OLYMPIAN FEATS Equipping Top Athletes for Physical and Mental Rigours

WINTER 2014

OLYMPIAN FEATS Equipping top athletes for physical and mental rigours

UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

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COLD CLIMATE, IS THE CANADIAN WARM MEMORIES BUSINESS MODEL Montreal’s charms often prove 18 OFF TARGET? to be a deciding factor for John Molson School of Business international students who decide professors Michel Magnan and Harold to attend Concordia and, ultimately, Simpkins evaluate the impact of live in the city permanently. competitors from south of the border By Athena Tacet on national retailers. By Jason Magder

12 30 LOAN SUITE: PERFORMANCE SELECTED POEMS OF A LIFETIME Verse from the winner of Concordia experts — and current a 2013 Irving Layton Award and former Olympians — discuss for Creative Writing. what it takes to prepare for and By Emma Healey succeed at the highest levels of international competition. COOKING UP MUSIC, ALONG By Scott McCulloch 24 WITH OTHER PROJECTS OF NOTE A look at Concordia’s groundbreaking electroacoustic studies program. 38 By Julie Gedeon ESTRANGED FROM THE BALLOT BOX 44 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT: Today’s young adults haven’t ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE yet met their great potential The faculty’s year-old District 3 Innovation and for political and community Entrepreneurship Centre is already proving to be a hit. involvement — and the blame By Laurence Miall University graduates can save more. may lie at the top. You could WIN By Donna Nebenzahl 32 48 HOMECOMING 2013 At TD Insurance, we recognize all the time and effort you put into getting An overview of Concordia’s exciting reunion festivities. $60,000 cash where you are. That’s why, as a Concordia University graduate or student, to build your you have access to our TD Insurance Meloche Monnex program which offers dream kitchen!* preferred group rates and various additional discounts. You’ll also benefit from our highly personalized service and great protection that suits your needs. Get a quote today and see how much you could save.

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Put an Accent on news.

Professor Bhupinder Singh Mangat with his wife Surinder and daughters Simmi (left) and Rishma (right) following Simmi’s iron ring ceremony. She received her SETTING AN BEng from Concordia in 997. EXAMPLE: The gift of education eubauer N osh J

Rishma Mangat is the daughter of Bhupinder Singh Mangat, a long-time My father, Professor Mangat, taught generations of students at professor in Concordia’s Department of Biology who passed away in 202. Concordia’s Department of Biology, starting in 973 at Loyola The family recently established an endowment to fund the Dr. Bhupinder College (one of the university’s founding institutions). He was Singh Mangat Award, which is intended to encourage and reward students very popular with students, who appreciated his approachability currently enrolled in any undergraduate program. and sense of humour, and played a significant role in building the “My father used to say material things are ephemeral — but biology department into what it is today. His research explored education is the one thing you can’t take away. plant tissue culture and development. His love of teaching is what inspired our family to carry the torch and As demanding as he was of his students, he was even more perpetuate the gift of education through a donation to Concordia — demanding of his children. I credit him for giving my sister and his professional home for nearly four decades. We will be funding an me such a solid foundation upon which to develop, and the undergraduate student award in my late father’s name. strong work ethic that still serves us both today. As someone who left his home in East Africa at just 7 for the A gift to Concordia seemed such a fitting tribute, because opportunity to study abroad in the United Kingdom, I think he’d education was the one legacy he felt was so important for him be so honoured to know this award will help knock down financial to give to his children.” hurdles for academically deserving students. He believed getting a Rishma Mangat, BComm 99 good education was everybody’s right.

Find out how you can join Rishma Mangat in contributing to Concordia: Info: concordia.ca/alumni-giving | 54-848-2424, ext. 4856 | -888-777-3330, ext. 4856 | [email protected] Setting an Example ad.indd 1 07/09/2012 10:07:53 AM

2 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine

Setting an example winter 2014-Mangat.indd 2 13/01/2014 12:00:30 PM EDITOR’S VOICE accent alumni-newsletter

Put an Accent on news.

AccentAccent delivers delivers Concordia Concordia news convenientlynews conveniently to your inbox.to your Sign inbox.up for our Sign monthly up for e-newsletter our monthly at Glad to be here e-newsletterconcordia.ca/alumni at concordia.ca/alumni/accent. ontrealers have a lot to be thankful for — even though we sometimes have to be Mreminded. While the city’s obvious treasures — Mount Royal, Old Montreal, enviable nightlife, thriving arts and culture scenes and myriad festivals — are almost clichés, they truly do Professor Bhupinder Singh Mangat with his wife Surinder and daughters Simmi (left) and Rishma (right) add to our quality of life. following Simmi’s iron ring ceremony. She received her Less often cited — but no less valu- BEng from Concordia in 997. SETTING AN able — are the city’s bilingual reality, relatively short work commutes, reason- and ninth overall. Matt Stiegemeyer, the city, where he can, he says, “communi- EXAMPLE: able cost of living, scenic riverside paths university’s director of student recruit- cate in Chinese, English and French all and parks, and youthful vigour that ment in Enrolment and Student Services, in the same breath.” The gift of comes in part from its four universities. says that the placement “validates what That’s why we’re well prepared to Importantly, residents and visitors can we’ve been hearing from students.” overcome the city’s challenges — we education find a one-of-a-kind vibe here, a blend One such student is Athena Tacet, BA know they’re all part of the dynamic of European casual and North American 09, GrDip 12, who arrived in 2006 from Montreal mix. eubauer

N drive. (And if we ever get a Major League Paris (number one in world in the QS osh J Baseball team back, it would be that rankings) on her way to study political much better.) There really is no other science at Concordia. The city quickly place like it. won her over and, seven and half years Rishma Mangat is the daughter of Bhupinder Singh Mangat, a long-time My father, Professor Mangat, taught generations of students at Still, complaining about our trou- later, she’s well settled here. Athena professor in Concordia’s Department of Biology who passed away in 202. Concordia’s Department of Biology, starting in 973 at Loyola bles has almost become a competitive writes of her positive experiences and Concordia University Magazine welcomes readers’ comments. Letters should include The family recently established an endowment to fund the Dr. Bhupinder College (one of the university’s founding institutions). He was sport. Pick your gripe: Snow and cold. those of three fellow international stu- the writer’s full name, address, school(s), Singh Mangat Award, which is intended to encourage and reward students very popular with students, who appreciated his approachability Rapidly disintegrating roads and bridg- dents — now alumni — in “Cold climate, degree(s) and year(s) of graduation for alumni. Letters may be edited for length and currently enrolled in any undergraduate program. and sense of humour, and played a significant role in building the es. Unbridled and unending corruption. warm memories” (see page 12). The for- clarity. No letter will be published without the full name of the correspondent. “My father used to say material things are ephemeral — but biology department into what it is today. His research explored Recurring linguistic and cultural dis- mer Concordia University Magazine intern education is the one thing you can’t take away. plant tissue culture and development. cord. And that was just the past month. and her fellow arrivants have joined Concordia University Magazine is published Yet while I would argue that our about 20 per cent of the international three times a year for alumni and friends of His love of teaching is what inspired our family to carry the torch and As demanding as he was of his students, he was even more Concordia University. Opinions expressed demanding of his children. I credit him for giving my sister and municipal woes are more pervasive students who head to Montreal for an herein do not necessarily reflect the views perpetuate the gift of education through a donation to Concordia — of the alumni associations or of the university. his professional home for nearly four decades. We will be funding an me such a solid foundation upon which to develop, and the than, say, Toronto’s — albeit less undergrad degree and then choose to strong work ethic that still serves us both today. entertaining — relative to the rest become full-time Quebécois. Please address editorial correspondence to: undergraduate student award in my late father’s name. The Editor, Howard Bokser A gift to Concordia seemed such a fitting tribute, because of the world, we have it pretty good. Another non-native Montrealer Concordia University Magazine As someone who left his home in East Africa at just 7 for the Students and others who flock to featured in this issue is Wah Wing Chan, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W. opportunity to study abroad in the United Kingdom, I think he’d education was the one legacy he felt was so important for him GM 600 , Montreal, QC H3G 1M8 Montreal from elsewhere agree. The BFA 94, BFA 96. In his Enough Said Phone: 514-848-2424, ext. 3826 be so honoured to know this award will help knock down financial to give to his children.” latest confirmation of that comes from piece, “A Family Reunion in Montreal” email: [email protected] hurdles for academically deserving students. He believed getting a Rishma Mangat, BComm 99 Quacquarelli Symonds (QS), the British (see page 64), Wing recounts his fam- For advertising information, call good education was everybody’s right. company that compiles the World ily’s path to the city from Macau, via 514-848-2424, ext. 3819. University Rankings. In its new inter- Laporte, Sask. Like Athena and fellow Editorial contributor: Scott McCulloch Student intern: Alyssa Tremblay national ratings of the best cities for alumni in her story, Wing considers Find out how you can join Rishma Mangat in contributing to Concordia: students, QS placed Montreal number himself a proud Montrealer. He’s come Design: University Communications Services T14-17183 Info: concordia.ca/alumni-giving | 54-848-2424, ext. 4856 | -888-777-3330, ext. 4856 | [email protected] one in Canada, second in North America to love the multinational flavour of the Setting an Example ad.indd 1 07/09/2012 10:07:53 AM

2 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 3

Setting an example winter 2014-Mangat.indd 2 13/01/2014 12:00:30 PM LETTERS SUMMER 2012

Concordia University Magazine professor, Jerry Smoke, welcomes your letters. We upon reading my paper about reserve the right to choose the Burnham’s theory, requested letters we print and to edit for I give a seminar on the topic length and style. Write to us at: to members of the Faculty of Concordia University Magazine, Editor Fine Arts. After the hour- 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., GM 600 long presentation, the buzz Montreal, QC H3G 1M8 in the room signalled that Or: [email protected] the theory definitely left an impression. EXAMINING My paper, entitled “An THE CREATIVE Investigation Into Jack PROCESS Burnham’s ‘The Structure of Art,’” was published in I was elated to read about Concordia’s Fine Arts journal the major investment in in spring 1974. Since then, research creation that is many researchers have ex- taking place in the Faculty panded upon this integral way of Fine Arts (“Concordia of looking at the creative pro- News: Major Investment cess. It’s wonderful to see that LEARNING TO FLY in Research Creation,” fall research creation has blos- 2013, page 7; the project is somed into a field of its own. called Immediations). As an active researcher, I will Reach 95,000 Quebecers! Research in image making be following Immediations Advertise in Magazine CONCORDIA PRESIDENT ALAN SHEPARD RECEIVED A WARM WELCOME FROM MONTREAL’S BUSINESS LEADERS ON NOVEMBER 8. during the early 1970s led with great interest. me to author Jack Burnham Rodney Heather, BFA Concordia University and his book, The Structure (painting & drawing) 68, The magazine provides advertisers with an CONCORDIA PRESIDENT ALAN SHEPARD CALLS FOR A MONTREAL RENAISSANCE of Art (1971). My philosophy MA (art ed.) 76. excellent and cost-effective way to reach our affluent and highly educated readers. t was a full house. Close to 600 For information about advertising rates packed the grand ballroom of Le and publication deadlines, contact: Centre Sheraton Hotel on November KEEP IN TOUCH I8 to hear Concordia President Alan Michelle Grostern Shepard address the Board of Trade of Coordinator, Alumni Services & Marketing New job? Just moved? Just married? Or just want to let your Metropolitan Montreal. Phone: 514-848-2424, ext. 3819 former classmates know what you’ve been up to? Visit Fax: 514-848-4510 In his introduction, the board’s presi- Email: [email protected] dent, Michel Leblanc, spoke glowingly concordia.ca/alumni/keepintouch of Concordia’s importance in Montreal. Or mail or email us any information about yourself — don’t be shy — He also referred to Shepard as “le grand you’d like to appear in Class Acts. vendeur” as the event sold out in record time. Please include: your name (including name at graduation); year(s) Following the presentation of a of graduation and degree(s) from Concordia, Loyola or Sir George, video highlighting the strengths of the UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE and other universities; street address, phone number(s) and email university, Shepard addressed the audi- address; and any other relevant personal or business info. ence of political dignitaries, including Montreal’s mayor-elect Denis Coderre, By email: [email protected] Subject: Class Acts business leaders and representatives By mail: Class Acts, Advancement and Alumni Relations, from all four Montreal universities. Concordia University, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., He called for the creation of a network FB 520, Montreal, QC H3G 1M8 of start-up zones. These incubators > CONCORDIA’$ CONTRIBUTIONwould bring companies and NGOs to- Search for the Concordia University Alumni Association group on gether with students, who would deliver LinkedIn. NON-TRAD LAWYERS their own ideas and contribute to the projects of others. He challenged those

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Setting an example winter 2014-Mangat.indd 3 09/01/2014 2:54:01 PM CONCORDIA NEWS niversity U ordia c on C

CONCORDIA PRESIDENT ALAN SHEPARD RECEIVED A WARM WELCOME FROM MONTREAL’S BUSINESS LEADERS ON NOVEMBER 8.

CONCORDIA PRESIDENT ALAN SHEPARD CALLS FOR A MONTREAL RENAISSANCE

t was a full house. Close to 600 present to be ambitious and create 100 of Start-Up New York. This recent packed the grand ballroom of Le of them, with 200 people attached to initiative allows businesses that set up Centre Sheraton Hotel on November each zone, for the engagement of some shop on or near a university campus and I8 to hear Concordia President Alan 20,000 undergraduate and graduate support a school’s academic mission to Shepard address the Board of Trade of students. That would be about 10 per pay no corporate, property or sales taxes Metropolitan Montreal. cent of the total population of students for 10 years. And to attract the brightest In his introduction, the board’s presi- in Montreal. minds, employees will pay no income dent, Michel Leblanc, spoke glowingly of Concordia’s importance in Montreal. He also referred to Shepard as “le grand Around the world and closer to home, we vendeur” as the event sold out in record time. need to promote the city as a place of great Following the presentation of a new ideas, leading research and creativity. video highlighting the strengths of the university, Shepard addressed the audience of political dignitaries, including “It is said that Montreal already has a tax for the first five years and reduced Montreal’s mayor-elect Denis Coderre, start-up culture. That’s true but that net- taxes for the next five. business leaders and representatives work is less visible than our potholes or Finally, Shepard called on Quebecers from all four Montreal universities. aging bridges,” said Shepard. “Around to create something big to leverage their He called for the creation of a network the world and closer to home, we need to talent and infrastructure. “Let’s invent of start-up zones. These incubators promote the city as a place of great new new programs that create opportunities would bring companies and NGOs to- ideas, leading research and creativity.” for us to mix it up, make something new, gether with students, who would deliver His second proposal called for solve problems together, venture be- their own ideas and contribute to the supporting start-up zones with new yond the known and the familiar.” projects of others. He challenged those tax credits. He cited the example – Christine Mota

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 5 HOCKEY’S TRUE HOME AT CONCORDIA

AS THE UNIVERSITY DROPS THE PUCK ON A NEW NHL-GRADE RINK, HERE’S A BRIEF LOOK AT THE ED MEAGHER ARENA’S 46-YEAR HISTORY.

n September 20, 1966, Loyola O News’s sports editor, L. Ian MacDonald, BA 69, took to his column to argue that the new Loyola Arena be named after a 40-year-old coach and teacher called Ed Meagher. “The would- be selectors have overlooked the man GREEN TECHNOLOGY WILL GENERATE UP TO 60 PER CENT MORE ICE TIME TIME AT CONCORDIA’S ED MEAGHER ARENA. whose name belongs on that building before any other. The man who has ED MEAGHER ARENA INAUGURATES “Having an NHL-standard rink is not the norm at the uni- done more for Loyola in athletics NHL-CLASS UPGRADES versity level, so there’s a lot of buzz,” says Patrick Boivin, than any other,” MacDonald wrote. director of Concordia’s Recreation and Athletics. At that point, the sports com- he Ed Meagher Arena — home of Stingers hockey and The refurbished Ed Meagher Arena is also “green,” with a plex was still under construction T community sports — has never looked so good. The state-of-the-art carbon dioxide refrigeration system, upgrad- — it opened in January 1967. “I just 47-year-old Concordia institution officially reopened in ed windows and better insulation, as well as new ventilation thought, let’s have a name on it,” says November after a National Hockey League-level overhaul. and dehumidification systems. The old locker rooms have been MacDonald, 47 years later. “There Thanks to a $3.25 million grant from the Quebec Municipalities renovated, and two new ones added. were several names floating around, Infrastructure Program, along with $4.5 million in university — Silvia Cademartori but Ed’s wasn’t really one of them until funding, the complex is now 2,500 square feet (760 square me- I wrote that piece.” tres) bigger. It’s also now hockey-friendly for 11 months a year, The Ed Meagher Arena is located at 7200 Sherbrooke St. W. on the MacDonald, now a veteran politi- up from seven months, and boasts a rink that meets professional Loyola Campus at Concordia University. For a brief history of the Ed cal columnist and broadcaster, made standards, right down to the curvature of its boards. Meagher Arena, see “Hockey’s true home at Concordia” on page 7. a good case: at Loyola College, one of Concordia’s founding institutions, Meagher, BA 46, played varsity football and hockey as a student, then returned as a math teacher and hockey and football coach. He taught until a few years ACFAS AND ENCUENTRO mathematics and engineering, literature, and part performance festival, Encuentro before his death from cancer in 1995, at COMING TO CONCORDIA arts and social sciences, and education. is held biannually in the Americas: the age of 69. He served as athletics di- The 82nd Congress’s theme is La Montreal is the first Canadian city, and rector at the college and at Loyola High oncordia will welcome two recherche : Zones de convergence et de only the second outside of Mexico, Central School. People called him “Mr. Loyola.” C important international créativité (“Research: Zones of Creativity and South America to host the event since On January 28, 2000, 34 years af- conferences this spring. and Convergence”). Faculty and staff are its inception in 2000. ter MacDonald’s article was published, For the first time, Concordia will also developing special programming to The 2014 Encuentro — entitled Concordia renamed the arena in Ed host the 82nd Congress of l’Association showcase Concordia’s research life. MANIFEST! Choreographing Social Meagher’s honour. In November 2013, francophone pour le savoir (Acfas), the Recent editions of the Acfas Congress Movements in the Americas — will bring the refurbished Ed Meagher Arena largest multidisciplinary gathering of featured extensive programming aimed together more than 700 scholars, art- reopened. (See “Ed Meagher Arena inau- knowledge and research in the French- at general audiences, and major pub- ists, activists and students for lectures, gurates NHL-class upgrades” on page 6.) speaking world. From May 12 to 16, lic-awareness campaigns sponsored by discussions, exhibitions and workshops As sports editor and hockey equip- 2014, the event will bring together more media partnerships. Hosting the con- that explore the intersection of perfor- ment manager, MacDonald remembers than 5,000 delegates from 30 countries. ference in 2014 — Concordia’s 40th mance and politics, from June 21 to 28. watching varsity games in the new arena Formed in 1923, Acfas is a Quebec- anniversary — will provide the universi- Although most sessions will only — especially during the 1967-68 season, based non-profit organization with the ty with visibility among the francophone be open to delegates, main stage when the Loyola Warriors made it all the goal of supporting young scientists and population. performances at Théâtre Outremont way to the national finals. On Saturday researchers, defending the relevance of And in June, experimentation, dia- will be open to the public on June 20 night, March 2, 1968, in the Loyola research and scientific initiatives in soci- logue and intellectual collaboration will (preview) and June 28. Encuentro 2014 Arena, the Warriors ended the “Georgian ety, and sustaining the dialogue between take centre stage at Concordia when the will also feature exhibitions, screenings Hex” by beating rival Sir George Williams science and society. Acfas’s 2014 program university teams up with the Hemispheric and a public intervention — open to all Georgians in the Ottawa-St. Lawrence will span the entire research spec- Institute of Performance and Politics to and free of charge. intercollegiate championships for the trum: health sciences, natural sciences, host Encuentro. Part academic conference – Tom Peacock and Renée Dunk first time in four years.

6 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine HOCKEY’S TRUE HOME AT CONCORDIA

AS THE UNIVERSITY DROPS THE PUCK ON A NEW NHL-GRADE RINK, HERE’S A BRIEF LOOK AT THE ED MEAGHER ARENA’S 46-YEAR HISTORY. THE STINGERS IN ACTION DURING THE 1975-76 SEASON. n September 20, 1966, Loyola Interschool competition remained a O News’s sports editor, L. Ian hot topic even after Sir George Williams MacDonald, BA 69, took to his column and Loyola merged in 1974. When the niversity

to argue that the new Loyola Arena be university newspaper The Transcript hit U ordia

named after a 40-year-old coach and stands on September 12, 1974, it includ- c on

teacher called Ed Meagher. “The would- ed a front-page feature about how the C of be selectors have overlooked the man two sports departments would soon be- rtesy u

whose name belongs on that building come one — but not yet. “The traditional o before any other. The man who has C done more for Loyola in athletics than any other,” MacDonald wrote. At that point, the sports complex was still under construction — it opened in January 1967. “I just thought, let’s have a name on it,” says MacDonald, 47 years later. “There were several names floating around, but Ed’s wasn’t really one of them until I wrote that piece.” MacDonald, now a veteran political columnist and broadcaster, made a good case: at Loyola College, one of Concordia’s founding institutions, Meagher, BA 46, played varsity football and hockey as a student, then returned THE LOYOLA NEWS ARTICLE BY L. IAN MACDONALD, FROM SEPTEMBER 20, 1966, as a math teacher and hockey and foot- SUGGESTING THAT THE NEW ARENA BE NAMED AFTER ED MEAGHER. ball coach. He taught until a few years and part performance festival, Encuentro before his death from cancer in 1995, at rivalry between Warriors and Georgians in the country and we were hosting,” says is held biannually in the Americas: the age of 69. He served as athletics di- will continue for another season,” the Les Lawton, who has coached Stingers Montreal is the first Canadian city, and rector at the college and at Loyola High article said. women’s hockey for more than 30 years only the second outside of Mexico, Central School. People called him “Mr. Loyola.” At that time, the Loyola Arena func- and 1,000 games. He also took Team and South America to host the event since On January 28, 2000, 34 years af- tioned as more than just a sports venue. Canada to a world championship in 1994. its inception in 2000. ter MacDonald’s article was published, Christine Mota, BA 77, director of When the last game of the 1998 CIAU The 2014 Encuentro — entitled Concordia renamed the arena in Ed Concordia’s Media Relations, recalls tournament rolled around on March 1, MANIFEST! Choreographing Social Meagher’s honour. In November 2013, attending concerts, writing exams and the arena was crammed with a capacity Movements in the Americas — will bring the refurbished Ed Meagher Arena even graduating in a place otherwise crowd of 1,000. Concordia had landed 11 together more than 700 scholars, art- reopened. (See “Ed Meagher Arena inau- reserved for faceoffs and body checks. of the last 14 Quebec conference cham- ists, activists and students for lectures, gurates NHL-class upgrades” on page 6.) “It was really the only large space at pionships. According to Lawton, “We discussions, exhibitions and workshops As sports editor and hockey equip- Loyola,” she says, remembering how were heavy favourites.” that explore the intersection of perfor- ment manager, MacDonald remembers students packed themselves into the For good reason: the Stingers beat the mance and politics, from June 21 to 28. watching varsity games in the new arena arena to register for their courses. University of Toronto Blues 4-1. “That’s Although most sessions will only — especially during the 1967-68 season, probably the most historical win we’ve be open to delegates, main stage when the Loyola Warriors made it all the “THE MOST HISTORICAL WIN” had in our rink, though we’ve had some performances at Théâtre Outremont way to the national finals. On Saturday In 1998, at the soon-to-be-renamed great events,” he says. will be open to the public on June 20 night, March 2, 1968, in the Loyola arena, a Concordia hockey team took The Stingers women’s team won (preview) and June 28. Encuentro 2014 Arena, the Warriors ended the “Georgian another crack at a national title — this five provincial championships and two will also feature exhibitions, screenings Hex” by beating rival Sir George Williams time, during the inaugural edition of national titles between 1998 and 2005; and a public intervention — open to all Georgians in the Ottawa-St. Lawrence the Canadian Interuniversity Athletic the men won eight of 10 provincial and free of charge. intercollegiate championships for the Union (CIAU, now CIS) women’s championships from 1976 to 1984. – Tom Peacock and Renée Dunk first time in four years. championship. “It was the top six teams — Tom Peacock

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 7 PROFESSORS SCORE $2.8 MILLION FOR PIONEERING RESEARCH

hanks to new funding from the T Government of Canada, two Concordia professors just might create

a greener aerospace industry and help niversity cure fungal infections. U ordia In November, Christian Moreau and c on Malcolm Whiteway were each awarded C CHRISTIAN MOREAU MALCOLM WHITEWAY a Tier 1 Canada Research Chair (CRC), worth $200,000 annually for seven years. In total, this represents $2.8 that will help improve engine fuel “Bloodstream infections related to million in Concordia research funding. efficiency, decrease greenhouse gas C. albicans are frequently fatal,” explains For Moreau, a professor in Concordia’s emissions and extend component life.” Whiteway. “Because the cells of this Department of Mechanical and Industrial The CRC will help Whiteway, a pro- fungus function very similarly to human Engineering, the chair will support re- fessor in Concordia’s Department of cells, the antibiotics that have been so search on new coating and functional Biology, in his use of genomic tools to successful in treating bacterial infections surface solutions that would improve study Candida albicans, a medically im- are not active against them, and the energy efficiency in aerospace, automo- portant fungal pathogen. This naturally current antifungal drugs can have serious tive and other industrial applications. occurring fungus can lead to unpleas- side effects. My research will help lead “In aircraft jet engines, the flow of hot ant oral and genital infections and to the development of a new generation combustion gases could damage internal can be a serious threat to people with of antifungal drugs that have limited side components if their surfaces were not compromised immune systems, such effects on the human host.” properly protected with a temperature- as patients with AIDS, or undergoing — Cléa Desjardins resistant coating,” he says. “My research chemotherapy, organ or bone marrow works on developing a new kind of coating transplantation.

