3 UW professors, RIM co-founder to receive Order of Canada Friday

Four people from Waterloowill be named to the Order of Canada on Friday.

Linda Nazar, a professor in the departments of chemistry and electrical engineering at the University of Waterloo, will be named as an officer of the Order of Canada. Nazar, who has helped create rechargeable lithium batteries and develop a new type of battery using lithium sulfur, is one of the world's leading experts in the design of energy storage materials.

• Canadian scientists create powerful new lithium battery material

Three Waterloo residents will also be made members of the Order of Canada.

Douglas Edgar Fregin, one of the co-founders of Research in Motion (RIM), is being recognized for revolutionizing the global telecommunications industry and for using his success to support, often anonymously, several initiatives in Africa and to fund the University of Waterloo's nanotechnology program.

Materials engineer, professor and former vice-president of research at the University of Waterloo, Carolyn Hansson is credited with pioneering a monitoring system for evaluating the integrity of concrete structures. The systemis used in bridges and marine structures in several provinces.

Garry Rempel, a chemical engineering professor at the University of Waterloo, has worked with industry partners to develop high-performance rubber materials. He is also known for mentoring and training many graduate students.

In total, one companion, seven officers and 39 members will be appointed to the Order of Canada. Governor General David Johnston, the former president of the University of Waterloo, will preside over the ceremony, which will be held at Rideau Hall in Ottawa.