2025 Alumni Award Recipients

Dr. Zach Conrad '02 (Champlain College)

Dr. Zach Conrad is an internationally recognized nutritional epidemiologist and food systems scientist whose research has transformed our understanding of how food choices impact health, sustainability, and affordability. He is currently an associate professor and director of the Nutritional Epidemiology and Food System Analytics Laboratory at William & Mary, a public research university in Williamsburg, Virginia.   

Dr. Conrad says his passion for interdisciplinary science was sparked while attending Trent, where he earned a B.A. in Biology and Anthropology in 2007. After earning graduate degrees at Tufts University in Massachusetts, Dr. Conrad worked as a postdoctoral research scientist with the US Department of Agriculture before joining William & Mary as a faculty member. He has authored more than 65 peer-reviewed scientific publications. He is the primary investigator for several projects exploring how diet affects cardiometabolic disease, greenhouse gas emissions, natural resource use, and sustainable food production. 

Many of Dr. Conrad’s deepest friendships were formed at Trent, and he says his time in Peterborough was foundational to who he is as a person and scientist. He is particularly grateful for several influential faculty, including Drs. Joseph So and Anne Keenleyside, who encouraged him to explore the interconnectedness between seemingly distinct academic fields, thereby igniting his enthusiasm for interdisciplinary research. He encourages current students to pursue the passions that bring meaning to their lives, not only as hobbies but as potential career paths.  

“Zach's experience at Trent, which began 23 years ago, changed his life,” wrote a nominator. “Today, he is recreating that experience for his own undergraduate students, at a public liberal arts university much like Trent, so they have the tools to make a difference for people in ways they couldn't have imagined before.” 

Dr. Robert Glossop '67 (Champlain College)

Dr. Robert (Bob) Glossop is a distinguished researcher on family dynamics whose work over three decades has directly influenced social policies and family law across Canada. 

Dr. Glossop completed his B.A. (Honours) in Sociology at Trent in 1971 before earning a Ph.D. in Sociology at the University of Birmingham in the United Kingdom in 1977. He joined the Vanier Institute of the Family as a program assistant in 1975. He held several progressively senior positions at the institute over the next three decades, including serving as its executive director of Programs & Research.  

In this role, Dr. Glossop worked directly with legislators, media, researchers, family service professionals, and funding bodies to promote the well-being of Canadian families. Dr. Glossop and his colleagues at the institute influenced the creation of Unified Family Courts in various jurisdictions, revisions to the Divorce Act in 1985, and revisions to Statistics Canada’s census and survey instruments. Under Dr. Glossop’s leadership, the institute developed resource materials that shaped curricula at both secondary and post-secondary levels. It informed the research of several standing committees in the House of Commons and Senate.  

His work has been recognized with numerous honours, including being inducted into the Order of Canada in 2008 and receiving honorary degrees from both Guelph University (Doctor of Science, honoris causa, 2005) and Trent University (Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, 2010). He also received the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal in 2012 and a Lifetime Achievement Award from the Lawson Foundation in 2005.  

“Over the years, Bob was deeply involved, often for extended periods, in many of the most important initiatives affecting family policy and programs, reflecting his high professional and personal reputation,” wrote a nominator.  

Neil Horne '96 (Champlain College)

Recognized for his infectious enthusiasm, tireless volunteerism, and unwavering commitment to community building, Neil Horne has made an indelible impact on both the Trent and Peterborough communities. 

After completing his Bachelor of Business Administration at Trent, Neil earned an M.B.A. at Dalhousie University and began his professional career in Toronto before returning to Peterborough to establish Gold Leaf Energy Systems, a company dedicated to helping commercial and industrial clients achieve energy savings. 

Upon his return, Neil quickly reconnected with the Trent rowing community. Since 2011, he has served as vice-chair and chair of the Head of the Trent Regatta, guiding its expansion to a two-day event featuring more than 800 boats and 1,400 athletes. His leadership has been instrumental in strengthening the Trent University Rowing Club and enhancing the reputation of the Head of the Trent as one of Canada’s premier rowing events. 

In 2019, Neil helped establish the Rowing Endowment Fund at Trent, which has since grown to over $40,000 to support the long-term sustainability of the club. His rowing leadership extends to the Peterborough Rowing Club, where he has served on the board for more than 16 years.  

