TORONTO, January 2, 2014 – York University is pleased to acknowledge that President and Vice-Chancellor Mamdouh Shoukri, C.M., O. Ont. has been appointed Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of his contributions “… to the flourishing of Ontario’s academic institutions as both an engineer and an administrator.”
“I am both honoured and humbled to be recognized with this high distinction along with such an esteemed group of Canadians,” said Shoukri. “I am very proud to celebrate this wonderful moment with the York University community.”
The announcement was made December 30th, 2013, by His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General and Commander-in-Chief of Canada. Dr. Shoukri will be invested into the Order of Canada at a ceremony at Rideau Hall in Ottawa later this year.
York University is helping to shape the global thinkers and thinking that will define tomorrow. York’s unwavering commitment to excellence reflects a rich diversity of perspectives and a strong sense of social responsibility that sets us apart. A York U degree empowers graduates to thrive in the world and achieve their life goals through a rigorous academic foundation balanced by real-world experiential education. As a globally recognized research centre, York is fully engaged in the critical discussions that lead to innovative solutions to the most pressing local and global social challenges. York’s 11 faculties and 27 research centres are thinking bigger, broader and more globally, partnering with 288 leading universities worldwide. York's community is strong − 55,000 students, 7,000 faculty and staff, and more than 250,000 alumni.
Media Contact: Joanne Rider, York University Media Relations, 416 736 5593, jrider@yorku.ca
ORDER OF CANADA BACKGROUNDER
Established in 1967 by Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II, the Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System, and recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. The Order recognizes people in all sectors of Canadian society. Their contributions are varied, yet they have all enriched the lives of others and made a difference to this country.
Motto and Levels
The Order of Canada’s motto is DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country). Her Majesty The Queen is the Sovereign of the Order, and the governor general is the chancellor and Principal Companion of the Order.
Companion – Post-nominal: C.C.
recognizes national pre-eminence or international service or achievement;
Officer – Post-nominal: O.C.
recognizes national service or achievement; and
Member – Post-nominal: C.M.
recognizes outstanding contributions at the local or regional level or in a special field of activity.
Insignia Description
The insignia of the Order is a stylized snowflake of six points, with a red annulus at its centre, which bears a stylized maple leaf circumscribed with the motto of the Order, DESIDERANTES MELIOREM PATRIAM (They desire a better country), surmounted by St. Edward’s Crown.
Eligibility
All Canadians are eligible for the Order of Canada, with the exception of federal and provincial politicians and judges while in office. The Order’s constitution permits non-Canadians to be considered for honorary appointments. Members of the Royal Family, governors general and their spouses are appointed in the extraordinary category. There are no posthumous appointments.
Officers and Members may be elevated within the Order in recognition of further achievement, based on continued exceptional or extraordinary service to Canada. Usually, promotions are considered five years after the first appointment.
Nominations
Any person or group is welcome to nominate a deserving individual as a candidate for appointment to the Order of Canada. Appointments are made on the recommendations of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada, an independent council chaired by the chief justice of Canada. Members of the Advisory Council on the Order of Canada reflect the diversity and excellence in Canadian society. Certain members are appointed by virtue of their office; others are appointed for a fixed term to achieve a balanced representation of the various regions of the country.
For more information about the Order of Canada or to nominate someone, visit our website at www.gg.ca/honours.
