Trent University Honours Past Graduates With Alumni Awards

Trent University has distributed its 2023/24 Trent University Alumni Association (TUAA) awards to outstanding alumni to acknowledge the impact alumni make in their community, professions or with the University.

Photo courtesy of Trent University.

 “Congratulations to all of the award winners who chose to study at Trent University because of their desire to create momentous change in the world and have gone on to lead that change in their professional careers and community with vision, commitment, and creativity,” said Sherry Booth, associate vice president of philanthropy and alumni engagement. “The work they do is important, and we are honoured to recognize their remarkable achievements.”  

A full list of 2023/24 winners is as follows: 

Distinguished Alumni Award 

Marjolaine Boutin-Sweet ’74 (Catharine Parr Traill College), former MP for Hochelga in Montreal who served as NDP whip and housing critic; Dr. Keith Stewart ’86 (Peter Robinson College), senior energy strategist for Greenpeace Canada; and Dr. Gesa Weyhenmeyer ’90 (Peter Robinson College), professor at Uppsala University in Sweden, are recipients of 2023/24 Distinguished Alumni Award. This is the TUAA’s top award that recognizes demonstrated leadership, community involvement and notoriety in their sectors of work.  

Spirit of Trent Award 

Henry GB Clarke '70 (Catharine Parr Traill College), a former City of Peterborough councillor and deputy mayor who supported hundreds of residents experiencing homelessness; and Alice Olsen Williams '69 (Otonabee College), a renowned Indigenous artist-activist who has supported many Indigenous causes are co-recipients of the Spirit of Trent Award, recognizing their commitment to making a difference in the world by demonstrating values and lessons learned at Trent. 

Young Leader Award 

The Young Leader Award, recognizing young alumni who have shown outstanding leadership throughout their first 10 years of alumni status, has been awarded to Jacob Dockstator ’10 (Peter Gzowski College), who has boldly, creatively, and collaboratively promoted economic development for Indigenous communities across northern Ontario. 

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Peterborough Folk Festival Announces Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell as 2023 Emerging Artist Award Winners

The Peterborough Folk Festival has announced that local talents Irish Millie and Nicholas Campbell are the winners of the 2023 Emerging Artist Award.

Peterborough Folk Festival believes in investing in young local performers to encourage and support their careers. To that end, PFF created an annual award in 2001 to recognize emerging local talent that we think deserves the attention and support of the community. For the list of previous winners, visit the website.

Applicants may be solo artists, groups or bands and must live in Peterborough and the Kawarthas, including Hiawatha, Curve Lake and Alderville First Nations, and be under the age of 30. A committee assesses applicants on skill, dedication and artistic merit.

Irish Millie is a 16-year-old fiddle player who loves to play East Coast, Bluegrass and Contemporary Trad styles – especially driving, up-beat tunes that get the crowd up on their feet. As a youngster, Millie (whose real name is Amelia “Millie” Shadgett) busked every Saturday along with her Dad at the local farmers’ market to gain experience and help pay for music camp.

Millie has already received nominations for two Canadian Folk Music Awards as Young Performer of the Year – in 2022 for her first album, ‘Thirteen’, and in 2023 for her work with The Receivers, a collaboration between Millie and sisters Willow and Fern Marwood. In addition to regularly playing in the Peterborough area, Millie has toured in Denmark and is touring Canada’s east coast of Canada this summer, and toured in Vermont with The Receivers this past spring.

“It is truly an incredible feeling to be recognized for my art in this beautiful city that I call home. I am grateful and honoured to be receiving Peterborough Folk Festival’s Emerging Artist Award alongside the very talented Nicholas Campbell,” said Millie. “I have been very lucky to have the full force of the Peterborough community behind me from a very young age. I can not wait to get up on that stage and make you proud – see you there!”

From slick hot-rod rockabilly to smooth crooning honky tonk, Nicholas Campbell is the real deal. Inspired by some of the last century’s most iconic country sounds, Campbell first picked up the guitar at age 10 and was gigging by 11. Campbell began playing consistently with his band, The Two-Metre Cheaters, during the early months of the pandemic, and the band quickly found their groove as live shows became an option once again. Campbell’s 2021 debut album, ‘Livin’ and Other Western Ideas’, combines elements of rockabilly, western swing, and old-fashioned honky tonk. The band has enjoyed worldwide coverage and airplay since, spanning from western Canada to Spain, Italy and beyond. Nicholas has also played lead guitar for Melissa Payne, Pat Temple, Jane Archer and other artists.

