Alumnae

Trafalgar-Ross Lectures

The Trafalgar–Ross Lecture is a much-loved annual tradition that brings together students, staff, Old Girls, parents, and friends of the school, and anyone in the wider community who wants to join, to hear ideas and stories that spark curiosity, reflection, and conversation.

Re-launched in 1981 to honour our founder, Donald Ross, the series invites remarkable Canadians whose experiences, passions, and insights leave a lasting impression on everyone who attends.

Over the years, inspiring figures such as Maureen Forrester, Marc Garneau, David Suzuki, and Adele Wiseman have shared their stories, giving students and guests alike the chance to see bold ideas in action and think differently about the world around them.

Held during Homecoming celebrations, the Trafalgar–Ross Lecture is a moment to gather, listen, and be inspired — a tradition that continues to connect our school to the wider community through ideas that matter.

Meet the 2025 Trafalgar–Ross Speaker

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  • About Our Speaker

    We are honoured to welcome Linda Genereux as this year’s Trafalgar Ross Lecturer. A Canadian-American filmmaker and advocate for justice-impacted youth and adults, Linda co-produced the short advocacy film Because I’m Sixteen with the New York Center for Juvenile Justice, which addressed the need to raise the age of criminal responsibility in New York State.

    Her debut feature documentary, When Does Freedom Begin, is a powerful exploration of the importance of freedom and empathy. Through the lens of personal, social, and political boundaries, the film invites audiences to reflect on what freedom truly means for each of us. When Does Freedom Begin has received widespread acclaim, including the Berlin Women Cinema Festival Award for Best Feature Documentary.

    With an MSc in Urban Policy and an MA in Art History, Linda has also built a distinguished career as an entrepreneur, independent art curator, art writer, and photography expert. Born in Montreal and raised in Vancouver, she brings to Trafalgar a wealth of experience, insight, and creativity.

    We look forward to welcoming Linda, where she will share her insight, creativity, and passion for advocacy—and invite our community to engage with the important questions at the heart of her work.

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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
    2024 - Dionne Codrington '88 - CBC Journalist

Trafalgar School for Girls

3495 Simpson Street
Montreal, Quebec
H3G 2J7
514-935-2644
info@trafalgar.qc.ca
Our diverse school community challenges and inspires girls to embrace learning, be confident, and shape a better world.