Notable Alumni

Doug Kirk ’70 has been an instrumental advocate for positive change at Trent Durham GTA Campus, with roles on the Trent Durham Task Force, the Trent University Durham GTA Advisory Council, and co-chair of the Trent Durham Building Campaign 

Beyond his contributions to Trent Durham GTA, Kirk is a well-known figure in the broadcasting industry. Since acquiring its first station in Ajax in 1994, Durham Radio Inc. has grown to become the parent company and operator of stations in Sunderland, Toronto, Oshawa, Hamilton-Burlington, Haldimand County and Grimsby-Beamsville, and recently entered into an agreement with Bell Media Inc. to acquire stations in Peterborough and Lindsay.  

Prior to founding Durham Radio Inc., Kirk spent eight years in commercial lending at TD Bank and 18 years at Burns Fry (now BMO Nesbitt Burns) as an equities analyst specializing in the cable TV, media, and telecom sectors.   

Kirk began his second term on Trent University’s Board of Governors and is currently serving as Chair. He credits his success to his time at Trent University and is optimistic about the future of Durham Radio and the Durham region. 

Sisters Maddie ’07 and Kiki ’06 Longo, both graduates of Trent Durham GTA with degrees in Psychology, have transformed their shared passion for BBQ into a thriving entertainment empire. Known as Canada’s favourite female grill masters, they own The Grill Studio, where they produce a live cooking show, a backyard design show called BBQ Happy Place, and BBQ how-to videos that are as tasty as they are creative.

Their dynamic personalities and unique approach to grilling have earned them a spot in the Top 10 Grill Experts of North America and regular features in Forbes Magazine. The siblings travel across the USA and Canada, appearing on morning shows, podcasts, radio, and live events inspiring people of all ages to fall in love with the art of outdoor cookery.

Oliver Cooper ’01 is a seasoned litigator with extensive experience in both Provincial and Superior Courts across Ontario and Alberta. He joined McGillen Keay Cooper (MKC Law Office) in 2011, becoming partner in 2013. Cooper’s practice spans civil and family litigation, including personal injury, wrongful dismissal, estate litigation, and commercial disputes.  

Cooper’s educational journey began at Trent Durham, where he discovered a passion for Sociology, which he pursued alongside a minor in Psychology, before advancing to law school at the University of Alberta. 

Margaret Williams ’19, a Trent Durham Gender & Social Justice graduate, is an accomplished singer-songwriter. She debuted her original song “I hope you’re proud now” on CBC Metro Morning, and performed at Honey Jam, a development program for emerging female artists, where she earned the Yamaha Award.  

While at Trent Durham, Williams gained invaluable experience as the 2023 CBC Radio Peter Gzowski intern. During her internship, Williams produced original stories for various CBC programs, including The Block and Metro Morning, while learning the art of fast-paced, engaging journalism.  

Jaleesa Allen ‘18, a Child & Youth Studies Trent Durham graduate, is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist specializing in child and adolescent mental health at Markham Stouffville Hospital. Passionate about social justice, she focuses on supporting marginalized communities, particularly those affected by trauma and violence. 

Allen’s dedication to culturally responsive care inspires her colleagues, peers, and the families she supports, and in 2024 she was awarded the Young Leader Award from the Trent University Alumni Association. 

Alvin Brown ’05 is the CEO and founder of The Centre for Healing and Peak Performance (TCHPP), a multidisciplinary wellness and peak performance centre located in Pickering, Ontario, Canada. He is also the founder of the sought after Integrated Peak Performance Consulting (IPPC) certification program, a mind and body peak performance training system.  

A graduate of Trent Durham GTA with a Psychology degree, Brown is also a passionate international speaker and author of “Journey to Personal Greatness, Mind, Body & Soul: A Blueprint for Life Balance & Self-Mastery.”  

Olivia Molica Lazzaro ‘17 is a teacher with the Durham District Catholic School Board. After graduating from Trent Durham with a double major in Psychology & Anthropology, Olivia continued her studies as Trent, earning a Master’s degree in Anthropology in 2023.  

Olivia discovered her passion for teaching while at Trent. She also took part in research opportunities and study abroad experiences as an undergraduate student at Trent Durham, including working at a dig site in Belize alongside Dr. Helen Haines, director of the Ka’Kabish Archeological Research Project and professor at Trent University Durham.