S u m m e r 2 0 1 0

university magazine

Concordia’s Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema and its professors still “reeling” in the accolades after 35 years

UN watchdog > Climate change investigator > Quartier Concordia magazine.concordia.ca Group home and auto insurance Proud partner of Concordia University Insurance for 25 years! as simple as

for Concordia University alumni and students

Insurance doesn’t need to be complicated. As a Concordia University graduate, you deserve – and receive – special care when you deal with TD Insurance Meloche Monnex.

First, you enjoy savings through preferred group rates.

Second, you benefit from great coverage and you get the flexibility to choose the level of protection that suits your needs.1

Third, you receive outstanding service.

At TD Insurance, our goal is to make insurance easy to understand – so you can choose your coverage with confidence. After all, we’ve been doing it for 60 years!

Request a quote and you could

Insurance program sponsored by 1 866 352 6187 Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. www.melochemonnex.com/concordia

TD Insurance Meloche Monnex is the trade name of SECURITY NATIONAL INSURANCE COMPANY which also underwrites the home and auto insurance program. The program is distributed by Meloche Monnex Insurance and Financial Services Inc. in Quebec and by Meloche Monnex Financial Services Inc. in the rest of Canada. Due to provincial legislation, our auto insurance program is not offered in British Columbia, Manitoba or Saskatchewan. 1 Certain conditions and restrictions may apply. * No purchase required. Contest ends on January 14, 2011. Total value of each prize is $30,000 which includes the Honda Insight EX (excluding applicable taxes, preparation and transportation fees) and a $3,000 gas voucher. Odds of winning depend on the number of eligible entries received. Skill-testing question required. Contest organized jointly with Primmum Insurance Company and open to members, employees and other eligible people of all employer and professional and alumni groups who have an agreement with and are entitled to group rates from the organizers. Complete contest rules and eligibility information available at www.melochemonnex.com. Actual prize may differ from picture shown. Honda is a trade-mark of Honda Canada Inc., who is not a participant in or a sponsor of this promotion. Meloche Monnex is a trade-mark of Meloche Monnex Inc., used under license. TD Insurance is a trade-mark of The Toronto-Dominion Bank, used under license.

MM8127-10_Ellipse Annonce Concordia (8.125x10.75)EN_v2.indd 1 6/14/10 4:07:01 PM

Projet : Annonce MMI 2009 Province : Québec Épreuve # :2 Client : Meloche Monnex Publication : Concordia University Mag. Date de tombée : 26/02/10 No de dossier : Format : 8.125x10.75 MM8127-10_Ellipse Annonce Concordia (8.125x10.75)v2 Couleur : couleur Graphiste : Yannick Decosse

Hamelin Martineau • 505, boul. de Maisonneuve O. Bureau 300 • Montréal (Québec) H3A 3C2 • T : 514 842 4416 F : 514 844 9343 ATTENTION : Merci de vérifier attentivement cette épreuve afin d’éviter toute erreur. university magazine

summer 2010 volume 33 number 2 magazine.concordia.ca

Sustaining momentum for environmental research Predicting the future of greenhouse gases and climate change is no small feat, and Damon Matthews, assistant professor in Concordia’s 6 Geography, Planning and Environment Department, says the current prognosis is grim. Cover: Mel Hoppenheim by Beverly Akerman School of Cinema professors view a screening in Concordia’s J.A. De Sève Cinema (clockwise, from top): 10 Thomas Waugh, head of the Film Studies, Cilia Sawadogo, Sharpening the head of Animation, Roy Cross, head of focus on the art Film Production, and and study of Marielle Nitoslawska, filmmaking chair. Credit: Spyros After 35 years, Concordia’s Mel Bourboulis Hoppenheim School of Cinema sticks to the basics by teaching filmmaking the way it began: with 16 millimetre cameras in hand. by Lucas Wisenthal 14 Watching the watchers Hillel Neuer, BA 93, executive director of 3 Editor’s Voice UN Watch, keeps a close eye on the United Nations and its Human Rights Council. 4 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE By Howard Bokser 5 News 30 Association News 36 Class Acts 42 words & Music 20 Faculty Spotlight: 44 enough said Arts and Science Concordia’s Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics gets a new wing on the Loyola Campus while students gain valuable tips at the inaugural This publication is printed on 100% 22 Science Career Day. recycled paper, including 20% post consumer waste. For each ton of Plein cap vers l’avenir recycled paper that displaces a ton of au centre-ville virgin paper, it reduces total energy consumption by 27%, greenhouse Briser l’insolement d’un campus developpé gas emissions by 47%, particulate dans l’esprit des années 60; Concordia emissions by 28%, wastewater by introduit le nouveau Quartier Concordia. 33%, solid waste by 54% and wood Par Patrice-Hans Perrier use by 100%. SettinganExample Looking ahead by giving back

hile I was a student in Concordia’s MBA and asked if I’d be interested in reconnecting Wprogram, I struck many friendships with my alma mater. That was a tipping point. and seized opportunities that I treasure to I decided to form a D.C.-area alumni chapter that this day. I fondly remember the outstanding would benefit both Concordia graduates in the and supportive faculty members, including region and the university that had given me so Management Professor Bakr Ibrahim. With much. With tremendous support from Concordia’s Professor Ibrahim’s help, a group of us were Advancement and Alumni Relations Office, able to found the Concordia Small Business we launched the Concordia University Alumni Consulting Group. That experience paved Association Washington, D.C., Chapter in October the way for my successful consulting career 2008 with a get-together at the Canadian in the United States. Embassy. Since then, my incredible Chapter executive team that includes Renato Sogueco, One year after earning my MBA, I moved BA 94, Lisa Morgan, BA 89, Zoran Kahric, BEng to Washington, D.C. I eventually became 97, James Byrnes, BA 97, and Dinesh Mehta, BEng Vice President – IBM Business Consulting 80, has helped organize events and activities for Services, responsible for the U.S. federal local alumni to network online or in person. civilian industry. We recorded revenues of $500 million annually. Through the Washington, D.C., Chapter, I have strengthened my bond with Concordia and While living in the United States, on a developed friendships that will last a lifetime. number of occasions, I was impressed Giving back is truly priceless. by how American universities continued to have an impact on their alumni’s lives—many years after graduation. Therese L. Morin, MBA 86 A few years ago, a Concordia President, Concordia University Alumni representative contacted me Association Washington, D.C., Chapter

How to make a difference

As a volunteer or donor to Concordia, you, too, can make a difference.

Every year, thousands of Concordia alumni, parents and friends provide support to Concordia students. Whichever area of Concordia you choose to support, your gift will help ensure our students enjoy the best possible university experience and graduate as leaders in their fields.

Contact Advancement and Alumni Relations at 1-888-777-3330 or 514-848-2424, ext. 4856, or visit giving.concordia.ca. Editor’sVoice The talent to make a difference

hen I met Hillel Neuer, BA 93, page 12), is a profile of a different at a Montreal café in early spring, sort. While a film school may not, on Whe apologized for being a few the surface, be as influential as a UN minutes late. Neuer, executive director watchdog, the Hoppenheim School of of UN Watch, which is based in Geneva, Cinema teaches its students to make Switzerland, explained that he had been their mark in the world of cinema, on the phone with a writer from the Wall sticking to its own mandate, which in- animation and film studies. Some of Street Journal. cludes upholding the 1948 Universal its grads have tackled controversial I was truly humbled. After all, as Declaration of Human Rights. international subjects in documen- Neuer soon related, he and UN Watch Hillel said that politics captivated him tary films, such as Up the Yangtze by are quoted about 250 times per year by at age 10, when he and a neighbour rec- Yung Chang, BFA 99, which examines international news agencies and publi- reated historical political scenes, such the negative impact of China’s Three cations and major TV networks, making as the John F. Kennedy assassination, Gorges Dam, while film studies stu- him one of the Concordia graduates “which we then forced our parents to dents learn about cinema’s social and who is most frequently cited by the me- watch!” he recalled. Hillel added that his cultural effects. dia. I wondered how enthusiastic he’d time at Concordia’s Liberal Arts College The school’s alumni have populat- be to meet with someone from a pub- and Department of Political Science set ed the national and international film lication with a circulation in the tens him on a path toward human-rights ad- scenes throughout its 35 years. In the of thousands rather than hundreds of vocacy. Today, he’s not recreating but 1980s, I worked on a few local movie thousands—or more. actually helping to shape history. productions, armed with a degree It turns out my worries were unfound- Our cover story, about the uni- in film and communications from ed. Hillel admitted that he was only too versity’s Mel Hoppenheim School McGill University. My colleagues’ happy to be interviewed because our uni- of Cinema (see “Honing the art and reactions were always the same: versity is in his blood: both his parents academic work of filmmaking” on “You’re in the minority; most of the and three of his six siblings crew are Concordia are Concordia alumni! grads.” Over the next hour, he de- Mel Hoppenheim, scribed his work at UN Watch president and CEO of (see “Watching the watchers” Mel’s Cité du Cinéma and on page 16). He was so elo- benefactor of the School quent and forthcoming that of Cinema, told our writer only a question-and-answer that Concordia plays a key piece could do his story jus- role in the local film in- tice. The non-governmental dustry because it grooms organization for which he outstanding graduates. works advocates for human “Without them, our in- rights, fights anti-Semitism dustry is not going very and keeps an eye on the UN far. We need a constant and the UN Human Rights flow of talent, which Council—a tall order to be Concordia produces,” sure. The inappropriately Hoppenheim said. named council typically ig- Ultimately, there is one nores or apologizes for the trait that Hillel Neuer and world’s worst human rights Mel Hoppenheim School offenders—some of which of Cinema graduates are ironically among its 47 share: they chose to study members. Still, Hillel con- at an institution that both tends that the council wields recognized and fostered international influence and their talents. must be held accountable for

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 3 President’sMessage

Inspiring Leadership: Spring 2010 Honorary Doctorate recipients

hroughout my career, I have grant degrees to more than 4,800 stu- spring 2010 recipients inspire us all. benefited from the wise counsel dents and award honorary doctorates The Right Honourable Jean Chretien, Tand experience of mentors and to seven distinguished Canadians. In former prime minister of Canada, is be- role models. Leadership brings with bestowing our highest honour on these ing recognized for his contributions to it the responsibility of inspiring and individuals, we not only recognize their public life, including a deep commitment developing others. That is why I’ve outstanding talents and achievements; to post-secondary education. Robert always tried to make the time to be a we also reinforce the university’s core Charlebois is a major presence in Quebec mentor myself. values of excellence in education, re- music and culture, adding original- I am reminded of the importance of search and creative activity, openness to ity, humour and vision to the province’s strong role models this spring, as we the world and social engagement. Our unique identity. At the age of 28, Laurent Beaudoin took on the challenge of build- ing Bombardier into a corporate giant and global leader. Canadian astronaut Julie Payette sets a shining example for all future engineers, particularly for young women who are interested in the sciences. R. Murray Shafer, one of Canada’s preeminent composers, is also renowned as an educator, research- er, ecologist and visual artist. Eleanor Wachtel is, for many, the voice of the CBC, setting the standard for enlight- ening and intelligent exchanges about literature and the arts. Richard W. Pound embodies an unparalleled integrity in his dedication to promoting ethical stan- dards in amateur and professional sports, as well as being an accomplished lawyer, Olympic athlete, author and university leader. We have been truly honoured to have these individuals join the Concordia family. Congratulations to our spring 2010 graduates and their families.

IPI Judith Woodsworth, PhD Concordia President and Vice-Chancellor Judith Woodsworth at Concordia’s spring 2009 convocation. President and Vice-Chancellor

for alumni. Letters may be edited for alumni associations or of the University. 514-848-2424, ext. 3819. length and clarity. No letter will be published without the full name of the Please address editorial Editorial Board: Howard Bokser, editor university magazine correspondence to: correspondent. and chair. Members: Sami Antaki, John The Editor, Howard Bokser Aylen, Aaron Derfel, Susan Elias, Barry Concordia University Magazine Concordia University Magazine is Lazar, Lucy Niro, Johanne Pelletier and Concordia University Magazine 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West, published four times a year for alumni welcomes readers’ comments. FB 520, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8 Donna Varrica. Letters should include the writer’s and friends of Concordia University. email: [email protected] full name, address, school(s), Opinions expressed herein do not Design: University Communications degree(s) and year(s) of graduation necessarily reflect the views of the For advertising information, call Services T10-2746

4 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine ConcordiaNews A busy spring for Concordia donations

oncordia announced important gifts Cthis spring from the CIBC, Cisco Canada and the Concordia University Part-time Faculty Association. CIBC announced on March 24 a con- tribution of $500,000 to Concordia’s hy p a

John Molson School of Business (JMSB) r toward seven annual awards: two CIBC hotog P

Doctoral Business Fellowships—worth L

$20,000 each—for students entering /PB lau the PhD program; and five CIBC B yan

Undergraduate Entrance Bursaries— R worth $10,000—to full-time students At the CIBC gift announcement March 24, pictured from left to right: Robert Lorange, VP, CIBC in financial need. Commercial Banking, Quebec; Kathy Assayag, Concordia VP, Advancement and Alumni Relations; Sylvain Vinet, CIBC Senior Vice- Sylvain Vinet, CIBC’s Senior VP, Retail Distribution, Eastern Canada; Concordia President and Vice- Chancellor Judith Woodsworth; Concordia’s JMSB Dean Sanjay Sharma; and Michel Cantin, CIBC’s President, Retail, Distribution, Eastern VP, Retail Market, Quebec. Canada, said this gift reflected CIBC’s commitment to higher education and Cisco Canada President Nitin Kawale president Maria Peluso, GrDip 81, MA community-engagement initiatives. described Concordia as a “Canadian 87, whom she said she’s known for many “Our goal is to provide access to oppor- trailblazer” whose “distinguished years, and other part-time instructors tunities in education so that our county’s reputation as an early adopter of for helping to advance the university’s brightest students have the chance to leading-edge technology makes it an goal of providing an outstanding student succeed in their chosen field of studies,” admired leader in higher education. experience. “They bring their work and Vinet said in his address to the 55 guests Concordia was one of Cisco’s first academic knowledge to help make our gathered for the gift-announcement IP Telephony customers in Canada students a great success as they go into ceremony on the 6th floor of the JMSB and the first university to deploy the community. They add to the uni- Building. Wi-Fi across its campus,” said Kawale, versity in many ways, both inside and On April 7, technology-solutions adding that students will gain valuable outside the classroom,” Woodsworth provider Cisco Canada announced work experience through the research told the 90 or so guests gathered for the a donation of a comprehensive net- conducted in the lab. reception on the 11th floor of the work security solution—valued at And at a jam-packed cocktail recep- EV Building. more than $400,000—to the Faculty of tion April 20, the Concordia University Peluso, who pointed out that the Engineering and Computer Science. Part-time Faculty Association (CUPFA) donation coincided with CUPFA’s 20th The network-security solution is locat- announced a donation of $20,000 to- anniversary, said the association’s ed in the new Cisco Network Security ward the departments of Theatre and members—many of whom are alumni— Laboratory at the Concordia Institute Recreation and Athletics, as well as the serve as the university’s ambassadors for Information Systems Engineering Webster Library. and wear many hats, including teaching, on the 10th floor of the Engineering, Concordia President and Vice- volunteering for their association and Computer Science and Visual Arts Chancellor Judith Woodsworth working in industry, government or the Complex (EV Building). expressed her thanks to CUPFA community.

Stage is set for D.B. Clarke Theatre overhaul he D.B. Clarke Theatre is set to undergo major The theatre, located in the Henry F. Hall Building basement, Trenovations for the first time in its 40-year history. houses Concordia’s Department of Theatre and serves as the Costs for the renovation, which will be carried out between main stage for Geordie Theatre Productions and venue for other June 25 and December 15, will be covered by an $11-million musical and theatre productions and events. The theatre opened grant from the Canadian government’s Knowledge February 7, 1970, and was named after Douglass Burns Clarke Infrastructure Program. Plans call for reconfiguring the (1908-1980), a member of the first Sir George Williams gradu- lobby and replacing the theatre’s 380 seats and complex set ating class of 1937 and long-time Sir George Williams professor of ropes, counterweights and pulleys used to move curtains, and administrator. In 1981, it was closed for one year and under- backdrops and lighting. went repairs due to a fire that caused $200,000 in damages.

