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Trafalgar-Ross Lectures
2024 Speaker
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Dionne Codrington ’88
Award-winning Journalist
Words that Resonate
One of the school’s most celebrated annual events: the Trafalgar–Ross Lecture brings together the entire student body and staff, along with many Old Girls, parents, friends of the school, and special guests.
The series was re-established in 1981 to honour the memory and intention of Trafalgar's founder, Donald Ross, “to bring before a large audience of students, Old Girls, parents, staff and friends of the school, a speaker of prominence and personal distinction, whose address will prove of lasting influence and inspiration for our students.”
Now called the Trafalgar-Ross Lecture, outstanding Canadians such as Maureen Forrester, Marc Garneau, David Suzuki and Adele Wiseman are invited each year to address the school during the month of October.
The series was re-established in 1981 to honour the memory and intention of Trafalgar's founder, Donald Ross, “to bring before a large audience of students, Old Girls, parents, staff and friends of the school, a speaker of prominence and personal distinction, whose address will prove of lasting influence and inspiration for our students.”
Now called the Trafalgar-Ross Lecture, outstanding Canadians such as Maureen Forrester, Marc Garneau, David Suzuki and Adele Wiseman are invited each year to address the school during the month of October.
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About Our Speaker
We are honoured to welcome Dionne Codrington, an esteemed alumna from the class of 1988, as this year's Trafalgar Ross lecturer. A distinguished journalist with CBC, Dionne has built a remarkable career, sharing stories that resonate deeply within our communities. Her talk promises to be a compelling exploration of the complexities of today's society, shedding light on how our journeys often take unexpected turns before leading us to where we wish to be. With insightful reflections drawn from her own experiences, she will inspire us to embrace the winding paths that shape our lives. Join us for an enlightening session that encourages us to view our journeys with curiosity and resilience.
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Past Speakers
1981 – David Suzuki – Geneticist
1982 – Marie-Josée Drouin – Economist
1983 – Diane Jones Konihowski – Athlete
1984 – Adele Wiseman – Author
1985 – Maureen Forrester – Singer
1986 – Marc Garneau – Astronaut
1987 – Anne Begor Lancashire ‘58 – University Professor
1988 – Louise Mailhot – Judge (Quebec)
1989 – Jane Poulson – Physician
1990 – Peter Mansbridge – Journalist
1991 – Lynn Johnston – Cartoonist
1992 – David Lank – Historian
1993 – Sunniva Sorby ‘78 – Antarctic Explorer
1994 – Gretta Chambers- Chancellor of McGill, Journalist
1995 – Sylvia Sweeney – Athlete, Filmmaker
1996 – Terry Mosher (Aislin) – Editorial Cartoonist
1997 – Margie Gillis – Solo Dance Artist
1998 – Amanda Vincent – Environmental Biologist
1999 – Kathy Reichs – Forensic Anthropologist, author
2000 – Rosalie Abella – Family Court Judge (Ontario)
2001 – Jessalyn Gilsig ’88 – Actor
2002 – Lisa Campeau ’86 – International aid worker
2003 – Heather Munroe-Blum – Principal of McGill University
2004 – Margaret Somerville – Ethicist
2005 – Charlotte Gray – Historian and Author
2006 – Moira Brown – Marine Biologist
2007 – Elizabeth May – Politician
2008 – Nancy Dunton – Architectural Historian
2009 – Debbie Travis – Designer, author, television personality and producer
2010 – Dr. Brenda Milner – Neuropsychologist
2011 – Sylvie Fréchette – Olympic champion
2012 – Sheila Fraser – Former Auditor General of Canada
2013 – Heidi Hollinger – International Photographer
2014 – Maude Barlow – National Chairperson, Council of Canadians
2015 – Dr. Victoria Kaspi PhD – Astrophysicist
2016 – Kim Thúy – Award-winning Author
2017 – Carolyn Taylor ’90 – Award-winning Writer/Actor/Comedian
2017 – Jennifer Moroz ’90 – Award-winning Journalist/Producer
2018 – Joanna Goodman ’86 – Author
2019 – Dr. Suzanne Fortier – Principal and Vice-Chancellor of McGill University
2020 – Sunniva Sorby '78 and Hilde Fålun Strøm – Citizen Scientists
2021 – Kassandra Churcher '95 – Advocate for Women and Indigenous Education
2022 – Ellen Shustik ’96 and Sheryl Stotland ’85 - Advocates for Democracy
2023 - Dawn Nakagawa '88 - President of Berggruen Institute
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