2022 TRENT UNIVERSITY ALUMNI AWARD RECIPIENTS ANNOUNCED
July 28, 2022
Distinguished Alumni Award: Janet Bax ’69 (BA, French, Political Studies)
Gifted with an infectious ability to inspire others to join her as challenges come up,
Janet Bax has been, and remains, a thought leader in several fields while inspiring colleagues to tackle pressing global and national issues.
Retired in 2019 from the position of acting Executive Director of the Council of Canadian Academies, Janet Bax has worked as a senior public servant at the provincial and federal levels as well as internationally. With the Council of Canadian Academies, Janet served as an advocate for Canada’s academic community while leading ambitious interdisciplinary research projects on crucial Canadian public policy issues. Previous roles have included director of Health Care Partnership with Veterans Affairs Canada, Executive Secretary of the Ontario Quebec Permanent Commission, was special advisor for the development of an overseas higher education marketing strategy for the Ministry of Colleges and Universities, representing the province in Brussels before being recruited to serve federally with the Department of Foreign Affairs (now Global Affairs Canada) and serving for four years as counselor at the Canadian Consulate General in New York. A further career achievement for Janet was with Environment Canada where she was a key negotiator of the first framework agreements on climate change, and the development of cap-and-trade regimes, coordinating intergovernmental relations pertaining to climate change.
Janet has shared in honours awarded to her teams; a list that includes the interdepartmental team recognized for its contribution to the successful negotiation of the framework convention on climate change approved at the 1992 Rio Conference on Sustainable Development. In addition, the Association for Canadian Studies in the United States recognized Janet for her exceptional contribution to promoting the arts and academic relations while on assignment in New York.
A visionary advocate for international programs at Canadian universities, both in promoting Canadian students spending academic terms overseas and promoting the recruitment of foreign students at Canadian universities, Janet has been very active post-retirement, staying on with the Council of Canadian Academies to support the Expert Panel on Medical Assistance in Dying. She is a leader in the not-for-profit community in Ottawa, specializing in conservational and mental health issues, and serving as a mentor with Women for Nature and the Royal Ottawa Hospital.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Dr. Jane Heffernan ’96 (BSc Honours, Computing and Information Systems, Math)
Hailed as one of Canada’s leading applied mathematicians, and as a widely respected researcher on the spread and persistence of infectious diseases, Dr. Jane Heffernan has been a professor with York University’s Faculty of Science since 2007, where she is also director of the Centre for Disease Modelling and a Tier II research chair.
Jane’s work has addressed public health and disease issues, her focus of late dedicated almost exclusively to the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic. Her COVID-19 modelling work has covered a wide range of topics such as immune response to vaccines, the impact of mutant strains in triggering further epidemic waves, COVID-19 transmission in long-term care facilities, and the importance of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE).
With more than 100 peer-reviewed articles to her credit, Jane’s collaboration in 2005’s Perspectives on The Basic Reproductive Ratio has received more than 1,000 citations on its way to being one of the most important references on basic reproduction numbers in infectious disease modelling.
A number of awards and honours have been bestowed upon Jane, including the Governor General’s Gold Medal, the Ontario Ministry of Research and Innovation (MRI) Early Researcher Award, and a faculty award from Canada's Natural Science and Engineering Research Council, from which she also received a postdoctoral fellowship. In 2021, Jane was elected to the Royal Society of Canada’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.
Jane is involved in international immunization and public health networks, serving as a board director with both the International Society for Mathematical Biology and Canadian Applied and Industrial Mathematics Society.
Jane has consistently shown genuine care and support for researchers in their early careers. As a female professor, she is also proactive in promoting equity, diversity and inclusion, encouraging female students to pursue careers and fulfill their personal goals. She remains active in supervising students at all levels, including undergrad students, graduate students, and postdoc fellows. Many of her students have successfully established careers in academia and industry.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Dr. William (Bill) Waiser ’71 (BA, Honours, History) 
Following a 30-year teaching career. Dr. William (Bill) Waiser is Distinguished Professor Emeritus with the Department of History at the University of Saskatchewan.
