Forward-Thinking Trent Scholarship Tackles Climate Change by Supporting Student Research Across Disciplines

Patricia Morton Scholarship in Climate Change empowers tomorrow’s environmental leaders to address global issue from multiple perspectives

 A new Trent University scholarship is tackling climate change in a unique way by supporting a broad range of graduate student research across the humanities, sciences and social sciences.

The Patricia Morton Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Climate Change – announced at today’s Ideas that Change the World Earth Day panel discussion – has been created by Dr. David Morton, former board chair and long-time University supporter, to honour his wife and professor emerita Dr. Patricia Morton – a staunch environmental advocate who taught at Trent for 26 years before retiring in 2002.

“The Patricia Morton Ontario Graduate Scholarship in Climate Change is anchored in the idea that solutions for this 21st century issue will only be found by addressing the problem from multiple perspectives,” noted Sherry Booth, director of Philanthropy at Trent University at the Ideas that Change the World alumni panel discussion, held to mark Earth Day. “We thank Dr. David Morton and Dr. Patricia Morton for their insight and generosity, which will empower tomorrow’s environmental leaders to build creative solutions to this complex problem.”

Two Trent graduate students conducting Canadian-based research in climate change will benefit from the annual $15,0000 scholarship, which will be offered for the first time for the upcoming 2021/22 academic year. The annual scholarship is also supported by the Ontario Graduate Scholarship program.

“This unique and forward-thinking scholarship allows graduate students from various departments to gain experience and support in their studies as it relates to climate change,” said Dr. Craig Brunetti, dean of Graduate Studies at Trent. “The Mortons’ generous gift will also help Trent remain at the forefront of cutting-edge research for humanity’s most pressing environmental issue.”

The scholarship builds on the Mortons’ most recent support of projects in the Trent Nature Areas, supporting experiential learning opportunities for Trent students, overseeing invasive species removal, providing the necessary equipment for maintenance, and cultivating the trail’s indigenous plants.

The Mortons’ are also known as tireless volunteers who give back to their community. They are proud members of For Our Grandchildren and were both inducted into Peterborough’s Pathway of Fame for community building and philanthropy. Both David and Patricia are ardent environmentalists who want to help address the existential threat of climate change.

Professor Emerita Patricia Morton retired from Trent University in 2002 after 26 years with the History and Women's Studies departments. Dr. Morton has also been involved with the area community as a volunteer on many non-profit boards, including the Morton Community Healthcare Centre in Lakefield.

Dr. David Morton is the past president and CEO of the Quaker Oats Co. in Canada. He joined the Trent Board of Governors in 2004, serving as chair from 2008 to 2011 and currently serves on the PRHC Foundation Board. In 2002, Trent University granted Dr. Morton an Honorary Doctor of Laws; in the same year, he received Peterborough's Volunteer of the Year Award.

Learn more about the School of Graduate Studies at Trent University.