Trent University moved through 2025 with momentum and purpose: national honours for our scholars, major steps forward in campus growth, new academic programs, and research that informed national conversation. Read on for a look at ten highlights that defined 2025 at Trent.

1. Scholars in the Spotlight

Trent experts made their mark across Ontario and Canada. Dr. Sylvie Bérard took home the Governor General’s Literary Award for Translation, Dr. Andrew Tanentzap earned the $250,000 McDonald Fellowship, and Dr. Bharati Sethi joined the Royal Society of Canada. Dr. Wesley Burr was also applauded for reshaping how statistics is taught as the recipient of the 2025 OCUFA Award.

2. Building Campus and Community

Major campus developments started to take shape this year. We officially broke ground on Gidigaa Migizi College and a new Otonabee College residence, spaces designed with sustainability and accessibility at their core. In another corner of campus, construction began on a 224-bed long-term care home, a partnership with PeopleCare that will bring needed support for aging community members while creating student placements and opening doors for research and intergenerational learning. And the Trent Farm Research Centre continued to draw interest with new facilities and sustainable agriculture research.

3. Quoted Coast to Coast

Trent voices made headlines across international media this year. The New York Times turned to Dr. Heather Nicol to understand Canadian nationalism, to Dr. Stephanie Rutherford to explore how wolves fear humans, and to Dr. Aaron Shafer to explain a new deer lineage revealed by an ancient antler found in Toronto. Trent scholars also helped interpret rapid change in cold regions: Dr. Whitney Lackenbauer offered analysis on Arctic sovereignty in The Guardian and the Financial Times, while researchers explained how warming temperatures are reshaping winter ice on the Great Lakes in The Conversation.

4. Reflection, Revelation, and Resurgence

Trent scholars advanced national conversations on Indigenous histories and commemoration. In The Narwhal, Dr. Jackson Pind, Dr. Phil Abbott, and Jack Hoggarth explored how public monuments shape memories. Trent alumna Alice Olsen Williams ’69 reflected with APTN on her Honorary Doctor of Letters received from Trent at Convocation 2025, and Professor Pind’s book Students by Day explored the history of the Curve Lake Day School. Trent also launched a new Indigenous Initiatives website to support learning and reconciliation across campus.

5. Making Strides with Research

Trent researchers offered expert insights on issues facing the world in a new video series from President Cathy Bruce entitled Making Strides. In other research news, Dr. Martina Orlandi from Trent Durham GTA explores how human identity is at risk amid the growing influence of AI, while new collaboration with PRHC strengthened health-research ties. Plus, Dr. Naomi Nichols offered fresh insight into how communities can better support parents under economic strain.

6. New Programs Fit for the Future

Trent rolled out new programs designed to equip students with the skills needed for a new world of work. Trent Durham GTA introduced two new AI programs, including Canada’s first Bachelor of Arts degree in AI, and new Bachelor of Science in AI, helping shape the tech of tomorrow. New additions like the Specialization in Black Studies, and degrees in Ecological Restoration, French & Canadian Studies, and a double degree with the Canadian College of Naturopathic Medicine added more ways for students to chart careers in social services, health, and sustainability.

7. Excalibur Excellence Owned the Podium

Excalibur student-athletes brought their own momentum to campuses and international competitions. Trent rowers hauled home two golds and a bronze at the Jefferson Dad Vail Regatta – the only Canadian university to medal. Women’s lacrosse took the OUA title, and men’s soccer stormed back to the playoffs,. The brand-new Excalibur branded bus turned heads and highlighted Excalibur pride in communities across Ontario.

8. Lessons in Leadership

Leadership claimed more than a few spotlights this year. Trent students claimed first in North America in the Collegiate Leadership Competition. Trent’s Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership Dr. Cristine de Clercy offered national political insights, and found a new home for her Leadership Lab at the CREATE Centre for Entrepreneurship. First-year student Destiny earned a national scholarship for her work building community across campus and beyond.

9. Wild Questions, Wise Answers

Trent experts helped explain why animals behave the way they do, including the presence of coyotes on Toronto streets and why puffins veer toward coastal lights. Research by Biology professor Dr. Graham Raby also helped inform a scientific debate about how fish can survive warming waters. Hint: more oxygen isn’t the answer.

10. Community Support Powers Achievement

Donor support and alumni engagement advanced Trent success this year. Nursing student Sierra Punchard shared how donor-backed supports helped her step into leadership; the 2025 Alumni Awards celebrated nine outstanding graduates and students shaping change in their fields. The Alumni Gift Guide also spotlighted Trent’s entrepreneurial community, featuring alumni-owned businesses and creators across Canada.