TRENT UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION AWARDS
Across Canada and around the globe, Trent University alumni are making significant contributions to their University, their professions, and their communities. The Trent University Alumni Association Awards recognize these individuals and their efforts to build a better world.
Do you know a Trent University graduate who is making a positive difference? We encourage you to nominate a deserving alumnus. Each year, a Call for Nominations is made, giving you the opportunity to nominate these individuals.
Trent University is proud of our alumni who are giving back, making a difference, and demonstrating leadership. The Alumni Association is pleased to honour those alumni who are inspiring others, with a series of prestigious awards.
John Horgan ’79 (Peter Robinson College)
Distinguished Alumni Award
John Horgan, Canada’s ambassador to Germany, is the former leader of the B.C. NDP and former B.C. Premier (2017 to 2022) who became a national champion for public healthcare reform and earned the status of ‘Canada’s most popular premier’.
When he left public office, Ambassador Horgan was the first two-term and longest serving NDP Premier in the history of the province. From his humble origins in a working-class neighbourhood, to his life as a Trent student, and throughout his outstanding public service and political career, Ambassador Horgan is a proven leader on the local, provincial, national, and now, international stage.
Ambassador Horgan dedicated his public life to improving the lives of his fellow citizens, and his government was committed to social justice and economic equality including introducing historic legislation on Indigenous rights and climate action.
In addition to introducing Canada’s first Ministry of Mental Health and Addictions, he worked diligently to find constructive solutions to Canada’s ongoing health funding issues. His government was also the first in North America to pass legislation to implement the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples, which Canada's Truth and Reconciliation Commission describes as the "framework for reconciliation."
Often referring to himself as ‘Just John from Langford,’ Ambassador Horgan’s leadership style has been described as down-to-earth, charismatic, and inspirational.
Beyond his outstanding political and public service accomplishments, Ambassador Horgan is also a three-time cancer survivor, who has met these challenges with great courage, dignity, and resilience.
“John is humble to a fault,” a nominator wrote. “He is a true democrat giving room to the voice of the public and offering dignity to the roles of MLA, Leader of the Opposition, and Premier of the province. Ambassador Horgan is a fine example of Trent Alumni and represents what present Trent graduates can aspire to be.”
Dr. Henry Lickers ’68 (Champlain College)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Henry Lickers, a Haudenosaunee citizen of the Seneca Nation, Turtle Clan, is a renowned biologist and environmental leader who has been instrumental throughout his career in bringing Indigenous perspective to local, national, and international environmental initiatives.
For more than three decades, Dr. Lickers served as the inaugural director and environmental science officer for the Mohawk Council of Akwesasne, Department of the Environment. Over 37 years he was also frequently appointed as a member of the Great Lakes Science Advisory Board. After retirement, he represented Canada as Commissioner of the International Joint Commission (IJC) where he effectively brought Indigenous ways of knowing and doing to his colleagues and the IJC offices in both Canada and the U.S.
Throughout his remarkable career, Dr. Lickers also worked to address environmental issues with many other organizations including the Committee on the Status of Endangered Wildlife in Canada; Environment Canada, Science and Technology Advisory Council; Ontario Professional Foresters Association; St. Lawrence River Institute of Environmental Sciences; Eastern Ontario Model Forest; and the Haudenosaunee Environmental Taskforce.
Merging Traditional Aboriginal Knowledge and sciences, he has developed new methods for developing partnerships, formulating innovative indicators, and understanding the application of scale to complex environmental issues throughout Canada.
His many awards include an Eagle Feather from the Assembly of First Nations’ Environment Committee, the Royal Canadian Institute Sanford Fleming Medal, the Ross Silversides Forestry Award, and the Jean Woodsworth Award for his outstanding contribution to environment, community and sustainable development.
“Dr. F. Henry Lickers is a celebrated Haudenosaunee, Seneca specifically, thinker, teacher, storyteller, leader, and Elder,” reads a quote included in his nomination. “He has inspired waves of change through his work over the years in the environment where he spoke unapologetically of the important value that Indigenous Knowledge and Peoples brought to science and environmental caretaking.”
