Today, Governor General Adrienne Clarkson will present University Professor Joyce Zemans, left, with her insignia as a member of the Order of Canada. The investiture ceremony is at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.
Former dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Zemans is a distinguished art historian, curator, essayist and teacher, who specializes in 19th- and 20th-century Canadian art.
When the announcement was made that Zemans would receive the Order of Canada, the citation said, “She has been tireless in her efforts to cast light on the often-overlooked artistic contributions of women during this period. Curator of several important touring exhibits, she has served as an advisor to the acquisition committees.
“Her administrative leadership and resolve became evident during her tenure as a director of the Canada Council for the Arts, where she deftly guided it through a period of economic restraint. University Professor at [York’s] Schulich School of Business, she continues to shape our national cultural landscape.”
The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service in various fields of human endeavour. Appointments are made on the recommendation of an Advisory Council, chaired by the Chief Justice of Canada. The motto of the Order is “Desiderantes meliorem patriam – They desire a better country”.