CONCORDIA’S MARGUERITE MENDELL WINS PRIX DU QUÉBEC

arguerite Mendell, BA (econ.) served as director since 1987. Her M 72 — economist, professor and collaborations in community economic interim principal of Concordia’s School development, social economy and the of Community and Public Affairs social finance sector have resulted in (SCPA) — received the Prix du Québec innovations in public policy at the mu- in November for her three decades of nicipal, provincial and federal levels. scholarship and engagement in the field Mendell says, “My research has c

of social economy. ebe been based on the dynamic nature u Q

The Prix du Québec, the highest dis- of of Quebec — a place I love. To be tinction awarded by the Government of recognized by the government at this Quebec, recognizes individuals whose stage in my career is very rewarding, overnment innovative spirit and work has con- G but also overwhelming!” the

tributed to the development of Quebec She has published widely on the society. Mendell specifically received social economy in Quebec, local rtesy u o the Marie-Andrée-Bertrand Award, C development, social finance and MARGUERITE MENDELL IS ONE OF 13 RECIPIENTS which is given to individuals whose OF THE 2013 PRIX DU QUÉBEC. economic democracy. Mendell also research leads to important social played a central role in establishing the innovations that improve collective SCPA’s Graduate Diploma in Community well-being. carved out an illustrious career in which Economic Development. Since joining the university in 1984 she has been a significant contributor to — Christian Durand as a postdoctoral fellow in the PhD the SCPA and the Karl Polanyi Institute Humanities program, Mendell has of Political Economy, where she has

8 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine niversity

U CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY ordia c on C PresentsPresents Presents MALCOLM WHITEWAY

“Bloodstream infections related to THE WALRUSTHE WALRUS C. albicans are frequently fatal,” explains THE WALRUS Whiteway. “Because the cells of this CONCORDIA-LED RESEARCH SHOWS THAT PARENTS AND FRIENDS PLAY A MAJOR ROLE IN THE MOVING-OUT PROCESS FOR THOSE IN THEIR 20s. fungus function very similarly to human cells, the antibiotics that have been so TALKSTALKS TALKS successful in treating bacterial infections RESEARCH SHOWS FAMILY NEST are not active against them, and the COSIER THAN EVER current antifungal drugs can have serious Eighty minutesEighty minutes of thought-provoking of thought-provokingEighty minutes of thought-provoking side effects. My research will help lead hen it’s time to leave the nest, young adults are ideas aboutideas the about big issues the big ofideas issuesour time. of our time. about the big issues of our time. to the development of a new generation W increasingly loath to fly, according to new Concordia of antifungal drugs that have limited side research. About 42 per cent of adults aged 20 to 29 lived with FeaturingFeaturing leading thinkers,leading thinkers, writers,Featuring writers, leading thinkers, writers, effects on the human host.” their parents in 2011, compared with 27 percent in 1981, performers, and more. performers, and more. — Cléa Desjardins Statistics Canada census data shows. performers, and more. For millennials (20-somethings) who do leave home, the transition can be crisis-inducing. Luckily, this can be mollified Monday,Monday, april 28april 28 Monday, april 28 by support from peers and parents, a finding that has impli- cations for disadvantaged youths. Parents and friends play a The WalrusThe TalksWalrus Talks The Walrus Talks CONCORDIA’S MARGUERITE MENDELL WINS PRIX DU QUÉBEC major role in the moving out process, says Varda Mann-Feder, climateclimate climate a professor in the Department of Applied Human Sciences and served as director since 1987. Her author of the study. CanadianCanadian Museum Museum of Nature of Nature Canadian Museum of Nature collaborations in community economic The research, which appeared in the Canadian Journal of OttawaOttawa Ottawa development, social economy and the Family and Youth, suggests that fewer blue-collar jobs and social finance sector have resulted in higher living costs have forced young adults to put off leaving innovations in public policy at the mu- the hearth. Their “need for prolonged education” is also cited nicipal, provincial and federal levels. as a stay-put factor. The findings also reveal a new life stage — Wednesday,Wednesday, May 7 May 7 Wednesday, May 7 Mendell says, “My research has “emerging adulthood” — for those who go from family nest to The Walrus Talks The Walrus Talks been based on the dynamic nature personal quest. The Walrus Talks of Quebec — a place I love. To be “This study shows that peers continue to play a critical role in humanhuman rights rights human rights recognized by the government at this development after the teenage years,” says Mann-Feder. “They Isabel BaderIsabel Theatre Bader Theatre Isabel Bader Theatre stage in my career is very rewarding, provide unique input not available from parents or roman- Toronto Toronto but also overwhelming!” tic partners. This finding gives me hope for those emerging Toronto She has published widely on the adults who do not have the benefit of a parental safety net, that social economy in Quebec, local is, for individuals forced to transition out of foster care, men- theWalrus.ca/eventstheWalrus.ca/events theWalrus.ca/events development, social finance and tal health institutions or juvenile justice situations when they economic democracy. Mendell also reach the age of majority.” played a central role in establishing the Mann-Feder says despite large investments in programs SCPA’s Graduate Diploma in Community to help disadvantaged youths progress to independent living, Economic Development. outcomes have been poor. The research, funded by the — Christian Durand Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada, is meant to be a first step towards an improvement in assistance programs. – Cléa Desjardins and Scott McCulloch

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 9 Concordia University and The Globe and Mail present a national conversation series on THE CREATIVE PROCESS

How does increasing media clutter affect modern life? What goes into developing a big-top experience? Where do writers go to find inspiration? Why do we love music?

Stay tuned to concordia.ca/talks for more information and to reserve your seats.

WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12

Today’s artists and creative companies

define themselves both through their art and through positioning. THURSDAY, MARCH 6 playwright, Louis Patrick Leroux, To understand a current media situation, director and associate professor in

first you need to understand the past. Concordia’s departments of English

professor and and French Studies, sits down with

Charles Acland, Terry Lyn Heward, former director of

Concordia University Research ChairUnder creation for Cirque du Soleil, to exchange in Communication Studies, and host of CBC Radio’s ideas on the artistic and commercial O’Reilly, discuss strategies for applications of creativity. the Influence, media clutter by exploring humanity’s Conversation: 7 p.m.–8 p.m. long history with information overload. Oscar Peterson Concert Hall

7141 Sherbrooke St. W. Conversation: 7 p.m.–8 p.m. Loyola Campus Book signings: 8:15 p.m. D.B. Clarke Theatre, Henry F. Hall Building 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W. Sir George Williams Campus TUESDAY, MARCH 25 THURSDAY, MARCH 20

Whether we move or not, most of Technology is changing how we hear and make music, from the ubiquitous us seem to be caught between two or iPod to computers that can improvise more cultures. and compose music in real time. Man Booker International Prize-nominated writer Josip Novakovich, a professor in Sandeep Bhagwati, an associate Concordia’s Department of English, and professor in Concordia’s Department two-time Booker Prize-winning author of Music and Canada Research Chair Peter Carey share how leaving one’s in Inter-X Art Practice and Theory, WEDNESDAY, MARCH 12 native continent can influence your writing. Jian Ghomeshi, and host of CBC Radio’s Today’s artists and creative companies brainstorm on what global music traditionsQ, Conversation: 7 p.m.–8 p.m. define themselves both through their could soon look and sound like. Book signing: 8:15 p.m. art and through positioning. Oscar Peterson Concert Hall Conversation: 7 p.m.–8 p.m. playwright, 7141 Sherbrooke St. W. Louis Patrick Leroux, Book signing: 8:15 p.m. Loyola Campus director and associate professor in Oscar Peterson Concert Hall

Concordia’s departments of English 7141 Sherbrooke St. W. and French Studies, sits down with Loyola Campus

Lyn Heward, former director of creation for Cirque du Soleil, to exchange ideas on the artistic and commercial applications of creativity.

Conversation: 7 p.m.–8 p.m.

Oscar Peterson Concert Hall

7141 Sherbrooke St. W. BE PART OF THE THINKING Loyola Campus CONCORDIA.CA

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 11 Cold climate, warm memories

Alumni and former international students share why Montreal, “Canada’s cultural capital,” helped draw them to Concordia — and keep them after graduation

By Athena Tacet

Photos by Radu Diaconu

12 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine ATHENA TACET

FAVOURITE MONTREAL SPOT: ATHENA TACET AT THE CANADIAN CENTRE FOR ARCHITECTURE GROUNDS ON RENÉ-LÉVESQUE BOULEVARD. SHE ADORES THE VIEW AND ARCHITECTURAL SURROUNDINGS.

“Montreal, this wonderful town… Pearl of Canada, pearl of the world.” — Mikhail Gorbachev, former president, Soviet Union

vividly remember arriving at I’ve travelled the world. (Concordia I’m also among the significant Montreal’s Pierre Elliott Trudeau students can also literally travel the number of international students who International Airport from Paris world through exchange programs; see settle in the city: about 20 per cent of Ion August 23, 2006. While fatigued “Students break away for a semester those who come from elsewhere to from the long trip, I still recall the abroad” on page 17). complete an undergraduate degree indescribable delight of setting out Like my fellow international students, in Quebec remain after graduation, on my journey as I was about to begin I was full of enthusiasm and some anxi- according to consulting firm SECOR. studying political science at Concordia. ety — yet couldn’t have imagined that the While the programs and professors At age 17, I was joining more than time I would spend at the university and at Concordia and its sister institutions 160,000 students who attend one of city would become the most significant play a major role in drawing young Montreal’s four universities each year. of my life. people, the city’s charms certainly add I was also among the thousands of I attended Concordia’s fall orienta- to that. Affordable, friendly and open, non-Canadians at Concordia — today tion, where I was advised that my stay Montreal topped the 2013 rankings it’s 6,300 out of a total of 46,000-plus would be sometimes difficult but ul- by The Economist and China’s Bank of — who come from more than 150 coun- timately enriching, and that it takes Communications for best-value des- tries around the globe, from Australia about seven years of ups and downs in a tinations for foreign undergraduates. to Zimbabwe. Since then, I’ve met stu- new city before finally starting to feel at British lifestyle magazine Monocle calls dents from countless nationalities, home. Seven years later, I can confirm Montreal “Canada’s cultural capital” and through their cultural perspectives that’s true. — a nod to the city’s inimitable art,

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 13 FAVOURITE MONTREAL SPOT: AMY HERNANDEZ AMY HERNANDEZ AT THÉ KIOSQUE ON MACKAY STREET, NEXT DOOR TO CONCORDIA. SHE LOVES MONTREAL’S COUNTLESS CAFÉS AND TEA HOUSES.

museums, festivals and mid-Atlantic fusions of style, design and architecture. And a new QS (Quacquarelli Symonds) international ranking of best student cities placed Montreal tops in Canada, second in North America and ninth in the world. I talked to three fellow international alumni who stayed here after graduation and, like me, fell in love with our adopted city.

NOT IN KANSAS Hernandez, who’s now an assis- When I first woke up to 50 centimetres “In Montreal, everyone seems to come tant in Concordia’s Department of of snow in front of my window, from every part of the world,” says Contemporary Dance and a recent- I thought, “I was on a terrace baking American-born Amy Hernandez, BA 08. ly minted Canadian citizen, savours in the Indian summer yesterday. Her new city is a long way — in dis- Montreal’s summer joie de vivre. “We What happened?” tance and mindset — from Hernandez’s don’t have terraces in Kansas — it’s usu- Concordia’s International birthplace of Wamego, Kansas, home ally too hot or too windy. But in Montreal Students Holiday Party, organized by of the Oz Museum, which is dedicated it’s just perfect, especially in the Plateau Advancement and Alumni Relations ev- to the world of the Wizard of Oz. After neighbourhood,” she says. “I try to look ery December, is one way to help warm following the (yellow-brick) road north- at Montreal from the viewpoint of a per- things up. The gathering pulls in some ward, Hernandez was surprised and son I went to high school with in my 300 international students who can’t pleased to find the American notion of hometown, and I always wonder: ‘What make it home — often to warmer climes “melting pot” didn’t apply here. “In the would they think of this amazing place?’” — for the holidays. States, you kind of assimilate into being Veteran Montrealers learn to survive American, upholding American val- WINTER MARVELS its sub-zero temperatures and enjoy ues. But here, everybody can keep their Of course, there’s no such thing as a free winter through activities, from ice skat- own,” she says. “I really appreciated this lunch; Montreal exacts its price through ing at the Old Port to day trips to sugar patchwork of cultures because you can unpredictably wild winters. That reality shacks. For Hernandez, though, the first see through others’ eyes what their tra- often shocks foreign students during January bit hard — she arrived from the ditions are and who they really are.” their initial snowstorm encounters. American Midwest with only a thin wool

14 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine jacket, her thickest garment. “It wasn’t time the great value of having INVITING KNOCK until my second winter, after I received both languages.” Yitian (Michelle) Su, BA 11, came from money from my parents and bought a Other influences, such as falling China to Montreal 10 years ago for heavy, fluffy coat, that I thought, ‘Winter in love with a Québécois, helped coax Concordia’s urban studies program. isn’t so bad after all if you have good Hernandez to plant roots. “He’s now my Today she’s a homemaker in Montreal, clothing and warm boots.’” husband of eight years,” she says. The expecting her second child. Su had Another challenge — or appeal — for couple have two young children, and she considered a Dutch university but chose some is the French factor. International feels it’s important both speak French, Canada for its multiculturalism and students without knowledge of the city’s regardless of whether Kansas one day welcoming reputation. “I knew that official language can find it difficult to beckons. “I even looked for a French Canada would give me more choices and adjust. Hernandez, rather, tackled a de- school there in case we had to move opportunities after I graduated from gree in études françaises at Concordia back. It is very important to me to pass university,” she says. after spending a year volunteering. “I that on to my children.” Campus activities, such as those of- really wanted to immerse myself in the She has no plans to return home, fered by the Concordia International culture and language, and since I didn’t though. “Staying was just a progression Students Association (CISA), broadened know a word of French when I started for me, an evolution. I learned how to Su’s horizons. “In my first year, the only my degree, I just threw myself into it. I appreciate the Kansas I wanted to escape thing I did was study,” she recalls. “But wouldn’t recommend it to everybody,” and the Montreal that I have an inde- as of my second year, I got a chance to she says, laughing. “But I have seen over scribable bond with.” volunteer for CISA’s orientation.

ALI MOHAMMADI

FAVOURITE MONTREAL SPOT: ALI MOHAMMADI AT COLLÈGE DE MONTRÉAL ON SHERBROOKE STREET. THE COLLEGE IS AMONG HIS MOST CHERISHED LOCAL SITES BECAUSE IT FEATURES ONE OF THE CITY’S OLDEST BUILDINGS.

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 15 YITIAN FAVOURITE MONTREAL SPOT: MICHELLE (MICHELLE) SU SU ON THE 14TH FLOOR OF CONCORDIA’S ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE AND VISUAL ARTS INTEGRATED COMPLEX. THE URBAN STUDIES GRADUATE LOVES THE BUILDING AND ITS ARCHITECTURE.

concern Global Access Group. “Winter in Montreal has never been a problem for me.” The city’s bilingual demands weren’t a negative issue for Mohammadi — he saw it as a pleasure as much as a neces- sity. “The main reason I came here was because it’s the place where French and English meet — I was able to learn French and use my English,” he says. And while Hernandez’s amorous tale of finding her love in Quebec is certainly sweet, it’s not unique. Mohammadi, who headed CISA in 1998-99, recalls a heart-stopping moment during a Quebec City day trip. “I was in charge of counting the students on the bus on our way back to Montreal. As I realized that we were 96 instead of 98, I started pan- icking,” he recalls. Mohammadi learnt — days later — that the absent couple had previously known each other but became better acquainted I enjoyed meeting students from all over “I arrived here the week of my birth- during the excursion. “They fell in love, the world and then decided I would run day and I was staying at the old YMCA decided to stay and spend a romantic for a position at the end of the year.” building on Stanley,” Mohammadi re- night in Quebec City. They ended up Su later joined CISA’s executive team calls. “The morning after, I get a knock marrying, which is actually pretty com- — the best decision she ever made, she on my door from an ISO volunteer who mon in CISA.” says. “In order to organize successful welcomed me to Canada and Concordia. From romance to professional events, we had to deal with our own cul- He invited me right away to an event.” ambition, each student who remains tural conflicts and different mindsets.” A challenge for any traveller is get- in Montreal has his or her own reason. Ali Mohammadi, BComm 01, who ting used to local foods. Yet for those I stayed to pursue a graduate diploma came from Iran at age 21 to attend who miss their mother’s cooking, in journalism at Concordia, a step Concordia’s John Molson School of Montreal offers many options. “The toward my lifelong dream of becoming Business, also quickly took to his new first thing that struck me was the num- a journalist. The city has done the rest. habitat. “The place you do your stud- ber of cultural restaurants here,” says As Mohammadi puts it, “Although most ies is the place you feel at home, and Mohammadi. “They even have Persian of us come from different backgrounds, it genuinely feels like home here,” ones! When I first came, I thought, Montreal has this ability to attract Mohammadi says. ‘Look at this gastronomic hub.’” like-minded individuals and bring When Mohammadi landed in the city Unlike Hernandez, he wasn’t both- us all together.” in the late 1990s, he found solace in the ered by his first winter. “As Iranians, CISA and the International Students we learn to adjust,” says Mohammadi, – Athena Tacet, BA 09, GrDip (journ.) 12, Office (ISO). who’s now president of Montreal web is a Montreal freelance journalist.

16 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine FAVOURITE MONTREAL SPOT: MICHELLE SU ON THE 14TH FLOOR OF CONCORDIA’S ENGINEERING, COMPUTER SCIENCE AND VISUAL ARTS INTEGRATED COMPLEX. THE URBAN STUDIES GRADUATE LOVES THE BUILDING AND ITS ARCHITECTURE. STUDENTS BREAK AWAY FOR A SEMESTER ABROAD

While thousands of international students head to Concordia each year, those enrolled at the university can take advantage of exchanges to spend a term abroad

BY AVIVA ENGEL AND CHRISTINE ZEINDLER

Snorkelling at the Great Barrier Reef and cavorting with kangaroos would be unforgettable adventures for anyone, yet communication studies student Marie Dubeau-Labbé took home something even more valuable home from her exchange in Australia: an education.

“I’m getting to experience a similarly dynamic and professional program to the one I got at Concordia, but in a completely different cultural mindset,” Dubeau-Labbé said during her 2013 term at RMIT University in Melbourne, Australia.

Thanks to Concordia International’s study abroad programs, RMIT is one of dozens of options available to students. Concordia International helps ferry off more than 300 exchange students annually to destinations in Africa, Europe, the Middle East and elsewhere. abbé -L According to Dubeau-Labbé, the exchanges provide matchless academic opportunities. u bea u D

“As a communications student, you learn that knowledge is enriched when you become of aware not only of your own surroundings but of other social contexts,” she says. “For rtesy

example, as Canadians, we are used to referencing the U.S. But Australia is a relatively u o c remote island with no bordering countries, and it is surprising to see how much it affects hoto their ways of thinking about the rest of the world.” P

CONCORDIA COMMUNICATION STUDIES STUDENT “Everyone should look into this,” says Eddy Elsagh, BComm 13, describing the John MARIE DUBEAU-LABBÉ RECENTLY PARTICIPATED IN AN EXCHANGE AT RMIT UNIVERSITY IN AUSTRALIA. THE Molson School of Business’s International Student Exchange Program (ISEP) that brought VIDEO SHE MADE ABOUT HER EXPERIENCES THERE WON him to Japan for one term in 2010. Adapting to new customs and learning Japanese A $5,000 AWARD FROM THE UNIVERSITY’S EDUCATION ABROAD OFFICE. while earning credits towards his degree was an invaluable experience, Elsagh says. “I am interested in working abroad. It was good to have this international exposure.”

For more information, visit international.concordia.ca.

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 17 k c thinksto / niversity U ordia c on C

IS THE CANADIAN BUSINESS MODEL OFF TARGET?

WITH AMERICAN VENDORS CONTINUING TO MOVE NORTH, CONCORDIA EXPERTS CONSIDER THE CHALLENGES FACING CANADIAN RETAILERS

BY JASON MAGDER

18 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine give

EVEN WITH AN INFLUX OF U.S. COMPETITORS, JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROFESSORS to HAROLD SIMPKINS (LEFT) AND MICHEL MAGNAN ARE CAUTIOUSLY OPTIMISTIC ABOUT THE FUTURE OF THE CANADIAN BUSINESSES. advance lives nexpensive coffee, baked goods it knows expanding to the U.S. is key to and fresh sandwiches: it seems continued success. Yet for some rea- Over 27 per cent of like a proven formula. son Americans aren’t charmed by the I Yet something about what made Tim quaint coffee shops, preferring Dunkin’ students in degree Hortons number one in Canada gets left Donuts, Starbucks and McDonald’s. programs study part- behind at the border. Tim Hortons isn’t the only iconic time, giving Concordia In its home country, as its 2012 annual Canadian brand to struggle below the report claims, “Tim Hortons pours nearly 49th parallel. In the 1980s, Canadian the highest percentage eight out of every 10 cups of coffee sold at Tire doubled its number of retail outlets of part-time enrolment quick service restaurants.” Despite mak- when it bought the Texas department ing its foray into the United States store Whites. On the verge of bankrupt- among large Quebec 30 years ago, the company’s market share cy, Whites’s purchase price was heavily universities.* there is an anemic 2.4 per cent. discounted. Canadian Tire figured it In his book Always Fresh (2006), Tim would adopt the model that made it a Hortons co-founder Ron Joyce wrote success in Canada and offered the same about how he delayed expanding into merchandise and store layout under the Quebec until the mid-1980s because Whites name. But sales at Whites never the market was dominated by Dunkin’ took off, and Canadian Tire nearly went Donuts. But within a few years of mak- under after it lost $300 million in the ing the jump, the company became the span of a few years. It eventually sold off province’s market leader. Today, Tim the stores. Hortons continues to thrive in Quebec, Professor Harold Simpkins, a senior while Dunkin’ Donuts restaurants are a lecturer in the Department of Marketing rarity, with just about a dozen left. at Concordia’s John Molson School Tim Hortons can’t seem to dupli- of Business (JMSB), maintains that cate that success story. Tims has grown American brands are better at market- about as much as it can in Canada and ing and they’re accustomed to working concordia.ca/giving

* According to an economic impact study by SECOR.

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 19

Annual Giving ad_FINAL.indd 1 08/01/2014 9:50:19 AM in a fiercely competitive environment. That puts Canadian brands at a disad- vantage when they try to expand due south. “Americans fight really hard,” says Simpkins, who’s also academic director of the Marketing Co-op Program. “They’re more efficient, they have lower taxes, they have a stronger work ethic, they’re used to working with lower profit margins and they’re much more entrepreneurial.” Perhaps that tougher competition at home explains why many American brands seem to flourish in Canada and dominate the market in a short time. That’s certainly what happened k with Walmart after it bought Woolco’s c

122 Canadian leases in 1994. Since its hinksto T launch, Walmart has nearly tripled its / number of Canadian locations while niversity

Canadian-owned department stores U ordia

Eaton’s, SAAN and Simpson’s all went c on bankrupt. C

ON TARGET Now another player is poised to reshape the retail landscape. With 124 People said Canadian Tire would suffer when stores, Target’s foray into Canada is the largest-ever retail launch by an Walmart came in; the company thrived. American company. The department store offers a varied merchandise of groceries, electronics, clothing, sports Target has come to the same doesn’t expect it will have an easy time equipment and housewares. Market conclusion. in Canada. He told an industry audience observers say the Canadian companies Even before the company opened any last March at CIBC’s annual Retail and most threatened by Target’s launch stores, its brand recognition among Consumer Conference in Toronto: “The are Canadian Tire, Loblaws and other Canadians was at 70 per cent, and grocery retailers are very strong, much grocery stores. Canadians are already used to shopping stronger than in the U.S. Canadian Tire Simpkins contends that one of the there when on vacation or when cross- is an outstanding operator... Walmart is reasons American brands seem to do border shopping. formidable wherever they operate… We well here is because Canadian shoppers Target’s entry into this country hasn’t recognize that we need to do the things don’t have much loyalty to companies been a cakewalk. Nonetheless, its main we do well, extremely well.” based in Canada. “I don’t know the ex- competitors are refocusing their strategy Professor Michel Magnan, the tent to which we have nationalistic to combat the Minneapolis-based retail Lawrence Bloomberg Endowed Chair attachments to our brands,” he says. giant. Both Loblaws and Canadian Tire in Accountancy at JMSB and a CIRANO “We really like Canadian Tire. We re- are opening up smaller boutique stores (Center for Interuniversity Research ally like Tim Hortons. We used to really in urban markets where Target isn’t and Analysis of Organizations) fel- like RIM and Blackberry, but I won- traditionally strong. In July, Loblaws low, says the success of Target doesn’t der if it makes any difference to us if reached a deal to buy Shoppers Drug necessarily mean the disappearance of they’re owned by Canadians, Swiss, Mart, which would give the grocery store Canadian brands. “I think the Canadian Germans or Japanese.” Simpkins adds an even larger footprint in urban areas. food retailing scene is a success in that Canadians seem to enjoy shopping According to the company’s chief fi- the making,” Magnan says, referring at American chains. nancial officer John Mulligan, Target to companies like Loblaws, Quebec’s

20 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine Metro Inc. and Nova Scotia’s Sobeys where the decisions are made,” he says. Inc., which are all in expansion mode. “They’re more likely to retain profes- Simpkins believes Canadian Tire sional services from around the head could also be unaffected. “People office, like attorneys, accountants, said Canadian Tire would suffer when consultants and HR experts.” Walmart came in; the company thrived,” He adds that having the headquarters he says. of a major retailer nearby could also be Statistics show there’s room for co- a boon for potential suppliers. existence among competitors. Figures from the International Council of MADE IN CANADA? Shopping Centers show there are fewer As Canadian brands disappear, there retail stores in Canada than in the U.S., are few new companies emerging to take and Canadians spend more money when their place. Simpkins says that’s be- out shopping than their American coun- cause Canada’s entrepreneurship rate is terparts. The data show sales in Canada low, as is the success rate of new busi- per square foot of retail space are $563 nesses. “Part of the reason could be our k

c give compared with $400 in the States. social programs,” he says. “When you

hinksto Still, the American invasion contin- have strong social programs, it kills the T / ues. Target is just the latest of a long entrepreneurial spirit.” He expects that list of American companies moving Americans tend to take bigger risks and niversity to U operations into this country. Others work harder to make their companies ordia c include clothing store J. Crew, Tanger successful because they know the gov- on empower C Outlets, which specializes in luxury fac- ernment won’t help them out if they fail. tory stores, and department store Lord Canadian entrepreneurs complain & Taylor, which bought Canada’s oldest their major hurdle is a lack of financing the next company, the Hudson’s Bay Company, in this country. That’s why many prom- in 2008. (Iconic American retail chain ising technology firms end up relocating generation Saks Inc. recently agreed to be sold to to California’s Silicon Valley, where the Hudson’s Bay for $2.4 billion.) world’s most successful venture capi- Concordia integrates Simpkins points out that because of talists and technology businesses are groups traditionally the sheer size of American companies, located. Banks here don’t generally take when they can’t find a way to expand bets on risky ventures, so in recent years neglected by universities, into this market they’ll just buy out the governments have tried to improve the including students from competition. That’s what happened with environment for venture capital firms, modest socio-economic The Bay as well as La Senza, which was which back fledgling businesses in the purchased by Victoria’s Secret. “I guess hopes of a big payout when those firms backgrounds, thereby when you get to a certain size, you start are either sold or are transformed into producing first generation attracting the bigger players,” he says. public companies. As more American brands migrate In September, the Conservative graduates.* north, they’re taking a huge chunk of the government announced a $50 million retail pie. Toronto-based retail consul- investment in four venture capital tant Wendy Evans predicts that by 2015 funds that invest in life sciences and American brands will make up 70 per information technology. Quebec, which cent of the Canadian retail scene, up has one of the lowest rates of new start- from 50 per cent just two years ago. ups in the country, has been pouring While Canadian shoppers don’t seem money into venture capital firms for to care about the nationality of their fa- several years. In 2009, the province set vourite brands, perhaps policy makers up a $700-million fund called Teralys should take note of the disappearing Capital, with money from the QFL Canadian head office. Magnan notes that Solidarity Fund (Fonds de solidarité having large head offices located here is FTQ), Investissement Québec and the an economic catalyst. “The head office is Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec, concordia.ca/giving

* According to an economic impact study by SECOR.