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 5 Sustaining momentum for environmental research

D a m o n M at t h e w s , A N A s s i s tan t P r o fe s s o r i N c o n c o r d i a’ s d E PA r t men t o F G e o g r ap h y, P l ann i N G

an d E nv i r o nmen t, b r i ng s E N E r gy A N d PA s s i o N t o h i s c l i mat e- c h A N G E r e s ea r c h A N d t ea c h i ng .

B y B e v e r l y A k e r ma n

amon Matthews studies super says, adding that many companies like disputing whether gravity exists. models—not Tyra Banks or Gisele and researchers are looking into these The tragedy is that there are uncer- DBündchen but a different although issues. tainties we should be thinking about, no less potent form of sexy: climate He also focuses on understanding given the range of emission scenarios change, carbon cycling and our planet’s how human land-use changes—such as of warming between 1° and 6° C,” he future. agriculture and deforestation—impact says. Global warming at the low end of Climatologists like Matthews, who is how much carbon is absorbed by land- this spectrum would be serious but, he an assistant professor in Concordia’s based carbon sinks (natural or artificial warns, the consequences of tempera- Department of Geography, Planning and carbon-filled reservoirs). His work adds ture increases at the upper end would Environment, be noth- predict the The arguments [climate-change deniers] engage ing short of long-term catastrophic. effects of in are like disputing whether gravity exists. “The debate greenhouse gas we should be (GHG) emissions based on computer to the knowledge base that governments having— the one that’s really so impor- “super” models. His expertise lies in the and agencies rely on to help establish tant— is about the best ways of meeting computer modelling of carbon cycles. climate norms and policies. these challenges. That’s what we need Carbon, in the form of the GHG carbon But his current prognosis isn’t rosy. to be focused on. To continue argu- dioxide (CO2), is emitted into the at- Matthews points out that “350 parts per ing about the fact of warming is almost mosphere through the burning of fossil million [ppm] may be the upper safe criminal,” he says. fuels, thereby resulting in the planet’s limit of atmospheric CO2 for the long- warming. Some of this CO2 remains term.” That’s the conclusion of 350.org, Concordia bound in the atmosphere, some is absorbed an American-based organization dedi- Matthews earned his PhD in Earth by the ocean and some is absorbed on cated to finding solutions to the climate and Ocean Sciences in 2004 from land through natural processes by trees crisis. Our current level, however, is an the University of Victoria in British during photosynthesis, for example. alarming 390 ppm! Columbia, where he worked with “Understanding how these carbon sinks As a result, Matthews says he disre- Andrew Weaver, “Canada’s leading cli- will persist in the future is a key part of gards climate-change deniers. “The mate modeller,” according to David predicting future warming,” Matthews arguments these people engage in are Greene, Concordia’s chair of Geography, ez p o L

ndy 6 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine i C Sustaining momentum for environmental research

Damon Matthews is an assistant professor in Concordia’s Department of Geography, Planning and Environment. His accomplishments include earning a 2008-2009 New Scholar Award from Concordia’s Office of the Dean of Arts and Science. The award recognizes outstanding scholarly achievement by a tenure-track faculty member. Matthews has published 19 peer-reviewed papers and has six more articles in the pipeline.

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 7 Planning and Environment. In January change, and to lay the foundations for researching carbon storage in wood- 2007, fresh from post-doctoral re- the measures that are needed to coun- lots and whether forestry-management search stints at Stanford University in teract such change.” practices might affect the carbon uptake California, and the University of Calgary There are local applications to of trees. “Forests are a critical compo- in Alberta, Matthews took up his post at Matthews’s research, too, such as pre- nent in the climate-change equation,” Concordia. dicting how climate change over the Paquin says, adding that as trees mature, Lawrence Mysak, Canada Steamship next 30 years could affect maple-syrup their carbon stores increase dramati- Lines Chair for McGill University’s production or outdoor skating. He is cally, tapering off at about 100 years or Department of Atmospheric and also turning his attention to the nega- so (depending on the species). Oceanic Sciences and director of his tive effects of other GHGs, such as those Drew Pinsonneault is another of department’s Earth System Modelling introduced into the environment as Matthews’s MSc students. When Group, says he’s delighted to work side-effects of fertilizer use. Matthews Pinsonneault was a part-time BSc stu- alongside Matthews, referring to him explains that much natural vegetation has dent, Matthews invited him to do an as an “academic grandson.” Matthews’s nitrogen as a limiting factor and when honours thesis about rising ocean CO2 PhD supervisor was Mysak’s own PhD extra nitrogen becomes widely available levels and their effects on marine life student, one of 75 graduate students in the air or water, these plants may take and ocean chemistry. Pinsonneault’s Mysak has mentored during his career. up more carbon. So he’s now examining work focused on the impact of vary- “Matthews’s contribution is substantial the effects of compounds like nitrogen ing CO2 levels on ocean life over the to the early anthropogenic hypothesis,” Mysak says. “That’s the notion that hu- manity’s influence on climate change actually started 5,000 to 8,000 years ago, through agricultural activities, the burning of forests to clear the land and the creation of rice paddies, which are tremendous sources of methane, an-

Matthews’s contribution is substantial to the notion that humanity’s influence on climate change actually started 5,000 to 8,000 years ago, through agricultural activities, the burning of forests to clear the land and the creation of rice paddies. other GHG.” Matthews participated in and phosphorus on how much carbon can next 2,000 years. The project re- the Cutting Edge Lectures series Mysak be taken up by plant sources. ceived an honourable mention at the organized in 2008 at McGill. “Matthews 2009 Rising Stars of Research National spoke on how much CO2 we would have Paying it forward Undergraduate Science and Engineering to cut back to stabilize our climate rather Greene reports that Matthews’s research Research Poster Competition. “This than continue the runaway greenhouse program includes six graduate students, kind of work enables us to make in- effect we’re experiencing now,” Mysak much more than those that are typically formed decisions about what to do right relates. assigned to a third-year assistant now, based on very long-term impacts,” Matthews also participated in the professor. “It’s an embarrassment of Pinsonneault says. “Damon takes Fourth Assessment Report of the riches; what you do if all your research chemistry to a global scale. It’s been Intergovernmental Panel on Climate grant applications are approved for fascinating.” Change, which shared the 2007 Nobel funding,” Greene explains. The students and Greene also give Peace Prize with former American Vice Karen Paquin, one of those grad stu- Matthews high marks for his teaching. President Al Gore. The Nobel commit- dents, is on track to complete her MSc “One of the things Damon tries to do is tee cited the recipients “for their efforts in 2010. Paquin studied paleoclimatol- bring students into the debate,” Greene to build up and disseminate greater ogy (ancient climate) at the University says. “His teaching of climate science knowledge about man-made climate of California, Los Angeles, and now is is not about tidy, packaged ideas that

8 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine Paul Shrivastava is director of The David O’Brien Centre for Sustainable the David O’Brien Centre for Sustainable Enterprise Enterprise takes flight By Beverly Akerman in the John Molson School of Business. Shrivastava says s populations climb and change and related business the Centre will Aresources are depleted, opportunities is being developed. offer courses and concerns mount about how best Shrivastava says he looks forward invite speakers with strong to manage the Earth’s resources to making sustainability integral academic and change the business word’s to undergraduate management credentials mindset. That’s why the November programs, as well as broadening coupled with 2009 inauguration of the David elective courses to include solar industry experience. O’Brien Centre for Sustainable engineering, geography, political Enterprise in the John Molson science and ecodesign. “We aim School of Business was timely. to be truly interdisciplinary and “A broad consensus has developed inclusive. We’re looking at not just that the environment is under finding economic solutions but tremendous pressure and that incorporating the arts, reliability governments and people need to and sustainability sciences in the do something about it,” says mix,” he says. O’Brien Centre Director Paul Shrivastava. “From our perspective, Shrivastava’s own story is telling. enterprise—companies and He had been researching, teaching business—are among the biggest and writing about sustainability influencers and that provides us science through a career that with a tremendous opportunity.” took him from India to New York University, where he spent 10 The Centre is named after years, and to Bucknell University in benefactor David O’Brien, L BA Lewisburg, Penn., where he spent are decades old. It’s all still happen- 62, chairman of the Royal Bank of 20 years. He then decided, as a ing.” He refers to a wine-and-cheese Canada and resource giant EnCana pratical exercise, to track his own event called Debating Copenhagen that who is also Concordia’s chancellor. carbon footprint—and discovered Matthews organized last December be- “I hope the Centre can provide both that, over the course of his career, fore the United Nations Climate Change research leadership on sustainable his carbon consumption had shot Conference in Copenhagen, Denmark. practices and be an agent of up 10-fold. “Understanding a More than 100 students attended and change, engaging leaders in both problem isn’t enough. You have addressed issues such as the magnitude the business and not-for-profit to use all the modalities available of the global-temperature drop needed sectors,” O’Brien says. “The world to bring the message home,” to prevent climate danger and whether situation means we must focus Shrivastava says. “Meeting future a meaningful treaty required targets for on being more careful stewards, challenges won’t be achieved developing nations and international creating sustainable enterprises is just by appeals through cognitive negotiations were likely to be effective. a critical part of the solution.” methods. You need to get people’s Department Chair Greene says he’s emotions engaged and that’s hopeful that Matthews’s positive and Shrivastava points out that where the arts—music, theatre, inclusive approach to teaching and sustainability typically wasn’t writing, poetry and dance—excels,” scholarship will be infectious. “It’s this top of mind for businesses. “But Shrivastava says, adding that extra effort and passion that sets him that’s changing. And our Centre Montreal, a place where arts and apart,” he says. “He is that rare individ- is developing programming—at culture are accepted as “serious ual: a wonderful teacher who is an even the undergraduate, graduate and business,” is an ideal venue in better researcher.” executive levels—to help,” he points which to carry out his mandate at out. For its MBA program, business the O’Brien Centre. “While I had Beverly Akerman is a Montreal-based ethics courses will continue to done a lot of academic work, I freelance writer. focus on social responsibility and wanted to end my career making an an online course on global climate impact in real life,” he says.

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 9 very April, Concordia’s MFA and PhD students into its three Cinema. Associate Professor Roy Cross, Cinema Students Association streams: Film Production, Animation MFA 98, head of Film Production, says E showcases films by Mel and Film Studies. the minute first-year Production stu- Hoppenheim School of Cinema “We really look for students with dents set foot in class, their training students. The selection process is potential,” Nitoslawska says. “We look begins. “We take the cell phones and the competitive. This year, graduating at what they’ve done and where they’ve video cameras out of their hands and students received priority while some been.” Some hail from multimedia give them a Swiss-made, 16-millimetre projects from other Production and backgrounds while others have no camera, with a light metre, and say, Animation classes were also shown. experience in Film Studies. “We defi- ‘OK, we’re going to go make movies,’ ” “Students really work hard on their nitely look for the poetic eye”—students Cross says. “It’s really the beginning films,” says Marielle Nitoslawska, chair who demonstrate a strong sense of im- of their foundation and they build up of the Hoppenheim School of Cinema. age and sound, she explains. from there.” “For months and months, day and night, Yung Chang, BFA 99, is one of them. That kind of technology is hardly they work on 10 different shoots. It’s Before beginning in Film Production anachronistic. Nitoslawska and others just insane what they do!” in 1996, Chang dabbled in video at his say that learning to make movies on old- The pay-off for all those efforts, high school in Whitby, Ont. He’s per- er machines allows students to master kudos aside? Six university credits. haps best known for Up the Yangtze, newer media more easily. The same goes Despite this—or perhaps because of the 2007 documentary about the ef- for the material on which they capture it—the Mel Hoppenheim School of fect of the Three Gorges Dam project on their work: film. “I would say 80 percent Cinema, which will celebrate its China’s Yangtze River and the people of our undergraduate projects are still 35th anniversary this spring, who live around it. The film captured shot on film,” Cross reports. “But once draws more than 600 under- a 2009 Genie Award for Best Feature- the films are shot, everything in the sec- graduate applications and Length Documentary, among many ond- and third-year production courses another 100 gradu- other honours. goes into a high-definition digital path ate applications per “I think the foundation and ground- and we’re contemporary at that point.” year. It accepts work of filmmaking starts, nowadays, at Mel Hoppenheim, after whom the about 200 un- a film school. And it’s rigorous and it’s school is named, echoes Cross’s senti- dergrad and hard work,” Chang says. “It took years. ment. Hoppenheim’s history in cinema 35 MA, I spent time trying to figure out what it dates back to the 1960s, when he found- was I wanted to say. I think what you do ed Panavision (Canada), which provided when you go to art school, in general, cameras and other shooting and film school, is that you’re trying to equipment for film hone your ideas and your craft.” The craft of filmmaking is taken se- riously at the Hoppenheim School of

We take the cell phones and the video cameras out of their hands and give them a 16-millimetre camera, with a light metre, and say, “OK, we’re going to go make movies.”

10 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine Sharpening the focus on filmmaking

After 35 years, Concordia’s Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema remains one of Canada’s top film schools by sticking to the basics By Lucas Wisenthal

Clockwise from top: from left to right, Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema Chair Marielle Nitoslawska and professors Thomas Waugh, Cilia Sawadogo and Roy Cross; stills from Félix Dufour-Laperrière’s animated films Strips, Rosa Rosa and M. Left: Still from Kara Blake’s The Delian Mode.

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 11 productions. In 1999, he opened La or at art galleries and they’ve raised important to us is that people learn how Cité du Cinéma, a state-of-the-art money independently for their pro- to animate; learn how to make films. film production facility in Montreal. ductions,” he says. “They come here to And then technology, whether it’s ana- Hoppenheim says he fully supports the immerse themselves in a collective of logue or digital, is just something that Cinema School’s teaching approach. likeminded individuals, to pursue their holds your ideas together,” Sawadogo “You have to start learning film the own practice.” points out. way filmmaking began,” Hoppenheim During his first semesters at stresses. “Using a video camera is much Animated education Concordia, Animation alumnus Félix simpler and the results are quicker to Professor Cilia Sawadogo, BA 89, Dufour-Laperrière, BFA 06, spent see. When you get behind a film camera, head of the department’s Animation many hours mastering those technolo- you’re not sure what you’re going to get unit, says the program aims to shape gies. “From time to time, my girlfriend so you’ve got to be that much better.” independent filmmakers. “We try wouldn’t see me for four days,” Dufour- What’s more, the cost of film com- to encourage our students to really Laperrière recalls. “I was sleeping in pels students to shoot economically, explore different techniques and school and shooting at night. As in any imposing on them a rigour their work different styles,” Sawadogo says. “You fine arts program, you have to apply wouldn’t otherwise demand. “To this can animate anything. You can animate yourself to projects if you wish to ac- day, as the film’s rolling through the an object; you can animate drawings; complish anything.” camera, I have a little tally in my mind you can use computer-generated of the cost, which can be good and bad,” animation.” Academic lens says Kara Blake, MFA 05. “But I think it Sawadogo reports that her stu- Not everyone who applies to the really teaches you that it’s not a dispos- dents, who hail from diverse cultural Hoppenheim School of Cinema aspires able medium. I really enjoyed getting backgrounds, project their own, wide- to make movies. Some would rather back to the physicality and the tactile ranging experiences through their give them the academic treatment. “We nature of working with the actual me- work. Their films cover themes such want to produce public intellectuals, as dium in my hand.” as the Middle East, sexism, racism and well as scholars, researchers, teachers, Blake holds a film degree from the green movement. “These topics are archivists, programmers and critics,” Ryerson University in her native usually approached in a very original says Professor Thomas Waugh, head Toronto and worked in post-produc- way,” she adds. of the school’s Film Studies area. Still, tion for a commercial company. She Like Cross, Sawadogo admits that Waugh says the theory-based program returned to school to work on her own new technologies are revolutionizing complements its technique-based films. “At Concordia, you could re- the filmmaking process. She also knows counterparts. “We try to think about ally create your own path on what that when students leave the class- what our filmmaking students are you wanted to focus on doing,” Blake room, they are likely to work on digital making and the larger context in which says. She now runs Philtre Films, a formats. But she maintains that digi- they are producing their work and Montreal-based, music-video and tal technologies can complement their training as artists,” Waugh says. “We film-production company. analogue predecessors and Animation have a distance from creative work, as Unlike undergraduates, Cross says students learn to use both. Analogue humanities scholars.” MFA students come to the School al- editing tools, she says, demand a more Film Studies offers BFA, MA and PhD ready versed in the language and history calculated approach to post-produc- level programs. “It’s a discipline that of cinema. “They have some type of an tion, thereby limiting the filmmaker’s is very much caught up in a relation- individual artistic practice where they creativity. Yet, with digital tools, stu- ship with society,” Waugh says, adding produce work on their own, outside of dents risk shunning content in favour that the program emphasizes criti- school, and they’ve exhibited at festivals of style and technique. “What is most cal thought. In his three decades of teaching at Concordia, Waugh has seen Left to right: Yung Chang and stills from his documentary Up the Yangtze, which went the program’s core interests evolve. on to win a Genie in 2009; a still from Kara Blake’s film The Delian Mode; and Kara Blake. “It used to be somewhat polarized . between a more formal kind of analy- sis and more socially-oriented film

