UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

CONCORDIA RESEARCHERS ON THE FRONT LINES 7 visions of our best possible future

FALL 2020 / BLACK PERSPECTIVES / ALUMNI Q&As / GOING VIRTUAL MAJOR PARTNER

The leading event on digital transformation

From October 13 to 18, 2020 Montreal Digital Week — Online edition

10,000 6 400 50 300

Attendees Days Speakers Countries Hours of contents

2020 TOPICS

Cybersecurity and Digital Identity / Sustainable Development / AI, IoT and 4.0 / City of the Future / Health | MedTech / Education | EdTech / Future of Work / Creativity | ISEA2020 / FinTech

RESERVE YOUR e-PLACE MTLCONNECT.CA

c2 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

20 OUR DIGITAL BLACK FUTURE PERSPECTIVES INITIATIVE Discover how Concordia’s next- Scholar and community gen approach organizer Annick Maugile educates students Flavien powers change at in the age of Concordia — and beyond. COVID-19. 18 24 2020 VISION FACULTY ON THE The John Molson FRONT LINES School of Business How Concordia-led celebrates a research can serve a milestone triple 28 post-COVID-19 world. anniversary.

INTERVIEW: WELCOME TO HELEN ANTONIOU MTL CONNECT 2020 Meet the new chair of 36 Concordia and a major Concordia’s Board 38 digital-arts festival of Governors. partner up this fall.

fall 2020 volume 44 number 3 concordia.ca/ magazine

COVER: 2 NEWS BITES iStock 6 NEWS Q&As 10 THE CAMPAIGN FOR CONCORDIA CLARIFICATION: The spring 2020 edition of Concordia 12 IN GOOD COMPANY University Magazine referred to an event 16 SETTING AN EXAMPLE (“Stingers standout!,” p. 30) since postponed because of COVID-19: the 2020 Concordia 40 ALUMNI NEWS Sports Hall of Fame induction ceremony, 48 STUDENT POETRY originally scheduled for September 12. 50 FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS 54 ALUMNI UPDATES 60 IN MEMORIAM 62 WORDS & MUSIC 64 ENOUGH SAID NEWS BITES

UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE

Concordia University Magazine welcomes your comments.

Concordia University Magazine is published three times a year for alumni and friends. Opinions expressed herein do not necessarily reflect the views of the university, or its alumni association.

Please address editorial correspondence to:

The Editor, Concordia University Magazine 1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. W. Montreal, QC H3G 1M8

Email: [email protected]

Advertising: advertising.alumni@ concordia.ca

Design: Christopher Alleyne and Trevor Browne

Editors: Ian Harrison and SOCIOLOGY PHD CANDIDATE JAMILAH DEI-SHARPE, MA 19, HAS CREATED THE NATIONAL BLACK GRADUATE Marta Samuel NETWORK TO CONNECT BLACK GRADUATE STUDENTS AND STUDENTS ENROLLED IN BLACK STUDIES. Contributors: Marco Buttice, Molly Hamilton and Joseph Léger

Photos by Concordia or courtesy $2.5 MILLION FOR CONCORDIA-LED RESEARCH of the subject (unless specified)

T21-65835 “Deindustrialization and the Politics of Our Time,” a seven-year project led by history professor Steven High at Concordia’s Centre for Oral History and Digital Storytelling, received considerable financial support from the Social Sciences and Humanities Keep in touch Research Council of Canada (SSHRC). One of the objectives of High’s research is to To update your address, email or communication preferences investigate how race, gender and class intersect with the decline of industrial activity — including where and how you and the rise of right-wing populism (more on p. 28). receive the magazine — please visit our new Alumni and Friends service hub at engage.concordia.ca. NEW CLASSROOMS AND STUDY SPACE

Concordia’s Facilities Management, which oversees all aspects of the university’s physical environment, is constantly at work to create practical urban spaces for academics and students. The newest example CREE LAND PROTECTED is now underway at the corner of Guy and Ste. Catherine streets in Montreal’s Quartier Concordia, where, despite pandemic-related Members of the Cree community of construction challenges, the basement of the Faubourg Building (FB) Wemindji have worked with Monica will be converted to accommodate open and modern areas Mulrennan, a professor in the Department for courses and group study before the fall 2021 term. of Geography, Planning and Environment, and other researchers to protect over 30,000 square kilometres of territory VIRTUAL INDIGENOUS ART EXHIBITION from large-scale resource development. The project is premised on the Concordia alumni contributed to the online Contemporary Native Art recognition of Indigenous authority over Biennial this past April. The multi-gallery event’s theme centred on traditional lands and waters. Indigenous kinship and resistance in the face of colonialism.

