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News Release

September 07, 2005

Order of Ontario Awarded to Retired Prof

A well-known retired University of Guelph environmental biology professor has received the Order of Ontario, considered the province’s highest and most prestigious honour.

Gordon Surgeoner is among 29 recipients of the order announced today by Ontario’s Lt.-Gov. James K. Bartleman and will be will be invested in the order during a ceremony at Queen’s Park Sept. 20.

“I am delighted to see Dr. Surgeoner recognized for his many contributions to agriculture both within Ontario and across Canada,” said U of G president Alastair Summerlee.

The Order of Ontario recognizes and honours people who have enriched the lives of others by attaining the highest standards of excellence and achievement in their respective fields.

Surgeoner was honoured for his distinguished teaching and research career, which included initiating programs aimed at increasing productivity in Ontario agriculture. A U of G graduate, Surgeoner is currently the president of Ontario Agri-Food Technologies, a non-profit organization that focusses on Ontario’s participation in developing, promoting and adopting biotechnology, including bioproducts, in an ethical and environmentally conscious manner, for the agri-food sector of the province.

Today’s nominees bring to 402 the total number of Order of Ontario recipients since 1987 when the order was first presented.