Trent University Honours Eight Outstanding Alumni with 2024 Alumni Awards
This year’s recipients recognized for leadership in climate, politics, archaeology, science, social justice, and governance
Trent University is proud to announce the recipients of the 2024 Alumni Association Awards, eight outstanding alumni recognized for their achievements both during and following their time at Trent.
Among this year’s recipients are a celebrated Indigenous environmental leader, a former premier known for championing public healthcare, a world-renowned archaeologist, and a social worker whose work supports people from vulnerable populations.
“Congratulations to all of the award recipients whose work is creating meaningful change in their communities, professions, and within the University,” said Naomi Handley, director of Alumni Engagement & Services. “We are honoured to recognize their vision and remarkable achievements, which, in true Trent fashion, are making transformational change across the globe.”
A full list of the 2024 recipients are as follows:
Distinguished Alumni Award
John Horgan ’79, a former B.C. premier, leader of the B.C. NDP, and champion for public healthcare.
Dr. Henry Lickers ’68, a renowned biologist and environmental leader who has been instrumental in bringing Indigenous perspective to local, national, and international environmental initiatives.
Dr. Heather McKillop ’72, a leading authority in the field of Maya archaeology and one of the most important archaeologists of the past century to have enhanced the world’s understanding of the coastal Maya of Belize, particularly the underwater sites with preserved ancient wooden buildings.
Spirit of Trent Award
Dr. Deryck R. Persaud ’89, an innovative researcher, scientist, academic, mentor, and entrepreneur whose groundbreaking research on dietary fatty acids has helped alleviate symptoms for people with autism, ADHD, anxiety, diabetes, and dementia.
Young Leader Award
Jaleesa Allen ’18, a clinical social worker and psychotherapist who is passionate about advancing social justice for children and adolescents, while addressing the unique challenges faced by people from marginalized communities and vulnerable backgrounds.
David Glassco Prize (student leadership)
Kelsey Scott ’19, a recent graduate recognized for having been an outstanding student leader who led her peers through various initiatives, demonstrated excellence in paid and volunteer roles, and engaged in a vast array of extracurricular activities.
Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize (student governance)
Aimée-Marie Anctil ’20, a recent graduate recognized for having been a remarkable student leader who used her governance roles in the Trent Central Students’ Association to successfully pursue socioeconomic justice for students including efforts in anti-racism, housing, mental health, access to free legal advice, transportation rights, and food security.
Emma Kaszecki ’16, a Trent graduate and third-year Ph.D. candidate who has made substantial gains for Trent graduate students in a variety of governance roles including Student Services, the Trent Graduate Student Association, research, and the Trent University Board of Governors.
The annual awards will be presented in Fall 2024.
About the Trent University Alumni Association Awards
Across Canada and around the globe, Trent University alumni are building a better world by effecting change, making a difference, demonstrating leadership, and giving back through significant contributions in their communities, in their professions, or with the University. Each year, the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) is proud to honour alumni doing this important work through a series of prestigious awards. Nominations are due to the TUAA Awards & Recognition Committee each March.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.
For more information, contact:
Celia Grimbly, Senior Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6180 or celiagrimbly@trentu.ca