Members of the Toronto Metropolitan University community are once again being recognized for their outstanding contributions to their fields, their positive impact on their communities and their ongoing service to Canadians.
Faculty member Lorin MacDonald was recently appointed to the Order of Canada. Faculty member Martin Antony, honorary doctorate recipient Catherine Karakatsanis, alumna Elizabeth Richer and TMU board member Walied Soliman were appointed to the Order of Ontario.
TMU community members were recognized for their outstanding achievements and service to their communities with appointments to the Order of Canada and the Order of Ontario. From top left, Lorin MacDonald was appointed to the Order of Canada and Martin Antony (top right), Catherine Karakatsanis, alumna Elizabeth Richer (not pictured) and TMU board member Walied Soliman were appointed to the Order of Ontario.
The Order of Canada is the cornerstone of the Canadian Honours System. It recognizes Canadians who demonstrate outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to Canada.
The Order of Ontario is the province's highest civilian honour. It is awarded to Ontarians who demonstrate the highest level of excellence in their field, and whose contributions leave a legacy in Ontario, Canada and around the world.
Meet the appointees below.
Lorin Jean MacDonald, Lincoln Alexander School of Law instructor
Lincoln Alexander School of Law instructor Lorin MacDonald was appointed as a Member of the Order of Canada in recognition of her work advocating for and transforming disability rights in Canada.
Born with profound hearing loss, MacDonald is a human rights lawyer and educator championing disability awareness and inclusion. She introduced captioning to remove communication barriers in various academic, legal and theatrical settings. She is a renowned disability leader, and her personal journey and legal advocacy make her an inspirational role model.
Martin Antony, Internationally Recognized Psychologist
TMU psychology professor Martin Antony was appointed to the Order of Ontario in recognition of his extensive research on mental health and anxiety.
An internationally recognized expert on evidence-based treatment of anxiety-related disorders, professor Antony has contributed over 300 academic publications, including more than 30 widely recommended books for individual and clinical use around the world. He has earned accolades from major psychological associations, and was elected Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada and Canadian Academy of Health Sciences. Currently, Antony is director of the Anxiety Research and Treatment Lab.
Catherine Karakatsanis, Award-winning Engineer
Catherine Karakatsanis, who received an honorary doctorate from TMU in 2024, was appointed to the Order of Ontario for her service to the engineering profession, nationally and internationally.
As chief operating officer at Morrison Hershfield now Stantec, Karakatsanis has been a pivotal figure in engineering and served as president of Ontario and Canada's professional engineers' associations. She is the first woman president in the 110-year history of the global International Federation of Consulting Engineering which represents the interests of more than 40,000 engineering firms in about 100 countries. A trailblazer in engineering, she has excelled as an award-winning engineer working to advance the industry in Canada and around the world.
Alumna Elizabeth Richer, (Certificate in Public Administration and Governance '06) appointed to the Order of Ontario in recognition of her dedication to changing Indigenous social services
Richer is a visionary leader whose work has been transformative in the area of Indigenous social services. As Director Of Niigaaniin Services at Mamaweswen, her efforts and dedication in the areas of income assistance, food security, healing, addictions-counselling, training and employment have proven that an Indigenous Social Services Model is achievable. Her contributions provide a way forward for reconciliation and meaningful Indigenous development across Ontario and throughout Canada.
Walied Soliman, Accomplished Lawyer and Philanthropist
TMU Board of Governors member Walied Soliman was appointed to the Order of Ontario for his achievements as a lawyer and his philanthropic service to multiple communities.
One of Canada's leading lawyers, Soliman advises companies on shareholder activism, corporate governance, high-stakes mergers and acquisitions and restructuring. He is the Canadian Chair of Norton Rose Fulbright and a philanthropist supporting the community, including as the Board Chair of the SickKids Hospital Foundation. In 2020, he was commissioned by the Ontario government to chair the Capital Markets Modernization Taskforce. In 2019, Soliman was named by the United Nations Association in Canada as its Global Citizen Laureate for his professional merit.
