Convocation a Family Affair

Many multi-generational Trent University alumni families joined 2024 Convocation ceremonies that celebrated more than 3,100 new graduates across both campuses

June 19, 2024

Zafrin Mundy ’18 was in her late 40s and a single mom of three when she enrolled at Trent University Durham GTA to fulfil her dream of becoming a social worker.

She credits her sons for being her cheerleaders as she persevered through her studies, learning the new technology that had become common in classrooms while she was busy being a mom, and then overcoming a disability after she suffered a fall during her studies.

After Zafrin graduated with a B.A. in Child & Youth Studies, she says she was thrilled to cross the Convocation stage with one of her sons – Aaron ‘Zee’ Mundy – who was also graduating from Trent Durham GTA with a B.A. in Sociology.

“To walk the stage with him is such an honour because my degree would not be possible without his help,” Zafrin said. “My children believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself.”

Zafrin and Zee were part of the largest graduating class in Trent Durham history during convocation ceremonies on Friday at the Tribute Communities Centre in Oshawa. Those ceremonies wrapped up the University’s 2024 Convocation ceremonies which, in total, celebrated more than 3,100 graduates across both campuses from June 4-14.

There were many multi-generational Trent graduates who celebrated together this year including Bob McCleery ’91 (Julian Blackburn College) who watched with pride as his granddaughter Madelaine McCleery-Moodie crossed the stage in Peterborough after graduating with a Bachelor of Business Administration.

He said he clapped loudly for every single graduate.

“I know all of the hard work and dedication it takes to graduate,” he says.

Bob says the University has truly become a family affair, especially since his other granddaughter Shelby McCleery is currently at Trent studying Nursing.

“We should be back for another Convocation in no time,” he says with a laugh.

Meanwhile, Kristie Lee ’90 (Otonabee College), who graduated with a B.Sc. majoring in Economics, also attended the Peterborough ceremony this year as her son Peyton Lee followed in her footsteps, graduating with a B.BA specializing in entrepreneurship.

“I am very proud of him and he has absolutely loved everything Trent has offered him,” Kristie says.

Peyton added, “Trent University was home to some of the best years of my life! I met lifelong friends just like my mom did years before me, and the experiences I had at the school were second to none."

Do you have a multigenerational Trent alumni story to share? Reach out to the Alumni team at alumni@trentu.ca.