John Hill ’74 (Lady Eaton College) achieved a successful career in law. After graduating from Trent with a degree in Economics, he went on to earn a law degree from the University of Toronto. John spent the bulk of his public service career with the Ontario Ministry of the Attorney General, assigned to the Ministry of Labour Legal Services Branch, where he ultimately became General Counsel. 

Now, reflecting on his career, John says it was a single act of mentorship and the opportunity to study at Trent made this path to success possible.  

“I really felt Trent made a difference in my life,” says John. “My time there taught me intellectual discipline, as well as inspiring a love of learning in me, so I’m very grateful to Trent. I always have been.” 

A Letter That Changed Everything
John also credits an early mentor who recognized his potential. John’s path to university was anything but typical. He did poorly in high school—sidetracked by various distractions, including playing in a rock band—and eventually left without graduating.  

It was the encouragement of a former history teacher, Tom Thomas, that changed the course of his future. Thomas gave John a letter of reference for his application to Trent, handing it to him in a sealed envelope. John did not know then, and still does not know, exactly what it said, but he believes that it helped secure his admission as a mature student.  

Once at Trent, John, for the first time in his life, took his academic studies seriously, winning scholarships every year. He also engaged energetically in other aspects of campus life, including working at Arthur and participating in student politics. His time at Trent would shape the course of John's life in profound ways. 

Creating Opportunity for Others
Today, John is trying to ensure others who take non-traditional paths to university have the same opportunity to realize their potential and thrive. He and his wife Nancy have created the Tom Thomas Mature Student Prize to help mature students to pursue their academic aspirations with greater confidence and financial security, regardless of when or how their educational journey began. 

For John, this is about more than financial support. It’s about recognizing the valuable life experience and determination of mature students in the face of additional barriers. This prize helps ease those challenges while affirming there is no single timeline for success. 

Honouring a Lasting Legacy
Naming the prize after his former high school teacher carries deep personal meaning. Until Tom's passing earlier this year, John had kept in touch with his former teacher and had never forgotten the positive influence he had on his life. 

"I’m very grateful to him,” John reflects. “I have considerable doubt that I would have been admitted to Trent without his help.”  

Through this tribute, John is honouring a teacher who believed in him and extending that same belief to a new generation of Trent students. 

Interested in honouring someone with a named prize or scholarship at Trent University? Contact Carol Lawless at carollawless@trentu.ca to learn more.