2008 Annual Report - Trent University

Learning to make a
TM
world of Difference
2008 Annual Report
www.trentu.ca

Trent in
the world
Caring for
our earth
An exceptional
world view
Global context

As I come to the close of my final term as president of Trent University, it
occurs to me that so many of the initiatives underway today connect to the
threads of plans carefully put in place ten years ago. This period represents
almost a quarter of the University’s lifetime. At Trent, we are constantly
building on the excellence of the past to lay the groundwork for the future
ahead. With Trent’s 50th anniversary ever closer on the horizon – just six
years away – we have laid a great deal of that foundation.
Leadership sets the tone in a complex institution. And, in a place like
Trent, there are many leaders amongst our students, faculty and staff. We
welcomed Mr. David Morton as chair of our Board, a strong leader with vast
experience in the private sector as the former president and CEO of Quaker
Oats. At the same time, we tip our hat to former chair Mr. Reid Morden,
who provided Trent with six years of sure-handed guidance and an expert
sense of governance noted by all who had the privilege to work with him.
Change is a catalyst – and, as you will see in this report, Trent continues
to welcome innovation, growth, and opportunity. From a $42 million
facilities renewal plan that is well underway to the promise of exciting new
partnerships, Trent continues on a trajectory toward its preferred future.
Much has been achieved and much more will be realized through the
strong leadership of our Board of Governors, the dedication of our faculty
members, the inspiration of our students and alumni, and the hard work of
Trent staff. In this, my final year as president, I wish to thank all who have
made it possible for the University to take such significant strides in our
development, expansion, and national and international standing.
This year’s annual report exemplifies leadership. Today’s Trent – and
certainly the Trent of the future – is at the centre of so many important
initiatives: leading the world in the research and protection of our most
precious resource: water; contributing to the historical, cultural and political
dialogue of our present and future; delving into the secrets of DNA and
training RCMP scientists in the art and science of forensic investigation; and
unearthing important anthropological clues to our past. Most importantly, as
Trent advances knowledge in these and other disciplines, at the heart of our
mission is the transfer of that knowledge to the next generation of thinkers
and leaders: our students.
On behalf of the entire Trent community, I would like to thank President
Patterson for her leadership over the past decade. Running a University
with its many constituencies can be complex at the best of times but, under
Bonnie’s guidance, a multi-year plan has been put in place, a network
of strategic partnerships and contacts has been developed, and we have
wonderful new facilities with state-of-the-art equipment. Indeed, the
groundwork has been laid to see the University comfortably moving towards
its 50th anniversary in 2014.
While change in leadership is often challenging, it can, also, provide a
chance for renewal and an opportunity to build on the best of our history
as we prepare for an exciting future. In order to build on a distinct national
identity, we must continue to attract the most talented and dedicated faculty
and staff, enroll the best students, draw the right kind of investment and
philanthropy, and build the infrastructure we need to highlight Trent’s unique
and important teaching environment.
Working together, I am confident we can continue to make Trent University
a preferred destination for faculty, students and staff.
Bonnie M. Patterson
President and Vice-Chancellor
David L. Morton
Chair of the Board of the Governors

This is Trent in 2008
“A” Grades
The Globe and Mail’s Report on
Education gave Trent top marks
in 2008
Quality of Education A
Quality of Teaching A
Class Sizes A
Student-Faculty Interaction A-
Most Satisfied Students A-
Campus Atmosphere A
The Centres of Knowledge:
A New Way to Talk About Trent
This year saw the launch of the Centre of Knowledge
in the Environment, the first in a series of virtual
Centres to be launched at Trent leading up to the
University’s milestone 50th anniversary in 2014. The
Centres of Knowledge recognize the University’s
intellectual capital, our world-class faculty, as the
engine that drives innovation and student success.
Each Centre will provide targeted opportunities
for philanthropic investment tied directly to Trent’s
academic and research plans.
Top-of-Class Employment Rates
Six months after graduation, 97.7% of humanities students
and 94.9% of all Trent grads were employed. Two years after
graduation, 96.9% of all Trent grads were employed.

Trent by Numbers
In 2008, the University boasts a student body of
more than 7,500, including over 500 international
students and more than 400 graduate students.
#1 for Scholarships
& Bursaries
Trent invests the most in scholarship
funding per capita of any university in
its category in Canada. In the past year
alone, 26 new bursaries and awards
were established.
A Research-Intensive
University
Trent was ranked second* in its category
for research funding. Since 1999,
research funding at Trent has grown
400% to just over $15M in 2007.
*Research Infosource
Sky-High Alumni
Satisfaction
98% of alumni said their undergraduate
experience was satisfactory; 93% reported
positive overall feelings about Trent; and 81%
felt Trent did an excellent job providing an
intimate learning environment where their
professors got to know them.
The Ripple Effect
Trent University generates a
$281-million annual economic impact.
Zhifeng (Kelvin) Chen, Bachelor of Business Administration
with a specialization in Human Resource Management and a
minor in Economics. Kelvin is from Guangzhou, China.

Leadership Matters
A President’s Legacy: Professor Bonnie Patterson
As the University’s Presidential Search Committee reviews candidates for Trent’s seventh president, the University community
thanks Bonnie Patterson for creating a legacy of excellence that will live on at Trent for years to come. Appointed president
of the University in 1998, Bonnie Patterson has a long list of accomplishments that reflect her commitment to accessible post
secondary education, research and innovation.
first president in the history of the University to complete
two full terms of service
an advocate for smaller institutions at home and abroad
served as chair of the Association of Universities and
Colleges of Canada and a Canadian representative on the
Association of Commonwealth Universities Executive
research revenues doubled from $6.2 million in 2001-02
to over $14 million in 2006-07
attracted ten Canada Research Chairs
student enrollment at an all-time high
implemented a new strategic plan, a vision statement,
a $42.4 million facilities renewal plan, a new research
plan and a philanthropic plan that has already resulted in
milestone contributions
made use of the University’s wide and deep base of
research across disciplines to fuel state-of-the-art
new facilities with top instrumentation such as in the
Worsford Water Quality Centre and partnerships like the
Peterborough Regional Innovation Cluster, connecting
innovation to the economic wellbeing of our community
served as chair of the Board of the local Peterborough
Regional Health Centre, contributing to a new hospital for
the community on time and on budget.
secured funding for her new programs in Education,
Nursing and Forensic Science
doubled Trent’s differentiation grant from the provincial
government
provided guest lectures in undergraduate business classes
every year
David Morton Elected Board Chair: June 2008
elected to the position of chair of the Board of Governors for a three-year term
a retired president & CEO of the Quaker Oats Co.
currently serves as board member for numerous organizations including Frontier College, and
as a committee member for the Peter Gzowski Invitational for Literacy
donor and past chair of Trent’s Advancement Committee
has an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from Trent University

Trent by Numbers
Countries represented in the Trent community 114
International students on campus 550+
Exchange partnerships with foreign universities 40+
Snapshot of a Chancellor
Dr. Roberta Bondar
appointed chancellor in 2003
has officiated at more than 25 convocation
ceremonies at Trent University
welcomed and inspired students,
distinguished scholars and scientists from
around the world
bestowed the gift of her photography
on the University with stunning prints
of her work
chaired the Chancellor’s Dialogues, an
opportunity for internal and external
community members to hear from experts
on topics such as SARS
hosted Multiple Lenses: The Chancellor’s
Forum, an opportunity for high school
students to connect with her experiences as
a life-long learner across many disciplines
Dr. Bondar will preside over her last
convocation ceremonies in June 2009
Honouring a Dedicated
Board Chair
Reid Morden
served nine years on Trent’s Board of
Governors
served as chair of the Board of Governors
from 2002 to 2008 and was named an
honorary Board member
Trent University dedicated the Reid
Morden Study Room in the Bata Library in
his name in June 2008
the Reid and Margaret Morden Award in
the Humanities, set up by Mr. and Mrs.
Morden in 2005, continues to support
students in need
“I love Trent’s small communities. Coming from a small
town, it was important to me that I felt a sense of
community where I was living and I found that on the first
day in residence when I arrived at Trent!”
Beckee Anderson, third-year Concurrent Education
student, studying History and English

ATTRACTING THOSE WHO
MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
Trent welcomed numerous
dignitaries in 2008
Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
In association with the 51st Annual Conference of the
International Association of Great Lakes Research and
the David Sheperd Family Lecture Series, Trent University
presented the renowned environmental advocate; R. F.
Kennedy, Jr. gave an impassioned 90-minute presentation
on ‘Our Environmental Destiny.’
Other visitors to Trent included:
Anti-war activist Daniel Ellsberg
Famous author Alistair MacLeod
Bestselling mystery writer Linwood Barclay
Liberal party leader Stéphane Dion
Hon. George Smitherman, Minister of Health and
Long Term Care
Honourable John Wilkinson, Minister of Research
and Innovation, and the Honourable John Milloy,
Ontario’s Minister of Colleges, Training and Universities.
41st Convocation
At Trent’s 2008 Convocation, close to 2,000 undergraduate degrees,
38 Masters degrees and eight Ph.D.s were granted. This year marked Trent’s largest ever
graduating classes in Nursing (123 graduates) and Forensic Science (40)
Honorary Degrees Conferred
At this year’s convocation ceremonies the following were awarded honorary degrees in
recognition of their talents and achievements, which embody the spririt of Trent University:
Hugh Anson-Cartwright, dedicated to championing and preserving Canadian literature
Natalie MacMaster and Donnell Leahy, award-winning Canadian musical sensations
Zacharias Kunuk, a filmmaker, sculptor and officer of the Order of Canada
Michael MacMillan, pioneer in the Canadian broadcast industry and executive
chairman of Alliance Atlantis Communications
The Honourable Flora MacDonald, distinguished federal politician, companion of the
Order of Canada and advocate for international development