12 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine studies. And I think that polarization is faculty members agree that the Noteworthy alumni no longer applicable.” The program’s department should accentuate professors now offer more of a theoreti- the artistic aspect of filmmaking. The success of the Mel Hoppenheim cal mosaic, he says. “I think we’re pretty “We’re in the Faculty of Fine Arts, School of Cinema can be measured, eclectic and versatile. I would say we so we keep that in mind,” Roy at least in part, by the accolades its cover most of the current schools of cul- Cross says. “But, also, we’re very alumni have earned. Here is a list of tural and film studies among us.” aware that there’s an industry some of the recent, award-winning, That translates into a diverse set that’s attached to film production film-school alumni and their works: of courses on the history of cinema. outside of the school and so it’s not “We teach a whole spectrum of kinds completely isolated.” n Ce qu’il faut pour vivre, directed by of films, from avant-garde to cut- What sets Concordia apart is its Benôit Pilon, BFA 87, won the 2009 ting-edge documentaries and popular focus on “film as art,” Yung Chang Prix Jutra awards for Best Film, Best cinema. We have students reading says. “The business was second- Screenplay and Best Actor and 2009 scholarly theory as well as popular film ary to that. The school allowed you Genie Awards for Best Director, Best criticism. I think we’ve done a good job to find a way to have a clear vision Screenplay and Best Actor. of keeping on top of media transfor- and to think about what cinema mation and technical transformations means.” n Pascale Bussières, attendee 91, won within cinema,” Waugh says. And its graduates do land jobs. the 2005 Prix Jutra and Genie Award for The school’s theoretical diversi- Dufour-Laperrière reports that Best Actress for her portrayal in Ma vie en ty impressed André Habib, MFA 02. many of his former Animation cinémascope. Before he began at the Hoppenheim classmates now work in numerous School of Cinema, Habib studied litera- areas, including the flourishing n Last Train Home, produced by Film ture and philosophy at the Université video-game industry. “There’s Production Professor Daniel Cross, BFA de Montréal and screenwriting at a big demand—especially in 91, MFA 98, won a 2010 Jutra Award for Université du Québec à Montréal. Montreal,” he says. Best Documentary. “Concordia opened up a whole new Marielle Nitoslawska adds frame of interrogation for me, which that she’s proud of that dis- n Tying Your Own Shoes, directed by was very fruitful,” says Habib, who is tinction. “Wherever I go Animation Professor Shira Avni, BFA now a professor of film studies at the in Montreal—whether it’s 98, won a Golden Dove award at the Université de Montréal. “I encoun- to any of the festivals, the 2009 International Leipzig Festival for tered a lot of experimental films, as well, Cinémathèque Québécoise, Documentary and Animated Film in throughout my studies at Concordia,” a film set, the National Leipzig, Germany. he says, adding that he’s incorporated Film Board—I meet that experience into his own teaching. Cinema alumni.” n Up the Yangtze, directed by Yung Habib also stresses to his students that Chang, BFA 99, won 12 awards, including “films are not neutral”—another idea Lucas Wisenthal, BA the Don Haig Award at Toronto’s Hot Docs Concordia instilled in him. “A film on (journ.) 08, is a Canadian International Documentary DVD or VHS, or on 16-millimetre or Montreal-based Festival in 2008 and the 2009 Genie 35-millimetre, is not necessarily the freelance writer. Award for Best Feature-Length same film. You’re getting a different Documentary. type of experience,” he says. n André Turpin, BFA 99, won the 2009 The business Prix Jutra for Best Cinematographer for of filmmaking his work on C’est pas moi, je le jure. One of the debated issues at the Hoppenheim School of Cinema, n Andreas Mendritzki, BFA 08, won especially in the Film Production the Poetry Foundation Prize at the 2009 and Animation programs, is how art Chicago International Children’s Film and business co-exist. Students and Festival in Chicago, Ill., for his film titled Fear of Snakes.

n Play, by Eva Cvijanovic, BFA 09, won the Achievement in Animation award in 2008 at Air Canada’s enRoute Film Festival in Toronto.

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 13 Alumnus profile

Hillel Neuer, BA 93, the executive director of UN Watch, works to ensure that the United Nations and its UN Human Rights Council follow their own ideals. watchersWatching the by Howard Bokser illel Neuer, BA 93 (west. soc. cult. & poli. sci.), is a busy man. Neuer is executive director of UN Watch, a non-governmental organization [NGO] that keeps a close eye on the controversial United Nation Human Rights Council based in Geneva, Switzerland, the UN Hin New York City and human rights abuses around the world. “And human rights issues arise 24-hours a day,” Neuer says. UN Watch (unwatch.org) was founded in 1993 by Morris Abram, an American lawyer who worked at the Nuremberg war crimes tribunal after the Second World War, was a lead- ing advocate in the civil rights movement, served under five American presidents and was the United States’ ambassador to the UN in Geneva. UN Watch’s stated mission is to monitor the performance of the United Nations by the yardstick of its own charter. It also is often called upon by international media or- ganizations to provide analyses and commentaries on UN and human rights issues. “In a given year, we may be quoted in 250 separate articles, in Reuters, The Economist, The International Herald Tribune, The New York Times or The Wall Street Journal. And I’ve debated on CNN, Fox News, BBC, Al Jazeera and other TV networks,” Neuer points out. Neuer graduated from the Liberal Arts College and also ma- jored in Political Science at Concordia. He then earned civil and common-law degrees from McGill University, completing his final year at Hebrew University in Jerusalem. He remained in Israel to clerk for an Israeli Supreme Court justice and com- pleted a master’s of law degree at Hebrew University. Neuer then took a position at a New York City law firm, Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP, and in 2004, became execu- tive director of UN Watch.

14 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine Watching the

Hillel Neuer at the Assembly Hall of the Palais des Nations, the UN’s European headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 15 One of Neuer’s former Concordia professors, Frederick The mission of UN Watch is to uphold the principles of Krantz, was the founding principal of the Liberal Arts College. the UN Charter, a great, liberal document written by ideal- “Hillel was an outstanding student. He was also an intern for ists working for U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt, with the CIJR and editor of Dateline: Middle East, our student magazine,” vision of an international organization that would protect prin- recalls Krantz, who is also director of the Canadian Institute ciples of freedom and peace. We monitor the UN and speak out for Jewish Research (CIJR), a Montreal-based think-tank. “As when it veers off those principles—which it too often does, un- leader of UN Watch, Hillel brings judicial skills and writing and fortunately—and we promote human rights. analytical ability, which, I’d like to think, he picked up, at least A large part of our work was looking at the Human Rights in part, at the Liberal Arts College and CIJR.” Neuer delivered Commission, which had noble beginnings but, unfortunately, the keynote address and a seminar on human rights advocacy veered off track. It became so bad that, in 2005, UN secre- at the Liberal Arts College’s 30th anniversary celebrations in tary general Kofi Annan effectively killed it. He said it had 2009. “As a result, several of our students were motivated to become politicized and that countries were joining to shield pursue human rights law,” Krantz says. their own records of abuse. He proposed to scrap it and cre- Irwin Cotler, a Canadian Member of Parliament and McGill ated the Human Rights Council. Unfortunately, this new body University law professor who taught Neuer at McGill, says the hasn’t been better. In fact, it’s been worse. The government two have remained close. “Hillel has shown exemplary lead- of Libyan dictator Muammar Khadhafi was just elected to sit ership at UN Watch, which holds the UN accountable for its on the Council for the next three years. Libya will join existing own founding ideals,” Cotler says. “He also organized the first members like China, Cuba, Pakistan, Egypt and Saudi Arabia— and second Geneva Summit for Human Rights, Tolerance and countries that are widely criticized for their systematic abuses Democracy, which I attended and which brought together hu- of human rights and who dominate the agenda. It’s an upside- man-rights defenders to address important issues, such as down world. genocide. It was a dramatic contrast to the work of the Human Not surprisingly, this Council often adopts resolutions that Rights Council, which is located right across the street.” undermine human rights. In May 2009, after Sri Lanka killed Concordia University Magazine met with Hillel Neuer to dis- an estimated 20,000 civilians in their war with Tamil rebels, cuss his time at Concordia, the UN and the Human Rights the European Union triggered a special session of the Human Council and the role of UN Watch. Rights Council to hold Sri Lanka accountable. But because the democratic faction is a minority in the Council, the repressive regimes were able to twist the text so that it ended up prais- ing Sri Lanka. Those who initiated the session had to pull their sponsorship; their good intentions were inverted by the coun- cil majority. How does UN Watch fit into that equation? The UN needs watchdogs. Canada, for example, is a vibrant democracy because we have institutions of accountability: freedom of speech, blogs critiquing the government, an independent judiciary, free elections, a free press and so forth. But when the Human Rights Council adopts a resolution that is flawed or outright pernicious—like the resolution praising Sri Lanka—there’s no recourse, no appeal to bodies like an independent court. So our role is to defend the UN principles just as the Supreme Court of Canada defends the Charter of Rights and Freedoms from any overreach by the government. Concordia University Magazine: What are your Another major issue for UN Watch, which is affiliated with memories of Concordia and the Liberal Arts College? the American Jewish Committee, is to fight anti-Semitism and Hillel Neuer: The Liberal Arts College offered a community the unequal treatment of Israel, which we believe hurts not dedicated to the pursuit of knowledge, truth, philosophy, art, only Israel but also Palestinians, Middle East peace and the UN literature. It really developed a community and a culture of as a whole. culture! I had a number of great teachers, such as professors Israel must be held accountable. The problem at the Council Fred Krantz, the late Harvey Shulman and Virginia Nixon. is that we don’t see any balance. Israel is repeatedly con- demned, yet there’s never any attempt to demand the slightest Explain UN Watch’s role. accountability from Israel’s neighbours, the Palestinians, Syria We’re an NGO, a UN-accredited organization. We participate or even Iran. This one-sided approach deters Israelis from at all sessions of the Human Rights Council. We have the right trusting the UN. While these resolutions appear to be pro-Pal- to speak. NGOs do not have that opportunity in New York at the estinian, they’re not. They’ve only encouraged the extremists, Security Council or the General Assembly. But in Geneva, we’re hindered comprise and harmed the UN’s own credibility as an part of the debate. honest broker on the Middle East issue.

16 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine Opposite page: Hillel Neuer at the UN in New York City. At right: Neuer, far right, with former UN secretary general Kofi Anan in Washington D.C., in 2006. Neuer argues that the UN Human Rights Council’s actions have become diametrically opposed to the ideals of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

At the last session of the Human Rights Council in March 2010, there were five resolutions on Israel and only four on the rest of the world combined. That’s ridiculous! It’s harmful for millions of human rights victims around the world whose situations never see the light of day. There’s a very limited amount of time and resources that diplomats will devote to a Council session. Every one-sided resolution on Israel is time, resources and resolutions not devoted to victims suffering in Tibet, Zimbabwe or Chechnya. Those who introduce or support these resolutions are, themselves, the worst violators of human rights. It’s a delib- erate strategy to deflect attention from their own abuses. the power of the purse, held by the General Assembly. All they have is the power of shame, to spotlight country abuses that In March, Canada was criticized for its treatment of would otherwise go hidden. It’s significant. We know that all minorities by the UN’s Independent Expert on Minority countries, including major abusers like China, lobby hard to Issues, American Gay McDougall. What are your prevent any criticism. This proves that words matter. thoughts on that? The expert, who is appointed by the UN Human Rights What power does UN Watch wield? Council, selects a few places each year to visit and report on The power of truth. We are able to educate a large population by minority rights issues. One place she chose this year was broadcasting our message in the media and building pressure Canada. Canada should be held accountable but it’s a question for reform. Our videos have been seen more than one million of priorities. Canada is one of the best countries for minorities. times on YouTube. If we critique a given issue, the UN will hear Sure, it’s flawed. I grew up in Quebec and I’m aware of real is- about it. It doesn’t mean they’ll always respond in the right sues and concerns. That said, from a global perspective, when way, but it’s heard. the UN has scarce time and resources, the natural priority A few years ago, UN High Commissioner of Human Rights would be to address countries perpetrating genocide or ethnic and former Canadian judge Louise Arbour issued a statement cleansing and where there’s no one—no free press, no judi- praising the Arab Charter of Human Rights, after it had been ciary, no human rights group—to speak out for the minorities. ratified by several Arab states. Key provisions in that text said These are the victims who really need help from an interna- that Zionism had to be eliminated, along with racism. Equating tional voice like the UN. To divert this attention to Canada, I Zionism with racism is something the UN had once done think, shows a profoundly flawed sense of priorities. itself but had repealed in 1991. In his memoirs, Canadian le- gal scholar John Humphrey, who helped draft the Universal Is the UN still relevant? Declaration of Human Rights in 1948, described that kind of The UN is still indispensible. Our world today is globalized. language as anti-Semitism. We spoke out immediately. It was We need a global institution to offer a permanent diplomatic picked up around the world, including in several Canadian forum for dialogue and to regulate global problems such as newspapers. Within a day or two, Arbour issued a retraction health, labour, trade, humanitarian disasters and relief. We saying she was opposed to those provisions. Because of our me- need the UN. But we need the UN to work right. dia protest, we got that retraction. Words matter. Word is father to deed. Governments and civi- What power does the Human Rights Council have? lizations are based on a perception of legitimacy. Governments The Human Rights Council doesn’t have the power of the do not rule by might alone; they must eventually rule by right sword, which is held by the Security Council. It doesn’t have and a sense of legitimacy.

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 17 NG HOMECOMING HOMECOMI ES RETROUVAILLES RETROUVAILL

NG HOMECOMING HOMECOMI Thursday, September 23 Tuesday, September 28 • Mentor Program Speed-Networking • AbitibiBowater Lecture with Guest and Cocktail Reception Speaker Dr. Rick Hodes • Boston-New England Chapter Smoked Meat Night Friday, September 24 • Shuffl e 21 Saturday, September 25 • Homecoming Football Game (Concordia Stingers vs. Bishop’s Gaiters)

Dr. Hodes is Medical Director in Ethiopia for the American Jewish Joint omecoming appeals Distribution Committee (JDC). Hto alumni, faculty and He has provided medical treatment staff members, students to tens of thousands of Ethiopians, and the greater community Rwandans and Kosovars since 1990. In 2007, CNN selected him as one of its to join together on campus “CNN Heroes” in the “Championing for an array of fun and Children” category. educational activities. It’s also an opportunity • Communication Studies 45th Thursday, September 30 to remind ourselves Anniversary Reunion • Loyola Alumni Association Oyster Party why so many choose to attend, work at or support Sunday, September 26 Friday, October 1 Concordia. • Family Fair Day • Sports Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony and Banquet Kathy Assayag, VP, Advancement and Alumni Saturday, October 2 Relations • Engineering and Computer Science Speaker Presentation ES• Engineering and Computer Science ES RETROUVAILL Alumni Reunion RETROUVAILL Sunday, October 3 • President’s Reunion Brunch and Campus Tours (Loyola and Sir George Monday, September 27 Williams): For classes of pre-1960 and • Words: A One-Woman show with 1960, 1965, 1970, 1975, 1980, 1985, 1990, A.L. Kennedy 1995, 2000 and 2005.

In collaboration with the Blue • Engineering and Computer Science Metropolis International Literary Campus Tour Series. Thursday, September 23, to Sunday, October 3 For updates and details: homecoming.concordia.ca 514-848-2424, ext. 4856

Budget Rent-a-Car Discounts for alumni: 1-800-268-8900 Concordia alumni receive a rental discount ACCOMMODATIONS: on certain cars. Enter discount code WHAT PARTICIPANTS HOTELS A433700. Ask for the Concordia corporate rate when HAVE SAID: contacting the hotels listed below. All prices are RECREATION: per night, single or double occupancy. Taxes Family Fair Day are not included. Subject to availability. Le Gym “I just wanted to congratulate you on Family Concordia’s recreation centre Le Gym is Fair Day. It was amazing. We had a great Marriott Residence Inn Montreal Westmount, offering alumni complimentary use of their time.” —Lynn Roy residencemontreal.com weight room facilities during Homecoming. 2170 Lincoln Ave., Montreal To benefi t from this promotion, present 514-935-9224 or 1-800-678-6323 your Concordia alumni ID card upon arrival [email protected] at Le Gym. $129 per night, including full American breakfast buffet, internet and local calls.

