Trent University “President’s Community Tours” Announced

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Peterborough October 7, 2009

Trent University announced today a new initiative called the “President’s Community Tours” to engage the community and provide an opportunity to meet with Dr. Steven E. Franklin, Trent’s new President and Vice-Chancellor.

In 2009-10, President Franklin will visit the following communities to forge new relationships on behalf of the University and to strengthen existing partnerships:

• Peterborough       
• Toronto                 
• Kingston               
• Belleville/Cobourg            
• Ottawa                 
• Oshawa                
• Barrie                   

The “President’s Community Tours” program will serve as a stewardship platform for President Franklin to connect with potential students, parents, alumni, donors and community leaders throughout the region and province.  President Franklin will meet with heads of universities and colleges, leaders of school boards, members of the local chamber of commerce, and partners in economic development agencies. 
 
“The ‘President’s Community Tours’ idea is one part of a strategic approach to reach out and create new connections with people in a number of communities,” said President Franklin.  “As President, it is very important for me to create active listening venues, to be open, and to make lasting connections in these communities that can benefit the University and extend Trent’s reputation in the Peterborough region and beyond. Trent is open to new collaborations with partners in the broader education sector and the business community, and is seeking to strengthen existing agreements with its university and college partners.”

Additional locations across the region and the province will be added to the “President’s Community Tour” schedule in subsequent years in what is hoped will become an annual event.

Dr. Franklin added that he is looking forward to the planned visits because “new partnerships have the potential, for example, of enhancing access and participation in postsecondary education, creating a new generation of students prepared for emerging eco-jobs, the green economy and the knowledge economy.  Trent is a leader in promoting a dialogue about creating new opportunities for youth and providing students with an exceptional educational experience.”

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For an opportunity to interview President Franklin please contact:

Don Cumming, Senior Director, Public Affairs, (705) 748-1011, ext. 6181