A Foreign Area of Interest

Over the process of two years and currently as a 3rd year student, I find myself in this changing and alien state of existence from what I was two years prior. The reason for this..... Is God.

Wow, wow, wow, now don’t take the wrong idea here. This is not a conversion story. Not that a conversion story would be wrong or anything, but instead it would be wrong for me to give the impression that I did believe in god, because the reality of the story is... I don’t. However, I still stand by my statement in recognizing that at least the notion of ‘God’ has made a direct impact on me over the last few years. And looking back on it now...I think it’s the Coolest Thing Ever!

Bon Temps Weekend 2011 - post by Mairi "McGee" Mcguire

Let us set the stage- a mild February afternoon, the snow still drifting after the storm, a slight wind, ruffling strands of hair and the fringes of scarves, dozens of Champlain Students, some still dazed from the night before, gloved hands gripped on the wooden sticks, crouched over the smooth palette of ice, prepared for what will happen next. N-H-L, they chant, hitting their sticks against one another, before swiping at the small, brightly colored rubber ball.

Writing With a Paddle; Guest post by Mairi McGuire

Pictured here: Dr. Mike, Canadian Canoe Museum Executive Director James Raffan, Canadian Author Nicolas Dickner, Lakefield College School former Headmaster Terry Guest

This Wednesday, I was awarded the opportunity to attend a reading by award winning author, Nicolas Dicker. Dickner’s book, Nikolski, tells the story of three characters, completely unaware of their relation with one another, as they traverse separately through life. The book was the winner of CBC Canada Reads 2010 and also won the Governor General’s Literary Award for Translation in 2008. The reading was hosted at the beautiful Canadian Canoe Museum in downtown Peterborough. I was fascinated by its ornate features, the fantastical canoes which dotted the museum floor and the pillars of ancient wood which decorated the room. Nicolas Dickner was introduced by the head of Champlain College, Dr. Mike Allcott. In his introduction, Dr. Allcott described Dickner as one who “lives in the extraordinary milieu of the imagination,”, and it was right there, within the beautiful walls of the Canoe museum, that we were invited into the majestic imagination of this wonderful writer.

Welcoming Nicolas Dickner to Champlain

The 2011 Jack Matthews Fellow, Nicolas Dickner was welcomed to Champlain with a luncheon in the Living Learning Commons today. Trent students, students of Lakefield College School as well as VIPs from the Canadian Canoe Museum and our community.
Kate Ramsay and Dr. Mike co-hosted, and Champlainer Constance Dupuis offered welcoming remarks on behalf of Trent students.

Photos included here feature, Trent President Steven Franklin welcoming the collaborating institutions; Nicolas Dickner, Canadian Author, Dr. Mike en francais, the tourtiere main, and the sugar pie dessert.

Dean of U of T Faculty of Law Meets with Trent Students

Professor Mayo Moran, Dean of the U of T's Faculty of Law, met with 20 engaging students in the Champlain College Living Learning Commons on January 20. Her leadership and success inspired Trent students from departments across the university; many of whom aspire to attend law school in the future. Likewise, her perspective diminished some myths about the study of law, and the University of Toronto.

Dean Moran taught secondary school in northern British Columbia after completing her BA in English and Philosophy, as well as a B.Ed at UBC. The challenges of being a young teacher in an impoverished rural school set the path of her life: she found deep meaning in the ability to change people's lives through education, and she found a deep dedication to social justice. It was only after teaching for several years that she undertook and completed her LLB at McGill, LLM at Michigan, and S.J.D. at the University of Toronto.

Her path from humble roots in northern BC to the leadership of Canada's most prestigious law school surprised students, and offered encouragement to those from backgrounds as varied as Business/Philosophy joint majors, to Fleming College transfer students. Dean Moran's comments emphasized the value of studying English and Philosophy--areas of study that build critical thinking, reading, and writing abilities--but also emphasized that no law background is necessary to study the law.

Her main advice to students was to "Do what you love, as there isn't anything more important than to be able to pursue your passions". For her, this has meant a life of learning. When she set out to do her doctoral degree in the law, the prospects for employment after graduation were slim. But the calling to study and write about the legal concept of "the reasonable person", her love of justice, and "the legal puzzle of the law" won out. And she believes her career success is testament to her belief in that principle.

Students were interested to learn that the U of T's law curriculum is actually very broad. There are many dual degree options, including a new joint J.D. and Master's of Global Affairs, as well as many avenues for studying Human Rights law, and Animal Rights--a program introduced by Dean Moran herself. Students were also interested to learn that U of T law's admissions are entirely merit-based, while their scholarships/bursaries are entirely need-based. This ensures that knowledge and ability, not economic privilege determine the quality of the 700 students in the School of Law.

