The Honourable William C. Graham (LLB 1964) and Philip Michael Epstein (LLB 1968) named to the Order of Canada

The latest list of Order of Canada appointments and promotions were announced Friday by Governor General Julie Payette.

The Order of Canada is one of the country’s highest civilian honours and recognizes people whose service, innovations and compassion shape Canadian society, foster imagination and unite people and communities.

The Honourable William C. Graham (LLB 1964) and Philip Michael Epstein (1968) (photo top right) are members of the U of T community – faculty, alumni and supporters – who have been appointed to, or promoted within, the Order of Canada in its latest round.

Bill Graham (photo top left), the chancellor of Trinity College and former federal minister of foreign affairs and minister of national defence, was promoted to Officer of the Order in recognition of his sustained contributions to politics and academia, and for his philanthropic endeavours. He earned his honours bachelor’s degree in modern history as a member of Trinity and, in 1964, received his law degree – winning the gold medal – from U of T. He also taught at the Faculty of Law before being elected to parliament.

Philip Michael Epstein (photo top right), a distinguished litigator and founding partner of Epstein Cole LLP, was named a Member of the Order for his leadership in Canadian family law and for pioneering programs in dispute resolution now emulated across the country. Epstein earned his law degree from U of T’s Faculty of Law in 1968.

Republished in part from U of T News