Three Waterloo Engineering professors are among the list of several individuals with an affiliation with the University who were named to the Order of Canada.
His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, announced 100 new appointments to the Order of Canada on July 1. The Order has three levels: Companion, Officer and Member.
Linda Nazar was named an Officer of the Order of Canada for her contributions as a materials chemist who has developed advanced battery systems for clean-energy storage. She is a cross appointed professor in chemical engineering, electrical and computer engineering, and the Department of Chemistry at Waterloo. She is also a researcher at the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology.
Garry Rempel becomes a Member of the Order of Canada for his contributions to the field of chemical engineering, notably for advancing research in rubber technology. He is a professor in chemical engineering and affiliated with the Waterloo Institute for Nanotechnology,
Also a new Member of the Order of Canada is Carolyn Hansson, for her contributions as a materials engineer whose efforts have reduced corrosion and improved the performance of reinforced concrete structures. Hansson is a cross appointed professor in civil and environmental engineering, and mechanical and mechatronic engineering.
"People linked to University of Waterloo improve the world in many ways — such as through their groundbreaking research, with excellence in entrepreneurship and innovation, or their philanthropic efforts," said Ian Orchard, vice-president, academic and provost at Waterloo. "So it is fitting that so many members of the Waterloo family are receiving such high honours for their valuable contributions, and the University offers sincere congratulations to all of them."
Prem Watsa, chancellor emeritus, becomes Member of the Order of Canada, recognized for his achievements as a business leader, and for his work as a volunteer and philanthropist.
Ophelia Lazaridis, a Waterloo alumna who served on the University's Board of Governors from 2009 to 2015, was named a Member of the Order of Canada for her contributions as a community leader and philanthropist who focuses on education and the arts.
Other honorees include Lawrence Hill, an author who received an honorary doctorate from Waterloo in 2011 becomes a Member of the Order of Canada, and Douglas Fregin, co-founder of Research In Motion, Ltd. (now BlackBerry), recognized for his innovative advancements in communications technology and for his many philanthropic endeavours. He is a generous donor to the University and becomes an Officer of the Order of Canada.
The Order of Canada is one of the country's highest civilian honours. The investiture ceremony will take place in Ottawa at a later date. For more information, please visit www.gg.ca/honours.