7 UCalgary community members appointed to Order of Canada

Announced on June 30, 2023 by Governor General Mary Simon, seven distinguished individuals associated with the University of Calgary have been appointed to the Order of Canada, one of the country's highest civilian honours. Among them are esteemed UCalgary faculty members Drs. Keith Dobson, Nigel Shrive, and Samuel Weiss, as well as former UCalgary senator Mike Shaikh, and alumni Mary Tidlund, Clifford Wallis, and Dr. Michael Wulder.

The Order of Canada, established in 1967, celebrates individuals from all sectors who have made exceptional contributions to their respective fields and have demonstrated an unwavering commitment to creating a positive impact on society.

Dr. Keith Dobson, PhD, is a professor in the Department of Psychology and member of the Hotchkiss Brain Institute at the Cumming School of Medicine. As stated in the appointees announcement, Dobson was recognized as an Officer of the Order of Canada “for his contributions as a world-leading expert in depression and anxiety, and as an advocate of mental health and wellness in Canada and abroad.”

Mike Shaikh, BComm'77, an alumnus and former UCalgary senator, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada “for his committed community volunteerism and philanthropy across numerous sectors in Calgary and Alberta.”

Dr. Nigel Shrive, PhD,  a professor emeritus at the Schulich School of Engineering, member and former head of the McCaig Institute for Bone and Joint Health, was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada for “groundbreaking contributions to structural mechanics, notably his translational and multidisciplinary research in both biomedical and civil engineering.”

Mary Tidlund, BSc’80, an alumna and advisory board member for the O'Brien Institute for Public Health, was recognized as a Member of the Order of Canada “for her innovative leadership in the oil and gas industry, and for her transformational philanthropy in Canada and abroad.”

Clifford Wallis, BSc’72, UCalgary alumnus and Alberta Wilderness Association board member, was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada “for his dedication to advancing nature conservation and restoration in Alberta, as an esteemed biologist and naturalist.”

Dr. Samuel Weiss, PhD’83, is acknowledged in his appointment as a Member of the Order of Canada “for his groundbreaking discoveries in neuroscience that have led to novel approaches in the treatment of brain disorders.” Weiss is professor of cell biology and anatomy at the Cumming School of Medicine (CSM), founder of the CSM’s Hotchkiss Brain Institute, member of the Charbonneau Cancer Institute, and an internationally renowned stem cell neurobiologist.

Dr. Michael Wulder, BSc’95, PhD, alumnus and senior research scientist with the Canadian Forest Service, was recognized “for his internationally recognized innovations in the field of remote sensing for mapping and monitoring land cover.” Wulder was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada.

These seven honourees join a diverse group of appointees for 2023, including actor and writer Dan Levy, Cree artist Kent Monkman, and Toronto Raptors president Masai Ujiri, all of whom have been named members or officers of the order.

“Today, we recognize individuals who have made an extraordinary contribution to our society. A group of individuals who, through dedication and ajuinnata — perseverance — make our communities and our country better every day,” Simon stated in a press release.

The recipients will be invited to an official induction ceremony at a future date.