Two longtime members of the Trent University community have received the 2026 Stephen Stohn Eminent Service Awards in recognition of decades of service to the University: Robert Ballarin, who helped shape and steward Trent’s iconic campus, and Sherry Booth ’98, whose leadership in philanthropy and alumni engagement helped raise more than $130 million for the University. 

“Trent University continually demonstrates a commitment to providing an outstanding educational experience for students, and at the heart of that commitment are the people who work here,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “This year's Stephen Stohn Eminent Service Award recipients, Robert and Sherry, are wonderful examples of how we stand out by standing closer. Over decades at Trent, they have each invested deeply in this University, and their impact will have lasting effects.” 

Created in 1978, the Eminent Service Award recognizes individuals at the culmination of Trent careers whose contributions to the University extended well beyond the responsibilities of their role. This year, the award was renamed the Stephen Stohn Eminent Service Award in honour of former chancellor Stephen Stohn ’66, recognizing his own longstanding service and commitment to Trent. 

Sherry Booth ’98, Associate Vice President, Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement
Over three decades at Trent, Sherry Booth ’98 helped transform philanthropy and alumni engagement at the University. Over her three decade career at Trent, she held seven roles at the University, starting as Annual Fund coordinator of the Annual Fund and culminating as associate vice president of Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement. She is also a Trent alumna, completing a degree in Computing & Information Systems program part-time while working at Trent. Sherry championed seven fundraising campaigns for the University that collectively raised more than $130 million, supporting financial aid for thousands of students and leading to the creation of new and renewed campus spaces. A champion of alumni engagement, Sherry has helped generations of graduates maintain meaningful connections with Trent and has led by example as a donor for 30 consecutive years. 

One alum noted, “I doubt there is a building, a program, or a trail at Trent that hasn't been shaped by Sherry’s hard work and leadership. Her imprint on Trent has been and will continue to be momentous.” 

Robert Ballarin, Project Manager, Facilities Management
For more than 25 years, Robert Ballarin has helped shape Trent’s campus while stewarding its distinctive built environment. Since joining the University in 2000 as Coordinator, Land, Reality and Project Management, he contributed to numerous transformative projects, including the Endowment Lands Plan, Stanley Adamson Powerhouse, Athletic Centre expansion, and the construction of the Trent Child Care, Student Centre, Forensic Crime Scene Facility, and River Walk. Throughout his career at Trent, Robert brought a deep respect for the University’s iconic Ron Thom architecture and natural environment to his work, helping create and preserve spaces that enhance campus life while advancing sustainability.  

The Stephen Stohn Eminent Service Awards were presented at Heart of Trent, the University’s annual employee appreciation event. The celebration also recognized faculty and staff for excellence in service, innovation and community leadership, as well as employees marking significant career milestones. 

The full list of award recipients at the Heart of Trent is as follows: 

Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence: Jeff Gardiner, Senior Instructional Technologist, Information Technology  
Recognizes non-academic staff members who demonstrate excellence and exceptional commitment to Trent. 

Team Innovation Award: Procurement Services Team 
Recognizes a team, unit, or department at Trent University whose innovative contributions have impacted the strategic objectives of the University.    

Trent Community Leadership Award: Dr. Andrew Monti, Professor Communications; and Ryan Sisson, Team Lead Community Workplace Partnerships, Trent Community Research Centre 
Awarded to faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to the local community in Peterborough or Durham regions.     

Emeritus Awards: Dr. Peri Ballantyne, Sociology; Dr. Charmaine Eddy, English Literature; and Dr. Ray Dart, School of Business
The honorific title ‘Emeritus’ is bestowed upon eligible retiring members of the Trent University Faculty Association and librarians for their service and contributions to the University. 

Provost’s Award for Support Staff: Melissa Martin, Sr. Manager, Campus Safety Support Services
Awarded annually to a support staff member who plays a key role in student engagement and retention and who makes a difference through their performance at Trent.

Jackie Muldoon Award for Faculty Service: Dr. Paul Szpak, Canada Research Chair in Environmental Archaeology, and Director of Anthropology Graduate Program
Awarded in recognition of faculty who have served with distinction in institutional governance roles, provided collegial and effective service to committees, departments, and colleges, led program and department renewal efforts, achieved advancements in administrative responsibilities, and advanced the role of faculty in contributing to the academic and overall success of the University and the profession at large. 

2026 Long Service Awards:   

• 40 Years: Michele Sparkes
• 35 Years: Stefan Bilaniuk, Mark Neufeld, David Sheinin, Richard Hurley, Raul Ponce-Hernandez, Deborah White
• 30 Years: Tracy Flaherty, Gyles Iannone
• 25 Years: Dave Russell, Marilyn Burns, Brenda Blackburn, Feyzi Baban, Leslie Kerr, Jennifer Moore, Brian Patrick, David Patton, Kevin Siena, Paul Wilson, Andrew Vreugdenhil, Ingrid Brenner

Learn more about Heart of Trent.