Le Meridien Versailles, lemeridienversailles.com THANK YOU 1808 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal AFFINITY PARTNERS: 514-933-8111 or 1-866-716-8101 $134 per night

Loews Hotel Vogue, loewshotels.com 1425 de la Montagne St., Montreal “Thank you to all of you who organized, 514-935-9224 or 1-800-465-6654 worked or volunteered on Family Fair day. $185 per night My daughter, grandchildren and I had a great time from face painting to the puppet Hotel Maritime Plaza, show and all the other activities. Great job.” hotelmaritime.com —Linda Cater 1155 Guy St., Montreal SPONSORS: 514-932-1411 or 1-800-363-6255 [email protected] Reunions $122 per night, including high-speed internet “I’d like to take this opportunity to thank you and local calls. Concordia alumni travelers for the wonderful welcome and homecoming can upgrade to Executive Deluxe Room free of at the President’s Reunion Brunch. I and charge (subject to availability). my colleagues from the Loyola Class of 59 were very pleased with your hospitality and impressed with the growth and stature TRANSPORTATION: of Concordia University. Thanks again and I look forward to our next Homecoming.” Air Canada —member of the Loyola Class of 1959 Concordia alumni receive a discount on travel from September 15 to October 6, 2010. Enter promotion code FXN3PPC1 Visit aircanada.ca or phone 1-888-247-2262.

Via Rail Canada Via Rail Canada offers Concordia alumni year-round discounts: 7 percent off full fare in business class (formerly Via 1) and 35 percent off full fare in economy class (formerly Comfort). Reserve at viarail.ca and enter discount code 810217.

HomeComingSpread_Mag2010.indd 3 6/16/2010 4:51:18 PM FacultySpotlight

a r t s & s c i e N c e New activities tackle issues beyond campus walls

From left to right: Biology Professor Adrian Tsang, Concordia President and Vice-Chancellor Judith Woodsworth, Associate Professor of Biology Vincent Martin and Louise Dandurand, VP, Research and Graduate Studies, gathered March 16 for the groundbreaking of the Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics on the Loyola Campus. Among other genomic research, the Centre will house a $17.5-million environmental genomic project funded by Genome Canada.

Genomics centre breaks ground

B y l y N N r o y been at Concordia since 1981, studies the DNA structure of enzymes, such as those produced by fungi, which break down ike most people, Arts and Science faculty members unwanted biomass that includes leaves, stems and branches. Adrian Tsang and Vincent Martin are worried about the The goal is to turn the biomass into molecular components that Lenvironment and hope that sustainable technologies can then be transformed into fuels such as ethanol and die- will generate concrete solutions to boost our economy. Unlike sel or to replace the chemicals used in industrial processes. most people, though, the two are well poised to take their “Biomass is the only renewable resource that can potentially concerns to the next level, through their respective research replace fossil fuels in the production of a wide range of fuels, at Concordia. Martin is a Canada Research Chair and associate chemicals and materials,” Tsang says. “The project’s research professor of Biology and Tsang is the Director of the Centre for deliverables are expected to help Canada in the transition to an Structural and Functional Genomics and a professor of Biology. economy based on renewable resources in an environmentally In April 2009, Martin and Tsang were awarded more sustainable manner.” than $22 million to advance innovative genome research at Among the project’s co-investigators are Justin Powlowski, Concordia. The funding, which includes major contributions associate professor of Chemistry and Biochemistry; David from Genome Canada and Génome Québec, will support the Secko, assistant professor of Journalism; and Gregory Butler, duo’s respective projects. professor of Computer Science and Software Engineering. In October of that same year, the Centre for Structural and As for Martin, he co-leads a project called Synthetic Functional Genomics received a $29,345,000 grant from Biosystems for the Production of High-Value Plant Industry Canada’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program. This Metabolites. “Our focus is on engineering microbes to pro- grant will fund the construction of a new wing that will house the duce better, cheaper or even novel products,” Martin explains. Centre adjacent to the Richard J. Renaud Science Complex on “Microbes such as yeast and E. coli are our machines of choice. the Loyola Campus. “In the past five years, seven new professors We swap, mutate, add and eliminate genes at will to create bio- have joined the Centre for Structural and Functional Genomics,” logical factories that can be fed simple and inexpensive carbon Tsang reports. “During this same period, the number of the sources and churn out copious amounts of a desired product, Centre’s research staff, postdoctoral fellows and graduate stu- be it a commodity chemical like biofuels or a molecule with dents has tripled. The new wing will provide much-needed space health value.” to facilitate the work of these highly qualified researchers.” Professor of Biology Reginald Storms is a co-investigator on Tsang and his research team are working on a project titled the project with Martin, who was awarded the Canada Research Genozymes for Bioproducts and Bioprocesses Development. Chair in Microbial Genomics and Engineering in 2004. Their The team is examining how fungal enzymes can decrease the group will rely on metabolic engineering methods to develop forest industry’s impact on the environment while reduc- strains of yeast that will produce high-value molecules, such as ing pulping costs and improving paper quality. Tsang, who has pharmaceutical, flavour and fragrance compounds.

20 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine Science Career Day unites EXPERTS and future scientists

B y M. c A t h e r i N E b o l t o n , A s s o c i a t E d E A N , s t u d en t A c a d em i c s E r v i c e s , F a c u l t y o F A r t s A N d s c i en c e

ore than 140 students filled the atrium of the question-and-answer period, during which they elaborated on Richard J. Renaud Science Complex on the Loyola their personal experiences and offered suggestions about the MCampus March 26 for the reception that followed use of Facebook in job searches, networking and how to lever- the inaugural Faculty of Arts and Science’s Science Career age personal contacts. Science Career Day proved so successful Day. The event, dubbed Finding > Getting > Keeping a Career that both students and presenters continued their one-on- in the Sciences, began with a one-hour workshop hosted one discussions well beyond the stipulated time —and this on a by Concordia’s Counselling and Development department. Friday afternoon at the end of term. Students got valuable tips and learned about resources available to help job seekers craft their résumés and brush up on interviewing techniques. The day’s highlight was a panel presentation of Science alumni who volunteered to share their experiences and expertise with the students. Sudurika Mukhopadhyay, BA 96, BSc 93, a medical re- search technologist from Tulane University in New Orleans, La., delivered the keynote presentation. Mukhopadhyay dis- cussed her road-tested methods on how to search for—and land—that all-important first job. Among the profession- als who shared their experiences with Concordia science students were Angelo Filosa, BSc 96, PhD 01, senior principal scientist, Chemistry, at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals in Montreal; Effy Koukoulas, BSc 94, drug safety manager for Pfizer Canada in Montreal; and At the Science Career Day on March 26 (left to right): Sudurika Ann-Merie O’Halloran, BSc 88, PhD 95, manager, Clinical Mukhopadhyay, BA 96, BSc 93, medical research technologist from Capabilities and Compliance, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Tulane University in New Orleans, La., M. Catherine Bolton, Concordia Associate Dean of Student Academic Services, and Sophie Dahan, Canada in Montreal. section leader, Research and Development, at Montreal-based Following the discussion, the panellists held a lively PerkinElmer, a Concordia Co-op employer.

Concordia aims to out ”PERFORM” ealth research and medical services are severely these concerns when it opens the PERFORM (Prevention, challenged by our rapidly aging population, alarming Evaluation, Rehabilitation, FORMation) Centre on the Loyola Hpatterns of obesity and inactivity among children, Campus in 2011. youth and adults, and prevalent chronic disease and PERFORM will offer a full range of research, training and conditions across all layers of society. Concordia will address community services in one state-of-the-art facility, includ- ing a metabolic kitchen, sports medicine A rendition of the PERFORM (Prevention, Evaluation, clinic with an aqua-therapy pool, reha- Rehabilitation, FORMation) Centre, which is scheduled bilitation centre with weight training and to open on the Loyola Campus in 2011. aerobic equipment, clinical biochemis- try labs and cardiopulmonary evaluation suite. Robert Kilgour, chair of the Department of Exercise Science, stresses the Centre’s relevance and timeliness. “By integrat- ing advanced research and training with unique health services and community outreach programs, PERFORM will equip today’s population with next generation’s tools to adopt healthier lifestyles which can ultimately serve to enhance quality of life,” Kilgour says.

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 21 Par Patrice-Hans Perrier

l n’y a pas si longtemps, le campus directeur en plan de développement déstructurée et de mettre en relation Sir-George-Williams (SGW) immobilier », explique-t-il. C’est plusieurs grands acteurs institutionnels I pouvait se comparer à une donc vers la fin des années 1990 que les à l’ouest du Palais des Congrès. C’est nébuleuse urbaine. Hormis l’imposant choses se mettront à bouger, Concordia sans doute le siège social de la Caisse de pavillon Henry-F.-Hall trônant en jetant les bases d’une stratégie dépôt et placement du Québec qui aura solitaire, les différents bâtiments du susceptible de résoudre ses problèmes servi de pierre angulaire à cet ambitieux campus de l’Université Concordia de croissance, mais aussi de baliser les projet. étaient éparpillés aux quatre vents. modalités d’une nouvelle insertion dans On retrouve le même effet causal En fait, il s’agissait presque d’un puzzle son quartier d’ancrage. du côté de Concordia alors que la à compléter pour qu’une image nette construction du pavillon intégré finisse par émerger. C’est à cette tâche Génie, informatique et arts visuels ardue que se sont attelés quelques Avec la tenue du Sommet de Montréal (pavillon EV) a permis d’arrimer le chargés de projets visionnaires. en 2002, l’idée d’une consolidation campus à un nouveau point d’ancrage. et d’une mise en valeur des différents Inaugurée en septembre 2005, secteurs du centre-ville a suscité un l’imposante structure semble agir Bon an, mal an, Concordia a poursuivi consensus parmi les intervenants. comme un compas qui repositionne son expansion de telle sorte que les M. Jocelyn Jobidon, urbaniste rattaché le campus universitaire plus à l’ouest. locaux ont fini par ne plus répondre au bureau des grands projets de la Véritable place forte, l’édifice aux besoins criants des facultés. Les Ville de Montréal, était présent à ce comprend deux tours jumelles posées étudiants de l’ancienne Faculté de sommet. Il nous rappelle que « les sur un basilaire aéré qui fait office commerce et d’administration étaient représentants des grands établissements d’interface dynamique avec la voie obligés de s’entasser dans des salles d’enseignement du centre-ville ont fait publique. vétustes qui ne faisaient vraiment des demandes auprès de la Ville pour Conscients de la complexité des pas… l’affaire. Les problèmes étaient que des investissements significatifs enjeux en présence, les responsables tout aussi aigus du côté de la Faculté soient mis sur la table afin de revaloriser des projets immobiliers décident de des beaux-arts, les ateliers et studios le domaine public avoisinant ». C’est lancer un concours d’aménagement se retrouvant pêle-mêle sur les deux à cette époque qu’est née l’idée de urbain destiné à baliser les contours du campus. développer des quartiers thématiques du campus SGW, rebaptisé « Quartier M. Peter Bolla, vice-recteur associé afin de consolider les principaux Concordia ». Ce dernier prend responsable de la gestion immobilière, pôles d’activités du centre-ville de la donc la relève en 2003 alors que la souligne qu’il fallait adopter une métropole. firme Cardinal Hardy remporte le nouvelle vision. « C’est ce qui a poussé On se rappellera le succès inespéré du concours. L’Université a procédé à un l’administration à mettre sur pied un Quartier international, aux abords du appel d’offre public afin d’obtenir la comité de planification stratégique, square Victoria, qui a permis de retisser meilleure proposition d’intégration du histoire de traduire le plan pédagogique une trame urbaine complètement campus à son environnement.

Concordia recentre ses activités autour d’un nouveau pôle fédérateur

22 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine Ryna Blau, PBL photography boulevard DeMaisonneuve. au coin delarueGuyet du nouveau Concordia Quartier l’aménagement, àl’entrée du de laplanification et de Lehoux, directriceMartine de lagestion immobil­ recteur associé responsable Hardy, Peter Bolla, vice- paysagiste chez Cardinal Isabelle Giasson, architecte De gaucheàdroite : ière, et de nous permettre d’aménager les sous- gestion John-Molson, se remémore M. Peter Bolla souligne l’importance sols de nos grands édifices en espaces l’époque où les étudiants devaient aller de briser l’isolement d’un campus d’enseignement ou de services aux et venir entre le pavillon Norris et leurs qui s’était développé « dans l’esprit étudiants», souligne-t-elle. D’ailleurs, locaux situés dans les coquettes petites des années 1960, à l’époque où l’on ce prolongement souterrain de la vie maisons victoriennes qui bordent les construisait des projets-satellites sans des édifices s’inscrit dans la vision de rues Bishop et Mackay : « C’est chose du véritable relation avec la communauté ce nouveau campus, qui se veut mieux passé, puisque tous nos 8 000 étudiants environnante ». Il devenait donc intégré à son milieu. Cette approche se retrouvent sous un même toit. C’est impératif de regrouper les facultés, est manifeste lorsque l’on met les pieds tout de même un tour de force de mais « sans pour autant se couper du pour la première fois dans le majestueux réunir autant de monde dans un espace domaine public », poursuit-il. hall d’accueil du pavillon intégré Génie, qui représente à peine 3 000 mètres Profitant de l’effort de revitalisation informatique et arts visuels. carrés », fait-il remarquer. du boulevard De Maisonneuve, la Ville de Montréal et le gouvernement du Québec ont attribué une enveloppe de 22,4 M$ pour aménager les abords Le rituel d’entrée à l’intérieur de De nos jours, on ne brasse plus des de cette artère — à l’angle de la rue l’immense pavillon hybride nous affaires sans tenir compte des impacts Guy et du boulevard De Maisonneuve. rappelle le flux ininterrompu des sur l’environnement d’activités M. Jobidon fait remarquer qu’entre passants qui traversent une gare commerciales ou financières qui 2000 et 2007, les entreprises privées aéroportuaire. Malgré sa taille fonctionnent de moins en moins en ont réalisé des investissements majeurs impressionnante, le nouveau pavillon vase clos. Les concepteurs du nouveau — projets de condominiums — en n’écrase pas la vue et il s’insère avec pavillon John-Molson (MB) ont pris en bordure du boulevard qui deviendra doigté dans le cadre urbain environnant. considération ces éléments lorsqu’ils en quelque sorte l’épine dorsale du Faisant contrepoids à la froideur des ont esquissé un immeuble qui visait nouveau campus. « Nous en avons matériaux utilisés — béton, acier, verre l’obtention de la certification LEED profité pour revoir la géométrie de — la lumière et les revêtements colorés argent. En effet, M. Boulos n’est pas cette voie artérielle. On parle d’une viennent judicieusement alléger les peu fier de l’immense panneau solaire de 300 mètres carrés qui couvre une portion importante du flanc ouest du nouveau bâtiment. « Nous escomptons C’est tout de même un tour de force de pouvoir combler une partie de nos réunir autant de monde dans un espace qui besoins en énergie grâce à ce dispositif révolutionnaire. Par ailleurs, rien n’a représente à peine 3 000 mètres carrés. été ménagé pour faire de notre bâtiment un modèle de réduction de l’empreinte écologique. Ainsi, il s’agit d’un édifice révision des dimensions globales, de la espaces intérieurs et renforcer le lien intelligent (immotique) qui tient largeur des voies de circulation et de la avec le domaine public, le soir venant. compte des mouvements humains afin place dévolue au stationnement et à la On retrouve la même idée au cœur de gérer les flux lumineux, la ventilation nouvelle piste cyclable », poursuit celui du récent pavillon John-Molson. La ou la consommation d’électricité », qui a pris l’habitude de travailler en nouvelle adresse de l’école dédiée au souligne-t-il. tandem avec l’équipe responsable de la monde des affaires a été inaugurée planification et de l’aménagement pour en septembre 2009. Ce deuxième Concordia. bâtiment-phare trône de l’autre côté Une immense murale orne l’entrée Mme Martine Lehoux, directrice de de la rue Guy, de biais avec le pavillon principale de l’École de gestion John- la planification et de l’aménagement, intégré Génie, informatique et arts Molson. Cette œuvre de Geneviève tient à souligner l’intense dialogue visuels. Les deux immenses complexes Cadieux, une artiste photographe qui qui s’est établi entre l’Université marquent le cœur du nouveau campus enseigne à la Faculté des beaux-arts, et la Ville afin que se concrétisent universitaire lorsque l’on prend la est constituée de branches de lierre certains « temps forts » de cette vaste peine de contempler la perspective façonnées en acier anodisé et posées opération d’aménagement urbain. urbaine formée par la rue Guy dans son sur un mur écran en pierre calcaire. La « Normalement, les règlements mouvement de descente vers le fleuve, majestueuse entrée de l’École de gestion municipaux imposent certains ratios plus au sud. John-Molson clôture l’aménagement de pour les stationnements intérieurs, M. Karim Boulos, responsable la place Norman-Bethune avant que le mais cette directive a été assouplie afin des Affaires externes pour l’École de boulevard De Maisonneuve ne se jette

