Paying it Forward
Mindy Willett ’88 dedicates a seat in Stohn Hall to say thank-you to Trent, which helped set her up for success and is now also her daughter’s university
January 16, 2023
Mindy Willett ’88 and her husband Damian Panayi drop off their daughter Rae to start her own journey as a Trent University student.
An intuitive and caring Trent University professor helped set up Mindy Willett ’88 (Lady Eaton College) for a lifetime of success.
Mindy explains that she had been failing an undergraduate Biology course with Dr. Michael Berrill who astutely recognized she was struggling only due to a lack of experience in writing a scientific paper. Professor Berrill helped her succeed by registering Mindy for academic skills, breaking the essay down into smaller pieces and extending the deadline.
“Not only did I learn how to write the paper, but those skills have carried me through my teaching career and as an author of nine children’s books,” says Mindy, the Northern Studies and Social Studies curriculum coordinator at the Department of Education for the Government of the Northwest Territories. “Thanks to Dr. Berrill, I too have always tried to see the best in students and give them the supports needed for them to be at their best.”
Mindy has given back to Trent by making donations since she graduated with an Hon. B.Sc. in Biology and Environmental Science. Now that her daughter Rae has become a Trent student, Mindy took the extra step of joining the fundraising campaign to dedicate a seat in Stohn Hall. The dedication on the seat, in the Student Centre on Symons Camps, reads: Love to my LEC buddies; friends for life. And to Rae Panayi ’21. Enjoy every day – it goes fast. Love Mom, Mindy Willett ’88
“Trent gave me so much that I am grateful for, and it is one way I can say thank you,” Mindy explains. “Donating even small amounts over the years, and now a more meaningful amount for the seat dedication, is a way to help ensure that the small school with great relationships between students and professors can continue.”
Meeting Trent Alumni in Northern Canada
Mindy has met many Trent alumni since she and her husband Damian Panayi moved North, first to Nunavut and then to the Northwest Territories, where she has served as president of the Yellowknife alumni chapter.
In fact, Rae, who skied with the high-performance team in Yellowknife, was inspired to go to Trent to study Biology not just because of her mother’s experience but because three of her ski coaches are also alumni who spoke highly of the University.
As for Mindy, she cherishes all the close friendships she made at Trent that live on to this day. “While we live in different parts of the country we work hard to stay in touch and continue to build new memories,” she says.
Dedicating a seat in Stohn Hall boosts the Trent Fund, which supports students in need through high-impact areas such as emergency housing, bursaries and mental-health supports. Learn more about this special initiative.