2023 TRENT UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
August 8, 2023
Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet ’74 (Traill College)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet was elected to the House of Commons as an MP in 2011. She served the Quebec riding of Hochelaga for eight years, dedicating herself to issues of housing and homelessness, with a particular interest in Indigenous communities.
A quiet leader, Boutin-Sweet brought the values and learning she absorbed at Trent to bear on her public service. She was never shy about extolling Trent’s virtues and was eager to connect with fellow alumni in the political world. She served for many years as party Whip, earning a reputation for fairness and compassion.
Throughout her political career, Boutin-Sweet demonstrated an unwavering commitment to social justice. As a housing critic, she toured the country to help develop housing policy. When Marjolaine had an opportunity to address the Council of Europe, in Strasbourg, she chose to speak on the rising rates of missing and murdered Indigenous women in Canada. During meetings with her French and British parliamentary counterparts, she impressed upon them the gains made in securing better daycare facilities for working mothers in Canada’s Parliament and encouraged them to do the same so more women could participate in elected roles.
From the start of her tenure, Boutin-Sweet established a reputation for putting people ahead of politics and worked diligently with community groups to advance various causes in one of the poorest ridings in the country.
“She set a stellar example as a Member of Parliament, applying herself assiduously to the work and always, always putting the needs of her constituents ahead of her own.... Canada could use more political leaders like Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet,” a nominator wrote.
Dr. Keith Stewart ’86 (Peter Robinson College)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Keith Stewart - known across the country as ‘Climate Keith’ - needs little introduction in Canada’s environmental community. Currently the senior energy strategist for Greenpeace Canada, he is an award-winning and highly respected environmental crusader who has devoted his life to pursuing climate justice at the local, national, and international level.
Stewart has founded, worked at and volunteered with many organizations including World Wildlife Fund, Climate Action Network, Low-Income Energy Network, Ontario Electricity Coalition, and Clean Air Partnership. He has led nation-wide campaigns and served as a key voice against development and funding of oil and gas pipelines. In fact, his work contributed to the phasing out of coal fire generation in Ontario.
Stewart co-authored the book Hydro: The Rise and Fall of Ontario’s Electric Empire and is a frequent national media commenter who has penned many opinion editorials on the topics of climate change and climate policy in major Canadian publications including the Globe and Mail, Toronto Star, National Post, and CBC. As a media source, he is known to be available at any hour, often travelling directly to the action whether that’s the Amazon or the Arctic.
As an instructor at Trent University’s School of the Environment, Keith has also mentored and inspired many students.
His accomplishments have not gone unnoticed as Keith been named Best Green Activist by NOW Magazine (2007), and a ‘Green Giant’ in Toronto Life (2007). He is, however, not one to rest on his laurels.
“If Keith Stewart were to answer the question, ‘What impact have you had?’ his response would most definitely be, ‘Not enough yet,’” a nominator wrote.
Dr. Gesa Weyhenmeyer ’90 (Peter Robinson College)
Distinguished Alumni Award
Dr. Gesa Weyhenmeyer is an award-winning professor of aquatic biogeochemistry at Uppsala University and a member of the Royal Sweden Academy of Sciences who has made outstanding contributions to climate-change research in the traditionally male-dominated field of biogeochemistry. Her research covers some of the most important climate change and environmental issues for lake and river health and she is frequently consulted as an expert on these matters by European governments, the Swedish Environmental Protection Agency, and the Swedish Agency for Marine and Water Management.
Dr. Weyhenmeyer also served as a contributing author and an official reviewer for the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, which was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2007. She has been awarded the distinction to be included in the European Expert Database of Outstanding Women in Academia.
Before becoming the first female professor in the limnology program at Uppsala, she held several research scientist positions including as a research fellow at the Royal Academy of Sciences, and director of studies in the Department of Aquatic Sciences and Assessment at the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences.
Dr. Weyhenmeyer has given back to her community and profession in countless ways including more than 150 impactful scientific publications that have been cited more than 20,000 times.
Some examples of engagement in steering and scientific committees outside her university include:
• Global Lake Ecological Observatory Network (GLEON), member since 2007.
• Royal Academy of Sciences, education committee member 2018-2021.
• Global Lake Temperature Cooperation (GLTC), member 2011-2020.
Her nominators praise Dr. Weyhenmeyer for ‘carving a path for women in biogeochemistry.’
“She inspires not just us, but countless other young women in the field,” her nominators wrote. “Her background of physical limnology and hydrology is one that is still very heavily male dominated and certainly was 20 years ago when she began her position.”
Jacob Dockstator ’10 (Gzowski College)
Young Leader Award
Jacob Dockstator is a young and successful entrepreneur who walked away from a high-profile corporate career on Bay Street to dedicate himself to advocating for a solid economic foundation for Indigenous communities.
Dockstator is executive director of the Sioux Lookout Friendship Accord (SLFA) - a unique collaboration between four First Nations in northwestern Ontario and the City of Sioux Lookout that promotes economic development built around tourism, resource gathering, government service, and infrastructure development. In this role, he works across Indigenous and non-Indigenous lines to foster the development of First Nation communities represented in the SLFA to provide a solid economic foundation for their self-determination and self-governance. After taking on the role, he quickly and efficiently developed business plans, secured more than $5 million in funding in the first two-years of operations, and established a positive presence in the local business community. SLFA has generated considerable regional excitement, provided job training for previously unemployed people, and is working on several major housing projects.
