Rowing, Family Fun Draw Hundreds to the Head of the Trent

With a renewed focus on family-friendly activities, generations of alumni return to their alma mater for wholesome fun, nostalgia, varsity games, and the regatta

October 18, 2024

Set against the backdrop of the fabled rowing regatta, there were plenty of family-friendly activities drawing multiple generations of Trent University alumni back to their alma mater for the 53rd Head of the Trent (HOTT).

Hundreds of alumni joined the fun for several campus events, including marking Traill College's 60th anniversary and Gzowski College's 20th birthday, as well as a special meet and greet at The Ceilie with new Trent President Cathy Bruce.

"The atmosphere was extra festive at this year’s HOTT as we welcomed back alumni – often with their children and grandchildren who enjoyed our new children’s area," says Sherry Booth '98, associate vice president, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. "It was wonderful to see so many familiar faces who were reminiscing, celebrating Trent and their colleges, and of course cheering on our Excalibur - both past and present - on the river and in the sports fields!"

Everywhere you went on campus, alumni were wandering, reminiscing, and enjoying the atmosphere. HOTT was extra special for mother-daughter duo Kim Kerr '90 (Traill College) and Erin Kerr, a fourth-year Nursing student who were also watching the regatta.

"I loved Trent so much that my family gets sick of hearing about it!" joked Kim. "I’m proud that Erin is now here. I just wanted her to have the same awesome experience that I had at university, wherever she went, but the fact that she chose Trent is even better."

Many alumni are unable to return to Trent for HOTT but celebrate with fellow alum in their home cities. If you celebrated outside of Peterborough, please send us your photos and stories by emailing alumni@trentu.ca. Make sure to keep your contact information up to date so you don’t miss out on other exciting upcoming events!