Join Us for Head of the Trent Weekend
Thursday, September 28 – Sunday, October 1, 2023
Join alumni and friends of all ages as we celebrate one of Trent University’s longest running traditions. In 1972 the Trent University Alumni Association held its first reunion event during the Head of the Trent regatta, marking the beginning of a beautiful partnership and Trent tradition.
Grab your Trent gear and get ready! We've got a full line-up of events for you to enjoy, including: College socials, live music, varsity games, and entertainment.
EVENT LINEUP
Ottawa Chapter Social
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET
CRAFT Beer Market, 975 Bank St, Ottawa, ON K1S 3W7
Can’t make it to Peterborough for Head of the Trent Weekend? Join Kemi Akapo ’05 (Champlain College) for an Ottawa Chapter Social, a chance to meet other Trent alumni, welcome new grads to the area, and celebrate one of Trent’s longest standing traditions. This event is open exclusively to Trent Alumni*. Space is limited – Register now!
*1 guest per alumni; advanced registration is required.
Edmonton Chapter Social
Thursday, September 28, 2023, 4:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. MDT
Malt & Mortar, 10416 82 Ave NW, Edmonton, AB T6E 2A2
Alumni from across the country are invited to join in the Head of the Trent festivities. Frank Durante ’69 (Champlain College) welcomes you to an Edmonton Chapter Social, a chance to meet other Trent alumni, welcome new grads to the area, and celebrate one of Trent’s longest standing traditions. This event is open exclusively to Trent Alumni*. Space is limited – Register now!
*1 guest per alumni; advanced registration is required.
Peterborough Chapter Social
Friday, September 29, 2023, 5:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET
The Pig’s Ear Tavern, 144 Brock St, Peterborough, ON K9H 2P3
The Trent University Alumni Peterborough Chapter is excited to welcome grads back to the newly revived Pig’s Ear Tavern. Meet new owners Steve Robertson ’93 (Champlain College) and Ashley Holmes ’06 (Traill College) as they unveil the refreshed yet perfectly preserved pub beloved by generations of Trent alumni. This 19+ event is open exclusively to Trent Alumni*; valid identification is required upon entry. The event is now at capacity – join the waitlist here!
*1 guest per alumni; advanced registration is required.
Saturday, September 30, 2023, 10:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Upper Podium
This Head of the Trent Weekend, be sure to visit the Alumni Welcome Tent and enjoy the benefits of being a Trent grad. Giveaways, alumni merchandise, photo booth, children's activities, and of course the Alumni Wristband*, good for exclusive access to the Ceilie Alumni Pub and other campus perks such as discounts at the Bookstore.
*Valid Trent Alumni Card or alumni verification with photo ID required to receive a wristband. Need an alumni card? Visit the alumni benefits page to request a new card.
Saturday, September 30, 2023, 12:00 p.m. – 7:00 p.m. ET
G Parking Lot, behind Lady Eaton College
This is how we row! The Head of the Trent Stage is the annual fundraiser for the Trent University Rowing Club, proudly sponsored by The Trent University Alumni Association. Listen to some music, get a bite to eat, enjoy a cold beverage, and get your HOTT merch, all in support of TURC.
New this year: all ages are welcome to dance and dine at The Stage! A licensed area is available to those 19+; $10 cover includes a souvenir 2023 HOTT mug, while supplies last. The Alumni Fast-Track line is open between 12:00 - 4:00 p.m. – be sure to visit the Alumni Welcome Tent first to get your Alumni wristband for access to this and other exclusive perks.
Don’t miss performances by Washboard Hank & Reverend Ken, Lorinda Frudd ’93 & the Ilk, Kings Limit, and more!
Saturday, September 30, 2023, 12:00 p.m. – 6:00 p.m. ET
The Ceilie, Champlain College
Pull up a stool and meet some old (and new) friends at the annual Head of the Trent Alumni Pub Gathering.
This September marks 25 years since the start of The Commoner’s last year of operation. Don’t miss this chance to browse archival photos and mementos, and pickup exclusive merchandise from one of Trent’s most beloved campus pubs… there might even be a brick or two available!
Exclusive to Alumni* (plus 1 guest). Bar service and snack menu will be available.
Gzowski College: Anishinaabe Art Tour
Saturday, September 30, 2023 2:00 p.m. ET
Peter Robinson Dining Hall, Enwayaang Building
Meet Gzowski College Principal Dr. Melanie Buddle in the Peter Robinson Dining Hall for a guided tour of the Enwayaang building. Learn about the history of Peter Gzowski, enjoy stories about Gzowski College and the Enwayaang building, and view the Anishinaabe artwork that adorns the walls of the building.
Self-guided Anishinaabe Art Tours can be enjoyed at any time. Begin your tour at ENW Room 102 (level one, Enwayaang building) then follow along with a guided video tour hosted by curator, Jon Lockyer ’04.
Lady Eaton College: Alumni Hall Grand Re-Opening
Saturday, September 30, 2023 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET
The Senior Common Room, Lady Eaton College
College Principal Dr. Christine Freeman-Roth invites you to celebrate the Grand Re-Opening of the Alumni Hall, featuring graduation composite photos dating back to the ‘60s. Browse the newly added photos, see if you recognize a few names and faces, and enjoy a reception in the LEC Senior Common Room, one of the most beloved spaces on Symons campus.
