Twelfth Chancellor (2019 - present)
Dr. Stephen Stohn is a well-respected entertainment lawyer, award-winning producer, songwriter and author who has enjoyed an outstanding career in the entertainment industry since graduating from Trent in 1969.
A Canadian entertainment industry powerhouse, Mr. Stohn is a 14-time Canadian Screen Award winner (formerly the Gemini Awards) who may be best known as the executive producer of the Degrassi television franchise.
As the president of Skystone Media Inc. and its related companies, Mr. Stohn has also been the executive producer of numerous other television series including Instant Star.
For nearly 20 years, Mr. Stohn worked for Canada’s biggest music awards, serving as executive producer and then chair of the Canadian Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences, which organizes the Junos.
Also serving as an attorney, Mr. Stohn is a founding partner in the law firm, Stohn Hay Cafazzo Dembroski Richmond LLP where he provides legal advice to those in the entertainment industry.
For his innumerable contributions to the industry, Mr. Stohn was inducted into the Canadian Music & Broadcast Industry Hall of Fame in 2011.
Throughout his illustrious career, Mr. Stohn has been an influential donor and friend to Trent, starting his legacy at the University he was a Trent student. As a student, he co-founded Trent’s student newspaper, Arthur, as well as Trent Radio – both of which are still widely known on campus and in the Peterborough community.
His contributions continued over the years as his transformational philanthropic support for Trent has been key in the development of several projects, including a $1-million gift to make the stunning new Student Centre a reality.
In 2015, Trent presented him with an honorary degree – the University’s highest honour. He is Trent’s second alumnus chancellor, following in the footsteps of Dr. Don Tapscott.
In 2023, Mr. Stohn was named a member of the prestigious Order of Canada in recognition of his long-time contributions to the Canadian entertainment industry, notably as a television producer, lawyer, mentor and advocate for artists.
News Releases
- “You are the New Hope:” Trent University’s 12th Chancellor Inspires Grads
- Trent’s Alumni Chancellor Named to Order of Canada for Outstanding Contributions to Canadian Entertainment
Watch the Installation Ceremony of Chancellor Stephen Stohn
Photos from the chancellor's Installation Ceremony