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 21

Annual Giving ad_FINAL.indd 2 08/01/2014 9:50:19 AM HITS AND MISSES Over the years Canadian businesses have experienced spectacular success — and disasters — in foreign markets. Below are the top five stars and dogs.

By Scott McCulloch

Groupe Jean Coutu‘s foray into the Couche-Tard North West Company United States had its flaws, yet shareholders When convenience store giant Rather than go south, Canada’s North are now soothed. The Montreal-based Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. acquired West Company cracked the U.S. north. retailer reported net profits up for fiscal the retail unit of Statoil ASA, Norway’s The Winnipeg-based grocer found 2014, largely from gains on its investment state-owned oil giant, for $2.8 billion success in Alaska in 1992 as a retailer in and disposal of U.S. drugstore chain Rite in 2012, it was a blockbuster deal. to remote communities. North West Aid. Rite Aid played a merger role in the The acquisition made the retailer, operates 29 stores in the non-contiguous group’s U.S. acquisition odyssey in 2004, headquartered in Laval, Que., among U.S. state, as well as in Guam, the the year in which Jean Coutu became North the six largest Canadian-based Northern Mariana Islands, American America’s fourth-largest drugstore chain. companies by sales. Samoa and the Caribbean.

Aldo Shoes Roots Canada Ltd. One of Canada’s major success THuMbS Fashion retailer Roots Canada Ltd. has four stories in terms of international American storesand has long sought to add expansion, Aldo Shoes has come a more since it entered the States inthe 1970s. long way since opening its first U.S. Toronto-based Roots operates 52 in-store shop in Boston in 1993. Today the boutiques with U.S. retail giant Saks. Its Montreal-based shoe retailer has biggest hit so far: must-have hats worn by more than 380 American outlets and up the American Olympic team during the Salt For a global reach, you can test drive ideas parlayed that success into growth in LakeCity winter games in 2002. more than 80 countries. in Canada’s major cities maybe much more efficiently than in Springfield, Indiana. Le Château Inc. It took the once privately held retailer Mark’s Work Wearhouse Le Château Inc. 24 years to go public, Mark’s Work Wearhouse (L’Équipeur THuMbS 26 years to expand into the U.S. and in Quebec) first opened in Calgary in three to nearly throw in the towel south 1977 as a specialist in durable work of the border after opening 26 American clothes.Mark’s entered the U.S. in outlets in the late 1980s. Today, the 1981, peaked at nine shops in Idaho, DowN Montrealbased fashion retailer operates Wyoming and Utah, before sourcing one U.S. outlet in New Jersey, five under problems forced its U.S division to file licence in the Middle East and Asia, and for bankruptcy in 1987. 234 shops in Canada. Danier Leather Future Shop La Senza In 2005, Toronto-based leather chain A jewel in the nation’s retail electronics In 1993 Irv Teitelbaum could do no wrong. Danier closed three struggling U.S. crown, Future Shop is a bittersweet Months after taking Suzy Shier Ltd. public stores after four years in the market. At Canadian success story. Founded in 1982, to fundexpansion of his La Senza lingerie the time, Danier said it would instead the Burnaby, B.C.-based retailer opened chain, the former chief executive told focus on “superior returns” from its 22 stores in the northwestern U.S. in 1996, retailers his company’s next step was U.S. Canadian operations. The closure of the only to shut them in 1999 after posting expansion. By 2005, Canadianborn La New York and New Jersey shops cost losses of $83 million. Future Shop was Senza had closed five U.S. stores. Two years the leather firm $1.1 million, roughly purchased for CAD$580 million by U.S.- later, it was acquired by Limited Brands, the what it expected in savings as a result. based Best Buy in 2001. U.S. parent of rival Victoria’s Secret.

22 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine

Setting an example winter 2014-Mangat.indd 6 13/01/2014 1:31:30 PM HITS AND MISSES Over the years Canadian businesses have experienced spectacular success — and disasters — which manages public retirement funds. because of their diversity, you can in foreign markets. Below are the top five stars and dogs. The gamble of both the federal and test drive ideas in Canada’s major the provincial governments is that the cities maybe much more efficiently By Scott McCulloch investments by venture capitalists will than in Springfield, Indiana,” he says. result in several big payoffs, which will “This may contribute to the success of lead to major profits for the venture particular chains.” capital firms and in turn spur new He adds that Canadians seem to investment in Canadian companies. do well in niche products and cites And there are signs the strategy is Montreal-based Aldo Inc. as an exam- starting to pay off. ple. Started in 1972 by Aldo Bensadoun, Groupe Jean Coutu‘s foray into the Couche-Tard North West Company One of the country’s most promis- LLD 12, the shoe retailing company now United States had its flaws, yet shareholders When convenience store giant Rather than go south, Canada’s North ing new businesses is Beyond the Rack, has 1,600 stores in 80 countries and are now soothed. The Montreal-based Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. acquired West Company cracked the U.S. north. headquartered in Montreal. Founded in about 20,000 employees, 1,300 of whom retailer reported net profits up for fiscal the retail unit of Statoil ASA, Norway’s The Winnipeg-based grocer found 2008, the online shopping club start- work at its head office and distribution 2014, largely from gains on its investment state-owned oil giant, for $2.8 billion success in Alaska in 1992 as a retailer ed by local entrepreneurs Yona Shtern centre in the Montreal suburb of Saint- give in and disposal of U.S. drugstore chain Rite in 2012, it was a blockbuster deal. to remote communities. North West and Robert Gold has seen tremendous Laurent. The private company also Aid. Rite Aid played a merger role in the The acquisition made the retailer, operates 29 stores in the non-contiguous growth, with revenue reaching $200 operates the Globo, Spring and Little group’s U.S. acquisition odyssey in 2004, headquartered in Laval, Que., among U.S. state, as well as in Guam, the the year in which Jean Coutu became North the six largest Canadian-based Northern Mariana Islands, American million annually. The company has been Burgundy brands and takes in nearly America’s fourth-largest drugstore chain. companies by sales. Samoa and the Caribbean. backed by venture capitalists all over $2 billion in annual sales. the world but got its first break from the Magnan says Aldo built slowly, and to Aldo Shoes Roots Canada Ltd. Montreal-based investors group Real did so without much external financing. One of Canada’s major success THuMbS Fashion retailer Roots Canada Ltd. has four Ventures, whose nine-person team in- He points to Lululemon Athletica embrace stories in terms of international American storesand has long sought to add cludes investment analyst Jitender G. Inc. as another good example of a expansion, Aldo Shoes has come a more since it entered the States inthe 1970s. (Gabriel) Sundaram, BA 00, venture Canadian success. The Vancouver-based long way since opening its first U.S. Toronto-based Roots operates 52 in-store diversity shop in Boston in 1993. Today the boutiques with U.S. retail giant Saks. Its Montreal-based shoe retailer has biggest hit so far: must-have hats worn by The mother tongue of more than 380 American outlets and up the American Olympic team during the Salt For a global reach, you can test drive ideas 25 per cent of Concordia parlayed that success into growth in LakeCity winter games in 2002. in Canada’s major cities maybe much more more than 80 countries. students is neither French efficiently than in Springfield, Indiana. nor English.* Over 6,300 Le Château Inc. of our student base is It took the once privately held retailer partner Ian Jeffrey, BA 01, and chief sportswear company started in 1998 Mark’s Work Wearhouse Le Château Inc. 24 years to go public, international. You can of staff Stephanie Saheb, BComm 11. and now has 200 stores in the U.S. and Mark’s Work Wearhouse (L’Équipeur 26 years to expand into the U.S. and THuMbS Beyond the Rack is now seen as one Canada. The company’s revenue was empower our talented in Quebec) first opened in Calgary in three to nearly throw in the towel south 1977 as a specialist in durable work of the border after opening 26 American of the premier shopping clubs, rivalling $1.4 billion last year, with a net profit graduates to bring our clothes.Mark’s entered the U.S. in outlets in the late 1980s. Today, the New York-based Gilt Group. of $270 million. signature creativity 1981, peaked at nine shops in Idaho, DowN Montrealbased fashion retailer operates Jacques Bernier, the head of Teralys, Although some analysts believe Wyoming and Utah, before sourcing one U.S. outlet in New Jersey, five under says he’s encouraged by what he has competition from The Gap and other to the world. problems forced its U.S division to file licence in the Middle East and Asia, and seen in Quebec in the last few years yet retailers will eat into the company’s 234 shops in Canada. for bankruptcy in 1987. cautions there is no quick fix to heal bottom line, executives recently Danier Leather Future Shop La Senza Quebec’s meagre entrepreneurial rate. announced an ambitious expansion to In 2005, Toronto-based leather chain A jewel in the nation’s retail electronics In 1993 Irv Teitelbaum could do no wrong. “It can take 15 to 20 years to change the double its number of stores in the U.S. Danier closed three struggling U.S. crown, Future Shop is a bittersweet Months after taking Suzy Shier Ltd. public economy,” Bernier says. The success of Beyond the Rack, Aldo stores after four years in the market. At Canadian success story. Founded in 1982, to fundexpansion of his La Senza lingerie Magnan adds that despite the lack of and Lululemon and others provides the time, Danier said it would instead the Burnaby, B.C.-based retailer opened chain, the former chief executive told financing, there are advantages to start- hope that the Canadian business model focus on “superior returns” from its 22 stores in the northwestern U.S. in 1996, retailers his company’s next step was U.S. ing a business in Canada. The country’s isn’t ready to fall apart just yet. Canadian operations. The closure of the only to shut them in 1999 after posting expansion. By 2005, Canadianborn La New York and New Jersey shops cost losses of $83 million. Future Shop was Senza had closed five U.S. stores. Two years major cities are very cosmopolitan and the leather firm $1.1 million, roughly purchased for CAD$580 million by U.S.- later, it was acquired by Limited Brands, the as such provide good testing ground for —Jason Magder, BA (jour.) 00, is the tech what it expected in savings as a result. based Best Buy in 2001. U.S. parent of rival Victoria’s Secret. corporations wishing to hit an inter- reporter at the Montreal Gazette. national audience. “For a global reach, concordia.ca/giving

* According to an economic impact study by SECOR.

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 23

Annual Giving ad_FINAL.indd 3 08/01/2014 9:50:19 AM

Setting an example winter 2014-Mangat.indd 6 13/01/2014 1:31:30 PM PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME SPORT PREPARATION TAKES ITS TOLL ON ELITE ATHLETES. THIS YEAR’S OLYMPIC GAMES IN RUSSIA WILL BE NO EXCEPTION

BY SCOTT MCCULLOCH

lympians train hard. Gold Olympic Games, I wasn’t concerned of Concordia’s PERFORM Centre, a SHOCK ABSORBERS DeMont believes a diversification of geared toward joint-style injuries, like an medal Olympians probably train about the same things I am now. nexus for research in exercise science, Health hazards — such as crash-landing pre- and post-injury exercises minimizes ACL or a typical lateral ankle sprain, then harder. Four years ago, moguls Everything changes.” psychology and behavioural medicine. an aerial manoeuvre — seem strikingly the risk of injury. “Professionals are a maybe we can reduce those injuries.” Oskier Alexandre Bilodeau raced down a In a sport as precise and dangerous as “In some big ski resorts they see a torn obvious. Yet it’s the repetitive nature subset of athletes who train outrageously Fewer injuries mean less suffering. hill and flipped into the record books moguls skiing, gold medal performances ACL a day.” of mogul skiing, like a pitcher throwing hard. It seems like they’ve got to practise Therese Brisson, BSc 89, is no stranger to as the first Canadian to win gold at the must be near flawless. The pace is No wonder that, at the Olympic level, fastball after fastball, that’s potentially all day long, seven days a week,” says pain. A severe concussion in 2001 nearly Vancouver Olympics — and the first to do gruelling. Skiers complete a dozen turns athletes train intensely for two main more damaging. Athletes train in specific DeMont, whose research at PERFORM cost her Olympic glory in Salt Lake City in so at a Canadian-hosted Olympics. with complex aerial acrobatics. Runs last reasons: medal contention and injury motor patterns, says Richard DeMont, deals with injury prevention. “The 2002. Yet she led all Canadian defence in Olympic training is punishing. “It’s a less than 30 seconds — a flash, yet plenty prevention. For Bilodeau, ski-based an associate professor in Concordia’s seasons tend to go far too long in scoring, helping Canada win its first gold full-time job,” says Bilodeau, who’s of time for career-ending injuries. training camps are usually three weeks Department of Exercise Science. Golfers my opinion.” medal in women’s Olympic hockey. an accounting student at Concordia’s “In skiing in general, one injury on snow. Off-trail, his exercise regime swing. Pitchers pitch. Mogul skiers DeMont is keen to prove that variety is A former team captain and winner of John Molson School of Business. Sochi we’re really worried about is the torn diversifies into core training, bike absorb shocks. “Regardless of the the spice of life when it comes to muscle six world championships, Brisson was will be the 26-year-old’s third Olympics anterior cruciate ligament [ACL, intervals, trampoline sessions, water sport, they get accustomed to patterns.” strength and damage limitation to body later sidelined by complications from a and probably his last. The Games located in the knee],” says Geoff Dover, ramps, you name it. Then it’s back to Unfortunately, athletes’ bodies may parts. “What I hope to be able to show is broken ankle she suffered just before the have already left an indelible mark on assistant professor in the Department snow and alternating gym sessions, not adapt well to other forms of that if athletes train in a variety of ways 2004 world championship in Halifax. She the skier. “When I was 18, in my first of Exercise Science. He’s also a member all for about 11 months a year. intense movement. but specifically target some muscles played anyway, underwent four surgeries,

24 | winter 2014 concordiaconcordia universityuniversity magazinemagazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 25 PERFORMANCE OF A LIFETIME SPORT PREPARATION TAKES ITS TOLL ON ELITE ATHLETES. THIS YEAR’S OLYMPIC GAMES IN RUSSIA WILL BE NO EXCEPTION

BY SCOTT MCCULLOCH

24 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 25 developed an infection and required Dover’s research also examines how about putting yourself in the right state further surgery. Yet Brisson, who later injuries affect athletes’ sleep, as well as of mind to deliver the best performance earned a PhD in Physical Activities sleep’s role in recovery time. PERFORM you can,” says Bilodeau, who works with Science from Université de Montréal, researchers know that some people eminent sports psychologist Wayne says her Olympic commitments to a take longer than others to recover from Halliwell. Bilodeau says the decade-long “relentless pursuit of results” ultimately illness and injury. What they don’t relationship has deepened his self- made her a better person. know — yet — is why. “We know sleep understanding. “I think I’m a better is essential for daily activities and person. I know myself better and when PAIN AND GAIN functioning normally and it’s something you know yourself, you know how you’re Better but banged up. “There are a lot we haven’t looked at enough in going to react.” of skills you learn as an athlete that athletes,” says Dover. “We spend a lot of This fits with Theresa Bianco’s make you a great business leader,” says time and money on coaching, nutrition definition of sports psychology. An Brisson, now working in marketing in and performance enhancement, but we assistant professor in the Department of Toronto. “The downside is that it comes don’t look at sleep.” Psychology, Bianco describes her work with some leftovers of your career that Then there’s fear of pain, a factor with Concordia athletes as a matter of you would rather do without.” with proven effects on patient recovery self-awareness. “Performers don’t park Indeed, the Montreal native still times. It is this deeper understanding their brain in a jar when they go out onto wonders about the long-term effects of of pain perception or pain-related the field or arena or slopes,” Bianco M her injuries. “There are some physical fear that gets Dover up in the morning. stresses. “They need to be mentally ike R souvenirs that I would prefer not to Fear of pain and reinjury are well prepared as well as physically prepared idewood have.” One is pain — a concept that documented in general-population in order to perform well. We try to fascinates Dover. “The research our studies: recovering individuals help the athletes figure out what works lab attempts to answer is why some either rehabilitate quickly or slowly, for them so that they can consistently GOLD MEDAL WINNERS ALEX BILODEAU, RIGHT, AND FORMER CONCORDIA STINGER THERESE BRISSON, WHO WON WITH THE 2002 CANADIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM. THE CURRENT SQUAD FEATURES FORWARD CAROLINE OUELLETTE, AN ASSISTANT COACH WITH THE STINGERS, AND ASSISTANT COACH LISA JORDAN, BA 91; JULIE HEALY, BSC 83, IS people feel more pain than others and depending on their attitudes to pain. perform their best under conditions of MANAGER OF TEAM SERVICES FOR THE CANADIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE. how increased pain affects recovery Dover wants to know how prevalent extreme pressure.” and functions.” this is in athletes. “Everyone assumes So are sporting pinnacles reached North American east coast time. Those her, slamming the back of her head into was too accepting of hockey violence. athletes have a high pain tolerance and by some kind of harmonic mind- travelling from afar should be mindful the ice, breaking her helmet. Two thirds of delegates at a Canadian MOGUL SKIER ALEX BILODEAU WORKS WITH A SPORTS wouldn’t be affected by something like body-spirit fusion in elite athletes? of the perils of jet lag, warns Shimon The injury was a setback for Brisson, Medical Association meeting in Calgary PSYCHOLOGIST TO IMPROVE HIS PERFORMANCE READINESS AND SELF-UNDERSTANDING. this, but it’s not true.” “At the highest level it is really 80 per Amir, professor in the Department of who found it challenging to deal with the last August voted to “condemn the Athletes, Dover adds, are affected by cent mental and 20 per cent physical,” Psychology and director of Concordia’s long layoff. She followed a return-to-play complacency of the NHL in regard to pain dysfunction as much as anyone. says Brisson, who has worked with Center for Studies in Behavioral protocol that progressed very slowly and violence in hockey.” The difference between them and the psychologists on team tactics and Neurobiology. (For more on the centre, with a lot of uncertainty. “When you’re The NHL expected that Rule 48 — rest of us is self-image. “If a regular distraction control. “I did a lot of which celebrates its 30th anniversary lying on your friend’s deck in the middle implemented in the 2008-09 season person gets injured and they can’t do, imagery practice, rehearsing situations this year, see “Sex, drugs and… — would reduce a rash of say, the triathlon they wanted, that the opponent would present so rats” on page 37.) concussions from blindside it’s difficult because they like training,” you can recognize cues early and make An expert in circadian Professionals athletes train hits because they would no he says. “It’s a completely different appropriate decisions quicker.” rhythms, Amir notes that outrageously hard. It seems like longer be tolerated. It didn’t. challenge when an athlete gets injured The psychology behind laying claim maladjustment to time-zone Around that time, because it’s their identity — this is to a gold medal is more about focusing changes could play havoc with they’ve got to practise all day long, autopsies on former their life.” on the process than on the goal, says athletes’ digestive systems, seven days a week. National Football League Bianco, who works with 2008 Beijing sleep and moods. “It’s very players Andre Waters and IN THE MIND Olympic Games wrestler Martine important to be exposed to light John Grimsley showed Olympians, like all elite Dugrenier, BSc 02, GrDip 08. “You’re in the morning to reset the [body] clock,” of October, curled in the fetal position, neurofibrillary tangles in parts of the athletes, acknowledge like a rock star when you’re at the Amir stresses. He adds: “Eating time is trying not to vomit, you’re not even brain that affect behaviour and memory. physical risks of Olympic Games. There is so much going also very important. Food intake has a thinking about the Olympics, you’re just These tangles and other symptoms, competition. What of on around you and it’s really easy to get very strong effect on circadian clocks thinking about your health,” Brisson told commonly associated with early onset mental fitness? Mind caught up in all that excitement and start throughout the body.” the Toronto Star in 2002. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, games have played to lose a bit of your focus,” Bianco says. Athletes can control some factors, can only be detected by autopsies. a huge role in Bilodeau’s “We work on anticipating all the things but not all. Sometimes there’s plain bad HEADS UP MRI and ultrasound cannot reveal any ascent to medal podiums. that can be distractions. Athletes must luck. Ironically, Brisson’s concussion Elite-level sport is hazardous. Head damage. Both Waters and Grimsley died Down the ski trail, the feel in control.” happened during a selection camp trauma is among the most talked-about prematurely. Bianco explains that the JMSB student mentally The Sochi Games will exact its price six months before the Salt Lake City sport injuries in Canada. Doctors condition, called chronic traumatic M a R

tin recites the words: ‘tall,’ on athletes in several ways. The city on Olympics. Brisson was checked hard by recently dropped the gloves with National encephalopathy (CTE), is caused by G

i ‘soft’ and ‘keep it.’ “It’s all the Black Sea is nine hours ahead of another player, who then fell on top of Hockey League owners, saying the outfit repetitive blows to the head. “CTE is R a R d

26 | winter 2014 concordiaconcordia universityuniversity magazinemagazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 27 developed an infection and required Dover’s research also examines how about putting yourself in the right state further surgery. Yet Brisson, who later injuries affect athletes’ sleep, as well as of mind to deliver the best performance earned a PhD in Physical Activities sleep’s role in recovery time. PERFORM you can,” says Bilodeau, who works with Science from Université de Montréal, researchers know that some people eminent sports psychologist Wayne says her Olympic commitments to a take longer than others to recover from Halliwell. Bilodeau says the decade-long “relentless pursuit of results” ultimately illness and injury. What they don’t relationship has deepened his self- made her a better person. know — yet — is why. “We know sleep understanding. “I think I’m a better is essential for daily activities and person. I know myself better and when PAIN AND GAIN functioning normally and it’s something you know yourself, you know how you’re Better but banged up. “There are a lot we haven’t looked at enough in going to react.” of skills you learn as an athlete that athletes,” says Dover. “We spend a lot of This fits with Theresa Bianco’s make you a great business leader,” says time and money on coaching, nutrition definition of sports psychology. An Brisson, now working in marketing in and performance enhancement, but we assistant professor in the Department of Toronto. “The downside is that it comes don’t look at sleep.” Psychology, Bianco describes her work with some leftovers of your career that Then there’s fear of pain, a factor with Concordia athletes as a matter of you would rather do without.” with proven effects on patient recovery self-awareness. “Performers don’t park Indeed, the Montreal native still times. It is this deeper understanding their brain in a jar when they go out onto wonders about the long-term effects of of pain perception or pain-related the field or arena or slopes,” Bianco M her injuries. “There are some physical fear that gets Dover up in the morning. stresses. “They need to be mentally ike R souvenirs that I would prefer not to Fear of pain and reinjury are well prepared as well as physically prepared idewood have.” One is pain — a concept that documented in general-population in order to perform well. We try to fascinates Dover. “The research our studies: recovering individuals help the athletes figure out what works lab attempts to answer is why some either rehabilitate quickly or slowly, for them so that they can consistently GOLD MEDAL WINNERS ALEX BILODEAU, RIGHT, AND FORMER CONCORDIA STINGER THERESE BRISSON, WHO WON WITH THE 2002 CANADIAN WOMEN’S HOCKEY TEAM. THE CURRENT SQUAD FEATURES FORWARD CAROLINE OUELLETTE, AN ASSISTANT COACH WITH THE STINGERS, AND ASSISTANT COACH LISA JORDAN, BA 91; JULIE HEALY, BSC 83, IS people feel more pain than others and depending on their attitudes to pain. perform their best under conditions of MANAGER OF TEAM SERVICES FOR THE CANADIAN OLYMPIC COMMITTEE. how increased pain affects recovery Dover wants to know how prevalent extreme pressure.” and functions.” this is in athletes. “Everyone assumes So are sporting pinnacles reached North American east coast time. Those her, slamming the back of her head into was too accepting of hockey violence. athletes have a high pain tolerance and by some kind of harmonic mind- travelling from afar should be mindful the ice, breaking her helmet. Two thirds of delegates at a Canadian MOGUL SKIER ALEX BILODEAU WORKS WITH A SPORTS wouldn’t be affected by something like body-spirit fusion in elite athletes? of the perils of jet lag, warns Shimon The injury was a setback for Brisson, Medical Association meeting in Calgary PSYCHOLOGIST TO IMPROVE HIS PERFORMANCE READINESS AND SELF-UNDERSTANDING. this, but it’s not true.” “At the highest level it is really 80 per Amir, professor in the Department of who found it challenging to deal with the last August voted to “condemn the Athletes, Dover adds, are affected by cent mental and 20 per cent physical,” Psychology and director of Concordia’s long layoff. She followed a return-to-play complacency of the NHL in regard to pain dysfunction as much as anyone. says Brisson, who has worked with Center for Studies in Behavioral protocol that progressed very slowly and violence in hockey.” The difference between them and the psychologists on team tactics and Neurobiology. (For more on the centre, with a lot of uncertainty. “When you’re The NHL expected that Rule 48 — rest of us is self-image. “If a regular distraction control. “I did a lot of which celebrates its 30th anniversary lying on your friend’s deck in the middle implemented in the 2008-09 season person gets injured and they can’t do, imagery practice, rehearsing situations this year, see “Sex, drugs and… — would reduce a rash of say, the triathlon they wanted, that the opponent would present so rats” on page 37.) concussions from blindside it’s difficult because they like training,” you can recognize cues early and make An expert in circadian Professionals athletes train hits because they would no he says. “It’s a completely different appropriate decisions quicker.” rhythms, Amir notes that outrageously hard. It seems like longer be tolerated. It didn’t. challenge when an athlete gets injured The psychology behind laying claim maladjustment to time-zone Around that time, because it’s their identity — this is to a gold medal is more about focusing changes could play havoc with they’ve got to practise all day long, autopsies on former their life.” on the process than on the goal, says athletes’ digestive systems, seven days a week. National Football League Bianco, who works with 2008 Beijing sleep and moods. “It’s very players Andre Waters and IN THE MIND Olympic Games wrestler Martine important to be exposed to light John Grimsley showed Olympians, like all elite Dugrenier, BSc 02, GrDip 08. “You’re in the morning to reset the [body] clock,” of October, curled in the fetal position, neurofibrillary tangles in parts of the athletes, acknowledge like a rock star when you’re at the Amir stresses. He adds: “Eating time is trying not to vomit, you’re not even brain that affect behaviour and memory. physical risks of Olympic Games. There is so much going also very important. Food intake has a thinking about the Olympics, you’re just These tangles and other symptoms, competition. What of on around you and it’s really easy to get very strong effect on circadian clocks thinking about your health,” Brisson told commonly associated with early onset mental fitness? Mind caught up in all that excitement and start throughout the body.” the Toronto Star in 2002. Alzheimer’s and Parkinson’s disease, games have played to lose a bit of your focus,” Bianco says. Athletes can control some factors, can only be detected by autopsies. a huge role in Bilodeau’s “We work on anticipating all the things but not all. Sometimes there’s plain bad HEADS UP MRI and ultrasound cannot reveal any ascent to medal podiums. that can be distractions. Athletes must luck. Ironically, Brisson’s concussion Elite-level sport is hazardous. Head damage. Both Waters and Grimsley died Down the ski trail, the feel in control.” happened during a selection camp trauma is among the most talked-about prematurely. Bianco explains that the JMSB student mentally The Sochi Games will exact its price six months before the Salt Lake City sport injuries in Canada. Doctors condition, called chronic traumatic M a R

tin recites the words: ‘tall,’ on athletes in several ways. The city on Olympics. Brisson was checked hard by recently dropped the gloves with National encephalopathy (CTE), is caused by G

26 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 27 SEX, DRUGS AND… RESEARCH THE CENTER FOR STUDIES IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROBIOLOGY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF INVESTIGATING BEHAVIOUR AND THE BRAIN

BY CHRISTIAN DURAND

obody sets out to become a highly skilled scientists fascinated by observations. Humans are much more heroin addict or an alcoholic. — and dedicated to — the study of brain sophisticated and act in ways that are We know that substance abuse and behaviour,” says Peter Shizgal, imbued with language, meaning and ravagesN our bodies and damages our professor of psychology and CSBN conscious awareness. interpersonal relationships. So why co-founder. “We are trying to understand what do some people pursue behaviours Over the years, one of CSBN’s main is arguably the most complex object that can have disastrous effects on methods of understanding behaviour known to man: the brain,” says Shizgal. their lives? has been to conduct experiments on “CSBN has already produced practical C

on For 30 years, this type of question rats using behavioural animal models benefits and promises to yield much C o

R has driven the researchers at the of human disorders. This research is more in the future, but the field is dia

U Center for Studies in Behavioral important in the treatment of sleep relatively young and there is still much nive

R Neurobiology (CSBN, csbn.concordia. disorders and drug addiction, as well to learn.” sity ca), one of Concordia’s most respected as in reaching an understanding of how This is one of the primary reasons multidisciplinary research centres. humans make choices based on the for why the centre continues to GEOFF DOVER, AN EXERCISE SCIENCE PROFESSOR, AT CONCORDIA’S PERFORM CENTRE. THE CENTRE’S RESEARCH INCLUDES LOOKING AT WHY SOME PEOPLE FEEL MORE PAIN THAN OTHERS AND HOW THAT AFFECTS RECOVERY. Created in 1983 by four Department of perception of value. recruit researchers and graduate Psychology professors who specialized Professor Jim Pfaus, who joined students from across disciplines and in neuroscience, the centre has sought the centre in 1992 and whose work institutions. CSBN currently comprises nasty. Its symptoms may only Where a physiotherapist might get he says. Which is why to develop an integrated research and focuses on dopamine and sexual 16 investigators from a variety of show up 10 years later,” independent neurologists training environment that brings desire, explains why using rats is so departments at Concordia and other she says. you rehabbed to bathe yourself or eat, are now consulted before behavioural and scientific approaches effective: “Rats are very much like Montreal institutions. “Concussions don’t affect athletic therapists get people ready to concussed NFL players to the study of addiction, motivation humans. They are social animals that “If the centre is to continue to have everyone the same way,” can return to action. and reward. can form monogamous parental units. an impact, we need to constantly attract explains DeMont. “The hit a 200-pound running back. Elite sport is the According to founding member Jane By observing rats interact, and by a critical mass of talent,” says Shimon rehabilitation can be long and preserve of the world’s Stewart, the early 1980s was a period of seeing into their brains, we can deduce Amir, the centre’s director. “New cumbersome.” Making contact-sport rule changes to eliminate hits to the head best. The Olympic Games is an ultimate great advancement in the field. “There a cause and effect that models a certain fields of research within neurobiology athletes more aware of imminent hits and neck, protect defenceless players, test of mental and physical prowess. was a burgeoning of new technologies human condition.” will give us a fresh perspective and new and strengthening their neck muscles to and prevent athletes who have had Olympians train long and hard for and research methods that allowed However, there are limitations expertise to ensure that CSBN remains withstand greater forces might help, but concussions from playing or practising their special moments. They are tested us to observe the brain in ways that to what can be garnered from these a cutting-edge research centre.” DeMont doesn’t hold out much hope. “I until fully recovered. in ways that few can imagine. As Brisson we were not able to before,” she says. am not sure that we have great data on that To boot, in 2012 the NFL reached recalls, preparation is also about sacrifice “Being able to detect brain receptors in yet,” he says. a US$765 million settlement over and lifestyle choices. “When you’re an individual cells was a great help in my As certified athletic therapists and concussion-related brain injuries among Olympic athlete, before every decision research on the motivational effects of PERFORM members, Dover and DeMont its 18,000 former players, agreeing to you make you ask yourself, ‘How will this drugs on behaviour.” are allied health care professionals. They compensate sufferers, pay for medical affect the gold medal?’” As CSBN grew, the focus get people back to activity and athletes exams and underwrite medical studies. Two-time Olympian Bilodeau will expanded to incorporate research back to action. “Where a physiotherapist “A lot of great research is coming from compete for his second gold medal in on chronobiology, learning and might get you rehabbed to bathe yourself athletic therapists in the U.S. with Sochi. He’ll make decisions, too. “The memory. The idea was to complement or eat, athletic therapists get people regard to recognition of concussions,” only thing I want to replicate is the state Concordia’s Department of Psychology

ready to hit a 200-pound running says DeMont, stressing the role he and of mind I was in in Vancouver,” he says. with specialized research facilities C on C back,” says Dover. “Your goals in rehab his associates play on the sidelines. His “Some things are out of my control and I and supporting technical personnel. o R dia

are different.” caveat: stronger headgear probably won’t am going to live with them. No regrets.” Another main focus was connecting U A return to action always carries an offer any eureka moments in concussion graduate students to visiting specialists nive R element of risk. Trauma won’t disappear breakthroughs. “Helmets are good for — Scott McCulloch, BA (journ.) 90, is senior in the field, and subsidizing their sity from sport. The NFL had an official count protecting against skull injuries but not advisor, communications, Concordia’s participation in scientific meetings. CENTER FOR STUDIES IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROBIOLOGY DIRECTOR SHIMON AMIR AND CO-FOUNDER of 217 concussions last year, up on the 190 necessarily good at protecting your brain Advancement and Alumni Relations. “We wanted to create a community of JANE STEWART RAISED A GLASS TO THE CENTRE’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY IN OCTOBER. it reported in 2011. The league instituted from moving around inside your head,”

28 | winter 2014 concordiaconcordia universityuniversity magazinemagazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 29 SEX, DRUGS AND… RESEARCH THE CENTER FOR STUDIES IN BEHAVIORAL NEUROBIOLOGY CELEBRATES 30 YEARS OF INVESTIGATING BEHAVIOUR AND THE BRAIN

BY CHRISTIAN DURAND

on For 30 years, this type of question rats using behavioural animal models benefits and promises to yield much C o

R has driven the researchers at the of human disorders. This research is more in the future, but the field is dia

U Center for Studies in Behavioral important in the treatment of sleep relatively young and there is still much nive

28 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 29 Notes from the National Student Loans Service Centre staff meeting, 11/5/12 POETRY: Each year, Concordia’s Department of English hands out prizes for excellence in the studies of English literature + Palpitations, pounding heart, and creative writing. Those include the Irving Layton or accelerated heart rate Irving Awards for Creative Writing, each worth $500 and given to undergraduate students for works of poetry and fiction. + Sweating

Layton To qualify for the poetry award, students must submit a + Trembling or shaking portfolio of one or several poems. + Sensations of shortness of Award for The 2013 Irving Layton Award for Creative Writing for poetry breath or smothering went to Emma Healey, BA (English lit. & creative writing) 13. Healy, who’s now working as a writer/editor in Toronto, Creative + Hyperventilation says she began to write poetry in a first-year course at Concordia. In 2012, she published a book of poetry, + Sensation of choking Writing Begin With the End in Mind (Arbeiter Ring Publishing). + There are truly people in this world who Here is Healey’s award-winning work, selected poems believe that poetry is as worthy an object of from her Loan Suite. study as business, or refrigeration technology. Why shouldn’t, we encourage each other to ask, we provide some measure of caution against this? If not us then who? The Centre’s floors’ Loan Suite: Selected Poems near-imperceptible grade was calculated to By Emma Healey let consensus roll swiftly from one side of the building to the other; the ventilation system is notoriously porous. We picture our sons years Jan. 31, 2013 from now, given only the options of critics, drop ceilings, several women with weak eyes, Ms Healey: walled hearts. th we have noted your assertion that your school has already sent us your Confirmation What becomes, we all wonder, souls in a world such as ours? of Per your letter of the 28 and return, newly of Enrolment documentation and will be contacting their Financial Aid & Awards office to confirm. Please charged, to the work allow up to 3 business weeks for processing. In the meantime we have made the necessary adjustments to your personal file, however, we still require your signed declaration & consent forms as well as your parents’ + Nausea or abdominal distress signed declaration & consent forms in order to complete the processing of your 2012-13 application for full-time financial aid (federal and provincial loans and grants). h is why we have not yet been able to + Feelings of dizziness,

unsteadiness, lightheadedness RE: your other questions, the smell of toner is nothing like the taste of human blood. Revenue Canada requires that you send us original copies of your T4s and not photocopies, whic + Derealization/depersonalization complete our assessment and verification of your yearly income. We bear no grudge againstfour yoularge personally. and near- “Processing” refers to a series of internal administrative actions the details of which we cannot of course go into + Thanatophobia here and not whatever that thing is you said. Freshly shredded paper does not sing like a bonfire does and we while we are on the subject have never held an orgy or any kind of ritual/sacrifice in the staff kitchen especially + Paresthesias not on this government’s time or payroll and plus for your information there are in fact bottomless pits located at the centre of our Incoming Accounts & Mail department which actually we don’t + Chest pain or discomfort even refer to as pits but now you have got us doing it look the point is only one of them is an incinerator which not thrown) down to marinate in the gasoline-swell is something that nearly every important federal financial institution has these days which is a fact they do not teach you in Liberal Arts we’d imagine and the other three are more just like lightless chambers where the facts of your total gross income and rent are lowered gently ( of our ignorance and eventually within up to 3 business weeks are exposed to low heat and turned gracefully particulate before being sucked back into the ducts and eventually settling in a thin layer along the surface of our afternoon. Plural. Or blinds.

All this to say we have looked at your forms; they come in with the light. At this time however we are unfortunately unable to release the estimated details of your potential funding at this time and request that you consult with your school’s financial aid officer if you require further clarification on this or any other matter.

Sincerely, Notes from the National Student Loans Service Centre staff meeting, 11/5/12

+ Palpitations, pounding heart,

or accelerated heart rate

+ Sweating

+ Trembling or shaking Notes from the National Student Loans Service Centre general staff meeting, 11/25/12 + Sensations of shortness of

breath or smothering + Carbon: 900 pencils + Iron: 1 (one) 3-inch nail + Hyperventilation + Potassium: 1 (one) small clock radio for several hours + Sensation of choking + Fat: 7 (seven) bars of soap + There are truly people in this world who believe that poetry is as worthy an object of + Intestine: ~25 ft. (?) study as business, or refrigeration technology. Why shouldn’t, we encourage each other to + Of course we wonder. We have children of ask, we provide some measure of caution against our own. We have fielded our share of tearful this? If not us then who? The Centre’s floors’ phone calls, felt their fear echo through parts near-imperceptible grade was calculated to D9. What is the cost of a round trip of our selves we had long thought cordoned let consensus roll swiftly from one side of the from your school to your parents’ home, off, disused. Some of us, separately and building to the other; the ventilation system is by the most economical means possible? without consultation, have developed a theory notoriously porous. We picture our sons years concerning the work: that it most closely from now, given only the options of critics, A year ago my mother mailed me a resembles the act of being given a severed limb drop ceilings, several women with weak eyes, newspaper clipping about a Megabus in by the person to whom it once belonged. We walled hearts. the U.S. whose driver, sleep-deprived and What becomes, we all wonder, have no use for the arm, or the leg, of a stranger souls in a world such as ours? of running late, had attempted to deviate from and return, newly in this way — are, in fact, possessed of our own, charged, to the work his usual route in order to save time. The of a surplus — but etiquette and common sense bus was too tall to fit under an overpass. all dictate we must accept it nonetheless, and + Nausea or abdominal distress Everyone died. There was a picture — gracefully set it atop of the pile with the others, spectacular flames, shattered glass glittering send its owner limping out into the treacherous + Feelings of dizziness, across the blacktop like teeth knocked out. sunset still only half free. Our children, to

unsteadiness, lightheadedness Spilled luggage pluming. Like a shipwreck clarify, do not ever call us at work. In the idler but sharper. Last summer a sinkhole opened moments — choking our lukewarm coffee, + Derealization/depersonalization up downtown and swallowed a car whole; searching for holes in the protective glass — outside of town, on the highway, half a we find ourselves thinking about the people + Thanatophobia tunnel collapsed onto a schoolbus and we decided, lifetimes ago, we would belong to. pinned the kids inside for days. One went How we watch them recede, further with + Paresthesias feral just waiting. Two days ago near school each passing day, as we do our best to a major pipe burst and flooded everything bring these strangers closer in. We wonder. + Chest pain or discomfort before it froze and now half of McGill’s Of course we wonder. Of course we do. cryogenic until the spring thaw. Students and everything. I saw them trying to chip a car + Phosphorous: 2,000 match heads out of the ice. The last apartment I lived in leaned into itself until it collapsed. There are a few different kinds of love in this world. When you cross in a vehicle from this province into the next you can feel the soft highway sighing into your knees. There are different kinds of love, and in exchange for each we promise a new kind of risk to ourselves. And to others.

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 31 illennials — the age group now in their While Montreal’s 400,000 youth make up 20s — show tremendous potential for about 25 per cent of the population, the dozen civic commitment. That’s the view elected officials under the age of 35 represent ofM Michael Ryan Wiseman, MA (public policy only about 10 per cent of councillors. “And & public admin.) 13, president of the Conseil municipal politics has a huge impact on our lives, jeunesse de Montréal. He feels that never has influencing everything from roads and transport a generation been as capable of knowing the to where we live.” political world around them. Wiseman points out that there’s no shortage Yet young people are more estranged from the of young activists involved in campaigns like political process than ever before. the Occupy movement or surrounding the Wiseman watched Montreal’s November 2013 environment, even as they ignore the political municipal elections with dismay. Turnout process. “This isn’t translating, and that’s deeply hovering around 40 per cent only reinforced the troubling and disappointing,” he says. “There are uncomfortable reality that as sophisticated as obviously some deeper questions that we have to youth are today, their knowledge rarely translates ask ourselves about how we’re governed and how into engagement with political parties or voting. we want to be governed.” The Conseil jeunesse — Wiseman’s independent voluntary organization made up NOT ONLY THE YOUNG of 15 Montrealers between the ages of 12 and 30 Generational differences in political support were — advises the executive council of the city and the focus of the research by Vince Hopkins, ESTRANGED FROM city hall about youth policies. “This election was MA (public policy & public admin.) 12, who a difficult one to get excited about if you were a examined whether political authorities had a role young person, other than the idea of corruption to play in the fact that people are less motivated, THE BALLOT BOX and governance,” he says. “We’re punching below and whether improvements in democratic our weight.” performance might be relevant. Young people’s troubling political apathy can be traced back to shaky political leadership By Donna Nebenzahl

32 | winter 2014 concordiaconcordia universityuniversity magazinemagazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 33 illennials — the age group now in their While Montreal’s 400,000 youth make up 20s — show tremendous potential for about 25 per cent of the population, the dozen civic commitment. That’s the view elected officials under the age of 35 represent ofM Michael Ryan Wiseman, MA (public policy only about 10 per cent of councillors. “And & public admin.) 13, president of the Conseil municipal politics has a huge impact on our lives, jeunesse de Montréal. He feels that never has influencing everything from roads and transport a generation been as capable of knowing the to where we live.” political world around them. Wiseman points out that there’s no shortage Yet young people are more estranged from the of young activists involved in campaigns like political process than ever before. the Occupy movement or surrounding the Wiseman watched Montreal’s November 2013 environment, even as they ignore the political municipal elections with dismay. Turnout process. “This isn’t translating, and that’s deeply hovering around 40 per cent only reinforced the troubling and disappointing,” he says. “There are uncomfortable reality that as sophisticated as obviously some deeper questions that we have to youth are today, their knowledge rarely translates ask ourselves about how we’re governed and how into engagement with political parties or voting. we want to be governed.” The Conseil jeunesse — Wiseman’s independent voluntary organization made up NOT ONLY THE YOUNG of 15 Montrealers between the ages of 12 and 30 Generational differences in political support were — advises the executive council of the city and the focus of the research by Vince Hopkins, ESTRANGED FROM city hall about youth policies. “This election was MA (public policy & public admin.) 12, who a difficult one to get excited about if you were a examined whether political authorities had a role young person, other than the idea of corruption to play in the fact that people are less motivated, THE BALLOT BOX and governance,” he says. “We’re punching below and whether improvements in democratic our weight.” performance might be relevant. Young people’s troubling political apathy can be traced back to shaky political leadership By Donna Nebenzahl

32 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 33 Quebec is at the lower end of the scale.” compared public opinion in Quebec to Kerry Tannahill, BA (poli. sci.) 09, those in seven other provinces (using

RESEARCH BY KERRY TANNAHILL, A PHD STUDENT IN MA (public policy & public admin.) 12, a data from the Comparative Provincial CONCORDIA’S DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE, HAS PhD student in Concordia’s Department Election Project ). They reported, FOUND THAT THE YOUNGER GENERATION IS MORE LIKELY TO CHALLENGE INSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY THAN THOSE of Political Science, agrees that opinions for instance, that satisfaction with BEFORE THEM. toward democracy and variation in provincial government performance

political support go beyond just age. is lowest in Quebec: 36 per cent report niversity

U She reports that previous research being satisfied.

ordia that looked at “cultural explanations,” In early 2014, Kanji and Tannahill

C on

C such as a change in values, “suggest intend to go into the field again to that younger generations have become examine whether Quebecers’ views of less deferential and more inclined to the political system and its performance challenge institutional authority than have changed. Given ongoing allegations older, more materialist generations.” of poor performance by authorities and VALERIE MILETTE OF CONCORDIA’S LIVE CENTRE SAYS, “I SEE A LOT OF STUDENTS BEING ENGAGED, EITHER WITH A Her new research shows that the reasons institutions at all levels of government, CAUSE IN WHICH THEY’RE INTERESTED OR THEY WANT TO for Quebecers’ distancing from the they expect that problems of political START THEIR OWN PROJECT. THEY MIGHT NOT BE ENGAGED IN POLITICS, BUT THEY’RE ENGAGED IN SOMETHING.” political process may stretch beyond just support may not go away. cultural or demographic characteristics. In collaboration with supervisor UNFAIR RAP

oring Mebs Kanji, associate professor in It’s not as simple as claiming young B is

Concordia’s Department of Political people are apathetic, maintains Brandi apathy Science, Tannahill investigates political Bell, PhD (comm.) 09. Now research

support for different elements of coordinator at the Comprehensive APATHY IS BORING CO-FOUNDER ILONA DOUGHERTY (SECOND FROM RIGHT) WITH THE GROUP’S STAFF AND INTERNS AT THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT IN 2011. Canadian democracy. Data collected School Health Research Group at the after the last provincial election University of Prince Edward Island, Bell MICHAEL RYAN WISEMAN, PRESIDENT OF THE CONSEIL indicates that support for political has studied the conflicting perspectives, JEUNESSE DE MONTRÉAL, WORRIES THAT YOUNG PEOPLE authorities, including political leaders tensions and compromises that have ARE BEING TURNED OFF FROM POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT DUE TO GROWING CORRUPTION. and elected representatives, is quite low marked representations of youth citizen across all levels of government. More participation over the years. “It’s easy specifically, she adds, “Only three per for us to say they’re not participating or cent of Quebecers like all of their current not engaged, but are we looking in the leaders and elected representatives at all right places?” she asks. three levels of government.” There are countless strong examples think of their governments and elected Using comparable data from the of youth active in the environmental Hopkins’s research compared eight officials as responsive, to investigate Canadian Election Study, they found movement and within their provinces, and found generally very inter-generational differences, and that over time Quebecers’ negative communities, Bell adds, which begs the low levels in the responsiveness of to test whether these attitudes impact perception of the Canadian political question of their lack of participation. At politicians and government to the political support. “Our findings show community led to a drop in support. the same time they face constraints such demands of citizens. “At the most, no some intergenerational difference, but it During the same period, support for the as student debt and high unemployment. more than 25 per cent of Canadians, was neither consistent nor linear. What Quebec political community rose. “So can you blame young people? Are There’s no shortage of regardless of province, believe they this suggests is that older Canadians are As reported in the Open Journal of politicians talking about the interests have a high degree of responsiveness,” not necessarily more likely to have a high Political Science, Kanji and Tannahill also of youth?” young people involved in he says. degree of faith in the responsiveness examined support for different political Youth have gained a reputation for The research had three goals: of their government,” Hopkins says. institutions — including political parties, lagging behind not only in political campaigns like the Occupy To examine whether Canadians “Province does matter, though, and government and the civil service. They but volunteer and community interest. That’s not what Valerie Millette, BAdmin movement or surrounding the 03, MSc (admin.) 05, sees. She heads VOLUNTEER CANADA RESEARCH SHOWS THAT CANADIANS OF ALL AGES GIVE MORE THAN 160 HOURS PER YEAR “ON BEHALF OF A CHARITABLE OR OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.” environment, even as they FURTHERMORE, IT REPORTED THAT IN 2007 46 PER CENT OF CANADIANS PERFORMED A VOLUNTEER SERVICE. Concordia’s Leadership, Initiative and Volunteer Engage (LIVE) Centre. Full-time year-round Average hours per Total hours volunteered (thousands) Opened in 2010, the centre focuses ignore the political process. job equivalence year on centralizing information about 1997 1,108,924 578,000 149 volunteering at the university or in 2000 1,053,200 549,000 162 the city. “Our engagement has been 2004 1,984,000 1,033,019 168 increasing since we began,” says 2007 2,067,000 1,079,673 166

