Seven graduates from Western University, including one faculty member, have been selected for the Order of Ontario, the province’s highest civilian honor. Provincial officials announced the appointments on February 17.
“Through their exceptional dedication and achievements, they have made profound contributions that have touched lives across Ontario and beyond. May their remarkable examples continue to inspire us all to work together for the greater good,” stated Ontario Lieutenant Governor Edith Dumont.
The appointees will participate in an investiture ceremony in Toronto later this year.
Amanda Grzyb
Amanda Grzyb, professor in Western University’s Faculty of Information and Media Studies (BA’94, MA’96), receives the honor for her community-based research and initiatives preserving histories of state violence and genocide. As project director for Surviving Memory in Postwar El Salvador, she leads an award-winning partnership with artists, scholars, community organizers, and local leaders to commemorate key sites and narratives in Salvadoran communities. The project receives funding from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council.
Cameron Bailey (BA’87, LLD’18)
Cameron Bailey serves as chief executive officer of the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). He has shaped TIFF’s vision, influence, and global prestige, establishing it as one of the world’s largest film festivals. Bailey sits on Western University’s Board of Governors and votes in the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences. He consistently ranks among Toronto’s 50 most influential individuals.
John B.W. Carmichael (BA’74)
John B.W. Carmichael stands out as a business leader and former federal politician, particularly in the automotive sector and STEM education advocacy. He revitalized his family’s car dealership before assuming key roles, such as chairman of the Canadian Automotive Dealers Association and president of the Canadian International AutoShow. He represented Don Valley West as a Member of Parliament from 2011 to 2015.
Dr. Bernard Lawless (MD’95)
Dr. Bernard Lawless earned his medical degree and completed residency at Western University, later returning for a fellowship in critical care medicine. He leads in trauma surgery systems and critical care strategies, enhancing trauma care, pediatric and adult critical care, and neonatal services. Lawless practices general surgery and traumatology at St. Michael’s Hospital and critical care medicine at Toronto East General Hospital.
Tracy Moore (MA’00)
Tracy Moore, a Western University journalism graduate, hosted the lifestyle program CityLine on Citytv for over 15 years, building a dedicated audience. She champions anti-racism efforts and diversity, including co-creating Citytv’s award-winning special Ending Racism: What Will it Take? Moore supports charities focused on women’s health, youth, and family services.
Edward Rogers (BA’94)
Edward Rogers, executive chair of Rogers Communications, earned Business Leader of the Year from the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in 2025. He influences telecommunications and sports as chair of the Toronto Blue Jays and Maple Leaf Sports & Entertainment. Rogers and his wife fund philanthropy in health care, education, and community programs.
Richard Rooney (MBA’81)
Richard Rooney, philanthropist and co-founder of Burgundy Asset Management, brings decades of investment leadership and community service. He has chaired boards including the Princess Margaret Cancer Foundation, University Health Network, Stratford Shakespeare Festival, and Art Gallery of Ontario Foundation. Rooney supports cultural institutions, education, and innovative theranostics programs at Princess Margaret that integrate diagnostics and cancer treatment.
