PETERBOROUGH -- Trent University Campaign Chair Don Tapscott, Chancellor Peter Gzowski and President and Vice-Chancellor Bonnie Patterson officially launched Trent's $17 million Beyond Our Walls Campaign today at ceremonies in Toronto and Peterborough with over $10 million raised to date. This includes a commitment of over $1 million in resources, equipment and expertise from Bell Canada, announced by Bell Vice-President, Sales and Marketing Mike Larkin.

"Trent is known for its emphasis on student-centred, interactive learning and small group teaching. Private sector support of Trent's campaign will expand opportunities for learning, teaching and research beyond our walls in the community, on the Internet, and around the world and will position Trent as a model liberal arts and science university for the 21st Century", says Don Tapscott.

Bell Canada's support includes: a new telecommunications system for Trent's campuses, significant on- and off-campus Internet access for students through Bell's High Speed Sympatico product, donation of video conferencing equipment and significant resources towards the development of a web-based liberal arts and sciences curriculum, the creation of a Bell World location on campus, agreements that support enrollment of Bell employees in Trent's emerging web and video-conferencing based professional development, degree completion and distance learning programs.

"Bell Canada is very committed to investing and giving back to communities especially in the field of education", says Mike Larkin. "We are extremely pleased to be working with Trent on this exciting initiative. This is new ground for us and showcases our ability to provide resources, equipment and expertise that taps into emerging and converging technologies."

The campaign also includes $2.7 million in private donations for Trent's student aid endowment committed in 1997 and $2.7 million in matching funding from the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund.

Founded in 1964 in Peterborough, Ontario, Trent University is a predominantly undergraduate liberal arts and sciences university, with specialized research and graduate programs. Best-selling business author and information technology visionary Don Tapscott, Chairman of the Alliance for Converging Technologies, obtained his B.Sc. from Trent in Psychology and Statistics between 1966-69. Well-known broadcaster, author, and Trent honorary graduate Peter Gzowski has served as Trent's Chancellor since July 1 of this year.

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Distribution: Peterborough, Regional