Trent students enjoyed discussing a variety of topics with Dean Moran, ranging from the gender dynamics of law school and university leadership, to the ways that Canadian Law-particularly in the areas of aboriginal rights and human rights--has had global influence.



Dean Moran's visit was sponsored by Champlain College.

CBC Book Club on "Nikolski"

Canadian author Nicolas Dickner will be in residence in Champlain as the 2011 Jack Matthews Fellow on Jan 26 and 27. Check out this interview from the CBC Book Club.

In Memoriam: former Master of Champlain, Jim MacAdam

As many Champlain students know, Noranne and I were very saddened to learn last week of the death of Professor Jim MacAdam, who served as Master of Champlain from 1987 to 1995. Noranne knew him very well, and I was fortunate to have met him during my first term as Head of the college. In fact, he was a part of Champlain life recently, and attended the gala opening of the Champlain Living Learning Commons early in November.

Another previous Master of Champlain, Professor Emeritus John Burbidge, gave remarks at a memorial for Professor MacAdam that was held in the former Champlain Master's Lodge yesterday, November 24, 2010. His remarks included memories shared by Professor Emeritus David Gallop, another colleague from Trent's Philosophy Department. I thought that current Champlain students and readers of this blog would appreciate reading these remarks, not only as a remembrance of an extraordinary leader of our community, but also as a window into the deep history and character of Champlain College. Many thanks to Professors Burbidge and Gallop for sharing this text with us.

JAMES MacADAM 1930-2010

A number of years ago, a young Jim MacAdam enrolled in the MA program in philosophy at Queen's University. In those glorious days, every incoming student was interviewed by the registrar, and so Jim found himself in front of the formidable Jeannie Royce. She looked at his file: “I see that you have been teaching physical education. What made you decide to take up philosophy?” “Well,” Jim replied, “I've had th-th-th-three c-c-c-concussions!”

That little story sums up a number of key features of Jim. In the first place, the fact that he was the butt of his own stories reveals how comfortable he was in his own skin. He was never overwhelmed by adversity, but always faced life with a positive and enthusiastic interest, seeing “the funny side of any situation.” As David Gallop writes: “This extended even to his own severe injury from the car accident in 1988. In recovering from that trauma, and in completing his term as Master of Champlain College, he showed the utmost fortitude and nobility of spirit.”

Second, he was a jock, playing rugby and baseball when he was young; later on, golf in the summer and curling in the winter. When his blunted left hand prevented him from holding the broom to maintain his balance on the curling rink, he would just reach out that arm as far as possible, making an interesting spectacle as he slid down the ice.

Third, he loved philosophy, even more than athletics and, quoting David Gallop again, “was unswerving in his dedication to it and inventive in its teaching. His many bold academic initiatives included the international conference on Jean-Jacques Rousseau at Trent in 1978 which initiated the North American Rousseau Society, the use of 'moots', or 'mock-trials', in philosophy-of-law courses, with collaboration from the legal profession, and two series of lectures on Great Philosophers in the Peterborough Public Library.” After he retired he discovered some unpublished writings of H.A. Prichard, an eminent Oxford philosopher, and edited them into a fine volume, published by Oxford University Press and dedicated “For the Love of my Wife, Elizabeth, and our Children”.

But there are other features that are only implicit in that little story of Jeannie Royce. Jim was committed to undergraduate teaching, maintaining a continual guerilla war against the moves made to establish graduate programs in the humanities. David Gallop: “He probably fitted, better than anyone else at Trent, the image that many people have of 'the true philosopher', a role that he filled in the most endearing fashion. [David} still remember[s] an occasion when Jim was lecturing on Thomas Hobbes, and a pneumatic drill started up right outside the lecture-theatre. He remained quite unfazed, and doggedly plunged ahead with his lecture, despite being completely inaudible for about ten minutes.” Students recall the time when, in a tutorial, he leaned back in his chair to expound on a point and, as the chair continued its arc towards the floor, Jim went on, equally unfazed, with his exposition.

Jim was committed to Champlain College. He had the only office in the university which gives directly on to the river and once, in the middle of a class, he wandered over to the window, where a bell on a fishing rod was jangling, and calmly reeled in a small bass. His interest in all aspects of college life reached its culmination when he was appointed Master in 1987, and Jim and Betty became involved closely with the many and diverse students who made up the college community welcoming them into the warmth of this room.