With Campbell’s new singles and the album to come, ‘Gonna Have A Ball Tonight’, the group has embraced a more rock n’ roll-centric sound, adding renewed energy to Campbell’s signature country sensibilities.

“I’m very grateful to be part of such a supportive music scene and I feel very fortunate to be recognized as Emerging Artist,” said Nicholas Campbell. “It’s very humbling to be recognized on a list with so many other great artists.”

Recipients of the Emerging Artist Award are provided showcase performance spots during the festival weekend and a trip to the Folk Music Ontario Conference where they have the opportunity to meet artistic directors, festival organizers, other musicians, agents and publicists. Peterborough Folk Festival would like to thank our Emerging Artist Sponsors: Cambium Consulting and Engineering; Engage Engineering Ltd. & Part Time CFO Services.

Peterborough Folk Festival 2023 kicks off with ticketed concerts on Thursday, August 17th at Market Hall Performing Arts Centre and Friday, August 18 at the Gordon Best Theatre, followed by a free-admission weekend of music, food and culture on August 19 and 20 at Nicholls Oval Park. Recent announcement of headliners Broken Social Scene and Loreena McKennitt will be followed soon with the complete line-up of performers.

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Peterborough Pathway of Fame Announces Class of 2023 Inductees

Pathway of Fame has announced the most recent group of Inductees for the Class of 2023 in Peterborough and District.

photo courtesy of pathway of fame, facebook.

The Pathway of Fame Peterborough & District is a not-for-profit organization first formed in 1997 to honour community citizens and individuals in the Arts and Humanities. The first class of honourees were inducted, with stone markers placed into the Pathway of Fame at Del Crary Park in 1998.

Recent inductees include:

John Ambrose (Jack) Doris (Community Builder)

First elected to Peterborough City Council in 1967, John Ambrose (Jack) Doris subsequently represented his Monaghan Ward constituents for 39 years and served another six years as Mayor before stepping back from politics in 2014 – his legacy secure as someone who always had your back, and treated all with equal kindness and compassion.

Courtney Druce (Cultural/Community Betterment)

Before cancer tragically cut short her life at 27, Courtney Druce made it her mission to inspire and provide hope for others fighting their own battles – raising funds for, and bringing awareness to the important work of the Canadian Cancer Society and the Heart and Stroke Foundation, to name but a few benefactors of her empathy for others. Courtney Druce died April 27, 2016 just shy of her 28th birthday.

Sean Eyre (Cultural/Community Betterment)

From his radio broadcasting heyday as ‘Sunshine Sean’ to his co-founding of Rocklands Entertainment, to his relentless promotion of local artists – Sean Eyre’s love of his community has also encompassed service as a City alderman, not to mention one of the driving forces behind the 1998 founding of the Peterborough & District Pathway of Fame.    

Charlie Gregory (Barb Bell Humanity Award Recipient)

Charlie Gregory’s photographic essays of the homeless have not only afforded the viewer a window into the harsh realities of the unhoused, but his images reveal the humanity of those who exist on the fringe. A self-described “watcher of folks who live on the edges of society,” Gregory has made it his selfless mission to both document, and offer support for the marginalized. As part of his advocacy, the proprietor of ‘Lumpy Bikes’ donates refurbished bicycles to those in need. His only ask: “That I take your picture.”

Stephanie and John MacDonald (Cultural/Community Betterment)

This Peterborough couple’s compelling, and vast contributions to the betterment and well-being of their community run the gamut, with the list of organizations having benefitted from their involvement, drive and passion as long, as it is impressive – all while serving as selfless and dedicated lifelong educators who each rose to the position of school principal. John MacDonald passed away at the end of 2022, in his 83rd year.

David McNab (Samaritan)

Having fully earned his status as global citizen, retired Peterborough County OPP constable David McNab continues to play a key role in the settlement and integration of Syrian refugees into the Peterborough community, displaying the same selfless compassion for others that fuelled his long involvement with Cops For Cancer and countless local organizations and initiatives.

Mike Melnik (Media)

As the popular morning host for ‘KRUZ’ AM and FM before his retirement from the airwaves in 2012, Mike Melnik’s welcoming and distinctive voice started the day for thousands of listeners. His passion for the community, and his capacity for instantly putting his guests at ease was a gift that translated into a coveted spotlight for countless events, causes and organizations – Easter Seals, and its annual telethon among them.

