In Memoriam |
TRENT CONTENTS Association President's Message The Higher Cost of Higher Education Are You Being Served? Discounts and benefits for alumni Course profile - Women in the Greek and Roman World Alumni Staff Profile - Doug Brown '71 Which Way Is Up? - Investment strategies in difficult times |
MARJORY SEELEY ROGERS by Margaret Doxey, Trinity College, 14 October 1998 Some time ago, when it became clear that Marjory was fighting a losing battle with cancer, she asked me if I would say a few words at her memorial service to reflect her contribution to the early years of Trent University. Of course I replied that I would be honoured to do so, although I hoped the occasion would not arise for a long time. Marjory became a very dear friend and, like all who knew her, I have been lost in admiration for her courage and indominitable spirit in the face of much adversity. But I first met her in happier times nearly thirty years ago when I arrived at Trent in the summer of 1969 to join the Department of Political Studies and to be a resident don at Lady Eaton College. The University was new and the College even newer: Marjory as the founding Principal had preceded me by one year. Over the next six years, until she left to marry Bill, I watched the College grow and prosper under her gentle and felicitous leadership. Lady Eaton College was 'special' to those of us who belonged to it, and so was Marjory. She made an enormous contribution to its success and her energy, imagination, tact and never-failing concern for the welfare of students set a high standard for successors to maintain - which they did. Her home on campus - The Lodge - became a centre for hospitality not only to a series of distinguished College visitors - Mike and Marian Pearson, Arnold and Eve Smith, John Holmes, Silva Gelber, Harry Boyle to name only a few - but also for every student in the college. Trent's well-established tradition of caring about its students owes much to its founding president and faculty, but also to the college system and to college heads, like Marjory, who set it firmly on its distinctive path. If I had to pick two qualities out of many which made up Marjorie's unique personality, they would be her wonderful sense of humour and her personal warmth. She genuinely cared. I know that many of the students, faculty and staff she befriended, encouraged and kept in touch with will grieve with Bill and her family and mourn her loss. When she left Trent to get married - in a haze of happiness in which we all shared - there was a farewell party at the College. On that occasion I quoted a few lines by Hilaire Belloc which seemed appropriate then in respect of her years at Trent. I know Marjory liked them very much indeed. Today, at this farewell at which we celebrate the life of a truly remarkable woman, Belloc's lines seem even more appropriate and I would like to share them with you: From quiet homes and first beginning, Out to the undiscovered ends, There's nothing worth the wear of winning, But laughter and the love of friends.
Chief Jake Thomas by Professors David Newhouse and Peter Kulchyski Chief Jake Thomas made an extraordinary contribution to Trent. He was a revered elder and teacher, coming to the university as the Þrst Ashley Fellow in 1976. Chief Thomas brought a profound and deep knowledge of Iroquoian tradition, culture, language and thought. He was one of the first Aboriginal people to obtain tenure as a university professor within a Canadian university on the basis of his traditional knowledge gained through years of study and tutelage with other traditional people. He taught many students and faculty to open their minds to the depth of Iroquoian traditional thought. Chief Thomas's wisdom and humour were so often called upon for guidance and inspiration in the formative years of the Native Studies department. His Nation, the Cayuga, have lost one of their great keepers of wisdom and ceremonial knowledge. His country, Canada, has lost an invaluable and irreplaceable treasurehouse of traditional knowledge. | |
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