The Trent University Board of Governors held its first meeting of the 2022-23 academic year on Friday, October 14. In her introductory remarks, Board chair Debra Cooper Burger highlighted meetings with community leaders at the County of Peterborough, as well as with Chief Keith Knott, of Curve Lake First Nation, and their council. She also made special mention of how robust participation was at the University in events marking National Day for Truth and Reconciliation this September. 

Meeting highlights include:  

Report from the Champlain Committee Receives Approval from the Board of Governors  

Trent University’s Board of Governors endorsed the recommendations in the Report of the University’s Champlain Committee, as presented by Marilyn Burns, chair of the Champlain Committee and the University’s vice-president of Communications and Enrolment.   

The Committee’s eight recommendations are part of a 28-page report that is the result of a nine-month investigation into the legacy of Samuel de Champlain and its implications for Champlain College and Trent University.  

The Committee listened to delegations, received close to 150 written submissions, and hosted an event in which students were encouraged to review studies of Samuel de Champlain, and share their own insights and questions about his legacy.  

Highlights of the Champlain Report include recommendations to: 

• move a bust and artwork depicting Champlain from the College to the University Archives, where they can be studied with background information and corresponding Indigenous artwork; 

• the introduction of a new cornerstone at the College to recognize Indigenous people and language, in particular the Michi Saagiig Anishinaabeg (Anishnaabemowin); and 

• retain the name of Champlain College, and give the new college and residence, which the University plans to open, an Indigenous name from the Anishnaabemowin language, in consultation with the Elders and local First Nations. 

Board Directions 2022-26/27

As a kick-off to the upcoming board cycle, Chair Debra Cooper Burger highlighted the strategic directions approved at the Board meeting in June, that are reflective of Trent’s excellence in scholarship, teaching and research. 

The Board Strategic Directions fall under three themes that strengthen diversity and social, environmental and governance responsibilities; enhance the vibrancy of our campuses in Peterborough and Durham Greater Toronto Area; and ensure a financial future for the University that is healthy and sustainable. 

Appointments to the Board of Governors

Trent’s Board of Governors approved the appointment of Ashish Mishra in the seat designated for a student from Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area for a term ending June 30, 2024. An international student from India, Ashish is pursuing a dual postgraduate certificate in Business: Human Resources, Marketing and Entrepreneurship. Ashish also serves as a member of the Board of Directors with the Trent Durham Student Association (TDSA). 

The Board of Governors also approved the appointment of Trent Gervais in the seat designated for members of the local community, for a term ending June 30, 2025. Mr. Gervais is the president and CEO of The Loomex Group, Explorer Solutions Inc., and ACF Associates Inc., which provides services in four main divisions: aviation and aerospace, infrastructure, emergency management, and education and compliance. Mr. Gervais is also the former fire chief and manager of Emergency Management at the City of Peterborough, a local community leader, and a representative as an external member of the Trent Lands Committee.  

Governor Emeritus Appointments

The Board celebrated former Board vice-chairs Robyn Jacobson and Scott Sinclair ’80, granting each the honorific title of governor emeritus, in recognition of their exceptional leadership and service to the University.  

Dr. Robyn Jacobson joined the Board of Governors in 2016. In addition to a year as vice-chair of the Board, she has served on multiple committees including Nominating & Governance, Audit, and Executive, and in leadership roles such as chair and vice-chair of Nominating & Governance Committee, chair of Human Resources Subcommittee, and vice-chair of Executive Committee. 

Mr. Sinclair, a Trent alumnus, served two three-year terms on the Board of Governors, most recently as vice-chair. Additionally, Mr. Sinclair has also served as the chair of the Finance and Property committee for two years, and had a long career in the financial services industry. 

Audited Financials

The Board reviewed and approved the audited financial statements for fiscal year 2021/22 and noted that the financial statements present fairly, in all material respects, the financial position of the University as of April 30, 2022. After $7.5 million in net appropriations for strategic initiatives and $0.7 million in contributions to endowments, Trent’s Operating Fund ended the fiscal year with a nominal surplus of $0.2 million before fair value and pension actuarial adjustments.