Trent by Numbers
241 news releases issued by Trent University in 2007/08
resulted in more than 100 million impressions in the media.
Making Headlines
In the past year, over 2,000 media outlets have cited the
groundbreaking research of Trent faculty to help interpret
current issues and events, including:
The New York Times, Canadian Wildlife
Magazine and newspapers from the
Vancouver Sun to the Montreal Gazette
covered Associate Professor Dr. Brendan
Hickie’s research into the persistent levels of
PCBs in killer whales.
The Toronto Star, the National Post, and
publications from Vernon, BC to Truro,
NS featured Professor Barbara Marshall’s
research into the impact of Viagra and related
drugs on people’s expectations around
sexual performance.
Canada AM, The Daily Planet and others
interviewed Dr. Brad White about his genetic
research on pink dolphins as a distinct
species.
More than 20 Ontario newspapers cited
work by Dr. Peter Dillon on lead in community
water supplies.
Anthropology professor Dr. Eugène Morin’s
groundbreaking work demonstrating that
modern humans are related to Neanderthals
captured headlines around the world,
including the Los Angeles Times, Globe &
Mail, National Geographic News, and the
Xinhua News Service in China.
CBC Sunday News and The Toronto Star
interviewed politics professor Dr. Gavin Fridell
about his research exploring the global
effectiveness of fair trade coffee policies.
National and local media sought History
professor Dr. Dimitry Anastakis’ expert opinion
throughout the year as the auto industry crisis
deepened, including Canada AM, The Toronto
Star, Peterborough Examiner, Peterborough
This Week, CanWest News Service and
CHEX TV.
“When looking for universities I was looking for a small university where I could excel
academically and be involved in campus life. As an international student I was also
looking for a university with a strong international program and network. I found all
this at Trent and have been pleased with the opportunities I have here as a student and
member of the community.”
Esther Sue, Business Administration and Economics joint major from Suva, Fiji Islands,
Global Citizen Scholarship

A Place to Thrive and Explore
Trent by Numbers $2,217,861
Total raised for Catharine Parr Traill College Renovations
Founded in 1964 – a time of idealism, rapid social change, and new frontiers in education
– Trent is renowned for providing exceptional undergraduate education that balances smallgroup
teaching, strong academic programs, and robust research.
While ushering in further growth and vitality at its satellite campus in Oshawa, Trent also continues to evolve its Peterborough
campus, through a $42 million Facilities Renewal Plan. Key areas of investment include the addition of Module “C” to the DNA
Building as Trent’s new “Health Sciences Facility”, the repurposing of Catharine Parr Traill College to serve the University’s growing
graduate student population, renovations to Bata Library, and the expansion of Athletics and Recreation facilities and programs. A
new student commons is planned in the future.
PROGRAM INNOVATION
Enrolment in Trent University’s Graduate
Studies programs has increased over
60% since 2005 to approximately 400
students in 2007/2008. A continued surge
is anticipated as the University looks
to again double its 2004 enrollment
levels in grad studies for an overall
estimated enrollment of 600 graduate
students by 2012.
Trent introduced a course-based option
in several Masters’ programs, allowing
students to complete their degree in 12-
16 months as opposed to the traditional
two years for a thesis-based program.
Trent and Fleming College together
welcomed the first students of the
Bachelor of Science in Ecological
Restoration, a collaborative program
developed to teach students skills in
the recovery of degraded, damaged or
destroyed ecosystems.

Fostering Excellence in Athletics and recreation
Building on the development of a new stadium in 2007, complete with state-of-the-art artificial turf, a press box, score clock,
and seating for 1,000 spectators, Trent will break ground on a 22,000 sq. ft. addition to its athletic facilities. Oriented toward the
beautiful Otonabee River, the expansion and renovation will feature a larger fitness centre, state-of-the-art rowing and paddling
tank, a therapy tank, sports medicine centre, cardio loft, international squash court, double gymnasium and refurbished 25-metre
pool. In addition, Athletics will augment support for coaching excellence and increase financial awards available for outstanding
athletes, while providing enhanced access to community groups and members of the public.
New! LIVING-LEARNING
COMMUNITIES
Building on its distinctive college system, Trent University is
enriching residence life for all students on campus with the
addition of two new Living Learning Communities (LLCs).
Kicked off in 2006, LLCs are student-initiated, developed in
collaboration with Trent’s Housing Office and its colleges,
joining students with faculty and staff for events and
programming on distinct themes. With the new Adventure
Living Community at Champlain College and Expressions
at Otonabee College, Trent now has five Living Learning
Communities on Symons Campus, including; the Trent
Global Living Community; Teachers of Tomorrow; and the
Environment, Community and Leadership Program.
New Home of
Graduate Studies
In order to meet the growing demand for graduate programs,
Catharine Parr Traill College has been repurposed into
a primarily graduate studies college. Trent University’s
downtown campus, rich in heritage architecture, is situated
on a drumlin overlooking central Peterborough. Already
home to some of Trent’s flagship graduate programs, further
programs will be consolidated at Traill with the creation of a
new lecture hall, renovated apartments for graduate students,
an all new Bagnani Hall, and new office and teaching space
for graduate students.
Environmental Leadership
Trent continues to lead with new initiatives towards
greater sustainability:
Locks 22 and 23 are being developed with a new hydro generating station
creating revenue for the University and clean, renewable power for 4,000 homes
- a $30-million investment
The Stanley Adamson Powerplant on Trent property, which provides a large
percentage of the University’s hydro electric needs through 100% green energy
with no CO2. The plant is soon to be rebuilt, making Trent even more energy selfsufficient
and providing opportunities for Trent to sell power back to the grid.
The University boasts a number of green roofs, including one ‘production roof’
where vegetables are grown, harvested, cooked and sold at The Seasoned Spoon,
an organic eatery on campus
A $2 per student levey, which has raised $15,000 towards sustainability initiatives
A new fiber recycling stream, an expansion of the University’s already successful
recycling and composting programs

LEADING RESEARCH
IN STRATEGIC AREAS
One of Canada’s top universities, Trent is consistently recognized nationally for
faculty who maintain a high level of innovative research activity and a deep
commitment to the individual student.
In February 2008, the University introduced a new Strategic Research Plan which sets out a
framework for Strategic Research Clusters as follows:
#1: Biological and Forensic Sciences
#2: Canadian and Indigenous Studies
#3: Cultural Studies and the Humanities
#4: Education, Health, and Sustainability
#5: Environmental Science, Materials Science and
Quantitative Modelling
#6: Understanding People, Communities
and Institutions
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“As a research-intensive university, Trent continues to make impressive strides in all
areas across the humanities, natural sciences and social sciences, developing new
knowledge that will make a significant difference to our world. “
Dr. Gyles Iannone, Acting Associate Vice President of Research
A Trent alumnus (MA ‘92), member of the Anthropology Department and leader of
operations for the department’s field school in Belize.