Finally, and most important, Jim was a friend. I don't mean simply that he was my valued friend, though that is true enough. But he was a friend to the very core of his being. As David says: “He was an ideal mentor for someone new to Trent, because he personified all that the University and its college system stood for.” The young Harry and Caroline Kitchen, uncertain as, for the first time, they approached the Master's Lodge and an initial encounter with the redoubtable William and Peg Morton, were greeted by Jim and Betty and made to feel at home. The two of them, Jim and Betty, were genial and kindly hosts, regularly entertaining supervisees and students over a meal in their home. Jim continued to follow the careers of former students and towards the end was contemplating a visit to Tony Arthur, High Commissioner from the Barbados to the Court of St. James.

Let me conclude with, once again, the words of David Gallop: “When the next history of Trent comes to be written, Jim will surely deserve to be chronicled as one of its most courageous early pioneers. For now, he will be remembered with affection by everyone who was warmed by his friendship and by his generosity of heart.”

--John Burbidge

What is Remembrance Day all about?

I was honoured to be a part of a Remembrance Day ceremony in the Great Hall of Champlain on Thursday morning. It was a privilege to share the podium with a Trent student, Ethan Mcdonald, who is an officer Cadet in the Canadian armed forces. I was very moved by the depth of thought, reflection, feeling, and commitment in the words that he shared that day. I'm grateful that he shared that text with me so that you might read it here.

What is Remembrance Day all about?

When I was young, it was about wearing a little red flower in November. Growing up, it took on a human side; a wrinkly face with white thinning hair and bright eyes despite failing health with age.

Today as I wear this uniform, it means much more and I would like to share this with you.

After taking several history courses in high school and university, I discovered that often, war was waged for political or religious reasons and very often unknown to those whom it consumed. Rarely did it bring what was promised: freedom and a better life for those it affected; and war rarely brought peace.

I was taught that long ago, men went overseas and fought for their home country in the Great War, to bring back peace and victory for the commonwealth. In 1917 our great nation was born under fire in France. Young Canadians took the untakeable at Vimy Ridge and endured the unendurable at Passchendaele, many never leaving Flanders Fields. The armistice took place one year later--the eleventh hour of the eleventh day of the eleventh month 1918. Never again!

In 1939, the nations of the world mobilized once again for another round, this time the Allies were off to fight amongst others, a man named Adolf Hitler and his armies who in a short time, controlled most of Europe. Once again, young Canadians answered the call and scaled the cliffs of Assoro, suffered in Hong Kong and took Juno Beach. Six years later they returned with victory and an uneasy peace. The world learned of the horrors of the holocaust and wept from the devastation. Never again!

For the next 45 years, the world held its breath while Western and Communist armies sparred in remote regions of the world. Canadians held the unholdable at Kapyong and in the 90’s when United Nations peace keeping became the political focus, Canadians in sky blue berets of hope, sat out of a politically incorrect war and watched as millions were murdered in Rwanda. Never again!

I suppose it would sound rather cynical for me to say this and suggest that war has never accomplished anything worth its cost; that by this perhaps, the deeds of veterans are meaningless. If you only focus on the big picture and not what’s in an individual’s heart, this may be all that you believe. However, I do not come to you today to preach on the politics or history of international conflict. My query is much simpler; not why we have war, but why we have warriors?

The truth is, regardless of politics, regardless of race, religion, ethnicity or anything else that separates and divides humans or causes war; veterans and soldiers of conflicts past and present serve because they feel a duty. A duty to do all that is in their power to bring peace, freedom and a higher quality of life, to those who are without it. For any individual to take action on their beliefs especially with goals such as these is truly remarkable.

The truth is, even today within this great nation of Canada, there are still thousands who take up this cause. They are deployed to the Middle East, in Afghanistan and other troubled areas around the world. Regardless of their job, they all make a sacrifice, the same as those before them. Leaving their families, their daily lives and country behind and donning the uniform of a Canadian Soldier. All gave some; some 152 of my brothers and sisters gave all, giving their lives for what they believe in.

I can tell you this with absolute certainty today as I don the uniform of a Canadian Soldier as many nineteen year olds have done before me. My profession is that of arms, my job is to fight. Yet my mission is to preserve peace, to ensure freedom and quality of life for all. My mind says “Never again!” but my heart says, “I must do something!”

So today on the eleventh of November, many may ponder the question “What does Remembrance Day mean?” To me, it is a day to remember the conflicts of the past and present, but focusing on the men and women who serve instead of dwelling on politics or the outcome. Remembrance Day is about people, who became soldiers, who went off to war and fought for what they believe in.

