News from the Trent University Board of Governors Meeting: December 3, 2021
2021 Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship recipient announced and celebrated
The Trent University Board of Governors held its second regular meeting of the academic year, virtually, on December 3, 2021.
2021 Board of Governors’ Leadership Scholarship Recipient Announced
The recipient of this year’s Board of Governors’ Leadership Scholarship made a presentation to board members. First-year student Mina Van der Mark is an academic high-achiever, student-athlete and committed volunteer.
Born in Haiti, Mina highlighted the importance of gratitude, giving back and goal-setting make in her life, sharing with Trent’s Board of Governors that “this scholarship is a great support to me, and will help me focus on my studies […] and go further to achieve my goals.” Mina is studying Forensic Science and aspires to become a forensic pathologist or criminal lawyer. The award was established in 1996 by then-Board chair Jalynn Bennett, and Mina Van der Mark is this year’s recipient.
Presentation from Climate Change Working Group
The Board received a presentation from an ad hoc Climate Change Working Group, formed in October 2020. This is part of the Board’s ongoing engagement with environmental and socially responsible governance (ESG). Moving the TUFA pension plan into the University Pension Plan will move the University’s largest assets into a plan with Queen’s, Guelph and the University of Toronto which will practice ESG investing.
This year, the Board of Governors has endorsed a move toward an active investment strategy for the University’s other major investments, its Endowment Fund, and is actively interviewing new endowment managers with ESG expertise. Other initiatives have targeted Trent’s building plans, its Lands Plan and energy efficiency. The Board will continue to explore and discuss sustainable initiatives as it plans Trent’s future.
Audited Pension Plan Financial Statements
Also at the December meeting, the Board of Governors approved the Financial Statements of the Contributory Pension Plan for TUFA Employees of Trent University dated June 30, 2021 and the Financial Statements of the Contributory Pension Plan for Employees Represented by OPSEU Local 365 and Exempt Administrative Staff of Trent University dated June 30, 2021.
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.
Cara Walsh, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca