First awarded in 1940, the Tricolour Award has a long history at Queen's and boasts an impressive list of alumni among its members. Past recipients include Dragon's Den TV star Michele Romanow, Sc'07, MBA'08; architect of the Canadian flag and the Order of Canada, the Right Honourable John Matheson, Arts'40, LLD'84; and former Bank of Canada governor and Queen's Chancellor Emeritus David Dodge, Arts'65, LLD'02. Each year, up to four students are inducted into the prestigious Tricolour Society for their distinguished service, leadership, character, and community impact.
The Tricolour Society served as a model for Canada's highest civilian honour, the Order of Canada, which John Matheson, Arts'40, LLD'84, helped establish in 1967 as a Member of Parliament.