Remembrance Day is about those who never made it home. We will remember them.

- A Canadian Soldier.

Tim Miller, Internationally Acclaimed Performance Artist

Champlain is honoured to host Tim Miller, whose work as a performer and writer explores the artistic, spiritual and political topography of his identity as a gay man. Hailed for his humor and passion, Miller's performances have been presented all over North America, Australia, and Europe in such prestigious venues as Yale Repertory Theatre, the Institute of Contemporary Art (London), the Walker Art Center (Minneapolis), and the Brooklyn Academy of Music. For more information, visit: www.timmillerperformer.com

Tim has been my friend for many years. I taught his book, "Shirts and Skins" as well as excerpts of his work in the book "O Solo Homo" when I taught a class in Queer Performance Art for the University of Utah (at the Gay and Lesbian Community Center in Salt Lake City). His performance works embody so much of the history of gay culture over the past 2 decades. And his commitment to continuing to fight, through artistic expression, for the rights and well-being of queer-identified people everywhere is an inspiration.

I'm thrilled that our Champlain community will be able to welcome him and learn with him in residence at the college for the next few days.

If you want to learn more about his schedule here, check out these links, and pick up tickets to see his show on Wednesday night at the First People's Performance Space.
http://www.facebook.com/TimMillerPerformer#!/event.php?eid=122410101153528
http://www.facebook.com/TimMillerPerformer#!/event.php?eid=101084199965203

World Affairs Colloquium October 15 with Michael Sacco

-“It is not about how much you get in your meal. It’s about everyone gets something”

October 16 is the World Food Day when many parts of the world have the time to reflect on the importance of food and critical issues related to food that we human beings are facing today. This year, Trent World Affairs Colloquium (WAC) once again organized a guest-speaker/discussion event to celebrate the World Food Day. Michael Sacco- an outstanding horizontal trader of chocolate and now a PhD student at Trent- has shared with WAC many inspiring stories about how chocolate matters, and more importantly how communities matter. He recounted his past experience in Mexico with great enthusiasm, while explaining the concept of learning community social entrepreneur and the structure of ChocoSol- his collaborative business with a dedicated team. Participants not only enjoyed listening to his stories but also had the opportunity to try real chocolate- both to eat and to drink.

WAC would like to sincerely thanks Michael Sacco for his time, effort and exquisite chocolate; TISA and TIP for co-sponsoring the event; Kawartha World Issues Center, Champlain College and Professor Ray Dart for letting people know about our event.

Click here to see videos from the event.

*** Note: We have been approached by many keen students with questions such as where they can find more information about upcoming WAC. WAC committee is in the process of creating a database which will soon be publicized on Champlain College Blog and TISA Website. Stay tuned!

Canoeing and Cultural Learning

ESL Canoeing Program with Canoe Museum from Fusionriver Photography on Vimeo.

A great photo essay of a Trent ESL Class's adventure-learning with the Canadian Canoe Museum.

ESL students: post a comment about your experience in the box below!
All the best, Dr. Mike

TANZANIA AND PETERBOROUGH

My experience in Canada especial in Peterborough I learn,see a lot of things here all the things is good and interesting,we know Canada is among of the country which are developed in the world,am Tanzanian and i leave in a small city which called Peterborough this is among of the good city in Canada i real like it and there are some things which i sow here some of them are; local food here in Peterborough there is organisation which deals with agriculture one of them is Trent sustainable garden which grow different type of also this is good things in Peterborough.

Also transportation is the improntant sector and this is a public transportation as you know the improntance of transportation here there is a good ways as well as timetable they arrange in a proper ways which is easy for everyone also this is good for every one in Peterborough.

The environment they keep well their environment by plant the trees and to keep clean all their surrounding area ls and that make Peterborough to look good and clean all the time.

Helpful that is most people of Canada especial Peterborough they are so kind and helpful i say that because i sow the organisation which deals with the foreign people this organisation help foreign to get job or work and the name is New Canadian centre and show how much they care foreign.

Building planning all the building is improper ways which make good looking for the people who coming to visit Peterborough.and in my host family every things is good they take,they respect you,there is cooperation as well as goodlife and heaving fun.And that explanation above is all about Peterborough.

My name is Adolphina Josephat i come from Tanzania and among of volunteer of Canada world youth (CWY) and my organisation in Tanzania is Uvikiuta,and this is a short story about Uvikiuta.