2 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine HEADED TO HARVARD

Shide Salimi, MASc 15, PhD 20, the recipient of Concordia’s Stand- Out Graduate Research Award, the Concordia Merit Scholarship, the Graduate Student Mobility Award and the Concordia Accelerator Award, assumed a postdoctoral fellowship at Harvard University last January. The focus of Salimi’s research is on smarter and more sustainable energy-efficient building systems.

SAFER SURFACES SLOW TRANSMISSION

ANITA NOWAK, GRDIP 99 (LEFT), AND DAUGHTER ANNIKA Materials with antibacterial and antiviral capabilities, like copper MEGRELISHVILI-NOWAK, MET CALIFORNIA SENATOR KAMALA HARRIS AT NEWARK LIBERTY INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT. “SHE WAS GRACIOUS, and titanium oxide, can be deployed to make surfaces more CHEERFUL AND ENERGETIC,” SAYS NOWAK OF THE 2020 DEMOCRATIC NOMINEE FOR VICE-PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES, WHO resistant to COVID-19, say researchers at the Concordia-based GRADUATED FROM MONTREAL’S WESTMOUNT HIGH SCHOOL IN 1981. NSERC Green Surface Engineering for Advanced Manufacturing (Green-SEAM) Network. Their work aims to better protect front-line workers in high-traffic public spacesmore ( on p. 28). SUSTAINABILITY ACTION FUND FLAGSHIP PROGRAM TAKES FLIGHT ONLINE Twelve research projects (five graduate, seven The long-standing flagship of the John Molson Executive Centre (JMEC), undergraduate) spanning Concordia’s four the Airport Executive Leadership Program (AELP), made a successful faculties have been selected for the 2019-20 online pivot in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. Virtual sessions Sustainability Research Awards. The projects provided a new opportunity for aviation executives to improve their addressed various environmental-related themes, strategic management skills. “Participants are staying 100 per cent active,” including community development, food security, said Sandra Nichol, executive director of JMEC. labour issues and sustainable consumption.

ADAM BASANTA, MA 13, AND SABRINA RATTÉ, BFA 05, MFA 12, WERE HONOURED WITH THE 2020 SOBEY ART AWARD. ALL 25 NOMINEES WERE ANNOUNCED AS CO-WINNERS AFTER THE ONSET OF COVID-19. (PICTURED IS RATTÉ’S NUÉE, 2020.)

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 3 NEWS BITES

ANTI-RACISM EFFORTS

Researchers at Concordia have co-developed and disseminated PROFILE, a multimedia tool kit designed to combat racial and social profiling by compelling users to confront their conscious SASHA ANDREWS (PICTURED WITH HER FAMILY), AN ACCOMPLISHED NATIONAL TEAM PLAYER AND FORMER PROFESSIONAL or unconscious biases. ATHLETE, RECENTLY JOINED THE STINGERS WOMEN’S SOCCER PROGRAM AS AN ASSISTANT COACH.

BOOST FOR ENVIRONMENTAL NEW PROGRAM FOR A SCIENCE STUDENTS MORE ACCESSIBLE FUTURE A scientific trainingprogram launched by Concordia and Future Arseli Dokumaci, Concordia’s new Canada Earth will be funded with $1.65 million over six years by NSERC’s Research Chair (CRC) in Critical Disability Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) Studies and Media Technologies and an assistant program. The grant will further scientific research on climate, professor of communication studies in the biodiversity and other critical sustainability goals as well as support Faculty of Arts and Science, will lead a research the career development of students and postdoctoral fellows. program to explore the use of new media technologies within disability movements, cultures, scholarships and activism.

