World-Famous Astronaut and Trent University Chancellor Dr. Roberta Bondar to Welcome Hundreds of Future Students During March Break Open House

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Full Roster of March Break Open House Activities Planned for March 7 and 8

Tuesday, March 4, 2008, Peterborough

Trent University is pleased to announce that internationally- renowned space scientist and University Chancellor Dr. Roberta Bondar will be delivering the welcoming remarks to prospective students during the March Break Open House in Peterborough on Saturday, March 8 at 10:00 a.m. in the Wenjack Theatre, and at 10:30 a.m. in Peter Gzowski College, Room 115 on Symons Campus.

Widely acclaimed for her engaging presentation style, Dr. Bondar is a woman of remarkable intellect and experiences who brings an original perspective to students as they consider attending Trent University. In addition to being Trent’s ninth Chancellor, Dr. Bondar is best known as a space scientist, neurologist, Canada’s first woman astronaut, author and an award-winning landscape photographer.

“This will be a unique opportunity for students to meet an extraordinary woman who is passionate about Trent, and to learn more about the capacity we all have to make a difference in the world,” said President Bonnie Patterson. “Her ability to inspire others to pursue their dreams, whether in science or the arts, or both as she has, is unparalleled.”

All prospective Trent students interested in taking a campus tour and learning more about the top quality academic environment at Trent are invited to bring their families and friends to the University’s annual March Break Open House, to be held on Friday, March 7 and Saturday, March 8 on the Symons Campus in Peterborough.

On Friday, March 7 from 4:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. prospective students are invited to join faculty, staff and current Trent students for an information reception at Peter Gzowski College. Throughout the evening, guests will have the opportunity to talk to representatives from academic departments and student services, attend sample lectures and various program-specific information sessions; and participate in a tour of Trent’s campus. Complimentary refreshments will be served.

On Saturday, March 8 from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., prospective students and their families are invited to participate in a full-day program designed to give a comprehensive overview of the University. Following Dr. Bondar’s opening remarks in both Otonabee and Peter Gzowski Colleges, guests will have the opportunity to: attend an Academic, Student Services and Clubs and Groups Fair; attend sample lectures and various program specific information sessions; take a campus tour highlighting residences, academic space, and the athletics and recreation centre; and enjoy dining on-campus during a complimentary lunch. Throughout the day, specific-program receptions for students interested in the School of Nursing and the Trent International Program will also be held.

Another highlight of this year’s March Break Open House is the annual alumni lecture, this year featuring Dr. Gordon Teskey, Harvard University professor and Trent alumnus. Dr. Teskey will be presenting “Why Study the Humanities?” at 12 noon on March 8 in the Wenjack Theatre.

For more information on the March Break Open House at Trent, or to RSVP, please visit www.trentu.ca/openhouse or call 1-888-739-8885.

One of Canada’s top universities, Trent University is renowned for striking a unique balance between outstanding teaching and leading edge research. The University is consistently recognized nationally for faculty who maintain a high level of innovative research activity and a deep commitment to the individual student. Distinguished by excellence in the humanities, social sciences and natural sciences and increasingly popular professional and graduate programs, Trent is dedicated to providing its students with an exceptional world view, producing graduates who are ready to succeed and make a difference in the world. Trent’s Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River. Together with its satellite campus in Oshawa, Trent draws excellent students from throughout the country and around the world.

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For more information, please contact Susan Salusbury, registrar, 748-1011 ext. 7677. To request an interview with Dr. Bondar, please call Brittany Cadence, communications officer at (705) 748-1011, ext. 6185.