Trent by Numbers
$15,750,000
Total research funding in 2007-08
Percentage increase over 06-07 = 50% increase
Research Chairs Lead Innovation
The Canada Research Chairs (CRCs) program is Canada’s highest honour
for research excellence. The CRC program works to enhance Canada’s
competitiveness in the global knowledge-based economy, improving Canadians’
health, and enriching our social and cultural life. Trent has ten CRCs on staff,
a significant number for a university of its size. These nationally recognized
researchers make connections with students at the undergraduate level every day.
NEW this year
Carol Williams - Feminist and Gender Studies
RENEWED
Bryan Palmer - Canadian Studies
Jim Parker - Emotion and Health
EXISTING
Julian Aherne - Environmental Modelling
James Conolly - Archaeological Studies
Céline Guéguen - Aquatic Sciences and Biogeochemistry
Marrie Mumford - Aboriginal Arts and Literatures
Dennis Murray - Terrestrial Ecology
Davide Panagia - Cultural Studies
Paul Wilson - DNA Profiling, Forensics and Functional Genomics
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GIVING TO MAKE A WORLD OF DIFFERENCE
Growth & Momentum
in Philanthropy 2008
$1M Endowed Professorship furthers New Era in
Philanthropy and Faculty Recruitment
Trent University’s reputation as an international leader in
the environment received a significant boost this spring with
the announcement of the new David Schindler Endowed
Professorship in Aquatic Science, the first-ever endowed
professorship at the University, valued at $1 million.
The generous, anonymous gift honours the work of Dr. David
Schindler, a former Trent professor and one of the world’s
leading limnologists, a specialist in the study of freshwater lakes
and rivers.
“Freshwater will be the foremost environmental problem
in the century ahead, and probably well beyond,” said Dr.
Schindler, adding, “Trent has become one of the world’s
foremost limnological centers. I am very proud to have my name
associated with the developments here.”
In February, 2008, Trent University’s Board of Governors
established a policy to guide the creation of endowed
chairs and endowed professorships. Signaling a new era in
faculty recruitment and philanthropy at Trent, this policy will
strategically position the University to recruit and retain high
quality faculty as the institution approaches its 50th anniversary
in 2014.
Alumni contributed an overwhelming $3.9 million to Trent in
2007/2008, including the first multi-million dollar gift from an
alumnus family to establish the University’s inaugural endowed
Chair in Ethics. Since 2000, alumni have donated over $7 million
to Trent.
“Trent is experiencing a surge in transformational giving directly related to a sense
of confidence in the future of the institution, its goals and its values. It’s a vote in
favour of the meaningful intensions Trent has toward its students, its community
and the world.”
Dianne Lister, LL.B., CFRE
Vice-President, External Relations and Advancement
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Evidence of a new era in philanthropy is everywhere at
Trent. In the past three years, the University has received
five transformational gifts from living donors, each in excess
of $1 million, totaling $6.5 million. Book-ending the past
academic year have been historic firsts, starting with the
announcement of the University’s first endowed chair, the
Kenneth Mark Drain Chair in Ethics, and culminating with
the announcement of Trent’s first endowed professorship.
HONOURING LEADERS WHO MAKE A WORLD
OF DIFFERENCE
Trent University’s Community Leaders Awards
recognize and celebrate the contributions of
local leaders during their lifetime by establishing
a student bursary in their honour. In 2008, the
Awards were named for:
The Armstrong Family
Agriculture, Business & Industry
Mollie Cartmell
Athletics & Recreation
Dr. Brian Desbiens
Education & Literature
THE JOHN DE PENCIER TRAIL
Dr. Jenny Ingram
Medicine, Science & Technology
Chief Keith Knott
Civic & Community Leadership
Wally Macht
Arts & Entertainment
As a tribute to John de Pencier’s years of service to Trent and to recognize his
love of nature conservation, the University established a new nature trail in
2008, named in his honour. The John de Pencier Nature Trail is a three kilometre
trail located in the Canal Nature Areas on the east bank of Trent University’s
Symons campus. Over $100,000 has been raised for the endowment, through
the generosity of Mr. de Pencier’s friends and family who established the John de
Pencier Fund for Trent’s Nature Areas in 2000. Mr. de Pencier is a former Board
chair, honorary Board member, generous donor and chaired one of the University’s
most successful fundraising appeals.
PHILANTHROPY HIGHLIGHTS
Gold Medal for Donor
Recognition Program
A special partnership with The Peterborough Examiner helped
Trent to win the top prize from the Canadian Council for the
Advancement of Education (CCAE) in 2008. The gold award
was received in the category Best Donor Recognition Program
for Trent’s symposium and announcement honouring the
Patterson/Drain Family for the establishment of the Kenneth
Mark Drain Chair in Ethics.
More than $1.5 Million Raised for
Student Awards
Trent’s annual campaign toward student bursaries and awards
topped $800,000, surpassing its goal by nearly $20,000.
Faculty and staff alone contributed over $81,000, more
than 10% of the total raised. With the matched funds from
the Ontario Trust for Student Support (OTSS) program, the
University raised more than $1.5 million between April, 2007
and March 2008. Twenty-nine new student bursaries and
awards were established, including: Community Leaders
Awards bursaries Board of Governors’ Leadership Award
Peterborough Liftlock Atom Hockey Tournament Athletic
Bursary Geography and Watershed Ecosystems North Bursary,
established through the proceeds of Professor Emeritus Peter
Adams’ new book, Trent, McGill and the North Graduate
Students’ Association Bursary, which marks the first time a
student association at the graduate level has taken a leadership
role in creating such a substantial fund at Trent.
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ACCLAIMED RESEARCHERS
Dr. Carla Rice – Exploring Body Image In a recent presentation, Professor Carla Rice
offered an insightful look into our society’s “toxic” pre-occupation with certain body types. “Children
as young as five don’t like their bodies,” she says. In a world pre-occupied with appearance, Prof.
Rice emphasized the need to promote positive self-esteem for children, offering practical strategies
for parents, teens, teachers and other professionals to create an atmosphere of body acceptance and
healthy lifestyles. Prof. Carla Rice has more than 20 years international experience as a clinician,
project director, researcher and media consultant on body image.
Dr. Carol Williams – Canada Research Chair in Feminist & Gender Studies
Before Dr. Carol Williams had even donned the mantle of her prestigious role as Canada’s only
research chair in Feminist and Gender Studies, she was positioning Trent at the centre of new
scholarship in her field. Coming to Trent, Prof. Williams stepped into an already vibrant Women’s
Studies program, bringing together an international workshop on Indigenous women’s labour
history. Material from the dialogue between scholars from the US, Canada, New Zealand and
Australia is expected to be made into a unique, new anthology. Prof. Williams’ research centres on
the significance of Aboriginal women’s economic agency in the survival of 19th Century Euro-
American settler families in the North American West. An award-winning author who has taught
across the continent, Prof. Williams enjoys bringing her knowledge to the lecture halls and seminar
rooms at Trent.
Dr. Chris Furgal – Indigenous Environmental Health “Climate change is
already having a negative impact on the health of smaller and remote indigenous communities,”
says Professor Chris Furgal, a member of the Nobel-prize wining Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change. “People in the north already have to adapt to risks posed by more unpredictable
weather, stresses on food security, and infrastructure loss due to coastal erosion.” Prof. Furgal is
an assistant professor cross-appointed to the Departments of Environmental and Resource Studies
and Indigenous Studies. He brings an interdisciplinary approach to his work, fostering a respect for
many different types of knowledge in looking at issues of Indigenous environmental health.
Dr. Eugène Morin – Making The Neanderthal Connection According to Trent
archaeologist Dr. Eugène Morin, the long-held view that Neanderthals died out 35,000 to 40,000
years ago and were replaced by migrant Homo sapiens in Western Europe is not as convincing as
once thought. In the highly esteemed Proceedings of National Academy of Sciences, Prof. Morin
suggests that significant population decline was caused by a climatic deterioration. But rather than
being totally eliminated, there is evidence that Neanderthals “succeeded in maintaining genetic ties
with other neighbouring populations, including anatomically modern humans from Africa.” Over
the long term, Neanderthals adapted to this harsher climate by expanding their social networks,
a process that allowed the diffusion of “modern traits” into the Neanderthal gene pool. These
findings provide support to the hypothesis that Neanderthals contributed to the emergence of
modern humans.
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Distinguished Research Award
The 2008 Distinguished
Research Award was
presented to Dr. James
Struthers, director of the Frost
Centre for Canadian Studies
and Indigenous Studies.
Canadian Archaeological
Association Meets at Trent
The Trent University Archaeological Research
Centre (TUARC) welcomed more than 150
archaeologists from across Canada for the 41st
Annual Meeting of the Canadian Archaeological
Association. Research presented included
new findings in Latin America, Northeastern
Archaeology and advances in archaeological GIS.
Revealing the Ocean’s Layers
This summer Dr. Céline Guéguen, Canada
Research Chair in Aquatic Sciences and
Biogeochemistry at Trent, traveled to the top of
the world, participating in a series of intensive
polar research expeditions as part of the
International Polar Year. Dr. Guéguen travelled the
Arctic Ocean on the Louis S. St. Laurent, Canada’s
largest icebreaker.

Dr. Derek Mueller –
Watching the Ice
Shelves
The research of ice shelf expert, Trent
graduate, and newly appointed Roberta
Bondar Fellow in Northern and Polar
Studies, Dr. Derek Mueller, has recently
shed light on several significant
environmental changes in the Arctic.
Following his widely publicized
discoveries about the diminishment of
the Ward Hunt Ice Shelf on Ellesmere
Island, Dr. Mueller has been looking at
a vast network of new cracks seen this
past spring when the entire 50 square
km Markham Ice Shelf broke away in
early August. With other sections of ice
detaching, this summer’s ice shelf loss
totals 23 per cent of total area or 214
square km – more than three times the
area of Manhattan Island. According
to Dr. Mueller’s research, Quttinirpaaq
National Park, Canada’s most northerly
park, will likely soon lose its last
remaining ice shelf.
Trent by Numbers
Since 1999 research funding at
Trent has grown by 400% to over
$15 million in 2008.
Smithsonian Calls on Trent
Professor Marrie Mumford, Trent’s Canada Research Chair in Aboriginal
Arts and Literature, served as lead participant in a meeting at the
Smithsonian Institute’s National Museum of the American Indian. Prof.
Mumford shared her successful experiences at Trent, focusing on the
success of Nozhem, Trent’s First Peoples Performing Space.
New Drug Therapies
Following last year’s federal government investment of $2 million in
the International Consortium on Anti-Virals (ICAV), the organization
headquartered at Trent University, hosted its sixth international symposium
at Trent. The consortium was recently awarded a further $2 million in
funding from the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation. ICAV will
use the funds to evaluate and develop anti-viral opportunities for viruses
other than pandemic influenza.
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accomplished Teachers
Dr. Carolyn Kay –
Bringing out the best
in students
“Innovative. Energetic. Articulate.
Insightful. An original thinker.” These
words of praise and many others
from colleagues and students helped
earn Dr. Carolyn Kay recognition as
one of Ontario’s most outstanding
university teachers. This spring, Dr.
Kay was recognized for her ability
to bring out the best in her students,
nurturing their sense of confidence
in academic pursuits, inspiring her
colleagues through mentoring and
curriculum development. The Ontario
Confederation of University Faculty
Associations (OCUFA) included Dr. Kay
as one of only six Ontario professors to
receive their 2007 teaching award.
Prof. Kay holds a Ph.D. in History from
Yale University; her research focuses on
the Holocaust.
Trent by Numbers
70% of senior students report
having meaningful conversations
with faculty members
70% discussed career plans
with faculty
Cynthia Good Featured as 2007/08
Ashley Fellow and Rooke Lecturer
Cynthia Good, one of Canada’s leading publishers
and editors, was chosen as Trent University’s
2007/2008 Ashley Fellow. Ms. Good worked with
students in the English Department’s new Masters
Program in Public Texts, and gave this year’s first
Rooke Lecture on “The Joy of Texts.”
16
Honouring Trent Faculty through
Philanthropy
There is a burgeoning of funds recently set up to
honour the contributions of Trent’s outstanding
faculty, including: the English Literature 2014
Fund, the Anthropology Faculty Prize, the Colin
Taylor Award, the Geoffrey Eathorne Award,
the Carlyle Smith Bursary, the John Wadland
Tribute Fund, and the David Morrison Fund for
International Education. Financial contributions
to the new funds have been steady, with retiring
faculty moved to discover they have been chosen
to be celebrated in this way.
Nursing Director appointed
president of the Registered
Nursing Association of Ontario
(RNAO)
Trent/Fleming Nursing program director Wendy
Fucile was appointed president of the RNAO.
Previously vice president and chief nursing officer,
she is known for a passion for patient care and a
drive to lead and support change that improves
the lives of nurses and those they care for. Now
she brings that zeal to the lecture hall.