Cathy Rowland (Dramatic Arts)

A staunch champion of the Peterborough arts scene and in particular the involvement, and creative works of our community’s youth, Cathy Rowland founded the Integrated Arts Program at PCVS and served as lead writer of the Ontario Applied Design and Arts curriculum – in addition to writing, producing and directing numerous theatrical productions.

Jeannine Taylor (Media)

A self-made entrepreneur of close to 30 years, KawarthaNOW founder, CEO and publisher Jeannine Taylor was first out of the gate locally in terms of recognizing, and acting upon the emergence of the Internet as a media communications platform, having since leveraged her experience and influence to mentor other women in business.   

Greg Wells (Entertainment)

As a two-time Grammy Award winner and one of the most sought-after record producers in the world, Los Angeles-based Greg Wells has never forgotten his Peterborough roots – honouring and celebrating the City’s rich musical heritage by devoting his time and considerable skills to the furtherance of homegrown talent.

Inductees are chosen from a list of nominations submitted from the community at large by an anonymous committee comprised of community citizens having no current association whatsoever with, or connection to, The Pathway of Fame. The Nominations Chair is tasked with appointing a new Selection Committee each year, the members of which are confidential and never revealed to The Pathway of Fame.

Induction ceremonies are held each September at the Showplace Performance Centre. This years’ induction for the Class of 2023 will return to the main stage Saturday, September 9 at 10 a.m. and is open to the general public as well as families, friends and supporters of the inductees. Past inductees are welcome. Admission is free and reservations are not required.

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Winning Grandparents Named at 35th Annual Grandparent of the Year Award Ceremony

Community Care Peterborough (CCP) held its 35th Grandparent of the Year Awards presentation at the Peterborough Public Library on Tuesday.

file photo.

Community Care received almost 200 stories and artwork entries from children this year, telling the organization why their Grandparent should win this award. A panel of volunteer judges chose one winner and two honourable mentions from each group of grades; primary (Grades 2 and 3) and junior (Grades 4, 5, 6).

“After two years of virtual events, it was amazing to return to an in-person awards ceremony hosted by the Peterborough Public Library,” said Alicia Vandine, CCP’s donor relations and communications lead. “There (was) so much pride and happiness felt in the room, a definite ‘Smiles All Around’ event.”

Winners and honourable mentions read their stories and introduced their Grandparent, Elder or special older person to the crowd of about 80 people in attendance. CCP got their story and artwork framed as a gift for the children to present to their grandparents.

Local businesses and organizations also provided prizes for the children and their grandparents, which included Ashburnham Ale House, Boardwalk Board Game Café, Gerri's Arts and Crafts Warehouse, Lakeview Bowl Peterborough, The Little Frozen Yogurt Company, Peterborough Museum & Archives, Peterborough Public Library, Silver Bean Café and Tim Hortons.

Special guest Deputy Warden Sherry Senis presented each of the grandparents the award on behalf of Peterborough County. Local photographer Heather Doughty was onsite for the event, capturing family photos for the winners.

Primary Category – Grades 2 and 3

Primary Winner: Finn Frampton, Grade 3, St. Anne Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Grandpa Reginald Caley

Primary Honourable Mention: Kylie Beasley, Grade 3, North Shore Public School. Honouring: Grandpa Ken Beasley

Primary Honourable Mention: Launa Hobbs, Grade 2, Monsignor O'Donoghue Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Nana Judy Masters

Junior Category – Grades 4, 5 and 6

Junior Winner: Maya Kubica, Grade 5, École catholique Monseigneur-Jamot. Honouring: Grandad David Peters

Junior Honourable Mention: Molly Cotnam, Grade 6, Apsley Central Public School. Honouring: Grandma Eva Malloy

Junior Honourable Mention: Madeline McBride, Grade 6, St. John Catholic Elementary School. Honouring: Grandpa Dan Burke

“We want to thank every child that entered, they have a participation certificate coming to them,” continued Vandine. “Every year we are amazed by the scope of stories we have received, it was not an easy task for our volunteer judges to choose the winners. Congratulations to Finn (honouring Grandpa Reginald Caley) and Maya (honouring Grandpa Dan Burke) for their winning entries.”

For more information about the annual Grandparent of the Year event, visit the website.

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Community Care’s 35th Annual Grandparent of the Year Award Ceremony to Take Place June 6

Community Care Peterborough is celebrating the 35th anniversary of its intergenerational recognition program, ‘Grandparent of the Year,’ which honours children’s relationship with a Grandparent, Elder or special older person in their lives, with this year’s winners and honourable mentions will be announced on June 6.

photo courtesy of community care peterborough.

