(Standing, from left: Phil Comeau, Jean-Guy Rioux, Premier Brian Gallant, Kenneth Barlow and John P. Barry. Sitting, from left: Nancy Hartling, Lt.-Gov. Jocelyne Roy Vienneau and Judith Chernin Budovitch. Missing from photo: Deborah Lyons and Sheldon Rubin. Gérard Friolet and Abraham Gesner were invested posthumously.)
Three distinguished University of New Brunswick alumni were recognized by the province this November when they were invested into the Order of New Brunswick by the chancellor of the order, Lt.-Gov. Jocelyne Roy Viennneau.
John P. Barry’s (BA’65, BCL’66) extraordinary legal career is driven by an enlightened vision of what a profession should be, and he is often described as a “dean” of New Brunswick’s legal profession. His belief in, and support of, how members of professions could and should positively promote and protect the common good has influenced him throughout his distinguished career. This same desire to protect the overall health and wellness of his community led to more than 50 years of provincial and national volunteerism which has positively impacted a diverse array of healthcare, educational and social organizations, not only in his local Saint John community but also provincially and nationally.
Mr. Barry has conducted a diverse and large legal practice, arguing passionately and successfully at every level of the court system. He is recognized for his strong leadership, high standards of legal care, integrity, generosity and willingness to help others. Determined to give back, Mr. Barry has mentored articling students and young lawyers, while devoting extraordinary amounts of time volunteering with groups aligned with his views on the impact of education and health on a community’s overall wellness.
Admitted to the New Brunswick bar in 1966 and appointed Queen’s Counsel in 1977, Mr. Barry was recognized for both his community contributions and legal competence in 2000, when he was invited to become a Fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and, in 2003, when he was honoured with the Queen Elizabeth ll Golden Jubilee Medal.
Mr. Barry’s contribution to the province, both in his professional life and through his volunteerism with organizations such as the Kidney Foundation, Lung Association, Red Cross and Community Living, will continue to have an irrevocable impact on families across New Brunswick and Canada.
Mr. Barry received the Order of New Brunswick for his dedicated, visionary leadership and competence within his profession, and for the positive impact and clear and lasting impression he has made on the wider community through many years of volunteerism within health care, educational and social organizations across the province.
Judith Chernin Budovitch (BEd’70, LLB’75) is regarded for her passion, integrity and work ethic in the areas of art, culture and education.
Ms. Budovitch earned a bachelor of arts from Dalhousie University, and bachelor of education and laws from the University of New Brunswick. She taught as a middle school teacher before completing law school and practicing in the public sector.
Ms. Budovitch’s dedication to her community through voluntary service is commendable. She has contributed time to many organizations including the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, where she played a pivotal role in the Gallery’s successful defense against the ownership claim by the Beaverbrook Foundation.
She has also served voluntary roles with UNB’s Associated Alumnae Council, the board of governors for Mount Saint Vincent University and UNB, the board of directors for the Chalmers Regional Hospital Foundation, the board of Canadian Jewish Congress, and the United Israel Appeal of Canada.
Ms. Budovitch was the recipient of the Lescarbot Award from the Government of Canada for her contributions to the cultural community, the Alumni Award of Excellence from the University of New Brunswick, the Distinguished Citizen’s Award from the City of Fredericton, and the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal. In 2000, she was appointed a Queen’s Council, and in 2008, a member of the Order of Canada.
Ms. Budovitch received the Order of New Brunswick for her unwavering and enthusiastic commitment to the advancement of the arts, culture and education in her province.
Deborah Lyons (BA’71, DLitt’15) graduated from UNB and was the first female valedictorian in the university’s history. She was selected as a civilian representative for the International Studies Program at Canada’s National Defence College which she completed in 1993.
Dr. Lyons is the former owner of a hunting and fishing lodge on the Miramichi River as well as an energy management company. After several years as an entrepreneur, she began her career with the federal government as an energy conservation specialist.
During her career with the federal government Dr. Lyons held positions of increasing responsibility with the Department of Natural Resources, Privy Council of Canada and the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency.
In 1999, Dr. Lyons was asked to join the Department of Foreign Affairs and International Trade and to represent Canada as the Counsellor for high tech industries at the Canadian Embassy in Japan. After five years in Tokyo, Dr. Lyons returned to Ottawa to become the director of International Finance, followed by a three-year assignment as the director general for North American Commercial Affairs. Dr. Lyons was then promoted to the position of assistant deputy minister for Strategic Policy and Planning and chief strategist for the department.
In 2010, Dr. Lyons became the deputy head of mission at the Canadian Embassy in Washington where she was responsible for over 300 diplomats and American staffers. In recognition of her accomplishments in Washington, Dr. Lyons was appointed as Canada’s ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Afghanistan – the second woman to hold this position. In Afghanistan, she was a prominent promoter and protector of the equality of women.
In July 2016, Prime Minister Trudeau announced her appointment as Canadian ambassador to Israel. She was also honored for her achievements by UNB, which conferred upon her the degree of doctor of letters honoris causa.
Dr. Lyons received the Order of New Brunswick for her extraordinary foreign affairs service, and for her courage and determination in making a difference in the lives of women and children in some of the world’s most oppressive and dangerous countries.
The Order of New Brunswick was established in 2000 to recognize individuals who have demonstrated a high level of excellence and achievement in their particular field. Since 2002, more than 140 accomplished individuals have been invested with the order for their dedication and service to the province, its people and communities.
The other 2016 recipients are: Kenneth Barlow, Phil Comeau, the late Gérard Friolet, the late Abraham Gesner, Nancy Hartling, Jean-Guy Rioux and Sheldon H. Rubin.
