Traill WOW!

(The College On The Hill)

Help us say TRAILL WOW by donating to support the Traill College Endowment!

A Message from the Principal on the Traill Renaissance:

We all know that Traill is such a special place, but it can be difficult to articulate exactly why. The College sits near the top of one of Peterborough’s seven famed drumlins surrounded by a supportive community where town seems to transition seamlessly into gown. Founded as a space of empowerment for women, it is now a safe place where all voices are encouraged. Over the years it has welcomed young undergraduates, mature students, graduate scholars, and their families offering them a home. At its essence, it is everything that a twenty-first century collegiate institution should be: inclusive, diverse, engaging, and, importantly, fun.

You may have heard that a movement to refresh, renovate, and expand the College on the Hill is underway. I call it the Traill Renaissance, not because of any delusions of grandeur, but because it is truly a rebirth that is predicated on a deep appreciation of past values and practices. Before my arrival, the College was fortunate to have a long succession of forward-thinking and dedicated administrators. It is their legacies, and the legacies of former Traillites, that helps to guide the current vision for the College.

At the heart of this vision is the need to refurbish and expand the College for the next generation. Fifty-five rooms have already been restored in Wallis Hall and Crawford House to accommodate first-year undergrads. A new College Library has opened in Scott House (open 24 hours a day). The Trend has been renovated as the central restaurant and social gathering space at Traill. The Principals’ Lodge was officially renamed Fry Lodge in honour of our first principal and is now a blended space for undergraduate seminars, grad students, and the home of the Trent-Swansea Dual Degree program in Law.

With any change, there is the risk of losing the essence of Traill, or diminishing its pastoral grounds, unique architecture, and cherished spaces. The Traill Renaissance, then, is about making the right changes and engaging in smart, sustainable and respectful growth. This can be a difficult, time consuming and, frankly, expensive process. But, I believe that it is worth the effort. That is why I am asking you to consider a donation to either the Traill Endowment or Traill Capital Fund. Giving to the Endowment offers an investment in new programs and activities for today’s Traillites. A donation to the Capital Fund ensures that your favourite Traill spaces will continue to be enjoyed (and that the extra mile will be taken in the planning of new ones).

I would invite you to take a look at the document Traill College: A Vision for the Future for more details. I never need an excuse to talk about the College and am available to answer any questions at michaeleamon@trentu.ca

All Hail Traill, the College on the Hill!

Michael

Dr. Michael Eamon, Principal
Chair, Collegiate Way International