24 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine Projection de la Ville de Montréal pour le nouveau Quartier Concordia entre les rues Mackay et dans la coulée de la rue Guy. Guy. Cette révision a changé les dimensions globales, la largeur des voies de circulation et la place Rien n’a été ménagé pour refaire les dévolue au stationnement en plus de créer une nouvelle piste cyclable. abords du monument dédié au célèbre chirurgien décédé dans l’exercice de ses fonctions, en Chine. C’est Mme Isabelle en bois d’ipé et les accoudoirs en acier Une approche qui fait dire à M. Clarence Giasson, architecte paysagiste chez inoxydable sont des composantes déjà Epstein, directeur des projets spéciaux Cardinal Hardy, qui a pris en charge le vendues sur le marché. Il sera donc et des affaires culturelles au cabinet de la dossier de la réalisation de cette place relativement facile de remplacer les rectrice : « Nous voulions affirmer notre et de son prolongement, sous forme de éléments qui risquent d’être vandalisés identité institutionnelle en accord avec parvis, sur le flanc nord de l’édicule de avec le temps », précise-t-elle. notre milieu d’ancrage. C’est pourquoi la station de métro Guy (pavillon GM). le mobilier urbain bordant nos édifices C’est à partir de 2007 qu’elle se retrouvera plus à l’est aux abords du s’engage dans ce projet qui marquera boulevard De Maisonneuve. Toutefois, le probablement la décennie à venir. Ce Puisque la circulation automobile travail d’architecture du paysage, le plan réaménagement de l’ancien site du contourne dorénavant cette place en lumière et le traitement aux abords de nos monument Bethune devrait faire de la effectuant une forme de S, une très bâtiments feront en sorte que les passants croisée de la rue Guy et du boulevard De belle promenade piétonnière rehausse prendront conscience du rythme, de la Maisonneuve la porte d’entrée ouest du désormais le flanc sud. En effet, « la circulation et des diverses activités qui Quartier Concordia. Une magnifique nouvelle configuration de la chaussée émaillent notre campus ». haie d’ormes agira comme écran afin de aura permis de créer un véritable parvis En somme, Concordia a brillamment séparer la place Norman-Bethune du aux abords de l’édicule de la station su tirer profit de l’éclatement d’un stationnement sis sur son flanc nord. de métro Guy (pavillon GM). Nous secteur urbain discordant. Le nouveau Les mêmes ormes, sans oublier les avions toujours en tête cette idée de Quartier Concordia trace ainsi luminaires de facture contemporaine, rendre poreux le flanc des édifices de les grandes lignes d’un retour à la se retrouveront tout le long de ce Concordia », conclut Isabelle Giasson. « concordance ». tronçon totalement rafraîchi. La phase II de la place Norman-Bethune Mme Chiasson louange l’ingéniosité aidera à ouvrir les parois de l’édicule Patrice-Hans Perrier est journaliste à mise en œuvre pour la conception du qui donnent sur le nouveau parvis. Des Montréal. mobilier urbain exclusif. « Nous avons boutiques et des cafés sont prévus, avec travaillé sur un concept de bancs publics tables et parasols en terrasse, conférant Le numéro de la rentrée 2010 présentera qui seront réalisés à partir de modules à ce nouvel espace public des airs de une mise à jour de l’état des travaux au en béton pré-moulé, alors que les lattes paseo espagnol. campus Loyola.

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 25 by Patrice-Hans Perrier

oncordia’s Sir George Williams facilities. “What pushed the admin- project allowed for various, large cor- Campus can now boast of a istration to come up with a strategic porate players located west of the Palais Cdistinct core of buildings in planning committee was the need to de Congrès to work together and re- the heart of downtown Montreal. But translate a pedagogical mandate into a constitute a previously unstructured that’s a recent phenomenon. Not too major, real-estate development plan,” urban framework. The Caisse de dépôt long ago, aside from the imposing Bolla explains. As a result, by the end of et placement du Québec’s headquarters Henry F. Hall Building, the university’s the 1990s, the university began to de- served as a cornerstone for this ambi- downtown campus properties appeared velop the basis of a strategy to solve the tious project. to be scattered by the four winds. The Sir George Williams Campus’s growing The same causal effect took place Concordia planners assigned to solve a pains and iron out the practical details with the construction of Concordia’s puzzle with many pieces needed long- of incorporating new, central buildings. Engineering, Computer Science and range vision. Visual Arts Integrated Complex (EV Converging planning perspectives Building). Inaugurated in 2005, the Here, there and everywhere An important step was taken at the impressive structure was much like a The history of the Sir George Williams 2002 Montreal Summit, a conference compass, reorienting the campus more Campus’s expansion dates back to its organized by the city to unite major to the west. Situated on Ste. Catherine days as Sir George Williams University. players to establish a master urban plan. Street between Guy and Mackay streets, As student enrolment rose from the Stakeholders agreed to consolidate and the EV Building comprises twin towers 1960s right through the 1990s, classes enhance various downtown areas. The that sit on a spacious, podium struc- spread into new buildings farther Summit also led to the idea to develop ture visually blending into the public away from the needs of the faculties thematic areas that would reweave key thoroughfares. they served. As a result, John Molson centres of activity into the fabric of the That effect was deliberate. Aware of School of Business (JMSB) students downtown core. “Representatives from the complexities at stake, the univer- sometimes were required to sit in the larger, downtown-based educational sity’s planners opened the redesign less-than-adequate classrooms. The institutions had requested that City and development of the campus, coined problem was as pronounced for the Hall bring significant investments Quartier Concordia, to a public tender. Faculty of Fine Arts, with classrooms to the table to rezone surrounding In 2003, Concordia awarded the con- and workshops located helter-skelter on public spaces,” recalls City of Montreal tract to Montreal-based architecture both campuses. urban planner Jocelyn Jobidon, who firm Cardinal Hardy. Peter Bolla, Concordia’s associ- participated in the summit. ate VP of Facilities Management, says Montreal’s International Quarter, Quartier dialogue the university struck a strategic plan- located just south of downtown, is Cardinal Hardy was tasked with unifying ning committee because it had to one successful example of that urban the buildings that were strewn across adopt a new approach to upgrading its plan. Surrounding Victoria Square, the the Sir George Williams Campus, Bolla

Concordia focuses its real-estate activities around a new, unifying centre

26 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine Left to right: Isabelle Giasson of Cardinal Hardy, Peter Bolla, associate VP, Facilities Management, and Martine Lehoux, director of Planning and Development, at the new Quartier Concordia on the corner of Guy Street and De Maisonneuve Boulevard. hy p a r hotog p

L , PB lau B yna R

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 27 says. “The campus was developed in apparent when visitors first set foot in It would be short-sighted to begin a the spirit of the 1960s, when satellite the EV Building’s majestic concourse. project without taking into account projects were constructed without the environmental impact caused by any real relevance to the surrounding Open architecture its financial or commercial activities. community,” he points out. It became The ritual of entering the immense, Therefore, the new JMSB Building imperative for the new plan to regroup hybrid pavilion brings to mind the design was drafted with the goal of the faculties but “only as long as it didn’t uninterrupted flux of passersby in an fulfilling LEED (Leadership in Energy cut them off from the public.” airport. In spite of its impressive height, and Environmental Design) silver The City of Montreal and Quebec the building doesn’t shut out the view certification requirements. Boulos government already had plans to revi- of the street and incorporates itself raves about the giant, 300 square-metre talize De Maisonneuve Boulevard and into its urban surroundings. Despite solar panel that covers a large section earmarked $22.4-million toward de- its concrete, metal and glass structure, of the building’s upper, western wall. veloping the artery at the corner of Guy the lighting and outer cladding lighten “Thanks to this revolutionary system, Street. City of Montreal urban planner the interior spaces and reinforce a we can count on fulfilling a part of our Jocelyn Jobidon says that between 2000 connection with the public space. energy requirements. No effort was and 2007, private businesses made ma- The same core design idea is found spared to make this building a model for jor investments—in condominiums and across Guy Street in the JMSB Building, reducing the environmental footprint,” other projects—along the boulevard, which houses business education stu- Boulos says. “It’s an intelligent building which would become a backbone for the dents and was inaugurated in September that manages lighting, ventilation and newly developed Quartier Concordia. 2009. The two, vast structures delineate energy consumption by taking human “We took this window of oppor- the new heart of the campus as a result movement into consideration.” tunity to revamp the shape of this of their downtown location and the flow thoroughfare. We’re talking about a of Guy Street toward the St. Lawrence Ivy on stone comprehensive overhaul with expanded River to the south. Another of the JMSB building’s lanes, devoted parking space and new Karim Boulos, the JMSB’s execu- impressive features is the enormous bike paths,” Jobidon says, adding that tive director of External Affairs, recalls mural that adorns the building’s outer wall along De Maisonneuve Boulevard. This work by Geneviève Cadieux, a photographic artist and Faculty of Fine Arts associate professor, consists of It is a staggering accomplishment to have ivy branches made from anodized steel so many people gather in a space that mounted on a limestone wall. The majestic entrance of the school takes up only 3,000 square metres of land. bookends the development of Norman Bethune Place on De Maisonneuve Boulevard across the intersection at Guy Street. There were considerable efforts he’s become accustomed to working that business students previously had to refurbish the area surrounding the alongside the university’s team. to come and go between the Norris monument dedicated to Bethune, the Martine Lehoux, Concordia’s director Building on Drummond Street and the Canadian-born surgeon who died in of Planning and Development, admits quaint Victorian houses lining Bishop 1939 while working in China. that university and city officials engaged and Mackay streets. “It’s a thing of the Isabelle Giasson, landscape architect in verbal sparring before they ulti- past now that all of our 8,000 students at Cardinal Hardy, is responsible for mately agreed on some “milestones.” are under the same roof,” Boulos says. the construction and expansion of the “Normally, municipal regulations im- “It is, nevertheless, a staggering ac- square just north of the Guy Metro (GM) pose certain ratios for interior parking complishment to have so many people Building entrance. In 2007, Giasson but this directive was loosened to allow gather in a space that takes up only began working on the project that is es- us to develop our underground spaces 3,000 square metres of land.” timated for completion in 10 years. The for student services,” Lehoux says. The development of the statue’s old site at extension of these spaces was part of Innovation and nature go the intersection of Guy Street and De the overall vision for a new campus that hand in hand Maisonneuve Boulevard will become would integrate more seamlessly into its The JMSB Building was designed the gateway to Quartier Concordia. A surroundings. This approach becomes with other considerations as well. magnificent row of elms will serve as

28 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine A view of the City of Montreal construction plans for the Quartier Concordia, along De Maisonneuve a screen separating Norman Bethune Boulevard between Mackay and Guy streets. This reconfiguration changed the overall shape of the Place from the parking located on its area, adding car lanes, dedicated parking and bicycle paths. northern side. The same elm trees, as well as contemporary lighting fixtures, will line all of this refurbished area. entrance facing the GM Building. We and treatment of the area surrounding Giasson praises the ingenuity of the always wanted to make Concordia’s the buildings will be such that passersby implementation of its exclusive urban facades more flowing,” Giasson says. will be aware of the flow of traffic and furnishing. “We have worked on a con- Phase II of Norman Bethune Place will rhythm of various activities that connect cept of public benches that will be made help open the structure to the space. our campus.” of pre-cast concrete, slats made of South Plans include adding boutiques and All in all, Concordia has taken ad- American IPE wood and commercially cafés, with tables and umbrellas on vantage of a boom in a once-discordant available, stainless-steel armrests. So patios, giving the new public space the urban zone. The new Quartier Concordia it will be pretty easy to replace the parts look and feel of a Spanish paseo. is making significant strides restoring that are likely to be vandalized over Clarence Epstein, Concordia’s di- physical harmony with the rest of the time,” Giasson says. rector of Special Projects and Cultural city. Affairs for the Office of the President, Greater flow explains this design concept. “We Patrice-Hans Perrier is a Montreal-based The newly designed, S-curved street want to reaffirm our identity as an in- journalist. along De Maisonneuve gives way to a stitution in harmony with our home beautiful pedestrian walkway on the environment. That’s why the benches Look for an update of developments on the south side. “The new configuration of are placed along more of the east part Loyola Campus in the fall 2010 issue. the roadway will allow us to create a real of De Maisonneuve,” Epstein says. public square around the Guy metro “Furthermore, the landscaping, lighting

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 29 AssociationNews

Montreal. The annual event, which typically draws more than 400 guests, also includes an induction ceremony for undergraduate and graduate awards. Pictured left to right are Richard Frazao, Customer Relationship Manager for Mechtronix Systems; Carissa Carman, recipient of the Mechtronix Graduate Fellowship for Innovative Excellence in Visual Arts; and Xavier-Henri Hervé, President, Mechtronix World Corporation. 2

Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program 10th anniversary A beaming Kenneth Woods, MBA 75, hy p a

r said he was “overwhelmed” by the achievements of the Kenneth Woods hotog P

L Portfolio Management Program

/PB (KWPMP) May 6 at a reunion lau th B celebration of the program’s 10 yan 1 Alumni Recognition Awards R anniversary. About 150 guests gathered at the Bonaventure Hilton in downtown 2010 Alumni Recognition Lina Uberti, Outstanding Faculty/Staff Montreal to mark the occasion and pay Awards Banquet Award; and Denis Kefallinos, BEng 91, tribute to its 2010 graduates who are Even though more than 275 people Alumnus/a of the Year. 1 named Calvin Potter Fellows after the packed the elegant Hyatt Regency former John Molson School of Business Montreal ballroom May 17, the room Donor and Student Excellence (JMSB) Finance professor who was also had a family feel. The occasion was Recognition Cocktail Woods’s mentor. the 19th Alumni Recognition Awards Scholarship winners had an The KWPMP provides a select group Banquet hosted by the Concordia opportunity to meet and personally of undergraduate JMSB Finance stu- University Alumni Association (CUAA). thank their benefactors March 26 dents with hands-on training in Local TV and radio personality Sonia during Concordia’s Donor and Student investment management. Students Benezra, BFA 82, handled the MC duties Excellence Recognition Cocktail at handle a real portfolio of more than with warmth and humour. The banquet the Hyatt Regency Hotel in downtown $1 million, the amount initially donated included a formal dinner, as well as the presentation of eight awards and a special tribute to Leonard and Bina Ellen, for whom Concordia’s Leonard and Bina Ellen Gallery is named. Award recipients pictured in front row, left to right: Aaron Fish, Honorary Life Membership Award; Donald Boisvert, BA 75, MA 70, Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching; Monique and Joanne Rousseau, representing the late Rodolphe “Rod” Rousseau, L BComm 53, Benoît Pelland Distinguished hy p a

Service Award; and Brian Gallery, r

L BA 57, Humberto Santos Award hotog P

of Merit; and back row, left to right: L

Christena Keon Sirsly, S MBA 73, MBA /PB lau

Alumnus/a of the Year Award; Amine B

yan 2 Donor and Student Excellence Recognition Dabchy, Outstanding Student Award; R

