Two Trent University Students Win $1000 in YouTrent Video Contest

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Seven entries judged by Trent almunus Stephen Stohn of DeGrassi fame

Friday, April 1, 2011, Peterborough

Two Trent University students – one from Trent University in Peterborough and the other from Trent University Oshawa Thornton Road Campus – walked away with $1000 each after winning in separate categories in the second annual YouTrent Video Contest.

Pidutti, a fourth-year business administration student, won $1000 in the Best Trent University Video category which challenged entrants to “show why our University is an excellent choice for all students.” Fourth-year English student at Trent Oshawa, Tammy McDonald, won $1000 in the Best College Video category. 

A special screening of all entries was held at the Bata Film Theatre where friends and family of the contestants as well as faculty and staff members gathered in anticipation of the display of creativity and the announcement of the winners.

Dr. Robin Lathangue, head of colleges at Trent University, emceed the event and congratulated the students on their exemplary efforts, stating that the selection of two winning entries was challenging due to the quality and originality of all seven videos.

Following the screening of each video, Marilyn Burns, director of Marketing & Communications, read out the comments from celebrity judge, industry expert and Trent alumnus Stephen Stohn ’66. Mr. Stohn is president of Epitome Pictures Inc. and executive producer of the television series Degrassi: The Next Generation, as well as four seasons of Instant Star and their related webisodes, soundtracks and websites. It was his second year judging the YouTrent Awards.

Reacting to his success in taking home the Best Trent University Video prize, Mr. Pidutti said, “This is pretty exciting. There were a lot of quality entries. It’s especially cool that Trent has these opportunities. I actually considered going to film or art school, but took Business Administration at Trent instead and was pleased to find that there were so many opportunities for artistic pursuits at Trent.” Mr. Pidutti will purchase a new camera with the prize money as he plans on making more videos after completing his degree this year.

Ms. McDonald, her mother and two sons were present when she was presented with the large $1000 cheque for Best College Video. Her passion for the quality of teaching and the sense of community at Trent University Oshawa Thornton Road Campus were motivating factors for her winning creation. Ms. McDonald plans to pursue a Bachelor of Education after graduation. In the crowd to congratulate her were Dr. Rita Bode, associate dean at Trent University Oshawa and Professor Joel Baetz.

-30-

For more information or to get in touch with the winners, please contact: Marilyn Burns, director, Marketing & Communications, Trent University 705-748-1011 ext. 6184.