Beyond rowing, Neil’s commitment to community engagement is equally evident. He has served on the board of the Kawartha Montessori School, coached and mentored youth in the Jack Rabbits program at the Kawartha Nordic Ski Club, and brings neighbours together through recreational and social events in his community. 

“One of Neil’s many gifts is his ability to bring people into his orbit of purpose,” wrote a nominator. “Before you know it, you're pitching in on a project or volunteering for a cause, not out of obligation, but because Neil's passion is so authentic and infectious. He makes contributing feel joyful and meaningful, and that is a rare and beautiful thing.” 

Dr. Theresa Stotesbury '07 (Peter Gzowski College)

An esteemed forensic scientist, Dr. Theresa Stotesbury’s outstanding work both within and outside of academia has helped transform and strengthen this field across Canada.  

An associate professor in the Faculty of Science’s Forensic Science Program at Ontario Tech University, Dr. Stotesbury completed both her B.A. and Ph.D. (Materials Science) at Trent while earning an M.Sc. in Forensic Science at the University of Auckland. Her research focuses on advancing forensic investigations by examining the degradation of biological tissues, such as blood, in the environment.  

A former research scientist with the Ontario Provincial Police, Dr. Stotesbury regularly collaborates with members of the bloodstain pattern analysis community and has had her novel work in this area featured in Maclean’s magazine. Her innovations include developing a synthetic blood for training and leading studies that examine how to put accurate timestamps on biological evidence.  

While at Trent, Dr. Stotesbury received the Vanier Canada Graduate Scholarship along with several other prestigious awards, and she was instrumental in designing and implementing Trent’s M.Sc. in Forensic Science graduate degree program—the only one of its kind in Canada.   

Dr. Stotesbury is highly popular with her students and is passionate about fostering the next generation of forensic scientists. As one nominator stated: “As a natural leader, Theresa is inspiring. She offers a positive outlook and seems to have endless energy. This creates an environment that students gravitate towards.” 

Jordan MacDonald '21 (Catharine Parr Traill College)

A dedicated researcher and community advocate, Jordan MacDonald is pursuing a Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology at the University of New Brunswick (UNB), where his work is reshaping understanding and support for young parents across Canada. 

MacDonald’s research examines the experiences of teen and young parents in Canada and the factors that help them succeed. Drawing on both lived experience as a teen father and scholarly inquiry, his work seeks to renew and strengthen research in this area to inform better policies and support systems. 

His journey into higher education was not the product of a conventional path or a broad network of support, but rather of persistence in the face of discouragement. Each stage of his academic journey represented a critical transition – from high school to university, from undergraduate studies to a Master’s degree, and ultimately into a Ph.D. program. These transitions are among the most difficult to navigate without meaningful support, and he credits his ability to move through each stage to the influence of key teachers, university faculty, and loved ones who believed in him during pivotal moments.

At Trent University, the mentorship of faculty, most notably Dr. Geoff Navara, offered not only academic guidance but also a genuine sense of belonging. This mentorship was, in his own words, “transformational,” shaping his research identity and instilling the confidence required to pursue doctoral studies.

“There is something magical about Trent,” said MacDonald, “I do not know how to define it; you just have to experience it.”  

Beyond academia, MacDonald founded Adapt NB, a registered non-profit organization dedicated to helping young parents complete their education and navigate the challenges of early parenthood. His leadership continues to inspire others to create communities of care and empowerment. 

David Christopher Leach '70 (Peter Robinson College)

Widely regarded as the ‘founding father’ of rowing at both Trent and the wider Peterborough community, Olympian Chris Leach left an enduring legacy on his beloved sport as an athlete and leader.  

Born in St. Catharines, Ontario, Leach was a competitive rower throughout high school and was selected to join the national rowing team. Before arriving at Trent as a mature student in 1970, he represented Canada at the World Rowing Championships and competed at the Olympic Games in Rome (1960) and Tokyo (1964). 

Recognizing the untapped potential of the Otonabee River and Trent’s natural environment, Leach set out to establish rowing as a defining part of the Trent and Peterborough communities. Starting with no dock, boathouse, or funding, he worked tirelessly to build both the Trent University Rowing Club (TURC) and the Peterborough Rowing Club (PRC) into nationally recognized entities, each of which acknowledges Leach as its founder.  