UVIKIUTA BACKGROUND the organization based in Chamazi Msufini Temeke district,24km south from Dar es salaam city center.
Background: UVIKIUTA is a youth development organization established in 1983 with assistance of the father of nation, the late Mwalimu Julius K. Nyerere, first president of the United Republic of Tanzania.UVIKIUTA came to its existence as a respond to the Government policy call for unemployed youth to form economic groups. This policy was famous as "Nguvu kazi"with the purpose of responding to the young people's needs to raise their living standards. This desire could be achieved through establishments of youth settlements and self help project, which will provide employment,income and permanent shelters.

In the year 1986 a group of youths moved from the city to Chamazi to establish a new settlement. To date, various economic and social activities are taking place. These include vegetable and fruits growing,daily cow,landscaping environment conservation activities and construction of community volunteer services-Work camp, which links Tanzania youths,communities and others across the world with the aim of promoting peace,understanding and sustainable development.

This is a short explanation about my organization in Tanzania, and your most well come to learn,cross culture etc.Thank and enjoy yourself all we are one but we come from different parts, welcome to Tanzania and be interest in volunteer like me becouse you help your community,nation as well as country.Thank you for more suggestion information,question, please use the adress above.

From: ADOLPHINA J. MWAKILAMBO
contact:adolphinajosephat@yahoo.co.uk

Habitat for community

Well! You are approaching your third and fourth weeks of classes. That is very exciting, I hope that many of you are adjusting to the seminar and lecture settings at Trent. I know for myself personally, my favourite courses in first year were History 150 (1500): Ten days that shook the world, Women's Studies 100 (1000): Introduction to Women's Studies, and of course, Canadian Studies 100 (1000): Introduction to Canadian Studies. I loved these courses because of the small class settings, and the fact that my T.A's and even some Professors knew my name. All of this would have never been possible without our community. According to my trusty Oxford Dictionary, "community" is defined as a group of people living in the same place or having a particular characteristic in common.

My mother always explained community through one of her favourite songs, Joan Szymko's "It takes a whole village".
The opening line is: "It takes a whole village to raise our children, it takes a whole village to raise one child." For my mother, it takes a community of people to help raise our children. That is one example of what community could mean to one specific person. There are several personal meanings to community. For my classmates and I, we were apart of a learning community at the University of Ottawa. Champlain is another community. I lived in C/D, thus making me apart of the C/D tower community.

Now as I study education in preparation of becoming a teacher, I also have learned the importance of community from an educator's perspective. In all of my classes we discuss the importance of community. It allows people to have a sense of belonging, but most importantly, it gives people the opportunity to belong in a safe community. It should be a place where you can go and feel and especially be yourself. Whether your community is in a classroom, a club or sports team, a religious group, your tower and "pod" (floor-mates), or even the entire college, it's a place where you can feel at home and share your commonalities with others.

So the next time you are walking around that beautiful college, ask yourself: what makes this place my community? If you feel you can't find the answer, ask yourself this: HOW can I make this MY community? As students who have now begun the new journey, you need to make it your own. One of the most unique qualities of Trent are the colleges. Each college has its own personality and... their own COMMUNITIES. That is what makes it so different from everywhere else.

So I leave you with the words of Mark Twain (those of you in English 1000 will meet him soon I am sure), " The universal brotherhood of man is our most precious possession." Good luck with your studies! Today is Saturday, what a perfect opportunity to go out and belong to the community!

Nomadic Massive Live in the Great Hall, Sep 24 7 p.m.

Why Nomadic Massive as a kick off event to bring Trent together for a Champlain event?

When Tim Shah (Champlain/Trent alumn, leader of the Trent Global Living Community, and now at UBC doing a Master's in Urban Planning) first contacted Nomadic Massive to see if they would do a performance in the Great Hall on their way to a gig in Toronto, they responded immediately and said that they love to do performances at universities--but . . ."

We might have been worried about the "but" until it was followed by, "we'd also like to do a workshop for social justice". Tim and I were both thrilled because, well, how Trent is that? A cutting edge eleven piece band making the great hall rumble with a multicultural sound--and a message with meaning to make a world of difference? That's a college life I want to be a part of!

When I came to Champlain 7 years ago, I heard many stories about "the old days" of concerts and sweaty dance parties in the Great Hall that brought together the community in ways no other college could. That's one tradition I'd like to sustain--if it gives us opportunities to learn together as this concert will!

Nomadic Massive, live in the Great Hall, with opening band The Resolutionaries, Friday, September 24, 2010, 7 p.m. Get tickets at the Champlain College Office, LEC Office, TIP, The Central or student affairs. Tickets are free with a donation for Pakistan Flood Relief (UNICEF).

Workshop: "Social Justice Through Hip Hop" World Affairs Colloquium in the Champlain Council Chambers (CC M2) at 3 p.m.

