University of Calgary researchers, alumni and supporters receive top civilian honour

On Dec. 29, Governor General Julie Payette announced 125 new appointments  to the Order of Canada, including eight from the University of Calgary community. Among the UCalgary recipients are a  visionary philanthropist, pioneering ophthalmologist, former medical dean, and leaders in business and education.

The Order of Canada is one of our country’s greatest civilian honours, acknowledging individuals who represent the best of what we are as Canadians and as members of society.

• Photo below: Clockwise from left: David Werklund, Marie Delorme, and Thomas Feasby are among the eight members of the University of Calgary community who were appointed to the Order of Canada. University of Calgary photos 

UCalgary Order of Canada recipients are:

• Marie Delorme, PhD’12, CEO of The Imagination Group of Companies, for her entrepreneurial leadership and for her commitment to promoting opportunities for women and Indigenous peoples in Canada.

• Joyce Doolittle, professor emerita in the Faculty of Arts and founder of Theatre Calgary, for contributing to the advancement of theatre in this city through her pioneering efforts as a performer, teacher and leader.

• Thomas Feasby, neurologist, researcher and former dean of the Cumming School of Medicine, for his visionary leadership at multiple Alberta academic and health institutions, notably for fostering excellence in neuroscience.

• Howard Gimbel, for his surgical innovations as an ophthalmologist, notably as a pioneer in cataract and refractive surgery. Gimbel is a clinical associate professor in the Cumming School of Medicine.

• Joseph Martin, LLD’12, for his sustained and influential leadership in academic medicine, and for his contributions to building health research institutions in North America.

• Cornelia Hahn Oberlander, LLD’14, was promoted to Companion of the Order of Canada for her long-standing contributions to the field of architecture as a worldwide leader in promoting socially conscious and environmentally responsible landscape designs.

• Vianne Timmons, PhD’93, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Regina, for her influential research and field work in literacy and for her leadership in post-secondary education.

• David Werklund, LLD’12, for his business acumen as a successful entrepreneur and industry leader, and for his philanthropy in support of post-secondary education institutions and youth leadership programs. In 2013, his $25-million gift to the University of Calgary’s Werklund School of Education was the largest ever received by an education faculty in Canada, enhancing learning opportunities for current and future teachers and ensuring UCalgary continues to drive change in education across Alberta and beyond.

The orders will be officially presented to the recipients at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

For a comprehensive list of Order of Canada appointees, visit the Governor General’s website.