Dr. Claudette McGowan ’25 (hon) is the latest leader in the Trent community to be appointed to the Order of Canada—one of the nation’s highest civilian honours, which was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement, dedication to the community, and service to the nation. 

“Dr. McGowan exemplifies the values of innovation, inclusion, and leadership that we strive to instill in our students," says Julie Davis, vice president of External Relations & Development at Trent University. "Her work in cybersecurity and her advocacy for underrepresented voices in tech is not only inspiring, it is transformative. We are thrilled to see her contributions recognized at the national level with this prestigious honour.” 

Dr. McGowan has over 25 years of experience in leading digital and cybersecurity strategies for organizations and is being recognized for her significant contributions to digital transformation and her advocacy for equity in the tech sector. 

She was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Science by Trent during a convocation ceremony in June, in recognition of her visionary leadership and commitment to building a more inclusive future in science and technology. 

Dr. McGowan joins a distinguished group of Trent community members who have been named to the Order of Canada, including chancellor Dr. Stephen Stohn '66, chancellors emeriti Dr. Don Tapscott ‘66, Dr. Roberta Bondar ‘09 (hon) and Dr. Tom Jackson ‘00 (hon); internationally-acclaimed and award-winning television producer and Momentous Campaign leader, Dr. Linda Schuyler ‘18 (hon); legendary music producer Dr. Bob Ezrin ‘22 (hon); leading Indigenous education expert Dr. Harvey McCue (Waubgeshig) ’66 and bestselling author, Yann Martel ’81, to name a few. 

Watch the inspiring advice Dr. McGowan recently shared with Trent University graduating students.