Duc Hien Nguyen ‘11, B.A. Honours, Economics, with Minor in Philosophy, Hanoi, Vietnam

Most economics students learn how developing countries incorporate capitalism into their society through textbooks.  Duc Hien Nguyen lived and breathed it. Nguyen recalls: “Growing up in Vietnam, as the country brought in capitalism, I witnessed the miraculous power of economic growth, and the dire social and environmental consequences accompanying it.”

After meeting with a recruitment officer from the Trent International Program at his Singapore high school, Nguyen accepted a full scholarship to Trent. Since then his life-long personal and academic commitment to economics has found a place to flourish within Trent’s economics and philosophy programs. His current research focuses on studying income and happiness.

Nguyen is an academic powerhouse, achieving a cumulative

average of 95.1. His accolades are equally staggering. He received more than one dozen awards and scholarships for his academic success and community involvement.

“Each of these awards marked a milestone in my journey of growth and self-discovery at Trent,” reflected Nguyen.  “Every time I looked at them, I saw the transformation of a boy four years ago, just arrived at Trent and still lost in cultural shock, to where I am now. It reminds me of how much I owe to my professors, my mentors, Lady Eaton College and the Trent International Program.”

Outside the classroom, Nguyen was heavily involved in student government and college life. As part of the celebration of Trent’s 50^th Anniversary, in January 2015 he co-organized the ‘’Your Trent Student Symposium,” where students presented their view on the past and future of the University. It was attended by high-profile individuals including Peterborough mayor Daryl Bennett, Trent University president Dr. Leo Groarke, and Trent founding president, Professor Thomas H.B. Symons. Recalling the experience Nguyen said, “I think it spoke in a very concrete way to how Trent empowers students to realize their goals.”

Nguyen will begin graduate studies in economics at the University of Toronto this August. He plans to become an economist with special interests in global poverty reduction, sustainable growth for developing economies, and governance of the international macroeconomic system.

Nguyen is confident about the future. “As for me, the world is my home,” he remarked. “Trent made me realize that my largest asset is the ability to learn new things and to adapt to new circumstances. This will allow me to go around the globe and make a contribution where it matters most.”

Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:

• David Morrison TIP Awards (2015)
• Arndt Krüger International Award (2015)
• Lady Eaton College Cabinet’s “Behind the Scenes” Award (2015)
• Lady Eaton Fellows’ Prize (2012, 2015)  
• Trent Central Student Association’s Student Award of Excellence (2015)
• Helen E. McNaughton Prize (2014)
• Perkins Bull Research Grant (2014)
• Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize (2014)
• TIP Continuing Student Awards (2014)
• Van Dussen Prize (2014)
• Flavelle Principals’ Prize (2013, 2014)
• McCalla Standen Award (2012)
• Trent Global Citizenship Scholarship (2011)

Extracurricular Activities:               

• Executive member, Lady Eaton College Cabinet (2012-2015)                          
• Senator and executive member, Trent University Senate (2012-2014)
• Director, Trent Central Student Association (2013-2014)
• Executive member, Trent Undergraduate Politics Society (2011-2013)
• Member of Living Learning Commons, Lady Eaton College (2011-2012)