As a quiet and thoughtful leader, Dockstator achieves his visionary goals by focusing on research, preparation and evidence-based persuasion. He listens respectfully to all opinions with a keen desire to learn from traditional knowledge keepers and elders. Dockstator also produced the film I’m Not an Indian, which emphasizes the need for positive change and improved economic development as a basis for Indigenous self-governance.
His exceptional leadership has not gone unnoticed as he was recently named a David Rockefeller Fellow (North America). This prestigious honour, awarded by the Trilateral Commission, is given to those under the age of 35 who show keen interest in national and global issues and demonstrate strong potential for future leadership.
“Jake exemplifies the spirit of Trent: purposeful, imaginative, innovative and above all interested in doing things differently to create a better world.... He represents the world that Chanie Wenjack was running towards rather than the world he was running away from,” a nominator wrote.
Henry GB Clarke ’70 (Traill College)
Spirit of Trent Award
Henry Clarke served on the City of Peterborough council for 25 years as a councillor and deputy mayor and was a leader in addressing the alarming rise of people experiencing homelessness in the area. Clarke acted quickly and strategically to develop effective plans of action that have supported and continue to support countless residents.
Clarke was first elected to municipal politics in 1997 and was re-elected continuously until he completed his public service in 2022. Throughout that time, he supported people experiencing homelessness by creating Homegrown Homes (HGH) and the Warming Room. HGH started as a separate non-government entity that included one duplex and, over a decade, grew into a 19-unit not-for-profit registered charity that has improved the lives of hundreds of city residents by giving a hand up instead of a handout. He also spearheaded Peterborough’s Warming Room, providing shelter, food, clothing, access to showers and medical assistance with no questions asked.
In all areas of his political career, Clarke was well regarded as thoughtful, open-minded and someone who can bring many differing sides to a table to achieve a mutually agreed resolution.
Prior to his political career serving his hometown, Clarke served his country by volunteering with the Canadian Army for 27 years. Clarke joined the local army Reserve in 1971, rising to command the Regiment for four years and retiring in 1997 with the rank of lieutenant-colonel.
In his professional life, Clarke enjoyed a 43-year career at PepsiCo-Quaker Oats before retiring in 2019.
“He is a fine example of a local boy who attended a local high school, the local university (Trent), worked at a local industry in management (Quaker Oats), rose to command the local regiment, and when that time ended, then devoted his next 25 years as an elected city councillor,” a nominator wrote. “There is no finer example of a living Peterborough citizen who has done more than could be expected for his city.
Alice Olsen Williams ’69 (Otonabee College)
Spirit of Trent Award
Alice Olsen Williams is a renowned Indigenous rights activist and textile artist who has created more than 450 quilted blankets, wall hangings, and table runners that are exhibited in galleries across Canada and the U.S. including the National Museum of the American Indian (Smithsonian).
In 2019, Olsen Williams received Peterborough’s highest recognition in the arts with the City of Peterborough Arts Awards in recognition of her excellence and contributions as senior artist.
As an elder, Williams shares her quilting skills and Indigenous knowledge to educate others - especially non-Indigenous Canadians - on the history of institutional racism and missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.
Olsen Williams has a long history of giving back to her community. As a teacher, she worked in Thunder Bay, Pic Mobert First Nation, and Curve Lake First Nation. Outside of the classroom, Williams remains committed to quilting and worked with a community of quilters to assemble the “Where Are the Children? Healing From the Legacy of Residential Schools” and the “Sisters in Spirit Quilt” for the Native Women’s Association of Canada. Committed to advocating for Indigenous rights, Williams also coordinated four quilted wall-hangings for the Truth and Reconciliation Commission, which were curated to “acknowledge and recognize the pain and suffering inflicted on Indigenous peoples by the residential school system.”
She was also instrumental in starting Niijikiwendidaa Anishnaabekwewag Services Circle, a counselling and supporting service for abused and/or vulnerable Anishinaabe Women and is the current chair at the Kawartha Truth and Reconciliation Support Group.
Williams’ unique arts and advocacy processes, which bring together Indigenous and settler knowledge, reflect the ancestry of her Anishinaabe mother and Norwegian father.
“Williams understands that her entwined Indigenous and settler experience can be beneficial in reaching both Indigenous and settler audiences, and she does so in extremely effective and powerful ways through her quilts, her advocacy and public speaking,” a nominator wrote.
Zhaawnong Webb ’20 (Gzowski College)
Paul Delaney Award for Outstanding Young Philanthropist
Zhaawnong Webb has shown leadership in several areas of Indigenous studies and support at Trent University and uses his considerable social-media reach of more than 150,000 followers on Instagram and TikTok to educate his audience about Indigenous history and culture.
Zhaawnong worked for the First Peoples House of Learning as a junior firekeeper at the outdoor traditional gathering space and has previously worked as an Outreach & Education Instructor for the TRACKS Youth program. In this role, he gave youth the necessary skills and knowledge to get started on their paths towards environmental knowledge and protection.
