Dr. Helen Haines to receive $20,000 through a prestigious grant from the National Geographic Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration
Friday, May 30, 2014, Oshawa, ON
Trent University Oshawa professor Dr. Helen Haines has received a coveted $20,000 grant from the National Geographic Society’s Committee for Research and Exploration in support of her excavation project work at the ancient Maya site of Ka’Kabish in Belize, Central America.
Professor Haines, who teaches anthropology at Trent and is a research fellow of the Trent University Archaeological Research Centre (TUARC), has been conducting research on Maya culture in northern Belize for 25 years. She is currently the director of the Ka’Kabish Archaeological Research Project (KARP), which is focused on understanding the development of social stratification and its transformative role in the development of early states. Prof. Haines was thrilled to learn that she and her team will receive funding from the National Geographic Society, stating that the grant will provide immense help with both support of student research and project infrastructure.
“I am deeply honoured to be receiving a National Geographic Society grant,” said Prof. Haines. “I remember reading National Geographic journals as a child, and to think that I might one day be featured in one of their volumes is a dream come true.”
Joe Muldoon, head of Trent University Oshawa, noted that Trent has a thirty-year history of archaeological research in Belize with Professor Paul Healy. “Prof. Helen Haines continues this tradition of excellence, and this recent grant from the National Geographic Society will help support her outstanding research program involving both undergraduate and graduate students,” Mr. Muldoon said.
Prof. Haines’s dream of becoming an archaeologist began when she found a book about Heinrich Schliemann’s discovery of Troy in the library of her elementary school. “I fell in love with the idea that someone could read about one of these myths and then actually go and find it,” she said. As an undergraduate at the University of Toronto in 1990, she participated in her first field trip to Belize and was fascinated by the possibilities. She now spends part of each year directing her own excavation project at Ka’Kabish. “It’s like watching a city coming back to life,” she said.
Along with a team of graduate and undergraduate students and local workers, Prof. Haines is examining archaeological evidence from Ka’Kabish, dating from 800-400 BC to AD 900-1100. Their research focuses on the political formation and dynamics of early states: how they emerged, and how groups were integrated into larger political landscapes. Artifacts found during excavations can contribute to archaeologists’ knowledge of many aspects of a site, from the status of its residents to political boundaries.
“What we’re hoping to show is a better understanding of how this site relates politically and economically to cultural zones to the west and east,” Prof. Haines said. “It will help us clarify those relationships that our site had with those other communities.”
Prof. Haines obtained her B.A. in Anthropology from the University of Toronto and her Ph.D. from the Institute of Archaeology, University of London, England, in 2000. She also held a three-year Post-Doctoral research appointment in the Department of Anthropology at The Field Museum of Natural History, Chicago, IL.
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Friday, May 30, 2014
Thursday, May 29, 2014
Trent Indigenous Studies Professor Appointed as President of the First Nations University of Canada
The First Nations University of Canada (FNUniv) has appointed Trent University Indigenous Studiesprofessor Mark S. Dockstator as its new president, effective July 1, 2014. Professor Dockstator has been an associate professor at Trent University since 1997, and also served as departmental chair and director of the PhD program.
“We are exceptionally pleased that Mark has been chosen to lead the First Nations University of Canada,” said Dr. David Newhouse, chair of the Indigenous Studies department at Trent. “He carries with him all the support of the Department of Indigenous Studies as he undertakes these important leadership responsibilities. It is an honour that one of our members has been chosen for the task for helping the First Nations University on the next step of its development.
A member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames, Prof. Dockstator became the first indigenous person to graduate with a doctorate in law in 1994 from York University. His doctoral dissertation, entitled “Toward an Understanding of Aboriginal Self Government”, is a blend of Indigenous and Western knowledge and was used as a foundation for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples final report.
Prof. Dockstator has served as
He also has a great deal of business experience and has a specific research expertise in Aboriginal issues, having served as principal investigator on an array of national and regional research projects in areas such as Aboriginal health, treaties, Aboriginal languages and culture, education and economic development.
“It is an honor to become the next President of the First Nations University of Canada,” said Prof. Dockstator. “The appointment offers an excellent opportunity to share the experience and expertise of Indigenous Studies developed here at Trent University, explore partnerships and build a network of Indigenous educational institutions for the benefit of both First Nations and Canadian society.”
The First Nations University of Canada is a unique Canadian institution that specializes in Indigenous knowledge, providing post-secondary education for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students alike within a culturally supportive environment. It provides a unique opportunity to study in an environment that supports First Nations cultures, languages, and values.
“We are exceptionally pleased that Mark has been chosen to lead the First Nations University of Canada,” said Dr. David Newhouse, chair of the Indigenous Studies department at Trent. “He carries with him all the support of the Department of Indigenous Studies as he undertakes these important leadership responsibilities. It is an honour that one of our members has been chosen for the task for helping the First Nations University on the next step of its development.
A member of the Oneida Nation of the Thames, Prof. Dockstator became the first indigenous person to graduate with a doctorate in law in 1994 from York University. His doctoral dissertation, entitled “Toward an Understanding of Aboriginal Self Government”, is a blend of Indigenous and Western knowledge and was used as a foundation for the Royal Commission on Aboriginal Peoples final report.
Prof. Dockstator has served as
- Founding Chairman of the First Nations Statistical Institute, Senior
- Negotiator and Researcher for the Assembly of Manitoba Chiefs, President and CEO of Rama Economic
- Development Corporation, Special Advisor to the Royal Commission on Aboriginal People and Special
- Advisor to the Chief Commissioner of the Indian Land Claims Commission, to name a few.
He also has a great deal of business experience and has a specific research expertise in Aboriginal issues, having served as principal investigator on an array of national and regional research projects in areas such as Aboriginal health, treaties, Aboriginal languages and culture, education and economic development.
“It is an honor to become the next President of the First Nations University of Canada,” said Prof. Dockstator. “The appointment offers an excellent opportunity to share the experience and expertise of Indigenous Studies developed here at Trent University, explore partnerships and build a network of Indigenous educational institutions for the benefit of both First Nations and Canadian society.”
The First Nations University of Canada is a unique Canadian institution that specializes in Indigenous knowledge, providing post-secondary education for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal students alike within a culturally supportive environment. It provides a unique opportunity to study in an environment that supports First Nations cultures, languages, and values.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014
Trent University Oshawa Celebrates Achievements and Successes at 48th Convocation on June 5
135 graduates from Trent University Oshawa to be honoured at Symons Campus ceremony in Peterborough: Watch live web-cast at Trentu.ca and follow #TrentConvo
Tuesday, May 27, 2014, Oshawa, ON
Trent University will welcome 1,732 students, families, faculty and special guests to the University Court of the Bata Library on Symons Campus in Peterborough to celebrate the accomplishments of its newest graduates from across Canada and countries around the world at the 48th Convocation ceremonies from Tuesday, June 3 to Friday, June 6, 2014.
Dr. Don Tapscott, Trent chancellor, will preside over the Convocation ceremonies, along with Dr. Steven E. Franklin, who will celebrate his final ceremony as Trent’s president and vice-chancellor. The University will bestow honorary degrees upon five outstanding individuals: award-winning novelist Joseph Boyden, renowned anthropologist Wade Davis, educator and Arctic researcher Shelagh Grant, accomplished public servant Richard Johnston, and investment leader David Patterson will be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to academic life at Trent and to society as a whole.
Among the 135 graduates of Trent University Oshawa, 51 are graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree, 21 with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree, 49 with a general Bachelor of Arts, nine with a general Bachelor of Science, two with a Bachelor of Education and one with a Bachelor of Business Administration. All Trent University Oshawa graduates will be recognized at the ceremony on Thursday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m. An Honorary Doctor of Letters degree will be conferred upon Shelagh Grant during the ceremony.
