Trent University Professor Emeritus Receives Order of Ontario

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Dr. Peter Adams given highest provincial honour

Friday, January 20, 2012, Peterborough

Trent University professor emeritus, Dr. Peter Adams was one of 27 recipients of the Order of Ontario announced on January 20, 2012.

Professor Adams was the founder of the Department of Geography at Trent University. He was chair in that Department from 1968-1977 and remained a professor while also serving as dean of Graduate Studies, associate dean of science, and associate vice-president, 1977-1987. He was also the executive director of the Association of Canadian Universities for Northern Studies.

Prof. Adams was elected M.P.P. for Peterborough from 1987 to 1990 and was elected to the House of Commons in 1993 where he served as a member of Parliament until 2006. He has published numerous articles on the Canadian Arctic, on the environment and other geographical topics, and has written and co-authored several books. He has also been significantly involved in health issues, sports and athletics. He chaired the Sport, Recreation & Wellness for All Campaign at Trent University, which exceeded its goal of $4 million. Prof. Adams received an honorary degree from Trent in 2010.

Responding to the news of his appointment to the Order of Ontario, Prof. Adams said, ““It’s very nice – a great surprise – and I’m pleased that the honour recognizes the academic and community contributions as well as my work in politics. I’ve often said that I wouldn’t have been able to accomplish most of the things that I have at a larger university. I was able to do a lot academically while doing a lot in the community.” Prof. Adams has published five books since his retirement. Information about Prof. Adams’ research and publications is available at: http://www.trentu.ca/geography/faculty_adams.php

The Order of Ontario is the province’s highest official honour. It recognizes any current or former long-time resident of Ontario who has demonstrated a high level of individual excellence and achievement in any field benefiting the people of the Ontario or anywhere in the world. Prof. Adams will be invested into the Order of Ontario on Thursday, January 26 at Queen's Park.

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For more information, please contact: Peter Adams 705-745-6904