Despite the wind and rain, first-year students from Peter Gzowski College gathered for the traditional college weekend and enjoyed a full schedule of in-person and online events – all designed to help students connect with their collegiate communities, and each other.

The weekend – of the Colleges’ most longstanding traditions – kicked off on Friday evening with a social bonfire and s’mores, before pivoting to lawn and virtual games, and traditional ceremonies on Saturday. The capstone to the weekend was a student favourite – food! With students gathering together to enjoy a pancake breakfast and an afternoon of cookie decorating.

“We are grateful to have these opportunities to celebrate together,” said Dr. Melanie Buddle, Peter Gzowski College principal. “It was fantastic to see students safely enjoying some social time together.”

Activities were coordinated by the Gzowski College Cabinet as well as the Gzowski College office. Both teams worked together to provide unique experiences that allowed students to work together and connect with one another while following COVID-19 safety protocols.

One of the organizers, Gzowski Cabinet president, Gina Standaert, said that they really saw students enjoying a break from studying. “We were really happy to see so many students attend and have a change to get together for something social!”

Students also had the opportunity to pick up a pumpkin to carve, decorate, or display over the next couple of weeks as Halloween approaches.

“One student picked up her pumpkin on Saturday and mentioned that by Sunday she’d already tried her hand at roasted pumpkin seeds,” said Dr. Buddle.

A special focus on second-year students
Second-year students at Gzowski College had a special opportunity to come to campus to receive their college scarves on Saturday. This traditional ceremony is typically reserved for first-year students and is an opportunity for them to recite their college pledge along with faculty and honorary fellows.

This year, College Principal Melanie Buddle opened it up to second-year students who missed the opportunity to take part in the weekend last year due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Learn more about the collegiate experience at Trent.