Trent University’s Board of Governors met virtually on Friday, February 6, 2026. 

President Cathy Bruce opened the meeting with highlights of recent achievements across research, community impact and student success, including the renewal of three Canada Research Chairs and provincial research funding supporting projects across the environment, biological sciences, health and chemistry. The president also highlighted support from the Ontario Ministry of Natural Resources for research on boreal ecosystems and noted Trent’s participation in two province-wide transfer pathway initiatives.  

Additional highlights of the meeting are as follows: 

Appointment of Board Chair and Vice-Chairs Effective July 2026

The Board of Governors approved the appointment of Mike Lavallée as chair for a two-year term beginning July 1, 2026. Governor Lavallée joined the Trent Board in 2021 and has contributed across key governance portfolios.  

Lavallée is a noted expert and accomplished speaker on the Canadian seniors housing sector with a demonstrated commitment to resident care and quality of life for older adults over the last 20 years. He joined Seasons Retirement Communities in 2009 as chief operating officer, where he launched the operating platform and brand from start-up. Since becoming chief executive officer in 2018, he has continued to strengthen the Seasons brand and integrate new assets, building it into one of the top twelve seniors housing companies in Canada. Before joining Seasons, Mr. Lavallée served as vice president of operations at Chartwell Retirement Residences. He is also the author of Connect, Care, Change: A Roadmap to Authentic Leadership.  

The Board also approved the reappointment of Jaimie McKenna ’97 as vice-chair, as well as the appointment of David de Launay ‘98 as a second vice-chair, both effective July 1, 2026. 

Trent School of Business alumna Jaime McKenna was appointed to the Board for a three-year term effective July 1, 2024, and began serving as vice-chair on July 1, 2025. She is president of Fengate Real Estate, where she leads the growth and strategy of a $20-billion North American portfolio and oversees the firm’s integrated real estate platform. With more than 20 years of experience in real estate investment and finance, she has held senior roles at Minto and is recognized as a leader in the sector. 

David de Launay, also a Trent alumnus, was appointed to the Board for a three-year term effective July 1, 2023, and currently serves as chair of the Finance and Property Committee. He spent more than 30 years in senior public service roles with the Province of Ontario, including serving as deputy minister of Northern Development and Mines and of Aboriginal Affairs. He has built strong partnerships with Indigenous communities and now serves as secretary-treasurer of the Ma'mo'weh Wii'soo'ka'tiwin Foundation and as a board director at LOFT Community Services, with past board roles across the education and community sectors. 

Trent Heritage Presentation

Dr. Michael Eamon, principal of Catharine Parr Traill College, presented an overview of Trent University’s heritage, highlighting the institution’s history, collegiate foundations and sense of place. The presentation emphasized the importance of stewardship as the University prepares for the multi-year rehabilitation of the Faryon Bridge, a tier 1 heritage asset. 

Ggwepnandizamin Stewardship Plan

The Board received and approved the Ggwepnandizamin Stewardship Plan, Trent’s framework for the care of the University Green Network. Developed with Michi Saagiig Anishnaabeg communities, Trent faculty, students and community partners, the plan outlines a seven-year framework for the stewardship of natural areas and open spaces that make up approximately 60 per cent of the Symons Campus. The plan integrates Indigenous knowledge systems with Western science and includes defined priorities, biodiversity targets and an implementation approach supported by adaptive management and annual review.  

‘A Positive’ Credit Rating  

Morningstar DBRS confirmed Trent University’s Issuer Rating and Senior Unsecured Debentures rating at A for the ninth consecutive year and assigned a rating action change to a “positive trend”, reflecting improvement in the University’s financial risk profile. 

Operating Budget Planning

The Board received an update on the University’s operating position during ongoing budget planning within the broader financial context of Ontario’s postsecondary sector. The update addressed enrolment trends and the importance of fiscal discipline while supporting academic priorities.