Remembering THB Symons, Chapter Nine: A Final Word

Throughout the summer, Trent University Alumni Engagement and Services has been presenting Remembering THB Symons, a nine-part video honouring the life and times of founding Trent president Professor Thomas Henry Bull Symons (1929-2021). Compiling stories and memories from friends, family, and colleagues, the video explores the history of this noteworthy Canadian and the university that he helped shape.

Episodes were released each Friday throughout the summer.

Chapter 9: A Final Word sees friends, family, and colleagues describing Prof. Symons in a word. It is truly a glimpse into the founding president’s impact on those around him.

With reflections and memories by Trent President Dr. Leo Groarke; Trent Board of Governors Chair Armand La Barge, Christine Bata-Schmidt, daughter of Tom and Sonja Bata, former member of the Trent Board of Governors Advancement Committee; Dr. Marion Fry, founding principal of Catharine Parr Traill College; Sylvia Sutherland, former mayor of the City of Peterborough, class of 1968; Stu Butts, chair of the Symons 90th Celebrations, class of 1965; Kathryn Matheson, assistant to Professor Symons, class of 2000; Molly Thom, member of Trent’s original architectural design team; Harvey McCue, co-founder of Native Studies at Trent, class of 1966; Dr. John Wadland, professor emeritus, Canadian Studies, Trent University; Dr. Tom McMillan, former Progressive Conservative MP (1979-1988); Former Minister of the Environment (1985-1988); Mary Symons, daughter of Professor Symons. This chapter wraps up our video series.