Dr. Michael Berrill, Biology – encouraging Critical Thinkers
In his efforts to prepare students to make important contributions in a world increasingly suffering
from environmental degradation, Prof. Michael Berrill arms them not only with solid technical skills, but
with the abilities of critical thinking, independence, and hope. Prof. Berrill’s distinguished career has
included a Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching, the publication of The Plundered Seas: Can The
World’s Fish Be Saved? and research that has led to modifications in regulation of pesticide use. Despite
his many accomplishments, for Prof. Berrill, some of the most exciting and meaningful moments in his
career to-date have come during conversations with students. For Prof. Berrill, “getting to know them,
know what they are thinking … their energy, potential hope, and a desire to do something meaningful
with themselves” is an abiding inspiration.
Dr. Feyzi Baban, Politics – Involving Students in Real-life Politics
Feeling that students learn through dialogue, Prof. Baban’s lectures often turn even a large class into
a town-hall style forum. From supporting students in organizing actual election debates to involving
them as presenters in the department’s annual Research Day, Professor Feyzi Baban engages his
students. When Prof. Baban was looking to teach a subject as complex as Middle East politics, he
enlisted students in role playing the peace process. “You read the whole text, you study the history of
the conflict, but it’s in getting into the nitty-gritty details and taking on characters that you come to a
real understanding of the issues,” says student Ryan Katz-Rosene. “It’s not unusual,” says Prof. Baban,
to have students say years later, that not only the exercise, but the facts of numerous real-life peace
negotiations have stayed with them.
Dr. Brenda Smith-Chant, psychology – Bringing Learning to the Masses
Though she is now a popular lecturer to over a thousand first-year students, Psychology professor
Brenda Smith-Chant was no star pupil herself. Prof. Smith-Chant learned how to learn through the
expertise and patience of Trent faculty, and staff of the Academic Skills Centre. Now, using some of the
most current, interactive teaching tools available, Prof. Smith-Chant is on the cutting edge of her field.
For her efforts, she says, she is rewarded every time she sees a student who didn’t have that sense of “I
can do it” feel that they can master the material in front of them. With humour and a sense of pushing
the envelope of learning, the popular professor teaches students “about being able to structure your
learning environment so you can be successful in it.”
Dr. Cathy Bruce, Education – Inspiring Passion
In her role as a professor in the School of Education and Professional Learning, Professor Cathy Bruce’s
objective is simple – she wants her students “to be passionate about teaching and learning.” In Prof.
Bruce’s case, specifically, the art of teaching math. “Math is a great divider in the world,” says Prof.
Bruce. “The perception is that some can do it, while others feel they can’t. So when people eventually
find that power within themselves it is an absolutely priceless experience.” As well as teaching math,
Prof. Bruce helped found the Teacher Education Program at Trent and is currently leading a cross-course
collaboration in the School of Education. In the collaboration, faculty benefit from shared dialogue
about student learning and assessment, and students are able to apply their course learnings in a real
world context.
Mentoring Aspiring Aboriginal
Entrepreneurs
Ten aspiring First Nations entrepreneurs from
northern Ontario came to Trent in August to take
part in a series of entrepreneurship workshops
as part of Project Beyshick. The youth mentoring
program is followed by job shadowing placements
with executives in the public and private sectors.
Prof. Emeritus Robert Stairs
creates first Chemistry lecture
series at Trent
Dr. Robert Stairs and his wife, Sibyl, have created
the first endowed lecture series in Chemistry at
Trent through a generous donation of $50,000.
The Stairs Lecture in Chemistry will enable Trent
to invite a distinguished scientist to speak on
his or her research and to showcase the field of
Chemistry.
Symons Award for Excellence
in Teaching
Emilia Angelova, assistant professor in Trent’s
Department of Philosophy, was presented with the
2008 Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching.
17

PROMISING STUDENTS
Zhifeng (Kelvin) Chen – Soaking up Canadian culture
“If you want to experience both Canadian education and Canadian culture, Trent is the answer,”
says Zhifeng (Kelvin) Chen, an international student from China. A Business Administration student
specializing in human resource management, Mr. Chen, appreciates the close relationships with friends,
other students, and professors at Trent. “Trent is not only an educational institution, but also a tight
networking society,” says Mr. Chen. His advice to first year students: “Open your mind and be part of our
family.” After completing his current program, Mr. Chen plans to find a management Job in Canada and
work towards an MBA.
Boipelo Oitsile – Making African Connections
“There’s just something about teachers that makes me want to be one, too,” says Boipelo Oitsile, a driven,
adventurous young woman from Gaborone and the first international student to join the History M.A. program.
Ms. Oitsile hopes, in time, to parlay her educational experience here into a professorship in her home country of
Botswana. “Boipelo’s presence at Trent contributes to a growing relationship between Trent and the University of
Botswana,” says Dr. Tim Stapleton, head of the History Department. Ms. Oitsile’s research focuses on the role of
Botswana in the liberation struggles of South Africa and Zimbabwe. She enjoys the guidance and support of her
thesis supervisor, Prof. Stapleton, whose own research focuses on the history of South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Marina Berbatiotis – Creating a Welcoming Learning Environment
As don of the new Expressions Living Learning Community, Marina Berbatiotis is delighted with the
cultural diversity at Trent, and “the countless, varied cultural events that showcase the values for
which our campus strives.” Now a fourth year Trent student in Cultural Studies with a Minor in French,
Ms. Berbatiotis says she felt immediately at home within the beauty of the natural setting, and the
community of students, professors and staff. Enthralled with the experience of building community in
an educational setting, Ms. Berbatiotis plans to teach ESL overseas, and then continue with graduate
studies in the field of teaching.
Virginia Portmann – Learning to Excel
A graduate of Trent’s nursing program, now completing a second degree in Business Administration,
Virginia Portmann is captain of the women’s varsity fencing team, a member of Friends of Honduran
Children / Peterborough Medical Brigades, and winner of the Symons Medal for high academic
achievement. “The disparity between extremes has greatly had an effect on how I wish to live my
life,” says Ms. Portmann. Through her vocation as a nurse, Ms. Portmann feels able to exercise all of
her talents: caring, inquisitiveness, holistic perspectives, leadership, and advocacy. Ms. Portmann most
recently won the Student Business Leadership Bursary from the Peterborough Chamber of Commerce.
Five Medals for Trent at 2007 OUA
Rowing Championships
Trent University crews continued their tradition of
success at the 2007 OUA Rowing Championships,
picking up one gold, one silver and three bronze
medals in the finals. Despite rough water and
windy conditions, the Trent women’s team came
third in overall points.
18
Trent Students Win Business
Competition
Fourth-year Trent University Business
Administration students came away with the
winning trophy and $5,000 top prize, competing
against 31 teams from 19 Ontario universities,
representing Trent for the first time in the
Chartered Management Accountants (CMA) Case
Competition.
Award-Winning Author Joseph
Boyden Reads at Trent
After visiting Trent to read from his awardwinning
novel Three Day Road in 2006, authors
Joseph and Amanda Boyden returned to Trent
in September. The pair helped to wrap up Trent
Reads 2008, with a presentation from Mr.
Boyden’s new novel Through Black Spruce.

Henry Wilson –
Encountering New and
Exciting Questions
In January, Henry Wilson, a doctoral
candidate in the Environmental and
Life Sciences Graduate Program, was
awarded a prestigious Alexander Graham
Bell Canada Graduate Scholarship,
valued at $70,000 over two years.
The Natural Sciences and Engineering
Research Council of Canada prize was
recently renamed in honour of pioneers
of Canadian technology, medicine and
entrepreneurship. The award will help
support Mr. Wilson’s research on the
impact of human land use on dissolved
organic carbon in streams. “I feel like I’m
doing something that is of value to the
scientific community,” says Mr. Wilson.
“The best part about research is that I
get to ask questions about the world
around me and then answer them. The
more I research, the more I encounter
new and exciting questions.”
Trent Camp Creates Magic
for More than 8,500 Youth
More than 8,500 campers have enjoyed great
summer camp experiences since Trent Summer
Sports Camp (TSSC) began in 1993. TSSC offers a
rich variety of sports-related, creative and outdoor
activities designed to build athletic, social and
leadership skills for campers aged five to sixteen
years.
Consolidating in Oshawa
Trent in Oshawa moved to a new location on the
Durham College/UOIT campus, bringing faculty
and staff at the campus under the same roof
for the first time since the site opened 34 years
ago. The new space will unite members in a
much larger space, and provide easier access to
amenities such as parking and daycare.
CUPE Local Invests in Students
Members of CUPE Local 3908, representing
contract faculty and student academic workers
at Trent, created a new bursary for students
in financial need. Matched by the provincial
government OTSS program, this will be a $50,000
endowed fund.
19

Outstanding Alumni
Richard Fleming –
Nobel laureate
Dr. Fleming, a research scientist for
the Canadian Forest Service and
a professor with the University
of Toronto, uses mathematical
and statistical models to forecast
the response of forest insect
outbreaks. Dr. Fleming participated
in the Intergovernmental Panel on
Climate Change (IPCC) which was
awarded the Nobel Prize for Peace
in 2007. While at Trent, Dr. Fleming
won the University’s first Ontario
Universities Athletic Association
championship in squash. He
graduated from Trent with a B.Sc. in
Mathematics and Physics in 1968.
In 2008 he was honoured with a
Distinguished Alumni Award.
Trent by Numbers
$3,950,238
Total funds raised by alumni
New Board of Governors’
Leadership Award Approved
The Board approved a new Board of Governors’
Leadership Award to recognize academic
excellence and provide additional assistance to
students in financial need.
The new $1,000 Award will be offered in addition
to the existing Board of Governors’ Leadership
Scholarship, which has been in existence for more
than 10 years and has grown to be one of Trent’s
most prestigious scholarships worth $18,000.
20
International Coverage
Late in 2007, the Singapore Business Times
highlighted the accomplishments of successful
businessman and Trent alumnus Justin Chiu in
their feature, ‘Standing out from the Crowd.’
Trent VP Appointed Chair of
Ethics Committee
Dianne Lister, vice-president of External Relations
and Advancement at Trent University, became
the first Canadian to be named chair of the
International Ethics Committee for the Association
of Fundraising Professionals (AFP). Prior to joining
Trent, Ms. Lister was the president and CEO of The
Hospital for Sick Children Foundation.

