David Rapaport '09, Ph.D., Canadian Studies, Toronto, Ontario
President's Medal Recipient
Long hoping to study Canada at an academic level, David Rapaport found his opportunity both in retirement and at Trent University.
In honour of his subsequent academic excellence and achievement he earned the President’s Medal in the Doctor of Philosophy category. “Finishing my PhD was a tremendous accomplishment,” according to Dr. Rapaport. “I feel humbled and honoured receiving this recognition from Trent.”
As many retirees indulge in their new-found free time, David discovered himself busy researching and writing his dissertation. “Rewiring the State” is a critical assessment and analysis of the privatization of information technology in Ontario.
Among other institutions, his dissertation research involved working with Statistics Canada, the Archives of Ontario as well as Trent’s own Bata Library. Although describing his research work as very rewarding, he also stated, “the process is highly demanding in nature and has kept me intellectually engaged and honest.”
Trent prides itself on excellence and innovation in Canadian Studies. David conducted his work within Trent’s Frost Centre for Canadian Studies and Indigenous Studies in Peterborough which houses faculty from the humanities, social sciences and various interdisciplinary fields.
David values the encouragement he encountered at the Centre. “Due to the collegial nature of the Frost Centre, all of the professors for my courses and comprehensives provided valuable support,” stated David. “I entered the program as a retiree, after many years away from academia. The faculty at the Frost Centre was highly supportive of my efforts.”
He cites respect, informality, collegiality and the accessibility of the professors and resources as special attributes of graduate studies at Trent.
David hopes to make a difference with his Trent degree by applying his developed research and analytic skills to situations that require exploring and exposure.
Continuing his academic momentum, David has made several presentations at academic conferences. He is hoping to publish his dissertation and is exploring post-doctoral opportunities. He feels that Trent amply prepared him for the next step in life by providing an intellectual and academic background and confidence.
Awards and Scholarships received at Trent University:
- President’s Medal, Doctor of Philosophy (2015)
- Two Frost Centre Research Grants