Dr. Heather McKillop ’72 (Peter Robinson College)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Heather McKillop is widely considered a leading authority in the field of Maya archaeology and is one of the most important archaeologists of the past century to have enhanced the world’s understanding of the coastal Maya of Belize.
After earning both her B.A. and M.A. in Anthropology at Trent, Dr. McKillop went on to complete her doctoral studies with coastal research in Belize, and, in a matter of only a few years, became a leading authority on coastal Maya studies. She was awarded a prestigious Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council post-doctoral fellowship, which she held at Trent from 1987 to 1989.
Her studies of ancient Maya coastal adaptations include remarkable underwater investigations at numerous, now submerged, Maya coastal sites; this research focuses on the only ancient Maya wooden buildings preserved below the sea floor and the only ancient Maya wooden canoe paddle.
Dr. McKillop has been a professor at Louisiana State University (LSU) since 1990, building a research program on the coastal Maya.
With five published books and more than 100 articles in journals and edited volumes, her publications appear in the leading academic journals across the world. She has also expanded the field of research and professional training in her field by teaching hundreds of students, many of whom are now professional archaeologists.
Her awards include the 2020 Distinguished Research Master Award, LSU; CHOICE (American Library Association) book selection: Salt: White Gold of the Ancient Maya, as outstanding national academic book published in 2003 in the U.S.; and the 2008 Rainmaker Award (as one of LSU’s top faculty researchers).
Dr. McKillop has also contributed significantly to her profession through public outreach to local and national news media, and by serving as an external reviewer for dozens of major scientific journals including Science and Nature. Ensuring she gives back to the people of Belize, Dr. McKillop provides annual presentations in the local community, which has greatly expanded knowledge of their nation’s heritage and importance.
“Heather’s impact on both Belize and her discipline has been profound and distinguished…. Her research has demonstrated, repeatedly, a high level of vision, originality, and creativity,” a nominator wrote.
Dr. Deryck R. Persaud ’89 (Lady Eaton College)
Spirit of Trent Award
Dr. Deryck R. Persaud is an innovative researcher, scientist, academic, mentor, and entrepreneur whose groundbreaking research on dietary fatty acids has helped alleviate symptoms for people with autism, ADHD, anxiety, diabetes, and dementia.
After joining the B.C. Cancer Genome Science Centre for his postdoctoral research, Dr. Persaud took on various roles in the pharmaceutical industry, became an adjunct Biotechnology university professor, and was a founding scholar of the Research Institute of Chronic Conditions and Aging.
When his son was diagnosed with severe non-verbal autism in 2007 and required extensive reconstructive skull surgery, Dr. Persaud left his promising academic career to care of him.
From home, he embarked on intensive research into autism, leading to the development of NeuroActiv Oil, a revolutionary dietary supplement that enabled his son to become an independent adult and college graduate. His work not only transformed his son’s life, but also led to the founding of Infogenetica Solutions Ltd. - a company that has improved the cardiovascular and mental health of countless individuals.
Dr. Persaud's illustrious career is marked by numerous academic and research awards, an industrial patent, and a wealth of scientific publications including articles, reviews, conference proceedings, and research journal papers.
Beyond his professional achievements, Dr. Persaud is deeply committed to community service, mentoring, and volunteering. At Infogenetica, he has implemented policies that allocate a significant portion of every sale to health research and product donations for marginalized families dealing with mental health issues in developing countries. His company adheres to the highest standards of social and environmental responsibility including ethical sourcing, waste reduction, and inclusive hiring practices.
Dr. Persaud also volunteers with the Canadian Space Society and Coquitlam Pregnancy Concerns, serves on the Principal’s Advisory Committee at Lady Eaton College, and mentors students through the Beedie Luminaries Foundation.
