All Class Notes

  • Shana French smiling in a red blazer

    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.

  • Dan Shaule and his wife Carolee Custus on their wedding day.

    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.  

  • Peter Van Rooijen wearing a baseball hat and sunglasses

    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.

  • Rachel Smylie smiling in a Trent hallway

    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.

  • Louie Cesar de Guzman smiling

    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.

  • Linwood Barclay in front of an exposed brick wall

    As a proud Trent alumnus, I’m excited to share my latest novel, Whistle, with you. This book marks a new direction for me - a supernatural thriller that delves into grief, mystery, and the eerie power of an old train set. Annie Blunt, seeking a fresh start, moves to a quiet town with her son, only to find herself haunted by unsettling visions and strange occurrences. Writing Whistle was a thrilling challenge, and I can’t wait for you to experience its twists and chills. Trent has played a key role in shaping my journey as a writer, and I hope this story resonates with you. Happy reading! 

  • Harvey McCue looking right with a reflection of Gzowski College in a window behind him.

    My journey began at Trent in 1966 when I began year two of what became a four-year degree. The following year I served as the President of the Champlain College Cabinet when several meetings with President Tom Symons early in my term sparked the creation of Canada’s first Indigenous Studies program. That moment shaped my path in Indigenous education and advocacy. Today, I’m deeply honoured to receive the Indspire Lifetime Achievement Award - recognition from Indigenous peers across the country. It’s a humbling milestone that reflects decades of work advancing the well-being and education of Indigenous youth.