All Class Notes

There’s a group of alumni rowers from the mid-late 1970s, who continue to return to Trent every two to three years to reunite, reminisce, and row!

It seems like yesterday I was at Trent University, studying English Literature and Cultural Studies while preparing to become a teacher. Recently, I am proud to have been selected as the 4th Poet Laureate of Cobourg (2019-2022) and to have won the Geoffrey Bilson Award for Historical Fiction for Young People in 2024. “Bernice and the Georgian Bay Gold” is a novel for middle grade students, inspired by my Métis family story, and takes place at the lighthouse where my grandfather lived. Last year, teaching at Trent University felt like my story had come full circle, returning to where it all began.

As an elementary school teacher, I saw the need for more Social Emotional Learning. I wrote the children’s book, “Releasing the Complain Dragon,” which includes a detailed discussion guide for parents and teachers. This story is designed to help children understand that all emotions are important, that we are capable of meeting our needs, and that the best way to move forward during uncomfortable feelings is to practice self-compassion. The book is currently available for purchase on Amazon. 

As a proud member of Trent's Class of 1994 and an Otonabee College affiliate, I was delighted to return for HOTT to celebrate my son, Felyx Greenway-Moore, at his 2024 Traill College scarfing ceremony. It fills me with joy that he has chosen the institution that shaped my life so profoundly. My time at Trent gave me cherished memories and lifelong friendships I will always treasure. Returning was a nostalgic journey that allowed me to reconnect with so many other graduates that I had lost touch with, rekindling cherished relationships. 

This past summer I had the incredible opportunity to complete a field research internship with the prestigious Orca Behaviour Institute on San Juan Island, Washington. By recording the behaviours of two separate populations of killer whales in the Salish Sea, including the critically endangered southern resident orcas, I was able to utilize the skills I’ve gained from Trent, contribute to meaningful science, and make global connections with the marine mammal community. It was the experience of a lifetime, and I hope to continue advocating for these whales and their environment throughout my conservation career. 

Throughout my career, I’m proud to have reached a number of milestones, including being named a Leading Lawyer by both Lexpert and Who's Who Legal as well as most recently being recognized by The Best Lawyers in Canada™ (2025). Since graduating from Trent University, I earned my law degree and have counseled some of Toronto’s major companies as they navigate an ever-evolving employment landscape. The latest step of my professional journey has led me to the world’s largest labour and employment law firm, Littler.

Two years ago, my life expanded when I met Carolee Custus working in an Inuit Art Gallery, we immediately bonded and realized we attended the same high school. We married on June 29, 2024, the first time for either of us. Newlyweds at 55! My milestones since Trent include working for law firms on major Aboriginal Treaty and Title Ligation as Advisor, Researcher, and Database Manager. My graduate work resulted in a settlement of 1.2 billion for Williams Treaties First Nations. Currently, I am a College Professor in Indigenous Studies and Reconciliation and continue my work on Aboriginal Treaty and Title Litigation.  

My journey from Trent University rower to chairman of Row Ontario’s Board of Directors reflects a lifelong dedication to the sport. A native of Brockville, Ontario, I began rowing at the Brockville Rowing Club in high school and competed at Trent University, where I earned a Business degree and won medals for Canada at the Under-23 World Championships twice. My experience as an athlete and coach - spanning Brock University, Ridley Graduate Boat Club, St. Catharines Rowing Club, Team Ontario and Rowing Canada - has equipped me with a broad perspective on rowing development and competition.

When I toured Trent University for the first time in July 2015, I had a gut feeling that it would be a place that changed my life. It has been 9 years since I started at Trent, 5 years since I graduated, and only a few weeks since I walked the campus, and I can honestly say that when I think of Trent, all I can think of is that there is "no place like home." I had gone to Trent knowing that I wanted to be a lawyer, and I pursued a Major in International Development Studies (IDST) with an Emphasis in Law and Policy.

Since graduating from Trent in 2022, my journey has been exhilarating. In my second season as a brakeman for the Canadian National Bobsleigh Team, I’ve made great strides, competing on the North American Cup circuit with pilot Cyrus Gray. Finishing the circuit with a few top 6 finishes has been a huge improvement from last year and now, I’m aiming higher. The 2024-2025 season marks a major milestone as I was nominated to participate at World Championships in Lake Placid, New York. Competing at this level is a dream, and I’m focused on continuing to develop my abilities and aiming for the 2026 Olympics. Outside of bobsleigh, I’m committed to making sports more accessible.