Seven members of the 91亚色 community are among the recently-announced Order of Canada and Order of Ontario recipients. The announcements were made on Dec. 28 and Jan. 1, respectively, by the Right Honourable Mary Simon, Governor General of Canada and the Honourable Edith Dumont, Lieutenant Governor of Ontario and Chancellor of the Order of Ontario. 

The Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario recognize the exceptional achievements and contributions of individuals that have left a lasting legacy in the province and country. These individuals come from all walks of life and have played an important role in shaping our country.

Order of Canada appointees 

OFFICER

Wenona Giles, faculty/professor emerita 

Wenona Giles, a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada, was appointed for her significant contributions to refugee and migration studies and for her efforts to increase access to higher education among those living in refugee camps. 

MEMBERS

Patricia Sybil Pritchard Fraser, (BA 鈥�75, MA 鈥�12), alumna

Patricia Sybil Pritchard Fraser, a retired artistic director of the School of Toronto Dance Theatre (now the Dance Arts Institute) was appointed for her lasting contributions to Canadian contemporary dance as an artist, dancer, educator and artistic director. 

Flavio Volpe (MBA 鈥�99), alumnus

Flavio Volpe, president of the Automotive Parts Manufacturers Association was appointed for advancing Canada鈥檚 automotive and technology industries on an international scale as a leading policy expert in national trade and industry competition. 

Sara Joy Angel, affiliated faculty 

Sara Joy Angel, a former journalist and now executive director and publisher at the Art Canada Institute, was appointed for her significant contributions to Canadian art history as a visual arts journalist and founder of the Art Canada Institute, which makes Canadian art history accessible online. 

Order of Ontario Appointees鈥� 

The Honourable David Collenette (BA 鈥�69, MA 鈥�04), alumnus, faculty, donor鈥� 

The Honourable David Collenette is the current Chair of the NATO Association of Canada. He has served as a Member of Parliament and cabinet minister under three prime ministers. Among his many achievements, he helped bring former Warsaw Pact nations into NATO, changed federal policy toward racial equality and diversity and led Canada鈥檚 security response to 9/11. He has also contributed countless hours to numerous not-for-profit projects, including the arts and as chair of the NATO Association of Canada. Collenette has also served on several Glendon Campus committees and has been a 91亚色 Alumni Award recipient. 

Michael Latner (BA 鈥�76), alumnus鈥� 

Michael Latner is the CEO of Shiplake Properties, one of the province鈥檚 most successful family-owned companies. He is recognized for his significant contributions to Ontario鈥檚 social and economic prosperity through business and philanthropy. As CEO, he has made transformational investments in local business, innovation and job creation.  

Dwayne Morgan (BA 鈥�97), alumnus 

Dwayne Morgan is a poet, spoken word artist, motivational speaker and founder of production company Up From The Roots which creates opportunities for other racialized artists. He lobbied the League of Canadian Poets to include performance poets, produced North America鈥檚 two largest spoken-word events and has performed globally. 

Gervan Fearon, former faculty, donor 

Gervan Fearon is currently president of George Brown College and previously served as the president and vice-chancellor at Brock University and Brandon University. He is a veteran educator who has a vision for equity, inclusion and community empowerment.  

For more information about the Order of Canada and Order of Ontario program, visit  and .

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In November, community members joined Augustine at 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus to celebrate an announcement of funding from the federal government to support the endowed university Chair in her name.

The Hon. Kamal Khera, Canada鈥檚 Minister of Diversity, Inclusion, and Persons with Disabilities delivered the news, 鈥淗aving access to equal opportunities and a brighter future should not depend on the color of your skin or your origins. Our government is committed to dismantling systemic barriers wherever they persist in our country,鈥� she said. 鈥淧artnering with organizations like the Jean Augustine Chair in Education, Community, and Diaspora, we are creating pathways to education for Black youth and future Black scholars, thereby building a stronger, more prosperous Canada.鈥�

The $1.5 million federal contribution represents a major milestone for the endowed Chair 鈥� now fully funded with more than $3 million, thanks in large part to many years of dedicated grassroots fundraising efforts led by Augustine, supported by her devoted network, and backed by matching funds provided by the University.

President Rhonda Lenton delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of 91亚色, reflecting on the importance of the work the Chair will support, including scholarly research, programs, partnerships and new opportunities for Black communities in Toronto and beyond.

鈥淲e are grateful for the generous support of the Government of Canada which will build on Jean Augustine鈥檚 legacy and vision and enable the Chair to continue in perpetuity 鈥� fostering the success of current and future Black scholars and students, and addressing systemic barriers to advance access, equity and inclusivity in education,鈥� Lenton said.

Augustine paid tribute to those who have supported her vision over the years, 鈥淪ince 2008, we have been diligently raising funds to secure this vital community resource. The generous donation we received has allowed us to reach our goal, and our community is deeply grateful for this invaluable contribution,鈥� she said.