BETTER WHEELS FOR MARS ROVER

When a NASA mission to Mars blasted off from Cape Canaveral, Florida, on July 30, the rover on board sported a new wheel design — thanks, in part, to Concordia researcher Krzysztof Skonieczny. “We came up with ways to improve performance on Mars’s loose and rocky soil,” explained Skonieczny, associate professor and Tier II Canada Research Chair in Aerospace Robotics in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering at the ALICE THE CORGI DEVOURED THE SPRING 2020 Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science. ISSUE OF CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE.

4 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine FROM CANCER RESEARCH TO COVID-19

Two international postdocs stranded in Canada because of COVID-19 have successfully switched their research focus from cancer to the novel coronavirus. Gurudeeban Selvaraj and Satyavani Kaliamurthi arrived in Montreal in late December on a 24-week Mitacs Globalink Research Internship to study at Concordia’s Centre for Research in Molecular Modeling (CERMM) under the supervision of chemistry and biochemistry professor Gilles Peslherbe. The pair are using computer modelling and simulations to look into molecular approaches health scientists can exploit to develop a vaccine or search for an antiviral protein-inhibitor drug. “As the fight against COVID-19 is a worldwide effort, it is gratifying to see our researchers’ efforts in responding to this public health crisis,” saidPaula Wood-Adams, Concordia’s interim vice-president of research and graduate studies.

GRAD WINS GOVERNOR GENERAL’S ACADEMIC GOLD MEDAL

Irene Rozsa, MA 11, PhD 20, won the Governor General’s Academic Gold Medal this past June. The Film and Moving Image Studies program alumna earned the prize for achieving the highest academic standing at the graduate level among students at the university completing a dissertation. “I am grateful to Concordia for giving me first-hand access to an intellectual community where scholarship, professional dedication and kindness coexist,” said Rozsa, whose research focuses on the transnational dimensions of visual culture in Latin America.

DIAMOND JUBILEE FOR POLITICAL SCIENCE FAY ARJOMANDI, BENG 98, THE CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 2018 ALUMNA OF THE YEAR, AND THE PRESIDENT AND CEO OF MIMIK, DEVELOPED PANDIMIK, THE WORLD’S FIRST ANONYMIZED INFECTION-TRACING APP DESIGNED FOR COVID-19. This autumn marks the 60th anniversary of Concordia’s Department of Political Science. Founded by Distinguished Professor DOCTORAL CANDIDATE Henri P. Habib in 1961, the department SCORES DISTINGUISHED AWARD boasts a number of notable alumni, including Peter Schiefke, BA 07, environmentalist and Soroosh Shahtalebi, a doctoral candidate at the Concordia Institute member of Parliament; Leah Olson-Friesen, for Information Systems Engineering, has been awarded the Louis- BA 98, MA 00, chief operating officer at Berlinguet prize from the Fonds de recherche du Québec – Nature Lumeca Health, and one of Concordia’s et technologies (FRQNT). Shahtalebi was recognized for his article Top 50 Under 50 Shaping Business; and “PHTNet: Characterization and Deep Mining of Involuntary Pathological Jacques Chagnon, BA 75, former member Hand Tremor Using Recurrent Neural Network Models,” which appeared of the National Assembly of Quebec. earlier this year in the open-access journal Scientific Reports. Under the supervision of associate professor Arash Mohammadi, Shahtalebi’s work at the Intelligent Signal and Information Processing (I-SIP) Lab applies machine-learning solutions to problems in medicine and health care.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 5 NEWS Q&As