Named a member of the Order of Canada in 2017, Bill is a renowned expert in Canadian, environmental, western, and Indigenous history. Bill’s scholarship has had a huge impact on the history profession. The author or editor of close to 20 books, many of which explore the complicated history of settlers and Indigenous people, he has drawn upon oral histories and close consultation with Indigenous people to produce complex and insightful portrayals of the past. His most recent book, In Search of Almighty Voice: Resistance and Reconciliation, speaks to Bill’s commitment to the admonitions of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
Bill has taken on numerous leadership roles in the historical community, regularly speaking at universities around the globe, national institutions and before community organizations. His eagerness to share his knowledge has seen him sit on multiple boards, including the Champlain Society, the Saskatchewan Archives, Canada’s National History Society, the Saskatchewan Heritage Foundation, the Prairie Environmental Network, and the Royal Society of Canada, as well as serve as president of the Canadian Historical Association where he led the fight to ensure the integrity of Canada’s National Census.
In addition, his Order of Canada appointment, Bill has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Canadian Historical Association, the Governor General’s History Award for Popular Media (the Pierre Berton Award), and the Governor General’s Award for Non-Fiction for his 2016 book A World We Have Lost: Saskatchewan Before 1905. In 2007, he was made a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada.
Outside of academia, Bill’s contributions have been equally significant as he devotes much of his time to sharing stories of Canada’s past with all Canadians. He hosted a weekly CBC radio program in Saskatchewan that highlighted the history of the province, has written numerous newspaper articles, and is one of the few academics to contribute to Maclean’s magazine.
Distinguished Alumni Award: Douglas (Doug) Williams ’69 (BA, Anthropology, Native Studies)
A member of Lake First Nation, Douglas (Doug) Williams – Gidigaa Migizi – dedicated his life to learning the history and traditional practices of Michi Saagiig Nishnaabeg through the knowledge systems of his Elders while sharing that knowledge with current generations.
A hunter, fisherman, historian, ceremonialist, scholar, educator, storyteller and writer, Doug was the Director of Studies for Trent’s Indigenous PhD program as well as a member of the Elders and Traditional Knowledge Keepers Council. He focused on land-based teachings in which he infused stories and his experiences about growing up in Curve Lake. His deep knowledge of the history of Indigenous peoples and the natural environment of this region have been key to Trent’s position as a leader in Indigenous studies for the last 50 years.
Doug had a successful political career as an elected leader in his community, holding the position of Chief and Councillor for a number of decades. Of note is the advocacy work he undertook that saw him battle through the courts to bring about recognition of pre-Confederation rights through the interpretation of Treaty #20, 1818. As a result of this landmark case, signatories to the Williams Treaties can hunt, fish and harvest in their territory.
As pipe-keeper, and a conductor of sweat lodge ceremonies and other spiritual practices, Doug held one of the highest Anishnaabe honours. Within the Trent community, he lent invaluable support to the reaching of mediated agreements by holding restorative traditional sharing circles when conflict arises. The list of organizations that have benefitted from Doug’s willingness to share his knowledge and wisdom is long and impressive, and includes the Ontario Association of Professional Archaeologists, the Canadian Canoe Museum, and the Kawartha Land Trust.
Doug’s lifetime contributions to the history of the Anishnaabeg, Indigenous rights, post-secondary education and stewardship of the environment are without parallel. Selfless and giving, learning and teaching, building relationships and encouraging others to take on their role in reconciliation, Doug lived a life of service to his people.
Spirit of Trent Award: Deborah Berrill ’69 (BA, English)
Retired in 2012 from a 38-year teaching career, Deborah Berrill was a professor and founding director with Trent’s School of Education and Professional Learning, previously serving as director of the Queens-Trent concurrent teacher education program for nine years. Upon her retirement, Deborah was bestowed Professor Emerita standing.
Deborah’s dedication to her profession and her students has been recognized by several awards, commencing with the Symons Award for Excellence in Teaching awarded in 1988. More accolades followed, among them the Leadership in Teaching Faculty Teaching Award presented her in 2007 by the federal government and, in 2006, the Lamp of Learning Award from the Ontario Secondary School Federation.