“His innovative and creative discoveries, humble and kind personality, and strong sense of service, environmental stewardship, and social justice make him an inspiring leader and truly reflective of the Spirit of Trent,” a nominator wrote.
Jaleesa Allen ’18 (Trent Durham)
Young Leader Award
Jaleesa Allen is a clinical social worker and psychotherapist who is passionate about advancing social justice, particularly addressing the unique challenges faced by individuals from marginalized communities and vulnerable backgrounds.
Allen’s path towards social work has largely been guided by the demands for more equitable access to supportive services, especially following incidents of trauma and violence.
Specializing in Child & Adolescent Mental Health, Allen is currently employed at Markham Stouffville Hospital where she demonstrates tremendous patience, compassion, and support while working with young people who have experienced a wide range of issues that have impacted their social, emotional, behavioural, and psychological wellbeing such as self-harm, suicidal ideation, anxiety, mood disorders, personality disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Children and adolescents may also present with a combination of these issues, or other unique circumstances, that require her expertise in niche areas essential to individualized, effective, and compassionate care.
Allen’s career is anchored in disrupting oppressive practices, advocating for systemic change through research, meaningful policy reforms, and accountability initiatives that are driven by her desire to decolonize social work and promote nuanced understandings for the purposes of collective healing and empowerment.
During her time in the non-profit sector, Allen has also worked across shelter-based and recovery programs dedicated to women who have been sexually exploited, trafficked, or abused through intimate partner violence. She has supported survivors through crisis intervention and long-term recovery processes that include mental health and addictions counselling, life skills development, and meeting housing needs.
Always staying connected to her alma mater, Allen continues to share her insights and expertise with Trent students as a guest lecturer in the Child & Youth Studies department, with a focus on ‘Ethical Considerations for Working with African, Black, and Caribbean Youth’. Allen is also committed to professional development on topics such as restorative justice, trauma-informed approaches, Afrocentric and Indigenous social work, and racial trauma.
Throughout all her roles in her young career, Allen’s commitment to advocating for culturally responsive interventions and frameworks serves as an inspiration to colleagues, peers, Trent students, and the families she supports.
“While the context may change, Allen’s genuine nature, committed heart, and pursuit to heed the call of help from anyone who asks, makes her a dynamic leader indeed,” a nominator wrote.
Kelsey Scott ’19 (Gzowski College)
David Glassco Prize
While earning a B.Sc. Honours in Conservation Biology, Kelsey Scott was known as an outstanding student leader who worked quietly and without fanfare to lead her peers, demonstrate excellence in paid and volunteer roles, and engage in a vast array of extracurricular activities.
In addition to serving as a Gzowski College student ambassador and orientation facilitator, Scott’s extracurriculars included the competitive Trent Dance team and Trent’s Wildlife Society, playing intramural hockey, serving as an Orientation Week team leader, volunteering as a peer notetaker, and walking the University’s alpacas for Trent Animal Care.
Notably, she was a coordinator of the University’s 2024 Eastbank vs. Westbank charity hockey game – the largest student-run event at Trent – and thanks in part to her skills as a consummate event planner, 500 students attended to watch their fellow students on the ice. Throughout the planning stages, she immersed herself in the significance of the event within Trent's cultural tapestry and history, and led her team through the intricate logistics, from booking arenas to securing insurance to recruiting players and volunteers to orchestrating marketing campaigns. Moreover, she fostered a culture of engagement and camaraderie among hundreds of students, revitalizing the spirit of community that defines Trent.
When completing a study abroad program in Australia, Scott continued her outstanding volunteer efforts by working with threatened dolphin populations and at a koala hospital.
In the community, Scott also volunteered at the Ontario Turtle Conservation Centre.
"She epitomizes the quintessential Trent student: well-rounded, engaged, and empathetic,” a nominator wrote. “Her exemplary leadership serves as an inspiration to her peers, embodying the values and aspirations we hold dear within our community.”