30 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine hy p a r oe hotog & J P oe L /J r /PB lau esdne r B D yan 3 Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program oe 4 Concordia Heritage Society R J

by Woods. Pictured left to right are technology in the EV and JMSB buildings. Abraham Brodt, professor and direc- On March 3, as part of the activi- tor of the Kenneth Woods Portfolio ties organized by the Engineering and Management Program, Meaghen Computer Science Alumni Chapter Annett, Calvin C. Potter Fellow, and (ECAC) for Engineering Week, the ECAC Kenneth Woods. 3 joined forces with the Engineering and Computer Science Student Association Concordia Heritage to present David Shaffer, BEng 78, MEng Society Brunch 83, senior robotics instructor with the Concordia inducted 21 new members Canadian Space Agency in Saint-Hubert, into the Concordia Heritage Society Que. Shaffer led a riveting discussion during the society’s annual brunch about how International Space Station May 16 at the Engineering, Computer astronauts and flight controllers are Science and Visual Arts Integrated trained to operate the Mobile Servicing Complex (EV Building). Membership System (including the Canadarm 2). 5 Media 2.0 into the society is limited to alumni On March 4, Peter Grogono, MCSc and friends who have made a bequest 80, PhD 85, professor in Concordia’s Media 2.0: How Journalism or planned gift to the university. Over Department of Computer Science and Connects in a Connected the last 10 months, Concordia received Software Engineering, spoke to the World $5.7 million in planned gifts with the timely subject of software and society. Canadian social media guru and majority supporting scholarships and And on April 19, the ECAC held its author Mitch Joel 5 delivered an bursaries. Pictured left to right at the Annual General Meeting in the EV enlightening, public presentation April event are Dolores Cheeks, S BA 73, Building. Afterwards, Carolyn-Fe 1 at the Montefiore Club in Montreal. In Society inductee; Kathy Assayag, Trinidad, president of Montreal-based his talk on “Media 2.0: how journalism Concordia VP, Advancement and CFT Inc., provided practical tips on and connects in a connected world,” Joel Alumni Relations; and David Graham, insights into job-hunting techniques. explained why social media platforms Concordia Provost and VP, Academic such as blogging, Twitter and Facebook Affairs. 4 Concordia Goes West Cabane are changing the way people connect à Sucre Family Outing with information and what it’s like to Engineering and Computer About 80 Concordia alumni and their live in a world in which everyone can Science events friends and families braved inclement publish content to a wide readership. Concordia’s Engineering and Computer weather March 14 and showed up for Science (ENCS) alumni participated in the Concordia Goes West Cabane à Cultural Field Trip several events over the past few months: Sucre Family Outing at the Cap-Saint- On March 20, about 35 alumni and On February 17, Andreas Athienitis, Jacques Nature Park Ecological Farm in friends took part in a cultural field trip senior director of the Concordia-based Pierrefonds, Que. The outing began with to the Musée d’art de Joliette in Joliette, Solar Buildings Research Network, drew a carriage ride to the sugar shack, where Que. Gisele Amantea, Concordia more than 50 alumni, students and in- participants enjoyed taffy on the snow associate professor of Studio Arts, led dustry professionals to his lecture that was and a traditional meal that included a tour of her ongoing survey exhibition followed by a tour of cutting-edge solar maple syrup, crepes and pea soup. called “Sweet Dreams, Hard Truths” and

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 31 AssociationNews

Banquet May 8 at Montreal’s Omni Hotel. Concordia President and Vice-Chancellor Judith Woodsworth presented each 52nd Key member with a commemorative plaque. Travis Chalmers, BSc 02, member of the 43rd Key and secretary of the Garnet Key Alumni Chapter, spoke about the chapter’s initiatives. James Fraser, S BA 64, member of the 6th Key, shared i memories from his days as a Sir George Williams University student and ahanshah

J welcomed the incoming 53rd Key. “You han p te 6 Graduating Stingers Luncheon have joined this family and you are S members for life!” Fraser said. Pictured her site-specific installation entitled the Rock to the Oldies event. Guests from left to right are 50th Key members “Heaven’s Gate (After Stockhausen).” revelled in the nostalgia of revolving Anna Cantor, BA 08, and Sabrina jake moore, BFA 93, MFA 06, director of disco balls, beaded necklaces and Kabir, BA 09. 7 Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts Gallery, neon glow sticks, while the DJ played was also on hand to provide a historical their favourite hits from the 1950s to Alumni Book Club: Brooklyn background. the 1980s. Several alumni proved that On April 22, Stephanie King, MA 03, despite the time lapse, they still know reviewed Brooklyn, Colm Toibin’s tender Graduating Stingers Luncheon how to cut a rug! story of love and loss, with more than Concordia’s student-athletes (aka the 30 alumni and friends in Concordia’s Stingers) were the guests of honour Concordia Goes West Alumni Hall Building as part of the Alumni Book April 13 during the Graduating Book Club: Sarah’s Key Club. Stingers Luncheon at Concordia’s On April 19, the Alumni Book Club took Communication Studies and Journalism place in Montreal’s West Island for Book to Big Screen: Building. About 55 Concordia faculty the first time as part of the Concordia The Sweet Hereafter and staff members, coaches and guests Goes West series of events. Vivianne More than 80 Concordia and McGill celebrated the students’ academic Schinasi-Silver, S BA 64, reviewed university alumni and friends gathered and athletic achievements. The Class Tatiana de Rosnay’s book, Sarah’s Key, May 12 in the York Amphitheatre of the of 2009-10 includes 46 athletes who with 30 attendees at Stewart Hall in EV Building for a screening of the 1997 represent 10 different sports. Former Pointe Claire, Que. award-winning film by Atom Egoyan, women’s rugby player Sommer Christie, The Sweet Hereafter, based on the 1991 BSc 03, delivered a heart-warming Garnet Key Society novel by American author Russell Banks. address about Stinger pride. “I imagine Annual Alumni Banquet Participants partook in a stimulating you will probably always say, ‘I am a More than 110 former and current discussion about the narrative strategies Stinger,’ instead of just saying that members of the Garnet Key Society, that bridge or distinguish the novel and you played a sport while studying at friends and university dignitaries film, facilitated by Peter Lester, PhD university,” Sommer said. Richard attended the Society’s Annual Alumni 08, assistant professor in Concordia’s W. Pound, S BA 63 (pictured, centre), Department of Communication Studies, cabinet chair for Concordia’s Recreation and Ned Schantz, associate professor of and Athletics Campaign and a former English at McGill University. Olympic athlete, urged students to stay connected with and support their alma Young Alumni Program mater. Pictured left to right with Pound The newly launched Young Alumni are Ghislain Arsenault, BComm 85, and Program held three, well-attended Michael Di Grappa, BA 84, Concordia events this spring: an Introduction to VP, Services. 6 Digital Photography course on March 1; a cooking workshop on March 2 at Rock to the Oldies Ateliers & Saveurs cooking school in Karina’s Club Lounge in Montreal Montreal; and an eight-class salsa was swinging April 17, when nearly 40 workshop at Concordia’s Hall Building. alumni and their friends turned out for 7 Garnet Key Society The Young Alumni Program’s goal is to

32 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine BA 66, president of the Richmond Art Gallery Board of Directors and a former Sir George Williams University professor, and gallery director Lynn Beavis, BFA 84, MFA 03, talked about the gallery and its current exhibition.

Boston/New England Vinu Srinivasan, MBA 03, and his wife, Valerie, played host March 26 to New England-area alumni at a wine- and-cheese networking event at their home in Boston. Stephan De Pénasse, BA 78, Jeffrey Davis, BA 78, Michael Thompson, S BComm 68, MBA 74, and Denis Kefallinos, BEng 91, shared their 8 Meet the President expertise and tips on effective business networking. reach out to Montreal-area graduates Network Pub Night. On March 20, the of the past 10 years to strengthen Toronto Chapter hosted its second Washington, D.C. their connection to each other and the annual Toronto Marlies hockey night Under clear skies on April 17, alumni Concordia community. More events at the Ricoh Coliseum. More than 30 in Washington, D.C., walked three are planned for fall 2010. Visit for alumni and friends enjoyed a match miles together for the Chapter Walk alumni.concordia.ca for updates. between the Hamilton Bulldogs and to Fight MS. The fundraising walk the Toronto Marlies. Special guest fittingly began and ended at the Chapters: Brian Burke, the Toronto Maple Leafs’ Canadian Embassy. Meet Concordia’s President president and general manager, and Vice-Chancellor discussed the business of hockey. Dubai This spring, Concordia’s two largest More than 40 alumni attended a Meet & geographic chapters held meet-and- Ottawa Greet networking event March 31 at the greet events in honour of President and The Ottawa Chapter hosted a Beer Marina Yacht Club in Dubai. Volunteer Vice-Chancellor Judith Woodsworth. Tasting March 10 at the Arrow and Loon Hamzah Abu-Zannad, BComm 06, On March 31, Woodsworth joined Pub. Jeff Moore from McAuslan Brewing reported the successful event included Kathy Assayag, Concordia VP, led a fun-filled and delicious sampling extravagant food and upbeat participants Advancement and Alumni Relations, for of various McAuslan beers and gave each who looked forward to the next a visit to Toronto, where they met 100 participant a pint-sized beer glass as a gathering. alumni and friends at an event that was parting gift. graciously sponsored by J. Roy Firth, Shanghai BComm 75, executive VP, Individual Vancouver On May 11, Concordia President and Wealth Management, at Manulife Alumni and friends gathered May 13 at Vice-Chancellor Judith Woodsworth Financial. one of the Vancouver region’s hippest and Peter Kruyt, BA 78, Chairman of And on May 19, Woodsworth (pic- spots, the Richmond Art Gallery in Concordia’s Board of Governors, had tured, centre) met with more than 70 Richmond, B.C., for a Networking dinner at Lynn Restaurant with 15 alumni and friends gathered at Ottawa’s Museum event. John Richardson, S alumni from Shanghai, China. prestigious Minto Suite Hotel. She min- gled with the guests and spoke about recent donations to the university and the physical development of both cam- Call for chapter volunteers puses. Pictured with her from left to right are Johanne Ostiguy, BA 83, and We are seeking volunteers to join our chapters’ executive teams in Toronto, Edmonton, Bernard Landreville, BA 82. 8 Calgary, Vancouver, Boston, New York City, Washington, D.C., and London, United Kingdom. It’s a meaningful way to network and reconnect with your alma mater. Toronto Toronto’s elegant Bymark For more information, please contact Lina Uberti, Alumni Officer, Geographic Restaurant was the place to be on Chapters, at [email protected]. February 24 for a Mix, Mingle &

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 33 Call for nominations for the Loyola Medal

The Loyola Medal Committee is seeking nominations for the Nomination and Selection Loyola Medal, the highest honour awarded by Concordia Submit your nominations by October 8, 2010, to Jennifer Cottin, University other than convocation awards and honorary degrees. Alumni Officer, Associations. In 1961, the Loyola Alumni Association and the administration of The selection process is private and discretionary. The committee Loyola College agreed to create the Loyola Medal “as a permanent will make its final recommendation to the Honorary Degree tribute to the outstanding leadership and achievement on the & Convocation Committee of the Concordia University Board Canadian scene.” The first medal was awarded in 1963 to General of Governors. The Board, based on a recommendation by the Georges P. Vanier, former governor general of Canada and a Loyola Honorary Degree & Convocation Committee, will select the alumnus. In 1989, it was agreed that the Loyola Medal would be Loyola Medal recipient. established as an award by Concordia and given every two years to an outstanding individual who meets the following criteria: Award Presentation n Recipients shall be outstanding citizens as evidenced by their The Loyola Medal will be presented at a special ceremony in character and life philosophy and who have made a significant spring 2011. contribution to the Canadian community. They shall embody the ideals and spirit which characterized Loyola College. For more information or to get a nomination form, go to alumni.concordia.ca/LoyolaMedal, drop by the Advancement n Recipients will be individuals whose receipt of the award will and Alumni Relations Office, 1250 Guy St., Suite 520, Montreal, bring prestige to both the Concordia and Loyola names. or call Jennifer Cottin at 514-848-2424, ext. 3882.

Call for Volunteers! Homecoming 2010, September 23 to October 3

Get in on the action at our yearly celebration for alumni, faculty, staff and friends. Meet new people, acquire new skills, gain leadership experience, add to your résumé and have fun! Volunteers are needed at the Homecoming Football Game, AbitibiBowater Lecture and Family Fair Day to welcome and usher guests, staff games and contests, hand out promotional materials and field event-related questions. Volunteer training will be provided. For more information, contact Erin Mullins at [email protected] or at 514-848-2424, ext. 3881.

NOTICE NOTICE

is hereby given that the Loyola Alumni Association is hereby given that the Concordia University Alumni Inc. will hold its Association will hold its 104th Annual General Meeting 27th Annual General Meeting Tuesday, September 21, 2010, at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, September 14, 2010, at 6 p.m.

The meeting is held for the purpose of receiving reports The meeting is held for the purpose of receiving and the election of the 2010–2011 board of directors and reports and the election of the 2010-2011 board of officers. All alumni of Loyola College, Concordia University directors and executive. and Sir George Williams University are invited to attend. Faculty Club Lounge, Sir George Williams Campus Loyola Campus, Administration Building, AD-308 Henry F. Hall Building, H-763 7141 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal RSVP by September 10, 2010 RSVP by September 3, 2010 Online: alumni.concordia.ca/register Online: alumni.concordia.ca/register Phone: 514-848-2424, ext. 4397 Phone: 514-848-2424, ext. 4397 Toll free: 1-888-777-3330 Toll free: 1-888-777-3330

34 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine EGYPT CONCORDIA ALUMNI TRAVEL PROGRAM   An adventure of a lifetime

Take part in our exciting alumni travel program to bene‹ t from unqiue educational and cultural experiences. Join fellow alumni and explore the ancient wonders of the Nile Valley and Red Sea, a safari in Tanzania and Kenya and a historic Baltic Sea COSTA RICA cruise.

Antiquities of the Nile Valley and the Red Sea, Egypt and Jordan January 19-29, 2011 From $4,830*

Cruise Costa Rica February 23-March 5, 2011 From $3,495 US*

Amazon River Expedition, Peru February 25-March 6, 2011 From $3,880*

The Culture and Arts of Sicily, Italy April 1-10, 2011 From $2,395 US*

Provence and the Rhône River, France May 6-14, 2011 From $2,395 US*

Cruising the Baltic Sea and the Norwegian Fjords Featuring President Mikhail Gorbachev and President Lech Walesa Sweden, Finland, Russia, Estonia, Latvia, Poland, Denmark and Norway June 9-20, 2011 From $7,290*

Village Life along the Dalmatian Coast, Italy, Croatia and Montenegro June 20-28, 2011 From $3,120*

Cruising Alaska’s Glaciers and the Inside Passage, Alaska AMAZON RIVER July 21-28, 2011 From $3,695 including airfare*

Grand Danube Passage, Austria, Bulgaria and Greece September 10-24, 2011 From $3,895*

Cruise the Mexican Riviera, Mexico November 27-December 4, 2011 From $2,595 US, including airfare from Montreal, Toronto or Vancouver and a $500 per person shipboard credit.

Contact us for more information or to be added to the travel program mailing list at [email protected] BULGARIA or 514-848-2424, ext. 3819 or visit alumni.concordia.ca/travel

* Prices are in Canadian funds and per person based on double occupancy and do not include airfare, unless otherwise speci‹ ed.

