Source: Calgary Herald

Calgary author Aritha Van Herk is among six Albertans named Tuesday to the Alberta Order of Excellence.

Van Herk's works include Mavericks: An Incorrigible History of Alberta, which won the Grant MacEwan Author's Award.

She is joined by Edmonton broadcaster Bruce Hogle, whose journalism brought about the creation of the Alberta Crimes Compensation Board, family lawyer Patricia Blocksom, architect Martin Cohos and former Alberta Conservative MLA Walter Paszkowski.

Also named was Eric Rajah. Rajah is the co-founder of A Better World, a Lacombe-based and volunteer-run organization that works to fund education, infrastructure, health, food security and other projects in Third World nations.

“All Albertans can be proud of the work these remarkable citizens have accomplished,” Premier Ed Stelmach said in a news release Tuesday.

“They deserve to be honoured for their many contributions to our province, along with our sincere thanks for their service as distinguished ambassadors of the Alberta spirit.”

Alberta Lt.-Gov. Donald S. Ethell will admit the new members at a ceremony scheduled for Oct. 19, bringing the membership in the order to 115.

© Calgary Herald