Inspiring the Next Generation: Dr. Stephen Stohn Reappointed Chancellor of Trent University
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.
CONTACT INFO:
Cara Walsh, Communications & Media Relations Officer, Trent University, (705) 748-1011 x6240 or carawalsh@trentu.ca
Posted on December 3, 2021