34 | winter 2014 concordiaconcordia universityuniversity magazinemagazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 35 Quebec is at the lower end of the scale.” compared public opinion in Quebec to Kerry Tannahill, BA (poli. sci.) 09, those in seven other provinces (using

political support go beyond just age. is lowest in Quebec: 36 per cent report niversity

U She reports that previous research being satisfied.

ordia that looked at “cultural explanations,” In early 2014, Kanji and Tannahill

C on

oring Mebs Kanji, associate professor in It’s not as simple as claiming young B is

Concordia’s Department of Political people are apathetic, maintains Brandi apathy Science, Tannahill investigates political Bell, PhD (comm.) 09. Now research support for different elements of coordinator at the Comprehensive APATHY IS BORING CO-FOUNDER ILONA DOUGHERTY (SECOND FROM RIGHT) WITH THE GROUP’S STAFF AND INTERNS AT THE CANADIAN PARLIAMENT IN 2011. Canadian democracy. Data collected School Health Research Group at the after the last provincial election University of Prince Edward Island, Bell MICHAEL RYAN WISEMAN, PRESIDENT OF THE CONSEIL indicates that support for political has studied the conflicting perspectives, JEUNESSE DE MONTRÉAL, WORRIES THAT YOUNG PEOPLE authorities, including political leaders tensions and compromises that have ARE BEING TURNED OFF FROM POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT DUE TO GROWING CORRUPTION. and elected representatives, is quite low marked representations of youth citizen across all levels of government. More participation over the years. “It’s easy specifically, she adds, “Only three per for us to say they’re not participating or cent of Quebecers like all of their current not engaged, but are we looking in the leaders and elected representatives at all right places?” she asks. three levels of government.” There are countless strong examples think of their governments and elected Using comparable data from the of youth active in the environmental Hopkins’s research compared eight officials as responsive, to investigate Canadian Election Study, they found movement and within their provinces, and found generally very inter-generational differences, and that over time Quebecers’ negative communities, Bell adds, which begs the low levels in the responsiveness of to test whether these attitudes impact perception of the Canadian political question of their lack of participation. At politicians and government to the political support. “Our findings show community led to a drop in support. the same time they face constraints such demands of citizens. “At the most, no some intergenerational difference, but it During the same period, support for the as student debt and high unemployment. more than 25 per cent of Canadians, was neither consistent nor linear. What Quebec political community rose. “So can you blame young people? Are There’s no shortage of regardless of province, believe they this suggests is that older Canadians are As reported in the Open Journal of politicians talking about the interests have a high degree of responsiveness,” not necessarily more likely to have a high Political Science, Kanji and Tannahill also of youth?” young people involved in he says. degree of faith in the responsiveness examined support for different political Youth have gained a reputation for The research had three goals: of their government,” Hopkins says. institutions — including political parties, lagging behind not only in political campaigns like the Occupy To examine whether Canadians “Province does matter, though, and government and the civil service. They but volunteer and community interest. That’s not what Valerie Millette, BAdmin movement or surrounding the 03, MSc (admin.) 05, sees. She heads VOLUNTEER CANADA RESEARCH SHOWS THAT CANADIANS OF ALL AGES GIVE MORE THAN 160 HOURS PER YEAR “ON BEHALF OF A CHARITABLE OR OTHER NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION.” environment, even as they FURTHERMORE, IT REPORTED THAT IN 2007 46 PER CENT OF CANADIANS PERFORMED A VOLUNTEER SERVICE. Concordia’s Leadership, Initiative and Volunteer Engage (LIVE) Centre. Full-time year-round Average hours per Total hours volunteered (thousands) Opened in 2010, the centre focuses ignore the political process. job equivalence year on centralizing information about 1997 1,108,924 578,000 149 volunteering at the university or in 2000 1,053,200 549,000 162 the city. “Our engagement has been 2004 1,984,000 1,033,019 168 increasing since we began,” says 2007 2,067,000 1,079,673 166

34 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 35 “ I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO GIVE BACK. IF EVERYBODY GAVE BACK JUST A SMALL PORTION OF WHAT THEY GAINED FROM THE INSTITUTIONS 1997 2000 2004 2007 THAT BENEFITED THEM, VOVOLUNTEERLUNTEER RA RATESTES DI SEPARATEDSAGGREGATED BY BY AGE AGE 15-24 25-34 THE FINANCIAL RESEARCH FROM VOLUNTEER CANADA SHOWS THAT VOLUNTEERISM AMONG YOUNGER AGE GROUPS HAS GROWN IN RECENT YEARS.

Millette, who believes that young people Concordia, Dougherty became frustrated ground war: knock on doors, meet with RESULTS WOULD are getting a bad rap. that friends were not interested in the community. Now that has shifted ” Rather than being disengaged, the democracy and voting. She wanted to toward air wars: TV ads, debates. BE ENORMOUS. number of students visiting the LIVE explore the interaction between art and “We know that the air war will not Volunteer Resource Centre since January social change. engage a first-time voter,” she says. – Patricia Dudar, BSc 68, BEd 69, MSc 77 2011 has increased by about 200 per Soon after she helped launch Apathy “What gets someone to vote and to cent, she says. Young people are also Is Boring in 2004, the group focused volunteer — and I know this first hand volunteering more than any other age on mass mobilization and used music through my role as chair of the board of group. A study by Volunteer Canada, as a vehicle. “Ten thousand people Volunteer Canada — is talking to someone Bridging the Gap, shows that from 1997 to attended our biggest concert during the in person, having someone ask you to get 2007, 15- to 24-year-olds “are the group 2008 federal election,” she says. At the involved, whether a political candidate, who volunteer the most hours, and that 2011 federal election, they mounted a friend or professor. We’re seeing less average is increasing.” (See the above Facebook campaign asking for a pledge of that.” chart, “Volunteer rates separated to vote — 78,000 young people did, and Yet evidence shows there’s not a lot by age.”) 250,000 invited their friends to pledge. of effort on the part of politicians to Why is this happening? Research The organization has since shifted to engage young people or to be open to by the Réseau de l’action bénévole du not only focus on youth mobilization that engagement. Wiseman suggests a Québec reveals that 90 per cent of young but also a research-based approach, Catch-22, a vicious circle in which youth people volunteer to support a cause they working with academics on youth apathy doesn’t see itself reflected in political believe in, 70 per cent to explore their and civic engagement. organizations or candidates, so it ignores strengths and 55 per cent to improve their Even social movements don’t reach the process. Politicians see youth not employability. “I don’t know much about across the entire youth population, says coming out to vote, and don’t bother engagement in the political process, but I Dougherty, who as a student protested representing them. see a lot of students being engaged, either at the 1999 World Trade Organization As Hopkins says, “When citizens with a cause in which they’re interested meeting in Seattle. “We have to find low- perceive political representatives as being YOUR GIFT or they want to start their own project. risk entry points — even if you might highly responsive and staying connected, They might not be engaged in politics, not want to protest, there are other ways they evaluate them in a more positive way. but they’re engaged in something else,” The data from our research lets us drill YOUR LEGACY to get involved.” And citizens must be Millette says. engaged not just when they vote but by down into municipal-level politics and We should be concerned, however, holding elected officials to account. “We, for the first time look at the link between in the lasting effects of electoral responsiveness and support at the YOUR PLAN the citizens, are the bosses of our elected disengagement, says Ilona Dougherty, BA officials, so if the boss is paying attention, political level.” In other words, people 03, co-founder of Montreal-based Apathy they’re not going to slack off.” who feel that government cares are more A planned gift can help fulﬁ ll your philanthropic and Is Boring, an organization that seeks to likely to have confidence in government. broaden civic participation among youth. VOTE, GET INVOLVED Bell adds, “I’m not an expert on the estate-planning goals. Concordia’s Planned Giving “If you don’t vote the first two times Because citizens become disengaged politics, but it feels like the political you’re able, the likelihood is that you when they don’t feel the system is system within Canada needs to change.” sta can meet your unique ﬁ nancial needs. won’t vote for the rest of your life,” working, the future in this tech-driven she reports. world holds even less promise for new — Donna Nebenzahl is a part-time CALL 5 4-848-2424, EXT. 8945, OR -888-777-3330, EXT. 8945. When she was a student of contemporary voters, Dougherty says. Traditionally, faculty member in Concordia’s dance and community and public affairs at those seeking election would wage a Department of Journalism.

36 | winter 2014 concordiaconcordia universityuniversity magazinemagazine concordia.ca/plannedgiving

Planned Giving ad.indd 1 10/01/2014 3:12:22 PM “ I THINK IT’S IMPORTANT TO GIVE BACK. IF EVERYBODY GAVE BACK JUST A SMALL PORTION OF WHAT THEY GAINED FROM THE INSTITUTIONS 1997 2000 2004 2007 THAT BENEFITED THEM, VOVOLUNTEERLUNTEER RA RATESTES DI SEPARATEDSAGGREGATED BY BY AGE AGE 15-24 25-34 THE FINANCIAL RESEARCH FROM VOLUNTEER CANADA SHOWS THAT VOLUNTEERISM AMONG YOUNGER AGE GROUPS HAS GROWN IN RECENT YEARS.

Millette, who believes that young people Concordia, Dougherty became frustrated ground war: knock on doors, meet with RESULTS WOULD are getting a bad rap. that friends were not interested in the community. Now that has shifted ” Rather than being disengaged, the democracy and voting. She wanted to toward air wars: TV ads, debates. BE ENORMOUS. number of students visiting the LIVE explore the interaction between art and “We know that the air war will not Volunteer Resource Centre since January engage a first-time voter,” she says. social change. – Patricia Dudar, BSc 68, BEd 69, MSc 77 2011 has increased by about 200 per Soon after she helped launch Apathy “What gets someone to vote and to cent, she says. Young people are also Is Boring in 2004, the group focused volunteer — and I know this first hand volunteering more than any other age on mass mobilization and used music through my role as chair of the board of group. A study by Volunteer Canada, as a vehicle. “Ten thousand people Volunteer Canada — is talking to someone Bridging the Gap, shows that from 1997 to attended our biggest concert during the in person, having someone ask you to get 2007, 15- to 24-year-olds “are the group 2008 federal election,” she says. At the involved, whether a political candidate, who volunteer the most hours, and that 2011 federal election, they mounted a friend or professor. We’re seeing less average is increasing.” (See the above Facebook campaign asking for a pledge of that.” chart, “Volunteer rates separated to vote — 78,000 young people did, and Yet evidence shows there’s not a lot by age.”) 250,000 invited their friends to pledge. of effort on the part of politicians to Why is this happening? Research The organization has since shifted to engage young people or to be open to by the Réseau de l’action bénévole du not only focus on youth mobilization that engagement. Wiseman suggests a Québec reveals that 90 per cent of young but also a research-based approach, Catch-22, a vicious circle in which youth people volunteer to support a cause they working with academics on youth apathy doesn’t see itself reflected in political believe in, 70 per cent to explore their and civic engagement. organizations or candidates, so it ignores strengths and 55 per cent to improve their Even social movements don’t reach the process. Politicians see youth not employability. “I don’t know much about across the entire youth population, says coming out to vote, and don’t bother engagement in the political process, but I Dougherty, who as a student protested representing them. see a lot of students being engaged, either at the 1999 World Trade Organization As Hopkins says, “When citizens with a cause in which they’re interested meeting in Seattle. “We have to find low- perceive political representatives as being YOUR GIFT or they want to start their own project. risk entry points — even if you might highly responsive and staying connected, They might not be engaged in politics, not want to protest, there are other ways they evaluate them in a more positive way. but they’re engaged in something else,” The data from our research lets us drill YOUR LEGACY to get involved.” And citizens must be Millette says. engaged not just when they vote but by down into municipal-level politics and We should be concerned, however, holding elected officials to account. “We, for the first time look at the link between in the lasting effects of electoral YOUR PLAN the citizens, are the bosses of our elected responsiveness and support at the disengagement, says Ilona Dougherty, BA officials, so if the boss is paying attention, political level.” In other words, people 03, co-founder of Montreal-based Apathy they’re not going to slack off.” who feel that government cares are more A planned gift can help fulﬁ ll your philanthropic and Is Boring, an organization that seeks to likely to have confidence in government. broaden civic participation among youth. VOTE, GET INVOLVED Bell adds, “I’m not an expert on the estate-planning goals. Concordia’s Planned Giving “If you don’t vote the first two times Because citizens become disengaged politics, but it feels like the political you’re able, the likelihood is that you when they don’t feel the system is system within Canada needs to change.” sta can meet your unique ﬁ nancial needs. won’t vote for the rest of your life,” working, the future in this tech-driven she reports. world holds even less promise for new — Donna Nebenzahl is a part-time CALL 5 4-848-2424, EXT. 8945, OR -888-777-3330, EXT. 8945. When she was a student of contemporary voters, Dougherty says. Traditionally, faculty member in Concordia’s dance and community and public affairs at those seeking election would wage a Department of Journalism.

36 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine concordia.ca/plannedgiving

Planned Giving ad.indd 1 10/01/2014 3:12:22 PM FROM LOUDSPEAKER CONCERTS TO ARCADE FIRE,

CONCORDIA HAS PLAYED A MAJOR DEVELOPMENTAL AND

EDUCATIONAL ROLE IN CANADIAN ELECTROACOUSTICS.

BY JULIE GEDEON

VIDEO STILL FROM NAVID NAVAB’S “PRACTICES OF EVERYDAY LIFE — PART I: COOKING.”

38 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine COOKING UP MUSIC ALONG WITH OTHER PROJECTS OF NOTE

hen Navid Navab, BFA 10, studied computational arts. “There has forget that before Edison, when people recorded a chef at work to be a real connection — in this case the died, their voices disappeared with in 2012, it may not have ‘performance’ of a chef preparing a meal them,” says Kevin Austin, co-director Wseemed like an obvious activity for a — to have acoustical poetry.” and a key founder of Concordia’s music composer and sound designer. Electroacoustics comprises any sound electroacoustic studies program, a However, Navab interlaced the slicing, created by converting electricity into composer, and a specialist in sound dicing and other noises with discrete acoustical energy. Hardly a moment theory and ear training. melodic sounds to create a distinctive passes today without us hearing it from Electroacoustics only became com- electroacoustic composition titled our televisions, radios, phones, alarms, monplace after the first radio broadcasts “Practices of Everyday Life — Part I: computers, tablets, game consoles, in 1919. “Most broadcasting was initially Cooking.” speakers, MP3, CD or DVD players, ear- live because recording technology wasn’t “By associating a new sound with buds, headphones and even microwave very good,” Austin says. “But as the qual- every gesture, you instill new value and oven timers. For musical examples, ity of 78 RPM recordings improved, into everyday-life actions,” he says. think of the opening notes of the Beatles’ stations repeatedly played records, mak- “A chopping knife, for instance, “Strawberry Fields Forever,” played on ing singers and musicians famous and sounds like gongs.” a mellotron, or the eerie theremin in the launching the pop music era.” Navab credits the pioneering Beach Boys’ “Good Vibrations.” Initially, if a mistake was made dur- electroacoustic studies program in ing a recording the entire track had to Concordia’s Department of Music for LONG HISTORY be redone. With the popularity of reel- enhancing his perceptions of sound. The musical medium came into to-reel tape machines from the 1940s “It’s not just what you can do with existence after Thomas Edison invented (a decade after their invention) onward, technology,” says Navab, who also the phonograph in 1877. “We tend to sound was often cut and respliced.

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 39 CONCORDIA’S ELECTROACOUSTIC STUDIES PROGRAM PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH A MIX OF COMPOSITIONAL AND THEORETICAL COURSES IN THE ECLECTIC MUSICAL FIELD. CO-DIRECTOR KEVIN AUSTIN IS PICTURED AT BOTTOM LEFT IN FRONT OF A CLASSROOM.

“Tape enabled people to rearrange If you don’t have a culture’s artifacts, those sound,” Austin notes. “Radio stations and filmmakers were particularly inter- cultural aspects remain only as mythology. ested in this technology to create more realistic sound effects.” While European radio stations jukeboxes. Spector produced the sound more affordable. “A four-channel mixer invested in sonic labs to create back- by complementing electric and acoustic cost about $5,000 in 1969,” Austin ground sounds for radio dramas, North guitar playing with the music recorded recalls. “By 1972, they started at $200 American interest remained vested at by other instrumentalists inside an with a semi-pro model available for universities. “In Europe, governments echo chamber. $1,000, making it easier for bands to use were trying to influence society through “Producer George Martin and sound microphones, speakers and amplifiers.” radio to avoid more war,” Austin ex- engineer Geoff Emerick at Abbey Road Affordable equipment led to more plains. “While in North America the Studios [in London] gave the Beatles people becoming interested in manip- governments expected the commercial their distinctive sound,” Austin adds. ulating sound. “[Filmmaker] George sector to adopt university research in “For [the song] ‘A Day in the Life,’ Lucas and his team basically launched due course.” Martin arranged for the Beatles and an sound design in 1977 when he decided Technology spurred innovation. orchestra to perform separately and to invent sounds for lightsabers and In the early 1960s, music producer then had Emerick assemble the music.” other farfangled gadgets in his Star Wars Phil Spector became known for his stu- During that decade, studio mixing movie,” Austin says. dio creations of a dense, reverberating equipment’s improvement resulted in “wall of sound.” This could be heard about six electroacoustic composers in AT THE VANGUARD in such songs as “Be My Baby” by the Canada who recorded and performed Concordia has always been at the Ronettes and “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ their work. Their numbers rose to about Canadian electroacoustic forefront. Feelin’” by the Righteous Brothers, 25 during the 1970s and as many as 150 Austin with others arranged for the which played well on AM radio and in by the 1980s, as technology became first introductory course in 1971 and

40 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine encouraged the program’s expansion to “Some considered it silly for us to store composition. “My current students have 72 credits by 2000. all those reels, but I knew it wouldn’t be never known a time when they couldn’t Under founder Philip Cohen, the mu- long before people would want to know manipulate sound,” he points out. “They sic section of the Department of Fine what this music sounded like a few de- mix tracks on their smartphones.” Arts at Sir George Williams University cades back,” Austin says. “If you don’t started electronic music/media courses have a culture’s artifacts, those cultural IMPRESSIVE ALUMNI in 1970. The next winter, Austin and aspects remain only as mythology.” Graduates with an electroacoustic colleagues Howard Abrams, Dawn Luke, In tune with technology, in 1984 studies major or minor use their honed Martin Gotfrit, BA 74, Ross McAuley the Department of Music became the listening and sonic creativity skills to and David Sutherland, BA 76, formed first Concordia department to obtain a become sound designers, engineers, an electronic music improvisation en- Macintosh computer. “It was clear that composers and producers, as well as semble called MetaMusic, The Sound of computers would open up a much big- well-known musicians such as Sarah Three Hands Clapping. The ensemble ger world in terms of manipulating Neufeld, BFA 03, and Richard Reed performed and promoted electronic sound. Professional recording studios Parry, BFA 03, members of the Grammy music in Montreal. had already been pushing for more Award-winning indie band Arcade In 1976, the membership transformed soundtracks and by the mid-1980s were Fire. “The program’s flexibility really and the concerts started to incorpo- able to simultaneously record or mix 80 encourages you to explore your own rate “tape” (fixed media) compositions channels,” Austin says. creative interests,” Neufeld says. (See from musicians around the world. Over By 1990, computers and compact the sidebar “Under the Dome: Arcade 35 years of these loudspeaker concerts, discs were in wide use for recording, Fire’s Sara Neufeld” on page 45.) the Concordia Tape Archive expanded manipulating and transmitting sound. Electroacoustic studies cover a gamut to approximately 3,500 pieces. In 1982 “The need to reproduce music repeat- of electroacoustic, recording and sonic the group was renamed the Concordia edly from an original source basically arts, including acousmatics (music in- Electroacoustic Composers Group/ vanished,” Austin notes. “Once we could tegrated within a medium, such as a CD Groupe électroacoustique de Concordia. send people an email with music in an or computer file where it can be directly Its 400-plus concerts over the next 30 attached file, or direct them to a web- manipulated), spectromorphology (the years included fixed media, multimedia, site, the loudspeaker concerts weren’t as study of the spectrum of sounds in a and live electroacoustics. necessary anymore either.” piece and their arrangement in time) By the mid-1980s, Canada had 150 to Austin decided to make 1990 the cut- and psychoacoustics (which delves into 200 electroacoustic composers. Austin off year for collecting new works for the the physiological and psychological re- travelled across the country twice in archives. So much had already changed sponses to sounds). “But the main focus 1985 to establish a Canadian organiza- since the time he had envisioned one has always been on training students’ tion that would have a better chance day dialing a telephone number to hear a outer, technical ear to recognize the than individual composers of obtaining government funding. “The dean’s office and music department really supported these efforts,” Austin says. “And with 15 years of collecting electroacoustic musical compositions and presenting loudspeaker concerts, Concordia AUDIO ENGINEER, COMPOSER AND MUSIC PRODUCER JAMES already had a solid reputation.” For FINNERTY IS ONE OF MANY the next 18 years, the university pro- SUCCESSFUL ELECTROACOUSTIC STUDIES GRADUATES. vided key logistical support to the Canadian Electroacoustic Community and still collaborates with the national organization. Today, with more than 3,000 recorded compositions, Concordia has one of the world’s largest collections of electroacoustic music (and accompanying information), spanning 1972 through 1990. About one-third has been digitized for internet access so far and the Concordia Archival Project (CAP, cec.sonus.ca/education/archive).

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 41 quality in sound before they produce, only Concordia program with a higher of us,” she says. “And, more recently, manipulate or transform it,” Austin acceptance rate is film production,” they are doing so through interdisciplin- emphasizes. “The other key aspect is Austin reports. ary projects that instill a creative energy developing their imaginative, inner ear throughout the fine arts faculty.” to use sounds in innovative ways.” ADDED DIMENSION For nearly 10 years, the program’s Students entering the program must Faculty members encourage “action teachers have been refining an ear- already have musical or sound training. research,” which involves students and training method specifically for Most want to learn how to design and/or teachers learning from the actual teach- electroacoustic musicians. “It includes produce sound for recording, gaming, ing processes so they can be improved melodic dictation, interval identifica- theatre, film, animation, dance or visual or expanded, too. “It became clear tion and other traditional ear-training art installations. through surveys, for example, that stu- elements, but its primary goal is for stu- Audio engineer, composer and mu- dents wanted quicker feedback on their dents to be aware of and connect with sic producer James Finnerty, BFA 13, work,” says Eldad Tsabary, an assistant every millisecond of a composition,” wanted to sharpen his skills after learn- professor in the program. “So we now Tsabary explains. ing on his own how to mix and engineer immediately share and discuss assign- “Electroacoustic studies definitely focuses on training our ears and inspiring our creativity through My current students have never known a composition,” Julian Stein, BFA 12, time when they couldn’t manipulate sound. says. “Constantly paying attention to sound has become a part of my life and They mix tracks on their smartphones. makes me a better composer.” He and his brother, Max, BFA 12, drew greater attention to the discipline on campus and globally by establishing the Concordia Electroacoustic Studies Student Association. “By involving other students, Max and Julian basically led a new movement and made Concordia’s expertise known internationally by speaking and presenting students’ work at conferences,” Tsabary says. Julian and Max Stein have become recognized in Montreal and elsewhere for encouraging the public to add intrin- sic sounds to locations on their online city sound maps, which present their city in a distinct auditory format.