major and computer science as a minor How do you feel about where the indus- Mélie Tiacoh because I’ve always wanted to be a trader try is now in terms of representation? on the New York Stock Exchange. I’m glad to see the direction the industry has a passion has taken over the last few years. The You chose to study for your CFA world is diverse and that should be for fashion designation after you graduated. represented in the modelling industry How have you juggled that with the as well. It also gives us ‘ethnic models’ and finance demands of a busy career? more chances to work and do great things. You may have seen this I love challenges. I’m currently a CFA Level III candidate. I have the Can you talk about your work grad on the catwalk advantage of a flexible schedule that with the Kalou Foundation? IAN HARRISON, BCOMM 01 I try to manage the best I can. It isn’t For the past three years I have been the always easy, but I take it step by step. ambassador for the Kalou Foundation. ess than a decade It’s the foundation of Lremoved from ex-Chelsea and current the John Molson School of Botafogo soccer player Business (JMSB), top model Salomon Kalou. Together, Mélie Tiacoh, BComm 13, we organize a Christmas has ascended the echelons party every year for the of the fashion world and set orphans of Grand-Bassam herself up for a successful and Abidjan in Ivory career in business as a Coast. We also raise funds CFA candidate. to rehabilitate and build We recently spoke to the schools, hospitals, dialysis New York-based Tiacoh centres and other facilities. about her life on and off the runway — from Victoria’s What do people commonly Secret to Nylon magazine. misunderstand about models and the fashion How has your job been world? What do you think affected by the pandemic? would surprise most The modelling industry people about the job? has been affected big People think that the fash- time. Every shoot requires ion world is a superficial teamwork, and a lot of and perverted industry and people are involved. All that modelling is not a real shoots and castings have job, but it definitely is! You thus been cancelled. travel the world, far away Also, a lot of the from family, at a young age. nylon manufacturing is done You have to learn how to be of in Asia. As a result, many patient, professional, self- companies haven’t had dependent, resilient and ourtesy clothes to shoot anyway. C to deliver what clients Because of these unusual need: you’re an actor, a times we are navigating, a lot of Do you see some compatibility gymnast and a dancer, all at once. clients have asked models to do between investment management It’s a tough industry, especially be- self-shoots at home. and the fashion world? cause of the fact that you’re judged on As a model you have to manage your the way you look. However, as long as What was your experience like finances and invest wisely, since it’s you keep a good head on your shoulders as a student at Concordia? a relatively short career. I’ve used and have a good support system, there’s I loved studying in Montreal. My friends my skills to protect my finances. I’m no reason to fall prey to it. I’m proud of and fellow students were all focused. We currently building my own company, how mature, independent, open-minded inspired each other to get good grades so being my own boss will definitely and less self-critical I have become. and graduate fast. I chose finance as a require some financial skills. I wouldn’t trade it for anything.

6 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine How a Montreal Impact star scored his iron ring Shamit Shome juggled a pro soccer career and engineering studies

COLIN THRONESS FROM EDMONTON TO MONTREAL A CHALLENGING YEAR Shome eventually signed with FC Because of COVID-19, Shome uring Shamit Shome’s initial Edmonton’s youth academy. He played a completed his electrical engineering Dyears at Concordia’s Gina Cody year there and signed with the pro team degree in isolation this past spring. School of Engineering and Computer while he was enrolled at the University of While his iron ring ceremony has been Science, only a few of his fellow students Alberta. After a promising first season he postponed, he remains upbeat. knew they had a professional soccer entered the Major League Soccer (MLS) “There are definitely people around player in their midst. draft, where he was selected by Montreal. the world and in Canada who are going “Nobody knew who I was at first,” Intent on completing his university through much says Shome, BEng 20, a midfielder with education, Shome, whose father is a civil worse. At the end the Montreal Impact. “It was just easier engineer, chose Concordia because of its of the day, all I can that way. I went to my classes, got the strong reputation for experiential learning. do is stay positive work done and went home.” Balancing schoolwork and a profes- and hope we can Shome’s parents, who emigrated from sional soccer career was “kind of like a overcome this.” Bangladesh to Edmonton before he was big jigsaw puzzle,” he admits. But Shome Like many of his born, had him playing organized soccer made it work, and he liked that his classmates, Shome at a young age. Concordia classes “gave me the experience has also been “That was the main sport they knew in what I’m actually doing as an engineer.” closely following about and thought was the easiest to His fondest memories from his five the Black Lives get into,” he explains. “I was just playing years at Concordia involve all the great Matter protests. for fun, but as I got a bit older, people people he met along the way. “The world is said, ‘Hey, he seems like he could be “I’ve made a lot of new friends who starting to come together. This time, really good.’” really helped me feel comfortable here.” I feel like there’s a firm movement to stop racism. Hopefully we can start to change the way we view people of colour.” Shome says he heard racist remarks growing up, sometimes without even realizing it. The experience of playing soccer at a high level provided him with an invaluable opportunity to get to know a more diverse group of people. “Meeting people from different cultures, coming from all over the world, is really enlightening in terms of what they face, what they see and how they’re treated. “It’s been a big eye- opener, both playing t c

pa professional sports and m I being in university. Education helps bring ontreal