MEXICO concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 35

TravelAd_Magazine_summer2010.indd 1 21/06/2010 9:46:44 AM ClassActs

Some graduates in this listing Teaching and Learning in Minister Steven Harper as 20 years in federal public have received more than one Higher Education for a four- Canada’s first Commissioner service. Karen also holds degree from Concordia, Sir George year term beginning in June. of Lobbying. Karen oversees a Master of Arts in Public Williams and/or Loyola. These Ahmad is an Associate Professor Canada’s 3,600 registered Administration degree from people are listed under their of Finance at Concordia’s John lobbyists and ensures that Carleton University in Ottawa. earliest year of graduation. Molson School of Business. outgoing public-office holders wait five years before becoming John B. Mitchell, Arshad Ahmad, BComm Karen Shepherd, BA registered lobbyists, according 88 PhD (psych.), has been 79 (fin.) 79, was elected 87 (econ.), was appointed to the 2008 Lobbying Act. appointed Dean of Brescia President of the Society for in 2009 by Canadian Prime She has spent more than University College of the

1 2 3

4 5 6

1 > Sally Linder, BFA 75, held a retrospective exhibit called “Pilgrimage” from April 2 to 20 pictures. The exhibition entitled “Triple Point-of-View Exhibition, image3” ran from May 5 May 1 at the Firehouse Gallery in Burlington, Vt. Sally displayed many paintings inspired by her to 28 at Opticien Georges Laoun’s gallery store located in the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts. travels, which included a month of solitary meditation in a remote cave in Utah’s canyon land. 3) Eating Bacon by Claudine Ascher; 4) Love Letter IV by Yvonne Callaway Smith; 5) Valentine sallylinder.com 1) Women talking by Diane Collet

2 > Angela Grauerholz, MFA (photog.) 82, is displaying 40 works from May 28 to 6 > Raymonde Jodoin, BFA (art hist.) 83, displayed her ink drawings on washi paper September 6 as part of an exhibit called “Angela Grauerholz: The inexhaustible image ... épuiser (a thin, handmade Japanese paper) from April 6 to 17 at Centre KAIKI in Blainville, Que. A l’image” at the National Gallery of Canada in Ottawa. The selected works from Angela’s nearly percentage of the exhibit’s sales were donated to Action Autisme, a non-profit organization 30-year career explore the ideas behind her art: feminism, conceptual art and photography. that helps families with autistic children. 6) Fleurs 2000 cmcp.gallery.ca/grauerholz 2) This installation takes the shape of a traditional museum cabinet and houses 62 framed photographs, which can be pulled out like drawers for viewing. 7 > Susan Pepler, BFA 84, exhibited in April in a unique “Art at Home” group show in a private residence in Westmount, Que. Susan also recently held a solo exhibit at the Brome 3–5 > Claudine Ascher, BFA 83, MA (art ed.) 05, Yvonne Callaway Smith, BA County Museum in Knowlton, Que. This year, Susan celebrates 10 years of painting full-time. 84, MA 91, EMBA 92, and Diane Collet, MA (art ed.) 03, participated in an exhibition May 5 susanpepler.com 7) White Knight to 28 that showcased how each artist uniquely processed, visualized and rendered the same

36 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine University of Western Ontario the OAC’s commitment to for his humanitarian and poetry by a Canadian woman in London starting July 1. touring, presenting and cultural work in Canada. published in the preceding audience development for year. Sina is an Assistant Aengus Finnan, BFA the arts. Aengus is a founding Professor in Concordia’s 94 (drama in ed.), became board member of the Arts 1 5 t h R e un i o n creative writing program. the Touring and Audience Council of Northumberland Development Officer in April and a former Board president Sina Queyras, MA (Eng.), Kate Busch, BFA (art ed.), at the Ontario Arts Council of the Ontario Council 95 was nominated for a 98 MFA (art ed.) 98, (OAC) in Toronto, Ont. Aengus of Folk Festivals. He has 2010 Pat Lowther Award by the was appointed cultural mediator is an acclaimed folk singer- earned the Commemorative League of Canadian Poets for coordinator of Montreal’s songwriter and founder of the Medal in Honour of the her novel, Expressway (Coach Centre international d’art Shelter Valley Folk Festival. Golden Jubilee of Her House Books). The award contemporain, where she His mandate is to strengthen Majesty Queen Elizabeth II recognizes the best book of organizes cultural events,

7 8 9

10 11 12

8 > Mathieu Lacas, BFA (painting & drawing) 05, held a solo exhibition from May 4 accompanied by poems written by his friend, Bahman Sadighi. 10) Telluric Kiss to 16 of his paintings titled “Songe d’une nuit d’été” at L’espace contemporain gallery in Quebec City. Mathieu’s work presents the male nude as a complex theatre of enchantment. 11 > Trevor Kiernander, BFA (painting & drawing) 06, recently returned to Montreal mathieulaca.com 8) Songe d’une nuit d’été from England, where he studied at the University of London’s Goldsmiths College. From May 1 to June 19, Trevor exhibited a new set of oil and acrylic paintings called “To Build a Home” at 9 > Alyson Champ, BA (phil.) 93, held a solo exhibition from March 14 to April 4 of Montreal’s Art Mûr. He splits his time between Montreal and London, where he recently opened her recent painted paper collages entitled “Paper, Paint, Scissors and Glue” at Salle Alfred- ShopAt34, an artist-run space for performances and exhibitions. 11) Disciple I Langevin in Huntingdon, Que. The exhibition set an attendance record for the hall. Alyson is a painter, collage artist, small-scale farmer and art educator based in Saint-Chrysostome, Que. 12 > Erin McCarthy, BFA (art hist. & studio art) 07, took part in a group exhibition on alysonchamp.com 9) Celeste May 21 and 22 called “A Collaboration of Quebec Artists” at Montreal’s Studio Off Interarts. The exhibition featured 15 Quebec artists who specialize in areas that include painting, 10 > Khosro Berahmandi, BFA 92, held an exhibit called “Nebulous Rings” from photography, sculpture, wood-working, jewellery making, and even gourmet cupcake baking. May 7 to June 27 at the MEKIC Gallery in Montreal. The exhibit was part of the 15th edition 12) Emoticons of Montreal’s Accès Asie festival that coincided with the city’s Asian heritage month in May. Khosro also released his new book, Oblivion and Silence, which features his paintings

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 37 Kudos

Concordia conferred honorary doctorates on seven growth and diversification, first into rail outstanding individuals June 21 to 23 as part of its transportation and later into aerospace. convocation ceremonies at Place des Arts in Montreal: Today, Bombardier is one of Canada’s largest manufacturing companies and a global leader in rail-equipment Arts and Science • June 21 manufacturing and servicing, as well Robert Charlebois, LLD 10, has as aerospace. Among his honours, enjoyed a successful, 40-year career as Beaudoin was named CEO of the Year in a singer, songwriter, actor, performer 1991 by the Financial Post and Caldwell and multimedia creator. Charlebois Partners, selected Personality of the Year has been an iconic figure in the Quebec in 1997 at the Gala Excellence La Presse music scene and throughout the and was inducted in 1999 into Canada’s Aviation Hall of Fame. French-speaking world. In recognition of numerous achievements, he is Jean Chrétien, LLD 10, served as featured on a Canada Post stamp for Canada’s 20th prime minister from recording artists. In 1999, Charlebois 1993 to 2003. Among Chretien’s was named an Officer of the Order many accomplishments was the of Canada and, in 2008, to the National Order of Quebec. advancement of post-secondary education initiatives. His government sse

Eleanor Wachtel, LLD 10, a long- launched important educational ri a

time CBC Radio broadcaster, hosts programs, including the Canada C rc a

CBC Radio’s award-winning Writers Research Chairs, Canadian Institutes of M -

& Company. Wachtel has become Health Research, Trudeau Foundation ean J Canada’s preeminent voice in literary Fellowships and Canada Millennium conversation, championing writing, Scholarship Foundation. For his tremendous contributions, he culture and the arts. She has interviewed received the Order of Merit from Queen Elizabeth II in 2009. some of the world’s renowned novelists, poets, essayists, biographers, critics, filmmakers and playwrights Engineering and Computer Science • June 23 and redefined journalism about Julie Payette, LLD 10, an accomplished literature. In 2002, Wachtel captured the Jack Award for the astronaut, engineer and representative promotion of Canadian books and authors and three years of Canada, has spent a total of 25 days later, was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada. in orbit. At the age of 29, Payette beat out 5,000 applicants to become one of Richard W. Pound, S BA 63, LLD 10, four astronauts at the Canadian Space a lawyer, Olympic athlete, author and Agency. She is the first Canadian to work university leader, is internationally aboard the International Space Station renowned as a staunch defender of ethical and served as chief astronaut of Canada ttee standards in amateur and professional i from 2000 to 2007. Payette has also

sports. A member of the International omm sung with the Orchestre symphonique C

Olympic Committee since 1978 and pic de Montréal and is a Knight of the National Order of Quebec. lym O

founding Chairman of the World Anti- an Doping Agency, Pound has embodied i anad

the spirit of voluntary public service C Fine Arts • June 23 in a distinguished career in public and R. Murray Schafer, LLD 10, is an sports administration. Among his accolades, Time magazine selected internationally acclaimed educator, him as one of the 100 most influential people of 2005. Pound is a researcher, writer, ecologist and visual senior partner with the Montreal law firm Stikeman Elliott LLP and artist. As one of Canada’s foremost Chancellor Emeritus of McGill University. He is also cabinet Chair composers, Schafer has produced works for Concordia’s Recreation and Athletics fundraising campaign. in every musical genre. His 10-string quartets serve as reference points for the evolution of music and musical John Molson School of Business • June 22 thought in the last century. Schafer has Laurent Beaudoin, LLD 10, is the former CEO and current Chair received the Canada Council Molson of Montreal-based Bombardier Inc., which boasts more than Prize for the Arts and the Governor 62,000 employees worldwide. Throughout his 45-year career General’s Performing Arts Award, among other honours. at Bombardier, Beaudoin was highly influential in shaping the transportation industry on five continents. After he took over as president and CEO at age 28, Beaudoin guided the company through To read the full biographies of all recipients, visit news.concordia.ca

38 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine making contemporary art BFA 02, are members of the accessible to the public. Kate indie rock band called Plants lectures on musicology and and Animals. In April, the mediation in Montreal, Toronto, band released its latest album, Ont., and New York City, N.Y. La La Land, to rave reviews. Plants and Animals plans to tour across the United States, 1 0 t h R e un i o n Canada and Europe, with a pit stop at Montreal’s Jazz Fest on Althea Thauberger, June 25. plantsandanimals.ca 00 BFA (photog.), travelled in 2009 with the Canadian Kim Tien Huynh, BComm Forces Artist Program to (mktg.), was appointed director Kandahar, Afghanistan, as a of Public Relations for Expo documentarian of conflict. 2010 in Shanghai, China. As Althea was profiled this spring part of her work at the Canada in Canadian Art Magazine, China Business Council in in which she is interviewed Shanghai, Kim Tien also started about the controversial Coucou Quebecois, where placement—in the University Quebecers in China meet for Gregory Edwards, BComm (fin.) 94, is co-founder and of British Columbia’s social and cultural events and chairman of the Giraffe Conservation Foundation in London, humanities library— of her activities, such as watching United Kingdom. The charity is dedicated to securing a full-scale photograph of Quebec films and eating future for all giraffe populations and (sub-) species in the Canadian soldiers re-enacting poutine. She moved to China wild. The foundation was the cover story in the March issue a military exercise. Althea five years ago. Her advice for of Africa Geographic magazine. Gregory is also head of FX lives in Vancouver, B.C. those who travel to China for the first time: “Plan your budget eCommerce sales for the Emerging Europe, Middle East and Nicolas Basque, BFA, beforehand. And if you do not Africa region at the Deutsche Bank. He lives in London. 01 Matthew Woodley, BFA speak Mandarin, smile!” 01, and Warren C. Spicer, Philip McMaster, BA (leisure of Canadian Poets for her studies), is the principal novel, The Certainty Dream researcher at the McMaster (Coach House Books). The Institute for Sustainable award recognizes the best first Development in Commerce book of poetry published by a in Beijing, China. The Canadian in the preceding year. February issue of Sino-Foreign Management, one of China’s Eva Nassif, BA (transl.) leading business magazines, 05 05, and MA (transl.) featured Philip’s work on the 09, was recently chosen as 3 Finger “Peace Plus One” the Liberal Party of Canada Sustainability Symbol and the candidate for the federal World Sustainability Project. riding of Laval, Que. Nassif, a translator, lives in Laval Menachem (Mendy) with her husband, Georges 03 Fellig, BA (poli. sci.), Abi-Saad, and their children, earned BCL and LLB degrees Charbel, Maroun and Josée. from McGill University in 2005 and an LLM from the Javad Lavaei, MASc Université de Montreal in 07 (elec. & comp. eng.), won 2008. Mendy, his wife, Yael, the 2009-2010 Northeastern Caroline Blair, BA (soc.) 82, is a program and management and newborn daughter, Association of Graduate Schools consultant for reproductive health, HIV/AIDS-prevention, Chaya, live in Waterloo, Ont., Master’s Thesis Award, which where he practices law and is given to one candidate every treatment and mitigation/integrated health programs in Nairobi, lectures on international law three years in the categories of Kenya. In May, Caroline conducted research into instructions at Wilfrid Laurier University. Physical Sciences, Mathematics for a new malaria medicine in Senegal. She says she is focusing and Engineering. Javad’s on the right side of her brain. “I’m in the process of writing a Kate Hall, (Eng. & cr. thesis—on controlling multi- romance novel (nothing that would be worthy of a Governor writing), MA 06 (Eng.), was component systems that General’s award— just a little fun: think Harlequin romance). nominated for a 2010 Gerald don’t rely on a central control The story will involve a woman on safari who falls in love.” Lampert Award by the League point—beat out candidates from

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 39 120 institutions, including Concordia student Emily Harvard and Yale universities. Skahan were among the 10 His research was supervised performers who competed by Amir Aghdam, Associate in May at Le Spotlight in Professor in Concordia’s Montreal. Performers compete Department of Electrical and on stage by demonstrating Computer Engineering. Javad acting, singing and movement is now a PhD candidate in skills. Maggie won the audience the Department of Control choice award for her rendition and Dynamical Systems at of “Nelson” from the musical the California Institute of titled A Day in Hollywood, Technology in Pasadena. A Night in the Ukraine. Le Spotlight is sponsored by Chantria Tram, BFA (theatre), the Centre for Education spoke April 30 at the United and Theatre in Montreal. Nations in New York City, N.Y., as a member of the Ken Gabriel Bran Lopez, Katas Youth Foundation. 08 BA (comm. studies), Chantria urged Vietnam to was awarded the 2010 reaffirm its commitment to Emerging Leaders Award David Cyr, BSc (chem. & biochem.) 09, completed his first protecting and promoting in April by the Public Policy marathon on May 30 in Ottawa, Ont. David tackled the 42- the rights of its own peoples Forum for his work as executive km run and raised more than $5,000 for the Leukemia and by opening a constructive director of Montreal-based dialogue with the Khmer Youth Fusion. Gabriel works Lymphoma Society of Canada in honour of his best friend, who Kampuchea-Krom Federation with at-risk youth at home suffers from a rare form of leukemia. “I ran for my friend and and Montagnard Foundation. and abroad by urging for all those people—the real heroes—suffering and struggling them to stay in high school to beat these terrible illnesses. Please support and join me Maggie Owen, MA (cr. through partnerships in the fight to help stop blood cancers from taking more 08 arts therapies), Caitlyn with universities and lives.” Donations can be made at tinyurl.com/davecyrtnt. Milot, BFA (theatre) 08, and the private sector.

New job? Just moved? Just married? Or just want to let your former classmates know what you’ve been up to? Visit alumni.concordia.ca/keepintouch

Or mail or email us any information about yourself—don’t be shy— you’d like to appear in Class Acts.

Please include: your name (including name at graduation); year(s) of graduation and degree(s) from Concordia, Loyola or Sir George, and other universities; street address, phone number(s) and email address; and any other relevant personal or business info and messages that you’d like to appear. Alexandre Franchi, GrDip (comm. studies) 95, recently made his major motion-picture debut as director of The By email: [email protected] Subject: Class Acts Wild Hunt, which Alexandre co-wrote with the film’s star, Mark Krupa, BA (psych. & theatre) 92. The Wild Hunt By mail: Class Acts, Advancement & Alumni Relations, Concordia won the Best Canadian First Feature at the 2009 Toronto University, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., International Film Festival. The film examines the serious FB-520, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8 side of Live-Action Role Play gamers, or those who dress like goblins and wizards and engage in foam-sword combats Join the the Concordia University Alumni association LinkedIn group in the woods. The film will be released on DVD this fall. group at alumni.concordia.ca/benefits/olc.