As graduating students complete their chapter at Trent, many of them will be continuing their education in academic or professional programs or moving on to fascinating careers (read profiles of some of Trent’s brightest new graduates at trentu.ca/convocation/profiles.php). A new study released by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) shares that 87 per cent of Canadians agree that university research makes a major contribution to the nation’s economic prosperity. Similarly, Statistics Canada’s latest National Graduate Survey shows that university graduates have relatively high incomes and full-time employment rates, with over 90 per cent of graduates employed within three years.
Watch the live web-cast of the ceremonies at trentu.ca/convocation/coverage.php.
Follow @TrentUniversity on Twitter and Facebook and add your own comments and photos during the ceremonies by using the hashtag #TrentConvo.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014, Oshawa, ON
Trent University will welcome 1,732 students, families, faculty and special guests to the University Court of the Bata Library on Symons Campus in Peterborough to celebrate the accomplishments of its newest graduates from across Canada and countries around the world at the 48th Convocation ceremonies from Tuesday, June 3 to Friday, June 6, 2014.
Dr. Don Tapscott, Trent chancellor, will preside over the Convocation ceremonies, along with Dr. Steven E. Franklin, who will celebrate his final ceremony as Trent’s president and vice-chancellor. The University will bestow honorary degrees upon five outstanding individuals: award-winning novelist Joseph Boyden, renowned anthropologist Wade Davis, educator and Arctic researcher Shelagh Grant, accomplished public servant Richard Johnston, and investment leader David Patterson will be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to academic life at Trent and to society as a whole.
Among the 135 graduates of Trent University Oshawa, 51 are graduating with a Bachelor of Arts Honours degree, 21 with a Bachelor of Science Honours degree, 49 with a general Bachelor of Arts, nine with a general Bachelor of Science, two with a Bachelor of Education and one with a Bachelor of Business Administration. All Trent University Oshawa graduates will be recognized at the ceremony on Thursday, June 5 at 10:00 a.m. An Honorary Doctor of Letters degree will be conferred upon Shelagh Grant during the ceremony.
As graduating students complete their chapter at Trent, many of them will be continuing their education in academic or professional programs or moving on to fascinating careers (read profiles of some of Trent’s brightest new graduates at trentu.ca/convocation/profiles.php). A new study released by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) shares that 87 per cent of Canadians agree that university research makes a major contribution to the nation’s economic prosperity. Similarly, Statistics Canada’s latest National Graduate Survey shows that university graduates have relatively high incomes and full-time employment rates, with over 90 per cent of graduates employed within three years.
Watch the live web-cast of the ceremonies at trentu.ca/convocation/coverage.php.
Follow @TrentUniversity on Twitter and Facebook and add your own comments and photos during the ceremonies by using the hashtag #TrentConvo.
Trent University Celebrates Achievements and Successes at 48th Convocation
Watch live web-cast ceremonies at Trentu.ca and follow #TrentConvo to see top student medalists, honorary degree recipients, and a farewell from President Steven E. Franklin
Tuesday, May 27, 2014, Peterborough, ON
Trent University will welcome students, families, faculty and special guests to the University Court of the Bata Library on Symons Campus to celebrate the accomplishments of its newest graduates from across Canada and countries around the world at the 48th Convocation ceremonies from Tuesday, June 3 to Friday, June 6, 2014.
Dr. Don Tapscott, Trent chancellor, will preside over the Convocation ceremonies, along with Dr. Steven E. Franklin, who will celebrate his final ceremony as Trent’s president and vice-chancellor. The University will bestow honorary degrees upon five outstanding individuals: award-winning novelist Joseph Boyden, renowned anthropologist Wade Davis, educator and Arctic researcher Shelagh Grant, accomplished public servant Richard Johnston, and investment leader David Patterson will be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to academic life at Trent and to society as a whole.
During Convocation, Trent University will honour 1,732 members of the 2014 graduating class, over the course of eight ceremonies from Tuesday morning until Friday afternoon. A total of 1,636 undergraduate students will receive their degrees in 2014, including 8 students receiving diplomas. Statistics from the Office of the Registrar for undergraduate studies show that 68 per cent of 2014 graduates are female, while 32 per cent are male. Twenty per cent of this year’s graduates are named to the president’s honour roll, which celebrates undergraduate students graduating with a cumulative average of at least 80 per cent.
Trent will also bestow degrees upon 96 graduate students, 17 of whom will receive doctorates and 79 of whom will receive Masters degrees. Of this year’s graduate students, 41 are completing degrees in the arts and 38 in the sciences. At the graduate level, 54 students are female and 42 are male.
As graduating students complete their chapter at Trent, many of them will be continuing their education in academic or professional programs or moving on to fascinating careers (read profiles of some of Trent’s brightest new graduates at trentu.ca/convocation/profiles.php). A new study released by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) shares that 87 per cent of Canadians agree that university research makes a major contribution to the nation’s economic prosperity. Similarly, Statistics Canada’s latest National Graduate Survey shows that university graduates have relatively high incomes and full-time employment rates, with over 90 per cent of graduates employed within three years.
During the 2014 Convocation ceremonies, Trent will also honour several of its most accomplished students with special awards.
Watch the live web-cast of the ceremonies at trentu.ca/convocation/coverage.php.
Follow @TrentUniversity on Twitter and Facebook and add your own comments and photos during the ceremonies by using the hashtag #TrentConvo.
Tuesday, May 27, 2014, Peterborough, ON
Trent University will welcome students, families, faculty and special guests to the University Court of the Bata Library on Symons Campus to celebrate the accomplishments of its newest graduates from across Canada and countries around the world at the 48th Convocation ceremonies from Tuesday, June 3 to Friday, June 6, 2014.
Dr. Don Tapscott, Trent chancellor, will preside over the Convocation ceremonies, along with Dr. Steven E. Franklin, who will celebrate his final ceremony as Trent’s president and vice-chancellor. The University will bestow honorary degrees upon five outstanding individuals: award-winning novelist Joseph Boyden, renowned anthropologist Wade Davis, educator and Arctic researcher Shelagh Grant, accomplished public servant Richard Johnston, and investment leader David Patterson will be recognized for their extraordinary contributions to academic life at Trent and to society as a whole.
During Convocation, Trent University will honour 1,732 members of the 2014 graduating class, over the course of eight ceremonies from Tuesday morning until Friday afternoon. A total of 1,636 undergraduate students will receive their degrees in 2014, including 8 students receiving diplomas. Statistics from the Office of the Registrar for undergraduate studies show that 68 per cent of 2014 graduates are female, while 32 per cent are male. Twenty per cent of this year’s graduates are named to the president’s honour roll, which celebrates undergraduate students graduating with a cumulative average of at least 80 per cent.
Trent will also bestow degrees upon 96 graduate students, 17 of whom will receive doctorates and 79 of whom will receive Masters degrees. Of this year’s graduate students, 41 are completing degrees in the arts and 38 in the sciences. At the graduate level, 54 students are female and 42 are male.
As graduating students complete their chapter at Trent, many of them will be continuing their education in academic or professional programs or moving on to fascinating careers (read profiles of some of Trent’s brightest new graduates at trentu.ca/convocation/profiles.php). A new study released by the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) shares that 87 per cent of Canadians agree that university research makes a major contribution to the nation’s economic prosperity. Similarly, Statistics Canada’s latest National Graduate Survey shows that university graduates have relatively high incomes and full-time employment rates, with over 90 per cent of graduates employed within three years.
During the 2014 Convocation ceremonies, Trent will also honour several of its most accomplished students with special awards.
- The Governor General’s Academic Medal to reward scholastic merit was established in 1873 by the Earl of Dufferin who served as Governor General of Canada from 1872 to 1878. The Silver Medal and Gold Medal are awarded to the students with the highest academic standing in the undergraduate and graduate programs, respectively.
- The President's Medal, established in 2009, will be awarded to three graduate students who achieved academic excellence in several degree programs.
- The Symons Medal, established in 1972 in honour of Trent’s founding president T.H.B. Symons, will be awarded to four undergraduate students in the Honours program who achieve high overall standing on graduation.
- The Bagnani Medal, established in 1986 to honour the late founding faculty member Professor Gilbert Bagnani, will be awarded to two students in the General program who achieve high overall standing on graduation.
