Honouring Excellence: Nine Recipients Recognized with Trent University Alumni Awards
2025 Awards recognize outstanding individuals for leadership in family law policy, health equity, community building, forensic science, student life, and governance
Nine exceptional individuals are being honoured through the 2025 Trent University Alumni Awards for the many ways they are shaping a better world, with this year’s recipients being recognized for efforts advancing research in public health and family well-being, leading in sport and science, and inspiring creativity, compassion, and leadership in family-law policy, health equity, forensic science, community building, student leadership, and student governance.
“This year’s recipients embody what it means to be part of the Trent community,” says Naomi Handley, director of Alumni Engagement & Services at Trent.
“Their leadership, innovation, and compassion shine through everything they do, from advancing research and championing equity to inspiring the next generation of learners. We’re honoured to recognize their accomplishments and the many ways they carry Trent’s spirit into the world.”
The Trent University Alumni Awards are presented annually to celebrate the achievements of graduates and current students who have made exceptional contributions both during and after their time at Trent.
The 2025 alumni award recipients are:
Distinguished Alumni Awards
Dr. Zach Conrad ’02 (Champlain College) is an internationally recognized nutritional epidemiologist whose transformative research shapes national and international policy for the world’s biggest challenges around nutrition, health equity, and sustainability.
Dr. Robert (Bob) Glossop ’67 (Champlain College) is a distinguished researcher on family dynamics whose three decades of work have directly influenced social policy and family law across Canada to better support the wellbeing of families.
Spirit of Trent Award
Neil Horne ’96 (Champlain College) is a passionate and dedicated leader in Trent’s rowing community, whose 14 years of service to the Head of the Trent Regatta, has elevated both the Trent Rowing Club and the regatta to international recognition.
Young Leaders Award
Dr. Theresa Stotesbury ’07 (Gzowski College) is an esteemed forensic scientist whose groundbreaking research on the degradation of biological tissues, such as blood, has revolutionized forensic investigations across Canada.
Jordan MacDonald ’21 (Catharine Parr Traill College) is a dedicated researcher and community advocate whose work is reshaping how we understand and support teen parents – advancing policies that help young parents overcome barriers, complete their education, and thrive.
Founder’s Spirit Award
Newly introduced this year, the Founder’s Spirit Award honours alumni whose visionary leadership and lasting contributions have strengthened Trent University and its broader communities. The late David Christopher (Chris) Leach ’70 (Peter Robinson College) was a leader and Olympian whose founding role in Trent and Peterborough’s rowing clubs - including his instrumental role in creating the Head of the Trent Regatta - left a lasting legacy on sport, mentorship, and University life.
David Glassco Prize (student leadership)
Izabelle (Izzy) Miranda is a dynamic student leader who has held more than 10 leadership positions in campus clubs and organizations, leaving a lasting impact on the Trent community.
Robert W.F. Stephenson Prize (student governance)
Rylin Wormington (Otonabee College) is a fourth-year student who has served as junior senator, vice-president, and now president of the Otonabee College Cabinet, demonstrating exceptional commitment to student governance and University life.
Anne Warigia Kitheka ’18 (Lady Eaton College) is a dynamic leader whose dedication to equity, mentorship, and student advocacy has left a lasting impact at Trent while continuing to shape her path in science and business.
The 2025 awards will be presented at a reception on November 18 at Trent University. Each recipient will be awarded customized, handmade beadwork created by Ashley Thompson ’19 (Gzowski College), a proud Kanien'kehaka (Bear Clan) from the Akwesasne Mohawk Territory and founder of Kahionhatatie Beadwork. Each award features nearly 3,000 beads and takes up to 15 hours to complete.
Further details of Trent University Alumni Awards, including full profiles of all 2025 recipients, can be found at alumni.trentu.ca/trent-university-alumni-awards.
About the Trent University Alumni Awards
Trent University alumni are at the heart of the Trent community – changemakers, leaders, and visionaries who continue to shape a better world. From driving innovation in their fields to giving back in meaningful ways, their impact is felt locally and globally. Each year, a committee led by proud Trent alumni reviews submissions and selects recipients for a series of prestigious awards that recognize achievements, leadership, and ongoing connection to Trent. These honours reflect how deeply we value our alumni and the difference they continue to make. Nominations are welcomed annually, with a deadline each March.
About Trent University
One of Canada's top universities, Trent University was founded on the ideal of interactive learning that's personal, purposeful and transformative. Consistently recognized nationally for leadership in teaching, research and student satisfaction, Trent attracts excellent students from across the country and around the world. Here, undergraduate and graduate students connect and collaborate with faculty, staff and their peers through diverse communities that span residential colleges, classrooms, disciplines, hands-on research, co-curricular and community-based activities. Across all disciplines, Trent brings critical, integrative thinking to life every day. Today, Trent's unique approach to personal development through supportive, collaborative community engagement is in more demand than ever. Students lead the way by co-creating experiences rooted in dialogue, diverse perspectives and collaboration. In a learning environment that builds life-long passion for inclusion, leadership and social change, Trent's students, alumni, faculty and staff are engaged global citizens who are catalysts in developing sustainable solutions to complex issues. Trent's Peterborough campus boasts award-winning architecture in a breathtaking natural setting on the banks of the Otonabee River, just 90 minutes from downtown Toronto, while Trent University Durham Greater Toronto Area, delivers a distinct mix of programming in the east GTA.