The announcement follows a history of determined fundraising since the Chair was established. Efforts led by Jean Augustine herself, and community-inspired efforts like the  in 2021 ensured success in raising $1.08 million towards the endowment, which was then matched with a further $1.08 million by the University.

Prof. Carl James, who currently holds the Chair, and Faculty of Education Dean Robert Savage also spoke to those gathered, including Member of Parliament Arielle Kayabaga, and former Dean of the Faculty of Education Paul Axelrod, among many esteemed community members, partners and advocates.

James is the current Chair and a recently appointed distinguished research professor in the Faculty of Education. His work builds on Augustine鈥檚 vision. A renowned researcher and prolific writer, James is widely recognized for his research contributions and for leading efforts to enhance educational and social outcomes for Black youth across Canada. His groundbreaking research on streaming 鈥� the exercise of choosing between 鈥榓pplied鈥� or 鈥榓cademic鈥� courses, found to disproportionately affect Black students 鈥� ultimately led to the provincial government ending the practice in Ontario high schools.

The real-life impact of this work was evident at a free documentary film screening later in the day at the Price Family Cinema on 91亚色鈥檚 Keele Campus, where students from James Cardinal McGuigan Catholic High School and Monsignor Percy Johnson Catholic School cheered in a standing ovation after receiving news that the Chair had been fully funded.

The documentary Steadfast 鈥� The Messenger and the Message, follows Augustine鈥檚 journey 鈥渇rom Happy Hill to Parliament Hill,鈥� and traces her beginnings as a teacher in Grenada and deep connection to her Caribbean roots. The film highlighted how her early experience informed her work and social activism in Canada 鈥� from establishing Black History Month in Canada in 1995, to the community-engaged work the Jean Augustine Chair advances today.

Initiatives like the Day at 91亚色 program (providing Black students enrolled in grades 7-12 an opportunity to explore their post-secondary education options) or the Black Internship Program (Co-op) Credit (designed to increase Black leadership and education engagement through skills development and experiential learning) are only two examples of how Augustine鈥檚 legacy has shaped the University and neighbouring communities in positive ways.

In a post-screening conversation with bestselling author and fellow , Augustine reflected on both her age and her impressive list of accolades and accomplishments: 鈥淵ou can鈥檛 put 86 years into 57 minutes, but we tried.鈥� More than 60 years since arriving in Canada, Augustine鈥檚 impressive legacy continues to grow 鈥� outpaced only by her passion for public service, community, and the power of education.

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The work premiered as a participatory performance where the stories of the 52 women were brought to life through original monologues written by 24 playwrights. Participants had the opportunity to step into the shoes of one of the 52 women by reading excerpts from the monologues. The 91亚色 alumnae honoured in the project include: 

Dr. Jillian Andrew (BA 鈥�01, 鈥�02, BEd 鈥�03, PhD 鈥�18) MPP, Toronto-St. Paul鈥檚 

Dr. Jillian Andrew is the first Black and queer person elected into the Ontario Legislature. She was elected to the Legislative Assembly of Ontario as an Ontario NDP Member of Provincial Parliament in 2018. Since elected to office Jill has hosted several initiatives in support of arts and culture, housing, education, health care, gender equity, environment and more.  

Roberta L. Bondar (DSc 鈥�92) - Canadian astronaut and neurologist 

Roberta L. Bondar is Canada鈥檚 first female astronaut and neurologist in space. Following her space mission, she led an international space medicine research team working with NASA for over a decade. In recognition of her contributions, she earned the NASA Space Flight Medal, as well as induction into the International Women鈥檚 Forum Hall of Fame and the Canadian Medical Hall of Fame. 

Adrienne Clarkson (LLD 鈥�03) - Governor General, Journalist, and Author 

Adrienne Clarkson, the Right Honourable 26th Governor General of Canada (1999-2005), was the first racialized person, the first individual of Asian heritage, and the first without a political or military background to be appointed to the vice-regal position. Prior to her appointment, Clarkson had an award-winning career in broadcast and print journalism as host and reporter of CBC鈥檚 The Fifth Estate. 

Cathy Crowe (LLD 鈥�10) - Nurse and Healthcare activist  

Cathy Crowe is one of Canada鈥檚 first street nurses who dedicated her career to social justice with a focus on addressing homelessness. In 1998, she co-founded the Toronto Disaster Relief Committee (TDRC), which declared homelessness a national disaster. In 2018, Crowe was honoured with the Order of Canada.  

Cheri DiNovo (BA 鈥�94) - United Church of Canada Minister, Activist, and Politician 

Reverend Doctor Cheri DiNovo is an ordained United Church minister who performed Canada鈥檚 first legalized same sex marriage. Cheri is a Member of the Order of Canada, recognized for her contributions to politics in Ontario and for her dedication to championing social justice. As the former Member of Provincial Parliament for Parkdale鈥揌igh Park in Ontario, Cheri passed into law more pro-LGBTQ2+ legislation than anyone in Canadian history including Toby鈥檚 Act, which added trans rights to Ontario鈥檚 Human Rights Code. 