Watch the live web-cast of the ceremonies at trentu.ca/convocation/coverage.php.
Follow @TrentUniversity on Twitter and Facebook and add your own comments and photos during the ceremonies by using the hashtag #TrentConvo.
Wednesday, May 21, 2014
Trent Professor Chris Furgal Joins Leading Researchers to Discuss 'What Matters Now'
Dr. Chris Furgal, an associate professor in the Indigenous Environmental Studies program at Trent, will share his research about how indigenous communities will adapt to climate change as one of several “fascinating ideas” presented at the “What Matters Now” event on Wednesday, May 21 at Kingston’s City Hall.
Professor Furgal joins four other top Ontario university researchers for the final stop of this year’s Research Matters free speakers’ series, run by the Council of Ontario Universities (COU). The series aims to showcase how university researchers are improving the health, happiness and richness of life around the world as well as helping government, businesses and communities make informed decisions.
“Research Matters highlights the tremendous breadth and value of university research being conducted right here in Ontario,” says Bonnie M. Patterson, President and CEO of the COU. “It’s no exaggeration to say that university research changes lives, and we want the public to take as much pride in that accomplishment as our universities do.”
Prof. Furgal recently received national attention for a report he co-authored about the food security plight of northern Canadians. The report, entitled Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of the State of Knowledge, was released March 27 by the Canadian Council of Academics and quickly received national coverage from CBC News, Sun News, and other media outlets.
The study paints a picture of how challenging it is for Aboriginal people living in northern and remote communities to access safe, nutritious food on a regular basis. It describes food security in the north as a serious and complex issue with significant implications for health and wellness, especially for the Inuit. “Quite simply put, things need to be done now and on a large scale to address this critical issue in Aboriginal health in Canada,” Prof. Furgal said.
Hosted by public broadcaster Piya Chattopadhyay, the “What Matters Now” event will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and can be watched on a live stream online.
Professor Furgal joins four other top Ontario university researchers for the final stop of this year’s Research Matters free speakers’ series, run by the Council of Ontario Universities (COU). The series aims to showcase how university researchers are improving the health, happiness and richness of life around the world as well as helping government, businesses and communities make informed decisions.
“Research Matters highlights the tremendous breadth and value of university research being conducted right here in Ontario,” says Bonnie M. Patterson, President and CEO of the COU. “It’s no exaggeration to say that university research changes lives, and we want the public to take as much pride in that accomplishment as our universities do.”
Prof. Furgal recently received national attention for a report he co-authored about the food security plight of northern Canadians. The report, entitled Aboriginal Food Security in Northern Canada: An Assessment of the State of Knowledge, was released March 27 by the Canadian Council of Academics and quickly received national coverage from CBC News, Sun News, and other media outlets.
The study paints a picture of how challenging it is for Aboriginal people living in northern and remote communities to access safe, nutritious food on a regular basis. It describes food security in the north as a serious and complex issue with significant implications for health and wellness, especially for the Inuit. “Quite simply put, things need to be done now and on a large scale to address this critical issue in Aboriginal health in Canada,” Prof. Furgal said.
Hosted by public broadcaster Piya Chattopadhyay, the “What Matters Now” event will take place from 6:30 to 9 p.m. and can be watched on a live stream online.
Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Trent Anthropologists Win Communications Award for Ontario Archaeology Book
‘Before Ontario’ is the first book in 30 years to bring new research on Ontario’s ancient past to the public
Wednesday, May 14, 2014, Peterborough, Ontario
Trent University anthropologists Dr. Marit Munson and Dr. Susan Jamieson have won a 2014 Public Communications Award from the Canadian Archaeological Association for the editing of their book, Before Ontario: The Archaeology of a Province, published in October 2013.
Dr. Munson, associate professor of Anthropology at Trent, and Dr. Jamieson, professor emerita, are co-editors of Before Ontario, the first book in 30 years to cover Ontario archaeology for the general public. Five years in the making, Before Ontario provides both an outline of Ontario's ancient past and an easy-to-understand explanation of how archaeology works. The volume is comprised of articles from the province's leading archaeologists who work both in academia and the private sector, including several affiliated with the Trent University Archaeological Research Centre (TUARC).
“As an archaeologist, I wanted to understand something about the place where I now live,” said Dr. Munson. “What I appreciated most about this process was getting the big picture view, to get a sense of the big sweep of history going back to the last ice age. It’s humbling and amazing to remember that people have lived and died here for 13,000 years.”
Dr. Munson emphasized that keeping this knowledge in mind is important as modern activities transform the landscape. “Ontario’s heritage needs to be preserved for future generations,” she said. Before Ontario includes an explanation of laws like the Heritage Act, designed to preserve archaeological sites and artifacts in the province.
“Most members of the public aren't aware that the laws require archaeologists to survey areas for important sites before building roads or new neighbourhoods,” she said. “Heritage laws are designed to make sure we are aware of these kinds of sites before construction, so we can avoid accidentally disturbing or destroying important parts of Ontario's past.”
Since 1985, the Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) has presented annual awards to acknowledge outstanding contributions in communication that further insight and appreciation of Canadian Archaeology. The CAA praised Dr. Munson and Dr. Jamieson’s work, highlighting the archaeological data presented in a readable manner, and the accessible voice. Dr. Munson and Dr. Jamieson will receive their 2014 Public Communications Award at the annual meeting of the Canadian Archaeological Association in London, ON, May 14-18.
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Wednesday, May 14, 2014, Peterborough, Ontario
Trent University anthropologists Dr. Marit Munson and Dr. Susan Jamieson have won a 2014 Public Communications Award from the Canadian Archaeological Association for the editing of their book, Before Ontario: The Archaeology of a Province, published in October 2013.
Dr. Munson, associate professor of Anthropology at Trent, and Dr. Jamieson, professor emerita, are co-editors of Before Ontario, the first book in 30 years to cover Ontario archaeology for the general public. Five years in the making, Before Ontario provides both an outline of Ontario's ancient past and an easy-to-understand explanation of how archaeology works. The volume is comprised of articles from the province's leading archaeologists who work both in academia and the private sector, including several affiliated with the Trent University Archaeological Research Centre (TUARC).
“As an archaeologist, I wanted to understand something about the place where I now live,” said Dr. Munson. “What I appreciated most about this process was getting the big picture view, to get a sense of the big sweep of history going back to the last ice age. It’s humbling and amazing to remember that people have lived and died here for 13,000 years.”
Dr. Munson emphasized that keeping this knowledge in mind is important as modern activities transform the landscape. “Ontario’s heritage needs to be preserved for future generations,” she said. Before Ontario includes an explanation of laws like the Heritage Act, designed to preserve archaeological sites and artifacts in the province.
“Most members of the public aren't aware that the laws require archaeologists to survey areas for important sites before building roads or new neighbourhoods,” she said. “Heritage laws are designed to make sure we are aware of these kinds of sites before construction, so we can avoid accidentally disturbing or destroying important parts of Ontario's past.”
Since 1985, the Canadian Archaeological Association (CAA) has presented annual awards to acknowledge outstanding contributions in communication that further insight and appreciation of Canadian Archaeology. The CAA praised Dr. Munson and Dr. Jamieson’s work, highlighting the archaeological data presented in a readable manner, and the accessible voice. Dr. Munson and Dr. Jamieson will receive their 2014 Public Communications Award at the annual meeting of the Canadian Archaeological Association in London, ON, May 14-18.
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Monday, May 12, 2014
Trent Nursing Opens New Technologically-Advanced Clinical Simulation Learning Centre
New simulation facilities among several significant achievements being celebrated by the program during Nursing Week (May 12-18)
Monday, May 12, 2014, Peterborough, ON
In celebration of National Nursing Week, the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing will launch the new Nursing Clinical Simulation Learning Centre on Wednesday, May 14, at the Life and Health Sciences Building at Trent University.
