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 New Bursary Fund Created in Honour of Jack Matthews at Trent UniversityFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE $400,000 Anonymous Donation Establishes Jack Matthews Study and Research Abroad Bursary Fund to Support both Undergraduate and Graduate Students at Trent Monday, March 9, 2009, Peterborough A generous donation of $400,000 by an anonymous donor has created the Jack Matthews Study and Research Abroad bursary fund at Trent University to support both undergraduate students who are participating in a Trent Study Abroad program and Trent graduate students who hope to study and explore research opportunities in an international setting. The first bursaries will be awarded in the 2009/10 academic year through an application process coordinated by the Trent International Program (TIP) office. “Study Abroad is a transformative experience. The joys of making new friendships and the pleasures of travel, the challenges of cross-cultural adjustment, and the academic advantage of gaining perspective in another educational system provide opportunities for gaining critical understanding,” explains current TIP director, Dr. Michael Allcott. “Bursaries that will allow more Trent students to realize their global citizenship goals are a great legacy to Jack Matthews.” Jack Matthews founded TIP in 1982, and managed its development until 1989. He was awarded an honorary degree from Trent in 1992. A visionary international educator, Mr. Matthews was a former headmaster of Lakefield College School and the founding director of Pearson United World College of the Pacific in Victoria, BC. He also played a key role in the founding of The Canadian Canoe Museum. Although he passed away in 2007, Mr. Matthews’ long-standing commitment to the development of student leadership in the interest of global citizenship remains the foundation of the Trent International Program today. In describing his mentor, Paul Davidson, executive director of World University Service of Canada (WUSC), recently named president of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) and a Trent alumnus, says: "Jack believed passionately that young people should see the world, learn in international settings and serve the global community. As such, it is only fitting that this new bursary fund has been set up in his name.” “Jack made the world come alive for me,” adds Celia Dyer, a Trent alumna who participated in Study Abroad experience in France and studied under Mr. Matthews at Pearson College. “He was wholly committed to the idea of bringing young people from all the corners of the globe to live and study together so that we might gain a deeper and more sincere understanding of each other's lives, cultures, and histories. He gave me and so many others the opportunity to learn those important lessons. Study Abroad bursaries awarded in Jack's name continue his legacy in the most meaningful way possible.” -30- For more information about the new Jack Matthews Study and Research Abroad fund, please contact: For more information about the Trent International Program and Study Abroad, please contact: |