Karen Kain (LLD 鈥�79) - Ballet Dancer and Artistic Director 

Karen Kain joined the National Ballet of Canada in 1969 at the age of 18 as a member of the Corps de Ballet and became one of its most celebrated principal dancers. Her talent was recognized internationally and earned her reputation as one of the best classical dancers of her time. In 2005 she was appointed artistic director of the National Ballet which she served until 2021, making her the longest serving artistic director since the National Ballet鈥檚 founder, Celia Franca. 

Saadia Muzaffar (BA 鈥�01) - Tech Entrepreneur and Author 

Saadia Muzaffar is the founder of TechGirls Canada, a leading platform for women in science, technology, engineering, and math in Canada. Additionally, she co-founded Tech Reset Canada, a collective of business leaders, technologists, and other residents advocating for innovation that benefits the public good.  

Rosemary Sadlier (BA 鈥�75) - Social Justice Advocate, Researcher, and Author 

Rosemary Sadlier served as president of the Ontario Black History Society for 22 years. She played a key role in the national declaration of February as Black History Month. She also successfully secured Emancipation Day commemorations municipally in 1994 (now, Emancipation Month), provincially in 2008, and nationally in 2021. Sadlier is also known for her contributions to the development of the African Canadian curriculum and books on African Canadian history.  

Rosalie Silberman Abella (LLD 鈥�91) - Canadian Supreme Court Justice 

Rosalie Silberman Abella became Canada鈥檚 youngest judge with her appointment to the Ontario Family Court at the age of 29. In 2004 she made history again by becoming the first Jewish woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada. She is best known for her significant contributions to Canadian law such as developing the concept of 鈥渆mployment equity鈥� and shaping the first decision made under the 1989 Charter of Rights and Freedoms.  

Judith Snow (MA 鈥�76) - Independent Living Advocate, Community Organizer, and Disability Justice Activist 

The late Judith Snow was the first Canadian to receive government-mandated individualized care funding for personal assistance. Her activism enabled an additional 600+ people in Ontario to receive funding. In the 1970s, Snow founded the Centre for Special Services for Handicapped Students at 91亚色 鈥� Canada鈥檚 first post-secondary learning support program. 

Min Sook Lee (MES 鈥�14) - Filmmaker and activist  

Min Sook Lee is an industry-recognized filmmaker and professor at OCAD university who is an advocate for social justice through art and social change. She has directed numerous critically-acclaimed works including Tiger Spirit, Hot Docs鈥� Best Canadian Feature winner Hogtown, El Contrato, and the Canadian Screen Award-winning The Real Inglorious Bastards. As an associate professor at OCAD University, Lee鈥檚 area of research and practice focuses on the critical intersections of art and social change in labour, border politics, migration, and social justice movements. 

Kathleen Taylor (JD 鈥�84, MBA 鈥�84, LLD 鈥�14) - Chairman of the Board of Directors of Royal Bank of Canada/ Business Executive, 91亚色's 14th Chancellor 

Kathleen Taylor is a Canadian business leader who became chair of Royal Bank鈥檚 Board in 2014, making her the first woman to lead a major Canadian bank. Most recently serving as the chair of the board of the Royal Bank of Canada, she was appointed as a director from 2001 and as chair from 2014 to 2023, helping to oversee a period of significant growth and international expansion for the bank. Prior to this role, Ms. Taylor was the president and CEO of Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts, where she was instrumental in building Four Seasons鈥� global portfolio and international brand over almost 24 years with the company.   

Menaka Thakkar (D.Litt 鈥�93) - Dancer and Choreographer 

The late Menaka Thakkar was instrumental in Canada鈥檚 appreciation for Indian classical dance with her establishment of Canada鈥檚 first professional Indian dance company, Nrtyakala: The Canadian Academy of Indian Dance. An accomplished choreographer and dancer, she later founded the Menaka Thakkar Dance Company in Toronto, where she continued to train new generations of dancers. Thakkar taught in cities across Canada including 91亚色鈥檚 Dance Department and Canada鈥檚 National Ballet School.  

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Alumnus breaks barriers through the power of sport
As the associate director of Adaptive Sports and Fitness at the University of Michigan, Erik听Robeznieks听(BSc 鈥�19)听champions听sport equity and provides听those with disabilities an equal opportunity to听participate听in sports. His career in adaptive sport can be traced back to his time as a听kinesiology听student听at 91亚色.听

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Meet the 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30
We鈥檙e proud to announce 91亚色鈥檚 2026 Top 30 Alumni Under 30. These remarkable alumni are creating meaningful change across sectors from aviation to healthcare. Together, they are building an innovative and sustainable future.

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From funding desperately needed scholarships and research to creating world-class facilities and groundbreaking teaching methods, donations to 91亚色 help make it one of Canada鈥檚 leading universities. Your generosity is helping create a new generation of Canadian leaders who will not only go on to change their community, but continue the tradition of supporting 91亚色 and its students in the future.

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