NEW WORLD The internet has opened the world for electroacoustic students. Last spring, for instance, students in the Concordia A STILL FROM MAX AND JULIAN STEIN’S MONTREAL SOUND MAP, WHICH ADDS SOUNDS TO CITY LOCATIONS. Laptop Orchestra (CLOrk) — a require- ment for the Live Digital Practices his first album in a home studio. “When ments rather than have everyone wait course — were accompanied by acoustic I entered the program, I was eager to a week for my comments.” instrumentalists and singers to perform improve my audio engineering and pro- Liselyn Adams, chair of the Dancity, a live telematics (long-distance ducing abilities, but soon appreciated Department of Music, lauds electro- transmission) concert that was simulta- how the program’s compositional and acoustic studies for adding a “wonderful neously featured in five cities. The lap- theoretical components broadened my dimension” to Concordia’s Faculty of top concerts by students have received perspectives,” he says. Fine Arts. “During its earlier introspec- global attention. They often involve Among the students invited to fill one tive days, students enriched the faculty other music students as well. Tsabary of the 35 seats available in the program, by exploring the whole realm of sound and Adams have respectively led CLOrk 85 per cent say yes right away. “The art in ways quite unimaginable to the rest and a traditional orchestral ensemble

42 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine in a series of “sound paintings” that involved both groups playing rehearsed or improvised sounds in response to each conductor’s gestures calling for long, short, high, low, rapid or slow notes. Nothing is ruled out as creative ideas in the course. “In fact, students are encouraged to think of things that seem impossible and then find ways to do them,” Adams says. Live telematics and interdisciplinary projects are currently driving electroacoustic studies, but the field is expected to continue to evolve in innovative and unanticipated ways as both technology and creativity advance. “By encouraging UNDER THE DOME: ARCADE FIRE’S SARA NEUFELD students to dream up ideas and then find out whether they’ll actually work, we’re A CIA-built geodesic dome once used to spy on East Berliners is one of the unusual preparing them for rapidly changing locations that Arcade Fire band member Sarah Neufeld, BFA 03, chose to record her technologies,” Tsabary says. “They learn recently released debut solo album, Hero Brother. “It’s a place with one of the longest how to figure out things for themselves.” natural reverberations of sound known in the world,” says the composer/violinist. “The Finnerty still values the approach. hole in the wall of this concrete dome is high above the city and the wind constantly “What I appreciated the most was how shifts through it to make an insanely beautiful sound.” the professors encouraged us to each find our own path and then gave us the Neufeld, who is also a founding member of the acclaimed contemporary instrumental support, guidance and resources to ensemble Bell Orchestre, began to develop her spatial awareness of sound in an succeed at our projects,” Finnerty says. introductory electroacoustic studies course taught at Concordia by the program’s co- Navab agrees and similarly praises the director, Kevin Austin. “I still remember the day that he began theatrically moving about professors for encouraging students to the classroom while he spoke to introduce us to the varying acoustic properties of the establish their own human connections space, and that started me hearing everything differently,” says Neufeld. with sound. “That’s where you find the magic, or what I like to call sonic Other recording locations on the new album, which features her atmospheric solo violin, alchemy,” he says. include a subway station where commuter footsteps can be heard in the background, as well as an underground parking lot with its constant ventilating hum. – Julie Gedeon, BA 89, BA 01, MA 09, is a Montreal freelance journalist. Neufeld lauds the electroacoustic studies program for encouraging students to find their own creative path. “While I have classical training as a violinist, I’ve always been more of For information on the electroacoustic an improviser and would have found the performance-oriented degrees offered by other studies program, visit universities too restricting,” she says. concordia.ca/electroacoustics. “In electroacoustic studies, I learnt about new sound technologies and explored their For an example of Navid Navab’s possibilities in video art, literature and dance — other areas of interest to me — while project, “Practices of Everyday Life,” see also studying musical composition and jazz improvisation,” she adds. “The program is vimeo.com/75424600. beautiful in the way it enables students to work on a lot of different things and then bring them all together.” To see and hear the Montreal Sound Map, go to montrealsoundmap.com. Neufeld met Richard Reed Parry, BFA 03, a multi-instrumentalist and another core member of Arcade Fire, soon after they both started in electroacoustic studies. “He Listen to one of James Finnerty’s began to do sound recording within electroacoustic studies that really widened my instrumental compositions at horizons about what could be achieved musically,” Neufeld says. “The program has music.cbc.ca/#/artists/James-Finnerty. definitely helped me to hear and react to how sounds come together during recording sessions, and feel comfortable and excited to be involved in the process.” — Julie Gedeon

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 43 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

District 3 Innovation and Entrepreneurship Centre: Year one

BY LAURENCE MIALL simulation companies in the world. a chair made from electronic fabrics, to As for Brkich, he had grown up in name just a few. Projects came in two n fall 2011, John Brkich, BEng 71, the Montreal area and six years af- varieties: those that were the creations came to Concordia for his class’s ter graduating from Concordia joined of student entrepreneurs, and those 40-year reunion. He had no idea the company of yet another alumnus, mandated by alumni, established Ihe was about to be headhunted. The Robert Walsh, BSc (eng.) 63, LLD 09. industry leaders and experts. The retired engineer’s 29-year career had With Walsh Process Control, Walsh project teams are multidisciplinary helped transform fields as diverse as Automation and then a spin-off enter- collaborations between the interns — ballistic fingerprinting process control prise called Forensic Technology, Brkich graduate and undergraduate students and automation. His friend and fellow became, in his words, a “process guy” from the Faculty of Engineering and alumnus, Xavier-Henri Hervé, BEng — adroit at finding ways to automate or Computer Science, John Molson School 87, LLD 11, wanted to recruit him for otherwise improve the performance of of Business and Faculty of Fine Arts the nascent District 3, an “incubator diverse systems. — and the experienced alumni, who of innovation” that he had recently founded at Concordia. The reunion that crisp autumn day ended with more than We need to make sure our device can just cocktails and canapés. handle [steel doors] and not be damaged in the District 3 was, at the time, an idea without a name. Yet the intent was clear: process. The whole point is that it breaks things. to give students from all Concordia faculties an environment in which they could participate in projects with an in- In the late 1980s, during a camp- provide expert guidance. novative or entrepreneurial mandate. ing trip, he got talking to a firearms “One of our key success factors has A home for the facility was found on expert and discovered exactly how been the active involvement of our the seventh floor of the Engineering, time-consuming it was to find a pos- alumni, first as entrepreneurs and lead- Computer Science and Visual Arts sible match between a criminal’s gun ers, as the industry experts who coach Integrated Complex. Hundreds of and a bullet found at a crime scene. With and mentor our Concordia students,” curious Concordians attended an in- the use of the latest cameras, comput- says Hervé. “District 3 is a call for action formation session in November 2012. ers and software, Brkich felt confident for all alumni who want to take part in Shortly after, students themselves of- that there was a faster way. He was right. entrepreneurship or innovation.” ficially coined the name, District 3 Forensic Technology, under the leader- Brkich was the ideal alumnus to be — the “3” standing for the founding ship of Bob Walsh, is now the world’s a mentor and, as it turned out, a whole principles: innovation, collaboration leading company for ballistics identifi- lot more. He and his business partner, and entrepreneurship. By spring 2013, cation and analysis. Andrew Sutherland, BA (soc.) 04, had District 3 was open for business. earlier identified a prime business op- The speed at which District 3 took ENTREPRENEURSHIP portunity. Sutherland had served as a flight was largely due to the zeal of AND INNOVATION frontline police officer and noticed that Hervé, himself a successful entre- Over the summer of 2013, a dozen when the force needed to break down preneur. In 1987 he had co-founded teams filled District 3 — all engaged in the doors of commercial and some resi- Montreal-based Mechtronix, which be- wildly different projects: an inflatable dential buildings, they were exposed to came one the fastest-growing aviation plant-growing bed, a laser-welder and enormous risks. The space in front of

44 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine We need to make sure our device can handle [steel doors] and not be damaged in the process. The whole point is that it breaks things.

DISTRICT 3 PROVIDES STUDENTS WITH AN ENVIRONMENT WEHRE THEY CAN PARTICIPATE IN INNOVATIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL PROJECTS. PICTURED IN THE CENTRE PHOTO (ABOVE) ARE JOHN BRKICH (FAR LEFT), PRESIDENT OF OFF THE X, AND DISTRICT 3 CO-FOUNDERS DEBORAH DYSART- GALE AND XAVIER-HENRI HERVÉ (FAR RIGHT).

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 45 FACULTY SPOTLIGHT ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE

a door was known as “the fatal funnel” this, you need professionalism. That exceeded my expectations,” he says. — a criminal with a gun might be stand- is number one and at Concordia, we Law Enforcement has now become a ing on the other side, or there might be couldn’t have asked for more.” final-year project — what’s called a hazards from flames and projectiles. Ryan Desgroseilliers, an undergradu- “Capstone” — for several of the team To keep police and other emergency ate electrical engineering student, was members. In other words, it will help responders safe, a device was needed — and is still — a member of the team students earn credits toward their that could break down doors remote- working to convert Sutherland’s ideas degree. This is a major coup for the ly. Sutherland had an idea of how such into a tangible prototype. engineering departments chairs, He explains the challenges such as William Lynch, who leads the The team in District 3 has his team is overcoming. “We Department of Electrical and Computer are targeting steel doors,” he Engineering and who pushed hard exceeded my expectations. says. “We need to make sure for innovation and entrepreneurship our device can handle that initiatives to be embedded within a device could be built, but as Brkich and not be damaged in the process. We university curricula. The plan is for points out, “We had no capabilities to have to manage very high forces — thou- many more projects to become design or build it.” sands of pounds. That’s very rare for an Capstone projects. So the District 3 project, Law academic project. The whole point of the “What we need right now is experts Enforcement, was born — an official device is that it breaks things.” in residence — alumni with experience mandate from Off The X, the company The prototype goes for final testing — who can help as coaches and mentors,” Brkich had co-founded in his retire- user validation — in spring 2014. Once says Hervé. “With the alumni who have ment. Sutherland spent most of August to that is done, District 3 will be asked to already helped us get this far, we’ve prov- October in Montreal, consulting weekly participate in the design, prototyping en District 3 is a win-win for everyone. with the student team that had been formed and testing of other inventions from Now it’s a matter of growing it. Join us.” to work on a functioning prototype. Brkich and Sutherland. “The credibility of the university and Brkich couldn’t be more pleased with For more information on District 3, visit the students’ skills were a major plus for the progress. “The team in District 3 has d3center.ca. us,” says Sutherland. “For a project like

46 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine YOU’RE A MEMBER ENJOY THE PRIVILEGES

The Concordia University Alumni Association lets you: n Connect with fellow alumni n Enjoy exciting programs and activities n Take advantage of special benefits and savings

Find out more: concordia.ca/alumni HOMECOMING 2013 THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOMECOMING

From October 4 to 6, alumni and friends were stimulated and enchanted by memorable speakers, the university’s forward-thinking researchers and impressive facilities, and, of course, former classmates. Photos by Joe Dresdner

LOUISE MORGAN AND 2 President’s Dinner 1 Bahari ROXANNE SAINT-JUSTE

lumni and their families travelled from Ottawa, Toronto and even Bermuda and Dubai to Areunite with classmates and professors during the Homecoming 2013 festivities, organized by Concordia’s Advancement and Alumni Relations. Headlining the program was former 4 JMSB Newsweek magazine reporter Maziar 5 Fine Arts Bahari, BA (comm. studies) 93, 1 at the 3 Arts and Science Resolute Forest Products Lecture on October 4. The author and filmmaker, who was abducted and tortured in Iran following that country’s 2009 election protests, was interviewed by CTV News Montreal anchor Paul Karwatsky, BA 04, in front of 300 people at Concordia’s D.B. Clarke Theatre. Bahari described the emotional toll of solitary confine- 7 Loyola 6 ENCS 8 Breakfast ment and the bizarre relationship with his captors during the 118-day experience. The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart has since turned Bahari’s memoir, Then They Came for Me: A Family’s Story of Love, Captivity and Survival (2011), into the feature filmRosewater , set for release next year. Listen to a podcast of Bahari’s lecture at concordia.ca/homecoming. Graduates of the classes of 1953 and subsequent years ending in three and eight were celebrated for their milestone anniversaries at the President’s Homecoming Dinner on October 5 at the Westin Montreal. Concordia President Alan Shepard is pictured (second from left) with (from

48 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine LOUISE MORGAN AND ROXANNE SAINT-JUSTE left) Stepehen Huza, BA 73, and lumni and their families Brian Marley-Clarke, BComm 63, travelled from Ottawa, Toronto and Nancy Marley-Clarke. 2 and even Bermuda and Dubai to welcomed 140 alumni at the dinner. networked after a tour of facilities, Areunite with classmates and professors Earlier in the day, alumni enjoyed including the new Google Earth flight during the Homecoming 2013 faculty-based lectures, tours and simulator, environmental chamber and festivities, organized by Concordia’s receptions: solar simulator. Pictured are Charles Advancement and Alumni Relations. Graduates of the Faculty of Arts Benouaid, BEng 83, and his wife Headlining the program was former and Science were offered a tour of the Marissa Velenosi, flipping through an Newsweek magazine reporter Maziar Centre for Structural and Functional old yearbook. 6 Bahari, BA (comm. studies) 93, 1 at the Genomics, with its nifty robots, and Loyola alumni and friends kicked off Resolute Forest Products Lecture on presentations on related research. their reunion with a tour of the Loyola October 4. The author and filmmaker, Pictured are Shelley Bartholomew, Jesuit Hall and Conference Centre who was abducted and tortured in Iran BA 13, and Louis Rondeau, BA 84. 3 (formerly the Refectory). The program following that country’s 2009 election John Molson School of Business included reflections on the Irish revo- protests, was interviewed by CTV News (JMSB) alumni toured the faculty’s lution and its legacies by Gavin Foster Montreal anchor Paul Karwatsky, BA 04, modern digs. JMSB faculty related of Concordia’s School of Canadian Irish in front of 300 people at Concordia’s news on current research topics Studies. Pictured are Denis Loranger, D.B. Clarke Theatre. Bahari described including food-industry marketing BSc 54, and Elizabeth Ludgate. 7 the emotional toll of solitary confine- and how inheritance affects family On October 6, Concordians capped ment and the bizarre relationship with businesses. Pictured speaking to off the weekend at the Au Revoir his captors during the 118-day experi- alumni is Sherin Al-Safadi, MBA Breakfast. Attendees had the opportu- ence. The Daily Show’s Jon Stewart has 10, a Concordia University Alumni nity to mingle, as did Edward Forbes, since turned Bahari’s memoir, Then Association board member. 4 BSc 63 (left), and Jorgen Hansen, They Came for Me: A Family’s Story of Love, A panel discussion of artists and associate professor in Concordia’s Captivity and Survival (2011), into the educators engaged Faculty of Fine Arts Department of Economics, 8 while feature filmRosewater , set for release grads. The panelists were (from left to breakfast was a foodie’s delight of pan- next year. right) artist/educator Jocelyn Robert; cakes, eggs and granola. After breakfast, Listen to a podcast of Bahari’s lecture François Morelli, BFA 75, professor in alumni were invited to take a trip down at concordia.ca/homecoming. the Department of Studio Arts; Bernard memory lane with tours of the Loyola Graduates of the classes of 1953 Lamarche, Musée national des beaux- and Sir George Williams campuses. It and subsequent years ending in three arts du Québec curator of Contemporary was a good way to remember the old and and eight were celebrated for their Art; and artist Diane Landry. 5 The dis- see first-hand what’s new at Concordia. milestone anniversaries at the cussion was organized with Concordia’s For more photos and information, President’s Homecoming Dinner FOFA Gallery, the Drawing LAB Dessin visit concordia.ca/homecoming. on October 5 at the Westin Montreal. and Concordia’s Sol LeWitt project. Concordia President Alan Shepard is Graduates of the Faculty of Join fellow Concordians in 2014 when pictured (second from left) with (from Engineering and Computer Science Concordia celebrates its 40th anniversary.

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 49 ALUMNI NEWS

For news on the full slate of recent and future Concordia Advancement and 2012 — who championed the opening of Alumni Relations events in Montreal, across Canada and the world over, visit the space to honour its namesake. concordia.ca/alumni “The creation of the Mordecai Richler Reading Room will ensure that his works continue to be analyzed, celebrated and critiqued for generations to come,” says Concordia President Alan Shepard. “We thank the Richler family for giving us this deeply personal collection and for understanding the importance of Mordecai’s connections to Concordia — both historical and philosophical.” Richler’s personal papers and library will eventually be available for consultation by students, writers and the general public via an online database. “It was my wish that Concordia be custodian of my late husband’s writerly possessions,” says Florence Richler. “Mordecai worked incredibly hard to leave behind a body of work that would endure. That legacy will be immeasurably strength- ened with the addition of the Mordecai resdner

D Richler Reading Room at Concordia.”

1 Mordecai Richler Reading Room oe J Inspiring a new generation of writers Concordia honours his work to Richler’s widow, Florence, By opening the Mordecai Richler literary icon and son, Jacob. 1 Actor Rick Miller 2 Reading Room, Concordia has created legendary figure of Canadian entertained guests with a lively reading a hub that will inspire creative writers, A literature has initiated a new from the author’s Jacob Two-Two Meets spark fresh ideas among students chapter at Concordia. The Mordecai the Hooded Fang; Richler named the title and foster original research from Richler Reading Room has opened to character after his own son. scholars. Visible 24/7 through glass honour the late novelist, screenwriter The author’s personal effects were walls, the gathering place will host and essayist who attended one of generously donated to the university literary readings, master classes, Concordia’s founding institutions, Sir by Richler’s literary estate thanks to cultural gatherings and short writing George Williams University, between Frederick Lowy — Concordia president residencies. 1949 and 1951 and who served as its and vice-chancellor from 1995 to 2005 Friends of the university helped make writer in residence in 1968 and 1969. and again from January 2011 until July the Mordecai Richler Reading Room Concordia is now the home of Richler’s desk, typewriter, some of his private papers, books and mementos, as well as an ashtray that once brimmed over with his cigars. Located on the sixth floor of the J.W. McConnell Library Building, the room is at the heart of Richler’s old haunts on Concordia’s Sir George Williams Campus. About 40 guests and media came to the McConnell Library Building for the room’s official opening on November 28. At the event, Montreal Gazette car- toonist Terry Mosher (Aislin), left, resdner

friend of the late writer, is pictured in D

2 Mordecai Richler Reading Room oe the Reading Room presenting a gift of J

50 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine possible. David and Ruth Steinberg, Held at the York Club on October 17, Beryl Goldman and the Felicia and Shepard took the gathering as an oppor- Arnold Aaron Foundation provided fi- tunity to extoll the virtues of Concordia. nancial support, while Alvin Segal, He mapped out a vision for alumni as chairman and CEO of Montreal-based “lifelong partners” for the betterment of Peerless Clothing, allowed Concordia to society and the university. store the collection in his warehouse for Shepard said Concordia’s “reputation over a year. matters deeply” — that it was vital the A Companion of the Order of Canada, “next generation of Concordia students

Richler died in 2001. His novels are still attery have a great experience while they’re on l S read the world over and are translated campus.” ison

3 School of Canadian Irish Studies l in dozens of languages, from French to A The president’s talk to some 60 Finnish. Indeed, his works continue to guests touched on other themes, such be adapted as film and stage produc- foundation chairman. They were treated as campus growth and the value of a tions as well as audio books. Among his to a short video tribute from Mulroney, Concordia degree. novels, St. Urbain’s Horseman (1971) won Martin and Charest, as well as a lovely Shepard drew attention to Concordia’s a Governor General’s Award, Solomon rendition of “Danny Boy” by local chan- advances in research. He offered a Gursky Was Here (1979) was awarded the teuse and Concordia Department of perspective on the positive attributes Commonwealth Writers’ Prize, while Music instructor Beverly McGuire. of the historic merger of Sir George Barney’s Version (1997) won the Giller During the event, Ambassador Williams University and Loyola College, Prize. of Ireland to Canada Ray Bassett Concordia’s founding institutions. The Richler collection includes 6,000 (left) presented Brian Gallery with a Yet reputation led as the night’s key books, many of which are annotated Certificate of Irish Heritage, issued by theme. “What I hope from Concordia by the late author. The collection was the Government of Ireland, before going graduates is that the Concordia name catalogued by three graduate and sev- on to read a personal letter of congratu- opens doors for you,” Shepard said. en undergraduate students from the lations from the President of Ireland Alan Shepard is pictured with (from Department of English under the su- Michael D. Higgins. 3 left) Ian Garmaise, BA 84, president of pervision of Professor Jason Camlot, To watch a video of the event, visit the Toronto chapter, Leah Del Vecchio, BA 90. “There are real treasures in this concordia.ca/BrianGalleryGala. BA 10, president of the Mississauga collection that researchers will want to chapter, Concordia Chancellor L. consult, such as papers related to an un- Concordia thriving, President Jacques Ménard, BComm 67, LLD written, non-fiction book,” says Camlot. tells Toronto chapter 06, and Dominique McCaughey, BA To watch a video tribute to Mordecai Richler In an upbeat presentation to the 96, MA 02, associate vice-president of or listen to the podcast of the Mordecai alumni association’s Toronto chap- Concordia’s Advancement and Alumni Richler Reading Room opening event, visit ter, Concordia President Alan Shepard Relations. 4 concordia.ca/richler. called the university a “thriving place” Hear excerpts from Alan Shepard’s – Sylvain-Jacques Desjardins buoyed by an urban setting and interna- presentation at concordia.ca/ tional profile that increasingly works to alanshepardtoronto2013. Champion of Irish-Canadian its advantage. – Scott McCulloch education Brian O’Neill Gallery, BA 57, LLD 10, knows a few people in high places — including former Canadian prime ministers Brian Mulroney and Paul Martin as well as former premier of Quebec Jean Charest. His impressive network and gregarious personality helped Gallery and his fellow Canadian Irish Studies Foundation trustees raise more than $8 million in 15 years for the School of Canadian Irish Studies at Concordia University. More than 225 supporters and friends resdner

D came to Montreal’s Centre Mont-Royal

oe 4 Toronto chapter J on October 24 to honour the long-time

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 51 ALUMNI NEWS NOTICES

For example, those connections Alumnionce helped Recognition Babins book Bob Marley’s Awards Call bandfor Nominations The Wailers at Reggie’s, the bar 17th Annual Concordia Sendin your Concordia’s submission Henry by H. November Hall Building, 30, 2013 Used Book Fair for a private party for their DJs.

All graduates,Clearly faculty the members station and hasn’t staff, lost students that and friends ambitious streak. CJLO marked its of Concordia University and its founding institutions, Sir George October 7-8, 10 a.m.–7 p.m Williamsdouble University anniversary and Loyola College,— 15 years are invited as an to nominate candidatesonline-streaming for the Concordia Universitystation and Alumni five Association (CUAA) J.W. McConnell Building Atrium Alumniyears Recognition since Awards, it started the highestbroadcasting honour bestowed at by the 1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal association.1690 The AM CUAA — with urges a massiveyou to submit concert, nominations an for individuals who deserveopen tohouse be recognized and a free for theirbirthday outstanding bash inachievements, exceptionalOctober. service “We’ll to the advancementbe celebrating of Concordia all year, or continued Get great deals on used books and help servicebut to their this community. was the trifecta Award recipients of party will events,” be honoured at a raise funds for the Student Emergency specialsays event Stephanie in spring 2014. Saretsky, The awards CJLO’s are: station and Food Fund and the Concordia 5 CJLO manager since 2011. University Used Book Fair Scholarship. HumbertoWintersleep, Santos Award Fucked of Merit Up and Cadence CJLO: A tale of two stations also recently released a series of This prestigiousWeapon honour kicked is thingsawarded off to anwith alumnus/a a con- who has made a It’s a classic tale of two stations. compilations on Bandcamp and lifetimecert contribution at Montreal’s of exceptional Société leadership des arts and service to the university and community. A not-so-long time ago, each beefed up their schedule with more technologiques. “It is kind of a weird Concordia campus had its own radio shows, though the overnight slots are line-up, but it’s something that we did Alumnus/a of the Year Award station: CRSG at Sir George Williams proving difficult. They’re looking to Awardedon to purpose,” an alumnus/a explains who has Saretsky.demonstrated All professional excel- and CFLI at Loyola. recruit students living in residence at lence andthree community are Canadian leadership. bands CJLO has sup- Then one day a deal was struck, Loyola to fill the airwaves through the ported over the years and the mix of ending years of competition over witching hours. Benoîtgenres Pelland shows Distinguished a good example Service of Award what signal possibilities and student council Babins, formerly known as “Metal Awardedgets to anplayed alumnus/a at the who station. has demonstrated a long-term commitment of outstanding service to the alumni association and university. funding; the two stations merged into Mike” to long-time CHOM and CJAD Those who fall in torrid love with one in 1998. listeners, says he and Freedman made Honorarycampus Life radio Membership do not go unrewarded. Today, CJLO is a labour of love, run a great team. “Alex was really good at Awarded toBoth a non-graduate Babins and who Freedman has made a went long-term on commitment of NOTICE by volunteers and funded by a 34-cent- working with the business side of thingsoutstanding to successful service to themedia alumni careers: association Freedman and/or university. per-credit fee levy paid by Concordia and coordinating with the student will soon be producing the CBC morning Concordia Sports Hall of Fame students. The last few years have been union. I was really good with getting Outstandingshow in Student Quebec AwardCity and Babins, after Awarded to a Concordia student who has demonstrated outstanding Call for Nominations busy: the station held its first fundrais- publicity and had lots of connections,” leadershipmany and years contributions on the toMontreal student life. radio scene, ing drive and started the CJLO Artist says Babins. does public relations for 70,000 Tons of The deadline for nominations to be considered for the 2014 induction ceremony is Outreach Project to help local artists AlumniMetal, Award the for self-described Excellence in “world’s Teaching big- produce and promote their own EPs. Awardedgest to aheavy member metal of Concordia’s cruise.” teaching staff who has December 31, 2013 “It’s cool to have laid the founda- proven to “It’sprovide all superior because knowledge, of radio teaching that I’m ability and availability to students. Nominations should be accompanied by as much supporting tion for this fantastic station,” says where I am and it started at CJLO,” says documentation as possible, because it is the documentation Alex Freedman, BA 01, CJLO’s first co- Babins. He isn’t the only person who’s MBA Alumnus/a of the Year Award — not the number of times a name is put forward station manager and formerly of CFLI. Awardedbenefited by the John from Molson volunteering School of Business at CJLO. Alumni Chapter to or endorsed — that is considered With an old mixing board and a wild an MBA alumnus/aAnother with such outstanding alum is Emilyprofessional Brass, achievements and at the time of selection. plan, he and Mike Babins, then- who hasBA shown 12, a dedication radio and to televisionboth the community reporter at large and the Nominations do not expire university. station manager at CRSG, put together for CBC Montreal: “I had my own show if they are not selected in the year in which they the bones of what is now an award- on CJLO called Grrls Groove — it was Outstanding Faculty/Staﬀ Award are made. winning community radio station. Awardedall to different a Concordia genres University of music, faculty memberbut with or staff who has Visit athletics.concordia.ca/ made anwomen exceptional fronting contribution the bands. to the alumni association or to the halloffame for a Celebrating a decade and a half university community. “In 2012, I won the Joan Donaldson CBC nomination form or call Fifteen years later, CJLO is still going News Scholarship. In my application, I 514-848-2424, ext. 3852, strong, to the delight of its founders. used my radio experience at CJLO as proof for more information. The station can be listened to at 1690 For a nominationwhy I was form, ready visit to concordia.ca/alumnigo to the CBC.” or contact Nancy AM in Montreal or online at cjlo.com, Wada: 514-848-2424,The CJLO ext. offices 3882; [email protected] pictured in 2013 GO STINGERS! and is in the process of applying for 5 and from the archives 6 . a wider-reaching FM signal. They’ve 6 CJLO – Alyssa Tremblay

52 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine concordia university magazine fall 2013 | 53 NOTICES

Alumni Recognition Awards To all Floridians, Call for Nominations 17th Annual Concordiasnowbirds and Send your submission by November 30, 2013 Used Bookvacationers: Fair

All graduates, faculty members and staff, students and friends Meet Concordia President of Concordia University and its founding institutions, Sir George October 7-8, 10 a.m.–7 p.m Williams University and Loyola College, are invited to nominate Alan Shepard candidates for the Concordia University Alumni Association (CUAA) J.W. McConnell Building Atrium Alumni Recognition Awards, the highest honour bestowed by the 1400 De ConcordiaMaisonneuve alumni Blvd. and W., friends Montreal living association. The CUAA urges you to submit nominations for individuals in or visiting the Sunshine State are invited who deserve to be recognized for their outstanding achievements, to a cocktail reception with exceptional service to the advancement of Concordia or continued Get great deals on used books and help Concordia President Alan Shepard. service to their community. Award recipients will be honoured at a raise funds for the Student Emergency special event in spring 2014. The awards are: and Food FundFebruary and the 18, Concordia 2014 University Used Book Fair6 Scholarship. to 8 p.m. Humberto Santos Award of Merit Country Club of Florida This prestigious honour is awarded to an alumnus/a who has made a lifetime contribution of exceptional leadership and service to the uni- 22 Country Rd. versity and community. Village of Golf (in the Boynton Beach area), Fla.

