Louie Cesar De Guzman '19 (Gzowski College)
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. As Co-Founder of FairPlay Sports, I work to remove barriers for underprivileged youth, ensuring they have the resources to pursue their athletic dreams. I’m excited for the future and looking forward to connecting with alumni and supporters as I push for the podium!
Related Class Notes
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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.
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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.
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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.
