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There is no doubt that the Ashley Fellowship appointments are a remarkable aspect of Trent University's mandate. Last year, celebrated opera dancer Frank Augustyn graced our campus and this year, the late Prof. Allen Ashley would be equally proud of its recipient. The college-based fellowship brings scholars with varying interests into one of the colleges and subsequently, in contact with undergraduates and faculty associated with all disciplines. Richard Bocking is a noted economist, author and documentarian. As the 2001-02 Ashley Fellow, he is providing the Trent community with insight into the future of Canada's resources.

Born and raised in Thunder Bay, Ontario, Richard Bocking attended the University of Manitoba and graduated with a degree in agricultural economics. For several years thereafter, he was employed in that field by the Alberta government. His work then took him into broadcasting as the cbc invited him to help produce farm-related programs for radio and television. His broadcasting interests developed to include performing arts and environmental and resource issues. He was transferred to Vancouver to take on the role of television producer. Some of those feature documentaries, produced both in Canada and abroad, include: The Music of Man (1979); Vivaldi (1986) which was filmed in Venice and Montreal and awarded the Prix Anik for best music program on cbc television in 1987; Canada To-morrow (1973) showcasing the development policies of Canada; and, perhaps most notably, Canada's Water For Sale? (1970) which studied the issue of exporting Canada's water to the United States. Mr Bocking has generously donated copies of his documentary films to the university, which are available to students and faculty through the Audio Visual department.

In 1997, Mr Bocking published Mighty River: A Portrait Of The Fraser. The book serves not only as an illustration of the "magnificence and extraordinary history" of the river, but is also used as a tool to theorize on the "conflicts and choices that dominate North America's economic, social and environmental agendas." His continued study of agriculture fosters his concern about genetic engineering and the equally important issues of food safety and the control of the Canadian and, indeed, global food supply. He intends to carry on writing and speaking on issues that concern himself (and many of us), notably those involving water resources and sustainable agriculture.

Given Trent University's reputation in the area of environmental resource science, it is likely no accident that Richard Bocking is spending some time at Trent. For him, it is "a distinct honour" to have been chosen as the Ashley Fellow; to be able to live on campus and participate in the academic milieu, including contributing to the chancellor's dialogue chaired by Peter Gzowski. As well, he's been invited to lecture in classes in the environmental resource science and Canadian studies programs, and will be actively involved in a three day workshop at Trent concerning water resources.

When asked just what it is about Trent that he enjoyed, Mr. Bocking had this to say:
"Getting to know Trent University has been an extraordinary experience. The physical environment is, of course, unique, but so is the freedom that seems to extend here in so many dimensions. The widespread interdisciplinary collaboration at Trent is more difficult to achieve or even to imagine in larger, older universities. The enthusiasm of faculty and students is remarkable.

Trent University remains a public university where collegiality, freedom of speech, and open, innovative research remain prime values. I'm grateful that such an institution will provide a permanent home for most of the documentary films I have produced over the past three decades."

This is indeed a fitting tribute to the alma mater that we all cherish. It is clear that Richard Bocking understands the importance of Trent's focus on small group teaching as well as the university's pursuit of a significant reputation for research. The Trent community is fortunate to have such a distinguished scholar in its midst.

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