U of T alumni, faculty and community members recognized with Order of Canada

Photo by MCpl Anis Assari.

Several University of Toronto alumni, faculty and community members have been recognized with the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour, in the latest round of appointments and promotions announced June 26, 2026.

They were among more than 60 individuals appointed to – or promoted within – the Order in recognition of their extraordinary contributions to Canada in medicine, science, law, public service, the arts and other fields.

The current and former U of T faculty members, alumni and friends of the university named in the latest round include:

Donald K. Johnson, a longtime philanthropist and U of T Arbor Award recipient, was promoted to Companion of the Order for strengthening business education, health care and the arts through philanthropy and leadership.

Lewis Kay, a senior scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children and a University Professor in the department of molecular genetics in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was promoted to Companion of the Order for his work driving innovation in biomolecular structure and dynamics research.

Cecilia Benoit (PhD 1988), a University of Victoria scientist and sociologist and U of T alumna, was named an Officer for her contributions to advancing understanding of social determinants of health and for informing public policy through her research.

Alison Keith, a University Professor in the department of classics in the Faculty of Arts & Science and director of the Jackman Humanities Institute, was named an Officer for transforming the study of Latin epic through her groundbreaking work on gender and genre.

Beverley Orser (PGMT 1988, PhD 1995), an affiliate scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute and professor and chair of the department of anesthesiology and pain medicine in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was named an Officer for her contributions to advancing understanding of anesthesia and its effects on the brain.

Mary Thompson (BSc 1965 TRIN), a University of Waterloo professor and U of T alumna, was named an Officer for her contributions to statistical science and public policy research.

Allan Covens (MD 1983, PGME 1990), an affiliate scientist at Sunnybrook Research Institute and professor in the department of obstetrics and gynaecology in the Temerty Faculty of Medicine, was named a Member for his contributions to gynecological oncology and surgical care.

John William Foster (MA 1973, PhD 1977), a U of T alumnus, was named a Member for his contributions to social justice and human rights advocacy. He passed away on April 18, 2026.

Martha L. P. MacLeod (BA 1972 NEW, MEd 1975), a U of T alumna, was named a Member for her contributions to rural nursing and health care.

Harvey Skinner, a professor emeritus at the Dalla Lana School of Public Health who served as founding dean of the Faculty of Health at York University, was named a Member for being a globally recognized researcher in the field of behaviour change and addictions.

Kona Kristen Chant Williams (post-doctoral fellowship, 2015), Canada’s first First Nations forensic pathologist, was named a Member for her contributions to forensic pathology and leadership in advancing culturally informed practices.

Read all of the latest appointments at the Governor General of Canada.