Over the years, thousands of school children from across the City and County of Peterborough have nominated a loved one for this award. Children are encouraged to submit a hand-drawn picture and a piece of writing that addresses what is important about their relationship with their Grandparent, Elder or special older person, and why they think their nominee should win the award. 

This year, Community Care received almost 200 entries and their panel of volunteer judges has chosen: one winner and two honourable mentions from each group of grades; primary and junior. Primary is Grades 2 & 3, and junior is Grades 4, 5, & 6.  Submissions were accepted in both English and French.

“We want to thank every child that entered, they have a participation certificate coming to them,” said Alicia Vandine, CCP’s donor relations and communications lead. “Every year we are amazed by the scope of stories we have received, it was not an easy task for our volunteer judges to choose the winners.”

After two years of virtual events, Community Care says they are looking forward to a return to an in-person awards ceremony on June 6 at 6 p.m. at the lower level Community Room in the Peterborough Public Library (345 Aylmer St. N, Peterborough).

For more information about the annual Grandparent of the Year event, visit the website.

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Heart of Trent Event Recognizes Outstanding Contributions of Staff, Faculty, Retirees

The outstanding contributions of Trent faculty, staff and retirees were celebrated Wednesday at the University’s annual Heart of Trent employee appreciation event, hosted this year at Trent’s Durham GTA campus in Oshawa.

photo courtesy of trent UNIVERSITY.

“This event is a genuine celebration,” said Dr. Leo Groarke, president and vice-chancellor. “It is an opportunity for our community to gather and recognize the successes and achievements of our dedicated staff and faculty – truly, the heart of Trent – throughout another momentous year. 

At the event, the University celebrated the 2022/23 recipients of the several esteemed awards, including: Team Innovation, Community Leadership, Eminent Service, Provost Award for Support Staff, the Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence, Research Impact Award, and Eminent Service Awards. Trent also recognized its long-serving employees and retirees as vital members of the Trent community. 

A full list of award winners is included below: 

Provost’s Award for Support Staff: Cassandra Aked, Academic Administrative Assistant, Trent University Durham GTA

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.  

Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence: Dana Capell, Senior Education Developer, Trent Centre for Teaching & Learning

Recognizes non-academic staff members who demonstrate excellence and exceptional commitment to Trent.  

Team Innovation Award: First Peoples House of Learning 

Recognizes a team, unit or department at Trent University whose innovative contributions have impacted the strategic objectives of the University.  

Trent Community Leadership Award: Linda Dsouza, Human Resources & Labour Relations Advisor

Recognizes faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to the local community in Peterborough or Durham regions.  

Jackie Muldoon Award for Faculty Service: Dr. Susan Wurtele, Associate Professor, Geography and Professor David Newhouse, Director, Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies

This award recognizes 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. 

Trent University Research Impact Award: Dr. Finis Dunaway, Professor, History

Honours Trent researchers or research teams stewarding original and impactful research that has contributed significantly to society on a local, regional, national or international scale.  

Emeritus Awards: Mak Arvin, Jonathan Bordo, Lynne Davis, Teresa DeCicco, Paul Elliott, Joanne Findon, Carolyn Kay, Michele Lacombe, Marrie Mumford, Elizabeth Nisbet, Mark Parnis, Igor Svishchev, Catherine Thibeault, Kristen Woodend, Barbara Znamirowski 

2023 Long Service Awards 

· 25 Years: Anne Parsons, Brian Thackeray, Elena Koudiakova, Stephanie Williams, Bruce Cater, Suzanne Bailey, Kenneth Coughlin, Anne Meneley, Steven Rafferty, James Schaefer, Loretta Durst 

· 30 years: Holger Hintelmann  

· 35 years: Cheryl Mckenna-Neuman, Inge Lovell, Kimberley Rumball 

· 40 Years - Barbara Znamirowski 

The following 2022/23 Trent University retirees were also honoured at the event: Jodi Aoki, Kathy Axcell, Jose Blanco, Stephen Bocking, James Buttle, Robert Clarke, Wayne Craft, Tim Foster, Mary Goldsmith, Tara Harrington, Denise Hartwick, Paul Heard, Donna Hoard, Pauline Johnston, Carolyn Kapron, Carolyn Kay, Michele Lacombe, Peter Lafleur, Chris Los, Jean Luyben, Tim MacInnes, Barbara Marshall, Lorna Patterson, Judy Pinto, Tony Porter, Pauline Rioux, Marisa Scigliano, Margaret Steffler, Igor Svishchev, Danial Swinnerton, Cathy Thompson and Michele Venton.  

