On March 28, a sold-out crowd of more than 150 students, faculty and Trent alumni gathered for the annual Trent International Program (TIP) Formal Dinner. The event celebrated the accomplishments of graduating international students, and the Canadian and international student leaders who have contributed to Trent’s vibrant global community.

Entertainment was provided by Marina Grosu, a scholar and pianist from Moldova, traditional Chinese music played on the Pipa by student Xing, and rousing renditions of John Lennon’s “Imagine” and the theme song from “Friends” by the TISA Choir.

Representing the Alumni Association, Neil Hannam, led a toast to the graduating international class to kick off the awards ceremony. The evening was filled with celebration of accomplishments, fun, and thoughtful reflection on the serious challenges that face the world. At 8.30 p.m., the lights of Lady Eaton College were extinguished in honour of Earth Hour before the final awards of the evening were presented.

TIP Director Dr. Mike Allcott underscored the dynamic strength of Trent by naming the unofficial “Mike Allcott Award for lasting international friendship”, and dedicating it to “to every student who volunteered their time to support a club or group or event at Trent; to every student who braved the barriers of ignorance that divide people of different colours, cultures or enclosures; to every student who felt lonely or isolated and turned that want-for-friendship into the gift of friendship to someone else”.

During the course of the evening, the following prizes were awarded to outstanding members of the Trent student community:

Jack Matthews Award – Yafa Jarrar and Hamdy Bashir Faye
The Jack Matthews Award is named in honor of the late founding director of TIP who symbolizes international understanding in all his endeavors. The award is given to a graduating student in recognition of outstanding commitment and contributions to internationalization, both locally and globally. The Jack Matthews Award is the most prestigious award to be presented at the annual formal.

The 2009 recipients of the Jack Matthews Award are: Yafa Jarrar, who worked beyond the boundaries of Trent University to raise awareness of the situation of Palestinian people; and Hamdy Bashir Faye for his global citizenship, tireless service to the Trent community through TCSA, and for his leadership in building francophone life at Trent.

Hulcoop Prize – Shirin Nuesslin and Nejat Abdella
The Hulcoop Prize was presented to two first-year International Development Studies majors, Shirin Nuesslin and Nejat Abdella in recognition of their outstanding contributions to the international life of the University.

Continuing International Student Award – Linh Phan
The Continuing International Student Award was presented to Linh Phan in recognition of her contributions to Trent and the wider community.

TIP Staff Award – Tim Shah
The TIP Staff Award is presented to an outstanding Canadian student who has worked hard to build understanding, respect, and strong community among the many cultures here at Trent. This year’s winner was Tim Shah from Toronto, don of Trent Global Living Community.

ESL Student of the Year – Leyun Yan
The winner of the 2009/2009 ESL Student of the Year Award was Leyun Yan, from Guizhou Province, China.

Exchange Award – Ashut Taher
This year’s Exchange Award, which is given each year to an exchange or year-abroad student who has contributed significantly to the promotion of study abroad and to the international life of the University, was presented to Ashut Taher.

Robert Campbell Friends of TIP Award – Professor Tim Stapleton
This award, named after Robert Campbell, an extraordinary Trent leader, is presented each year to a person from the faculty, staff or community who has enriched the experience of Trent’s international students. This year’s winner was Professor Tim Stapleton, for his leadership in building Trent’s exchange with the University of Botswana, teaching and research on southern Africa, as well as interest and commitment to African students.

Karanja Njoroge Community Service Award – Jasmine Hamilton
Student leader Jasmine Hamilton was awarded the Karanja Njoroge Community Service Award,. The award is given to a student in recognition of his/her active involvement in development education both at Trent University and in the wider community.

Leonard Conolly Award – Esther Sue
Esther Sue from Fiji was the recipient of the 2009 Leonard Conolly Award, named after past President of Trent University and TIP Director, Professor Leonard Conolly. The award is given each year to students who have shown outstanding commitment and contribution to the support of refugee students through involvement in World University Service Canada (WUSC).

David Morrison Award – Asha Poitier and Royette Tavernier
The David Morrison Award is presented to graduating students in recognition of substantial involvement at Trent and in TIP, and for genuine devotion to the ideals of internationalization. This year, there were two winners: Asha Poitier from the Bahamas; and Royette Tavernier from the island nation of Dominca.

Also recognized at the formal was the Trent International Student Association (TISA) executive. This year’s executive accomplished many new goals and projects, from supporting the World Affairs Colloquium to the fun of the TISAlympics, and bringing Cultural Outreach 2009 into the community at Showplace.

Executive members include: co-chairs, Jesse Barke Doka from Niger, and Joyce Chu from Singapore; VP of external affairs Krystal Jean Baptiste Saint Lucia; Nejat Abdella from Ethiopia, junior publicity director; Adesola Ogunsakin from Nigeria, senior publicity director; and Benjamin Chan from China, VP finance.

Photo Caption: TIP staff member Daralyn Holt presents the David Morrison Award to graduating student Royette Tavernier