Trent by Numbers
Since the University’s first graduates crossed the
podium in 1967, the Trent alumni community is now
over 30,000 members strong.
Fiona Macleod – Taking it to the streets
Through her work at St. Paul’s
Hospital in British Columbia
and a volunteer position with
AIDS Vancouver, Registered
Nurse Fiona Macleod secured
not one, but two, research
jobs in Vancouver’s downtown
eastside. In her position with the
North American Opiate Medication Initiative (NAOMI), Ms. Macleod works with
a team of researchers studying the use of prescription heroin as an alternative
to methadone maintenance therapy in long-term heroin addicts. In her second
job, with the Vancouver Injection Drug User Study (VIDUS), she studies the
health, HIV/HCV status, lifestyle, and drug use habits of injection drug users. Ms.
Macleod loves the diversity of the nursing profession, the countless opportunities
to network, and the access to continuing education that her profession affords.
Gillespie Family – Taking their education to new heights
Siblings and Trent alumni all
– Kate, Eric and Sean Gillespie,
really enjoy applying the
innovation, flexibility and skills
they learned at Trent to the
success of their high-flying
family business.
Founded by their father, John,
over 25 years ago, Flying Colours now employs over 160 staff who refurbish
corporate and commercial aircraft, creating unparalleled luxury in the skies.
All graduates of Trent’s award-winning Business Administration program, Kate,
along with twin brothers Eric and Sean Gillespie credit the transferable skills
learned at Trent for a good part of their ability to work together. “Trent helped us
learn how to adapt to change and to think outside the box,” says Ms. Gillespie.
Geography Department
& Lady Eaton College
Celebrate 40 years
The Trent University Geography Department
and Lady Eaton College both marked the
40-year milestone with celebrations during
the University’s annual homecoming event.
Lady Eaton College welcomed generations
of LEC alumni, dons, staff, faculty and
former principals with a family BBQ picnic
and reunion. The Geography Department
launched Geography at Trent: The First Forty
Years. This “giant yearbook” presents an
entertaining history of the department.
Alumni Honoured
In 2008 the Trent Alumni Association honoured the
following recipients for their vision, commitment,
creativity and leadership in their respective fields
of international development, Canadian arts and
culture, and the sciences of entomology, bioarchaeology,
ecology and climate change:
Distinguished Alumni:
Su Ditta ’73, Victor Arnold Dyck (M.Sc. ‘67),
Richard Fleming ‘68, Christine Harmston ‘91,
Christine White ’77
Spirit of Trent:
Paul Davidson ’83, Helen Sweet ‘86
Young Leader:
Karin Galldin ’96
Trent Recognizes Quarter
Century Service Employees
President Bonnie Patterson and Board of
Governors’ vice-chair Kate Ramsay acknowledged
the significant contributions of 14 staff and
faculty members who have worked at Trent 25
years, as well as four individuals marking 30 years,
six people marking 35 years, and three marking
40 years of service to the University community.
Eminent Service Winner
Recognized for her outstanding contributions
to University life, long-time staff member Susan
(Tui) Menzies was awarded this year’s prestigious
Eminent Service Award. Ms. Menzies was cited
for her diligence, insightful administration, and
leadership in special events, and University
committees.
Jack Matthews Fellowship
The Jack Matthews Fellowship was created in
2008 to honour the founding contributions Jack
Matthews made to Trent University, Lakefield
College School, and The Canadian Canoe
Museum. Mr. Matthews was the founding director
of the Trent International Program.
21

FINANCIAL STATEMENTS
To the Board of Governors
Trent University
We have audited the statement of financial position of Trent
University as at April 30, 2008 and the statements of changes
in net assets, operations and deficit, and cash flows for the year
then ended. These financial statements are the responsibility of
the University’s administration. Our responsibility is to express
an opinion on these financial statements based on our audit.
We conducted our audit in accordance with Canadian generally
accepted auditing standards. Those standards require that
we plan and perform an audit to obtain reasonable assurance
whether the financial statements are free of material
misstatement. An audit includes examining, on a test basis,
evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the
financial statements. An audit also includes assessing the
accounting principles used and significant estimates made
by administration, as well as evaluating the overall financial
statement presentation.
In our opinion, these financial statements present fairly, in all
material respects, the financial position of the University as at
April 30, 2008 and the results of its operations and cash flows
for the year then ended in accordance with Canadian generally
accepted accounting principles.
Statement of financial Position
APRIL 30, 2008
(with comparative figures for April 30, 2007 - thousands of dollars)
ASSETS
2008 2007
Current
Cash and cash equivalents $ 30,745 $ 19,702
Accounts receivable 4,539 3,951
Inventories 61 68
Prepaid expenses and deposits 1,248 715
36,593 24,436
Long term investments (note 3) 34,479 30,631
Capital assets (note 4) 134,684 136,506
$ 205,756 $ 191,573
LIABILITIES AND DEFERRED CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Current
Accounts payable and accrued liabilities $ 10,020 $ 11,456
Current portion of long term debt 1,250 1,216
Deferred revenue (note 5) 31,491 15,599
42,761 28,271
Long term debt (note 6) 31,073 29,006
73,834 57,277
Deferred capital contributions (note 7) 70,531 70,942
McColl Turner LLP
Licensed Public Accountants
Peterborough, Ontario
August 14, 2008
To read the Statement of Administrative Responsibility,
please visit www.trentu.ca/annualreport
NET ASSETS
Deficit (note 8) (9,933) (9,257)
Internally restricted (note 9) 9,206 13,376
Investment in capital assets (note 10) 27,386 30,004
Endowments (note 11) 34,732 29,231
61,391 63,354
$ 205,756 $ 191,573
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
Approved by the Board of Governors
Governor
Governor
Dr. Roberta Bondar
Dr. Bondar, O.C., O.ONT., B.Sc., M.Sc., Ph.D., M.D., F.R.C.P., F.R.S.C.,
is Trent’s ninth Chancellor, the world’s first neurologist and the first
Canadian woman to fly in space; scientist, pilot, author, photographic
artist and astronaut who holds the NASA Space Medal; an Officer
of the Order of Canada, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada,
a laureate of the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame, an International
Women’s Forum International Hall of Fame inductee, a Lifetime
Achievement Award from the Royal Conservatory of Music at the
University of Toronto, recipient of 24 honorary degrees, and has
published three books of photography.
22
David Morton, Board Chair
Mr. Morton, B.A., M.B.A., LL.D., is retired President and CEO of
the Quaker Oats Company, a former Vice Chair and current Board
Member of Frontier College, Chair of the committee for the Peter
Gzowski Invitational for Literacy, former Chair of Five Counties
Children Centre, former Vice Chair of the Fleming College Board,
former Chair of the successful Breaking New Ground Campaign
for a new Regional Health Centre in Peterborough, recipient of
Peterborough’s Volunteer of the Year Award in 2002, holds an
Honorary Doctor of Laws from Trent, and is married to Trent Professor
Emerita, Patricia Morton.
Kate Ramsay, Vice-Chair
Ms. Ramsay, B.A., is a Trent alumna who recently completed the
Directors’ Education Program and certification offered by the
ICD and Rotman School of Management; is active in a variety of
volunteer sector activities in the fields of education and social
services; a member of the Board and a trustee of the Foundation
of Lakefield College School, member of the YWCA Turning Point
campaign cabinet, a Friend of Kinark, Chair of the Imagine the Marsh
Conservation group, past Chair of the Ontario Audio Library Service,
the Lakefield Police Services Board, and of Performing Arts Lakefield.

Statement of Changes in Net Assets
Year Ended April 30, 2008
(with comparative figures for April 30, 2007 - thousands of dollars)
2008 2007
investment
internally in Capital
deficit Restricted Assets Endowment Total total
Net assets (deficit), beginning of year $(9,257) $13,376 $30,004 $29,231 $63,354 $57,785
Change in accounting policies (note 2 (a)) 355 - (1,753) 3,756 2,358 -
Net assets (deficit), beginning of year, as adjusted (8,902) 13,376 28,251 32,987 65,712 57,785
Excess of revenue over expense
(expense over revenue) for the year (6,066) - - - (6,066) 3,158
Change in internally restricted net assets 4,170 (4,170) - - - -
Change in investment in capital assets 865 - (865) - - -
Change in endowments - - - 1,745 1,745 2,411
Net assets (deficit), end of year $(9,933) $9,206 $27,386 $34,732 $61,391 $63,354
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
revenue
Expenditures
1.9%
PRIVATE DONATIONS AND
NON-GOVERNMENT GRANTS
15.4%
ANCILLARY SALES
AND SERVICES
3.7%
OTHER INCOME
48.5%
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
1.1%
INTEREST
18.2%
SUPPLIES
0.6%
FAIR VALUE
6.7% ADJUSTMENT
AMORTIZATION
-4.1%
APPROPRIATED
EARNINGS
30.5%
TUITION FEES
2.3%
UTILITIES
6.5%
SCHOLARSHIPS
AND BURSARIES
68.7%
SALARIES AND BENEFITS
Gillian Balfour*
Associate Professor Balfour, B.Sc., M.A., Ph.D., is a faculty member
in the Sociology Department, current Chair of the Research Ethics
Board, Chair of the Departmental Curriculum Committee for three
years, past volunteer Board member and President with local,
regional, and national women’s organizations advocating for women
in prison, and co-author of two books The Power to Criminalize and
Criminalizing Women, and several peer reviewed articles examining
feminist criminology in the context of neo-liberalism.
Libby Burnham
Ms. Burnham, Q.C., C.M., DCL, is a senior legal, business and
political advisor, counsel to Toronto-based law firm Morrison Brown
Sosnovitch LLP specializing in government relations, a Member
of the Order of Canada 2007, completed the ICD Corporate
Governance College Directors’ Education Program, past Director of
Minacs Worldwide Inc., CBC, LIFE Network, Toronto Rehabilitation
Institute Foundation, past Chair of Wellesley Central Hospital and
I Channel, founding member Equal Voice, International Women’s
Forum Executive, recipient of numerous awards including the Queen’s
Golden Jubilee Medal, and holds an Honorary Doctor of Civil Laws
from Acadia University.
Joan Bush
Ms. Bush is President of Joint Venture Finance Inc., a company
specializing in mergers and acquisitions in high technology and
manufacturing sectors, involved in many charitable and community
causes around the world including Bam Earthquake relief, Tsunami
and Oxfam relief funds; visited India, Iran, Iraq and various African
nations to focus on women’s issues such as poverty, homelessness
and education; as Director of the Kiani Foundation, has contributed
to the community through charities including local hospitals,
scholarship funds and youth and women’s shelters.
23

