Honouring Trent University’s Outstanding Alumni
2023 Alumni Awards recognize alumni leadership in politics, environmentalism, science, and support for Indigenous causes
August 14, 2023
A former politician who advocated tirelessly for housing and homelessness issues, a highly respected climate justice advocate, and an award-winning female scientist renowned in the field of biogeochemistry are among the recipients of the 2023/24 Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) awards – a series of prestigious awards acknowledging the impact alumni make in their community, professions, or with the University.
“Congratulations to all of the award winners who chose to study at Trent University because of their desire to create momentous change in the world and have gone on to lead that change in their professional careers and community with vision, commitment, and creativity,” says Sherry Booth ’98, associate vice president, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. “The work they do is important, and we are honoured to recognize their remarkable achievements.”
A list of 2023 winners are as follows:
Distinguished Alumni Award
Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet '74 (Catharine Parr Traill College), former MP for Hochelga in Montreal who served as NDP whip and housing critic; Dr. Keith Stewart '86 (Peter Robinson College), senior energy strategist for Greenpeace Canada; and Dr. Gesa Weyhenmeyer '90 (Peter Robinson College), professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, are recipients of 2023 Distinguished Alumni Award – the TUAA's top award that recognizes demonstrated leadership, community involvement and notoriety in sector of work.
Spirit of Trent Award
Henry GB Clarke '70 (Catharine Parr Traill College), a former City of Peterborough councillor and deputy mayor who supported hundreds of residents experiencing homelessness; and Alice Olsen Williams '69 (Otonabee College), a renowned Indigenous artist activist who has supported many Indigenous causes are co-recipients of the Spirit of Trent Award, recognizing their commitment to making a difference in the world by demonstrating values and lessons learned at Trent.
Young Leader Award
The Young Leader Award, recognizing young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status, has been awarded to Jacob Dockstator '10 (Peter Gzowski College), who has boldly, creatively, and collaboratively promoted economic development for Indigenous communities across northern Ontario.
The annual awards are organized through the TUAA and presented during a series of dedicated events throughout the academic year.
Read the full bios of the 2023 award recipients.
About the Trent University Alumni Association Awards
Across Canada and around the globe, Trent University alumni are building a better world by effecting change, making a difference, demonstrating leadership, and giving back through significant contributions in their communities, in their professions, or with the University. Each year, the Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) is proud to honour alumni doing this important work through a series of prestigious awards. Nominations are due to the TUAA Awards & Recognition Committee each March, and the awards are presented to individuals during dedicated events on and off campus throughout the academic year.