Order of Canada appoints 15 individuals with York University connections

Image shows the Order of Canada medals laid out on a black backgroundFifteen individuals with an affiliation to York University have been appointed to the Order of Canada, as announced on Nov. 27.

The individuals from the York University community are among 114 new appointees to the Order of Canada and includes two invested as officers (O.C.) and 13 invested as members (C.M.).

Officers of the Order of Canada

William C. Graham was appointed for his sustained contributions to politics and academia, and for his philanthropic endeavours. Graham is a York University donor. This appointment is a promotion within the Order.

Sheldon Levy was appointed for his exceptional leadership as an education administrator and for promoting student entrepreneur incubators on university campuses across the country. Levy is a York University alumnus, honourary alumnus and former vice-president of institutional affairs.

Members of the Order of Canada

Daniel R. Bereskin was appointed for his leadership in the field of intellectual property law and trademark law in Canada and abroad. Bereskin is a York University donor.

B. Denham Jolly was appointed for his contributions to the promotion of equity and opportunity within the Greater Toronto Area’s Black community. Jolly is a York University donor.

James M. Drake was appointed for his leadership in the field of pediatric neurosurgery and for his contributions to the treatment of complex childhood disorders. Drake is a York University donor.

Philip Michael Epstein was appointed for his leadership in Canadian family law and for pioneering programs in dispute resolution now emulated across the country. Epstein is a York University donor.

Anthony Olmsted Hendrie was appointed for his volunteerism and philanthropy in support of a wide range of causes over the past 60 years. Hendrie is an alumnus and York University donor.

William Macdonald was appointed for his distinguished career as a law practitioner and for his expert counsel on national public policy issues. Macdonald is an alumnus and York University donor.

Judy Matthews was appointed for her groundbreaking contributions to Toronto’s cultural and urban landscapes, as an urban planner and philanthropist. Matthews is an alumna and York University donor.

Sarah Milroy was appointed for promoting Canadian art and artists through her roles as editor, publisher, critic and curator. Milroy is a York University donor.

Peggy Nash was appointed for her contributions to women’s employment equity, human rights and gender representation in all levels of public office. Nash is an alumna.

Glenn O’Farrell was appointed for his vision for education and for his leadership in communications, having positioned a media outlet as a global symbol of French language and culture. O’Farrell holds a certificate from the Schulich Executive Education Centre.

Christina Petrowska Quilico was appointed for her celebrated career as a classical and contemporary pianist, and for championing Canadian music. Petrowska Quilico is a faculty member.

Allan Michael Rock was appointed for his contributions to the advancement of human rights and global humanitarian issues, and to the fields of law, politics and education. Rock is a College Fellow (McLaughlin College) and a York University donor.

Stefan Glenn Sigurdson was appointed for his dexterous relationship-building skills and for his contributions to alternative dispute resolution across Canada and beyond. Sigurdson is an alumnus and York University donor.