Trent University unveiled a donor wall, held ribbon-cutting ceremonies and toured guests through the new residence and academic building today in celebration of the Campaign for Trent Durham GTA, which raised $6.6 million to enhance the growing campus and support student success.

The University exceeded its $5 million goal in Phase One of the campaign by raising $5.6 million to create the campus’ first residence, which is part of a new state-of-the-art academic building at the Thornton Road campus. In Phase 2, a further $1 million was raised to support Trent students through scholarships, bursaries and new experiential learning opportunities.

“Trent has strengthened and grown its presence in the City of Oshawa and the entire Region of Durham while also supporting students for success in their studies and future careers,” says Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent University Durham GTA. “The campaign is a nod to our students’ bright futures and the region’s continued prosperity. Thank you to all who contributed, helping us build a better tomorrow.”

At the Moment of Gratitude celebration, the University gave thanks and celebrated all of those who made the vision for the Trent Durham expansion possible. Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of the University, Oshawa Mayor Dan Carter, Whitby Mayor Don Mitchell, and Durham Regional Chair John Henry attended the event, which also drew members of Trent University’s Board of Governors, as well as donors and community partners.

The campaign, which launched in March 2019, was pivotal to the creation of the new 200-bed residence and academic building that opened in September 2020. The building features a 100-seat tiered lecture hall, two 64-seat classrooms, research space, student common spaces, outdoor green space and faculty offices.

Phase Two, which launched in February 2021, supported students with increased financial support such as scholarships, bursaries, prizes and awards dedicated exclusively to students at the Durham campus. The raised funds also enhanced experiential learning opportunities such as field placements, internships, case studies, capstone projects, volunteer opportunities and labs. 

Strong partnerships and collaboration between local government and community partners were key to the campaign’s success. The City of Oshawa supported the expansion through a donation of 1.8 acres of land, while the Region of Durham gifted $1.42 million.

Doug Kirk ’70, president of Durham Radio and campaign co-chair, launched the campaign with a $500,000 gift and helped close the campaign, inspiring others to double their impact by matching all donations received by November 30, 2020, up to $100,000, which resulted in more than $220,000 of support to complete the campus expansion. In recognition of his contributions, the University has named the largest lecture hall in the new residence and academic building Kirk Hall. A new outdoor seating area on campus has also been named in honour of Doug & Mary Kirk.

“I’m thankful to have played a role in Trent’s continued investment in student success and the future of this great community,” says Mr. Kirk. “Through the hard work of our campaign team, and the generosity of donors, we have made this bold vision for Trent Durham possible.”

Honorary campaign chair Dr. Katie Taylor, one of Canada’s most influential and powerful citizens and the first woman to chair the board of a major Canadian bank, also played a lead role. The overall success of the Campaign for Trent Durham is also tied to the generosity of numerous donors across the local and Trent communities, including business leaders and community members, as well as Trent Durham staff and faculty.