Trent University alumni, students, staff, and community members came together for an online ceremony to celebrate two recipients of the 2020 Trent University Alumni Association Student Awards: the Robert W. F. Stephenson and David Glassco Prizes. This year’s Robert W.F. Stephenson prize was awarded to Caleb Button, and the David Glassco Prize was awarded to Jordan Hamilton.

“It was joyful seeing Mr. Hamilton and Mr. Button, along with their family members, join in this virtual event where their outstanding contributions were recognized,” said Lee Hays, director of Alumni Engagement and Services. “The Trent Alumni Association is appreciative of the donors who generously contribute in so many ways, including establishing these financial awards for students.”

Mr. Button recently graduated with a B.A. (Hon) in Economics.  During his time as a Trent student, he made significant contributions to Champlain College (including acting as cabinet president) and to the broader student community as an orientation facilitator and international student programming assistant. He has also been honoured with the 2020 Alumni College Recognition Award, which is presented to a Champlain College graduating student who has made a significant and continuous contribution to the College, the Champlain College Coffee Cup Award, the Dr. Michael Allcott Award, and the Trent International Staff Award.

The Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize for Excellence in Student Governance was established by the Alumni Association on the occasion of Mr. Stephenson’s completion of his term as chair of Trent's Board of Governors. Mr. Stephenson was the first alumnus to hold the position of chair. Valued at $1000, the prize, which recognizes outstanding student leaders, was first awarded in 1995. The Award for Excellence in Student Governance underscores the alumni Association's high regard for student leadership contribution to the overall mission of Trent University.

Mr. Hamilton recently graduated with a B.Sc. (Hon) in Economics. He was a high achieving student academically and had the opportunity to write his fourth-year thesis under the supervision of Trent’s founding president, Professor T.H.B Symons. He acted as president of the Trent University Rowing Club and vice-president of Finance for the Trent BusinessStudents’ Association.

Through his time as a student, Jordan was the recipient of several awards, including the Maurice Boote Prize, Michael Cullen Award, Gary Wolff Leadership Award, and Jennifer Read Leadership Award. He was named an All-OUA Academic student athlete.

The David Glassco Prize is presented to a student who has demonstrated outstanding generosity of spirit in a range of activities outside the classroom, including music, athletics, or theatre, in the Trent and Peterborough communities. It underscores the Alumni Association’s high regard for student leadership contribution to the overall mission of Trent University.