10 university members appointed to Order of Canada

Her Excellency the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, announced 105 new appointments to the Order of Canada on June 29, 2018.

Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is one of this country’s highest civilian honours, recognizing outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation.

Dr. John Conly, MD, is a professor in the Cumming School of Medicine at the University of Calgary. His Order of Canada appointment recognizes his contributions for his ongoing dedication to antimicrobial resistance and infection control in Canada, notably by creating national guidelines on the standard of care for infectious diseases. Conly is also the medical director the Ward of the 21 Century (W21C).

Aritha van Herk is a professor in the Faculty of Arts. Her Order of Canada appointment recognizes her promotion of Canadian literature and for raising public awareness of the Western Canadian experience, at home and abroad, as a novelist and essayist.

Dr. Roberta Lynn Bondar, MD, received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Calgary in 1992. She has been named a companion in the Order of Canada for her contributions to our awareness of environmental sustainability as an educator, patron and internationally recognized photographer, and for her pioneering work in space medicine research.

Ronald D. Ghitter received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Calgary in 2001 and is a supporter of the university. His Order of Canada appointment recognizes his exemplary service as a politician and senator, and his commitment to the advancement of human rights and social justice.

Dr. Dianne Kipnes, PhD, and Irving Kipnes are recognized for their commitment to community building and for their philanthropic leadership in the arts and health care. In 2013, their gift to the University of Calgary advanced lymphedema research by supporting education development and recruitment of new researchers, and through the creation of a Lymphatic Imaging Suite. 

Beverley McLachlin received an honorary Doctor of Laws from the University of Calgary in 2000. She has been named a companion in the Order of Canada for her prodigious impact on our country’s legal landscape, notably as the longest-serving chief justice of Canada, as well as the first woman in the role.

Patricia Meirion Moore is recognized for her lifelong involvement in her community as a dedicated and hands-on volunteer, and for her fundraising and philanthropic efforts to strengthen her community’s cultural and social fabric. Moore is a supporter of the University of Calgary.

Alumnus Michael J. Tims, BComm’76, also earned an honorary Doctor of Laws from UCalgary in 2009 and is a donor to the university. His Order of Canada appointment recognizes his expertise as an advisor in corporate finance and investment, which has improved Canadian business across the country.

Gerald Wood is a supporter of the university. His Order of Canada appointment recognizes his contributions to his city and province as an entrepreneur and philanthropist.

Recipients will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date. The complete list of Order of Canada recipients announced on June 29 can be found on the Governor General of Canada website.