College Head Welcome and Tree Planting

On September 7, 2010, Dr. Mike Allcott, Champlain College Head welcomed all new students of Champlain by planting a tree in their honour. If you weren't able to attend, below is the talk he shared with the new students!

Welcome to Trent and welcome to Champlain College.

My academic background is in English Literature and my professional experience has led me to travel and live in more than 20 countries around the world. Both of these things mean that I look for and see meaning in all the different aspects of life. And I think you do, too. Meaning is the value of the things we do, of the friendships we make of the things we learn. The absence of meaning, is well, it’s simply boring. Like going through the motions of a dance that you don’t understand or don’t want to do.

So I wanted to spend this moment of meaning with you, in the hope that we can share a value, not just for this moment, but for the lifespan of this little oak tree. As many of you know, my partner and I were married 6 years ago in this little courtyard of Champlain College, so it has great meaning for me. There was a great willow tree, a love willow, with two trunks entwined in each other right at this spot. Sadly, that tree passed on a few years ago. And that’s one reason I wanted to plant this tree in your honour this week.

This tree was planted for the Trent University and Champlain College class of 2010. That’s you.

And as members of this very special community of learning, we’ll be able to watch the tree grow over the next year or two or three or four (or maybe more). It will be a way for us to measure each other’s growth, witness each other’s progress, and celebrate each other as we grow and become what we’re only brave enough to dream at this point.

Those of us who have a social and environmental consciousness know that planting a tree is an essential act of life and hope. Trees and reforestation not only help to digest the overabundance of Carbon Dioxide produced by our abuse of the earth, they also provide a natural habitat and a healthy diverse ecosystem that helps to sustain other life. Moreover, trees are beautiful: recent studies have showed that people who are able to see trees and their natural environment experience a more peaceful and stress-free life; people who study within sight of trees have higher level of concentration and the ability to focus. As you may know ancient druids found spiritual force in the very existence of trees. And whether you are a spiritual person or a scientific person, maybe there is some actuality in that belief that we have yet to discover.

What do they say about your generation? The first generation to come of age after September 11, 2001. That was a moment that changed the way Americans, but also north Americans thought about our security and being in the world. Your parents may have paid more careful attention to you, to your well-being and to your safety than previous generations.

The researchers call you “Generation Net”, because you have grown up in a world where the internet was not a new phenomenon, but as normal a part of life as milk, maple syrup and MTV.

Researchers say that you have high expectations of University:

That is will truly prepare you for the Future. You trust that university will provide you a safe and supportive environment, in which you will be able to take risks and rise to meaningful challenges. And in which you’ll be able to have a second chance when that risk does not result in success.

You expect university to provide you Mentors. People whose experience you can look up to, and people who can not only help guide you to success, but help connect you to the networks that lead to success.

But you expect those mentors to arise from authentic circumstances—from your real life, not from a competition or one-upsmanship over your peers.

You expect university to challenge you—but not in an environment of merely formulaic tests and exams, but in meaningful challenges. Projects, assignments, opportunities inside and outside the classroom that add to your sense of meaning in life.

Oh, and the researchers say that you expect to have fun. I hope that you will find that Champlain College, the friends you will make here, the mentors you will meet in the authentic day to day life of the college, will meet these lofty expectations of your generation.

There’s another thing that people believe about your generation: They call you Generation O. That’s O for Obama. Social networking, genuine belief that the institutions created by your seniors can be an effective tool for changing the world into the world that you want. That you not only have a social consciousness, but you have the will to participate and the savoir-faire to make things work for you.

We’re planting this tree tonight as a sign of our commitment to each other, to Champlain College. It’s a sign that we will guard and value each other’s expectations, and support each other’s dreams as we grow together over the next years. And we’ll look forward to the moment we can look back with your children when they come to Trent, or that this tree will look back on us from its hundreds of years of life, and appreciate the moment we were at Champlain.

Noranne has a guest book for each of you to sign either tonight, or in the Great Hall throughout the week. I’d like you to put your name there—and if you would, record some word that indicates your dreams or desires for yourself as a member of this community of learning.

Who will you be? Who will you form friendships with? What will you learn? What will you teach? And what will you give to this community? I and the fellows of Champlain look forward to watching you become whomever you will be. Thank you for coming tonight, enjoy your ISW, and welcome the class of 2010 to Champlain College.

In Istanbul, 8,000 Years of History - NYTimes.com

As many Champlain Fellows have research and cultural interest in Turkey and especially Istanbul, I wanted to share this with the college community. Trent faculty in Ancient History & Classics, Politics, Geography, History, Anthropology have research interests in this region. (If there are others, I'd be interested in knowing).

