U of T community members recognized with Order of Canada

Faculty, alumni and other members of the University of Toronto community have been recognized with the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour, in the latest round of appointments and promotions announced Dec. 31, 2025.

They were among 80 individuals who were appointed to – or promoted within – the Order in recognition of sustained and extraordinary contributions to Canada in medicine, the arts, education and international relations, among other fields.

“The Order of Canada fosters a sense of pride and cohesion in our country. Every appointment celebrates not only the talent, expertise and dedication of individuals, but also the countless lives they have touched through their work, vision and contributions,” Gov. Gen. Mary Simon said in a statement. "Their commitment extends beyond borders, inspiring progress in our communities, our country and around the world. I offer my heartfelt congratulations to each new appointee on this well‑deserved recognition.”

The following members of the U of T community were appointed to, or promoted within, the Order of Canada in the most recent round:

Current and former faculty

Allison McGeer, a clinician scientist at Sinai Health and a professor in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was named a Member for her efforts leading responses to major disease outbreaks including SARS and COVID-19. She is one of Canada’s most trusted epidemiological policy advisers. 

Shaf Keshavjee, chief of innovation at the University Health Network (UHN) and a professor of thoracic surgery in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was promoted to Companion of the Order for his work transforming transplant surgery. He is the director of UHN’s Toronto Lung Transplant Program.

William Logan, a professor emeritus in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was named a Member for his contributions to research, academic leadership, education and patient care in pediatric neurology.  

James Retallack, a University Professor emeritus in the Faculty of Arts & Science’s department of history, was named a Member for his world-renowned scholarship on modern German history, including research on the former East Germany. 

Chandrakant Shah, a professor emeritus in the Dalla Lana School of Public Health, was named an Officer for his work championing public health and Indigenous health. He is a staff physician at Anishnawbe Health Toronto. 

Alumni and friends

Rosalie Abella, a retired Supreme Court of Canada justice who earned a bachelor’s and law degree from U of T, was named a Companion for her landmark constitutional rulings which have shaped equality and human rights worldwide. Abella was recognized with a U of T honorary degree in 1990. 

Peter Annan, a geophysicist who earned his undergraduate degree in engineering science and master’s degree in physics at U of T, was named a Member for his transformative contributions to the field of near-surface geophysics. 

Mark S. Bonham, a senior fellow at Massey College who earned his bachelor of commerce degree at U of T, was named a Member in recognition of accomplishments as an investment manager, philanthropist and leader in the LGBTQ+ community. He has supported numerous initiatives at U of T, including the Mark S. Bonham Centre for Sexual Diversity Studies. 

Kim Ruth Brooks, the president and vice-chancellor of Dalhousie University who earned a bachelor of arts degree from U of T, was named a Member for her efforts to advance equity, access and freedom of gender expression in higher education. She is a renowned tax law and policy scholar.

Raffi Cavoukian, a songwriter and children's entertainer who pursued studies at U of T, was promoted to Companion for championing children’s rights and well-being through songs that emphasize messages of love, environmental stewardship and social responsibility. 

Janice Charette, who twice served as clerk of the Privy Council and serves on the jury of the Lionel Gelberg Prize – a literary award co-presented by the Munk School of Global Affairs & Public Policy – was named an Officer for her nearly four-decade-long career in public service.

Janice Eng, a professor at the University of British Columbia who received her master’s degree in biomedical engineering from U of T, was named and Officer for her research on treatments to advance upper and lower extremity recovery in stroke patients. 

Reesa Greenberg, who established the Reesa Greenberg Curatorial Studies Award for first-year students in the Visual Studies - Curatorial Studies program in the John H. Daniels Faculty of Architecture, Landscape, and Design, was named a Member for her contributions to art history and museology. 

Praveen Jain, a professor of electrical and computer engineering at Queen’s University who earned his master’s degree and PhD at U of T, was named Officer for his role as a leading inventor in electrical energy processing and advancement of efficient power generation.   

Alfred Kwinter, who earned his law degree from U of T in 1970, was named a Member for accomplishments as one of Canada’s leading lawyers in personal injury, property loss and insurance law.  

Elizabeth MacLeod, an award-winning children's author who earned a science degree in biology and botany from U of T, was named a Member for her compelling books and her ability to make topics such as science and history accessible and engaging for young readers. 

Michael Moldaver, an alumnus of University College and what is now the Henry N.R. Jackman Faculty of Law, was named a Companion for his service as a justice of the Supreme Court of Canada, where he shaped criminal law and Charter jurisprudence. He received an honorary degree from U of T in 2019. 

Pamela Newall, who earned a bachelor of science degree from U of T in 1963 and master’s in embryology in 1964, was named a Member for strengthening Canada’s legal system through her leading contributions to forensic science. 

Muzammal Nawaz, a five-time world professional middleweight kickboxing champion who earned a master’s degree in education at U of T, was named a Member for his efforts to legitimize and develop the sport in Canada, including the establishment of the first national federation.  

Proton Rahman, a rheumatologist at Memorial University who completed his residency and fellowship at U of T and received a master’s degree in genetic epidemiology, was named a Member for his genomics expertise, contributions to arthritis care and role in shaping Newfoundland and Labrador’s COVID-19 response. 

Roseann Runte, a former president of Victoria University in the University of Toronto, was promoted to Officer for her visionary work in academia and science – including as president of Carleton University and the Canada Foundation for Innovation. 

Michael Villeneuve, who earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing at U of T, was named a Member for his dedication to advancing nursing in Canada over a more than four-decade-long career, including as CEO of the Canadian Nurses Association. 

John Willinsky, professor emeritus at Stanford University who earned a master of education at U of T, was appointed a Member for an academic career devoted to expanding public access to research, including founding the Public Knowledge Project, a leading scholarly publishing platform.