Close to 1,500 years of service to Trent University by dedicated staff and faculty was recognized at the annual Service Awards Luncheon on June 11, 2014 at Lady Eaton College.

Dr. Steven E. Franklin, Trent president and vice-chancellor, and Anne Wright, chair of the Board of Governors addressed the attendees, while Dr. Gary Boire, provost and vice-president academic, and Stephanie Williams, associate vice-president human resources, presented the service awards.

The full list of fifty-three staff and faculty members were recognized for their contributions of 25, 30, 35, and 40 years of service.

"Last week, Trent hosted the 2014 convocation ceremonies. The students crossing the stage marked a milestone – the completion of their degrees and the end of this chapter in their lives. A large part of what made their Trent experience so memorable was the impact of the school’s faculty and staff,” said Dr. Franklin in his remarks. “Some of you work directly with the student body, and some of you are behind the scenes, but all of you are crucial to the operations and successes of Trent."

Among the staff members recognized for 30 years of service was Marian Leahy, senior records officer, in the Office of the Registrar. Ms. Leahy began working part-time in Housekeeping 30 years ago this fall. In 1990, she moved to the circulation desk in Bata Library and in 1994, to the front desk in the Office of the Registrar. In 2001, she began her current role.

"In the Office of the Registrar, we are given the opportunity to take an active role in suggesting and making changes to our processes that improve things for the students, for academic departments and for ourselves," Ms. Leahy said, reflecting on her time at Trent. "This allows me to come to work each day feeling invigorated and ready for challenges, because I know I can effect change.

"I most like the interactions with other staff and especially with our students. Each of them have a different story and it is great when we have the time and opportunity to uncover that story. I think the students give us very positive energy."

In the 25 years of service group was Elizabeth Wilson, media and cataloguing coordinator in the Bata Library. Over the years, Ms. Wilson has held a variety of positions at Trent, including: student circulation assistant and student supervisor; student serials assistant; student recon assistant;  recon assistant; serials cataloging assistant; recon co-coordinator; acquisition and cataloguing assistant; and education co-coordinator (Library). Asked about her favourite part about working at the University, Ms. Wilson said: “I like the positive rapport I have with my manager and colleagues – we all work as a team.  Also I like the fact that we have the opportunity and flexibility of taking University courses. It’s a positive, friendly atmosphere and a beautiful location.”