(photo by Sgt Ronald Duchesne, Rideau Hall (c) OSGG, 2014)

Order of Canada awarded to University of Toronto president, faculty members

Published: December 30, 2015

University of Toronto President Meric Gertler has been appointed to the Order of Canada – along with faculty members Brenda Andrews, Frances Shepherd, George Baird and Kent Roach.

The president received the honour in recognition of “his research in urban geography, notably for his influential studies of innovation, technology and development in cities,” the Governor General’s office said in its citation.

Established in 1967, the Order recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

In a statement on its website, the Governor General’s office says the Order recognizes “people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.”

Governor General David Johnston released the latest list of appointees and progressions within the Order on Dec. 30. Gertler, who was named a Member of the Order, noted that the list recognized many members of the U of T community, including faculty and alumni.

“I’m delighted to see the Order of Canada celebrating so many members of the University of Toronto community,” Gertler said. “These leading scholars and dedicated citizens have made extraordinary contributions to our country and our world and I’m pleased to offer them my congratulations.

“It’s an unexpected honour to be included among their number.”

Three of the six Canadians named Companion of the Order of Canada, the highest level of the Order, are members of the U of T community. Brenda Andrews, newly named to the Order, was named Companion for “her globally significant research in systems biology and for developing and nurturing prominent scientific communities in molecular genetics.” Margaret MacMillan was promoted within the Order to the level of Companion for “her eminent studies of international relations history, and for her leading contributions to public discourse on history and current affairs.” And alumnus Atom Egoyan was promoted to Companion for “his groundbreaking contributions to film as an internationally respected filmmaker and for his commitment to mentoring and showcasing Canadian artists.”

Along with Andrews and Gertler, faculty newly named to the Order include:

Frances Alice Shepherd, named Officer of the Order of Canada for “her leadership in improving treatment options and outcomes for individuals with advanced lung cancer.”

George Baird, named Member of the Order of Canada for “his contributions to architecture as a scholar, teacher, and practitioner.

Kent Roach, named Member of the Order of Canada for “his steadfast defence of the rights of Canadians, both as a scholar and as a litigator.”

University of Toronto community members honoured also include: Engineering and Faculty of Law alumnus Brian Levitt, named an Officer for his contributions to the legal and business communities and for his support of the arts; Faculty of Arts & Science alumnus and honorary grad Rohinton Mistry, named a Member for “his acclaimed work as an author of international renown”; OISE grad Patricia Cranton, named a Member for her contributions to adult education and transformative learning; retired CBC producer and Trinity College grad Douglas Ward, named a Member for his philanthropy as well as his services to radio broadcasting; and longtime U of T supporter (and recipient of an honorary degree from Victoria University at U of T) Helen Vari, named a Member for her philanthropic and volunteer contributions and extensive service to educational, cultural and social initiatives.