Champlain College: Float Your Boat Down Memory Lane
Saturday, September 30, 2023 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
The Great Hall, Champlain College
Principal Tina Fridgen welcomes alumni and students to The Great Hall for a nostalgic social, where food, yearbooks, and historical moments will be shared. Visiting alumni are welcome to regale friends and current students with their Trent photos, memorabilia, and stories. If you have college handbooks, photos, and other mementos that you would like to share with the College, please email champlain@trentu.ca to contribute to our collections.
Otonabee College: Bleed Green Brunch & Pep Rally
Saturday, September 30, 2023 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
OC Commons, Otonabee College
Whether you will be cheering on our varsity athletes in the Justin Chiu Stadium or from the banks of the Otonabee river, start the day at OC’s Bleed Green Brunch and Pep Rally. Enjoy breakfast with students and alumni and practice some cheers before heading out for a day of Head of the Trent fun!
Traill College: Scarving Ceremony & Peter Robinson College Alumni Social
Saturday, September 30, 2023 11:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m. ET
Scott House
Alumni and friends are invited to visit Catharine Parr Traill College for the 2023 Scarf Ceremony, an annual tradition where matriculating students are officially welcomed or ‘scarved’ into their College community.
Did you miss your scarf ceremony? Perhaps you attended Traill before this tradition began? Alumni are encouraged to join College Principal Dr. Michael Eamon and members of the Traill Community in bestowing this proud symbol of college affiliation to the Class of 2023. As in past years, Peter Robinson alumni are also welcome in this celebration.
While visiting Traill Campus, be sure to check out the new Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, stop by The Trend, and tour the recent renovations to Scott House, including the stunning Senior Common Room.
Gzowski College: Alumni & Friends Taco Bar
Saturday, September 30, 2023 12:00 p.m. – 2:00 p.m. ET
Peter Robinson Dining Hall, Enwayaang Building
Gzowski College Principal Dr. Melanie Buddle invites current students and alumni to the Peter Robinson Dining hall for lunch. Gather with old friends and new ones, meet BAMM the Gzowski College mascot, and enjoy a taco bar (while supplies last).
Traill College: Charles Meanwell Art Exhibit Opening
Saturday, September 30, 2023 12:30 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Wallis Hall, Traill College
Traill College welcomes a visiting exhibit of paintings by Charles Meanwell ’66 (Peter Robinson College), a contemporary artist whose minimal brush stroke style beautifully captures first impressions of the natural landscape. Alumni and friends are invited for a first viewing, to meet the artist, and enjoy light refreshments.
Traill College: Fiddling for Fox with Irish Millie and Friends
Saturday, September 30, 2023 2:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m. ET
Jalynn Bennett Amphitheatre, Traill College
The spirit of local live music is alive and well in the Jalynn Bennet Amphitheatre. Peterborough-based fiddling phenom, Irish Millie, will bring audiences to their feet with her East Coast, Bluegrass, and Contemporary style. This 2022 and 2023 Canadian Folk Music Award nominee has teamed up with a roster of artists for a fundraising concert in support of the Terry Fox Foundation. Seating is limited – be sure to arrive early!
The Peterborough Rowing Club hosts the 2023 Head of the Trent Regatta. Spectators can enjoy excellent views of the race from along the canal, at the Peterborough Rowing Club Boathouse, on the Faryon Bridge, and at the Student Centre.
Visit the Head of the Trent Regatta website for complete race information and online race day results.
Varsity Game Schedule (times in Eastern Daylight Time):
- Friday, September 29 7:00 p.m. - Women’s Rugby vs York
- Saturday, September 30 1:00 p.m. - Women’s Soccer vs Ottawa
- Saturday, September 30 3:15 p.m. - Men’s Soccer vs TMU
- Saturday, September 30 7:00 p.m. - Men’s Rugby vs RMC
For the full schedule and event details, visit the Trent Excalibur Varsity Website.
Alumni Volleyball Tournament:
Saturday, September 30 9:00 a.m. – 11:00 a.m. Athletic Centre Gym
Trent Gear, available from the online Campus Store:
Did you know that Alumni receive 25% off regularly priced gear at the Campus Store, both in person and online? Before submitting your order, indicate your Alumni Year (year you started at Trent University), as well as your last name in the ‘Special Instructions’ section - The Bookstore staff will apply your discount when processing the transaction. Shop online or visit the Campus Store during extended hours, Saturday, September 30 from 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m..
Head of the Trent merchandise, available from the Trent University Rowing Club:
The HOTT mug… a quintessential Trent University tradition. Mugs and TURC merch will be available for purchase at the Alumni Welcome Tent and Peterborough Rowing Club House.
Any rowing related questions should be directed to the Trent University Rowing Club Executive. Email to: turcexec@gmail.com.
Questions? Please contact us by email at alumni@trentu.ca
Recognizing the National Day for Truth & Reconciliation
This year, Head of the Trent overlaps with the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. The Head of the Trent Regatta is part of a North American rowing series and is scheduled the weekend before Thanksgiving. Trent Excalibur varsity athletes will be wearing orange warm up jerseys, and a moment of silence will be held on the field before the first game begins. Orange lapel pins will be available for attendees across campus and at the Peterborough Rowing Club.
Trent University will observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Friday, September 29 in Durham, and on Monday, October 2 in Peterborough to enable the campus community to fully participate in the programming and to ensure staff are available to provide support to our students. As a university committed to reconciliation, it is important we observe the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation as a community.
For more information, visit trentu.ca/truthandreconciliation.