Herman Kassinger Foundation Strengthens Experiential Learning at Trent Durham

The legacy of builder Herman Kassinger lives on in Oshawa

The Herman Kassinger Foundation has committed $50,000 to Trent University Durham GTA to support experiential learning opportunities. The foundation's generous gift will increase and deepen career-boosting experiences, providing students with the real-world skills and knowledge they need to become sought-after candidates with the Region's top employers.

"Experiential Learning at Trent University is an intentionally collaborative approach to teaching that benefits not only the student but also the community in which the learning takes place," said Dr. Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent University Durham GTA. "The Herman Kassinger Foundation's commitment will provide Trent Durham students with the opportunity to gain vital career experience that will help them address the most pressing issues in the region while also increasing the capacity of local agencies to meet the needs of the community."

In 1954, Herman Kassinger, a young German immigrant, got his start in the construction industry due to Hurricane Hazel. While working at General Motors in Oshawa, Herman purchased his first plot of land and, with the help of a few friends, he began the task of digging his first basement. Over the years, Herman's business expanded in the Region (and into the United States), and at one point, one out of every 15 homes in Oshawa had the distinction of being built by H. Kassinger Construction Limited. Today, Herman's legacy lives on through the Herman Kassinger Foundation, which he founded in 1980 to enable his substantial philanthropic activities.

As we face the impacts of COVID-19, equipping students with transferrable skills and real-world experiences will help drive a competitive economy by providing a highly-skilled, agile and adaptable workforce. With the Herman Kassinger Foundation's help, Trent Durham will increase experiential learning opportunities to hone the skills and broaden its growing student community's minds.

Providing students with the entrepreneurial skills and real-life experience needed for success is made possible by the vision and optimism of the Trent community and supporters. To find out how you can make an impact on student lives at Trent Durham, please visit trentu.ca/GiveTrentDurham