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News Release

August 31, 2005

Arts Professors Appointed to Order of Canada

Two University of Guelph College of Arts professors have been named to the Order of Canada, considered the country’s highest honour of lifetime achievement. They are among 82 Canadians appointed this week by Governor General Adrienne Clarkson.

Judith Thompson, a drama professor in the School of English and Theatre Studies, was named an officer of the Order of Canada. Robert Enright, who teaches art criticism winter semesters in the master of fine arts program, was named a member.

“This is a well-deserved and great honour for both Profs. Thompson and Enright,” said president Alastair Summerlee. “Their thoughtful writings and many other talents have greatly contributed to the arts and to Canadian society in general. This prestigious recognition also brings credit to the University, and I am delighted for them both.”

Thompson, considered one of Canada’s finest playwrights, was recognized for her outstanding contributions in arts and writing. A U of G faculty member since 1992, she has received wide acclaim for her work and is known for her complex and sometimes disturbing plays that give voice to human failings and accomplishments.

She is a two-time winner of the Governor General's Literary Award for Drama for The Other Side of the Dark (1989) and White Biting Dog (1984), and was nominated for a Genie Award twice for her screenplays Perfect Pie and Lost and Delirious. She also received the Floyd S. Chalmers Canadian Play Award for Lion in the Streets (1991) and I Am Yours (1987). She has received an honorary doctorate of sacred letters from Thorneloe University for her work as a playwright.

Enright, who was named a U of G research professor in 2004, was honoured for his contributions in communications. A renowned cultural journalist, he is known as one of the country’s most eloquent and prolific thinkers on contemporary culture. He is editor-at-large of Border Crossing magazine, spent 25 years as an art critic for CBC and regularly contributes to the Globe and Mail and international art magazines Art News, Modern Painters and Art Review.

He is the author of Eric Fischl: 1970-2000 and has contributed to several other books on artists, including Tony Tascona: Resonance and Don Reichert: A Life in Work. A collection of Enright's interviews were published in a 1997 book called Peregrinations: Conversations With Contemporary Artists. In addition to writing about visual artists, he has conducted interviews and reviewed works in the theatre, dance, film and performance art worlds.

The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service. Appointments are made on the recommendation of an advisory council, chaired by the chief justice of Canada, and the governor general is the chancellor and principal companion of the order. Thompson and Enright will receive their membership insignias later this year.