40 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine InMemoriam

Vincent De Lourdes Leonard, Robert Francis Orr, L BA Gordon Riles, S BComm 68, Margaret (Richer) Abracen, S BA 38, died on March 6 in 61, died on February 24 in GrDip 93, died on March 11 in BA 79, died on April 13 in Sainte-Anne-de-Bellevue, Que. Montreal. Robert is survived Montreal. Gordon is survived Montreal. Margaret is survived Vincent is survived by wife, by wife, Dolores (Harper), by his wife, Christine O’Connell. by her son, Jeffrey. Mary-Gordon Johnson, and and children, Cynthia, Steven, He was 63. children, Peter, Gordon, Ruby- Martin, John, Kevin, Theresa Helen Joyce Townsend, Alice, Philip and Scott. and Pauline. He was 80. Veronica Sheeran Rochon, BA (community nursing) L BA (Eng. & phil.) 69, died on 79, died May 17 in Newport, Frederick Warren Bedford, Dr. Miriam (Mossy) Packer, May 1 in Montreal. Veronica Ore. Helen is survived by her L BA 45, S BSc 57, died on S BA 63, died on March 22 in is survived by her children, children, Mark, Dan, Mary-Ellen, March 21 in Cornwall, Ont. Montreal. Miriam is survived Penny and Peter. Dawna-Marie and Kelly. Fred is survived by his wife, by her siblings, Paul, Beatrice She was 82. Rene Bedford, and his and Ruth. Brian Hayes, S BSc 70, died on children, Judith and David. February 16 in Montreal. Brian is Beverly (Lecker) Levitt, He was 85. Reynold (Rey) Lee Stanley survived by his wife, Marguerite, BComm 81, died on March 28 in Clark, S BSc 66, S MTM and his children, Stephanie and Montreal. Beverly is survived by Jack Goldner, S BA 49, died on 70, died on February 25 in Richard. He was 63. her husband, Mark Levitt, and February 27 in Montreal. Jack Bowmanville, Ont. Rey is her children, Chad and Shira. is survived by his wife, Leona survived by his wife, Muriel, Tim Kealty, L BSc 70, died in (Lazarus), and his children, and his son, Ian. He was 75. October 2009 in Vancouver, John K. English, BComm 85, Emily, Lois, Audrey and Eric. B.C. Tim is survived by his wife, died on March 27 in Montreal. John H. Jackson, S BA 66, Judy, and his daughters, Allison John is survived by his wife, E. Alfredo Zambon, L BSc 51, died on March 25 in Montreal. and Meredith. He was 59. Veronica Piacek, and his died on April 3 in Saint-Jean- John is survived by his wife, children, Alexandra and Serena. sur-Richelieu, Que. Alfredo is Patricia (Zbinden) and his Sam Litman, S BA 70, died on He was 49. survived by his children, Fred, children, Patrick, Christopher, March 19 in Montreal. Sam is Carla, Karyn, Tony and Marc. Michelle and Matthew. He was 72. survived by his wife, Angie, Stephen Kraml, BComm He was 81. and his children, Sari and Pam. 85, died on February 25 in Edward K. (Ted) Pennefather, Montreal. Stephen is survived Sydney Flower, S BSc 53, died S BComm 66, died on March 9. Howard Alan Berlin, S BA 71, by his parents, Ludwig and on April 10 in Montreal. Sydney Ted is survived by his siblings, died on April 3 in Calgary, Marianne Kraml, his wife, is survived by his children, Charles, Robert, Michael and Alta. Howard is survived by Laurie Rouse, and his children, Cheryl and Marvin. Judy. He was 73. his wife, Rebecca, and his Samantha, Alexander and children, Adele and Michael. Andrew. He was 47. Harold (Harvey) Gossack, Thomas G. Ezzy, S attendee He was 62. S BA 53, died on March 22. 67, died on February 20 in Janet (Hartzheim) Perdue, Harold is survived by his wife, Montreal. Thomas is survived Dr. Marian Olnyk, S BA 71, MA (ed.) 85, died on March 28 Marlene Beit. by his step-children, Jessica and died on March 21 in Montreal. in Montreal. Janet is survived Stephane Ouvrard. He was 67. Marian is survived by her by her children, Dianne, Mark Randy West, S BA 55, died on husband, Michael Zaitsoff, and and Gregg. She was 75. March 17 in Montreal. Randy Stephen Hannon, S BA 67, her daughter, Mary. She was 69. is survived by his wife, Irene died on February 24 in Yvonne (Rabie) Ades, BA Cunningham, and his children, Kingston, Ont. Stephen is Harris MacFayden, L BA 72, 87, died on February 28 in Edward and Sandra. He was 90. survived by his sister, Evelyn. died on March 13 in Montreal. Montreal. Yvonne is survived Harris is survived by his by her husband, Victor, and her Mervin Butovsky, S BA 59, Kenneth Michael Mines, brothers, Douglas and Neil. children, Arlene and Steven. died on April 6 in Montreal. L BComm 67, died on February He was 60. Mervin is survived by his wife, 18 in New Smyrna Beach, Fla. Peter MacFarlane, BA 92, MA Rebecca (Rivka) Caplan. Mervin Kenneth is survived by his wife, David R. Hayes, BComm 76, 99, died on April 3 in Montreal. was a Concordia Professor Marilyn, and his children, Jennifer, died on March 27 in Reston, Peter is survived by his sons, Emeritus. Steven and Cheryl. He was 64. Va. David is survived by his Andrew and Bruce. He was 82. siblings, Gloria, Yocius and John G. Mizgala, S BComm Gabrielle (Levert) Barry, Ronald. He was 56. Mary A. Robertson, BA 59, died May 10 in Montreal. L BA 68, died on February 15 94, died on February 27 in John is survived by his wife in Montreal. Gabrielle is Ann Pearl (Yakimec) Montreal. Mary is survived Claire (Bourassa), and his survived by her children, Semeniuk, BA 78, died on by her children, Debbie- children, Suzanne and Louise. Lorraine, Robert and Martin. February 25 in Victoria, B.C. Anne, Roseanne, Michael and He was 75. She was 94. Johanne. She was 70.

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 41 Words&Music Ghost writers, assassins and strange bedfellows

trange Bedfellows: of poems illustrates his di- archival photos and repro- Smiley has written for many The Private Lives of versity by exploring a wide duced documents. popular, live-action and SWords (Ronsdale Press, variety of subjects, including Back off, Assassin! animated TV shows while $19.95), by Howard Richler, the Taliban, multinational New and Selected Poems Brousseau has directed a BA (poli. sci.) 69, is an agricultural biotechnology (Mansfield Press, $16.95), number of projects, one of etymological delight. The company Monsanto, aging, the latest collection from which was nominated for English language has never John Lennon and children. Jim Smith, MA (Eng.) 81, an Emmy Award. Their first been much concerned with Now retired from most of his brings together a personal independent project, Race purity, Richler explains, careers, Raymond continues selection of poetic works (Phase4Films), is a comput- and that has allowed it to to work actively as a human written between 1979 and er-animated, sci-fi feature absorb an extensive bastard rights activist and member of 1998. Smith’s humorous film, directed by Brousseau vocabulary, incorporating the Quebec Gay Archives. and absurd style conjures a and written by Smiley. In the words from several foreign John H. Aylen, MA dreamscape of incongruous film, the fate of the universe

influences that, in turn, (Eng.) 76, has gathered an juxtapositions and unrelated, hangs in the balance as Team through use and abuse, have important collection of ar- tangential themes. He may Earth embarks on a deadly come into their own. chival history in Revive be one of the only published showdown between the forc- A devoted logophile, and Grow Strong: The English Canadian poets who es that have overthrown the Montreal-based Richler has Story of the McEuens and is also a successful litiga- peacekeeping Alliance lead- published several books, the McEuen Scholarship tion lawyer, along with F.R. ership. (racethemovie.net) newspaper and magazine Foundation (The McEuen Scott, who mentored him Sir John Daniel, MA (ed. articles and is working Scholarship Foundation). briefly in the 1980s while Tech.) 96, is president on three new books about Aylen, a former president serving as writer-in-resi- of the Commonwealth of language. of the Concordia University dence at Concordia. Smith Learning, an organization Le retour: Poésie 2000- Alumni Association, tells the was recently named Lawyers that promotes the expansion 2010 (L’arc-en-ciel fascinating tale of how Dolly Weekly’s Lawyer of the week. of education and learning littéraire, $14.95), is a col- and Mhairi McEuen found (mansfieldpress.com) through technology and dis- lection of French poetry by ways to overcome their status In 1995, Robert tance learning in developing Marcel F. Raymond, S BA (Fr. in a male-dominated soci- Brousseau, BFA (film prod.) countries. Mega-Schools, lit. & poli. sci.) 73. Raymond ety and become catalysts for 88, and Rhonda Smiley, BFA Technology and Teachers: has worn many hats through- progress and important phi- (film prod.) 88, formed Achieving Education for All out his life: bodybuilder, lanthropists. The book reads Hyper Image, a post-pro- (Routledge Press, $42.95), model, lawyer, biographer like a novel and provides an duction animation studio advocates new approaches to and painter. This assembly abundance of supporting in Southern California. provide access to secondary

42 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine education for today’s rapidly that became a refuge for experiences as a teaching influential, original and out- growing population of chil- Russians, Finns, Ukrainians, assistant. standing bodies of work for dren and young adults. With Chinese and Jews—the story Shaughnessy Bishop-Stall, the National Film Board of the ambitious goal of train- brings to life a journalist’s BA (Eng. & cr. writing) 00, Canada. Filmmakers con- ing 10 million new teachers devotion to communist published his first work of fronted sexism, poverty by 2015, the mission aims militant and famed Marxist non-fiction, Down to This, to and marginalization in the to espouse quality, open- Jeanne Corbin and the wide critical acclaim in 2005. hopes of developing com- source and cost-effective cause of the local work- Bishop-Stall returns with munity empowerment education for all. Sir John’s ers, as told through the eyes Ghosted (Random House, and political awareness. book comprehensively tack- and memories of Corbin’s $32), a bold and harrow- In Challenge for Change: les the challenges, failures, youngest daughter and her- ing novel that looks at life in Activist Documentary at successes and tools avail- oine’s namesake, Jeanne. downtown Toronto through the National Film Board of able for creating strategies (cormorantbooks.com) the desperation of a wannabe Canada (MQUP, $34.95),

toward accessible e-learn- Think and Learn Rich: writer, Mason, living on the co-edited by Thomas Waugh, ing and replenishing the Accelerated Learning in brink of debt and alcohol- a professor at Concordia’s vital role of education for Higher Education (Accorda ism. Things take an odd turn Mel Hoppenheim School of the development of society Press, $49), by George when Mason inadvertently Cinema; Ezra Winton, BA at large. Sir John was vice- Saridakis, BEng 97, MA lands his first vocational gig (comm. studies & poli. sci.) chancellor of the UK Open (ed. tech.) 09, is a research as a suicide-note writer. His 05, MA (media studies) 07, University and knighted in study examining the gap overbearing urge to come to founder and programmer of 1994 by Queen Elizabeth that separates the workplace the aid of those who hire him the Cinema Politica network; for services to higher and academia. Saridakis is a immerses Mason in their and Michael Brendan Baker, education. Montreal-based training and tragedies while he wres- MA (film studies) 04, the Rhonda Mullins, MA (me- development professional. tles with his own demons. formative program’s history dia studies) 96, is a Montreal He explores what happens Bishop-Stall teaches writ- is seamlessly integrated into freelance writer and transla- when a popular, organiza- ing at University of Toronto’s present-day initiatives and tor. Mullins’s translation of tional learning methodology, School of Continuing highlights a consciousness Jocelyne Saucier’s Jeanne sur Accelerated Learning, is co- Education. on both national and inter- les routes was recently pub- opted to design a graduate The activist documentary national levels about the role lished under its English title, course in educational tech- program called Challenge documentaries play in im- Jeanne’s Road (Cormorant nology. Saridakis’s for Change/Société nouvelle proving the world. Books, $21). Set in 1933 in research brings him com- ran from 1967 to 1980 and —Saro Nova Rouyn, Que.—a community pelling insights through his produced one of the most

concordia university magazine summer 2010 | 43 EnoughSaid Heady days at Oxford

B y l i l i A N E c h ama s , b s c 0 9 $25O,OOO to pay off the mortgage In 2008, Concordia Cellular and 11 p.m., when all customers rush across Molecular Biology student Liliane the street to one of the (in)famous $45,OOO to settle the loan and credit cards Chamas won a Rhodes Scholarship to kebab vans to inhale some “cheesy study at Oxford University in the United chips”—an English version of our be- Kingdom. Chamas is now pursuing a loved poutine. $55,OOO to put the kids through university PhD at the Oxford Centre for Diabetes, But Oxford is also a contradiction. Endocrinology and Metabolism. She Despite being steeped in centuries- reports on her first year abroad. old tradition, it’s a dynamic centre of progress. The university springs to life oggy: my five-letter description with its endless, high-profile speakers, of my Oxford experience thus over stimulates with a dazzling array of $35O,OOO F far. And I’m not referring to conferences and meetings, and chal- the weather. lenges with world-class researchers While I’ve been here more than six in every field. My work surrounds me months, in some ways, it still feels like with international leaders in the area a dream; a haze. Holding my student Rhodes Scholar Liliane Chamas at Saint Mary’s of diabetes and metabolic diseases: the card puts everything in perspective: Church overlooking All Souls’ College at Oxford clinicians and scientists at the Oxford solid plastic with my picture next to University. Chamas plans to complete a four- Centre for Diabetes, Endocrinology year PhD program at Oxford and then return the Oxford University logo. This time to Montreal and attend medical school. and Metabolism, where I have both the last year, I would have been holding my freedom and guidance to turn my ideas * coffee mug while studying for finals in them. Then came the stress. I realized into experiments. My goal is to decipher $24 a month to know this will all happen Concordia’s library building. My con- how accomplished everyone is and how genetic clues from clinical experiments clusion? Academic support and hard I had to keep up with the fast and de- for insights into the development of work pay off—and coffee provides a manding pace. The stress slowly evolved type 2 diabetes and metabolic diseases. even if you’re no longer there. much-needed boost along the way! into determination, as I switched to When I shed my lab coat, life doesn’t The weekend before heading off to the autopilot to focus on a four-year PhD. slow down. Oxford’s diverse intel- United Kingdom, I went to Ottawa and At the end of each day, we all rushed to lectual culture stretches my curiosity met the other Canadian Rhodes Scholars: formal hall—the Hogwarts-like dining across disciplines. Nightly debates over an amazingly diverse crew that’s truly room—and confided to each other about a pint with peers whose reading mate- representative of the Canadian multicul- how intimidated we actually felt and rials cover politics to neuroscience and tural and intellectual mosaic. We soon how food tasted better back home. international development to astro- became friends because we’re all biblio- Oxford, as a city that thrives on con- physics, constantly remind me that I’ve philes who share similar values and a zest ventional university life, is subject to been afforded an opportunity to reach for life. We still get together quite often more than a few stereotypes—many of new heights, both personally and pro- Safeguard your family’s financial future with to watch hockey, talk about Canadian which hold true. The world shuts down fessionally. With rowing practice in the politics and, well, procrastinate when at 4 p.m. for afternoon tea. Students wee hours of the morning, brief excur- term life insurance—at rates exclusive to alumni. our schedules permit it. ride along on their bicycles wear- sions to explore greater England and When I arrived, I quickly got ac- ing formal gowns to a weekday dinner, visitors to show around every couple of Call us at 1-888-913-6333. quainted with the city. I bought a plant at which choirboys will sing a nightly weeks, these past two terms have flown and set my sights on a coffee shop near- grace. Tourists sporting Oxford sweat- by. I can only look forward to the next Or visit us at www.manulife.com/concordia by. I felt a surge of excitement, much shirts and holding unnecessarily large three years. like when I was a first-year undergrad. I maps—the city is quite small—will trip As for the weather? Well, it’s been Underwritten by: attended every student event, registered over one another looking for “the castle rainy, sunny, foggy and ash-cloudy with every association and forgot every- where they filmed Harry Potter.” Pubs while I’ve written this piece, so I sup- ALUMNI TERM LIFE INSURANCE one’s name five minutes after meeting open early in the morning and close at pose you could describe it as moody. The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company

* Based on a 39-year-old, female non-smoker. 44 | summer 2010 concordia university magazine $25O,OOO to pay off the mortgage $45,OOO to settle the loan and credit cards $55,OOO to put the kids through university

$35O,OOO

$24 a month* to know this will all happen even if you’re no longer there.

Safeguard your family’s financial future with term life insurance—at rates exclusive to alumni.

Call us at 1-888-913-6333. Or visit us at www.manulife.com/concordia

Underwritten by: ALUMNI TERM LIFE INSURANCE

The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company

* Based on a 39-year-old, female non-smoker. WELCOME TO THE FAMILY Through the Concordia University Alumni Association, you can keep in touch with fellow alumni and enjoy exciting programs and activities that include:  The Concordia Mentor Program  Educational, networking and reunion events  Email forwarding for life and Find-A-Friend services  Young Alumni Program  The Alumni Travel program

Bene ts:  Preferred home and auto insurance rates with TD Insurance Meloche Monnex  Preferred life, disability, health and dental insurance rates with Manulife Financial  Concordia University BMO Mastercard  Investment services with Clearsight Investment Program  Travel-package discounts with Groupe Voyages Ideal  Car discounts with Location Park Avenue  Magazine-subscription discounts with Mag Fundraising  Concordia Alumni ID Card (available at the Advancement and Alumni Relations O‰ ce) for other on- and o‹ -campus savings

To take advantage of all we have to o er, contact us: alumni.concordia.ca 514-848-2424, ext. 4856 1-888-777-3330