Trent Durham Campaign raises Momentous $6.6 million 

Campaign transforms Trent Durham campus by creating first residence building and increasing student support through scholarships, bursaries and new experiential learning opportunities. 

With $1 million raised to support Trent Durham students through financial aid and experiential learning, the Campaign for Trent Durham Greater Toronto Area (GTA) has officially concluded, surpassing the goal of $5 million and raising $6.6 million to support Trent’s growing GTA campus.

“The Trent family and our generous donors have come together to invest in our students’ success and the community’s future,” says Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent Durham. “We have successfully completed a campaign that ensures the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change agents have the opportunity to build a better tomorrow.”

Phase one of the campaign for Trent Durham culminated last February, raising $5.6 million for the new residence and academic building on campus. With a focus on investing in student success, phase two of the campaign raised an additional $1 million to support financial aid and experiential learning for Durham students.

“Our generous supporters are providing students with the gift of education, which has a big impact on making their educational dreams possible,” says Sherry Booth, associate vice-president, Philanthropy and Alumni Engagement at Trent University. “Through creating new experiential learning opportunities, the University continues to provide important hands-on career experiences that give students an edge as they enter the job market. We thank our generous donors for believing in our students and investing in their future.”

Alumnus and co-chair Doug Kirk ‘70 launched the Campaign for Trent Durham in March 2019, as campaign executive co-chair, with a generous $500,000 gift. Then inspired others to support, as he pledged to double their impact by matching donations up to $100,000, resulting in more than $220,000 of support. To recognize his contributions, the University is naming the largest lecture hall in the new residence and academic building Kirk Hall. A new outdoor seating area on campus has also been named in honour of Doug & Mary Kirk.

In response of the recognition, Mr. Kirk, who is also president of Durham Radio, said: “I thank the University for this great honour. It has been my pleasure to lead a campaign that represents hope, education and progress. It’s more important than ever to invest in the next generation.”

The University is also acknowledging the generosity of phase two lead supporters Dr. Katie Taylor (honorary chair); Edmond and Sylvia Vanhaverbeke; David and Anne Patterson; Herman Kassinger Foundation; Denise and Armand La Barge; Garry and Victoria Cubitt; the Durham Regional Police Services Board; J.J. McGuire General Contractors; and an anonymous donor.

Strong partnerships and collaboration between local government and community partners were key to the campaign’s overall success. The campaign was built on cornerstone support from The City of Oshawa and the Region of Durham and followed by a transformational gift from BMO Financial Group.   

An estate gift from former board chair Jalynn Bennett also supported the new building, creating the stunning trellis that visually (and physically) joins the new and original campus buildings. Meanwhile, the first-ever Trent Durham faculty and staff campaign raised nearly $60,000.

The University is planning a celebration at the Trent Durham campus in April to celebrate the success of the campaign and offer tours of the new residence and academic building. An inaugural donor wall will also be unveiled at the campus, recognizing lead supporters as well as all those who made the vision for Trent Durham possible.