Messages to Leo

Leo - I served on the Board of Governors for 6 years - all of which you were President of Trent. This time was productive, satisfying, and always collegial -because of your amazing leadership and stewardship of the University.

I hope that you enjoy paddling back into academia and that it is (mostly) calm waters. Thanks for the experience and the incredible memories. Best Wishes.

Robyn Jacobson - Governor Emeritus

Hi Leo,
Congratulations!

Wow, what an amazing run you've had. It was an honour to serve on the board under your leadership. You've got an amazing mix of skills: leadership, financial integrity, vision, a willingness to take risk and the creativity to make that risk successful! Your natural people skills make working with you a true pleasure.

Thank you for the wonderful legacy you have created. I think that the school of business should make you a case study in effective senior leadership, every grad could benefit by learning from you.

All the best....hope to see you on the water!

Scott Sinclair

It has been truly a pleasure to work with you and learn from you. Your leadership and compassion for students has been evident all through my journey with you.

Trent University's exposure in the world increased under your Presidentship. New programs, scholarships, international partnerships, your commitment to international travels, meeting people all around the world has put Trent front and centre in International education.

I would personally like to thank you for your support of the work I and team illume has done with Trent. We are honoured to call you our friend. I wish that your future endeavours are as rewarding as being President of Trent University.

Karuna Ausman - Illume Student Advisory Services

Thank you for ten incredible years of transformational leadership. Trent Durham has grown exponentially due to your visionary initiatives that always prioritize students' needs. I am proud to be part of an institution so deeply committed to student success.

Thank you for everything you have done for everyone during your tenure as president.

Amina Malik

Leo, alumni in the Greater Vancouver and Victoria regions will always be grateful for your visits to our Chapter events, for the interest you took in our own Trent experiences and for bringing us news of the latest and greatest happenings at our Alma Mater.

Thank you for 10 years of enlightened leadership and support!

Lorraine Bennett

Leo, we wish you well in your new adventures!

Ken Armstrong

As a retired Professor Emeritus at Trent University, personally I think that Leo Groarke is the best Trent U. President that we have ever had.

He has supported Trent's environmentalism, and forwarded diversity of our faculty and students . And in response to student demonstrations and peaceful protests he has never emulated some other University Presidents by calling in the police with tear gas to violently remove them. He clearly supports what Trent U. Is all about, which is forwarding our students' ability to think for themselves.

Congratulations Leo for your leadership of Trent University, and David Morton and I wish you a well-deserved and fulfilling retirement.

Dr. Patricia Morton

An Ode to "Our Leo"

He might be "The President" to you and most people, but he's "Our Leo" at home. He has an uncanny ability to balance work and home life but his love of family is always second to none. Leo is wise as an owl and actually keeps the same hours as an owl. If you receive a text from the President at 2:00 AM, you know this to be true! His ability to float an idea and his kayaks are met with the same level of passion and enthusiasm. He is kind, considerate, thoughtful and determined in his quiet, unassuming and philosophical manner. His warm smile and gentle nature allow him to befriend all who he meets from all corners of the world. Your family couldn't be more proud of your accomplishments and contributions throughout your professional career.

New chapters await you. With Love.

Don, Nancy & Barbara - Your Family "Up North"

Led eight years of balanced budgets and seven years of A stable bond rating, ensuring a strong and stable future for Trent and showcasing Leo's exemplary leadership in thoughtful and sustainable fiscal management. 

Dr. Gail Johnson Morris - Former P/t faculty at Trent & current Chair, Durham College

Leo, I regret that I will be unable to attend your night of recognition and appreciation. The video touches the many areas of significant impact you have had on the communities of Trent; the University; higher education provincially, nationally and globally.

So, I won't repeat those achievements. I do want to thank you for your leadership and governance excellence at the Board. I always found you to be very knowledgeable of any issue we faced, both its small and capital p implications AND with an approach to grapple with and tackle that same issue. These are impressive multi dimensional skills. As a Board we were better for it and, of course, so was the University etc…

Thank you Leo and I wish you the very best in your writing and future contributions to advanced education in Canada!!

Saad Rafi

Best wishes on your next new adventures.

Thank you for your inspiring leadership.

With warm memories of Trent that have shaped my life.

Carol Gray - Class of ‘75 and Board of Governors 2016-2022

Dear Leo,

I want you to know how proud I am to have worked alongside you. Our conversations, often shared with the delightful company of Glennice, have always been highlights, filled with laughter, insight, and camaraderie.

As you step into this new chapter of your life, I look forward to hearing about your next adventures and the impact you'll continue to have on the world around you. As a fellow retiree, we must find time to enjoy more time together.

Congratulations on your retirement and the incredible impact you've made, not just at Trent, but on the many lives you've touched, including mine. I regret I will miss your celebrations, as I will be traveling across Canada on my motorcycle at the same time.

Don Lovisa

Leo, as you know I very much enjoyed our associations together. I think you did a terrific job and enhancement of Trent and congratulate you on that.

You should have a poem! In LA on the Event date. So sad.

All the best in your future endeavours. Get a motorcycle! Let's ride!

Ian Lord

Leo, I will miss knowing you are at the helm of Trent; however, challenges are great so I wish you lots of fun in your new interest.

Sorry I cannot celebrate with your group as I will be in New Brunswick with my hubby for his 60 yr. Engineer Reunion.

Sincere wishes.

Doreen (Larmer) Stewart - Nursing awards

Leo, What an incredible legacy you have created at Trent University. So many fond memories of board meetings and retreats. Your leadership and passion has made Trent a place where students can come and be inspired to thrive at school and in their future careers.

I have learned so much from working with you and I know that as a Trent board member, alum, and now as a Trent parent that we have been blessed to have you as our President.

Your influence will last for many years to come. Thank you.

Krista Scaldwell

Dear Leo,

What a terrific legacy you are leaving at the end of a rich and positive decade. It has been a delight to get to know you over the years and I sincerely hope our paths will cross again. Only then will I be able to share with you...the secret retired Trent presidential handshake and special verse.

Have great break and return to teaching with enthusiasm and renewed energy. Very best wishes.

John Stubbs