Celebrating Largest Graduating Class in History

16 ceremonies across two campuses to feature inaugural cohorts of graduates in Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, Master of Management, and Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies

June 2, 2025

Trent University will celebrate its largest graduating classes in history this year – 3,755 graduates – during 16 convocation ceremonies taking place in Peterborough and Durham from June 3–13.

In Peterborough, a record-breaking 2,657 graduates will be celebrated during 13 ceremonies from June 3 to 11, while 1,098 graduates of Trent University Durham GTA – the campus' largest ever cohort – will be celebrated during three ceremonies on June 12 and 13 at the Tribute Communities Centre.

"Each graduate has dedicated tremendous time and effort to reach this moment. Graduation is a major milestone that marks a path of accomplishment and success. That path has led to deeper and broader knowledge, the formation of lasting networks, and the building of a toolkit of skills with purpose. It is wonderful to see our graduates striding across the stage," said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. "In its 60th anniversary, Trent has a record number of students graduating—and our global alumni community has grown to well over 65,000. It is remarkable to see how the Trent network is expanding locally and across the globe."

A Few Firsts

This year marks the inaugural graduating cohorts from three of Trent's new programs: Bachelor of Arts (Honours) in Criminology, Master of Management (Peterborough), and Master of Arts in Interdisciplinary Aging Studies. As societal and industry needs continue to evolve, these programs reflect Trent’s commitment to preparing students with the specialized knowledge and experience needed to address pressing issues and opportunities in their fields.

Honorary Degree Recipients

Each year, Trent University bestows honorary degrees – the University’s highest honour – to remarkable individuals demonstrating leadership in their fields and around the world. The 2025 honorary degree recipients are Claudette McGowan, an internationally recognized cybersecurity leader; Alice Olsen Williams/Minaajimokwe '69, a globally renowned Indigenous artist and activist; and Zabeen Hirji, a celebrated workforce equity advocate. These leaders join a group of esteemed honorees from the past six decades, beginning in 1967.

Celebrating Indigenous Heritage

Trent University has been a leader in Indigenous education, visibility and inclusion for the past 50 years, and those efforts are evident in the Indigenous traditions that are part of convocation ceremonies each year. Each ceremony is led by Trent's Eagle Feather, gifted by Curve Lake First Nation, symbolizing the University’s relationship with the community. The Eagle Staff, representing the strength and honour of First Nations Peoples, is also present and carried by a member of a local First Nation. Nibi (water), drawn through ceremony from the Otonabee River, is carried in a copper pot and returned following convocation. Faculty processions are led by the Condolence Cane, a gift from the Trent Aboriginal Education Council, symbolizing the Haudenosaunee governance structure.

Student Awards of Excellence

Each year, Trent University awards accomplished students with special medals and honours, which recognize the highest academic achievements and high overall standing in undergraduate and graduate studies in Peterborough and Durham. Several of the medals were designed by renowned Canadian sculptors and Indigenous artists. This year’s recipients are:

• The Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal:
Dylan Stone, Materials Science.

• The Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal:
Caden Drover, Mathematical Physics.

• The President's Medal:
Madison Moore, Cultural Studies; Sasha Newar, Environment & Life Sciences; Jacob Van Haaften, Canadian Studies & Indigenous Studies.

• The Symons Medal:
Karolina Wawrzyczek, Psychology; Cassandra Haydock, Computer Science; Lora Vassiliadis, Chemical Physics; Dhan Shivekam Nagra, Business Administration.

• The Bagnani Medal:
Maeve Benedict, Computer Science; Lexy Jindrich, Indigenous Studies.

• The Muldoon Medal:
Michelle Hunt, Psychology (Honours) and Shahzan Tariq, Computer Science (General).

Graduates' Futures are Blooming with New Trent Alumni Perks App

The journey with Trent doesn't end at graduation - it's just beginning. Trent cares about the lifelong wellbeing of alumni and retirees, and as part of our 65,000+ strong Trent Alumni Family, graduates have access to exclusive perks through the all-new Trent Alumni Perks app.

Alumni benefit from discounts with partners such as TD Insurance, Manulife, Park’n Fly, SoftMoc, CAA, Great Wolf Lodge, and The Toronto Zoo. Alumni are also able to access their new digital alumni card, which will unlock on-campus discounts at the Bookstore, Athletics Centre membership discounts, and continued use of library services.

Trent Alumni Perks, which also features an alumni business directory, is just one of the many ways Trent University continues to support the community and fuel positive economic impact.

Celebrate In Person or Online

Friends, families, and grads can watch the ceremonies live at trentu.ca/live, follow @Trent_Alumni and @TrentUniversity on Instagram and @Trent University Alumni on Facebook to see convocation highlights, and tag these channels to share their own comments and photos during the events.

Detailed information on all convocation ceremonies, including bios of honorary degree recipients, ceremony details and maps can be found at trentu.ca/convocation