Emma Kaszecki ’16 (Lady Eaton College)
Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize for Excellence in Student Governance
Emma Kaszecki is a graduate of Trent’s Bachelor of Forensic Science program, a third-year Ph.D. candidate, and a well-established student leader in a variety of University governance areas including Student Services, graduate studies, research, and the Trent University Board of Governors.
As the Trent Graduate Students’ Association (TGSA) president (2022 –2024), her accomplishments include completely overhauling the group’s bylaws and policies, negotiating reduced tuition for fifth-year Ph.D. candidates, ensuring graduate-student space in the new Gidigaa Migizi College (2028), restructuring bursaries to provide more funds for graduate students, and establishing a TGSA endowment to provide additional funds for the operating budget.
Kaszecki currently sits on the Trent University Board (2023-25) where she has helped execute projects that increase graduate student visibility and give graduate students a louder voice when working with senior administration.
In addition to these two roles, Kaszecki has ably represented graduate students on several committees including the Graduate Studies Committee, Research Policy Committee, and IT Steering Committee to assist in developing University policies that promote institutional innovation for graduate students.
She has also served on multiple sub-committees for the Colleges and Student Services Committee (Athletics, Colleges, Orientation, and Convocation), as well as the Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Committee, Levy Council, and Librarian Search Committee.
As an academic, Kaszecki won the Community Impact Award during the 2020 Celebration of Community-Based Research and participates in the annual FemSteam Summit, which inspires young women to explore opportunities in science, technology, trades, engineering, math, and the arts.
Kaszecki is known as a thoughtful student leader who shares strong opinions in a mediated and kind way, and who takes the time to truly understand issues before rushing to judgement. She is a particularly well-informed committee member, who reads notes and minutes, asks good questions, and communicates well with committee members.
“Her unwavering passion, commitment to excellence, and genuine desire to give back to the Trent community are drivers to her success,” a nominator wrote. “She is also incredibly thoughtful, caring, and mature. There is no student leader more deserving of this award.”
Aimée-Marie Anctil ’20 (Lady Eaton College)
Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize for Excellence in Student Governance
Aimée-Marie Anctil is celebrated as a remarkable student leader who used her governance roles to successfully pursue socioeconomic justice for students including efforts in anti-racism, housing, mental health, access to free legal advice, transportation rights, and food security.
Anctil’s introduction to Trent student governance began in the unprecedented early months of the COVID-19 pandemic when she stepped up to serve as the Lady Eaton College Cabinet Minister of Annex Affairs (2020-21).
Anctil was first elected to the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) in 2021-22 when she served as Racialized Students Commissioner and worked on three internal committees, notably Policy and Governance, while hosting two events and four campaigns dedicated to anti-racism. In 2022-23, she was elected VP Campaigns and Equity during which time she hosted 16 events and led three campaigns, bringing attention to student needs in areas such as mental-health and housing, helping establish the Multi-Faith Space on campus, and co-founding the TCSA-sponsored food pantry. She capped off her undergraduate years as president from 2023-24.
After being elected TCSA president, she spearheaded a legal clinic for students with the Peterborough Community Legal Centre for access to legal advice on discrimination, hate bias, hate crimes, and housing. She also led advocacy for maintaining public bus service for students including making presentations to the City of Peterborough council during proposed cuts.
Continuing her anti-racism efforts, Anctil also organized Trent’s first Anti-Racism Conference (2024), which was well attended by student leaders from Peterborough, Toronto, and Windsor.
As a powerful and articulate speaker, Anctil reaches a broader audience about student issues through interviews with CBC, Global News, local newspapers, and magazines.
“She is personable, thoughtful, engaging, kind and respectful,” a nominator noted. “She is also well-rounded, pursuing many interests including the arts (making films, performance, theatre). Students gravitate toward Aimée; she understands the importance of reciprocal relationships and community-building and is committed to cultivating these over the long term.”
Anctil earned her B.A. Honours in English Literature and Politiacal Studies in May and, as of September 2024, will be attending law school.