M people together — by being the

of

educated on the issues, we can progress and change.” ourtesy C

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 7 NEWS Q&As

Meet Yinka Ibukun, West Africa bureau chief for Bloomberg News ‘I’m responsible for the coverage of 20 countries’

IAN HARRISON, BCOMM 01 W. E. B. Du Bois Memorial Centre for Your mandate is huge. How Pan-African Culture, a 15-minute walk do you choose what to cover? hen Yinka Ibukun, BA 07, was from my house, provides a constant I’m currently training an artificial- Wpromoted to bureau chief for reminder of the intersection of those intelligence tool used at Bloomberg to Bloomberg News West Africa last spring, two movements. pick up certain topics on social media her locus of authority grew considerably. Ghana has continued to open its arms and in news reports. The tool allows you The veteran reporter was suddenly to the African-American community. to ‘thumbs-up’ or ‘thumbs-down’ sug- thrust into a role with tremendous Last year, it encouraged the African gestions to teach the machine what you responsibility at a time of severe diaspora in the U.S. to visit to mark 400 find interesting. At the moment, I’m global unrest. Much of Ibukun’s years since the first enslaved Africans teaching it to catch core Bloomberg sto- focus has since been on the fallout of arrived. The government called it the ries, like anything relating to cocoa — the COVID-19 on the continent — in May Year of Return. So it’s no surprise there two biggest markets in my region, Ghana she reported on the extraordinary have been attempts to protest the police and Ivory Coast, account for more than story of a worker who infected 533 killing of George Floyd and others in 60 per cent of the world’s production. people at a fish factory in Ghana. solidarity with African-Americans, but We follow market news, politics, oil, We spoke to the French-born, two protests were not allowed to proceed telecommunications and infrastructure, Nigeria-raised journalism grad about because of restrictions on gatherings among other topics. With COVID-19, her new job, Black Lives Matter and her due to the coronavirus pandemic. Even we’ve been following how various time at Concordia. in Ghana, a lodestar of pan-Africanism, countries are dealing with the pandemic anti-Blackness persists, through from both health and economic What has it been like to experience colourism for instance. perspectives. Western countries are the worldwide anti-racism protests dishing out trillion-dollar stimuli as a journalist based in Accra? Tell us about your career to protect jobs and businesses, but Ghana holds a special place in the trajectory at Bloomberg. the countries in my region run small American civil rights movement. In I joined Bloomberg as a stringer in governments and people are more The Heart of a Woman, Maya Angelou 2013 in Lagos, my home city. I was or less on their own. So part of the recounts how she moved to Accra, the recruited as full-time staff a year later coverage is what that means for people, capital, in the 1960s, with her teenage and spent six years reporting almost economies and governments. son, and mingled with an African- exclusively on Nigeria. I moved to Accra And then there are those timeless American intellectual community last year and took on a more regional stories where all you need is a news here that included people like W. E. B. role as a West Africa business reporter. hook to build a narrative around, like Du Bois. Du Bois co-founded the largest In April, I applied to become West opportunities to highlight socio-economic civil rights organization in the United Africa bureau chief and got the job. or gender inequalities, for instance. States but also agitated much of his life I’m responsible for the coverage of The challenge is threefold: monitoring, for an end to colonialism in Africa. He 20 countries (but not Nigeria, which selecting and choosing a format to present died in a home in Accra given to him has a bureau of its own). the story. In all three aspects I get support by President Kwame Nkrumah. The from reporters, editors and various teams.

