Presidential Endowment Funds

President Tom H. B. Symons (1961-72)

Symons Trust for Canadian Studies

The Symons Trust for Canadian Studies was established in 1995 by friends and colleagues of Thomas H. B. Symons, the founding President of Trent University, to honour and to continue his work in the field of Canadian Studies. The purpose of the Symons Trust is to support and enhance the study of Canada, especially, though not exclusively, at Trent University. Under the direction of its Committee of the Trustees, the Trust provides funding to support imaginative new activities, to act as seed money for worthy new endeavours, or to foster important long-range projects. Applications, which are welcome from any and all disciplines, programmes, or individuals, are evaluated by the Trustees in terms of their originality, quality, and potential contribution to the study of Canada. Funding from the Symons Trust for Canadian Studies is disbursed annually by the President of the University on the recommendation of the Committee of Trustees.
Application details for the Symons Trust for Canadian Studies

Symons Award for Teaching Excellence

The Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching is named for Professor T.H.B. Symons, the Founding President of Trent University, and is made available through the generous support of Professor and Mrs. Symons. The Award (monetary award, a Symons liripipe and a framed citation) is presented each year to a member of the Trent faculty or staff (full-time or part-time) in recognition of outstanding teaching in the broadest sense and, in the words of Professor Symons, "exemplary concern for students." The presentation of the Award is made each year at the Spring Convocation and is acknowledged in April at a celebration of Trent teaching excellence reception that is open to the university community.
See the Centre for Teaching & Learning for application details.

Symons Essay Prizes in Canadian Studies

Established through a gift from T.H.B. Symons, the founding President of Trent University, to recognize excellence in performance in courses of the Canadian Studies Program. Four prizes of $250 each are awarded for outstanding achievement in the first year course, and outstanding essays in the second, third, and fourth year courses.
This prize is awarded by a committee within Canadian Studies. There is no application process.

Thomas H.B. Symons Seminar Series on Graduate Student Research

Initiated by students of the 1993-94 Vanier Seminar. The Thomas H.B. Symons Seminar Series, named in honour of the founding president of Trent University, Professor Thomas H.B. Symons, is a graduate student research forum where individuals from various disciplines communicate their knowledge and research findings to a broader audience consisting of fellow graduate students, and the Trent and Peterborough communities. The series has provided a unique platform for graduate students and future leaders to share their research and raise awareness on different issues of concern.

The Symons Seminar Series is a program of Traill College. Please contact traill@trentu.ca for application details.

President T.E.W. Nind (1972-80)

President D. Theall 1980-87

Theall Research Fund

Established in 1987 when Donald Theall retired as President & Vice-Chancellor. The fund supports a one-time research grant to support a junior faculty member (at the university for five years or less), or a faculty member on a Limited Term Appointment. A call for submission will go out during the fall term.

Applicants are asked to submit a one page written document to the President’s office, deadline of November 1 each year, with details about the project along with a separate page that lists the applicant’s relevant publications and research work. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.

President J. Stubbs (1987-93)

John Stubbs Library Innovation Fund

The purpose of the fund is to recognize the fundamental role of the Library in facilitating learning for all members of the Trent community. The fund will assist the Library to enhance its ability to provide access to all types and forms of information in the years to come. This is not an application-based award. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.

John Stubbs Otonabee College Prize

Created as a tribute to Trent University's fourth President. Awarded by the Academic Advisor to the full-time undergraduate student member of Otonabee College with the highest average at mid-year.

This is not an application-based award.

President L. Conolly (1994-97)

Leonard Conolly Prize

An endowment named in honour of a former Director of Trent International, President Leonard Conolly. President Conolly was active in many international initiatives, including the World University Service of Canada (WUSC), a Canadian non-profit organization working to create a better world for all young people. The endowment provides funds to projects that support international students or the internationalization of the university in some other way.

Trent International welcomes proposals that demonstrate outstanding commitment and contributions to the betterment of Trent University. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.

Leonard Conolly Graduate Students' Travel Prize

The Leonard Conolly Graduate Students' Travel Fund will support travel for graduate students in the M.A. in English Literature (Public Texts) program to conduct research or deliver their findings at conferences.

For application information, please contact M.A. in English Literature (Public Texts) program.

President Bonnie Patterson (1998-2009)

Bonnie Patterson Athletics Award

Created as a tribute to Bonnie Patterson, President & Vice Chancellor of Trent University from 1998-2009. Awarded to returning full-time undergraduate students participating in the varsity athletics program on the recommendation of the Director, Athletics and approval by the President, Trent University. OTSS guidelines apply. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.

Bonnie Patterson Leadership Development Grant

An award established by President Patterson, for students enrolled in the BBA program who engage with the community in order to develop their collaborative and entrepreneurial leadership skills. Grants of $500 - $3000 per year.
For application information, please contact the Business Program.

President Steven E. Franklin (2009-2014)

Jean and Eric Franklin Bursary

Established by the Franklin family and friends in memory of Jean (nee Simmonds) and Eric Franklin, who emigrated to Canada in 1956, raised four children (Gillian, Steven, Barb, and Michael) in Aurora, Kingsville, and Windsor, Ontario, and retired to Vernon, B.C. in 1995. Inspired by their love of reading, learning, and the natural world.