Beyond the classroom, Deborah’s dedication to community building has few if any peers. Whether championing the arts as a philanthropist and fundraiser, taking on a major sponsorship role in the settlement of Syrian refugees, or assuming a board leadership role for the World University Service of Canada and the Peterborough Reframe Film Festival, her volunteer efforts have strengthened every organization or cause she has worked for.
Deborah’s impact as a fundraiser, community builder, planner and catalyst has made a huge contribution to the city she calls home. When Peterborough artists and arts organizations were facing the catastrophic impact of the COVID 19 pandemic, she jumped into action, marking the birth of the Peterborough Arts ALIVE Fund and its associated provision of grants in cooperation with the Electric City Culture Council (EC3). After making the initial contribution to the fund, Deborah and her husband petitioned friends and colleagues to also donate. The result of that effort saw $107,000 shared by 16 organizations.
Deborah intuitively understands relationships and connections that many people simply do not see. She grasps the links between art, creativity and social justice, bringing communities and organizations together to work on projects large and small.
Deborah has taken on the newly created role of Community Liaison for Trent’s World University Services Canada (WUSC)- Student Refugee Program (SRP) local committee. In her mentorship role on the committee, Deborah’s unrelenting support has helped to establish space for the experience of upper year SRP with the new SRP co-chair position, created a structure for Nursing placement students to help transition and create resources for newcomers learning about our Canadian health care system, ensured financial support for upper year SRP in their 2nd, 3rd, and 4th years, established financial and coaching support for citizenship applications, created connections with Adam Scott Public School for mentoring other refugee high school students and for cooking workshops, and supporting Social work placement students facilitating the resettlement portfolio and creating projects that will add support for the Trent WUSC- SRP for years to come.
With a sincere passion for others that is unmotivated by prestige or self-aggrandizement, Deborah has proven tireless and fearless in her pursuit and fulfillment of the goals of the organizations and cause she supports.
Spirit of Trent Award: Stuart Butts ’65 (BA Honours, Political Science)
A lawyer by training and an entrepreneur by nature, Stuart Butts is retired but his wheels continue to turn, his interests ranging from software to packaging to food security. He currently serves as an advisor/investor with several startups.
Having started his career in corporate law with Harries, Houser and making partner in 1981, Stuart moved on to become chair of Torham Packaging Inc. while simultaneously chairing Xenos Computer Systems Inc., which he led and grew until it was sold in 2010.
Never one to sit idle, he concurrently undertook leadership roles with several other entities such as S&P Cosmetics Inc., Grackledocs Inc., Enviromelt Inc. and the Foundation for the Advancement of Canadian Entrepreneurship. While he was chair of Torham, it received Outstanding Hamilton Business of the Year recognition from the Hamilton Chamber of Commerce. A similar award was presented to Xenox by Richmond Hill when Stuart was its chair.
A recognized connector who brings together people and ideas, Stuart put his talents to work to the benefit of Trent where, as a student, he received the Champlain College Master’s Award for outstanding contributions to college life.
Stuart’s interest in food security, farming and regenerative agriculture saw him help fund and establish Trent Experimental Farm’s Growing Change program. That interest grew from his 2011 purchase of a Whitby farm steeped in agrichemicals which prompted him to research the impact of modern farming techniques on soil health and human wellbeing. He has written extensively on the topic via his well-circulated memoir, The Farm Report.
Stuart’s ultimate goal is best summed up in his own words.
“The objective is a global network of thrivers in a time of chaos. Grow, share, feed, innovate, celebrate, communicate, and reach out…be at the nourishing roots of sustainable optimism.”
Constantly in search of new ideas, Stuart’s drive and bold thinking has been a catalyst for others, whom he encourages to learn and develop, challenge norms, and seek solutions with a global impact.
Young Leader Award: Anastasia Kaschenko
’12 (BSc Honours, Environmental Science)
Wholly invested in global sustainability outcomes, Anastasia has created and supported several products designed for everyday use with the goal of fostering renewable habits. She has brought her forward-thinking skills to Silicon Valley, Israel, Africa, London and across Canada. Her work with various corporations has revitalized processes and employee management, all while advocating for sustainable social responsibility in the business world.
