What makes Trent alumni remarkable? On paper, the answer is clear. They lead internationally recognized research. They influence national conversations on public policy. They build institutions, strengthen communities, and mentor emerging leaders.
Each year, the Trent University Alumni Awards recognize graduates and students whose contributions reflect the values of the University. These awards are presented annually to celebrate the achievements of graduates and current students who have made exceptional contributions both during and after their time at Trent.
The 2025 recipients are being honoured for leadership in public health research, family-law policy, forensic science, student governance, sport, and community building. Their achievements are significant. Yet when asked what shaped them, many describe something less tangible.
Jordan MacDonald ’21 (Catharine Parr Traill College), recipient of the Young Leader Alumni Award, calls it Trent’s “magic.”
“There is something magic about Trent. I do not know how to define it. You just have to experience it. Trent prepared me for life beyond university through this magic. Through the unspoken, hard-to-define qualities.”
JordanMacDonald '21(Traill College)
For MacDonald, who pursued graduate studies while raising a young family, that magic lay in compassion and belief. Faculty advocacy and peer support shaped his academic path, research, and advocacy. His work is changing how we understand and support teen parents and advances policies that help young parents overcome barriers, complete their education, and thrive.
The Freedom to Question
For some, the magic lies in the freedom to question, to find one’s purpose.
Dr. Zach Conrad ’02 (Champlain College), recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award and an internationally recognized food systems scientist, traces it to the freedom to explore. As an undergraduate studying biology and anthropology, he was encouraged to pursue interdisciplinary questions and define his academic passions.
“I believe that, under the right conditions, young adults can be inspired to identify and pursue independent passions that lead to positive self-identity, meaningful interpersonal connections, a productive career, and a good life.”
Dr. ZachConrad '02(Otonabee College)
For Dr. Robert Glossop ’67 (Champlain College), fellow Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, the magic lies in ideas grounded in purpose. A distinguished researcher on family dynamics, he spent more than three decades studying how families navigate economic, social, and cultural change. His work has directly influenced social policy and family law across Canada, informing supports that strengthen family wellbeing. Throughout his career, he has returned often to lessons first encountered at Trent.
"Trent is, without hesitation, my academic home."
Dr. RobertGlossop '67(Champlain College)
Dr. Theresa Stotesbury ’07 (Gzowski College), recipient of the Young Leader Alumni Award, speaks about creativity and interdisciplinarity. Her forensic science research explores how biological materials change in the environment and how that knowledge strengthens investigations. She credits Trent’s encouragement to challenge assumptions and push intellectual limits in shaping how she mentors students today.
Finding Belonging in Community
For others, that Trent magic lies in community.
Neil Horne ’96 (Champlain College), honoured with the Spirit of Trent Award, has devoted years to organizing the Head of the Trent regatta. His advice to students is straightforward: get involved. Participation, he believes, opens doors and builds lifelong relationships.
The late Chris Leach ’70 (Peter Robinson College), recognized with the inaugural Founder’s Spirit Award, established rowing as a defining part of Trent life. His legacy continues each fall when boats and community gather on the Otonabee River.
This year’s student award recipients describe similar experiences of community and shared responsibility. Each speaks about stepping forward, not for recognition, but to ensure others feel seen and supported. Anne Warigia Kitheka ‘18 (Lady Eaton College), recipient of the Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize, sees leadership as relational.
“My experiences showed me the value of leaning on your community, but also being someone others can lean on.”
AnneWarigia Kitheka '18(Lady Eaton College)
Rylin Wormington ‘22 (Otonabee College), also receiving the Stephenson Prize, echoes that perspective.
“This honour is less about recognition and more about the importance and privilege of serving the community.”
For Izzy Miranda (Peter Gzowski College), recipient of the David Glassco Prize, involvement has meant welcoming new students and fostering connection through theatre and mental health advocacy.
The Hallmark of Trent's Magic
What makes Trent alumni remarkable, then, is not only where they lead or what they build. It is how they lead. They carry forward a belief that intellectual curiosity should be paired with care for others. They understand that opportunity magnifies when community is strong.
If there is magic at Trent, it lives in that combination.
