Inspiring the Next Generation: Dr. Stephen Stohn Reappointed Chancellor of Trent University
Canadian entertainment industry powerhouse and proud Trent alumnus looking forward to serving a second three-year term
Award-winning producer and esteemed entertainment lawyer, Dr. Stephen Stohn ’66, has been reappointed as chancellor of Trent University for a second three-year term, following an interactive first-term filled with meaningful engagement and memorable moments with the Trent community.
“Over the last three years, and with great perseverance during COVID, Stephen has embodied the Trent spirit as chancellor and a champion for the University,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, the president of Trent. “During this time he has worn many hats – that of a judge presiding over mock trials with our Trent/Swansea dual law degree students, as an ambassador at alumni events, and a host of the Trent Talks series. We are truly fortunate to have another three years of his engagement with the entire Trent community.”
Dr. Stohn was sworn in as Trent University’s twelfth chancellor – and second alumni chancellor – in June 2019. His first three years as chancellor have been remarkably interactive, in spite of a global pandemic, and filled with memorable moments for students, alumni, employees and community members alike. Dr. Stohn’s warmth has energized events in the classroom (in-person and virtually), within Trent’s collegiate communities, at alumni networking opportunities, the University’s virtual Grad from Your Pad celebrations, and local community events. As host of Trent Talks – an interactive video series offering timely, reliable and thought-provoking information, he engaged with faculty members and virtual audiences exploring a range of topics including the environment, epidemiology, learning-at-home, and unmasking racism.
“As someone who was a student at Trent in its early days, it has been my delight to serve as Chancellor, some 50 years later, at a time when the University is truly manifesting its early vision and promise in such exciting ways,” said Dr. Stohn. “I look forward to continuing to serve, and to being able to spend even more time not just online but also directly, in-person and on-campus, as the pandemic recedes and all of us in the Trent community face a new future.”
Since graduating from Trent with a Bachelor of Arts in Philosophy and Economics in 1969, Dr. Stohn has been a pivotal supporter of Trent University, while enjoying an outstanding career in the entertainment industry as a lawyer, award-winning producer, songwriter and author. Dr. Stohn is a 14-time Canadian Screen Award winner (formerly the Gemini Awards) who may be best known as the executive producer of the Degrassi television franchise. For his innumerable contributions to the industry, Mr. Stohn was inducted into the Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame in 2011.
“Chancellor Stohn is an exceptional communicator and a shining example of the potential of a Trent education,” shares Marilyn Burns, vice-president of Communications, Colleges and Enrolment at Trent. “His enthusiastic engagement with Trent’s colleges and special moments with Trent students brought an air of optimism during the pandemic. We are looking forward to seeing the creativity and engagement Chancellor Stohn brings to his next term.”
Dr. Stohn’s transformational philanthropic support for Trent has also been key in the development of several projects at the University, including a $1 million gift to make the new Student Centre a reality and establish Stohn Hall lecture theatre.
Duties of Trent University’s Chancellor
The role of the chancellor includes conferring all degrees and diplomas and sitting as an ex officio member of the Board of Governors and the Senate. In addition, the chancellor serves as chair of the Senate Executive sub-committee on University Honours and represents the University in an official capacity at external functions from time to time. Each chancellor brings his or her special talents and interests to the position, and enters into and enhances the life of the University. The term of the office is normally for three years but is renewable upon the recommendation of Senate Executive and the agreement of Senate and the incumbent.
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.
Cara Walsh, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca