A Zoology professor, a former UBC chancellor, an opera star alumnus and the choral director of UBC's largest choir have been named to the Order of Canada.
Zoology Prof. Peter Hochachka has been named an officer of the Order of Canada. Robert Lee, Ben Heppner and Diane Loomer are now Order of Canada members.
An internationally recognized researcher in environmental physiology, Hochachka studies the way animals survive extreme environmental conditions and high altitudes. His studies have captured international attention because of the parallels for humans who suffer from diseases caused by oxygen deprivation.
Hochachka received the Canada Gold Medal for Science and Engineering in 1995 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council.
Former UBC chancellor, board member and alumnus Robert Lee is known as an entrepreneur with a conscience.
A successful real estate investor, Lee was chair of UBC Real Estate Corporation and a founding director of the UBC Foundation. He was a key player in the World of Opportunity Campaign that raised $260 million for the university.
UBC School of Music alumnus Ben Heppner is internationally acclaimed as one of the world's leading tenors.
He is renowned for his interpretation of Wagner and Strauss and the difficult vocal challenges of the heroic operas. His recitals and recordings have received outstanding reviews.
Diane Loomer has directed UBC's Choral Union, the School of Music's largest choir, since 1993.
She has developed world-class competitors in the field of choral music and helped earn international awards for the Elektra Women's Choir and Chor Leoni Men's Choir, both of which she helped to establish.
The Order of Canada was established in 1967 to recognize outstanding achievement and service by Canadians in various fields of human endeavour.