Seven years after opening his term at Trent with a Star Wars-inspired speech calling for “A New Hope,” Chancellor Stephen Stohn ’66 (Champlain College) exited his final Peterborough convocation through a tunnel of raised light sabres in a farewell that felt unmistakably Stephen Stohn: joyful, personal, and a little theatrical.  

To mark the end of his time as chancellor, Stohn’s contributions to Trent have been recognized through a series of tributes, including honorific naming of the University’s Eminent Service Award, Trent’s top recognition for service, a new rowing shell bearing his name, and the creation of a student award inspired by the values he championed. 

“Stephen brought extraordinary warmth and energy to the role of chancellor,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, Trent University president and vice-chancellor. “He approached the position with generosity and genuine enthusiasm for the University, becoming a familiar presence across campus and within the broader Trent community. We are deeply grateful for the care and dedication he brought to Trent.” 

Stohn was the second alumnus to serve in the role of chancellor and, with seven years of service completed, is tied for the longest chancellor term in University history. During his time as chancellor, he presided over every convocation ceremony and estimates he personally congratulated close to 20,000 graduates as they crossed the stage.  

Stephen participated fully in the life of the University. He joined mock trials for the Trent-Swansea Law program, attended alumni events across Canada and abroad, and remained an active presence at college events, lectures, and online conversations. An entertainment lawyer and television producer by trade, Stohn brought a sense of fun to the role, creating memorable moments such as moonwalking in the virtual Grad from Your Pad convocation ceremony during the pandemic, and connecting with students by embracing  Gen Z trends on Trent’s social channels. 

“Serving as Chancellor has been one of the greatest honours of my life,” Stohn said. “Linda and I leave this role with deep gratitude and tremendous confidence in Trent, knowing that the spirit of this community will continue to inspire for years to come.” 

Honouring Stohn’s contributions

Among the lasting honours announced this spring is the honorific renaming of the University’s Eminent Service Award as the Stephen Stohn Eminent Service Award. Created in 1978, the award recognizes faculty, staff, and volunteers whose outstanding contributions have had a lasting impact on University life. The award now carries the name of a chancellor whose enthusiastic involvement across the Trent community came to reflect the spirit of eminent service. 

Stohn’s legacy has also been celebrated through a gift that speaks to the power of lifelong friendships. Hunter Thompson, a friend of more than 60 years, donated a new quad rowing shell for Trent’s rowing program in honour of the outgoing chancellor. After learning more about the rowing program, Thompson saw the shell as a meaningful way to recognize Stohn’s years of service while supporting future generations of students. The shell bears Stephen’s name and was christened in Stohn’s honour on the Otonabee River on June 2. 

The University also established the Stephen Stohn Award, a new college prize supporting undergraduate students pursuing graduate studies. The award recognizes academic achievement, leadership, and a commitment to hope, creativity, perseverance, and social justice – values that shaped Stohn’s vision for Trent. 

Additional recognitions during the farewell celebrations included the presentation of the Tony Storey Award for long-term alumni volunteer leadership and an Emerald Circle pin recognizing alumni who have served as chancellor.   

The saga continues

With his term ending June 30, Stohn says he looks forward to remaining connected to the University community that has shaped so much of his life and career. Chancellor-elect Zabeen Hirji begins her term July 1.