Eminent Service Awards: Tara Harrington, Associate University Secretary (Senate) and Human Rights Advisor; Barbara Znamirowski, Senior Librarian; Brenda Maracle-O’Toole ‘77, Administrative Assistant, Indigenous Studies Ph.D.

Presented annually to recognize individuals distinguished by a track record of outstanding contributions to University life that go beyond the performance of their job or role.

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Fleming College Students Shine at Skills Ontario

Fleming College students took home medals in multiple categories this week during the annual Skills Ontario competition at the Toronto Congress Centre.

Photo courtesy of Fleming College.

The Skills Ontario competition pit some of the best skilled trades and technology students from across the province against each other during two and a half days of competition. 

The event is also a chance for students to put their learned skills and knowledge to the test in a high-pressure environment while they’re up against the clock, as family, friends and potential future employers cheer them on.   

Owen Mitchell, a graduating student in Fleming’s Welding and Fabrication Technician program, took home a Silver medal in the Welding category.  

Fellow Welding and Fabrication Technician graduate Kenzie Backus scored a Bronze medal in the Metal Fabricator competition.  

Joel Tucker, a recent graduate from the Carpentry Apprenticeship program, nabbed a Bronze medal in the Individual Carpentry competition.  

Fleming students weren’t the only ones recognized for their innovation and creativity this week. Fleming’s high trafficked booth was awarded first place for its unique design and interactive displays, educational value provided, relevance to skilled trades and technologies and the overall memorable experience. The award resulted in a trophy, free booth at the 2024 Career Exploration Showcase, and recognition in the Skills Ontario Newsletter, Summer 2023. 

Fleming College is proud of all that our students, staff and faculty accomplished this week.  

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CMHA HKPR Now Accepting Nominations for Community Mental Health Awards and Annual Tam Grant Bursary

The Canadian Mental Health Association Haliburton, Kawartha, Pine Ridge (CMHA HKPR) is now accepting nominations for the Annual Community Mental Health Awards and Tam Grant Bursary.

photo by samantha bianco.

Staff are encouraged to nominate someone who is deserving of recognition for their efforts in improving mental health in the community, including volunteers, community leaders, individuals with lived experience of mental illness and their family members.

CMHA HKPR invites applications for the annual Tam Grant Bursary for students entering post-secondary education with a diagnosed mental illness.

The deadline for award and bursary submissions is 4:30 p.m. on June 23.

CMHA HKPR is calling for submissions for the following awards:

• The Achievement Through Adversity Award honours a client of CMHA HKPR services, or a survivor of mental illness, who has shown continued courage and tenacity in reaching their goals. In education, employment, volunteering, or through the tasks of daily living, this individual is a role model for others on the journey to a healthy life.

• The Maurice Lovnes Award is presented to an individual or individuals who have volunteered with CMHA HKPR, and who have exemplified the following traits during the year: Vision, Dedication, Caring, Support and Commitment.

• Caregiver Champion Award honours a family member or caregiver who has shown continued support to a person living with mental health concerns.

• Naresh James Award recognizes an individual who has championed critical issues, pioneered initiatives, and has achieved lasting impacts in support of those who live with mental health issues, as well as assisting their families and friends. This individual has demonstrated commitment to support individuals who live with mental health challenges through their leadership, advocacy, and perseverance. 

• Champion of Mental Health – CMHA HKPR acknowledges individuals or organizations that have made outstanding contributions in the community by supporting mental health. These contributions should support Knowledge, Hope and Belonging: the three pillars that form the foundation of our organization to enable Mental Health for All.

• Tam Grant Bursary – Access to educational programs is one way for individuals living with schizophrenia or other serious and persistent mental illnesses to realize their own potential. The Tam Grant Memorial Bursary seeks to encourage and support these individuals as they pursue higher education.

Tam Grant Bursary details: Bursaries are awarded each year at our Annual Meeting for registration for the upcoming school year. The maximum amount awarded annually is $1,000.  Applicants must be residents of the Haliburton, Kawartha and Pine Ridge areas (HKPR). For this year’s Tam Grant Memorial Bursary application visit their website.

Successful nominees and applicants will be presented with their award or bursary at the CMHA HKPR Annual Meeting, which will be held on Sept. 23 at the Peterborough Golf and Country Club in Peterborough. Nomination forms for the awards can be found online.

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