Trent Report
  Friday, 24 March 2000



Twin degrees for Stephen Sayer

Trent student Stephen Sayer will be wondering whether to don the gold trimmed gown and hood of the Sciences or the white trim of the Arts when he steps forward at convocation June 2. Sayer has earned concurrent degrees in both disciplines, making history by being the first Trent student to do so. He completed his two degrees during four years of study, maintaining an A average along the way.
Twin degrees for Champlain scholar

When Trent student Stephen Sayer heads out into the work world later this year, prospective employers will never have to question his determination to get the job done.

Sayer is heading for the finish line in a university program that will see him take home concurrent degrees in science and the arts at Trent's convocation this spring.

Sayer came to Trent from his hometown of Scarborough, after graduating from Cardinal Carter Academy for the Arts in North York.

He faced a real challenge in deciding where to go for post-secondary education. Sheridan College offered the computer animation program which would let him pursue the career he wanted, while Trent offered the broad-based education he craved, and "the opportunity to learn about as many things that interest me as I could."

He was accepted by both schools. And his decision was not made any easier when Trent weighed in with the offer of its Champlain Scholarship, the most prestigious offered by the University.

High school guidance counselor Blair Duckworth came to the rescue when he worked out an arrangement with Sheridan that would let Sayer complete his diploma in animation over the summer instead of in a normal full-year program, so he packed his bags for Peterborough.

It was his father who recommended Trent, said Sayer. "He recognized that the university's small size would benefit me." His majors are in philosophy, psychology, physics and English.

The toughest part was the scheduling, ensuring he had all the courses he required in both of his programs. That meant he sometimes had to overload with courses, as well as staying in school a year longer than many of his colleagues who arrived at the same time. Still, he has managed to maintain marks in the high 80s and 90s.

Sayer also finds time for intramural ice hockey, occasional graphic design work, volunteering an hour a week at the audio library, hanging out with his five roommates, practicing his cooking skills and chatting with his girlfriend who is halfway across the province studying physiology and psychology at Western.

There has not, however, been any time left over to get what Sayer considers "a real part-time job, since I have been in school year round. My parents and the scholarship made it possible to attend Trent, and I will be forever grateful to both."

Has he ever regretted his choice to double up his degrees? "Not once, not ever. It has been an incredible experience." Some of the physics courses have been the most challenging, says Sayer. "I am not as comfortable as some of my classmates with the more advanced technologies."

He rates philosophy 105 as the best course on the curriculum, and his personal recommendation for others. "It teaches you how to think and go through life as a reasonable and conscientious person. Everyone should be required to take it."

He has nothing specific in mind for the job market, but soon after convocation he will start to work on his portfolio and begin making contacts in the animation industry.

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Trent Report is published by the Trent University Communications Department on the fourth Friday of each month during the academic year. A reduced schedule is in effect during July and August.
E-mail: trentreport@trentu.ca
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Last updated: March 24, 2000