60%
40%
20%
0%
007 2008
60%
50%
40%
30%
20%
Operating Revenue
five year trend
2004 2005 2006 2007 2008
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
TUITION FEES
OTHER INCOME
Operating expenditures
GOVERNMENT GRANTS
TUITION FEES
OTHER INCOME
Statement of Operations & Deficit
Year Ended April 30, 2008
(with comparative figures for April 30, 2007 - thousands of dollars)
REVENUE
2008 2007
Government grants $ 59,694 $ 61,015
Tuition fees 37,614 37,244
Ancillary sales and services 19,027 18,979
Donations and grants 2,425 2,638
Investment income 1,961 1,879
Miscellaneous 2,533 1,892
EXPENSE
123,254 123,647
Salaries and benefits 85,266 78,259
Scholarships and bursaries 8,083 8,520
Utilities 2,850 2,859
Supplies 22,633 22,362
Interest 1,406 1,111
Amortization
Library acquisitions 723 712
Other capital assets 7,631 6,666
Change in fair value of financial instruments 728 -
129,320 120,489
EXCESS OF REVENUE OVER EXPENSE
(EXPENSE OVER REVENUE) FOR THE YEAR (6,066) 3,158
Change in internally restricted net assets 4,170 (993)
Change in investment in capital assets 865 (2,103)
10%
0%
Full Time
Salaries
Part Time
Salaries
Employee
Benefits
Non-Staff
Expense
DECREASE (Increase) IN
DEFICIT FOR THE YEAR (1,031) 62
DEFICIT –
beginning of year, as previously reported (9,257) (9,319)
Change in accounting policies (note 2 (a)) 355 -
DEFICIT – beginning of year, as adjusted (8,902) (9,319)
DEFICIT – end of year $ (9,933) $ (9,257)
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
Michael Butt
Mr. Butt, B.A. Sc., P. Eng., is Chairman and CEO of Buttcon Limited,
Chairman and CEO of Somers Construction Limited in Bermuda,
former Chair of the Ontario General Contractors Association and the
Canadian Construction Association, former Chair of the Board of The
Greater Toronto Airports Authority, a member of the Board of Aecon
Enterprises Inc., an appointed member of the Board of Trustees for
the Bermuda Biological Station for Research and Chairman of the
Planning and Development Committee, a Fellow of the Canadian
Society for Civil Engineering, and a fellow of the Canadian Design-
Build Institute.
Robert Butterworth
Mr. Butterworth, B.Comm., LL.B., Q.C., is Vice-Chair of the
Assessment Review Board, Director of the Society of Ontario
Adjudicators and Regulators, past Councillor of the Township of
North Elmsley, past Chair of the Town of Perth Planning Board, past
Chair of the Committee of Adjustments for the Township of North
Elmsley, past Chair of the Board of Governors of Algonquin College,
past Chair of the Rideau Valley District Health Council, past member
of the Ontario Council of Health, past National Vice-President and
National Legal Counsel of the Canada Jaycees, and past Director of
the Lanark Communications Network.
Bryan Davies*
Mr. Davies, B.Comm., M.P.A., is Chair of the Canada Deposit
Insurance Corporation, member of the Board of several other
not-for-profit and corporate organizations, past Vice-President of
Administration at the University of Toronto, past Senior Vice-President
Regulatory Affairs at the Royal Bank Financial Group, and has held
numerous senior positions in the Government of Ontario, including
Deputy Treasurer and Deputy Minister of Economics.
24

Statement of Cash Flows
Year Ended April 30, 2008
(with comparative figures for April 30, 2007 - thousands of dollars)
CASH PROVIDED FROM (USED FOR) OPERATING ACTIVITIES
2008 2007
Excess of revenue over expense (expense over revenue) for the year $ (6,066) $ 3,158
Add (deduct) non-cash items:
Amortization of capital assets 8,354 7,378
Amortization of deferred capital contributions (4,449) (4,060)
Change in VER and post-retirement benefits liability 481 331
Change in fair value of financial instruments 728 -
(952) 6,807
Change in non-cash working capital items 13,342 (2,568)
ENDOWMENT ACTIVITIES
12,390 4,239
Net increase in endowments 6,764 2,411
Purchase of long term investments, net of disposals (5,172) (1,932)
FINANCING AND INVESTING ACTIVITIES
1,592 479
Purchase of long term investments, net of disposals 51 (105)
Purchase of capital assets, net of disposals (6,532) (15,834)
Proceeds from long term debt - 7,165
Repayment of long term debt (496) (453)
Deferred capital contributions received 4,038 5,370
(2,939) (3,857)
NET INCREASE IN CASH AND CASH
EQUIVALENTS FOR THE YEAR 11,043 861
CASH POSITION - beginning of year 19,702 18,841
CASH POSITION - end of year $ 30,745 $ 19,702
The accompanying notes are an integral part of the financial statements
Allison Fisher*
Ms. Fisher, B.A., M.Ed., a First Nations member of the community
of Wikwemikong in Ontario, is Executive Director of the Wabano
Centre for Aboriginal Health in Ottawa, former Board member of the
National Capital Commission, former member of several committees
and non-profit organizations aimed at encouraging national and
international Aboriginal industry and arts, presenter to the Prime
Minister’s Task Force on Urban Issues, and has held a variety of
positions in both the public and private sectors.
Christina (Tina) Fridgen*
Ms. Fridgen, H.B.Sc., M.Sc., is a current Ph.D. candidate in the
Environmental and Life Sciences graduate program, sessional lecturer
in the Biology Department, community volunteer, past Chair of the
Athletics Advisory Committee, former Communications Officer with
the Graduate Students Association (GSA), and has worked as a
teaching assistant, research assistant and animal care technician at
Trent.
Michael Gough
Mr. Gough, B.A., LL.B., LL.M., is recently retired from the Toronto
law firm of Osler, Hoskin & Harcourt LLP, specializing in Public Law
and Regulatory Affairs, Chair of the Ontario Lottery and Gaming
Corporation, formerly a lawyer with the Ministry of the Attorney
General of Ontario and the Ministry of Treasury and Economics, and
Board member or officer for a number of for-profit and not-for-profit
corporations.
25

Notes to the Financial Statements
April 30, 2008 (thousands of dollars)
1. AUTHORITY
Trent University operates under the authority of The Trent University Act, 1962-63. The University is
a registered charity and, under the provisions of section 149 of the Income Tax Act, is exempt from
paying income taxes.
2. SIGNIFICANT ACCOUNTING POLICIES AND REPORTING PRACTICES
(a) Change in accounting policies
Effective May 1, 2007, the University adopted the recommendations of CICA 3855: Financial Instruments
– Recognition and Measurement and CICA 3861: Financial Instruments – Disclosure and
Presentation. CICA 3855 establishes standards for recognizing and measuring financial instruments,
including the accounting treatment for changes in fair value. As required by CICA 3855, investments
and derivative financial instruments are now presented at fair value. In prior years, investments were
recorded at cost and long term debt at amortized cost. As permitted by CICA 3855, other financial
assets and liabilities continue to be presented at cost or amortized cost which approximates fair value.
As required by the transitional provisions of CICA 3855, the accounting policy change from cost to
fair value was adopted without restatement of the prior year’s financial statements. As a result of the
change, as at May 1, 2007, investments increased by $4,111, long term debt increased by $1,753,
deficit decreased by $355, investment in capital assets decreased by $1,753 and endowments
increased by $3,756.
(b) General
The financial statements of the University have been prepared by management in accordance with
accounting principles generally accepted in Canada and consistently applied.
The combined financial statements reflect the assets, liabilities, revenue, expenses and other transactions
of all the operations of the University and organizations that the University has the primary
economic interest in or controls.
The University accounts identify financial activity separately for operating transactions, internally
restricted transactions, externally restricted transactions and endowment transactions.
• Operating transactions are for general activities.
• Internally restricted transactions are generally for funds designated for specific activities by
university administration.
• Externally restricted transactions are associated with funds received from external sources
which can only be spent in accordance with the restrictions provided by the sources
providing the funds.
• Revenue and expense from operating, internally restricted and externally restricted
transactions are reported in the statement of operations and deficit.
• Endowment transactions include contributions which are designated as endowment by
the source providing the funds and contributions designated as endowment by university
administration. Internally and externally restricted endowment contributions are reported on
the statement of changes in net assets.
The financial statements do not include the assets, liabilities, revenue and expenses of the Trent
University Foundation (see note 15).
(c) Cash and cash equivalents
Cash and cash equivalents represent operating cash on deposit and units in a money market fund
which are readily convertible to cash.
(d) Inventories
Inventories are valued at the lower of cost and net realizable value.
(e) Capital assets
Capital assets are recorded at cost, or in the case of donated assets, at fair market value on the date
of the donation.
Capital assets are amortized on a straight-line basis over their estimated useful lives as follows:
Buildings 40 years Library books and serials 5 years
Equipment and furnishings 10 years Rare collections no amortization
Computer equipment 5 years System software 5 years
Vehicles
5 years
(f) Revenue recognition
The University follows the deferral method of accounting for revenue derived from the provision of
service and from revenue contributions. Contributions may either be operating, internally restricted,
externally restricted or endowments.
• Revenue received by the University for the provision of goods and services is recognized
when goods and services are provided. Student fees are recognized as revenue when
courses are provided.
• Operating contributions are recognized as revenue when received or receivable if the amount
to be received can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured.
• Internally restricted contributions are recognized as revenue when received or receivable if
the amount to be received can be reasonably estimated and collection is reasonably assured.
• Externally restricted contributions for purposes other than endowment are deferred and
recognized as revenue in the year in which related expenses are incurred. Externally
restricted contributions can only be used for the purposes designated by external
contributors. Pledged donations are not recorded until received due to the uncertainty
involved in their collection.
• Contributions for the acquisition of capital assets are deferred and recognized as revenue on
the same basis as the related capital assets are amortized.
• Endowment contributions and related restricted investment revenue are reported as direct
increases in net assets when received.
(g) Retirement Plans
The University maintains contributory defined benefit pension plans which cover eligible faculty and
staff. The assets, liabilities and results of operations of the plans are included in the financial statements
of the respective Trent University pension funds. Accrued pension benefits are actuarially determined
using the projected benefit method pro rated on service and discounted using current market
interest rates. The obligations also reflect management’s best estimate of salary escalation, retirement
ages of employees and other actuarial factors. The cost of providing post-retirement benefits is reflected
in the year of the employee’s service rather than as paid. Unamortized actuarial losses in excess of
10% of the greater of the fair value of plan assets and accrued benefit obligations at the beginning of
the year are amortized over the average remaining service period of active employees.
(h) Fund raising activities
Gifts and grants from fundraising activities are recorded when received. Pledges are recorded upon
payment.
(i) Sabbaticals and other leaves
The cost of sabbaticals and leaves are recorded when paid.
(j) Contributed services
Volunteers as well as members of the University community including alumni contribute an extensive
number of hours per year to assist the institution in carrying out its service delivery activities. Such
contributed services are not recognized in the financial statements.
Brian Hamlin
Mr. Hamlin, B.A., B.Ed., graduated from Trent in 1988 with a degree
in Environmental and Resource Studies and Geography, earned a
Bachelor of Education degree from Memorial University in 1990,
taught in Collingwood, Ontario for eight years, pursued his interest in
private asset management and formed Maestro Asset Management;
Director of The Hamlin Family Philanthropic Fund, and member and
past President of the Collingwood Optimist Service Club.
26
Adam Henley
Mr. Henley is a national laureate with the Canada Millennium
Scholarship Foundation, bronze standard recipient of the Duke of
Edinburgh’s award, active leader for a series of non-governmental
organizations both nationally and locally; has diverse interests in
international health and development, social economics and the
health sciences, has had employment experiences as a journalist,
educator and clinical researcher, is working toward his Bachelor of
Science in Nursing, and hopes to continue on to graduate studies in
clinical epidemiology.
Pamela Jeffery
Ms. Jeffrey, H.B.A., M.B.A., is President of The Jeffery Group of
Companies which includes public affairs and executive search
practices as well as the Women’s Executive Network, long-time
political advisor, Director of the Canadian Opera Company, member
of the Toronto Community Advisory Board, past Director of the Ivey
School of Business Alumni Association, Bloorview Kids Rehab, Casey
House Foundation, Sick Kids Connection and former Vice-Chair of the
Donwood Institute (now Centre for Addiction and Mental Health),
past member of the governance committees of the Toronto Board of
Trade and the Institute of Corporate Directors, and past President of
the National Club.