The co-founder and Chief Technical Officer of Majik Water since 2017, Anastasia Kaschenko has led the development of novel sustainable technology that generates clean drinking water from humidity in the atmosphere. Majik Water has deployed projects in Kenya, South Africa, and India, not only providing clean drinking water for drought-stricken regions but also enabling sustainable water solutions for Fortune 500 corporations such as Microsoft.
As a student at Trent, Anastasia served as Environment and Sustainability Commissioner, developing and implementing sustainability campaigns as well as sitting on the Environmental Advisory Board. She subsequently held positions with Green Communities Canada, Avora, and Gravity Data, which she co-founded. While with Green Communities Canada, Anastasia was the lead author of a white paper on green infrastructure read by 140-plus water policy experts, engineers, government specialists and community organization representatives.
Anastasia’s impressive track record of problem solving and connecting with others to build and nurture solutions around sustainability has brought her several honours and awards.
One of two 2016 recipients of the Canadian Youth Environmental Leadership Scholarship, Anastasia was selected as a Singularity University Fellow at NASA’s Ames Research Centre and was a finalist for the $20 million Carbon XPRIZE, a competition assisting in the development of breakthrough technologies to convert carbon dioxide emissions into usable products. Added to these impressive achievements is her second-place finish for MIT’s Water Innovation Prize, her acceptance to the Next 35 entrepreneurship program, and first prize win at the EDF Pulse Africa Awards.
Tony Storey Volunteer Leadership Award: Patrick Lam ’86 (BSc, Computing and Information Systems, Economics)
Patrick Lam has worked as a desktop engineer with Emerge Apac since 2014, bringing to that position extensive and varied experience first attained as an associate system engineer at Hong Kong Exchanges and Clearing Limited, and then as a specialist with IMS Information Systems Management. From 2000 to 2009, Patrick was an assistant vice-president and senior specialist with Merrill Lynch.
Despite his considerable career responsibilities, Patrick has steadfastly volunteered for, and served as president of, Trent’s Hong Kong Alumni Chapter for more than 10 years. His efforts to build a strong Trent alumni network in his native country are a testament to his dedication to the Trent University Alumni Association’s goals as well as his personal mission to keep alumni connected to not only each other but also their alma mater.
The challenges associated with keeping alumni connected to Trent at such a distance are clear but Patrick’s perseverance and dedication for well over a decade has overcome those. His efforts have helped Trent maintain a presence and connection with alumni in Hong Kong, and his leadership has contributed to creating a community that keeps the Trent spirit strong. He organizes annual chapter events and represents Trent at events such as the reception for university alumni heads hosted by the Consul General of Canada in Hong Kong. When Trent faculty and staff visit Hong Kong, he goes above and beyond to host them.
Patrick is a shining example of a dedicated alumnus, and has proven that no matter the distance, the Trent bond can continue.
The Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize: Carter Tongs (Biology, Sociology)
A fierce advocate for students’ wellbeing, Carter Tongs is the current vice-president of student health and wellness with the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA). He came into that role following a term as Champlain College president.
At the beginning of his term, Carter educated himself on Trent’s student support systems with an eye toward making recommendations to improve their function. That led to a reconsideration of the fee structure for counseling, wellness and accessibility services with the goal of introducing an integrated student wellness fee structure to allow for more cohesive delivery of services to better meet students’ health and wellness needs.
More recently, Carter continued his advocacy for mental health supports for underserved students, a process which led to the securing of additional counseling services for Queer students. In addition, he consolidated a meaningful response to student concerns as they pertained to the return to in-person learning as the COVID-19 pandemic eased. His efforts in this area ensured student voices regarding the re-opening of campuses were heard by Trent administrators.
In addition to being the lead planner of TSCA’s Orientation Week activities, Carter has hosted multiple successful events. His efforts have resulted in initiatives such as the Cannabis Harm Reduction ‘Safe Smoking’ Campaign and Sexual Violence Prevention Week.