In Istanbul, 8,000 Years of History - NYTimes.com

Canoe Mentor: College Life and Diagonal Networking

Making lasting friendships is one of the key advantages of being a member of a college like Champlain. I think for most students entering Trent, that desire to make new friends is a top priority. And the peer-to-peer community friendships you'll form in university can range from familiar acquaintances to deep friendships, from intimate but fleeting encounters to lifelong partnership.

If peer friendships were the only community opportunity afforded, then Trent and Champlain would be little different from the dormitories or housing you'll find on any campus. But Champlain and the colleges at Trent offer you more. Life in the college means the opportunity to develop learning relationships with professors, teachers, staff, administrators, _and_ other students. All of those relationships are a valuable part of your community life here--and have potential value for you throughout your life.

You know you need mentors. But you'd feel weird about contacting a professor to say, "Hello, I'm looking for a good mentor. Would you be mine?" Any relationship that begins with such linear intentional purpose is always going to feel awkward.

Most of us feel much better when relationships begin in a more organic way. The college can provide that opportunity; the college is an environment for diagonal networking. Seeing your profs and staff in the Great Hall or the Seasoned Spoon at lunch, or attending a workshop or college talk, or even just passing each other in the quad provides a kind of familiarity from which an organic mentoring relationship might grow.

Likewise, working together on college initiatives or extra-curricular activities builds respect and substantial knowledge. Respect and actual knowledge leads to trust. Essentially, that's what networking is: not just adding friends to your Facebook page, but building trusting lines of communication with people. Those lines of trust might lead to: more friendships, business partnerships, employment opportunities, problem solving--and happiness in life.

The canoe is a perfect example of building trust in an utterly Canadian way. We might get into the boat together simply for the purpose of getting to the opposite shore (or maybe just for having some fun on the water). But in the canoe, we're going to learn enough about each other to develop some respect, knowledge, and trust--and that's how we actually make it to the other side.

Wanna go out in the canoe with me? Every Thursday(weather-permitting) from 4 to 6 will be Champlain Tuesday on the Water. Meet at the beach.

Perspective on Champlain College from the New College Head

I’ve been a fellow of Champlain since I came to Trent University in 2003. Being a part of the community of faculty, staff and student members of the college, being involved in academic advising and college events, has been very valuable to me. Mainly I value the students whom it has been my pleasure to mentor, either through the Trent Global Living Community, the International Program (TIP), Trent Reads seminars, leadership work, or college activities. Students’ success is what makes my academic life meaningful.

Many of my Champlain and Trent colleagues were a part of a very important moment of my life: my partner and I were married in the cedar-lined courtyard between the Great Hall and the river in July of 2004. Yes, it was a beautiful spot for a wedding, but it was all the more memorable because our friends and families from around the world were welcomed here by our new Trent colleagues and friends.

The spirit of Champlain distinguishes us from the other Trent colleges, and from other colleges I’ve experienced. (At Cambridge University in England, I lived in both Selwyn and Newnham, where I was also a summer resident tutor). Champlain includes a remarkable range of people and perspectives, so it is no wonder that we’re known for being ready to voice our critical perspectives on significant issues. We’re also known for being fearless about taking a stand on controversial issues. And, perhaps because of the tradition of the Lumberjacks broomball team, or because it was Champlainers who pioneered this Trent campus when they moved in during the grey winter days of 1967, we have a reputation for being rugged and adventurous.

Champlain is inclusive of many characters and inspirations. The International Program’s (www.trentu.ca/tip) presence here, as well as The Seasoned Spoon café (www.trentu.ca/stuorg/seasonedspoon) ensure that the dynamism of Trent’s diversity is at the heart of college life.

Collegiality is a core principle of this learning community. College Fellows set Champlain’s collegial tone through the TRIPS (Trans-disciplinary Research In Progress Seminar). These faculty seminars bring together professors and instructors from across the interdisciplinary spectrum of the university to supportively share and develop research. Produced by the International Development Studies department, TRIPS provides faculty an opportunity to present their work-in-progress in order to gain the perspective and analytic insight of colleagues and peers.

