Celebrating 50 Years of Tradition and Excellence at Trent University's Champlain College
Trent University's oldest College marks 50th anniversary with year-long celebration
Since its official opening in 1966, Trent University’s iconic Champlain College has established itself as a college rich with pride, history, and collegial spirit, and the 2016/17 academic year will be no different, as the college community, past and present, gears up for a year of celebration and reflection in recognition of their 50-year legacy.
“The Champlain College community has made an impact on thousands of people’s lives over the decades,” explains college head, Melanie Sedge. “This year, students, alumni, faculty, staff and fellows are celebrating our strong and proud community by reflecting on our history, but more importantly, looking to where we are headed next.”
The 50th anniversary kickoff began at Orientation Week in September, where new students took part in the long tradition of high table dinners at Trent University. The High Table Dinner invited faculty, staff, and special guests to eat at the high table (a place of honour) with students in the Great Hall. All students in attendance were invited to wear Trent's green student gowns, a unique moment for first-year students to connect with the history of the College.
The celebrations continued this past weekend at the annual Homecoming and Head of the Trent regatta where former Champlain College heads and alumni came together for the Champlain College Alumni reunion and an alumni garden dedication.
Throughout the year and in keeping with their many traditions, Champlain College will continue to bridge the gap between the past and present by welcoming alumni back to the college for special alumni games at the annual Pig Bowl and Bon Temps tournaments. The college will also host other events throughout the year, which can all be found on their 50th anniversary website. The site, documents the commemorative year, and provides “Champlainers” with a platform to connect and share memories.
“The 50th anniversary of Champlain College is truly a celebration of collegiality, past, present and future,” adds Ms. Sedge. “I hope everyone at Trent University and in Peterborough, will feel welcome to join us.”
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham - Greater Toronto Area delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
Kate Weersink, media relations & strategic communications officer, Trent University, 705-748-1011 extension:6180 or kateweersink@trentu.ca