McGillians awarded Quebec’s highest distinction
McGillians awarded Quebec’s highest distinction
On June 18, a host of McGillians – from past and current professors, to alumni and benefactors – were admitted to one of the province’s most exclusive clubs when they were awarded the National Order of Quebec during a special ceremony in Quebec City. The most prestigious distinction given by the Quebec Government, the National Order is conferred upon individuals for their outstanding achievements in a particular field, and includes three grades; Grand Officer, Officer and Knight.
Premier Jean Charest presided over the event in the Salon Rouge of the National Assembly, lauding the accomplishments of each recipient and awarding them with their insignias.
Heading the list of honoured McGillians was Jean Davignon, a McGill graduate and a professor in the University’s Division of Experimental Medicine. Davignon, an expert in hyperlipidemia and atherosclerosis, is also the co-founder of the Canadian Atherosclerosis Society and the Canadian Association for Familial Hypercholesterolemia. In making Davignon a Grand Officer – the Order’s highest distinction – Premier Charest called him “one of Quebec’s greatest doctors.”
Renowned poet and singer-songwriter Leonard Cohen, who obtained a BA from McGill in 1955, was also named a Grand Officer but was unable to attend the ceremony. He will receive his insignia at a later date.
Other notable recipients with McGill roots include Nicolas Mateesco Matte, Director Emeritus of the McGill Institute of Air and Space Law; Michael Meaney, associate director of research at the Douglas Hospital and James McGill Professor in the departments of Psychiatry and Neurology and Neurosurgey; and Pavel Hamet, a professor in the Division of Experimental Medicine.
Sheila Goldbloom, a former professor in the School of Social Work was made a Knight of the National Order. With the award, Goldbloom and her husband Victor – who earned both his BSc and his MD from McGill – became one of the rare couples in the country to receive both the National Order of Quebec and the Order of Canada.