Queen’s faculty, staff, students, and alumni are continuously leaving a mark on society. Whether through academics, business, philanthropy, humanitarianism, or public service, Queen’s has a lot to be proud of in the meaningful contributions its community members make in the world.
Recently, the Right Honourable Julie Payette, Governor General of Canada, nationally recognized three of Queen’s faculty members for their contributions. In September and November of 2018, she invested Dr. Elizabeth Ann Eisenhauer, Dr. R. Kerry Rowe, and Dr. Paul W. Armstrong as Officers of the Order of Canada.
As one of the country’s highest civilian honours, the Order of Canada recognizes those who make extraordinary contributions to the nation as exemplified in its motto DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM “They desire a better country”. Since its creation in 1967, about 7,000 people have received this honour for enriching the lives of others and in service to the country.
According to the Office of the Governor General, Queen’s faculty members are recipients for the following reasons:
Elizabeth Ann Eisenhauer, O.C. (MD’76)
“Elizabeth Eisenhauer is an international leader in clinical cancer research. Professor emerita at Queen’s University and former director of the Canadian Cancer Trials Group investigational drug program, she has played an influential role in helping shape cancer treatment through key advancements in clinical trials. Notably, she led the design of criteria to evaluate the response of tumours to therapy, and evaluated numerous new drugs now used routinely in cancer treatment. Renowned for her experience and expertise, she has served on numerous international professional and institutional committees, benefiting oncology research worldwide.”
R. Kerry Rowe, O.C. (Former Vice-Principal (Research))
“Kerry Rowe is a passionate leader in the safeguarding of Canada’s natural resources. A professor at Queen’s University and a pioneer in geoenvironmental engineering, he is responsible for many of the designs, techniques and materials now used to manage waste disposal in the developed world. His seminal research on landfills has led to critical advancements in protecting land and water from contamination. Renowned for his dedication to the advancement of this field, he has served at the helm of numerous professional societies and institutional committees.”
Paul W. Armstrong, O.C. (Arts’63, MD’66 – Adjunct School of Medicine)
“Paul Armstrong is a pioneering investigative and clinical cardiologist whose work in acute cardiac care has had global reach. A professor at the University of Alberta, he has conducted transformative research in the treatment of acute heart attacks and was instrumental in implementing this pre-hospital treatment in Alberta’s ambulances, which is credited with increasing patient survival rates. He is also recognized for his leadership in health care institutions, including as founding president of the Canadian Academy of Health Sciences and as director of the Canadian VIGOUR Centre, an international enterprise that conducts global-scale clinical trials in cardiovascular medicine.”
For more information on other Order of Canada recipients with Queen’s connections see the Queen's Gazette and the Governor General's website.
This story originally appeared in the Queen's Gazette.
