Prof to Receive Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal Posthumously
December 11, 2012 - Campus Bulletin
The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal will be presented posthumously to the late Pari Basrur, U of G professor emerita, at a celebration of her life to be held on campus Saturday.
Widely recognized as a pioneer in animal reproductive biotechnology, Basrur began her career at the Ontario Veterinary College (OVC) in 1959. After retiring in 1995 from the Department of Biomedical Sciences, she remained actively engaged in the college as a mentor and adviser.
Frank Valeriote, MP for Guelph, will present the medal to Basrur’s husband, Vasanth, at the ceremony, beginning at 2 p.m. in Rozanski Hall.
The event will include a reception and tributes by colleagues and friends, including U of G president Alastair Summerlee and OVC dean Elizabeth Stone.
Basrur died Nov. 10 at the age of 83. Her work in the 1960s with Dr. John Gilman laid the foundation for the college’s renowned program in animal cytogenetics and reproductive technology.
The Queen's Diamond Jubilee Medals commemorate the 60th anniversary of the accession to the throne of Queen Elizabeth II as Queen of Canada. The awards recognize Canadians who have made a significant contribution to other citizens, their community or their country.
Other current and past U of G members to receive the award this year include:
- Michelle Arseneault, student;
- Kim Jo Bliss, technician at the Emo Agricultural Research Station;
- Patrick Case, former director, Human Rights and Equity Office;
- Terry Crowley, professor emeritus, History;
- Kerry Daly, dean, College of Social and Applied Human Sciences;
- Douglas Derry, former chair of the Board of Governors;
- O.P. Dwivedi, professor emeritus, Political Science;
- Ken Kasha, professor emeritus, Plant Agriculture;
- Thomas King, professor, English and Theatre Studies;
- Judith Nasby, director, Macdonald Stewart Art Centre;
- Gil Stelter, professor emeritus, History;
- Alastair Summerlee, U of G president;
- Judith Thompson, professor, English and Theatre Studies;
- Sandy Warley, retired professor and former chair, Agricultural Economics; and
- Bill Winegard, former U of G president.