The grand opening of the simulation lab is a fitting example of this year’s Nursing Week theme, “A Leading Force for Change”. The Clinical Simulation Learning Centre (CSLC) is the latest development in the Nursing program, and incorporates Trent’s new technological resources, expanding capabilities in nursing education, and increased interprofessional development opportunities.
“Simulation of real-life patient situations is an important part of nursing education, and creates a safe environment for nursing students to learn a variety of skills, including how to communicate with patients, and how to perform both basic and advanced nursing interventions,” said Meaghen Regts, clinical simulation centre coordinator, Trent-Fleming School of Nursing. “Our goal is to build the simulation learning facilities at Trent into a regional centre that can become a hub for innovative, hands-on learning for students and professionals across Ontario.”
The CSLC represents a new level of professional education and collaboration with other universities and health centres, particularly the School of Nursing’s partnerships with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and the Peterborough County-City Health Unit (PCCHU). The simulation centre will use tools like high-fidelity mannequins and patient actors to simulate real-life health care events. These updated technologies and educational programs will function within the School of Nursing’s existing laboratories, and will ensure that students are fully educated in all of the skills, techniques, and critical reasoning required to be successful before they work with the general public or vulnerable populations.
"The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing is known for preparing excellent practitioners,” said Dr. Kirsten Woodend, dean of the School. “The expansion of our simulation program and space positions us to continue providing nursing students with the education, hands-on experience and insight that they will need in order to practice in a rapidly changing and increasingly challenging health care environment."
The use of simulations in nursing education has increased dramatically since 2005, when the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care announced funding to begin integrating simulation into nursing education. Since then, the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing has actively incorporated simulations into its program, going so far as to introduce simulations within the first term of nursing students’ first year.
The new simulation centre is just one example of cutting-edge programming, award-winning achievements and innovations that are taking place within the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing:
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Monday, May 12, 2014, Peterborough, ON
In celebration of National Nursing Week, the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing will launch the new Nursing Clinical Simulation Learning Centre on Wednesday, May 14, at the Life and Health Sciences Building at Trent University.
The grand opening of the simulation lab is a fitting example of this year’s Nursing Week theme, “A Leading Force for Change”. The Clinical Simulation Learning Centre (CSLC) is the latest development in the Nursing program, and incorporates Trent’s new technological resources, expanding capabilities in nursing education, and increased interprofessional development opportunities.
“Simulation of real-life patient situations is an important part of nursing education, and creates a safe environment for nursing students to learn a variety of skills, including how to communicate with patients, and how to perform both basic and advanced nursing interventions,” said Meaghen Regts, clinical simulation centre coordinator, Trent-Fleming School of Nursing. “Our goal is to build the simulation learning facilities at Trent into a regional centre that can become a hub for innovative, hands-on learning for students and professionals across Ontario.”
The CSLC represents a new level of professional education and collaboration with other universities and health centres, particularly the School of Nursing’s partnerships with the Peterborough Regional Health Centre (PRHC) and the Peterborough County-City Health Unit (PCCHU). The simulation centre will use tools like high-fidelity mannequins and patient actors to simulate real-life health care events. These updated technologies and educational programs will function within the School of Nursing’s existing laboratories, and will ensure that students are fully educated in all of the skills, techniques, and critical reasoning required to be successful before they work with the general public or vulnerable populations.
"The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing is known for preparing excellent practitioners,” said Dr. Kirsten Woodend, dean of the School. “The expansion of our simulation program and space positions us to continue providing nursing students with the education, hands-on experience and insight that they will need in order to practice in a rapidly changing and increasingly challenging health care environment."
The use of simulations in nursing education has increased dramatically since 2005, when the Ontario Ministry of Health and Long Term Care announced funding to begin integrating simulation into nursing education. Since then, the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing has actively incorporated simulations into its program, going so far as to introduce simulations within the first term of nursing students’ first year.
The new simulation centre is just one example of cutting-edge programming, award-winning achievements and innovations that are taking place within the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing:
- The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing recently received the maximum accreditation level possible from the Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing
- Two Trent nursing students, Sarah Dykeman and Hannah Silk, are Trent University’s first-ever recipients of Health Professional Student Research Vouchers from the Canadian Institute of Health Research (CIHR)
- Nursing students Scott Wight and Amanda Li won the inaugural Student E-Health Award at the Canadian Nursing Student Association Conference for developing a mobile website application that helps students deal with depression and other mental health disorders, with support from Professor Kim English
- The Community Living Peterborough Grant was established in 2013 to provide tuition and housing to two nursing students per year in return for serving as “intentional neighbours” to people who live with an intellectual disability in supportive, independent-living duplexes
- The Trent/Fleming School of Nursing accepted its first cohort of students in 2001, and has since grown to nearly 800 students. View a gallery of photos of the current nursing facilities at Trent in the new Life and Health Sciences building
- In addition to offering a traditional B.ScN degree requiring 4 years of study, the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing now also offers a 7-semester program for students with previous university education and a 5-semester bridge program for Registered Practical Nurses to complete a B.ScN. Learn more about the programs offered.
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Thursday, May 8, 2014
Grand Opening of Trent University Nursing Clinical Learning Centre Lab
Thursday, May 8, 2014, Peterborough
The Trent-Fleming School of Nursing will host the grand opening of the Trent University Nursing Clinical Simulation Lab 5 & 6 on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 11:00a.m.
Media are invited to attend a demonstration and tours of the facility, following opening remarks by Kirsten Woodend, dean of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, and Gary Boire, provost of Trent University. Refreshments will also be served.
The grand opening of the simulation lab takes place during National Nursing Week (May 12-18), and is a fitting example of this year’s theme, “A Leading Force for Change”. The event will both celebrate nursing practice and highlight Trent’s new technological resources, capabilities in nursing education, and the interprofessional development possibilities offered by the simulation centre at Trent University.
Event Details:
What: Demonstration and tours of the new Trent University Nursing Clinical Simulation Lab
Interview and photo opportunity with the dean of the Nursing School, staff and faculty
When: Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Time: 11:00a.m.
Where: Life and Health Sciences Building, Room D212
Trent University
2140 East Bank Drive
Peterborough, ON K9L 1Z8
For more information, please contact:
Meaghen Regts, clinical simulation centre coordinator, Trent-Fleming School of Nursing
(705) 748-1011 ext. 6320 or meaghenregts@trentu.ca
The Trent-Fleming School of Nursing will host the grand opening of the Trent University Nursing Clinical Simulation Lab 5 & 6 on Wednesday, May 14, 2014 at 11:00a.m.
Media are invited to attend a demonstration and tours of the facility, following opening remarks by Kirsten Woodend, dean of the Trent/Fleming School of Nursing, and Gary Boire, provost of Trent University. Refreshments will also be served.
The grand opening of the simulation lab takes place during National Nursing Week (May 12-18), and is a fitting example of this year’s theme, “A Leading Force for Change”. The event will both celebrate nursing practice and highlight Trent’s new technological resources, capabilities in nursing education, and the interprofessional development possibilities offered by the simulation centre at Trent University.
Event Details:
What: Demonstration and tours of the new Trent University Nursing Clinical Simulation Lab
Interview and photo opportunity with the dean of the Nursing School, staff and faculty
When: Wednesday, May 14, 2014
Time: 11:00a.m.
Where: Life and Health Sciences Building, Room D212
Trent University
2140 East Bank Drive
Peterborough, ON K9L 1Z8
For more information, please contact:
Meaghen Regts, clinical simulation centre coordinator, Trent-Fleming School of Nursing
(705) 748-1011 ext. 6320 or meaghenregts@trentu.ca
Wednesday, May 7, 2014
Bestselling Author and Trent University Oshawa Professor Wins Canada Council for the Arts Prize
Dr. Robert Wright receives $15,000 prize for new book, ‘The Night Canada Stood Still’
Wednesday, May 7, 2014, Oshawa, ON
Historian, bestselling author, screenwriter and Trent University professor Dr. Robert Wright has won a prestigious $15,000 prize from the Canada Council for the Arts for his upcoming book, The Night Canada Stood Still, the latest in a series of accolades for his published work.