8 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine about the struggles of Palestinians through student-led political events, the oppression of First Nations and became more aware of discrimination against sexual and gender minorities. I was like a sponge soaking in all the political and social awareness. A turning point came when I was elected editor-in-chief of Concordia français, the only French-language paper on campus. I became its first ews N non-Québécois leader. After a brief erg mb honeymoon period, new roles were loo

B created to check my powers and I had “AT CONCORDIA, I LEARNED AS MUCH IN THE CLASSROOM AS I DID OUTSIDE OF IT,” SAYS YINKA IBUKUN, BA 07. an editorial disagreement with the new decision-makers. That essentially What stories have been the first television station launched in ended my relationship with the paper. most meaningful to you? Africa. I wish I could claim that as my Even now, as organizations talk about As a reporter in Lagos, stories origin story, but I feel like I was already getting more Black people in leadership, that addressed the stark economic set on becoming a journalist by the time it’s important to acknowledge how inequalities in Nigeria were those I learned he’d had this notable stint as a vulnerable it can be to be the only Black I found most meaningful. Due to a media professional. person — and especially the only Black lack of social services, that impacts woman — at the leadership level. every other aspect of life. I’ve written What made you decide to That experience made me seek out about how people die from a lack of attend Concordia? What stands the African and Caribbean communities access to safe water or how certain out most from your experience at the university and in my new city. government policies have blocked at the university? Within less than a year, I’d started my people from accessing financial services I was at what was then CERAM Sophia own publication, Baobab Magazine, and being able to set money aside or Antipolis (now part of the SKEMA which focused on the African diaspora even borrow. Nigeria probably has some Business School in France) for two in Montreal. It was run by a group of of the most extreme cases of inequality, years and applied to Concordia because women — all but one were Concordia but the rest of the West African region it was a partner university with the students, and most of them were faces similar challenges. best-ranked journalism program. African or of African descent. Transferring to a partner university Creating with that group — and How did you first cultivate meant I wouldn’t have to repeat most of working with our many supporters an interest in journalism? my classes. It also helped that Concordia within Black communities to fund it My first business was a poorly translated gave me a merit-based scholarship for and organize events — remains one English-French newspaper which my international students. of the most meaningful professional 11-year-old friends and I sold for 50 “At Concordia, I learned as much experiences I’ve had because we naira (the equivalent of about $2 at the in the classroom as I did outside of it. addressed a real gap in the media space. time). Long before I was born, my dad A popular event then was Cinema Montreal’s Black History Month Round became the first Black director of the Politica that raised awareness about Table gave us a prize in 2007 for most Western Nigeria Television Service, social issues around the world. I learned promising organization.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 9 THE CAMPAIGN FOR CONCORDIA rowne B revor T

PETER POMPONIO, BCOMM 90 (CENTRE), WITH HIS FAMILY (FROM LEFT): WIFE GIULIA; ELDEST DAUGHTER CHRISTINA; SON NICHOLAS; AND YOUNGEST DAUGHTER KAYLA

‘Put in the hours’: family commitment to education inspires $100,000 gift

Alum Peter Pomponio aims to support the next generation of finance talent

IAN HARRISON, BCOMM 01 honest,” responded the wealth ‘IMPORTANT TO REMAIN FOCUSED’ management advisor, when asked how Pomponio, who also serves as the hen Peter Pomponio, BComm the coronavirus had affected Assante, managing director of Assante Quebec, W(finance) 90, recently donated recently named one of the most trusted expressed grave concerns about the $100,000 to support undergraduate investment firms in Canada. “Obviously, human impact of the pandemic but urged scholarships at the John Molson School clients who need to draw from portfolios anyone troubled by market turbulence to of Busines (JMSB), global markets — a for income are more vulnerable, but we keep a sense of perspective. sector the owner and president of have a strategy to cushion them in times “Remember, we’ve lived through Assante Dorval closely follows — had yet of crisis. We’re well positioned because worse than the Great Depression. The to reel from the uncertainties provoked we’re conservative investors who plan market correction of 2008 and 2009 was by the COVID-19 pandemic. for the long term.” worse than 1929. And we bounced back As a result, questions about the after three years. These big drops in the gift to Concordia momentarily gave stock market, there’s no rational basis way to more urgent concerns after the “My time at Concordia for them. So it’s important to remain quarantined, but otherwise healthy, focused. There’s going to be significant Pomponio was contacted at his home. was a period of spending by governments to bolster “It’s sort of business as usual, to be immense maturation.” the economy.”

