Six individuals with close connections to Memorial were invested by John Crosbie, lieutenant-governor of Newfoundland and Labrador and Chancellor of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, into the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador at a ceremony at Government House last week.

The inductees to the Order include Donna J. Butt, Jon Lien, Hazel R. Newhook, Gladys Manuel Osmond, John Crosbie Perlin and Alan Perry.

Whitbourne native and Rising Tide Theatre founder Donna J. Butt was conferred an honorary doctor of laws degree in 2003; Jon Lien is the founder of the Whale Research Group of Memorial University and is a retired professor of psychology; Grand Falls native Hazel R. Newhook served on Memorial’s Board of Regents and was the second woman in the province to be appointed to the Provincial Cabinet; Gladys Manuel Osmond received an honorary doctor of laws degree in 2008 and sends more than 1,000 pieces of mail each month to Canadian Forces personnel stationed around the globe; John Crosbie Perlin received an honorary doctor of laws degree in 2008 and as a philanthropist and volunteer has been involved with more than 50 charitable organizations; and Alan Perry is the former chair of Memorial’s Harlow campus, the founder of the Wessex Newfoundland Society and an honorary graduate.

“It is fitting that such remarkable individuals have been recognized for their contributions to this province,” said Dr. Christopher Loomis, Memorial University’s president and vice-chancellor pro tempore. “It is alumni and contributors such as these that make Memorial and our society such a rich and rewarding place to live and work. I offer my heartiest congratulations to each of them.”

The Order of Newfoundland and Labrador recognizes individuals who have demonstrated excellence and achievement in any field of endeavor benefiting in an outstanding manner Newfoundland and Labrador and its residents. An individual who is not a Canadian citizen or current or former long-term resident of the province, but who has demonstrated excellence in their field, and has benefited the province and its residents in an outstanding manner, may be nominated as an honorary member.

“These women and men exemplify the intent of the Order of Newfoundland and Labrador, our province’s highest honour,” said Mr. Crosbie. “Through their passion and commitment in all of their endeavours, they have made a lasting contribution to our province and our people. They are truly outstanding individuals.”

As Chancellor of the Order, the lieutenant-governor presented an insignia of the Order, a stylized pitcher plant, to each inductee as well as a miniature of the insignia, a lapel pin and a certificate signed by the Chancellor and sealed with the Seal of the Order.