Order of Canada Appointments Bestowed on Trent Community Members

Alumni Yann Martel ’81 and Ian Tamblyn ’67, and Honorary Degree Recipient Max Eisen ’18(Hon) Among Those Honoured

January 7, 2022

Five members of the Trent community, alumni Yann Martel ’81 (Philosophy) and Ian Tamblyn ’67 (Sociology), honorary degree recipient and honorary alumnus Max Eisen ’18 (Hon), instructor Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor, DVM, and supporter Nona Heaslip are among 135 new Order of Canada appointments announced recently by the Right Honourable Mary Simon, governor general of Canada and former chancellor of Trent University.

“Canada is defined by the people that make up this great country,” wrote Ms. Simon in the announcement. “These most recent nominees to the Order of Canada are shining examples of the commitment and outstanding contributions Canadians have made to the well-being of communities throughout this land, whether it be social, environmental, scientific, economic, cultural or related to mental and physical health. To all of the nominees, congratulations and thank you.”

Mr. Martel is a Trent University Distinguished Alumni Award recipient. The bestselling author is known for his Man Booker Prize-winning novel Life of Pi. His other novels include The High Mountains of Portugal, Beatrice and Virgil and Self. He has won a number of literary prizes, including the 2001 Hugh MacLennan Prize for Fiction and the 2002 Asian/Pacific American Award for Literature. Mr. Martel was named a companion of the Order of Canada, it’s highest rank and honour, “for his contributions to literature and for his philanthropic commitment to the betterment of his region.” 

Yann Martel

Dr. Tamblyn, also a Trent University Distinguished Alumni Award recipient, is a singer-songwriter, record producer, adventurer and playwright. He has received a number of awards and nominations, including: Estelle Klein and Helen Verger Awards for his contributions to Canadian folk music and an honorary doctorate from Lakehead University. In 2012, Mr. Tamblyn was made a fellow of the Royal Canadian Geographic Society for his guiding and creative work in the Canadian Arctic. He was named an officer of the Order of Canada “for his enduring contributions as a folk music icon, adventurer and cultural ambassador for Canada.”

Ian Tamblyn

Dr. Eisen received an honorary doctorate from Trent in 2018. He is an author, public speaker and Holocaust educator in Canada. He regularly gives talks to students, educators, universities, law enforcement personnel, and the community at large about his experiences as a concentration camp survivor. Dr. Eisen was named a member of the Order of Canada “for his contributions to Holocaust education, and for his promotion of transformational dialogue on human rights, tolerance and respect.”

Max Eisen

Dr. McGregor is a scientist and advocate for women in politics and STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), and has been involved with the University over many years as an instructor and workshop leader. She was named a member of the Order of Canada “for her promotion of women in science and for her commitment to nurturing Canada’s next generation of leaders.”

Elizabeth (Betsy) McGregor

Ms. Heaslip is a noted philanthropist who has supported a variety of projects at Trent, including student life and heritage restoration. Most recently, she has helped to create a stage for musical and theatrical productions at Scott House, Traill College. She was named a member of the Order of Canada “for her ongoing philanthropic contributions to the Canadian arts sector and for supporting numerous academic scholarships across the country.”

Created in 1967, the Order of Canada recognizes outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation. More than 7,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.