Preference will be given to a full-time undergraduate student in the general or honours Geography or general or honours Environmental & Resource Science/Studies programs.

This award is allocated by the Financial Aid Office based upon need. There is no application process. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.

President Leo Groarke (2014-2024)

Louis and Paul Groarke Philosophy Endowment

Established by Leo Groarke, this fund recognizes his two brothers who studied and taught philosophy. The Fund is intended to advance the study and discussion of philosophy. At a time when the importance of foundational disciplines like philosophy is often undervalued, this is a gesture that aims to support its continued importance at Trent. The fund will support the bold and free debate of philosophical issues and ideas by providing support for events which will be of special interest to students and those who practice philosophy outside of the academy.

The interest from the Fund will be used to support public philosophy events that involve students, alumni and others interested in philosophy. The Chair of the Philosophy program will be entrusted with the use of these funds in a manner in keeping with the goals of the fund, subject to approval of the University President (the fund is not used to replace ordinary operating expenses for the philosophy program -- the teaching of courses, hiring of instructors, etc.).

Those interested in events that may be supported by the fund should contact the Chair of the Philosophy program. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.

Office of the President Administered Endowment Funds

Presidential Endowment Fund

The Presidential Endowment Fund has been established to support initiatives that (i) aim to secure the long-term success of Trent, or (ii) preserve some of the core values that are part of its past and heritage. Eligible projects must be approved by the President after consultation with the university’s vice-presidents. Projects must be funded on one-time-only basis. They may include art installations and cultural events to enhance the Trent community, heritage projects, or new initiative that will allow the university to move in new directions.

Process of Applying

Applicants seeking support from this endowment should submit a letter to the President outlining a budget for the project they propose and an account of and the ways in which it will further the Fund’s intended goals. Applicants are encouraged to communicate with the President’s Office before submitting a request. The office aims to make 1-3 grants available every year. Please note that submissions will be received on a rolling basis and grants to the fund do not normally exceed $2,000.

The Vanier Professorship

The Vanier Professorship is awarded to a professor at Trent who has made significant contributions to the study of Canada. It is an opportunity for the university to recognize and celebrate the achievements of one of its faculty in this area. The professorship was established in honour of Governor General Georges Vanier, who officially opened Trent in 1964. W.L. Morton and Tom H.B. Symons were the first and second Vanier professors. The professorship is awarded by the President’s Office, for a five year period. It is supported by an endowment. The Vanier professor has access to the interest earned on the endowment, in support of activities related to their work at Trent. At the beginning of their term, the Vanier Professor gives an inaugural public lecture on some aspect of Canada. The lecture is presented at a venue outside of Trent university campuses and is aimed at a broad, public audience. At the end of their term, the Vanier Professor gives a second public lecture reflecting on their work. When their term is over, the Vanier Professor will have the title “Vanier Professor Emeritus.” During their 5 year appointment, the Vanier Professor will work with Trent’s Development Office to find ways to grow the Vanier Endowment. The Vanier Professor provides an annual report on their activities to the President and Provost. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.

Mackenzie Discretionary Art Endowment

The purpose of the Mackenzie Discretionary Art Endowment is to provide discretionary funds annually, to support the development and care of the Trent University Art Collection.The revenue accrued from interest on the endowment is to be used for discretionary purposes each year. It may be used for any purposes that serve this end other than the hiring of staff to manage the collection. The hiring of part-time contract staff for special projects is permitted only when the term of their contract is less than one year. Decisions on the spending of the interest will be made by the Chair of the Trent Art Collection Presidential Advisory Committee (TACPAC), subject to the approval of the President. Major expenditures will be made after consultation with TACPAC. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.

The Nancy Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence

Recognizing a long-standing need for a staff recognition award, the University established the Nancy Simmons Smith Award in 2008 to recognize non-academic staff members who demonstrate excellence and exceptional commitment to Trent. With the support of an endowed fund, the Award is named in honour of Ms. Simmons Smith, University secretary and secretary of the Board of Governors from 1987 to 2008. Throughout her career as a senior administrator, Nancy advocated tirelessly for the recognition of non-academic staff and their contributions to the University. The Award includes a cash gift of $500 and a framed citation presented at the "Heart of Trent" event. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.
Application details for the Nancy Simmons Smith Award

Trent Durham Head's Enhancement Fund

The revenue accrued from interest on the endowment is to be used for discretionary purposes each year to advance and enhance the success of Trent Durham. Commitments made through the fund cannot extend beyond the year in which they are made. Decisions on the spending of the interest will be made by the Head subject to the approval of the President. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.

College Funds

The focus of the College Funds is to allow funding for the sustainability and vitality of the College system. They are discretionary funds which allow the head of each college to have flexibility in spending for priority needs. The principal of the Champlain College Endowment; Peter Gzowski College Endowment; Lady Eaton College Endowment; Otonabee College Endowment; and Catharine Parr Traill College Endowment shall be retained, administered and managed by Trent University and the Vice-President Communications & Enrolment, with oversight by the President and Vice Chancellor. Final decisions on the spending of the interest on the endowment are made by the sitting President.