Douglas Kirk ’70 – Volunteer Profile  

“I have been very fortunate in my career, first in commercial banking, then in investment research and investment banking, and ultimately starting a broadcasting company. Looking back, my Trent experience played an important role in equipping me with the tools and skills I needed to succeed. Now it is time to give back.” 

As the president and founder of Durham Radio Inc., an organization he grew from a single radio station to seven, Douglas (Doug) Kirk ’70 has a strong connection with the Durham region. So, when the opportunity arose to get involved in kickstarting the Campaign for Trent Durham and reconnect with his alma mater, he grabbed it.  

“I started Durham Radio Inc. in the mid-90s, so being a part of the Durham community, with three radio stations in the region, I was aware of Trent’s growing presence in the area. When it came to my attention that Trent was looking at doing a major expansion of its Durham GTA Campus, I knew that this was it. Now’s the time to step up and get involved.”   

And get involved he did. Bringing his experience as a business professional to the table, Doug served as the co-chair of the Trent Durham Building Campaign and is a member of the Trent Durham GTA Advisory Council and Trent’s Philanthropic Advisory Council. He also serves on the University’s Board of Governors.  

“I believed that bringing my collective experience, everything I have learned, to the University could be really helpful. The growth of Trent Durham was one of the things that drew me back to Trent and convinced me to sit on the Board. I thought, well, here we are 40 plus years later, what's new and how does it all work? And can I help a little bit in making that work better?” 

Building his own business in the region with a strong focus on community and producing local content on all his stations, Doug was excited to see Trent University grow within the bourgeoning Durham community.  

“At the time, Trent Durham was still relatively new, but I could see the potential. I thought Trent moving in to be the second university with a major presence in Durham was a brilliant idea; the project really just ticked all the boxes. I always say you cannot sit and wait for someone to step up and that’s why I put up some money to launch the Campaign. I believe that if you also personally commit to a campaign, you speak with authority when garnering support from others.”  

Doug graduated from Trent with a B.Sc. (Hons.) in Chemistry and Economics and then completed his MBA at York University. Prior to founding Durham Radio Inc., he worked in commercial lending at TD Bank and in investment research with Burns Fry (now BMO Nesbitt Burns). He also has much experience in serving on volunteer boards. He served as president of the Ontario Association of Broadcasters (2008-2016) and is past president of the Farlain Lake Community Association, board member of the Federation of Tiny Township Shoreline Associations, and independent director of two BMO Financial Group mutual fund issuers.  

“I'm a business-oriented, entrepreneurial guy. Bringing the skills that I have gained since graduating from Trent back to the boards and committees I serve on and adding value or a new perspective gives me a sense of personal satisfaction.”  

Doug played a significant role in fundraising for the Campaign for Trent Durham. In addition to his generous initial $500,000 gift, he inspired others, including BMO, to support the campaign. To conclude the campaign, he also pledged to double the impact of donors by matching donations up to $100,000, resulting in more than $220,000 in support.  

In reconnecting with Trent, Doug has done a lot of reflecting on the role his education continues to play in his life and career.  

“Leaving home to attend university for the first time is a big step and you do a lot of growing up. When you graduate, you kind of say, well, I enjoyed my four years there and you move on. But you don't realize all that you've learned until you really get to apply it in your career. Although a lot has changed since I graduated from Trent, the essence of my experience, the Trent culture, is still there and I want to ensure that continues for new students coming in.”