Eminent Service Award

Established in 1978, the Eminent Service Award recognizes individuals who have made outstanding contributions to the life of Trent University above and beyond excellence in carrying out their employment or volunteer responsibilities. It is normally awarded at the culmination of service to Trent. The award is presented on behalf of the Board of Governors, acting upon the recommendation of the Senate.

Jalynn Bennett

Jalynn Bennett’s exemplary service to Trent University spans over 20 years. She joined the Board of Governors in 1987 (one of only two women on the Board at that time) and, shortly thereafter, agreed to serve as a vice-chair of the very successful For Tomorrow fundraising campaign and later as special projects chair for the Beyond our Walls fundraising campaign. After playing a key role on several Board committees, she served one year as vice-chair of the Board, before being elected chair in 1994. Over her five year term as chair, Ms. Bennett devoted herself to the demanding role with energy, compassion and a great deal of skill. Under her experienced leadership, the Board adopted policies and practices to enhance governance and accountability which are now a model for other universities.

In 1999, Ms. Bennett became an honorary governor at Trent. In addition to her contributions to the Board, she is currently a member of Trent's Planned Giving Advisory Committee, helping to provide direction for Trent's planned giving program. This new role complements the leadership she has provided as a member of Trent's Legacy Society, which recognizes those who have publicly pledged their support for the university through a planned gift.

Over the years, Ms. Bennett has been a generous and faithful supporter of leadership, voluntarism, professionalism and academic excellence at Trent. She has supported many key initiatives and the creation of many awards and scholarships including the Ted Tremain Study Abroad Award, the Nancy Simmons Smith Staff Award, and the Board of Governors Leadership Scholarship. She was also instrumental in establishing the John de Pencier Nature Areas Fund, which recently celebrated the opening of the John de Pencier Trail in October 2008. Ms. Bennett has also helped anchor Trent's leading-edge research through her support of the CFI research in the Worsfold Water Quality Centre at Trent, and the construction of the Chemical Sciences Building.