(k) Financial instruments
Under CICA Section 3855, financial assets and liabilities are initially recognized and subsequently
measured based on their classification. The University has designated long term investments as heldfor-trading.
Changes in fair value of long term investments for employee early retirement plans are
recognized in the statement of operations and deficit. Changes in fair value of long term investments
for endowments are recognized in the statement of changes in net assets. Long term investments,
which consist of units held in pooled funds, are measured at fair value based on reported unit values.
Cash and cash equivalents, accounts receivable, and accounts payable and accrued liabilities are
measured at cost which approximates fair value.
The University uses an interest rate swap agreement to address exposure to changes in interest
rates. This derivative financial instrument does not qualify for hedge accounting and is measured at
fair value determined by discounting the future cash flows associated with the agreement using the
current Ontario Infrastructure Project Corporation rate as an estimate of the borrowing rate that would
otherwise be available to the University. The University does not enter into financial instruments for
speculative purposes.
Other long term debt is measured at amortized cost which approximates fair value.
(l) Use of estimates
The preparation of financial statements in accordance with Canadian generally accepted accounting
principles requires management to make certain estimates and assumptions that affect the reported
amount of assets and liabilities and the disclosure of contingencies at the date of the financial statements
and the reported amount of revenue and expenses during the period. Actual results could differ
from those estimates.
(m) Future accounting policy changes
The CICA has issued two new standards, CICA 3862: Financial Instruments – Disclosures and CICA
3863: Financial Instruments – Presentation, which will enhance the abilities of users of financial
statements to evaluate the significance of financial instruments to an entity, related exposures and the
management of these risks.
The CICA has also issued a new accounting standard, CICA 1535: Capital Disclosures, which requires
the disclosure of qualitative and quantitative information that enables users of financial statements to
evaluate the entity’s objectives, policies and processes for managing capital.
These changes in accounting policies, which will be adopted effective May 1, 2008, will require additional
disclosures in the financial statements.
4. CAPITAL ASSETS
Capital assets and accumulated amortization consists of the following:
Accumulated Net Book
2008 cost Amortization Value
Land and site
improvements $ 7,314 $ - $ 7,314
Buildings 159,320 51,750 107,570
Equipment, software 43,016 25,596 17,420
Library books, serials 22,599 20,219 2,380
$ 232,249 $ 97,565 $ 134,684
Accumulated Net Book
2007 cost Amortization Value
Land and site
improvements $ 7,314 $ - $ 7,314
Buildings 157,420 47,718 109,702
Equipment, software 39,775 22,691 17,084
Library books, serials 21,901 19,495 2,406
The net investment in capital assets is set out in note 10.
$ 226,410 $ 89,904 $ 136,506
5. DEFERRED REVENUE
Deferred revenue represents unexpended amounts received in the current and prior years for services
to be provided in a future year and consists of the following
2008 2007
Externally restricted donations $ 6,096 $ 4,399
Student fees 1,848 2,125
Federal and Provincial Government grants 22,706 8,317
Other 841 758
$ 31,491 $ 15,599
3. LONG TERM INVESTMENTS
Investments are exposed to market, foreign currency and interest rate price risks. The University manages
these risks through the investment policy of the Board of Governors. Investments are monitored
by a Committee of the Board of Governors and managed by investment managers subject to asset mix
and performance benchmarks contained in the investment policy. The investment managers report on
a regular basis to the Committee of the Board.
The cost and fair values of the long term investments at April 30 were:
2008 2007
fair Value cost fair Value cost
Cash $ 1,268 $ 1,268 $ 1,526 $ 1,526
Bonds 13,098 12,818 12,751 12,436
Equities 20,113 21,666 20,464 16,669
$ 34,479 $ 35,752 $ 34,741 $ 30,631
Long term investments, at fair value, include investments of endowment funds $31,263 (2007
- $31,109) and of employee early retirement plans $3,216 (2007 - $3,632).
6. LONG TERM DEBT
Long term debt consists of the following: 2008 2007
Fair Value
Cost
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation
debentures for the Residential Colleges $ 2,681 $ 2,786
Physics Building extension 572 691
Bradburn House renovations 389 449
Gzowski College Residence 13,737 11,796
DNA Building 7,165 7,165
Faculty voluntary early retirement program 6,164 5,712
Future cost of post-retirement benefits 1,331 1,302
Other 284 321
32,323 30,222
Amount due within one year shown as current liability 1,250 1,216
$ 31,073 $ 29,006
Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation debentures bear interest at rates from 5.875% to 8.25% and
will mature on various dates between 2017 and 2024 payable in annual blended instalments of $313.
Dawn Lutchman*
Ms. Lutchman, B.A., M.B.A., FICB, a commercial banker for over 16
years, was born and raised in Trinidad and is currently Area Manager,
Commercial Banking, East Central Ontario District with BMO
Financial Group, Fellow of the Institute of Canadian Bankers, actively
involved with the Junior Achievement Program, Shelter from the
Storm, and is a Rotarian with the Cataraqui-Kingston Rotary Club.
Orm Mitchell
Professor Mitchell, B.A., M.A., Ph.D., is a faculty member in the
Department of English since 1971, chaired the department in
1980-81 and from 1985 to 1990, co-authored with Barbara Mitchell
a two-volume biography on W.O. Mitchell, has acted, also with
Barbara, as a script consultant for the Nelvana/Global Jake and the
Kid television series, for the stage adaptations of Who Has Seen
the Wind and Jake and the Kid: Prairie Seasons, and for a feature
film adaptation of How I Spent My Summer Holidays, and currently
working on a one-man theatre production, An Evening with W.O.
Mitchell, and editing a collection of W.O. Mitchell stage plays to be
published by Oxford Canada in the spring of 2009.
Deb Nichols
Ms. Nichols, a staff member at Trent University for 19 years, has
worked in several positions, including Publications Coordinator in
Trent’s Academic Skills Centre and in the bookstore; has had the
opportunity to form many relationships at Trent and abroad as Trent’s
representative at conferences and book fairs in Canada and the U.S.;
her familiarity with current academic issues for today’s generation of
students can offer additional insights into student, parent, and faculty
expectations.
27

