As part of the March 18th open house in Oshawa, Trent University unveiled a sign at its new Oshawa Thornton Road campus and announced a generous $1.2 million bequest that will provide direct financial support to students. The open house event attracted over 100 people, including prospective students and their families, to Trent’s current location at the UOIT/Durham College campus. Students were personally greeted by his worship John Gray, Mayor of the City of Oshawa and Trent’s President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Steven E. Franklin. At the open house students participated in sample lectures, toured the existing facility, engaged in one-on-one discussions with faculty and liaison staff, and learned more about Trent’s plans for a new campus in Oshawa.

As part of the day’s events, Trent announced that students will now benefit from a generous $1.2 million bequest from Fern Rahmel, a leader in education, the arts and culture in the City of Peterborough, Ontario who passed away in late November 2009. The third largest bequest in the history of Trent, the gift will focus on the University’s campuses in both Peterborough and Oshawa, leaving a remarkable legacy in support of women pursuing higher education. When matched by the Ontario Trust for Student Support, the total endowment will equal $2.4 million.

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The sign unveiling marked a historic milestone in Trent’s 35 year presence in the Oshawa community. The media event was attended by the Mayor, Council members from the City of Oshawa, members of Trent’s board of governors, and alumni, students, faculty and staff from Trent in Oshawa.

At Trent University in Oshawa, $1 million will be endowed in perpetuity, and will generate approximately $40,000 annually. According to the wishes of Ms. Rahmel, the funds will be used for bursaries for female students over the age of twenty-five who have demonstrated financial need as they work toward earning a Trent degree.

An additional $1 million will be endowed, and the income made available to third and fourth-year students of proven academic ability who have demonstrated financial need, studying at either the Peterborough or Oshawa campuses. An additional endowment of $200,000 will also be created for graduate students who meet similar criteria. It is expected that $100,000 in new funds for bursaries will be available annually as a result of this extraordinary gift.

“This gift is a demonstration of the ability of a single individual to have a lasting impact on the lives of many,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “In addition to years of support to women in need of financial assistance to complete their education at various levels, Ms. Rahmel’s gift helps us to meet the strategic needs of Trent University, with a current focus on building out our 35-year presence in Oshawa with a brand new building opening in September 2010.”

In January, Trent University announced a new, compelling vision to transform an existing facility on Thornton Road South into a new campus for the delivery of its programs for over 1,300 full-time and part-time students in Oshawa and the Durham Region.

The strategy for a new Trent presence in Oshawa will result in more students gaining access to a postsecondary education and the delivery of a growing range of degree programs.

A fast-tracked construction plan will ensure the new $11.5 million facility for students and faculty is ready for the next academic year. The new campus will provide capacity for the introduction of new academic programs and allow for projected enrolment growth.

“Trent is signalling to Oshawa and Durham Region that we believe the University has a vital role in responding to students’ needs in the Oshawa area,” said Dr. Steven E. Franklin, president and ice-chancellor. “The University has been quietly serving Oshawa for over 35 years. Trent believes Oshawa is a dynamic community that has turned a tough financial corner and has tremendous potential. Trent intends to contribute to that recovery and help shape Oshawa’s future by supporting our students in Durham Region with our new vision and extending our presence in the broader community.”


To learn more about Trent in Oshawa visit www.trentu.ca/oshawa.