Chris Rose received an Doctor of Letters, honoris causa from TRU in June of 2009 and followed that being named to Order of BC for 2010.

A recipient of an honorary doctorate in 2009 from Thompson Rivers University is among the 15 people winning the prestigious Order of British Columbia for 2010.

Chris Rose, who has made his mark in public education and in championing the rights of children with autism and people of all ages with handicaps, is among the group being recognized for a lifetime of excellence and achievements.

This year’s Order of BC winners were announced on Aug. 6.

TRU honoured Rose with a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa during Spring Convocation in June of 2009.

Rose is the second person in recent years to receive an honorary degree from TRU and then go on to win an Order of BC. In 2006, Former Kamloops Indian Band Chief Manny Jules received a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa from TRU and followed that with an Order of BC in 2009.

“The Order of British Columbia recognizes the remarkable accomplishments achieved by extraordinary British Columbians,” said BC Premier Gordon Campbell of the award often referred to as the highest honour the province bestows on its individuals.

Rose’s achievements include serving as an elementary school teacher, principal and school trustee; serving as executive director of Giant Steps West (now the Chris Rose Therapy Centre for Autism); being a founding member of the Chris Rose Foundation; chairman of the bi-annual International Conference on Autism; serving 10 years in Kamloops on the Mayor’s Task Force for People with Disabilities; and three years as chair of Kamloops’s Social Planning Council, which led to the City of Kamloops Youth Issues Conference.