President-designate, two alumni and a professor emeritus are among honourees
Two alumni, a professor emeritus, and Waterloo’s next president are among the people recently named to the Order of Canada in announcements in November and December.
Vivek Goel, who becomes Waterloo’s seventh president and vice-chancellor in July, was named a member of the Order of Canada in the honours list announced December 30. Known globally as an expert in public health, the distinguished scholar recently served as vice-president research and innovation at the University of Toronto. He stepped down from that role last June to support Canada’s response to the pandemic as a member of the federal COVID-19 Immunity Task Force, and as scientific advisor for the CanCOVID Research Network.
Her Excellency, the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, recognized Goel for his contributions as an academic and administrator who is committed to the advancement of public health services, evidence-based healthcare, and research innovation.
“The global crisis that is the COVID-19 pandemic has put a sharp focus on public health research, and I’m grateful for this recognition of my contributions in that area,“ said Goel. “I wish to offer my congratulations to all of the other honourees, and express how proud I feel to be in the company of people doing such important work.”
Frances Westley, professor emeritus and formerly the J.W. McConnell Chair in Social Innovation at Waterloo, was also named a member of the Order of Canada in the same announcement. She is an author, consultant, and renowned scholar in the areas of social innovation, inter-organizational collaboration, and strategies for sustainable development. Westley’s honour is the result of her global contributions to the study and implementation of social innovation.
The Honourable Monique Bégin, who has an honorary doctor of laws degree from Waterloo, and Peter Warrian, an alumnus of St. Jerome's University who earned his BA, MA and PhD from Waterloo, appear in the announcement on November 27. Bégin’s award is a promotion within the Order to companion, and is the result of her work to support public health, education, and human rights around the world. She has served federally as Minister of National Revenue and as Minister of Health and Welfare. Warrian, co-founder and managing director of the Lupina Foundation, becomes a member of the Order of Canada. He was recognized for his expertise and leadership as a researcher in Canada’s steel industry, and for his philanthropy in the area of health.
The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours. The Governor General makes the appointments on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada. For more information on the awards, please visit the website of the Governor General of Canada.
