Trent University will honour four distinguished Canadians, including: the first female leader of a major Canadian bank; a publisher and entrepreneur devoted to Canadian nature; an internationally-renowned novelist; and an acclaimed Canadian journalist, as the University’s 2016 honorary degree recipients at Trent’s 2016 Convocation ceremonies to be held June 3 to 9, 2016.   

“Each year, Trent recognizes a group of inspiring individuals with the University’s highest honour: an honorary doctorate. This year we continue that tradition,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor at Trent University. “At our upcoming ceremonies, we’re proud to pay tribute to four outstanding individuals who enrich our lives in the fields of business, literature, technology, and the environment.”

The following individuals will be presented with an honorary degree at this year’s ceremonies:

Kathleen Taylor – Friday, June 3, 2016 – 11:00 a.m. ceremony Trent University Durham

Honorary Doctor of Laws degree to be awarded for achievements in the banking industry, fostering respectful workplace cultures, and her dedication and contribution to charitable causes.

Ms. Taylor will receive her honorary degree at a special convocation ceremony for Trent University Durham graduates, to be held in the Durham region for the first time in University history.

Michael de Pencier – Tuesday, June 7, 2016 – 2:00 p.m. ceremony

Honorary Doctor of Laws degree to be awarded for significant contributions to Canadian nature, art, and publishing.

Linwood Barclay – Wednesday, June 8, 2016, 10:00 a.m. ceremony

Honorary Doctor of Letters degree to be awarded for significant contributions to Canadian journalism and literature

Roy MacGregor – Wednesday, June 8, 2016 – 2:00 p.m. ceremony

Honorary Doctor of Letters degree to be awarded for significant contributions to literature, arts, journalism and culture in Canada

Profiles are below and full bios, including nominator and recipient quotes, are available on the Convocation website at trentu.ca/convocation  

HONORARY DEGREE RECIPIENT PROFILES

Kathleen Taylor

Kathleen Taylor became the first female to lead a major Canadian bank after accepting the position of chair of the Board of the Royal Bank of Canada (RBC) in 2014. Known for her vision and work ethic, her accomplishments represent a powerful step forward for women in the boardroom. 

With a Bachelor of Arts (Honours) from the University of Toronto, an M.B.A. degree from the Schulich School of Business, and a law degree from Osgoode Hall Law School, Ms. Taylor started her career practicing competition and securities law on Bay Street, before she began her rise in the hospitality industry in 1989. During the span of her 24-year career with Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts she was named chief executive officer in 2010, a promotion which was followed by many senior leadership roles with the company, including president and chief operating officer, and president, worldwide business operations. Transitioning to her time with RBC, Ms. Taylor has sat on the company’s Board since 2001 chairing many committees.

Also dedicated to giving back to the community, Ms. Taylor is chair of the Board of the Hospital for Sick Children Foundation and a director of the Canada Pension Plan Investment Board. She is also chair of the Principal’s International Advisory Board of McGill University, a member of the Dean’s Advisory Council of the Schulich School of Business of York University, and a member of the C.D. Howe Institute’s National Council.

Michael de Pencier

As chairman of Key Publishers Company Ltd., co-founder of InvestEco Capital Corporation, and former chairman of Green Living Enterprises Inc., Michael de Pencier is a publishing powerhouse, and environmental champion. He has played a key role in the success of many familiar publications we know today in Canada. As an environmental investor and entrepreneur he fosters a deeply-rooted passion for addressing environmental concerns across Canada.

A pillar in the arts and science communities, Mr. de Pencier has sat on several Advisory Committees and Boards of Governors of national organizations including: the Shaw Festival, Women’s College Hospital, Canadian Opera Company, Centre Stage, Tarragon Theatre, the Toronto Arts Council, the Ontario College of Art and Design, World Wildlife Fund Canada, and the Canadian Art Foundation.

Mr. de Pencier is a Philosophy graduate of the University of Toronto (B.A.), and University of Michigan (M.A.), and holds an LL.D from Ryerson University. He is a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographical Society, and an honorary fellow of the Ontario College of Art and Design, and has been honoured with the Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Magazine Awards Foundation, the Order of Ontario (1997), and the Order of Canada (1999).

Linwood Barclay '73

Known for international bestsellers including Trust Your Eyes and A Tap on the Window, acclaimed author Linwood Barclay ‘73 knew he wanted to write mystery novels since he was a teenager operating his family’s summer tourism business near Peterborough. While earning his Bachelor of Arts (Honours) degree in English Literature at Trent University, he fuelled his passion for writing and met the love of his life, his wife Neetha.

Mr. Barclay’s time at Trent University from 1973 to 1977 proved to be instrumental for the future novelist. He fondly recalls Dr. Lee Beach, a former Psychology and English professor at Trent, allowing him to write a short novel instead of an essay for an assignment, and through the years kept ties with some of his favourite professors, including Gordon Johnston, a former English Literature professor at Trent. While at the University, he practiced his craft working on a magazine for Lady Eaton College “Trent was part of the process of learning about the power that words have, and how important it is to find just the right ones,” explained Mr. Barclay.

After graduation Mr. Barclay landed his first job at the local newspaper, The Peterborough Examiner. This experience led to a lengthy career at The Toronto Star beginning in 1982, where he held a variety of editorial positions including news editor and life section editor. He also became a very popular humour columnist for The Toronto Star, writing three columns a week, a position he held for 15 years before retiring in 2008 to focus solely on writing novels.

From mysterious thrillers to comedic columns, Mr. Barclay’s vast scope of writing has earned many accolades in Canada and abroad. 

Roy MacGregor

As a renowned print journalist, screenwriter, and author of over 50 books, Roy MacGregor is a significant commentator and master storyteller of the Canadian identity. His children’s books, Globe and Mail column, and recent national bestseller, Canoe Country: The Making of Canada, are components of an expansive career that appeals to diverse interests, cultures, ages and mediums throughout Canada. As an officer of the Order of Canada (2005), and a media inductee into the Hockey Hall of Fame (2012), Mr. MacGregor’s achievements are as varied as his interdisciplinary approach to covering politics, sports, science, and Canadian culture.

As the Ashley fellow scholar-in-residence (2014-2015) hosted by Gzowski College, and father of two Trent alumni, Mr. MacGregor is very familiar with Trent University. His work often focuses on subjects relevant to Peterborough and the Trent community, including hockey in popular culture and the Canadian wilderness. In 2014 he attracted a standing-room only crowd to his Canoe Lake CSI: The Enduring Mystery of Tom Thomson lecture at the Canadian Canoe Museum in Peterborough. Shelagh Rogers, broadcaster and Jack Matthews Fellow at Trent (2013-2014) once called MacGregor “the heir to Peter Gzowski.”

A journalist for 40 years, Mr. MacGregor has worked with The Globe and Mail since 2002. He also continues to pen dozens of books on many subjects including hockey, the James Bay Cree and Tom Thomson of the Group of Seven.