Key Takeaways
- Six Carleton community members have been named to the Order of Canada for their exceptional contributions to Canadian society
- The appointees include leaders in academia, art history, law and human rights, philanthropy, politics, and the public service
- The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honors, with three levels of appointment: Companion, Officer, and Member
- The appointees have made significant contributions to their respective fields, including advancing equality and human rights, promoting women in leadership, and shaping the field of non-profit research
Introduction to the Order of Canada Appointees
The Carleton community is proud to announce that six of its members have been named to the Order of Canada, one of the country’s highest civilian honors. These individuals have been recognized for their outstanding contributions to Canadian society, and their appointments are a testament to the impact they have had on their respective fields. The appointees include a former Carleton president, faculty members, and alumni, and they have been recognized for their work in academia, art history, law and human rights, philanthropy, politics, and the public service.
The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella
The Honourable Rosalie Silberman Abella, a former Carleton honorary degree recipient, was named a Companion of the Order. Abella made history as the first Jewish woman appointed to the Supreme Court of Canada in 2004, and her opinions have had a significant impact on the advancement of equality and human rights globally. Her landmark constitutional rulings have cited foreign and international law, and she is widely regarded as a leading voice on constitutional and human rights law. Abella’s appointment to the Order of Canada is a recognition of her outstanding contribution to social and legal policy and human rights.
The Honourable Janice Charette
The Honourable Janice Charette, a Carleton alumna and former public servant, was named an Officer of the Order. Charette is a widely respected former public servant and diplomat, with a four-decade career marked by in-depth expertise of government, non-partisan leadership, and a commitment to serving Canadians with integrity and dedication. She was awarded the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, by Carleton in 2023, in recognition of her outstanding dedication and distinguished service to Canadians. Charette’s appointment to the Order of Canada is a recognition of her exceptional service to the country.
Penny Dorothy Collenette
Penny Dorothy Collenette, a Carleton alumna and prominent Canadian lawyer, was named a Member of the Order. Collenette is an advocate for women in leadership, and has worked to increase their representation in government and corporate sectors. Her expertise in public policy has made her a trusted and influential voice across the country, and she has had a significant impact on the advancement of women’s rights in Canada. Collenette’s appointment to the Order of Canada is a recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of law and public policy.
Reesa Greenberg
Reesa Greenberg, a former adjunct professor of art history at Carleton, was named a Member of the Order. Greenberg’s pioneering work in feminist and exhibition studies has shaped art history and museology in Canada, and she has played a pivotal role in advancing the digital documentation of Canadian art. Her philanthropic impact includes the restoration of Canada’s Pavilion in Venice, preserving its legacy for future generations. Greenberg’s appointment to the Order of Canada is a recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of art history and museology.
Susan Phillips
Susan Phillips, a Carleton professor emerita, was named a Member of the Order. Phillips is a leading expert in the field of non-profit research, and has shaped the field through her award-winning scholarship and editorial leadership. She founded Canada’s only graduate program in philanthropy, which offers the Master of Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership, and the Graduate Diploma in Philanthropy and Nonprofit Leadership. Phillips’ appointment to the Order of Canada is a recognition of her outstanding contributions to the field of non-profit research and philanthropy.
Roseann Runte
Roseann Runte, a past president and vice-chancellor of Carleton, was promoted to Officer of the Order. Runte is a visionary leader in academia and science, and has driven significant institutional change throughout her career. As president of Carleton, she oversaw major infrastructure expansion and raised the university’s national and international profile. Runte’s appointment to the Order of Canada is a recognition of her exceptional leadership and service to the academic community.
About the Order of Canada
The Order of Canada is the pillar of the Canadian honours system, established in 1967 by Queen Elizabeth. The Order recognizes outstanding contributions at the local or regional level or in a special field of activity, and is one of the country’s highest civilian honours. There are three levels of appointment: Companion, Officer, and Member. The Order of Canada is a prestigious award that recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to Canadian society, and the Carleton community is proud to have six of its members among the latest appointees.