Dr. Wright is among seven artists named as recipients of the 2014 Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Prizes in an announcement made May 7, 2014 by the Canada Council for the Arts. The recipients are chosen by a committee of their peers from among the artists who received funding this past year for projects across the seven disciplines supported by the Council.
Dr. Wright receives this prize in recognition of his next book, The Night Canada Stood Still, slated for release on June 3, 2014, in which he revisits the drama and intrigue that led to the 1995 Quebec referendum which nearly split the nation. He blends the historical details around the sovereignist campaign with the excitement and anxiety that was felt by Canadians watching the election results across the country.
"I am thrilled to win the Lynch Staunton Award for my new book, the more so because it came from a blind jury of my peers,” said Dr. Wright upon learning of the prize. “I wrote the book because I believe the 1995 Quebec referendum was a watershed event for Canada and Quebec, and I am delighted to see that I am not alone in this view."
Dr. Wright, a professor of History at Trent University Oshawa, has built his career by challenging the way we think about Canadian history, foreign policy and sovereignty issues. He writes and speaks on a broad range of contemporary issues, including Canadian politics and diplomacy. He is the recipient of numerous research and publishing honours, including the Lela Common Prize for Canadian History for his national bestseller Three Nights in Havana (2007). Other publications include Hip and Trivial: Youth Culture, Book Publishing, and the Greying of Canadian Nationalism (2001), Virtual Sovereignty: Nationalism, Culture and the Canadian Question (2004), Our Place in the Sun: Canada and Cuba in the Castro Era (2009) and Our Man in Tehran: Ken Taylor and the Iran Hostage Crisis (2011). The latter book was also turned into a full-length, critically-acclaimed documentary film, which Dr. Wright co-wrote.
“The Canada Council supports artists at different stages of their career and the Victor Martyn Lynch‑Staunton Prize recognizes a turning point for these artists,” said Robert Sirman, director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts. “We honour their accomplishments to date and support their next steps in producing outstanding work and expanding the reach of Canadian creativity.”
The prizes were created in 1967 using funds from a generous bequest made by the late Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton, and are awarded every three years.
- 30 -
Wednesday, May 7, 2014, Oshawa, ON
Historian, bestselling author, screenwriter and Trent University professor Dr. Robert Wright has won a prestigious $15,000 prize from the Canada Council for the Arts for his upcoming book, The Night Canada Stood Still, the latest in a series of accolades for his published work.
Dr. Wright is among seven artists named as recipients of the 2014 Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton Prizes in an announcement made May 7, 2014 by the Canada Council for the Arts. The recipients are chosen by a committee of their peers from among the artists who received funding this past year for projects across the seven disciplines supported by the Council.
Dr. Wright receives this prize in recognition of his next book, The Night Canada Stood Still, slated for release on June 3, 2014, in which he revisits the drama and intrigue that led to the 1995 Quebec referendum which nearly split the nation. He blends the historical details around the sovereignist campaign with the excitement and anxiety that was felt by Canadians watching the election results across the country.
"I am thrilled to win the Lynch Staunton Award for my new book, the more so because it came from a blind jury of my peers,” said Dr. Wright upon learning of the prize. “I wrote the book because I believe the 1995 Quebec referendum was a watershed event for Canada and Quebec, and I am delighted to see that I am not alone in this view."
Dr. Wright, a professor of History at Trent University Oshawa, has built his career by challenging the way we think about Canadian history, foreign policy and sovereignty issues. He writes and speaks on a broad range of contemporary issues, including Canadian politics and diplomacy. He is the recipient of numerous research and publishing honours, including the Lela Common Prize for Canadian History for his national bestseller Three Nights in Havana (2007). Other publications include Hip and Trivial: Youth Culture, Book Publishing, and the Greying of Canadian Nationalism (2001), Virtual Sovereignty: Nationalism, Culture and the Canadian Question (2004), Our Place in the Sun: Canada and Cuba in the Castro Era (2009) and Our Man in Tehran: Ken Taylor and the Iran Hostage Crisis (2011). The latter book was also turned into a full-length, critically-acclaimed documentary film, which Dr. Wright co-wrote.
“The Canada Council supports artists at different stages of their career and the Victor Martyn Lynch‑Staunton Prize recognizes a turning point for these artists,” said Robert Sirman, director and CEO of the Canada Council for the Arts. “We honour their accomplishments to date and support their next steps in producing outstanding work and expanding the reach of Canadian creativity.”
The prizes were created in 1967 using funds from a generous bequest made by the late Victor Martyn Lynch-Staunton, and are awarded every three years.
- 30 -
Tuesday, May 6, 2014
Five Trent University Alumni Award Winners Share their Inspiration and Insights
Young entrepreneur who turned learning disability into revolutionary assistive technology company is among five exceptional alumni honorees
Tuesday, May 6, 2014, Peterborough
A cognitive psychology researcher, a technology entrepreneur, a pioneer in midwifery and health education, an award-winning CBC production executive, and a high school principal: though their careers span many different fields, all can trace the beginnings of their success stories back to their experiences as Trent University students.
Five exceptional Trent alumni were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their fields and to the university at the 9th Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony, held in the Barbara Frum Atrium at the CBC Production Facilities in Toronto on Saturday, May 3. More than 100 alumni, staff, faculty and special guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of Jennifer Dettman ‘88, an award-winning producer at CBC; Dr. Chris Michael Herdman ‘74, a professor at Carleton University involved in advancing scientific research; DJ Cunningham ‘01, a young entrepreneur who turned a learning disability into the source for revolutionary technology; Dr. Farah Shroff ‘83, a leading educator in midwifery and a social justice activist; and Michael J. Nolan ‘69, past principal at St. Peter’s Secondary School and a long-time Trent volunteer leader.
“Speaking with active, passionate, accomplished alumni – and honouring those who have distinguished themselves in diverse fields – brings home so much of what we work to achieve at Trent University,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Your success, your impact in the world, the ways in which you make a difference – to art and culture, education, public service, business, ethics, philanthropy, and science – these express the very best of who we are as a university.”
Dr. Franklin himself was also celebrated with an honorary membership of the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA): he and Anne Wright, chair of Trent’s Board of Governors, were both recognized for their significant contributions to both the University and the Association.
“Trent University exists to inspire and equip the next generation – individually and collectively – with the passion, confidence, skills and intellectual rigour to advance their communities and the world,” said Don Tapscott ’66, chancellor of Trent University, during his closing remarks for the evening. “We have an exceptional opportunity over the next year to shine a light on the success of our alumni, faculty expertise, innovations in teaching and research, and Trent’s unique approach to delivering an education that is both personal and purposeful.”
The evening featured memorable musical performances by Trent alumnus Nick Ferrio ’06 and friend Jay Swinnerton, and delicious food by Farm and Wild. Special guests included members of the University’s Board of Governors, president of the Trent University Alumni Association Bob Taylor-Vaisey ’66, Trent alumnus and emcee Jack Roe ’73, and several previous Alumni Award winners.
“It was such an honour for Trent’s Alumni Association to have this opportunity to celebrate and recognize alumni for the contributions they are making in their work and communities,” said Lee Hays, director of Alumni Affairs at Trent. “There was a great sense of pride and appreciation in the Barbara Frum Atrium on Saturday evening as the award recipients reflected on how Trent’s faculty and intimate learning environment created a space for them to explore, collaborate and find their own path.”
At the event, alumni were honored in four award categories: the Distinguished Alumni Award; the Spirit of Trent Award; Young Leader Award, and the Tony Storey Service Award.
The 2014 Alumni Awards recipients are:
Distinguished Alumni Award
Presented based on a person's achievement and leadership in their field. Recipients show leadership in business, industry, a profession or in public life. They have brought honour to Trent University through endeavours which have earned them prominence within their field.