Alumnus/a of the Year Award For more information and to register, please Awarded to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated professional excellence and community leadership. contact Lina Uberti, alumni officer, Geographic Chapters: [email protected] Benoît Pelland Distinguished Service Award Awarded to an alumnus/a who has demonstrated a long-term commitment of outstanding service to the alumni association and university.

Honorary Life Membership Awarded to a non-graduate who has made a long-term commitment of NOTICE Olivia Boudreau, Douches, 2006 Video, sound, 58 min. 31 sec. outstanding service to the alumni association and/or university. Concordia Sports Hall of Fame Outstanding Student Award Awarded to a Concordia student who has demonstrated outstanding Call for Nominations leadership and contributions to student life. The deadline for nominations to be considered for the 2014 induction ceremony is Alumni Award for Excellence in Teaching Awarded to a member of Concordia’s teaching staff who has JanuaryDecember 31, 2013 2014 proven to provide superior knowledge, teaching ability and availability to students. Nominations should be accompanied by as much supporting

documentation as possible, because it is the documentation artist

the — not the number of times a name is put forward of MBA Alumnus/a of the Year Award Awarded by the John Molson School of Business Alumni Chapter to or endorsed — that is considered rtesy u at the time of selection. o an MBA alumnus/a with outstanding professional achievements and C who has shown dedication to both the community at large and the Nominations do not expire Leonard and Bina Ellen Gallery university. if they are not selected L’OSCILLATION DU VISIBLE in the year in which they OLIVIA BOUDREAU are made. Outstanding Faculty/Staﬀ Award Curator: Michèle Thériault Awarded to a Concordia University faculty member or staff who has Visit athletics.concordia.ca/ made an exceptional contribution to the alumni association or to the halloffame for a February 12–April 12, 2014 university community. nomination form or call 514-848-2424, ext. 3852, A first exhibition examining the practice of this artist of the for more information. moving image and of performance, bringing together works For a nomination form, visit concordia.ca/alumni or contact Nancy produced between 2004 and 2013. Wada: 514-848-2424, ext. 3882; [email protected]. GO STINGERS! J.W. McConnell Library Building, LB-165 1400 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal

concordia university magazine fall 2013 | 53 concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 53 CLASS ACTSACTS

Assembly three times, is a Kevin Tierney, BA, between Quebecers of Alumni with more than one degree lawyer by training, former 71 GrDip 78, is a filmmaker different backgrounds. from Concordia, Sir George Williams police officer and broadcaster, and producer of the hit movie and/or Loyola are listed under and co-founding member of Bon Cop, Bad Cop (2006). Madiha El Mehelmy their earliest graduation year. the police technology program Kevin was one of three 76 Kotb, BEng, MEng at John Abbott College in Ste- recipients of the fifth annual (mech.) 81, is chief boiler George P.G. Springate, Anne-de-Bellevue, Que. Sheila and Victor Goldbloom inspector for the Régie du 65 BA, LLD 12, is a Member Distinguished Community bâtiment du Québec in of the Order of Canada. George Lilian Broca, BFA, Service Awards from the Quebec Montreal. She has been named recently retired after 14 years 68 is the subject of Community Groups Network. president of the American as a Canadian citizenship judge. Return to Byzantium: The The award honours exceptional Society of Mechanical During his eclectic career, Art and Life of Lilian Broca, individuals who contribute Engineers. An 18-year member George was a placekicker for a documentary about her to the vitality and reputation of the New York City-based the 1970 Grey Cup champion return to her homeland, of the English-speaking professional body, Madiha Alouettes, was elected as a Romania. The program aired community and who have is only the fourth woman to member of the Quebec National on CBC TV in October. built bridges of understanding lead the 133-year-old society.

1 2 3 4

7 8 9 10

1 Marcia Massa, BA (Fr. & hist.) 74, BFA 76, displayed 3 Apostoly Peter Kouroumalis, BFA (film 5 Alex Brzezinski, BComm 76, GrDip (acct.) 80, sculptures from her “Pilgrim” series at an exhibition called animation) 99, works under the name pen name Toly a.k. is a partner at Montreal accounting firm Levy Pilotte, LLP. “En Passant / In Passing” at the Warren G. Flowers Art Two of his paintings, inspired by the underground lowbrow He is also a photographer whose works have been exhibited Gallery at Dawson College in Montreal from September 13 art movement, are featured in shows at USINE 106U in in group shows in Canada and Hungary. Alex held a solo to October 3. Marcia teaches studio arts at Dawson College. Montreal this winter. 3) 3 Wishes exhibit, called “Between These Eyes,” at the Belgo Building marciamassa.com 1) Fallen Pilgrim in Montreal from November 27 to 30. alexbrzphoto.com 4 Chrissy Cheung, BFA (design art) 00, held 5) Mannequin Eyes and Mannequin Mouths 2 Diane Collet, BFA 76, MA (art ed.) 03, showed more a solo painting show called “Intrigue” from October 24 than 35 works, including drawings, paintings, collages and to December 8 at the Eleanor London Public Library in 6 Lyne Bastien, BFA 80, MFA 91, is holding an digital images, at her exhibition “From Tight to Loose” Côte-Saint-Luc, Que. observeroftime.com 4) Cajole exhibition of her paintings, called “Clair-Obscur,” at the at Gallerie de la Ville in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, Que., from Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre in Dorval, Que., from September 14 to October 13. dianecollet.com 2) Goodbye Kiss January 29 to March 23. Lyne has participated in several solo and group exhibitions. 6) Clair-Obscur

54 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine “It was a long process and “Set in mid-18th century Frederic Serre, BA that we all seem to dislike, why it’s sinking in now. My dad Europe, The Inconvenient 86 (journ.), and Gonzalo not promote mom and pop always said engineers can Bishop is told through the Gandia, BComm (quantitative companies that do good? So, find solutions to the world’s eyes and ears of a certain methods) 89, help run Joycott, basically, instead of boycotting, problems and I believed him.” Otto von Reipol, an Austrian an interactive website that let’s joycott.” joycott.com of noble birth. Otto’s tale is promotes for-profit companies Frank A. DiMauro, BA one of love, political intrigue, that go beyond the call of Andrea Boyd, BFA 78 (comm. studies), is a web deceit, betrayal, murder and, duty by donating profits to 91 (theatre), BA (therap. application specialist for the ultimately, redemption.” charities, promoting recycling, rec.) 98, is a Montreal-based University of North Carolina literacy or the environment. director, theatre educator and Health Care System in Chapel Bettina Bradbury, PhD Frederic oversees editorial playwright. She recently won Hill. Frank just published 85 (hist.), is a professor in the content provided by a team the Write-On-Q! playwriting an English translation of the Department of History at York of 30 writers, some of whom competition’s Pam Dunn Prize Italian novel Un Vescovo Scomodo University in Toronto. Bettina are Concordians. “The idea for her play For the Love of Gracie by Francescantonio Lopriore was recently named a Fellow of behind Joycott is that instead of Gray. Infinithéâtre presented Cariglia, available on Amazon. the Royal Society of Canada. boycotting big, evil corporations a public reading of the play

4 5 6

5 Alex Brzezinski, BComm 76, GrDip (acct.) 80, 7 Erik Slutsky, BFA 86, held a retrospective of his 9 Ann McCall, BFA 78, is presenting a solo exhibition is a partner at Montreal accounting firm Levy Pilotte, LLP. works on paper from the 1980s and 1990s, called “The Early of collagraphs entitled “Arborescence” at the Centre He is also a photographer whose works have been exhibited Years,” at Espace POP in Montreal from October 8 to 13. d’Expositions de Repentigny from January 12 to February 9 in group shows in Canada and Hungary. Alex held a solo Erik has held more than 50 exhibitions on three continents. in Repentigny, Que. The subject of the exhibition is trees and exhibit, called “Between These Eyes,” at the Belgo Building erikslutsky.ca 7) Poster of “The Early Years” exhibition the problem of deforestation. 9) Concurrence in Montreal from November 27 to 30. alexbrzphoto.com 5) Mannequin Eyes and Mannequin Mouths 8 Shelley Freeman, BFA (studio arts) 99, exhibited 10 Hoda Ackad-Wenger, BFA (painting) 01, held six paintings in a group show at the Gallery at Victoria a preview of her portraits series “The Power Behind the 6 Lyne Bastien, BFA 80, MFA 91, is holding an Hall in Westmount, Que., from July 11 to August 10. Her Scenes: Culture Montreal” at Centre d’art E.K. Voland exhibition of her paintings, called “Clair-Obscur,” at the work depicts the aesthetic beauty and wonder of confined in Montreal on October 17. Hoda works with black and Peter B. Yeomans Cultural Centre in Dorval, Que., from underground spaces. 8) Egress white photographs to create larger-than-life portraits of January 29 to March 23. Lyne has participated in several Montreal’s cultural visionaries. hoda.carbonmade.com solo and group exhibitions. 6) Clair-Obscur 10) Andy Nulman

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 55 KUDOS

in December at Montreal’s Concordia Hon Docs Bain St-Michel as part of its annual series of free public play readings. Also presented in the five-day series were A Place in Concordia University bestowed two honorary doctorates during the Country by Joel Fishbane, its fall 2013 convocation ceremonies on November 21 at Place des BA (creative writing) 02, Arts. The distinguished recipients joined more than 1,800 students and a guest reading of Fear from Concordia’s four faculties and School of Graduate Studies. Liath by Michael Mitchell, BFA (drama in ed.) 81. Clark Blaise, pioneering author and founder of Concordia’s Creative Writing 20TH REUNION Program, was honoured for his long ll a H and influential career across North u Alex Bottausci, BA idea

America as a teacher of writing and R , 94 (poli. sci.), EMBA 13, was literature. He is a professor emeritus

hesne re-elected by acclamation as uc

at the University of Iowa, where he was D

a city councillor in Dollard- d director of the International Writing Program. Clark’s 20 books l des-Ormeaux, Que., in ona R of fiction and non-fiction include the Pearson-Prize-winning . October. “Over the past eight t g Time Lord: Sir Sandford Fleming and the Creation of Standard Time S years, I, along with the other (2000). He was named an Officer of the Order of Canada in 2010. Concordia Chancellor L. Jacques Ménard, BComm 67, members of council, have LLDS 06 (left), received the snowflake insignia that marks his spearheaded projects that have led to increased recycling Vahid Tarokh, was the principal inventor promotion to Companion of the Order of Canada from Governor and composting, as well as of space-time codes. Unveiled in 1996, General of Canada David Johnston during an investiture increased public transportation the codes significantly improved the ceremony at Rideau Hall on November 22. Jacques, chair of BMO and daycare spaces. I look speed, capacity and clarity of wireless Nesbitt Burns and president of BMO Financial Group, received forward to continuing to voice and data communications. One of the country’s highest public distinction for his “charitable serve the residents of DDO the world’s most cited computer science and philanthropic involvement in a host of organizations and over the next four years.” researchers, Vahid is a Hammond causes.” He was first appointed a Member of the Order of Vinton Hayes Senior Fellow of Electrical Canada in 1995 and promoted to the rank of Officer in 2000. Rhonda Mullins, Engineering and Perkins Professor of Applied Mathematics at 96 MA (media studies), was nominated for a 2013 Harvard University’s School of Engineering and Applied Sciences. Governor General’s Literary He holds an MSc in mathematics from the University of Windsor and Award for And the Birds a PhD in electrical engineering from the University of Waterloo. Rained Down, an English translation of Il pleuvait des oiseaux by Jocelyne Saucier.

At the 15th edition of the Quebec Writers’ Phaedra Charlton- Federation (QWF) Awards on November 19, 97 Huskins, BA (comm. four Concordia alumni took home prizes: studies), writes, “After working in the major motion picture industry for six years and Adam Leith Gollner, BA (comm. studies) almost four years in municipal hez 04, Mavis Gallant Prize for Non-Fiction: c government in economic an S The Book of Immortality (Doubleday Canada) development, I am now a full ason

J partner in Fiore Botanica, an Andrew Szymanski, MA all-natural skin care company (English) 12, Concordia University First Book Prize: The headquartered in Nova Scotia. Barista and I (Insomniac Press: Serotonin/Wayside) The work of Susan Stromberg, BA (Eng.) 74, was selected as the Started by a European-trained Centennial Sculpture for the Lachine Hospital in Lachine, Que. The aromatherapist, Fiore Botanica makes products in small Louisa Sage, BFA (film animation) 03, QWC Reader’s sculpture, called Régénération, was unveiled on October 18. Among batches and ships them all Choice Prize: “The Drought of Eighty-Seven” the dignitaries pictured with Susan are Claude Dauphin, mayor over Canada and the U.S.” of Lachine, and Edgar Rouleau, mayor of Dorval. The sculpture Juliet Waters, BA (English) 85, MA (English) 98, is cast in aluminum and stands seven feet (2.1 metres) tall. “This Armen Papazian, MA (public 3macs Carte Blanche Prize: “Bluefooted” sculpture is a symbol of what occurs when a 100-year-old institution policy & public admin.), holds merges with a hospital like the McGill University Health Centre.” a PhD from the University of

56 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine in December at Montreal’s Cambridge, England. Armen Bain St-Michel as part of its is the founding CEO of Keipr, annual series of free public play a financial strategy and readings. Also presented in the modelling consultancy. He five-day series were A Place in recently won the first Alpha the Country by Joel Fishbane, Centauri Prize awarded by BA (creative writing) 02, the Institute for Interstellar and a guest reading of Fear Studies for his proposal Liath by Michael Mitchell, on money mechanics for BFA (drama in ed.) 81. space exploration.

Stefanie Buxton, 20TH REUNION BFA (theatre perf.),

ll 98 a H

and Clare Schapiro, BFA u Alex Bottausci, BA (theatre) 99, both performed idea R , 94 (poli. sci.), EMBA 13, was in Imago Theatre’s production

hesne re-elected by acclamation as of If We Were Birds at the Centaur uc D

a city councillor in Dollard- Theatre in Montreal in October. d l des-Ormeaux, Que., in Stefanie took on the role of the ona R

. October. “Over the past eight Pregnant One and Clare played t g S years, I, along with the other the Dwindling One in Erin Concordia Chancellor L. Jacques Ménard, BComm 67, members of council, have Shield’s Governor General’s LLDS 06 (left), received the snowflake insignia that marks his spearheaded projects that Award-winning play about have led to increased recycling “the deep bond between two promotion to Companion of the Order of Canada from Governor Reverend Donald L. Boisvert, BA 75, MA (hist. & phil. of and composting, as well as young sisters, characterized General of Canada David Johnston during an investiture rel.) 79, is an associate professor in Concordia’s Department of increased public transportation by their playfulness, ceremony at Rideau Hall on November 22. Jacques, chair of BMO and daycare spaces. I look romantic innocence and Religion. Donald (left) was ordained as a priest in the Anglican Nesbitt Burns and president of BMO Financial Group, received forward to continuing to budding sexuality.” Church of Canada by the Anglican Bishop of Montreal, Barry B. the country’s highest public distinction for his “charitable serve the residents of DDO Clarke, in September. He has been assigned to a non-stipendiary and philanthropic involvement in a host of organizations and over the next four years.” Amélie Proulx, BFA position as curate at Christ Church Cathedral in Montreal, with causes.” He was first appointed a Member of the Order of 06 (studio arts), recently a specific responsibility for French-language ministry. Canada in 1995 and promoted to the rank of Officer in 2000. Rhonda Mullins, won the $10,000 first prize for 96 MA (media studies), ceramics at the RBC Emerging was nominated for a 2013 Artist People’s Choice Award for Governor General’s Literary her artwork, Jardinet mécanique. Award for And the Birds In her artist’s statement, Rained Down, an English Amélie writes that “when translation of Il pleuvait des clay is fired, it irreversibly oiseaux by Jocelyne Saucier. becomes ceramics… My explorations with this material Phaedra Charlton- lead me to develop different 97 Huskins, BA (comm. strategies for unsettling the studies), writes, “After working inherent characteristics of in the major motion picture ceramics and suggesting industry for six years and that this material could be almost four years in municipal perpetually transformed.” government in economic development, I am now a full Marigold Santos, MFA partner in Fiore Botanica, an 11 (studio arts) is a Montreal- all-natural skin care company based artist. Among recent headquartered in Nova Scotia. shows across Canada, she held The work of Susan Stromberg, BA (Eng.) 74, was selected as the Started by a European-trained an exhibition called “Coven Centennial Sculpture for the Lachine Hospital in Lachine, Que. The aromatherapist, Fiore Botanica Ring” at articule in Montreal makes products in small from October 18 to November sculpture, called Régénération, was unveiled on October 18. Among batches and ships them all 24. The exhibition combined the dignitaries pictured with Susan are Claude Dauphin, mayor over Canada and the U.S.” drawing and sculpture, of Lachine, and Edgar Rouleau, mayor of Dorval. The sculpture exploring absurd parallels Gary Hoag, BA (soc.) 74, won the 2013 Trent Hills (Ontario) is cast in aluminum and stands seven feet (2.1 metres) tall. “This Armen Papazian, MA (public between witchcraft and boxing. Civic Award for architectural preservation. “I received this sculpture is a symbol of what occurs when a 100-year-old institution policy & public admin.), holds marigoldsantos.com year’s award for my efforts at Savanna Park in preserving merges with a hospital like the McGill University Health Centre.” a PhD from the University of the Loyalist character of the original farmhouse.”

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 57 Mohan Munasinghe, MA (econ.) 75, holds an MA in engineering from the University of Cambridge, England, an MS in electrical engineering from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in Boston and a PhD in solid state physics from McGill University. Mohan (left) received a DSc (Honoris Causa) at the general convocation of the Sabaragamuwa University of Sri Lanka in September, for “his exceptional services to humanity and Adam Koniuszewski, BComm (fin.) 93, GrDip (acct.) 95, is a CPA, distinguished contributions towards the advancement of the CA and CFA. Adam is chief operating officer of Geneva, Switzerland- disciplines of sustainable development, economics, energy and based Green Cross International, an environmental NGO founded environment, and for sharing the 2007 Nobel Prize for Peace as vice by former president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev. chair of the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.” Adam is pictured (right) with his wife Margo Koniuszewski, founder of the Center for Human Rights and Business, and Gorbachev. In October, Adam delivered a talk about sustainability and business, called “21st Century Capitalism,” to the Ordre des Frank A. Mulvey, BFA (studio arts) 82, MFA 87, curated an comptables professionnels agréés du Québec in Montreal. exhibition in August at the Warren G. Flowers Art Gallery at Dawson College in Montreal. The exhibition, called “Back to the Future: Letterhead Design of the 1960s,” featured the work of more than 100 designers active during the decade. Frank also recently published a book of his charcoal drawings, entitled Voyage. os l o p ado p a P imitri D

Dimitris Ilias, BFA 92, GrDip 99, produced a musical children’s book inspired by the Greek myth of Demeter, the goddess of Christopher Anthony Dieni, BSc (biochem.) 04, earned his PhD agriculture, and her daughter Persephone. Time for Flowers, Time in chemistry at Carleton University in Ottawa. In June, Christopher for Snow includes a CD of songs performed by a choir of 183 Quebec (left) received Carleton’s first Young Alumni Achievement schoolchildren and a story narrated by Terry Jones of Monty Python Nicolas Villegas, BFA (interdisc. studies) 02, holds an MA in Award, which recognizes a recent graduate who has achieved fame. The book and CD were launched at Montreal City Hall in photography from the Polish National Film, Television and Theatre significant accomplishments since graduation. Christopher, a October, with a performance by the choir (above). Dimitris, artistic School in Lodz and currently works as a cinematographer. He comparative biochemist and physiologist, is a Margaret and Wallace director of Montreal-based Chroma Musika, and his wife, opera recently shot the film Heavy Mental in Poland. “Heavy Mental was McCain Postdoctoral Fellow at Mount Allison University. He singer Maria Diamantis, were awarded the Medal of the National in competition in the debut section of the Warsaw International conducts research on nanoparticles and their toxic and potential Assembly of Quebec at the launch. The book/CD profits will go Film Festival. This is not the first festival my work has been shown neurological effect on aquatic organisms at the biochemical level. towards promoting music education in the participating schools. in, but it’s the first full feature that I have had in competition.”

58 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine Adam Koniuszewski, BComm (fin.) 93, GrDip (acct.) 95, is a CPA, CA and CFA. Adam is chief operating officer of Geneva, Switzerland- Rene Paredes, BA (leisure studies) 12, a third-year kicker based Green Cross International, an environmental NGO founded for the CFL’s Calgary Stampeders, was named the league’s by former president of the Soviet Union Mikhail Gorbachev. inaugural Most Outstanding Special Teams Player on November Adam is pictured (right) with his wife Margo Koniuszewski, 21. During one stretch of the 2013 season, Rene kicked 39 founder of the Center for Human Rights and Business, and consecutive field goals, a new CFL record. The former Concordia Gorbachev. In October, Adam delivered a talk about sustainability Stingers football player also set the mark for highest field goal and business, called “21st Century Capitalism,” to the Ordre des percentage for a season (94.7 per cent), and led the league comptables professionnels agréés du Québec in Montreal. in field goals made (54), points (213) and converts (49).

Christopher Anthony Dieni, BSc (biochem.) 04, earned his PhD in chemistry at Carleton University in Ottawa. In June, Christopher Scott Humphrey, BFA (theatre perf.) 10, starred in the (left) received Carleton’s first Young Alumni Achievement Kaleidoscope Theatre Montreal production of Jenny Lyn Award, which recognizes a recent graduate who has achieved Bader’s None of the Above in November. Set in present-day New significant accomplishments since graduation. Christopher, a York City, the almost-romantic comedy deals with the stresses comparative biochemist and physiologist, is a Margaret and Wallace of student life, issues of entitlement and the assumptions McCain Postdoctoral Fellow at Mount Allison University. He we make about each other. Scott (right) played Clark, a no- conducts research on nanoparticles and their toxic and potential nonsense scholarship kid hired to get a high school student’s neurological effect on aquatic organisms at the biochemical level. SAT score to a perfect 2400 or he sees none of the money.

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 59 IN MEMORIAM

Donald W. McNaughton, attendee 49, LLD 07, November 27, Montreal. He was 87. Donald chaired Concordia’s Connie (Freda) Johnston, Jane (Kuczynski) Robinson, Board of Governors from 1981 to 1987. BA 68, June 12, Ottawa. BSc (math.) 75, Aug. 27, He received the Loyola Medal in 1991, She was 61. Lachine, Que. She was 60. the Concordia University Alumni Association’s Humberto Santos Award of David Ainley, BA 69, Sept. 19, Bruce Baker, BEng (elec.) 76, Merit in 2004 and an honorary doctorate Victoria. He was 78. June 6, Pointe-Claire, Que. from Concordia in 2007. The former CEO He was 60. of Schenley Canada Distillery devoted Boris Strasberg, BSc (chem.) considerable time to the CFL’s Schenley Awards and was inducted 69, Apr. 8, Toronto. Fay Geitzhals, BA 76, Mar. 3, into its Hall of Fame as a builder in 1994. Toronto. She was 60. Raymond LeCouffe, BSc (math.) 70, Sept. 29, Montreal. Olpherts A. Gregory, MSc 76, He was 65. Apr. 27, Montreal. He was 86. Ronald Everard, BSc 46, Sept. 14, Montreal. He was 77. Nov. 11, Terrebonne, Que. Hannah Mary Ridolfi, BFA Bruce R.J. Hagerman, BA 76, Hon. Roger E. Baker, BA (Eng.) (sculpture) 70, MA (art ed.) 75, Mar. 3, Vancouver. He was 58. Dr. Frank F. Hubscher, BA 48, 61, June 23, Montreal. Sept. 29, Montreal. She was 93. Aug. 29, Laguna Niguel, Calif. Constance Moore, MA (hist. & He was 86. Louis Buell, BA (psych.) 61, Ann Condon, BA (psych.) 71, phil. of rel.) 76, May 9, Montreal. Sept. 24, Montreal. He was 87. October 27, Montreal. She was 83. Dr. Albert J. Schutz, BA 49, Aug. 26, Montreal. He was 84. Charles Westwood, BComm 61, Salvatore Lancione, BSc 71, McVain Ollivierre, BA 76, May 13, Montreal. Aug. 14, Montreal. He was 69. Feb. 21, Montreal. He was 69. Dr. Jack Berman, BSc 50, Aug. 2, Ottawa. He was 84. Istvan Edvi, BSc (chem.) 62, Dr. Benjamin Min Wei, MEng 71, Barbara Joy (Tolensky) Oct. 16, Montreal. He was 79. Nov. 16, Norfolk, Va. He was 83. Sperling, BA (early child. ed.) 76, Gary Sheridan, BSc 51, Aug. 18, Aug. 22, Montreal. She was 64. Alexandria, Ont. He was 85. Nicholas Karamanos, BComm Heinz W. Caminer, BComm 72, 62, Nov. 9, Montreal. He was 82. May 15, Streetsville, Ont. Dina (Fusaro) Cesari, BA Dr. Robert A. Bota, BSc 52, He was 83. (transl.) 77, May 29, Montreal. Aug. 30, Flint, Mich. He was 82. Allan Gordon Marjerison, BSc She was 58. 63, GrDip (theol. studies) 94, Roland Eric Ginn, BComm 73, Dr. Howard Frank, BA 52, MA 00, June 20, Pointe-Claire, Aug. 7, St. Charles, Que. Dr. Ursula M. McGuinness, Aug. 1, Montreal. Que. He was 98. He was 65. BSc (biol.) 77, Nov. 2, Montreal. She was 58. Aldo Piccinin, BComm 53, James “Jim” Edgar Bobby Goodis, BA (soc.) 73, Sept. 17, Montreal. He was 81. Brookbank, BComm 66, Miami, Fla. He was 70. Joseph Muthana, BComm 77, Aug. 10, Ottawa. Mar. 4. He was 71. T. Connell Broden, BA 54, Evelyn Beaulieu, BA (soc.) 74, Nov. 23, Toronto. He was 81. Dr. Peter N. McCracken, BSc BFA 92, Aug. 9, Montreal. Charlotte Wertheimer, BA 77, (biol. & chem.) 66, June 24, She was 83. Mar. 21, Montreal. She was 78. Stanley Matulis, BSc 54, Edmonton. June 28, Montreal. He was 87. Ida Sheila Miller, BA 74, Oct. Mitchell Berozofsky, BA Marian Graham, BA (psych.) 25, Montreal. She was 70. (psych.) 78, July 3, Menifee, Dr. John Smola, BA 56, 67, Aug. 3, Ottawa. She was 90. Calif. He was 57. BComm 64, November, Ottawa. Robert M. Smallhorn, BComm Henri Hechema, BComm 67, 74, Nov. 14, Oakville, Ont. Christine Anne (York) Daniel Ungerson, BA 57, May Sept. 13, Montreal. He was 70. Shreves, GrDip (DIA) 78, 24, Vancouver. He was 90. July 23, Toronto. She was 59. Keith Jackson, BComm 67, July Margaret M. Haberl, BA (app. Edward C. Over, BA 60, BSc 71, 9, Huntsville, Ont. He was 65. soc. sci.) 75, May 29, Montreal. Irene Ungar, BFA 78, Oct. 20, BFA (music theory & comp.) 94, She was 81. Toronto. She was 58.

