A $517,500 gift will provide new annual scholarships and emergency funding to empower Trent University Durham GTA students who have shown resilience in the face of adversity and exhibit the values of humility, kindness, compassion, hard work, determination, honesty, and generosity.

The gift from the Jeremiah F. Coughlan Foundation will establish the Dr. Jerry Coughlan Hat Trick Award, creating three $5,000 annual scholarships, as well as emergency funding for full-time Trent Durham students who have faced unique personal financial challenges or obligations.

“Trent Durham students now have even greater financial support to follow their dreams thanks to this generous donation, given in memory of an admirable man who was humble, hardworking and ambitious with a great thirst for knowledge,” said Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent University Durham GTA. "It is wonderful that the 'hat trick' celebrates both Jerry's love of hockey and his desire to give back to his community through assisting those who need support. We hope our students follow in Jerry Coughlan’s footsteps of always striving to be your best and supporting others whenever you are able.”

The gift is among the first since the launch of the Campaign for Momentous Change. The boldest philanthropic campaign in the University’s history will empower students, enable world-changing research, steward the University’s iconic architecture, and vitalize campuses.

The late Dr. Jeremiah Coughlan – a Trent Durham GTA honorary degree recipient – had humble beginnings but, through hard work, changed the landscape of Durham as a visionary master builder who built numerous homes, apartment buildings, industrial developments, retail plazas, golf courses and restaurants.

Mr. Coughlan was born in Arthur Township, Ont., as the youngest of 11 children from Irish and English immigrant parents. He started slowly by helping his father and brother in the home building business and later became known for his quality buildings in Toronto, Durham, York, and Florida.

When Mr. Coughlan’s father passed away, the 16-year-old became the young “man of the house” as many of his siblings had moved out and started families of their own. At age 20, he used a loan from his mother to purchase some building lots and start his own building company.

Mr. Coughlan never forgot his humble beginnings, the hard work it took him to start his business, the people that helped him along the way, and the people that supported him by purchasing his homes in Durham and Toronto. To show his gratitude, Mr. Coughlan gave back financially to his community to support the build of a new health centre, a food bank, and a children’s centre.

In 2019, Trent University awarded Mr. Coughlan an honorary doctorate of laws for his community leadership and generous support of organizations throughout the Region of Durham.

Learn more about creating momentous change at Trent University Durham GTA.