$100M Campaign for Momentous Change Largest in Trent University History
$42M already raised in bold philanthropic campaign to empower students, vitalize campuses and enable world-changing research
In the first of a series of nationwide events, Trent University today launched a bold $100-million Campaign for Momentous Change – the largest in University history – to empower students, enable world-changing research, steward the University’s iconic architecture, and vitalize our campuses.
"As the world around us changes, we face complex challenges that require decisive action and new ways of thinking. This makes Trent University more important than ever,” says Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Our Momentous Campaign will provide donors with an opportunity to expand the work of brilliant researchers, remove barriers that might prevent students from achieving their full potential, and take ideas from our classrooms and laboratories to communities and the world.”
President and vice-chancellor Groarke, together with Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations & Development, hosted the launch event that was held simultaneously at the Peterborough and Durham Greater Toronto Area (GTA) campuses and featured the unveiling of the campaign set to an energetic drumbeat performed by the audience of special guests, donors, staff, faculty, students, and board members.
The milestone event also celebrated the $42M raised for the campaign to date, including: $6.6M toward a new residence and academic building as well as student supports at Trent Durham GTA; a $2.5M gift from the Joyce Family Foundation to increase access to education for disadvantaged students; nearly $2.4M to launch and support the inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership; and a $1M gift from David and Joan Moore to support students from across the world through international scholarships. The University also announced a new $1.2M gift that supports community-based research.
Commenting on the significant campaign, which focuses on academic discovery, as well as the people and places at Trent’s campuses in both Peterborough and Durham GTA, Gavin Marshall ’76, founder and CEO of Magenta, said “We all want to build a better world. To do so is how we transcend today and touch the tomorrows we shall never see. An investment in Trent – an investment in the leaders and pioneers of tomorrow – is the most impactful, and at this moment in human history, the most essential legacy any of us could ever leave.”
Marshall, an alumnus of Trent, is campaign leader, alongside Linda Schuyler, a member of the Order of Canada, co-creator of the multi-award winning Degrassi television franchise, and honorary Trent alumna.
Through the Campaign for Momentous Change, the University is fundraising for areas such as the Trent Fund to support student wellness, the Trent Lands and Nature Areas, the School of Education, School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, the Colleges of Trent, and the School of Graduate Studies. To assist in raising the ambitious $100M goal, the University also aims to recruit 500 new monthly donors to provide sustainable and reliable support for students, research and learning spaces.
"The Campaign for Momentous Change is for everyone and all gifts are important – from $100 to $100,000 to $10 million,” says Sherry Booth, associate vice-president of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement at Trent University. “We invite contributors to engage in momentous ways – big, small, public, private. No matter the size of the gift, the outcomes of this campaign will be momentous and consequential.”
The launch at Trent University’s Peterborough campus today was the first in a series of cross-Canada events to gain momentum for this historic campaign. Launch events will also be held this spring and fall in Toronto, Calgary, Vancouver, Montreal and Halifax.
Join the Campaign for Momentous Change and learn more at trentu.ca/momentous.
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.
About the Campaign for Momentous Change
The $100-million Campaign for Momentous Change – the boldest campaign in Trent University history – will empower students, enable world-changing research, steward the University’s iconic architecture, and vitalize campuses. Launched in March 2023, the Campaign focuses on academic discovery, as well as the people and places at Trent’s campuses in both Peterborough and Trent University Durham GTA. Through the Campaign for Momentous Change, the University is fundraising for areas such as the Trent Fund to support student wellness, the Trent Lands and Nature Areas, the School of Education, School of Nursing, Faculty of Science, the Colleges of Trent, and the School of Graduate Studies. The Campaign also aims to recruit 500 new monthly Trent donors to provide sustainable and reliable support for students, research and learning spaces. Learn more by visiting trentu.ca/momentous.