The presence of departments like IDS, Politics, and Ancient History and Classics, also distinguishes the college. With that mix of globally-oriented departments, spanning the arts and social sciences, it was no accident that TIP was welcomed into the college as a part of a vision for internationalizing the experience of our entire community. Fellows from History, Anthropology, Environmental Resource Studies, Biochemistry and other science departments ensure our dynamism. Likewise, integral to a vision of the college as both a residence and a community of learning for students and faculty who live elsewhere, the Trent Global Living Community was established at Champlain; TGLC is not only a model for success for other LLC’s at Trent, but has a strong alumni tradition, with successful former residents all around the world. Likewise, the Active Living Community and La Maison Francaise are poised to lead the college in engagement and co-curricular learning.

My experience is that Champlain is home to people who like to accomplish things, whether those things are academic, athletic, social, or service to the world. We’re doers. That spirit harkens to a strong line in the tradition of liberal arts and sciences education: we are inspired by idealism, motivated to think critically and research carefully—and we are fully engaged in the real world. As the head of the college, I look forward to cultivating and supporting that spirit, and to fulfilling the potentials of this unique community of learning through engaging the interests and energies of the students and fellows of Champlain.

Let me know if you think I'm hearing and perceiving the Champlain you know!

TGLC: Living up your Trent experience!

Global living is the best living!

Haha sorry I couldn't think of a better slogan but seriously it is! As a former don of this living and learning community, I highly highly advise anyone and everyone to give it a try. It is an experience you will never forget. The year I lived in this community we cooked so many different kinds of food, learned different skills, languages (or at least tried to) and most importantly became good friends with people from all over the world. TGLC is a place to open your mind and heart to many different ideas, perspectives and people. This is a skill that is valuable wherever you are headed in life. We had such a great time celebrating differences and similarities between the many cultures represented in our building. There are many ways to get involved in TGLC other than simply living there such as attending events put on by them or asking the don of that year to help out and participate in some of the talks, art shows, etc. that they may be doing that year.

One thing we did the year I was a part of it was a service learning trip up to Manitoulin Island where we worked on the community garden, visited an organic beef farm, the Ojibway Cultural Foundation and some of the scenic sites around the Island. I highly recommend that if you are part of TGLC you take the opportunity of being part of a community supported by the university and plan one of these trips! It is a great bonding experience and gives you a chance to do something active and worthwhile for the community after having your nose in the books for so long during exam period.

I built a lot of my best friendships through being active in TGLC first and second year and will miss it dearly so get involved and make the most of it while you can! Also TGLC alumni are awesome resources so don't be shy to ask for advice on events, resources, etc. from me or anyone else!

-Emma Taillefer
TGLC Don 2007-2008

Getting involved in first-year and beyond…

Hello fellow Champlainers!

When you arrive in September, you’re going to enter a new phase of your life. A phase that has the potential to help you grow academically, socially and personally. I say "potential" because it all depends on what you make of your experience and whether you take advantage of the opportunities made available to you. Indeed, attending university is all about learning and growth. Learning takes place from lectures and your professors, your seminars and your fellow-classmates and of course, your books. However, a whole other dimension of learning comes from extra-curricular involvement through student groups and varsity sports.

Trent is home to numerous student groups. You can view the list here. You can get involved with groups as diverse as your academic department’s association (Trent Anthropology Society, for example) to the Jiu Jitsu Club and other athletic groups, to the World University Service of Canada and Sustainable Trent. During my time at Trent, I was involved with a few groups and gained tremendously, especially learning how to develop and utilize leadership and team work skills. Each Champlain student will have the chance to get involved and make a meaningful contribution to the group, and the university.

I am always extremely cautious when it comes to giving advice, however, my one recommendation to incoming first-years to Champlain is to get involved with just one student group. Feel free to join more if you are so daring and ambitious, you will indeed benefit insofar as you can balance your academics with your extra-curriculars. However, one group is a safe bet and that is exactly what I did in my first-year.

Even if the commitment is 2 hours a week (which might seem like a lot in first-year) the rewards, benefits and networks created can add a lot of value to your education (especially first-year) at Trent. You'll meet new people and discover a new world that you didn't even know existed, that of a community where others share similar interests as you.

In addition, getting involved in first-year will open the doors to many opportunities in your upper years at the university. While extra-curricular involvement can help develop academic skills (presentation, writing and debating skills, for example) it will also help you with your future employment prospects and most definitely when/if you apply to graduate school as I did.

Our very own community of Champlain College is conducive to learning in many ways. Among them is learning within a community of friends, your peers, college mates and classmates. The college will act as a first step to meeting other students and finding a community. Indeed, you will be a part of several communities at Trent and a student group will take your experience that much further.

Belonging to a community such as a student group, can be an avenue to success and to a more enjoyable and fulfilling undergraduate journey.

Remember, in your undergrad, it’s more important to embrace the journey than solely focus on the destination.