With TCSA campaigns and equity vice-president Zoe Litow-Daye, Carter organized the Wrapped ‘n’ Ready condom distribution program and helped secure a Gender Affirming Care grant that supported the sexual health of students while delivering tangible support for students affirming their sexual identity.
The Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize: Wendy Walker (English, History)
Involved in student leadership for several years now, Wendy Walker was elected Trent Central Student Association (TCSA) president in 2021 after serving one term as vice-president. She brings to that role considerable governance experience as a two-time TCSA executive director and a member of the Traill College Cabinet.
As vice-president of university and college affairs with the TCSA during the pandemic, Wendy collaborated with the Office of Student Affairs to virtually deliver Orientation and Frost Week as well as help organize clubs’ and groups’ online training and events.
Coming out of the pandemic, Wendy and her association colleagues recognized that TCSA’s relevance and connection to students had waned. To that end, she played an integral role in a team effort to regain and build student engagement. Contributing positively to that group effort, Wendy’s leadership style helped bring the team together, greatly benefiting subsequent association initiatives.
Wendy’s pivotal role in student governance was further evident when she carried forward the association’s advocacy efforts to secure a TCSA Senate seat. As vice-president of university and college affairs, she gained an understanding of how the Senate functions. Then, as president, via broad consultation of stakeholders, she lobbied the university to secure greater equity in representation for diverse constituencies of students. In addition, she also worked to regain a Senate seat for the TCSA to better advocate for the academic needs of students.
The Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize is awarded to students demonstrating excellence in student governance. It was established by the Alumni Association on the occasion of Robert's completion of his term as Chair of Trent's Board of Governors. The award underscores the Alumni Association's high regard for student leadership contribution to the overall mission of Trent University.
The David Glassco Prize: Gracie Crafts (Indigenous Environmental Science)
Wasauksing First Nation member Gracie Crafts has contributed to the betterment of the Trent community by being a role model and leader in Indigenous reconciliation efforts.
As well as educating students on Indigenous knowledge and campus traditional spaces, Gracie has been active participant in, and leader of, Indigenous programming and events, including the Elders Gathering marking the 50th anniversary of Indigenous Studies. In her role with the Trent University Native Association (TUNA) as a firekeeper and as a student member of the Champlain Committee, she has consistently excelled.
Gracie served as an emcee at the Indigenous Women’s Symposium and the Elders Gathering as well as began volunteering with the First Peoples House of Learning as a firekeeper. She has been a mentor to junior firekeepers and to guests to the tipi. During orientation, she worked to ensure incoming students are aware of the First Peoples House of Learning, Indigenous knowledge, and the importance of respecting traditional spaces on campus.
During the school year, Gracie has been a leading participant in a series of Gzowski College-led conversations and events designed to build connections between BIPOC students.
Gracie’s leadership skills have extended beyond her Trent experience as an advisor for Georgian Bay Aniishnaabek youth and as an outdoor instructor with Outward Bound.
The David Glassco Prize: Zoe Litow-Daye (Sociology, Gender Studies)
Prior to being elected vice-president of campaigns and equity for the Trent Central Student Association (TCSA), Zoe Litow-Daye was brand ambassador and board secretary for three years.
Zoe has distinguished herself by effectively campaigning, fundraising, and supporting students, working to address students’ food insecurity by securing $6,000 in additional funding for TCSA’s Grocery Assistance Program.
Working with racialized student’s commissioner Moriah Hillyer, Zoe, with support from association staff, re-envisioned underused spaces in the Student Centre and designed it into the Freedom Lounge, established to honour and support the lived experiences and histories of BIPOC students.
The founding of the Freedom Lounge was a basis for dedicated student programming that soon followed. It was also a launch pad for culturally relevant happenings such as the All Nations Beading Circle, the Metis Dot Art Social, the BIPOC Healing Session, and Challenging Islamophobia events.
Zoe has helped lead several other TCSA initiatives, including the association’s Orange Shirt Sale Fundraising Campaign that raised more than $11,000 for local Indigenous organizations and student bursaries. She also helped develop the Ignorance Is Spooky Campaign that promoted cultural sensitivity around students’ Halloween costumes.
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