10 UBC alumni
named to the 2024
Order of Canada
June 2024
Mellissa Veronica Fung, O.C. | BA 1994
Reason for award
Mellissa Fung is an acclaimed veteran correspondent, author and documentary filmmaker. After being kidnapped in Kabul during her coverage of the war in Afghanistan in 2008, she chronicled her harrowing experiences in her best-selling book, Under an Afghan Sky: A Memoir of Captivity. Through her riveting films, she has become a powerful advocate for women and girls in war-torn countries, giving a voice to victims and calling for greater international protection.
John Allan Cairns, C.M., O.B.C.| MD 1968
Reason for award
John Cairns has made major international contributions to cardiology, notably demonstrating the benefits of aspirin for patients with unstable angina, helping millions worldwide. As dean of medicine at the University of British Columbia, he led efforts toward its two-fold expansion. He also served with several academic societies and holds many elected fellowships, including with Canadian Academy of Health Sciences, for which he served as president.
Jane Knott Hungerford, C.M., O.B.C. | BEd (Elem) 1967
Reason for award
Jane Hungerford is admired for her leadership in fundraising for health care, education, social services and conservation efforts. She has raised millions of dollars for crucial cancer research and community services in British Columbia and beyond. The B.C. Cancer Foundation, Science World, the University of British Columbia, and the Aboriginal Mother Centre have all benefited from her determination and ability to bring people together. She is a proud member of the Gwich’in Nation.
William James Gordon Kirby, C.M. | BA 1966, MA 1973
Reason for award
William Kirby proudly promotes contemporary Canadian art and artists. He is the founder and executive director of the Centre for Contemporary Canadian Art, where he developed the Canadian Art Database, an innovative and extensive resource made freely accessible online for artists, educators, researchers and the general public. His dedicated archival work has broadened awareness of contemporary Canadian art and artists at home and abroad.
Brandt Channing Louie, C.M., O.B.C. | LLD 2016, BCom 1966
Reason for award
Brandt Channing Louie is a business entrepreneur and philanthropist contributing to public and non-profit organizations across economic, education, health and arts sectors. He is the chair and CEO of both London Drugs Limited and H. Y. Louie Co., Limited, a family-owned grocery retailer spanning four generations. He supports various community initiatives through the Tong and Geraldine Louie Family Foundation, and is a dedicated consultant on national anti-Asian racism strategies.
James David Meekison, C.M.| BA 1961, MA 1962
Reason for award
James Meekison’s career has spanned 45 years in investment banking, cable television and private equity. He has served on many boards of directors, and has supported countless philanthropic endeavours, including the Jim Meekison and Carolyn Keystone Foundation. He is a long-time champion of the University of British Columbia, Shaw Festival, Arthritis Research Foundation, and Pathways to Education Canada.
Linda Rabeneck, C.M. | BSc (Chemistry) 1970, MD 1974
Reason for award
Gastroenterologist and University of Toronto professor Linda Rabeneck is a leader in colorectal cancer screening and prevention. As Ontario Health’s vice-president of prevention and cancer control, she led the roll-out of ColonCancerCheck, the first province-wide colorectal cancer screening program in the country. Its success influenced the development of similar programs across Canada and around the world.
Frances Marjorie Shaver, C.M.| BA 1967, MA 1972
Reason for award
Frances Shaver has made groundbreaking scholarly contributions to the field of sex work. Professor emeritus at Concordia University, she is lauded for her respectful engagement with those working and living in the industry. Many researchers in this field have been inspired by her approach to research, her advocacy, and her commitment to fight for legal and policy changes to support and protect marginalized Canadians.
Marvin R. V. Storrow, C.M., O.B.C. | LLB 1962, LLD 2014
Reason for award
Marvin Storrow is a revered lawyer who, over six decades, has argued at all levels of the provincial and federal court systems, including the Supreme Court of Canada. He is highly regarded for working with B.C. First Nations and for litigating several groundbreaking cases on land titles and constitutional rights. An esteemed mentor to many members of the legal profession, he is admired for his advocacy of human rights and pro bono work.
Jack Edward Taunton, C.M.| MD 1967
Reason for award
Jack Taunton is an early leader in sport and exercise medicine. Professor emeritus at the University of British Columbia and an active fundraiser, he helped found SportMedBC, the Canadian Health and Fitness Institute, the Vancouver Marathon and the Vancouver Sun Run. He has also served as a specialist for elite athletes and the general public, as a national team physician and as chief medical officer for six major Games.