6. LONG TERM DEBT (continued)
The financing for the Physics Building extension represents a term loan with the Bank of Montreal at a
fixed rate of 6.48% payable in monthly blended instalments of $13. The final payment is due May 31,
2008. The loan will be renewed at 4.655% for 4 years and new monthly blended instalments are $13.
The loan regarding the Bradburn House is a mortgage with the Bank of Montreal at a fixed rate of
4.445%, payable in blended monthly instalments of $6, secured by specific land and buildings. The
final payment falls due September 30, 2008 and management intends to refinance.
The residence and dining portion of the Peter Gzowski College/First Peoples House of Learning is
funded through an interest rate swap agreement with the Bank of Montreal due to mature on May 1,
2034 with an effective rate of interest of 6.415%. Total principal and interest payments in 2008 were
$927 (2007 - $927). The fair value is based on discounted cash flows at 5.2%. The amortized cost is
$11,621.
The University previously entered into a Financing Agreement with Ontario Infrastructure Projects Corporation
for a maximum principal amount of $40,300 for several capital projects. The first debenture
was issued on November 1, 2007 for DNA Building financing of $7,165 with a fixed rate of 5.26%
payable in annual blended instalments of $477 to mature on November 1, 2037.
The faculty voluntary early retirement programs reflect payments required by individual contracts over
varying future periods. The current and future costs of these programs have been reflected in the deficit
and are based on the effective early retirement dates. Future costs will be funded from future cost
savings, therefore, the recognition of future costs in current year’s expenditure increases the deficit
(note 8).
The principal repayments estimated in each of the next five years are as follows:
2008-2009 $1,250
2009-2010 1,296
2010-2011 1,310
2011-2012 1,351
2012-2013 1,250
7. DEFERRED CAPITAL CONTRIBUTIONS
Deferred capital contributions represent the unamortized amount of externally restricted contributions
used for the purchase of capital assets. Details of the changes in the deferred capital contributions
balance are as follows:
2008 2007
Balance - beginning of year $ 70,942 $ 69,632
Add contributions received for capital acquisitions 4,038 5,370
Less amortization of deferred capital contributions (4,449) (4,060)
9. INTERNALLY RESTRICTED NET ASSETS
Internally restricted net assets consist of the following:
2008 2007
Internally restricted research and trust $ 820 $ 786
Funds committed for specific purposes 8,386 12,590
10. INVESTMENT IN CAPITAL ASSETS
Investment in capital assets consists of the following:
$ 9,206 $ 13,376
2008 2007
Capital assets (note 4) $ 134,684 $ 136,506
Less:
Long term debt pertaining to capital assets (24,827) (23,208)
Deferred capital contributions (note 7) (70,531) (70,942)
Financed internally (11,940) (12,352)
$ 27,386 $ 30,004
11. ENDOWMENTS
Endowments consist of the following:
2008 2007
fair Value cost fair Value cost
Student assistance $ 21,063 $ 18,149 $ 21,173 $ 16,335
General endowment 2,806 1,807 3,077 1,799
Library 1,755 1,156 1,904 1,131
Research 65 48 70 47
Colleges, departments, other 9,043 6,947 6,763 4,018
Reinvested realized earnings 7,888 5,901
$ 34,732 $ 35,995 $ 32,987 $ 29,231
Reinvested realized earnings is the amount of earnings available for allocation to unit holders based
on the Board’s investment earnings distribution policy. The policy allows a maximum annual distribution
of 4% on the average four-year rolling unit value at December 31.
Balance - end of year $ 70,531 $ 70,942
8. DEFICIT
Details of the deficit are as follows:
2008 2007
Deficit as per Statement 1 $ (9,933) $ (9,257)
Deduct: Expenditure of future costs of Faculty voluntary
early retirement plan which will be covered by revenues
in future years 2,948 2,573
Expenditure of accrued staff vacation pay
which will be covered by revenues in future years 1,539 1,401
Balance of deficit for general University operations $ (5,446) $ (5,283)
Bonnie Patterson
Professor Patterson, B.A., M.L.S., is President and Vice-Chancellor
of Trent University since 1998, faculty member in the Department
of Business Administration, current member and former Chair
of the Board of Directors for the Association of Universities and
Colleges Canada, Executive Committee Member and formerly
President of the Council of Ontario Universities, one of four
Canadian University Presidents appointed to the Council of the
Association of Commonwealth Universities and serves on its Audit
and Risk Committee, Director and former Chair of the Board for the
Peterborough Regional Health Centre, Honorary Chair of the ALS
Society in the Peterborough Region.
28
Larry Popofsky
Mr. Popofsky, prior to retirement in 2003, was the Chief Executive
Officer of Greenwin Property Management Inc., which under his
direction, grew to become one of Canada’s largest real estate
management companies, led the formation of Residential Equities
Real Estate Investment Trust, member of a private consortium which
secured the exclusive rights from the Province of Ontario to build and
operate Fallsview Casino in Niagara Falls, Ontario.
Fred Sherratt
Mr. Sherratt is the former Vice Chairman and Chief Operating Officer
of CHUM Limited, co-founder and former President of the Atlantic
Television System, began his broadcasting career in Nova Scotia, cofounded
CFRS Simcoe, Ontario and became associated with CHUM
Limited in 1960, served as a Board member and officer for numerous
organizations, the recipient of many prestigious awards, Broadcast
Hall of Fame inductee and inaugural recipient of the Ontario
Association of Broadcasters Lifetime Achievement Award.

12. ONTARIO STUDENT OPPORTUNITY TRUST FUND
AND ONTARIO TRUST FOR STUDENT SUPPORT
Externally restricted endowments include grants provided by the Government of Ontario from
the first and second phases of the Ontario Student Opportunity Trust Fund and the Ontario
Trust for Student Support (OTSS). Under the programs the Government matched funds raised
by the University. The purpose of the programs is to assist academically qualified individuals
who for financial reasons would not otherwise be able to attend university. The Phase I and II
information is for the period ended April 30, 2008 with comparative figures at April 30, 2007.
The OTSS information is for the period ended March 31, 2008 and 2007.
2008 2007
Phase I Phase II OTSS Phase I Phase II OTSS
Endowment balance including
preservation of capital,
beginning of year $7,030 $1,724 $3,268 $6,983 $1,700 $1,649
Donations - - 810 - - 589
Matching funds from MTCU - - 781 - - 589
Transfers to/from
Expendable Trust 21 - - (38) - -
Preservation of capital 176 34 579 85 24 441
Endowment balance,
end of year $7,227 $1,758 $5,438 $7,030 $1,724 $3,268
Expendable funds available
for bursaries,beginning of year $370 $73 $64 $333 $70 $13
Investment income 274 63 105 260 59 54
Expendable donations - - 7 - - 4
Transfers to/from Endowment (21) - - 38 - -
Bursaries awarded (201) (60) (64) (261) (56) (7)
Expendable funds available
for bursaries in
subsequent years $422 $76 $112 $370 $73 $64
Endowment total based
on book value $7,649 $1,834 $5,550 $7,400 $1,797 $3,332
Market value,end of year $7,206 $1,630 $4,065 $7,807 $1,783 $2,591
Number of bursaries awarded 291 76 95 306 58 18
13. RETIREMENT PLANS
The estimated accrued benefit obligations and plan assets available to provide these benefits
were as follows:
2008 2007
Faculty Non-faculty Faculty Non-faculty
Fair value of plan assets $137,555 $77,271 $144,460 $79,723
Accrued benefit obligations 154,518 78,890 154,923 78,769
Funded status – surplus (deficit) (16,963) (1,619) (10,463) 954
Portion of deficit funded by
member contributions 2,003 - 1,906 -
Valuation allowance - - - (954)
Unamortized actuarial loss $(14,960) $(1,619) $(8,557) $-
The significant actuarial assumptions used in determining the accrued benefit obligations were
as follows:
2008 2007
Discount rate 6.0% 5.25%
Rate of compensation increase 4.0% 3.75%
Rate of inflation 2.5% 2.25%
The current year’s charge to operations was $5,290 (2007 - $5,214) for all retirement plans.
The latest actuarial valuations for the registered pension plans were performed as of July 1,
2007. The next required actuarial valuations will be July 1, 2010. The University has a practice
of performing annual valuations for accounting purposes for defined benefit plans. The University
measures its accrued benefit obligations and the fair value of plan assets for accounting
purposes as at April 30 each year.
14. CONTINGENT LIABILITIES
Reciprocal Insurance
Trent University is a member of the Canadian Universities Reciprocal Insurance Exchange (CU-
RIE). CURIE pools the property damage and public insurance risks for some forty institutions.
All members pay annual deposit premiums which are actuarially determined and are subject
to further assessment in the event members’ premiums are insufficient to cover losses and
expenses. As at December 31, 2007, CURIE had a surplus of $16,572 (2006 - $16,507).
15. TRENT UNIVERSITY FOUNDATION
The Trent University Foundation was incorporated as a separate crown corporation without
share capital under the University Foundations Act, 1992, effective August 25, 1994. The
Directors are appointed by the Lieutenant Governor in Council of Ontario. The objects of the
Foundation are to solicit, receive, manage and distribute at its discretion money and other
property to support education and research at the University. The net assets of the Foundation
as at March 31, 2008 were $3 (2007 - $3).
Linda Smith
Ms. Smith is Capital Projects Co-ordinator for
Trent’s Physical Resources Department, pursuing
her Project Management accreditation, former Text
Buyer at Trent’s bookstore, a staff member at the
University for more than 20 years, experience as
parent to twin girls in post secondary institutions,
combined with her extensive knowledge of faculty/
staff and student requirements brings a broad
perspective to the Board, active in community fund
raising, serving as both Chair and Board member
to a variety of non-profit fund raising initiatives
from the CNIB to local daycare centres.
Patricia Southern
Ms. Southern, B.Math., F.C.A., is a Chartered
Accountant and, most recently, General Manager
of Gowling Lafleur Henderson LLP in Toronto, has
been employed as Chief Financial Officer and held
other financial management positions in other law
firms and private and public companies, past Chair
of the Board of Community Head Injury Resources
of Toronto, over the past 20 years, has served as
Treasurer, Chair and/or Director of a variety of
not-for-profit organizations including a home for
the aged and a co-ed residential high school, and
served as a member of the Council of the Ontario
Institute of Chartered Accountants.
Anne Wright
Ms. Wright, B.A., is a Chartered Accountant,
experienced Board member with fund raising and
government relations expertise, served as National
President of the Canadian Diabetes Association
and as a Director of Belmont House and Chaired
Belmont’s $10 million capital campaign, former
Board member of the Toronto Rehabilitation
Institute, and former Chair of the Institute’s
Foundation Board, recently Chaired the Board of
Lakeridge Health in Durham Region, serves on the
Boards of the McMichael Canadian Art Collection
and the Canada Science and Technology Museum.
Rosemary Zigrossi
Ms. Zigrossi, B.Comm., is a Chartered Accountant
and CFA charterholder, is a certified Director as a
graduate of the Institute of Corporate Directors,
Vice President at Ontario Teachers’ Pension
Plan in the Asset Mix and Risk department, has
held progressively more senior positions in the
Investment division, including Vice-President
of the fund’s venture capital program, has held
Directorship roles and Chair of Audit Committees
and of the Board in a number of start up
companies, former Assistant Vice-President at J.P.
Morgan Chase Bank (formerly J.P. Morgan), and a
former Senior Auditor with KPMG.

Mission
Trent University aspires to be Canada’s outstanding small university known for its
commitment to liberal undergraduate education in the humanities, social sciences
and natural sciences and to the centrality of the individual student. Within a
collegial setting, the University offers undergraduate and graduate programs,
both traditional and interdisciplinary, which seek to advance learning through the
creative interaction of teaching and research of the highest quality.
Vision
Trent at 50: To develop a learning environment which ensures that
the individual student is knowledgeable, thinks critically, is socially
conscious and is prepared to make a difference in society.
1600 West Bank Drive
Peterborough, ON K9J 7B8
1-888-739-8885
(705) 748-1011
Peterborough • Oshawa • Ontario • Canada
www.trentu.ca
To view this document in an accessible
format, please visit www.trentu.ca