Jennifer Dettman ’88
Ms. Dettman is an award winning producer and is widely recognized within the Canadian television and media industry for her influential impact and visionary leadership. As one of the country’s most well-respected broadcasting executives, Ms. Dettman has built her career with CBC and is currently the executive director of Studio and Unscripted Content. In this role, Ms. Dettman oversees all factual entertainment, unscripted comedy, live event specials and arts programming for CBC Television (including Dragons’ Den, Battle of the Blades and others). She also oversees all sports programming including Hockey Night in Canada (the most successful hockey program in history), the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, 2014 FIFA World Cup Soccer and the 2015 Pan Am Games to be held in Toronto. She puts her fingerprint on a full third of programming content including the development, production and commissioning of all talk shows, game shows, afternoon lifestyle, reality, live event specials, unscripted comedy, arts programming and sports. Ms. Dettman is also known for being the producer of the massive One Million Acts of Green campaign that inspired Canadians coast-to-coast and saved 100 million kg of greenhouse gases in just 100 days. This is a major accomplishment that epitomizes her vision, knowledge and perseverance.
Ms. Dettman received her BA in Politics from Trent and a degree from the Ryerson Ivey School of Business in 1994. Ms. Dettman also holds leadership training degrees from Banff Executive Leadership, Niagara institute, and Richard Ivey School of Business.
Dr. Chris Michael Herdman ’74
Dr. Herdman has been a faculty member at Carleton University since 1988 where he is currently a professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science, as well as scientific director of Carleton University’s Centre for Visualization, Simulation and Modelling (VSIM). During his 25 years at Carleton, Dr. Herdman has distinguished himself as a psychologist and inter-disciplinarian, but particularly as a leader in the establishment and scientific direction of VSIM where he is also the team’s principal investigator. Dr. Herdman has demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing scientific research, attracting approximately $43M in research funding. He is accredited with securing funding of $28.8M for the Centre, not only $14M from federal and provincial government agencies, but also close to $15M from industry partners. Dr. Herdman’s own research approach is to link basic research in human cognition (such as attention) to the design, implementation and evaluation of advanced human-machine systems through the use of modelling and virtual reality simulations.
Under Dr. Herdman’s direction, the VSIM Centre has developed over 20 industry partners from across Canada who are actively engaged in research and development. The Centre is also directly connected to key government agencies and research labs, including the NRC, Transport Canada, and Defense R&D labs across Canada. As the director, Dr. Herdman ensures the Centre is very involved in education and outreach, providing hands-on projects for high school students, sponsoring over 50 public tours and demonstrations for government research agencies and federal/provincial government ministries, as well as hosting diplomats, scientists and officials from all over the world.
Dr. Herdman received his Honours B.Sc. in Psychology in 1979 from Trent University and subsequently a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Alberta.
Young Leader Award
Recognizes young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status either in their professional career and/or community, public or humanitarian service and are 35 years of age or younger.
DJ Cunningham ’01
When Mr. Cunningham was 17 years old, he enlisted with the Canadian Forces. During his time with the Forces, he learned once very important lesson: he learns differently. Mr. Cunningham’s passion and expertise grows out of his deep personal understanding of learning disabilities and from this firsthand experience that he learns differently. After the Forces, Mr. Cunningham received a Bachelor of Business degree from Trent University. When Mr. Cunningham attended Trent, he discovered assistive technologies and was able to take his wisdom from the military of how he learned differently and match that to different pieces of technology. Armed with this knowledge, a door to independence and academic success opened and Mr. Cunningham has now been a user of Assistive Technologies for the past 10 years.
His lifetime of experiences has resulted in him co-founding his company, LEARNstyle. Mr. Cunningham currently leads a team of over 26 employees, all of whom have either direct or personal experiences with learning disabilities. His pioneering vision for the use of Assistive Technology has grown and his philosophy denotes that although it is “truly necessary for some, it is also extremely beneficial for all.” Now, Mr. Cunningham is revolutionizing the methodology for determining a student's preferred learning style with a web-based, gamified inventory tool called PULSE which stands for Personal Use Learning Style Evaluation. When deployed, PULSE will provide the possibility of substantial operational efficiencies for schools to achieve improved student success and achievement. Mr. Cunningham is also currently featured as an Education Changemaker though the MaRS Centre in Toronto.
Spirit of Trent Award
Presented to alumni who have made a difference, through contributions to the University, the alumni association or the community.
Dr. Farah Shroff ’83
Dr. Shroff’s time at Trent was filled with adventure and activity. She was the elected student to serve on Trent’s Board of Governors and participated widely in campus life. Dr. Shroff was involved in a wide range of sports and clubs, wrote articles for The Arthur, performed as a solo singer at various Trent events, acted in plays, performed as a dancer and participated in social justice activities on campus.
Throughout her thirty-year career, Dr. Shroff has continued to demonstrate the values and lessons she learned at Trent. She is passionate about making the world a better place through her leadership and enduring contribution towards midwifery, holistic health, social justice and community wellness. After earning a degree in biology and native studies from Trent, Dr. Shroff went to the University of Manchester and earned her Master’s Degree in Primary Health Care with Distinction and earned her PhD at the University of Toronto. Dr. Shroff was the Social Scientist of Canada’s first midwifery education program at Ryerson University, which was rated as the world leader in midwifery education. Dr. Shroff also taught within the sociology department at Trent University from 1992-1994. As a testament to her prolific work, in October 2012, Dr. Shroff was invited as part of the Canadian delegation that observed the Ukrainian elections. She now teaches part-time at the University of British Columbia in the Medical School’s Department of Family Practice and the School of Population and Public Health, and works as a consultant in health and social issues. She is also a teacher of yoga, dance and self-defense.
Currently Dr. Shroff is very active in her home community in British Columbia where she works closely with First Nations people to address environmental concerns. Throughout her travels around the world with her family, as well as her numerous accolades, Dr. Shroff has proven herself not only a distinguished academic and teacher but also an enthusiastic and joyful ambassador for Trent University.
Tony Storey Service Award
Presented to an alumni volunteer who has demonstrated a significant and long-term commitment to the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA).
Michael J. Nolan ’69
Over the past 40 years, Mr. Nolan has provided broad and thoughtful service of the highest quality to Trent University, all marked with the quiet dedication and selflessness which marks a true friend of Trent. Mr. Nolan earned a Bachelor of Arts at Trent before attending the University of Western Ontario where he received his Bachelor and Masters of Education. While at Trent, Mr. Nolan was one of the first rowers and helped to establish the first rowing crew. This same spirit of pioneering has influenced his service to Trent alumni and the University: the importance of adopting new endeavors, approached through measured, courteous and collaborative teamwork.
Mr. Nolan’s volunteerism first started as a councilor on the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA), which extended through the 1970s leading up to his presidency of TUAA from 1983 to 1986. After his role as president, he served as the alumni representative on the Trent University Board of Governors from 1987 to 1990, then as a regular board member from 1990 to 1996. From 2005 to 2008 Mr. Nolan served as the co-president of the Peterborough Chapter of the TUAA. It was under his presidency that the inception of regional Chapters was embraced. More recently, he helped in the thoughtful planning of Alumni House. Currently, Mr. Nolan is the lead co-chair of the Alumni Division of the Legacy Campaign.
Mr. Nolan’s leadership role with the TUAA has helped to accelerate awareness of the Association and the value of alumni relations within the broad Trent community. He has led the way in developing long-term strategic planning for the Alumni Association and fostered that development by initiating and hosting the first TUAA retreat at his home, which brought together alumni, faculty, staff and the Board to help create the distinct framework of TUAA. With that same sense of fostering, Mr. Nolan and his wife have opened their home on many occasions to welcome Trent alumni and friends.
Honorary Alumni Membership
Presented to a person who has made a significant contribution to the life of the University or the Association and who is selected by the Council of the Association, to be known as an honorary member. Dr. Franklin and Ms. Wright are receiving honorary membership to recognize outstanding service as their terms come to an end in June.
Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor, Trent University
Dr. Steven Franklin was installed as Trent University’s seventh president and vice-chancellor in July 2009. During his tenure, Dr. Franklin has led an ambitious collaborative enterprise to renew Trent’s vision and planning processes, overall strategic directions, and academic structure to build on the traditions and outstanding legacy of Trent University. His accomplishments include putting in place the University’s first Integrated Plan, launching key initiatives to strengthen Trent’s academic excellence, strategic enrolment management, financial stability, and community engagement.
Under Dr. Franklin’s leadership, the University expanded its program offerings to include degrees in Sustainable Agriculture, Journalism/Media Studies, Social Work, Aquatic Studies, Archaeology, Psychology, Sustainable Studies and Education. The University also expanded its Oshawa Campus, officially moving to its current location on Thornton Road in 2012. Dr. Franklin oversaw the expansion of the Peterborough campus with the opening of the Trent Community Sport and Recreation Centre and the Justin Chiu Stadium; the Life and Health Sciences Building; Bagnani Hall at Traill College, Trent’s graduate college; and the reopening of the Stanley Adamson Powerhouse, which now generates 3.9 megawatts of electricity, provides a large portion of the University’s power supply and is an added revenue source for Trent.
Dr. Franklin holds a Diploma in Forest Management from Lakehead University, a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Masters of Arts in Physical Geography and a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Remote Sensing. He has held academic and administrative appointments at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Calgary, Memorial University, and the University of Waterloo. Just prior to taking office at Trent University, Dr. Franklin was the vice-president of research at the University of Saskatchewan (2003-2009). His term as president and vice-chancellor at Trent ends June 30, 2014
Anne Wright, chair, Board of Governors, Trent University
Ms. Anne Wright joined the Trent University Board of Governors in July 2007. She was chair of the Board’s Advancement Committee from 2008 to 2010, chair of the Board’s Executive Committee from 2009 to 2010, and became board chair on July 1, 2011. A chartered accountant, Ms. Wright is an experienced board member with fund raising and government relations expertise. As a volunteer, she served as national president of the Canadian Diabetes Association and as a director of Belmont House, and chaired Belmont's $10 million capital campaign. In her association with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, she was on the Board and chaired the Institute's Foundation board. Resident in Port Perry, she chaired the board of Lakeridge Health in Durham Region. Ms. Wright previously served on the boards of Durham Hospice and the Auxiliary to Lakeridge Health Port Perry and previously served on the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
- 30 -
Tuesday, May 6, 2014, Peterborough
A cognitive psychology researcher, a technology entrepreneur, a pioneer in midwifery and health education, an award-winning CBC production executive, and a high school principal: though their careers span many different fields, all can trace the beginnings of their success stories back to their experiences as Trent University students.
Five exceptional Trent alumni were recognized for their outstanding contributions to their fields and to the university at the 9th Annual Alumni Awards Ceremony, held in the Barbara Frum Atrium at the CBC Production Facilities in Toronto on Saturday, May 3. More than 100 alumni, staff, faculty and special guests gathered to celebrate the achievements of Jennifer Dettman ‘88, an award-winning producer at CBC; Dr. Chris Michael Herdman ‘74, a professor at Carleton University involved in advancing scientific research; DJ Cunningham ‘01, a young entrepreneur who turned a learning disability into the source for revolutionary technology; Dr. Farah Shroff ‘83, a leading educator in midwifery and a social justice activist; and Michael J. Nolan ‘69, past principal at St. Peter’s Secondary School and a long-time Trent volunteer leader.
“Speaking with active, passionate, accomplished alumni – and honouring those who have distinguished themselves in diverse fields – brings home so much of what we work to achieve at Trent University,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Your success, your impact in the world, the ways in which you make a difference – to art and culture, education, public service, business, ethics, philanthropy, and science – these express the very best of who we are as a university.”
Dr. Franklin himself was also celebrated with an honorary membership of the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA): he and Anne Wright, chair of Trent’s Board of Governors, were both recognized for their significant contributions to both the University and the Association.
“Trent University exists to inspire and equip the next generation – individually and collectively – with the passion, confidence, skills and intellectual rigour to advance their communities and the world,” said Don Tapscott ’66, chancellor of Trent University, during his closing remarks for the evening. “We have an exceptional opportunity over the next year to shine a light on the success of our alumni, faculty expertise, innovations in teaching and research, and Trent’s unique approach to delivering an education that is both personal and purposeful.”
The evening featured memorable musical performances by Trent alumnus Nick Ferrio ’06 and friend Jay Swinnerton, and delicious food by Farm and Wild. Special guests included members of the University’s Board of Governors, president of the Trent University Alumni Association Bob Taylor-Vaisey ’66, Trent alumnus and emcee Jack Roe ’73, and several previous Alumni Award winners.
“It was such an honour for Trent’s Alumni Association to have this opportunity to celebrate and recognize alumni for the contributions they are making in their work and communities,” said Lee Hays, director of Alumni Affairs at Trent. “There was a great sense of pride and appreciation in the Barbara Frum Atrium on Saturday evening as the award recipients reflected on how Trent’s faculty and intimate learning environment created a space for them to explore, collaborate and find their own path.”
At the event, alumni were honored in four award categories: the Distinguished Alumni Award; the Spirit of Trent Award; Young Leader Award, and the Tony Storey Service Award.
The 2014 Alumni Awards recipients are:
Distinguished Alumni Award
Presented based on a person's achievement and leadership in their field. Recipients show leadership in business, industry, a profession or in public life. They have brought honour to Trent University through endeavours which have earned them prominence within their field.
Jennifer Dettman ’88
Ms. Dettman is an award winning producer and is widely recognized within the Canadian television and media industry for her influential impact and visionary leadership. As one of the country’s most well-respected broadcasting executives, Ms. Dettman has built her career with CBC and is currently the executive director of Studio and Unscripted Content. In this role, Ms. Dettman oversees all factual entertainment, unscripted comedy, live event specials and arts programming for CBC Television (including Dragons’ Den, Battle of the Blades and others). She also oversees all sports programming including Hockey Night in Canada (the most successful hockey program in history), the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, 2016 Summer Olympics in Rio, 2014 FIFA World Cup Soccer and the 2015 Pan Am Games to be held in Toronto. She puts her fingerprint on a full third of programming content including the development, production and commissioning of all talk shows, game shows, afternoon lifestyle, reality, live event specials, unscripted comedy, arts programming and sports. Ms. Dettman is also known for being the producer of the massive One Million Acts of Green campaign that inspired Canadians coast-to-coast and saved 100 million kg of greenhouse gases in just 100 days. This is a major accomplishment that epitomizes her vision, knowledge and perseverance.
Ms. Dettman received her BA in Politics from Trent and a degree from the Ryerson Ivey School of Business in 1994. Ms. Dettman also holds leadership training degrees from Banff Executive Leadership, Niagara institute, and Richard Ivey School of Business.
Dr. Chris Michael Herdman ’74
Dr. Herdman has been a faculty member at Carleton University since 1988 where he is currently a professor of Psychology and Cognitive Science, as well as scientific director of Carleton University’s Centre for Visualization, Simulation and Modelling (VSIM). During his 25 years at Carleton, Dr. Herdman has distinguished himself as a psychologist and inter-disciplinarian, but particularly as a leader in the establishment and scientific direction of VSIM where he is also the team’s principal investigator. Dr. Herdman has demonstrated unwavering commitment to advancing scientific research, attracting approximately $43M in research funding. He is accredited with securing funding of $28.8M for the Centre, not only $14M from federal and provincial government agencies, but also close to $15M from industry partners. Dr. Herdman’s own research approach is to link basic research in human cognition (such as attention) to the design, implementation and evaluation of advanced human-machine systems through the use of modelling and virtual reality simulations.
Under Dr. Herdman’s direction, the VSIM Centre has developed over 20 industry partners from across Canada who are actively engaged in research and development. The Centre is also directly connected to key government agencies and research labs, including the NRC, Transport Canada, and Defense R&D labs across Canada. As the director, Dr. Herdman ensures the Centre is very involved in education and outreach, providing hands-on projects for high school students, sponsoring over 50 public tours and demonstrations for government research agencies and federal/provincial government ministries, as well as hosting diplomats, scientists and officials from all over the world.