60 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine IN MEMORIAM

John W. Tibbits, S BSc 47, Thelbert J. “Ted” Harper, Kenneth Barlow, S BA 67, Jessica,Jane (Kuczynski) Peter and Roberta.Robinson, Montreal.Sheila C. RuthLanthier, is survived BA (Eng.) by isAlthea survived Seaman, by her BA husband, (Fr.) 86, died on May 23 in Pointe-Claire, S BSc 61, died on July 7 in died on May 18 in Lachute, Que. HeBSc was (math.) 76. 75, Aug. 27, her79, Oct.long-time 4, Montreal. companion, Mendel,BA (Eng.) and 01, her Sept. daughters, 22, Montreal. Que. John is survived by his Montreal. Ted is survived by his Kenneth is survived by his Lachine, Que. She was 60. SaulShe wasLemkin, 64. and her children, SelinaShe was and 75. Rhona. She New job? Just moved? Just married? Or just want to let your children, John, Glen and Willa. wife, Hildred, and his children, wife, Gillian, and his children, Judith A. Coggins, S BSc Clara, Miriam, Philip and David. was 73. former classmates know what you’ve been up to? Visit He was 95. Cathy and Gregory. He was 75. Debbie, Dominic and Andrew. 74,Bruce died Baker, on June BEng 21 in(elec.) Ottawa, 76, SheKevin was J. 84.Leonard, BComm 79, Paul R. Guay, BA (poli. sci.) 87, He was 76. Ont.June Judith 6, Pointe-Claire, was 63. Que. MBA 79, PhD (admin.) 88, July MariaNov. 14, T.K.Montreal. Sweeney, He was BA 53. 89, alumni.concordia.ca/keepintouch Gilbert R. Haldane, L Paul Hecht, S BSc 61, died He was 60. Necdet15, Toronto. Kendir, He was BA 55. 80, died died on June 21 in Montreal. BSc 49, died on May 15 in on May 4 in Montreal. Paul is Robert “Bob” Kinney, Glenn Cole, S BA 74, died on on July 4 in Montreal. Necdet Maria isMichela survived (Mariano) by her Or mail or email us any information about yourself—don’t be shy— Mississauga, Ont. Gilbert is survived by his wife, Carol, and S BA 68, died on May 5 in MayFay Geitzhals,13 in Brantford, BA 76, Ont. Mar. Glenn 3, isMarlene survived (Shea) by his Matulic, wife, Scherly, BA parents,Maggio, RobertBComm and (human Barbara, res. you’d like to appear in Class Acts. survived by his wife, Joan, and his children, Debra, Jo-Anne, Charleston, S.C. He was 65. wasToronto. 62. She was 60. and(hist.) his 79, children, July 21, Alexander Kirkland, Que.and andmgmt.) her 87,husband, Aug. 20, Michel Montreal. his children, Scott, Neil, Sheila Mark and Nadine. He was 70. Adem.She was He 56. was 59. Adamus.She was 55.She was 44. Please include: your name (including name at graduation); year(s) and Beth. He was 88. Nicholas G. Sikorski, L BSc MaryOlpherts Eleanor A. Gregory, (Gatenby) MSc 76, of graduation and degree(s) from Concordia, Loyola or Sir George, Henry Laurence “Larry” 68, died on June 1 in Montreal. Marchadier,Apr. 27, Montreal. L BA He 74, was died 86. CarloAnn R. Delli McGowan, Colli, Cert BComm (TESL) EvaPaula (Klein-Racz) Bloomstone-Ben-David, and other universities; street address, phone number(s) and email Michael John McFall, S Cullen, Jr., L BA 63, died on Nicholas is survived by his on May 16 in Montreal. Mary 83,79, BAdied (hist.) on July 79, 6Nov. in Montreal. 16, Gruenwald,BA (creat. writing) BA 91, 89, died address; and any other relevant personal or business info and BComm 49, died on April 19 March 25 in White Stone, Va. wife, Louise, and his daughter, isBruce survived R.J. byHagerman, her husband, BA 76, CarloMontreal. is survived She was by 72. his mother, onAug. May 30, 18 Passaic, in Montreal. N.J. Eva messages that you’d like to appear. in Oakville, Ont. Michael is Larry is survived by his siblings, Kimberly. Michael.Mar. 3, Vancouver. She was 75. He was 58. Ida Longo, and his siblings, isShe survived was 46. by her husband, survived by his wife, Dorothy, Michaela and Peter. He was 70. Maria,Nancy Giuseppe, L. Kruse, Amato,BFA (art Elvio hist.) Hermann, and her daughters, By email: [email protected] Subject: Class Acts and his children, Joanne, Carole Poitras, S BA 70, VernonConstance Muratoff, Moore, MA S attendee(hist. & and81, July Enrico. 16, Roxboro,He was 51. Que. AnitaRev. Cheryl and Sandy. Patricia She Stroud,was 83. By mail: Class Acts, Advancement and Alumni Relations, Maureen, Patricia and Kevin. Peter S. Maslanka, S GrDip (comp. sci.) 93, died on 73,phil. died of rel.) on June76, May 3 in 9, Montreal. Montreal. She was 80. GrDip (adv. music perf.) 89, Concordia University, 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W., FB 520, He was 85. BComm 63, died on July 26 in April 20 in Verdun, Que. Carole VernonShe was is 83. survived by his Sylvie Domingue, BComm MonicaJune 21, Sherbrooke,Nash, BA 93, Que. Montreal, QC H3G 1M8 Montreal. Peter is survived by is survived by her siblings, Bill daughter, Lianne. 84,Oksana died Melnyk,on May 13 BSc in Montreal.(biophys. diedShe wason June 66. 20 in Comox, Camille Di Salvo, L BA 50, his wife, Helen, and his sons, and Brenda. She was 65. McVain Ollivierre, BA 76, Sylvieed.) 81, is BEd survived (TESL) by 90, her B.C. Monica is survived by Join the the Concordia University Alumni Association LinkedIn group died on June 3 in Pointe-Claire, Alan and Gary. He was 78. PeterFeb. 21, RaymondMontreal. He Nadeau, was 69. parents,July 26, RichardMontreal. Domingue She was 55.and herDaniel parents, J. Haddad, Cheryl BComm and Allan, at alumni.concordia.ca/benefits/olc. Que. Camille is survived by his Pauline (Hawn) Mullins, BA 76, died on May 28 in Josee Battistini, her husband, her(fin.) husband, 90, Sept. Greg 6, Calgary.Sankey, daughters, Carole and Sylvie. Oleg Podymow, S BEng 63, L BA 70, died on June 11 in Ottawa.Barbara Peter Joy (Tolensky)is survived by François,Linda Deluca, and her BComm daughters, (quant. andHe was her 47.children, Chiara and He was 88. died on June 2 in Montreal. Montreal. Pauline is survived by hisSperling, wife, Carolyn, BA (early his child. children, ed.) 76, Tanyamethods) and 82,Sarah. Aug. She 8, Montreal.was 52. Sage. She was 31. Oleg is survived by his wife, her long-time friend, Christiane Jason,Aug. 22, Jessica Montreal. and She Jordan, was 64. and She was 53. Heather (Wallace) Lorraine (Pedvis) Anneli, and his children, Tiina Brisson. She was 96. his stepchildren, Michael and Ilyse J. Segal, BFA 84, died LynnHutchinson, Henderson, BFA 93, BA 95, Lightstone, S BA 51, died on and Eric. He was 82. Kelsey.Dina (Fusaro) He was Cesari,66. BA onJocelyne June 20 Lemyre-Ryan, in Montreal. Ilyse is diedJune on 2013, June Val 13 David, in Montreal. Que. May 27 in Montreal. Lorraine is Ruth Issenman, L attendee (transl.) 77, May 29, Montreal. survivedBA (Fr./Eng. by hertransl.) children, 82, July Philip 2, LynnShe was is survived 82. by her survived by her children, Lyon Sarah J. Aitken, S 71, died on June 3 in Santa LauraShe was Vadboncoeur, 58. BA 76, andMontreal. Robin. She She was was 53. 74. children, Katie, Lisa, Peter and Michael. She was 81. BA 64, died on July 31 in Cruz, Calif. Ruth is survived died on April 23 in Montreal. andCynthia Sean. (Grant-Houston) She was 78. Montreal. Sarah is survived by her husband, Bernard, and LauraDr. Ursula is survived M. McGuinness, by her DuncanBrian D. Eastman,Little, BSc BComm 86, died 83, Howarth, BA (hist.) 95, Wallace J. Penwill, S BSc by her husband, Allan, and her children, Philip, Robert and daughters,BSc (biol.) 77,Cheryl Nov. and 2, Montreal. Andrea, onMBA June 87, 17July in Calgary.8, Montreal. Duncan AndrewMay 30, Montreal. Princz, BFA 95, 51, died on July 14 in Toronto. her children, Ian, James and Tina. andShe herwas stepson, 58. Louis. She isHe survived was 60. by his parents, Peter diedShe wason June 40. 24 in Quito, Wallace is survived by his wife, Jennifer. She was 73. was 80. and Margaret, and his wife, Ecuador. Andrew is survived Lorna, and his daughters, Morris Krymalowski, L BA Joseph Muthana, BComm 77, Pam.Darlene He wasLamothe 49. Ramsli, byLaurie his parents, Taylor Milliken,Judith and BA Diane Elizabeth and Kathryn Dave Hobus, S BA 64, died 71, died on May 2 in Montreal. MarionMar. 4. He (Valkema-Blouw) was 71. BComm (acct.) 83, June 8. Joseph,(transl.) and96, Junehis sisters, 5, Montreal. Georgina. He was 86. on May 31 in Key Largo, Fla. Morris is survived by his Young, BFA 78, died on RajpattieShe was 67. Persaud- MarinaShe was and 62. Vicky. He was 40. Dave is survived by his wife, mother, Madzia, his wife, Susan, JulyCharlotte 19 in Montreal. Wertheimer, Marion BA 77,is Billette, BA 86, died on Eugene Edelstein, Sandra, and his children, Kevin, and his children, Sam and survivedMar. 21, Montreal. by her children, She was Carla 78. AugustPauline 1 (Kovachik)in Montreal. Paterson, Rajpatti is LouyseJasmin Peleg,Lussier, BComm BA 96, (mktg.) MA S BA 56, died on May 29 in Kimberly and Rebecca. Elisabeth. and Ian. She was 92. survivedCert (family by herlife husband,ed.) 83, Paul- 03,97, GrDipdied on (DSA) June 00, 1 in Oct. Montreal. 3, Montreal. Eugene is survived Mitchell Berozofsky, BA André.July 10, She Stittsville, was 64. Ont. LouyseMontreal. is survivedShe was 39.by her by his children, Kim, Judi Serge Mercille, S BComm Paulette (Kaufman) Lorne(psych.) G. 78, Carlson, July 3, Menifee, She was 79. siblings, Vince and Ann-Marie. and Chaim. 65, died on July 12 in Longueuil, Majzels, S BA 71, died on May BCommCalif. He 79, was died 57. on June 8 Joanne (Van Zwol) Brais, SheMark was Warren 57. Robinson, Que. Serge is survived by his 19 in Westmount, Que. Paulette in Montreal. Lorne is survived GrDipHarold (lib. Sharkey, studies) BA 87, (adult died oned.) BA (geog.) 00, June 9, William David Yeates, children, Normand, Johanne is survived by her children, byChristine his wife, Anne Donna, (York) and his May83, July 24 in 13, Montreal. Toronto. JoanneHe was is90. StephenMontreal. HeLisiak, was 38. BA 97, S BComm 58, died on July 31 and Jean. Robert and Claudine. children,Shreves, Gregory GrDip (DIA) and 78,Heidi. survived by her husband, Jean died on June 20 in Montreal. in Toronto. William is survived HeJuly was 23, 77. Toronto. She was 59. Claude.Shirley SheMiller, was BA 71. (hist. & poli. StephenRaja Melad, is survived BEng (bldg.) by his 04, by his wife, Frances, and Kathryn Smith, S BA 66, Otto Gal, S MEng 72, died sci.) 84, Aug. 13, Laval. parents,Aug. 3, Switzerland. Oswald and Lillian, his his children, Arlene, Arthur died on July 4 in Montreal. on July 17 in Montreal. Otto RuthIrene Ungar,Aronoff-Birnbaum, BFA 78, Oct. 20, FlorenceShe was 50. Luger, BA 87, died wife,She was Lisa, 31. and his son, Andrew and David. Kathryn was 74. is survived by his children, BAToronto. 80, died She on was July 58. 16 in on May 31 in Montreal. Florence Julius. He was 38.

40 | fall 2011 concordia university magazine concordiaconcordia university university magazine magazine winter fall 20142011 || 4161 WORDS & MUSIC

Vigilantes, immortals and Pythons

dam Leith Gollner, BA of No Man’s Land (Penguin later, a Canadian woman latest crime fiction by (comm. studies) 04, Canada, $22.00). Set in unearths Maura’s story and Peter Kirby, BA 80. A explores humanity’s 1916, this historical fiction tries to fill in the miss- Vigilante Season (Linda ongoing obsession with chronicles the life of Angus ing pieces of the young girl Leith Publishing, $14.95) extending life in The Book of MacGrath, a skilled sailor lost to history. This is the picks up where Kirby’s Immortality: The Science, from Nova Scotia who enlists ninth novel for Montreal- critically acclaimed debut, Belief, and Magic Behind in the army, promised a po- born Donovan, who lives in The Dead of Winter (2012), Living Forever (Doubleday sition as a cartographer in Ottawa. buschekbooks.com left off. A string of suspi- Canada, $29.95). From London, but soon finds him- cious disappearances in fantastic locations around self unexpectedly thrust into Guitar Hero (Createspace, Montreal’s gritty Hochelaga the world, Gollner attempts the visceral shock of battle $10.46), the new book for district has Vanier search- to find truth in the legion during the First World War. young adults by Day’s Lee, BA ing for answers as he tries

of legends, myths and Written under the pen name (journ.) 78, follows 16-year- to clear his own tarnished discoveries that all claim to P.S. Duffy, the story draws old musician David Chang’s name within the police hold the much sought-after on McCurdy’s extensive re- road to redemption as he force. By day, Kirby prac- secret to cheating death. search and 30 years of sailing struggles to pull his life to- tises international law in In November, The Book of experience. psduffy.com gether and fulfill his dream Montreal. peterkirby.ca Immortality won the Quebec of becoming a rock star — if Writers’ Federation Mavis Rita Donovan, BA (Eng.) 78, he can keep from getting Monique Polak, MA 84, Gallant Prize for Non- weaves together the stories of kicked out of his band first. recently published her 14th Fiction. The Montreal-based two unlikely characters sepa- Lee, who lives in Montreal, novel for young adults. Set in writer’s first book,The Fruit rated by time and space in earned praise for the posi- Montreal, So Much It Hurts Hunters (2008), was adapted her new novel, Maura Quell tive representation of the (Orca Book Publishers, into a documentary film (BuschekBooks, $17.95). Chinese-Canadian experience $12.95) tells the story of directed by Yung Chang, BFA Poor Maura, orphaned and in her 2005 children’s book 17-year-old Iris Wagner, an 99, in 2012. adamgollner.com struggling to survive on the The Fragrant Garden. dayslee.ca aspiring actress who falls streets of early 19th-century for an older man. When the Penelope S. McCurdy, BA London, England, is shipped Inspector Luc Vanier re- relationship turns abusive, 70, recently released her de- to Australia for stealing a turns to prowl the mean Iris has trouble extricat- but novel, The Cartographer shirt. Meanwhile, 200 years streets of Montreal in the ing herself from it. Polak

62 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine is a freelance journalist book features Glassco’s not composing or in the stu- in Nazi-occupied Holland. and teaches English and correspondence between dio, Héroux teaches guitar Based on interviews with Humanities at Montreal’s 1929 and 1980 with fam- in the Department of Music Canadian Jewish war vet- Marianopolis College. ily and friends, including at Cégep de Saint-Laurent. erans and research in the moniquepolak.com Canadian literary notables michelheroux.net Netherlands, the book’s short such as Margaret Atwood, stories, poems and essays In A Green Reef: The Impact Northrop Frye and Irving Time for Flowers, Time for depict the author’s personal of Climate Change (Linda Layton. Busby, who lives in Snow (Tradewind Books, journey through her moth- Leith Publishing, $12.95), St. Marys, Ont., shed more $18.95), a children’s book er’s past. Van Der Meer is a Stephen Henighan, MA 86, light on Glassco’s uncon- and accompanying CD, tells Montreal journalist, public describes the scars left on ventional life in his 2011 the Greek myth of Demeter relations professional and Earth by humanity’s culture biography, A Gentleman of and Persephone through university lecturer. of consumption. Part mem- Pleasure: One Life of John songs performed by a choir of oir, part cautionary tale, Glassco, Poet, Memoirist, Montreal elementary school Emily Southwood, BA 02, the 50-page essay book- Translator and Pornographer. students lyrics and narra- believed she was a sexually

ends scientific, historical brianbusby.blogspot.ca tion by Monty Python’s Terry liberal person — until her and philosophical analysis Montreal musician Michel Jones. The music was pro- fiancé landed a job film- with the engaging retelling Héroux, BFA 91, has reduced by Montreal-based ing porn for a reality TV of an eight-hour trip he took leased his third studio album Chroma Musika, whose artis- show. As Southwood re- up Canada’s diminishing of original jazz composi- tic director is Dimitris Ilias, veals in Prude (Seal Press, west coast. Henighan, who tions. He describes the new BFA 92, GrDip 99. Profits will $18.95), her feelings of jeal- teaches Hispanic Studies at CD, Collage ($9.99, avail- go toward promoting music ousy and insecurity soon the University of Guelph, able through iTunes), as a education in the participating imperilled their relation- has published several books collection of guitar instru- schools. chromamusika.com ship. In this humorous, of essays and short stories. mentals exploring different frank memoir, Southwood stephenhenighan.com faces of jazz. Héroux studied In Motherlode: A Mosaic of takes readers along her path jazz guitar at Concordia and Dutch Wartime Experience to conquer her discom- The Heart Accepts It All has been honing his skills (Wilfrid Laurier University forts about her partner’s (Vehicule Press, $22) is a on the local music scene Press, $19.99), Carolyne Van — and her own — atti- collection of letters by the for more than 20 years, in- Der Meer, MA 97, creatively tudes toward pornography. late Canadian poet and mem- cluding performing at the interprets the experiences emilysouthwood.com oirist John Glassco, edited Montreal International Jazz of her mother and others by Brian Busby, BA 87. The Festival in 2005. When he’s who spent their childhoods —Alyssa Tremblay

concordia university magazine winter 2014 | 63 ENOUGH SAID Did you hear the one about the man who didn’t have A Family Reunion Health & Dental Insurance? in Montreal

WAH WING CHAN, BFA 92, BFA 96

y family and I emigrated in 1972 from Macau, the former Portuguese island ABOVE: WAH WING CHAN, FAR RIGHT, WITH HIS FAMILY IN LAPORTE, SASK., IN 1972. RIGHT: POISON, BY WAH WING CHAN. Mcolony where I was born, to reunite His tooth fell out and he couldn’t with my father’s parents, who were in Laporte, Sask., and his sister in see where it went. Montreal. cousins were similar in age to us, we did I have a photograph of our fam- not bond in any way, perhaps due to the ily taken that November in front of my language barrier: at that time we did not Is this mic on? grandfather’s general store in Laporte, speak much English and they did not which at the time was a tiny rural settle- speak enough Chinese. ment. In the photo I am 12 years old, My first few years in Montreal were standing with my eight-year-old sister like living in a surreal TV show. The very on the right side and my brothers, 15 little bits of English I had learned in and six, on the far left. In the centre are Macau were both helpful and confusing. my grandparents, father and mother. Understanding only one or two words It was a cold, sunny day. We wore in a sentence did not help in many situ- winter jackets and fur hats purchased ations. Still, as the second oldest, I was Concordia, it became like a second Not having adequate medical coverage is no joke. in Hong Kong, but the Chinese-made designated the family’s translator. home to me; I spent countless hours clothing was inadequate for an authen- School was a daily challenge. I would there practising my techniques, devel- Reduce your out-of-pocket expenses now. tic Canadian winter. The image is now follow my cousins there and then, not oping my images and searching for my permanently etched into my memory as knowing what was going on in class, artistic voice. Looking back, I was very Dental Care • Vision Care • Prescription Drugs being our first encounter with snow. I would go home at the end of the day fortunate to have many outstanding Massage Therapy • And Much More After we arrived in Saskatchewan, and try to figure out what I needed to do teachers who saw something special in Save! I regularly spent time in hospital be- for the next day. I was eager to adjust in my artwork. Visit healthplans101.ca/concordia or call toll-free Apply by March 31, 2014, * cause I would get motion sickness from this new world. I clearly remember how Today, I am a Montreal-based print- 1 866 842.5757 for more information. to lock in at 2013 rates. riding in cars, buses, boats and air- one particular day the door to the school maker artist and, since 2000, a regular planes (eventually I conquered this was locked when I arrived. Later, I found member of Atelier Circulaire, a Mile childhood condition). I can only re- out it was a holiday. End-district facility specializing in the member fragments of those days. I was It was during this period that I be- creation and exhibition of etchings, ALUMNI HEALTH & DENTAL INSURANCE alone but well cared for by the nurses gan drawing, or rather doodling, to lithographs and digital prints. and shielded from the cold of the out- look busy at the back of the classroom, I will always call Montreal home even side prairie world. I passed the time planting the seeds that would lead me to though I was not born here. It is the watching cartoons on an early colour become an artist. place I feel most comfortable, where television and reading old comic books. Years later, Concordia helped nourish I can communicate in Chinese, English After five weeks with my grandparents and grow those seeds. I would go on to and French all in the same breath. in Laporte, we were off to Montreal to earn two BFA degrees, the first in studio Forty-plus years of living in the city have live with my father’s sister. arts (1987-1992), followed by a special- instilled in me an open-mindedness My aunt and uncle had four children, ization in printmaking (1992-1996). touching all aspects of my life. I look Underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife Financial). just like our family. Although my During my nine years (part-time) at forward to the next 40. Manulife, Manulife Financial, the Manulife Financial For Your Future logo and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license.Exclusions and limitations apply. *Effective date of coverage must be on or before April 1, 2014.

64 | winter 2014 concordia university magazine Did you hear the one about the man who didn’t have Health & Dental Insurance?

His tooth fell out and he couldn’t see where it went.

Is this mic on?

Not having adequate medical coverage is no joke. Reduce your out-of-pocket expenses now.

Dental Care • Vision Care • Prescription Drugs Massage Therapy • And Much More Save! Visit healthplans101.ca/concordia or call toll-free Apply by March 31, 2014, * 1 866 842.5757 for more information. to lock in at 2013 rates.

ALUMNI HEALTH & DENTAL INSURANCE

Underwritten by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company (Manulife Financial). Manulife, Manulife Financial, the Manulife Financial For Your Future logo and the Block Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its affiliates under license. Exclusions and limitations apply. *Effective date of coverage must be on or before April 1, 2014. Embark on an adventure of a lifetime! 20 4 Concordia University Alumni Travel Program Enjoy an unforgettable trip to one of our spectacular destinations, carefully selected and designed for inquisitive travellers. Relish these reasonably paced, supremely comfortable journeys!

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ConMag-Winter2013-2014_TravelAd.indd 2 09/01/2014 4:13:44 PM