In 1971, Leach led efforts to establish the Head of the Trent Regatta as a showcase for the University’s newly established rowing club. What began with 13 boats has since grown into Canada’s largest event of its kind, drawing more than 800 boats, 1,400 athletes, and thousands of spectators each fall. 

A gifted coach and mentor, Leach inspired countless rowers with his belief in hard work, determination, and the importance of infusing every challenge with a dose of fun and humour.  

Leach passed away on May 4, 2025, leaving behind a profound and lasting imprint on Trent and the sport of rowing. This legacy makes him an ideal recipient of Trent’s inaugural Founder’s Spirit Award.  

“For many of us, Chris was profoundly influential on our lives,” wrote a nominator. “He inspired an ethos of believing in oneself that many of us carried for the rest of our lives, and one that inspired our club motto: Step Back Non-Believers.” 

Rylin Wormington (Otonabee College)

A fourth-year student pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Forensic Science and Psychology, Rylin Wormington is recognized for her exceptional leadership and commitment to student governance and engagement.  

Wormington’s journey in student governance began as co-president of the Residence Council, where she worked to create inclusive programming and worked closely with University staff to address student housing concerns. She later joined the Otonabee College Cabinet (OCC) as junior senator, where she distinguished herself as a dedicated advocate for her peers. Her ongoing leadership with the OCC, as vice-president and now president, reflects her deep pride in fostering student engagement and community spirit.  

A passionate student advocate, Wormington has focused on issues related to food insecurity and mental health, ensuring University leaders hear student concerns. She credits her Trent experience with teaching her the importance of stepping outside one’s comfort zone and embracing the things that scare you most.  

“From her first year at Trent University, Rylin has consistently demonstrated a strong sense of initiative, responsibility, and a genuine commitment to student engagement,” wrote a nominator. “Her leadership is grounded in service, empowerment, and a sincere dedication to the betterment of the Trent community.” 

Anne Warigia Kitheka (Lady Eaton College)

A recent graduate with a joint degree in Biology and Business Administration, Anne Warigia Kitheka has left a lasting impact on the Trent community through her leadership and commitment to fostering a welcoming, inclusive campus for all students.  

During her time at Trent, Kitheka served in multiple leadership roles, including three years with the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA). She also served as president of the Trent Association of Black Students, the Urithi Black Mentorship Program, and Relay for Life, where she led successful fundraising efforts to support cancer research.  

A passionate peer mentor, Kitheka worked with Trent International as an international orientation leader and global ambassador, helping international students transition into university life, and also guided peers on their leadership journey as an IMPACT leadership mentor. 

Kitheka’s Trent experiences have taught her that effective and ethical leadership prioritizes relationships and community over profit or personal gain. She encourages current students to seek support and lean on their peers and the university community during challenging times.  

Now pursuing an M.B.A. at McMaster University’s DeGroote School of Business, Kitheka aims to combine her science and business backgrounds to build a career in biotech valuation and private equity.  

“Anne is an excellent communicator and listener, having built strong relationships with students and stakeholders across campus through her work,” wrote a nominator. “Her positive attitude and strong interpersonal skills make her an asset to any group dynamic.” 

Izabelle Miranda (Peter Gzowski College)

A respected and tireless student leader within the Trent community, Izzy Miranda has been involved in myriad student support initiatives since enrolling at Trent in 2022.   

In just three years, Izzy has held over 10 positions in various university clubs and organizations, including the Anne Shirley Theatre Company, where she has collaborated on six productions. She is actively involved in welcoming new students to campus through orientation events, serving one year as a leader and one year as a facilitator. Mental health advocacy is also important to Izzy, which she has embodied through her work with the Trent Active Minds organization, serving as its social media chair and designing a wide range of posters, stickers, and other items. 

Izzy says that being at Trent makes her feel like part of an incredibly close-knit family, which inspires her to consistently take on new responsibilities and endeavours in support of her fellow students. She successfully manages multiple roles while maintaining high academic standards as she works towards a B.A. in Psychology. 

“Izzy is kind, passionate, organized, and always willing to do what needs to be done to make any production or event a success,” wrote Izzy’s nominators. “Izzy is a quiet leader, working behind the scenes, always volunteering time, and always showing care and compassion to fellow students in any role that they take on.”