Four Distinguished Canadians to Receive Honorary Degrees at 2023 Trent University Convocation

Joining the ranks of decades of esteemed honourees, four distinguished Canadians will be presented with an honorary degree from Trent University at the upcoming convocation in-person ceremonies in Peterborough from June 6 to 9 and June 12 to 13, and in Durham June 16.

file photo.

Trent’s highest honour will be awarded to leaders in Indigenous rights, provincial politics, performing arts, geriatric medicine, and the Canadian Armed Forces. The 2023 recipients include: a distinguished member of the Canadian military who advocates for Indigenous rights and awareness training within the Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) and Department of National Defence (DND); an award-winning Indigenous writer and filmmaker who has played a key role in the Indigenous cultural renaissance since the 1980s; a medical doctor and community leader who has advanced geriatric care and the study of aging across the country; and the former Ontario minister of Health who oversaw the province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“This year’s honorary degree recipients personify Trent’s strengths in Indigenous studies, health, aging, social justice, the liberal arts and sciences,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor at Trent University. “These individuals exemplify the spirit of challenging the way we think to make a difference in our communities, our province, across the country and around the world.” 

The following individuals will be presented with Trent’s highest honour at the 2023 convocation ceremonies:

Master Warrant Officer Moogly J.J.E.G. Tetrault-Hamel – Wednesday, June 7, 10 a.m. ceremony, Peterborough

Master Warrant Officer Moogly J.J.E.G. Tetrault-Hamel will receive an honorary doctorate of laws in recognition of his distinguished 21 years of military service with the CAF, as well as his robust Indigenous advocacy and impactful Indigenous awareness training within the CAF and DND.

Drew Hayden Taylor – Wednesday, June 7, 2 p.m. ceremony, Peterborough

Drew Hayden Taylor, of Curve Lake First Nation, will receive an honorary doctorate of letters in recognition of his award-winning career as an Indigenous playwright, journalist, filmmaker, humorist and author and his significant role in the Indigenous cultural renaissance, which has been gathering momentum since the 1980’s.

Dr. K. Jennifer ‘Jenny’ Ingram – Monday, June 12, 2 p.m. ceremony, Peterborough

Dr. Jenny Ingram, a specialist in internal and geriatric medicine and an outstanding community leader, will receive an honorary doctorate of science in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to geriatric medicine, dementia care and the study of aging that have impacted healthcare regionally, provincially and nationally.

Christine Elliott – Friday, June 16, 2 p.m. ceremony, Tribute Communities Centre, Oshawa

Former Ontario minister of Health and deputy premier Christine Elliott will receive an honorary doctorate of laws at Trent University Durham GTA in recognition of her service to Ontario, including as minister of Health from 2018-2022 during which she oversaw the province’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as her advocacy and volunteerism for vulnerable community members.

Further details of Trent’s in-person convocation ceremonies can be found at Trent’s website.

Engage with us on social media on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook and Tiktok. Write to us at tips@ptbocanada.com. Sign up for PTBOBuzz newsletter here.