Class Notes

Catch up on the lives, careers, and accomplishments of Trent alumni near and far.

By Trent Alumni

July 20, 2026

John Butcher '67 (Traill College)

My work in hockey has long been driven by a commitment to teaching and supporting those who officiate it. I was honoured to receive a Lifetime Achievement Award for Hockey Officiating from Ottawa Sports Awards, recognizing more than 50 years of volunteer service to the sport. Over five decades, I have contributed as an on‑ice official, administrator, and, most recently, as a coach and mentor with referees and linespersons working in University, Junior, and elite Minor hockey. This journey has been filled with rewarding, memorable, and occasionally controversial experiences, reflecting both the challenges and the deep satisfaction of giving back to the hockey community, and especially to the on-ice officials within it.

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Rann Sharma '97 (Peter Robinson College)

My work is driven by a commitment to developing people, strengthening organizations, and creating meaningful impact through leadership. Since graduating from Trent University, I have built an impactful career in Human Resources, with a focus on leadership development, mentorship, and organizational excellence. I have been honoured to be recognized as one of Women We Admire’s Top 50 Women Leaders in Toronto for three consecutive years (2023–2025). I was proud to serve as an Action Canada Fellow, an experience that deepened my understanding of public policy, social impact, and strategic leadership. Most recently, I was nominated and recognized in Human Resource Development’s inaugural Canada’s Top Women in HR: Elite Women list, alongside inspiring leaders shaping the future of the profession.

Julia Weagle '06 (Otonabee College)

Sport taught me resilience, leadership, and how to rise to every challenge. In 2024, I came out of competitive curling retirement to skip for Team Nunavut at the 2025 Scotties Tournament of Hearts and am so excited to have returned to compete at the tournament again in 2026. Saying yes to this opportunity has been life changing, especially the chance to connect with the community in Iqaluit and experience northern culture. Sport has always shaped who I am, teaching skills I now bring to my role as Senior Manager of Guest Experience at Ottawa Sports and Entertainment Group. My time on Trent’s Varsity Curling Team, along with the coaches and teammates who supported me, played an important role in building that foundation.

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Mapfumo Chidzonga '09 (Otonabee College)

My work is about turning equity from aspiration into action. I serve as director of engagement, equity and belonging with Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration, leading strategies that embed equity across the provincial public service. I previously served as the City of Halifax’s first embedded Diversity and Inclusion Advisor in Planning & Development, supporting underrepresented community voices in meaningfully shaping city-building processes. I have also led province-wide equity and anti-racism engagement and completed a certificate in Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion through Dalhousie University. As a member of Speakers Nova Scotia, I bring Africentric storytelling and culturally rooted leadership to every space I enter, with a focus on amplifying underrepresented voices and fostering meaningful change.

A woman working on some scientific instruments

Hannah St. Louis '17 (Otonabee College)

Trent gave me the foundation to dream bigger and the confidence to pursue it around the world. Starting my Bachelor’s in Environmental Science & Studies at Trent in 2017 was one of the most important decisions I have made. During my degree, I studied abroad in Sogndal, Norway, an experience that sparked my ambition to pursue global research. After graduating, I moved to Malta to complete a master’s in oceanography, focusing on Mediterranean model and satellite data. Today, I am based in New Zealand pursuing a Ph.D. on submarine volcano hazards in the Pacific. A recent 34-day research expedition at Hunga Volcano is now shaping my work and international collaborations. I feel incredibly fortunate to be on this path, and I credit Trent for setting it in motion.

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Lisa Trefzger Clarke ’21 (Traill College)

My work is grounded in curiosity, community, and creating meaningful impact. After defending my doctoral thesis in 2025 through the Frost Centre for Canadian Studies, I joined Carleton University as a postdoctoral research associate. My current work focuses on research into women in philanthropy in the Canadian context. Alongside my research, I teach at Trent University in Social Work and Arts Management and remain active as a board volunteer and arts educator. I am based in Nogojiwanong-Peterborough, where I balance academic work with family life and community involvement.

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