Trent University has earned a record six Prix d’Excellence awards from the Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE), receiving two gold and four silver honours, and placing Trent third among all Canadian institutions for total awards this year. 

“Recognition from CCAE is always meaningful because it reflects the perspective of peers across Canada who understand the work behind strong alumni, donor, and community engagement,” said Julie Davis, vice-president of External Relations and Development at Trent. “These awards celebrate the teams who brought these projects to life and the thoughtful ways they are helping people connect with Trent.” 

The annual CCAE Prix d’Excellence awards recognize outstanding achievements in alumni affairs, communications, marketing, development, advancement services, stewardship, and overall institutional advancement across 29 categories.

Trent received the following awards: 

Gold: Best Use of Video/Film – Announcement

The Ones Who Defend the River introduced documentary-style storytelling to Trent’s philanthropic video work, centring student voice and lived experience. Featuring three Excalibur student-athletes, the video connects support for the Trent Fund to belonging, opportunity, experiential learning, on-campus employment, and wellness while also serving as an asset for broader communication efforts. 

Gold: Best Use of Video/Film – Information

Making Strides features President and Vice Chancellor Cathy Bruce in on-the-move conversations with Trent researchers about complex issues shaping Canada and the world, including aging, democracy, immigration, artificial intelligence, climate, housing, reconciliation, and communication. Filmed on campus, the series makes expert insight accessible while highlighting Trent’s research strengths. 

Silver: Best Use of Video/Film – Engagement

The One Who Carved Her Own Path uses cinematic, emotionally resonant storytelling to show how education transforms lives and philanthropy makes it possible. Created to support annual giving and the Momentous Campaign, the video deepened engagement, and inspired support for the Trent Fund. It marked a new approach to student-focused storytelling in Trent’s philanthropy communications. 

Silver: Best Website

Trent’s all-new alumni website gives the alumni community a welcoming online hub for news, events, benefits, giving, volunteering, and ways to stay involved. Guided by the Alumni Engagement & Services Strategic Plan, the site features improved accessibility, intuitive navigation, mobile-responsive design, and new storytelling elements that strengthen alumni pride and belonging. 

Silver: Best Creativity on a Shoestring Budget

Alumni Reads: Teachers’ Book Giveaway invited School of Education alumni to update their contact and employment information for a chance to win classroom-ready children’s book bundles authored by Trent alumni. The initiative delivered professional value to educators and celebrated alumni writers. It also strengthened Trent’s alumni records through updated contact information and new school-level employment data to support recruitment, partnerships, and experiential learning. 

Silver: Best Donor Report

The Impact of You: 2025 Trent University Momentous Campaign Update reimagined Trent’s donor report as a story-driven publication that places donors at the centre of student success, research excellence, and campus transformation. Through student, faculty, and donor voices, the report shows the impact of philanthropy across Trent while strengthening donor confidence through clear, accessible stories of generosity in action. 

Celebrating a decade of service to Canada’s advancement sector

The association also celebrated VP Davis, who concludes 10 years of service on the CCAE board, including a two-year term as chair. During her decade with the organization, she also served as vice-chair of the Board, chair of the finance and investment committee and the professional learning committee and led the national search for the 2nd Executive Director in the association’s history. 

“Having a strong national education sector is vital to Canada, and that makes collaboration across the sector more important than ever,” said VP Davis. “Serving with CCAE has been a meaningful opportunity to work alongside colleagues who are committed to sharing knowledge, strengthening practice, and supporting the future of advancement in education.”