Determination, hard work, pay off

Trent's first graduates of the new millennium were sent forward into life with an admonition to put their education to work in making the world a better place.

Addressing convocation, President Bonnie Patterson acknowledged the success of 1,063 students "who have earned their degrees or diplomas through hard work and determination." They have not done it alone, she pointed out. "Family, friends and others share in this significant accomplishment. To all of you we offer our congratulations."

Trent graduates have always done extremely well beyond the walls of the institution, in both the private and public sector, said Patterson. "Many take leadership roles in organizations and all are prepared to make significant contributions to the social, cultural and economic advancement of the society in which they live." Today's grads should be ready to assume this role as well, she said.

She paid tribute to Trent faculty and staff for committing their lives to ensuring students have every opportunity to reach their full potential during their educational years. "I thank them for their energy and effort to ensure students reached the milestone we have arrived at today."

Surveys have shown that 93 per cent of Trent graduates are gainfully employed within six months of graduation, increasing to 96 per cent two years after graduation, she said. "That is an incredible placement rate," and proof of the value of a Trent education.

Patterson said there can be no doubt about the importance of a university education, particularly in the liberal arts and sciences. This fact has been clearly recognized in recent weeks by the chancellors of Ontario universities as well as Canada's leaders in the high technology sector.

In order to prosper companies need creative thinkers at all levels of the enterprise who are comfortable dealing with decisions in the bigger context, she said, and Trent is positioned to produce such people, given its focused mission in the liberal arts and science.

Patterson told members of the Year 2000 graduating class they now will move forward as "our best ambassadors," helping raise Trent's profile wherever they go. The university's reputation continues to grow each year, she said, as reflected in the success Trent has enjoyed in attracting funds from external sources. "As a small institution this record of achievement stands up against much larger institutions in this country."

To support this success and that which occurs in the classroom the provincial government announced last month that it will invest over $29 million in new capital developments at Trent "to ensure we create new, smart facilities for our growing numbers of students."

There is growth as well in the university's post graduate programs, said Patterson, with Trent having recently received approval for introduction of its third PhD program. "Last year we admitted our first students to our new PhD program in native studies, the only one of its kind in Canada and one of two in North America. Next year we will admit students into this country's first interdisciplinary doctoral program in Canadian studies, a joint venture with Carleton University."

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