Dr. Allan Markin, a University of Lethbridge Honorary Degree recipient (2006), oil and gas industry entrepreneur and philanthropist, was promoted to an Officer of the Order of Canada by Governor General Michaelle Jean Wednesday, Apr. 7 at Rideau Hall.

Markin was one of 43 individuals to participate in the Order of Canada ceremony, which was created in 1967 (Canada's centennial year) to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to the community and service to the nation.

Since its creation, more than 5,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order.

Markin represents one of Canada's great entrepreneurial success stories. Since 1989, he has helped to build Canadian Natural Resources Limited from a small company of six employees into one of Canada's largest independent oil and gas producers.

A generous philanthropist with a special interest in health and wellness, he endowed a Chair in health promotion at the University of Calgary, and helped establish a public health institute there.

He also supports education and the arts, and has been a benefactor to Northern Lights College, the University of Lethbridge and St. Mary's University College.

Markin Hall, currently under construction on the U of L campus, bears his name in recognition of his key role in the Legacy of Leadership campaign, which raised more than $35 million to support scholarships and other academic endeavours at the University of Lethbridge.

Markin received an Honorary Degree from the University of Lethbridge in 2006 and delivered the address to the graduands.

A complete list of the most recent Order of Canada recipients can be found at this website.