Honorary Trent degrees for Peterborough doctor, Curve Lake author

Trent University is honouring two Peterborough area residents and two other Canadians with honorary degrees at its 2023 convocation ceremony in June.

The in-person ceremony in Peterborough will be held June 6 to 9 and 12 to 13.

“This year’s honorary degree recipients personify Trent’s strengths in Indigenous studies, health, aging, social justice, the liberal arts and sciences,” Trent president Leo Groarke stated in a press release.

“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.”

Dr. Jennifer Ingram will receive an honorary doctorate of science in recognition of her contributions to geriatric medicine, dementia care and the study of aging.

“I am thrilled and honoured to receive this wonderful recognition from Trent University,” she stated. “My career in dementia research and care aligns so well with Trent University’s commitment to studies in aging and their goals of creating an age friendly and dementia friendly community.”

Ingram believes it’s a mix of Alzheimer’s work and evaluation and management of teams in the community that led to her being chosen for this honorary degree.

Ingram has lived in Peterborough for 37 years and credits the community for allowing her research to flourish to such a great degree.

“It allowed me the latitude to initiate all sorts of activities and programs that would not be as necessary in a big academic centre or a big city such as Toronto,” she said.

She said her developments in educational, health care, home care and research development services are the result of the wonderful people and connections made in Peterborough.

“I share this honour with all who work for improved health care for seniors, and with all the inspirational people and families we serve,” Ingram said.

Also being honoured is Curve Lake First Nation’s Drew Hayden Taylor, who will receive an honorary doctorate of letters as recognition for his career as an Indigenous playwright, journalist, filmmaker, and author. Taylor’s career has been growing since the 1980s.

“This distinguished honour confirms, for me, the power and importance of storytelling,” Taylor stated in a press release. “Trent University is not just giving me this honorary doctorate but is also honouring all those who have a story to tell.”

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