In addition, Zhaawnong was instrumental in creating and disseminating Indigenous Science Technology Engineering & Math-based learning kits that were sent to families for remote learning opportunities.
Recognizing that Indigenous histories and stories have historically been shared by non-Indigenous peoples, Zhaawnong uses his skills as an educator, truth teller and communicator to ensure that Indigenous stories and histories are being shared appropriately and accurately.
While some of his videos are humorous and lighthearted, many revolve around explaining heavy subjects such as the residential school system and the history of the Indian Act. He provides links so followers can gain even more information on these important matters. Taking on the emotional and mental labour of explaining historical wrongs and oppression is taxing work, but Webb says it is extremely necessary.
He further supports Indigenous associations and societies - such as the Native Women’s Association and Residential School Survivors Society – by providing links on his social accounts that allow his followers to make donations to these organizations.
Zhaawnong, an ambassador for Trent University’s Campaign for Momentous Change, exemplifies the work of a strong educator and leader in all his work, and serves as an inspiration to people of all ages and backgrounds.
“Indigenous peoples are finally kicking down the doors of colonialism and are taking back their space in Canada,” a nominator wrote, “and he is one of the young people who are leading this change through social media.”
Elias Trivett ’18 (Gzowski College)
David Glassco Prize
Elias Trivett has demonstrated leadership at Trent University by enthusiastically volunteering at and participating in theatre, music, and student governance - all while maintaining an A average.
Elias, who is known for encouraging his peers to also get involved in extracurriculars, started at Trent in 2018 and moved into Gzowski College residence where he immediately showed leadership when he was elected co-president of the student Residence Council. He then took on a Don role at Lady Eaton College, where he coordinated an Artistic Expressions Leadership series.
In a second year at Lady Eaton, Elias was Don of the “Creative Expressions” community – a role that allowed him to mix his housing work with his interest in improv and theatre. Elias returned to Gzowski College as a Senior Don in fall 2021 and again in 2022.
Elias was able to take his previous experience in acting, stage managing and directing, and apply those skills to the Peterborough arts scene. On campus, he performed in and was Director of Outreach for Scared Scriptless, an improv theatre group at Trent, and has participated in the Trent student-run Anne Shirley Theatre Company, playing Bobby in Cabaret in 2019 and Oliver in Theory of Relativity in 2020.
Elias went on to serve as president of the Anne Shirley Theatre Company, aiding in its growth by forming new partnerships and sharing visionary ideas about the future of the arts on campus.
Off campus, Elias has also shown immense leadership in community volunteer roles, particularly in music and theatre. He has shared his talents on the stage and behind the scenes with community groups and organizations such as St. James Players, Sears Festival, and Peterborough Singers.
Elias says yes to leadership opportunities, maintains multiple commitments and shows continued academic success, all while committing an immense amount of time to theatre and music.
“It is a great pleasure to nominate such a deserving student, who has lived and breathed a theatrical life while at Trent, and in so doing, has generously shared his gifts with others – as a performer, but also behind the scenes as a tireless organizer and advocate for the arts,” a nominator wrote. “He is a shining example of Trent’s brightest and best.”
Campbell Deck ’19 (Champlain College)
Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize
Campbell Deck has demonstrated outstanding student governance leadership within the Trent community as president of the Champlain College Cabinet, member of the Trent Central Student Association, a junior and senior senator, and an orientation leader.
In all his roles, Campbell has been a highly respected leader and described as wise beyond his years – always acting as the voice of reason when faced with challenging decisions, polarizing topics, and sensitive subject matter. He also demonstrates an incredible comprehension of Robert’s Rules of Order.
In the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), members are involved in matters both internal and external to the University. As a highly organized individual, Campbell sits on numerous committees while maintaining his academic commitment. In all matters, he unselfishly advocates in the best interest of students.
To illustrate this point, Campbell was a direct advocate for students during issues with the Peterborough Transit System concerning cancellations. When the TCSA discussed what actions could be taken, Campbell consistently noted that any actions needed to be in the best interest of the student population and that any solutions needed to work for as many students as possible. When Champlain students expressed concerns to him about various matters, Campbell brought those concerns directly to the board and members used the issues as discussion points for future actions.
During Campbell’s time with the TCSA, the board also needed to deal with a highly sensitive topic related to human resources. Campbell volunteered to be a member of the Human Resources Committee and served as a voice of reason by consistently bringing the group back to the topic at hand and moving the conversation forward. He remained impartial and was able to assist the committee in reaching its conclusion. Campbell then volunteered to be the committee’s presenter and answer any questions from the board.
Overall, Campbell sets high standards for himself in terms of professionalism and excellence, and he consistently strives to meet them, all while displaying an amicable demeanor that makes him a natural fit with any team. His dedication and commitment make him an exemplary student leader.
“Campbell is an active member of the Trent community, working closely with faculty and fellow students to ensure a positive learning environment,” a nominator wrote. “His commitment to advancing the academic standards and the student experience at Trent makes him a great candidate for this prize.”
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