Dr. Herdman received his Honours B.Sc. in Psychology in 1979 from Trent University and subsequently a M.Sc. and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology from the University of Alberta.
Young Leader Award
Recognizes young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status either in their professional career and/or community, public or humanitarian service and are 35 years of age or younger.
DJ Cunningham ’01
When Mr. Cunningham was 17 years old, he enlisted with the Canadian Forces. During his time with the Forces, he learned once very important lesson: he learns differently. Mr. Cunningham’s passion and expertise grows out of his deep personal understanding of learning disabilities and from this firsthand experience that he learns differently. After the Forces, Mr. Cunningham received a Bachelor of Business degree from Trent University. When Mr. Cunningham attended Trent, he discovered assistive technologies and was able to take his wisdom from the military of how he learned differently and match that to different pieces of technology. Armed with this knowledge, a door to independence and academic success opened and Mr. Cunningham has now been a user of Assistive Technologies for the past 10 years.
His lifetime of experiences has resulted in him co-founding his company, LEARNstyle. Mr. Cunningham currently leads a team of over 26 employees, all of whom have either direct or personal experiences with learning disabilities. His pioneering vision for the use of Assistive Technology has grown and his philosophy denotes that although it is “truly necessary for some, it is also extremely beneficial for all.” Now, Mr. Cunningham is revolutionizing the methodology for determining a student's preferred learning style with a web-based, gamified inventory tool called PULSE which stands for Personal Use Learning Style Evaluation. When deployed, PULSE will provide the possibility of substantial operational efficiencies for schools to achieve improved student success and achievement. Mr. Cunningham is also currently featured as an Education Changemaker though the MaRS Centre in Toronto.
Spirit of Trent Award
Presented to alumni who have made a difference, through contributions to the University, the alumni association or the community.
Dr. Farah Shroff ’83
Dr. Shroff’s time at Trent was filled with adventure and activity. She was the elected student to serve on Trent’s Board of Governors and participated widely in campus life. Dr. Shroff was involved in a wide range of sports and clubs, wrote articles for The Arthur, performed as a solo singer at various Trent events, acted in plays, performed as a dancer and participated in social justice activities on campus.
Throughout her thirty-year career, Dr. Shroff has continued to demonstrate the values and lessons she learned at Trent. She is passionate about making the world a better place through her leadership and enduring contribution towards midwifery, holistic health, social justice and community wellness. After earning a degree in biology and native studies from Trent, Dr. Shroff went to the University of Manchester and earned her Master’s Degree in Primary Health Care with Distinction and earned her PhD at the University of Toronto. Dr. Shroff was the Social Scientist of Canada’s first midwifery education program at Ryerson University, which was rated as the world leader in midwifery education. Dr. Shroff also taught within the sociology department at Trent University from 1992-1994. As a testament to her prolific work, in October 2012, Dr. Shroff was invited as part of the Canadian delegation that observed the Ukrainian elections. She now teaches part-time at the University of British Columbia in the Medical School’s Department of Family Practice and the School of Population and Public Health, and works as a consultant in health and social issues. She is also a teacher of yoga, dance and self-defense.
Currently Dr. Shroff is very active in her home community in British Columbia where she works closely with First Nations people to address environmental concerns. Throughout her travels around the world with her family, as well as her numerous accolades, Dr. Shroff has proven herself not only a distinguished academic and teacher but also an enthusiastic and joyful ambassador for Trent University.
Tony Storey Service Award
Presented to an alumni volunteer who has demonstrated a significant and long-term commitment to the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA).
Michael J. Nolan ’69
Over the past 40 years, Mr. Nolan has provided broad and thoughtful service of the highest quality to Trent University, all marked with the quiet dedication and selflessness which marks a true friend of Trent. Mr. Nolan earned a Bachelor of Arts at Trent before attending the University of Western Ontario where he received his Bachelor and Masters of Education. While at Trent, Mr. Nolan was one of the first rowers and helped to establish the first rowing crew. This same spirit of pioneering has influenced his service to Trent alumni and the University: the importance of adopting new endeavors, approached through measured, courteous and collaborative teamwork.
Mr. Nolan’s volunteerism first started as a councilor on the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA), which extended through the 1970s leading up to his presidency of TUAA from 1983 to 1986. After his role as president, he served as the alumni representative on the Trent University Board of Governors from 1987 to 1990, then as a regular board member from 1990 to 1996. From 2005 to 2008 Mr. Nolan served as the co-president of the Peterborough Chapter of the TUAA. It was under his presidency that the inception of regional Chapters was embraced. More recently, he helped in the thoughtful planning of Alumni House. Currently, Mr. Nolan is the lead co-chair of the Alumni Division of the Legacy Campaign.
Mr. Nolan’s leadership role with the TUAA has helped to accelerate awareness of the Association and the value of alumni relations within the broad Trent community. He has led the way in developing long-term strategic planning for the Alumni Association and fostered that development by initiating and hosting the first TUAA retreat at his home, which brought together alumni, faculty, staff and the Board to help create the distinct framework of TUAA. With that same sense of fostering, Mr. Nolan and his wife have opened their home on many occasions to welcome Trent alumni and friends.
Honorary Alumni Membership
Presented to a person who has made a significant contribution to the life of the University or the Association and who is selected by the Council of the Association, to be known as an honorary member. Dr. Franklin and Ms. Wright are receiving honorary membership to recognize outstanding service as their terms come to an end in June.
Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor, Trent University
Dr. Steven Franklin was installed as Trent University’s seventh president and vice-chancellor in July 2009. During his tenure, Dr. Franklin has led an ambitious collaborative enterprise to renew Trent’s vision and planning processes, overall strategic directions, and academic structure to build on the traditions and outstanding legacy of Trent University. His accomplishments include putting in place the University’s first Integrated Plan, launching key initiatives to strengthen Trent’s academic excellence, strategic enrolment management, financial stability, and community engagement.
Under Dr. Franklin’s leadership, the University expanded its program offerings to include degrees in Sustainable Agriculture, Journalism/Media Studies, Social Work, Aquatic Studies, Archaeology, Psychology, Sustainable Studies and Education. The University also expanded its Oshawa Campus, officially moving to its current location on Thornton Road in 2012. Dr. Franklin oversaw the expansion of the Peterborough campus with the opening of the Trent Community Sport and Recreation Centre and the Justin Chiu Stadium; the Life and Health Sciences Building; Bagnani Hall at Traill College, Trent’s graduate college; and the reopening of the Stanley Adamson Powerhouse, which now generates 3.9 megawatts of electricity, provides a large portion of the University’s power supply and is an added revenue source for Trent.
Dr. Franklin holds a Diploma in Forest Management from Lakehead University, a Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Masters of Arts in Physical Geography and a Doctor of Philosophy in Environmental Remote Sensing. He has held academic and administrative appointments at the University of Saskatchewan, the University of Calgary, Memorial University, and the University of Waterloo. Just prior to taking office at Trent University, Dr. Franklin was the vice-president of research at the University of Saskatchewan (2003-2009). His term as president and vice-chancellor at Trent ends June 30, 2014
Anne Wright, chair, Board of Governors, Trent University
Ms. Anne Wright joined the Trent University Board of Governors in July 2007. She was chair of the Board’s Advancement Committee from 2008 to 2010, chair of the Board’s Executive Committee from 2009 to 2010, and became board chair on July 1, 2011. A chartered accountant, Ms. Wright is an experienced board member with fund raising and government relations expertise. As a volunteer, she served as national president of the Canadian Diabetes Association and as a director of Belmont House, and chaired Belmont's $10 million capital campaign. In her association with the Toronto Rehabilitation Institute, she was on the Board and chaired the Institute's Foundation board. Resident in Port Perry, she chaired the board of Lakeridge Health in Durham Region. Ms. Wright previously served on the boards of Durham Hospice and the Auxiliary to Lakeridge Health Port Perry and previously served on the McMichael Canadian Art Collection and the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
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