Biology professor Jeremy McNeil and six Western alumni have been named to the Order of Canada, one of Canada’s highest civilian honours. Governor General David Johnston announced 95 new appointments last month including three new companions, 12 officers and 79 members.
The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and dedication to the community and service to the nation. More than 6,000 individuals have received the honour. Appointments are made on the recommendation of the Advisory Council for the Order of Canada.
McNeil was selected as a member “for his contributions to the study of reproductive biology in insects and for his dedication to increasing public appreciation of science.”
McNeil, who holds a Distinguished University Professorship at Western, is known for his work in behavioural and chemical ecology, with an emphasis on reproductive biology and migration of pest species. He has published more than 200 peer-reviewed articles and trained dozens of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows, many of whom now hold positions in universities and government agencies around the world.
Six Western alumni were also appointed.
Canadian businessman, academic, and philanthropist James Douglas Fleck, HBA’53, and Canadian lawyer and former International Olympic Committee member Richard W. Pound, LLD’04, were named two of only three new companions.
Fleck was named for his “enduring contributions and strategic leadership as one of Canada’s leading arts patrons, and for endowing our national cultural institutions, notably by partnering business with the arts.”
Pound was honoured for “his contributions as a champion of fairness in sport and of the Olympic spirit, as well as for his engagement in civic, legal and educational causes.”
Four alumni were named as members including George Cope, HBA’84; John G. Kelton, MD’73; Michael A. Meighen, LLD’13; and Gary Slaight, BA’73.
