plans to add additional graduate and undergraduate programming. 

     5. Growing International Partnerships Earn Trent a Place in the Winner’s Circle  

Trent has been named to the winner's circle as the number one undergraduate university in Canada for growth in international partnerships and collaborations, as part of a special five-year spotlight featured in the 2023 Research Infosource rankings. Many new international partnerships for Trent made headlines this year, including a collaboration with the University of Edinburgh to co-host an international summit of environmental and social change in the Arctic in 2024, and a collaborative research project with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology to address the global challenge of climate change.  

     6. National and Provincial Honours for Faculty, Alumni and Trent Leaders

Trent faculty, volunteers, leaders, and alumni were recognized across the province and the country with a suite or prestigious honours. Trent’s alumni chancellor, Dr. Stephen Stohn ‘66, was named a member to the prestigious Order of Canada, and also shared Canada Walk of Fame honours with his partner, honorary alum and Momentous Campaign leader Linda Schuyler for their work on the Degrassi franchise.  In recognition of groundbreaking research contributions, two Trent professors were elected to the Royal Society of Canada:  Dr. Antonio Cazorla-Sánchez, History professor and Spanish Civil War expert, and Dr. Andrew Tanentzap, Canada Research Chair in Climate Change and Northern Ecosystems. Rounding out the year, current and former Board chairs Debra Cooper Burger and Bryan Davies were among six Trent volunteers honoured with Ontario Service Awards.  

     7. New Hubs Enhance Trent's Academic and Cultural Landscape

Trent marked the official opening of two new dynamic campus spaces: the Financial Intelligence & Innovation Hub in Peter Gzowski College and the Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre at Traill College. The amphitheatre is a new hub for arts, culture and heritage in downtown Peterborough, while the Financial Intelligence & Innovation Hub connects undergraduate and graduate students in Finance and Business to real-time global financial markets and data.  

     8. Excalibur Highlights at Home and Away  

Trent athletes were featured on national and provincial sports stages as the Excalibur women’s lacrosse team took home bronze at the OUA Patterson Cup Championship, and three Trent athletes represented Canada in the Men’s Rugby Sevens, the World Rowing Championships, and the Pan Am games in archery.  

     9. Inaugural Leadership Positions  

Two inaugural appointments are strengthening Trent’s commitment to excellence, inclusivity, and leadership. Dr. Rona Jualla van Oudenhoven was appointed as Trent’s first director of Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI), bringing strategic leadership in developing university-wide EDI initiatives. Dr. Cristine de Clercy officially joined Trent as the Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership. Dr. de Clercy's expertise and dedication to advancing education for current and future leaders in government, politics, and public service enhances the academic excellence and thought leadership of the institution. 

     10. Otonabee College Turns 50  

Marking another collegiate milestone, Otonabee College celebrated 50 years with a memorable weekend celebration filled with nostalgia, reflection, and promise for the future.  Featuring a lively opening ceremony, a visit to the archives, guided tours, and spirited house games, the weekend was filled with laughter, friendship, and a shared sense of pride.  Be sure to watch for opportunities to celebrate in 2024 with more milestone anniversaries when Trent University turns 60, Trent Durham turns 50, and Gzowski College celebrates 20 years.