York graduate student honoured by the Canadian military

Lt.-Col. Mary Romanow, a member of the Canadian Forces and a masters student in the Human Resources Management Program at York University, has received double honours for her military service and work on behalf of human rights and equity in the Canadian military.



Right: Mary Romanow


Earlier this year, Romanow was appointed an officer of the Order of Military Merit by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson. As the commander in chief of the Canadian Forces, Clarkson awarded Romanow the military equivalent of the Order of Canada. The Order of Military Merit is granted to a member of the Canadian Forces for outstanding and meritorious service throughout their military career. Romanow is a 34-year veteran of the Canadian military. Her military occupational specialty is human resources management. An investiture ceremony will take place at Rideau Hall in Ottawa later this year.


Romanow was also named the recipient of the Leadership in Human Resources Management Award as part of the 2004 Corporate Awards program for the Department of National Defence. The award was presented by the deputy minister for national defence at a gala ceremony held at the National Arts Centre in Ottawa in Nov. 2004. Romanow was commended for her continuous and significant contributions in the areas of human rights and social policy. She developed an integrated Human Rights Plan for the Canadian Forces. Romanow was also honoured for being a dynamic leader with a firm and fair approach in dealing with human rights complaints, employment equity and diversity issues.