Former Director Dr. Gary Warner awarded the Order of Hamilton

Former Arts & Science Program Director, Dr. Gary Warner, has been honoured with the 2025 Order of Hamilton, which recognizes the exceptional contributions of Hamilton residents who voluntarily work to build a better and improved city.

Dr. Warner, a renowned scholar, esteemed professor, and human rights champion, has had a long and impactful tenure at McMaster University that spans over five decades. He began his time at McMaster as an assistant professor of French literature, and served as Department Chair, Associate Dean of Humanities, and founding Director of McMaster International (renamed Office of International Affairs). He later served as the Arts & Science Program Director from 2000-2005 and for two 1-year terms from 2010-2011 and 2017-2018. Over the years, Dr. Warner also taught several ARTSSCI courses, including Global Challenges Inquiry (ARTSSCI 1C06) and Global Justice Inquiry (ARTSSCI 3GJ3).

Now retired, Dr. Warner has remained involved in the McMaster community, including through his connection with the Black Student Success Centre (BSSC), the African-Caribbean Faculty Association of McMaster University (ACFAM) – of which he was a founding member in 2010, and the Arts & Science Program. He is also a tireless contributor to and leader within the Hamilton community, brilliantly exemplifying the value of scholarly inquiry and civic engagement that support the public good.

Dr. Warner inspires everyone around him to make the world a better place. His efforts as an active community leader in Hamilton, along with his work in academia and international development, are nothing short of extraordinary.

The biography below, published on the City of Hamilton website to acknowledge the 2025 Order of Hamilton recipients, offers a brief synopsis of Dr. Warner’s tireless and exemplary contributions to the community.

Dr. Gary Warner

Dr. Gary Warner is one of Hamilton’s most distinguished and enduring champions of justice, equity, and community well-being, with over five decades of volunteer service.

His lifetime of work – spanning international development, anti-racism, human rights, immigration, poverty reduction, youth well-being, and community inclusion – has profoundly shaped Hamilton’s social, cultural, and civic fabric through leadership rooted in compassion, scholarship, and an unwavering commitment to the common good.

Since 1967, Dr. Warner has held pivotal roles with organizations such as Amnesty International, the Hamilton Anti-Racism Committee, the Hamilton Committee Against Racial Discrimination, the Hamilton Mundialization Committee, the Hamilton Centre for Civic Inclusion, the Hamilton Immigration Partnership Council, the Hamilton Roundtable for Poverty Reduction, and the Gandhi Peace Festival. His guidance helped establish, strengthen, or sustain many of these initiatives, often through periods of growth and transition.

A trusted voice on racial justice and inclusion, he has shaped key municipal initiatives, including the Strengthening Hamilton’s Community Initiative, the Regional Advisory Committee on Refugee and Immigrant Issues, and Hamilton’s first Immigration Strategy. His work with the Hamilton-Wentworth District School Board – on race relations, employment equity, curriculum, and the Safe Schools Bullying Prevention and Intervention Review Panel – has fostered safer, more inclusive environments for thousands of students.

Dr. Warner’s leadership has strengthened key institutions across the city, including the Hamilton Community Foundation, Good Shepherd Centres, and the Catholic Children’s Aid Society of Hamilton, as well as numerous scholarship, advisory, arts, and research committees.

As a Professor Emeritus at McMaster University, he has shaped generations of students in Francophone literature, peace, international development, and human rights.

His lifetime of service has earned him MANY national and local honours, such as the Order of Canada, Hamilton Citizen of the Year, the Hamilton Gallery of Distinction, the J.C. Holland Award, the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal, an Honorary Doctor of Laws from McMaster University, and the Hamilton’s Senior of the Year.

Congratulations on this well-deserved honour, Dr. Warner!

Click here to read the McMaster News story about the five remarkable Hamiltonians who have strong ties to McMaster that were recognized with the Order of Hamilton.

Click here to read about the 2025 Order of Hamilton Recipients on the City of Hamilton website.