I have been made aware of Trent's proposed "Superbuild Growth" project, which involves closing Peter Robinson and Catherine Parr Traill Colleges, and wish to register my strong objections, along with those of Trent's founders and many faculty and staff, both past and present, and alumni/ae.
I taught French at Trent from 1966 to 1969, the third, fourth and fifth years of the university's existence. I was one of the first resident dons at Champlain College. It was abundantly clear at that time that the downtown colleges were to be a permanent and distinctive part of the university. Not only would they contribute to Trent's unique ethos and teaching methods, but they would cement the bond between the university and the City of Peterborough.
I urge you to reconsider your Task Force Report, to abandon the misguided plan of closing the downtown colleges, and to return to the original vision of the far-sighted founders of this very special institution of higher learning.
Dr. Michael Jackson, L.V.O., C.D.
Executive Director of Protocol & Government House
Province of Saskatchewan