Trent University professors Dr. Stephen Hill and Dr. Naomi Nichols have been awarded the King Charles III Coronation Medal – a national honour recognizing their leadership in climate policy and social justice.

The medals, presented at Trent’s annual Heart of Trent celebration, acknowledge their deep-rooted work in environmental action, housing advocacy, and community engagement – hallmarks of the University’s broader mission to create meaningful change through scholarship.

“The King Charles III Coronation Medal is an important and meaningful honour, and it’s no surprise that two members of the Trent community have been selected,” said Dr. Cathy Bruce, president and vice-chancellor of Trent University. “Dr. Hill and Dr. Nichols are changemakers. Their work on climate policy, housing, and social innovation reflects the very best of what Trent stands for: scholarship that is grounded in collaboration and driven by real-world impact.”

King Charles III Coronation Medals
Awarded by the Government of Canada, the King Charles III Coronation Medal recognizes Canadians whose outstanding service, leadership, or actions have contributed meaningfully to building a better Canada through long-standing volunteerism, professional excellence, or impactful community engagement.

Dr. Stephen Hill, Director of the Trent School of the Environment
As one of the University’s leading experts in climate and energy policy and community-based sustainability, Professor Hill’s research bridges climate change mitigation, environmental science, policy, and Indigenous perspectives, all through a local-first lens. A committed volunteer, Dr. Hill also shares his passion for environmental stewardship through roles on Trent’s Nature Areas Committee and with organizations like Sustainable Peterborough.

Dr. Naomi Nichols, Canada Research Chair in Community-Partnered Social Justice
Dr. Nichols is an associate professor and graduate director in the department of Sociology at Trent University as well as an award-winning researcher and director of the Research for Social Change Lab, Dr. Nichols works in close partnership with community organizations and marginalized populations to champion issues like youth homelessness and systemic inequality. Grounded in lived experience and local insight, her work informs social change in Peterborough and across Canada. As a teacher and mentor, she challenges students to move beyond their comfort zones, critically engage with patterns of social injustice, and become agents of change.

While the Coronation Medals marked a national spotlight on Trent’s academic leadership, the Heart of Trent celebration also recognized dozens of faculty and staff whose everyday contributions continue to shape the University’s culture, community, and success.

A full list of award winners at Heart of Trent follows:

Eminent Service Award: Dr. Rita Bode and Professor David Newhouse
Presented to individuals distinguished by a track record of outstanding contributions to University life that go beyond the performance of their job or role, awarded at the culmination of their careers at Trent.  

Dr. Rita Bode
Dr. Rita Bode has made lasting contributions to Trent University, particularly at the Durham campus where she began her tenure as an assistant professor of English Literature in 2003. From 2009 to 2011, she served as the first associate dean at Trent Durham, playing a pivotal role in relocating the campus to its current Thornton Road South location. Renowned as a mentor and leader, Professor Bode’s impressive career spans award-winning research, distinguished teaching, and tireless service to the profession, including a leadership role as chair with the Northeast Modern Language Association. A respected scholar of North American and Transatlantic literatures, she is the editor of Wharton’s Novellas and currently serves as editor of the prestigious Edith Wharton Review. Her co-edited collection L.M. Montgomery and the Matter of Nature(s) won the 2018 Gabrielle Roy Prize for the year’s best work in Canadian literary criticism.

Dr. David Newhouse 
Professor David Newhouse has been a transformative educator and researcher at Trent University since joining in 1992. As chair of the Indigenous Studies program and inaugural director of the Chanie Wenjack School for Indigenous Studies, he has been instrumental in expanding Indigenous academic programming and strengthening cross-University collaboration. A visionary leader, Dr. Newhouse played a key role in establishing the First Peoples House of Learning and has led efforts to Indigenize Trent’s policies, research ethics, and academic structures – ensuring Indigenous Knowledge, guided by Elders and Knowledge Holders, is respected and embedded across the institution. His contributions have shaped not only Trent, but the broader academic landscape in Canada, advancing the University’s mission while empowering future generations of students and scholars.

Nancy E. Simmons Smith Staff Award of Excellence: Leslie Spooner, Assistant Director Customer Engagement & Operations, Trent University Athletics & Recreation
Recognizes non-academic staff members who demonstrate excellence and exceptional commitment to Trent.

Team Innovation Award: Library 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: Sumiko Polacco, Academic Skills Instructor, and Dr. Sarah Jamieson, Assistant Professor, Biology
Awarded to faculty and staff who make exceptional contributions to the local community in Peterborough or Durham regions.    

Trent University Research Impact Award: Dr. Thomas Hossie, Assistant Professor, Biology
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: Dr. A. Haroon Akram-Lodhi, Dr. Rita Bode, Dr. Victoria de Zwaan, Dr. Cyndi Gilmer, Dr. Brendan Hickie, Dr. David Newhouse, Dr. Erica Nol
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: Trish Pearce, Academic Administrative Assistant Coordinator
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. Alba Agostino, Associate Professor and Chair, Child & Youth Studies
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.

2025 Long Service Awards:  

• 40 Years: Dr. Stephen Brown
• 35 Years: Dr. Charmaine Eddy, Joel Markle, Dr. Alan O’Connor, Dr. Andreas Pickel, Jacquie Slater
• 30 Years: Sherry Booth, Dr. Fiona Harris-Stoertz, Dr. Sharon Hepburn, Dr. Brendan Hickie
• 25 Years: Robert Ballarin, Robert Dack, Sean Daniels, Dr. Raymond Dart, Dr. Lynne Davis, Dr. Neil Emery, Dr. Wenying Feng, Tara Harrington, Lori Johnston, Holly Kuin, Lisa Ropertz, Dr. Laura Summerfeldt  

“At the Heart of Trent are the people who make this university more than a place to study or work,” added President Bruce. “Through national honours, years of dedicated service, or quiet acts of leadership, the individuals recognized at this year’s celebration embody our shared commitment to meaningful change, grounded in academic excellence and community engagement.”

Learn more about Heart of Trent.