10 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine “It makes sense to start locally, with The ability to perform my alma mater.” of development at JMSB] facilitated this kind of measured, a tour of John Molson for myself big-picture analysis — a and my family. We were very, very skill that has helped propel impressed by what we saw. Education Pomponio to the top of his is so important to us, especially now.” profession — was encouraged by supportive parents and ‘JUST THE BEGINNING’ honed at Concordia. Pomponio and his wife, Giulia, have “My parents were the three children at various stages of type to attend all of my their education. Eldest daughter conferences at school,” says Christina, 24, intends to become a Pomponio. “There was very pharmacist and is “living her dream” little tolerance for failure. as a student at the Massachusetts There was a pressure on me College of Pharmacy and Health to succeed, no doubt. They Sciences in Boston. Kayla, 21, is about had the approach that if you’re to enter law school, while Nicholas, rowne

going to take on a project, you B 16, attends Loyola High School, had better put your whole self located across from Concordia’s revor into it and be the best you can T Loyola Campus in Montreal’s Notre- POMPONIO AND ANNE-MARIE CROTEAU, BSC 86, be. ‘Put in the hours’ — that’s DEAN OF THE JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS Dame-de-Grâce neighbourhood. what my dad used to say.” Even the best talent struggles to This motivated me and accelerated blossom without adequate resources, ‘I STARTED TO SEE THE my growth and knowledge of the Pomponio suggested, as he discussed WORLD IN A DIFFERENT WAY’ business world.” his children’s accomplishments and By the age of 16, Pomponio had set Pomponio was hired by an accounting good fortune. This sentiment is what his mind on finance as a career. He firm after graduating with his BComm ultimately prompted the family to absorbed business news and stock in 1990 but soon made the pivot to propose the bursary and scholarship quotes and even invested some of his financial planning at Assante’s corporate endowment to JMSB. own pocket money. When he enrolled predecessor. He’s been with the company “The youth of this world — and a lot at Concordia, he was primed to take his for almost three decades now and has of it has to do with technology and the passion to another level. earned a sterling reputation in investment way they think about things — are criti- “Not only did I enjoy my time and wealth management circles. cal to the evolution of business,” says at Concordia but it was a period of With his generous gift of $100,000 Pomponio. “I want to fuel that as much immense maturation. I started to see to support finance students at JMSB, as I can. It makes sense to start locally, the world in a different way and got Pomponio wants to pay it forward. The with my alma mater. There are good to interact with adults — both students decision to give back was not his alone. things going on here. Hopefully, this and professors — who had day jobs. “Joseph Capano [principal director is just the beginning.”

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 11 IN GOOD COMPANY

Award-winning engineering firm looks to Concordia for reinforcements More than 70 per cent of SBSA’s staff are alums — including its president

JOSEPH LÉGER, BA 15 project, Kraft Heinz Canada’s relatively unscathed. Mount Royal plant, ABB The firm’s ties to f you’ve visited the Campus Montreal and the Concordia run deep. I Montreal Forum since Royal Victoria Hospital. SBSA, which shared a Prix its turn-of-the-century SBSA stays ahead of the d’excellence Cecobois in transformation from competition by investing in 2014 for a project at Groupe illustrious sporting arena cutting-edge technology, Dynamite’s head office, to entertainment complex, such as 3D laser imaging and currently employs about you may not have noticed advanced design software, 15 engineers and designers the national historic and by building a talented hailing from the Gina Cody site’s vertical trusses, steel pool of enthusiastic and School of Engineering and beams or freestanding forward-thinking employees. Computer Science. concrete foundation. The company’s ability to Milo Shemie, MEng 72, The work of SBSA, the adapt has never been more was one of the company’s Forum’s redesign is one of evident than during the original engineers in the early many significant projects the COVID-19 crisis. 1960s and became a partner structural engineering firm Thanks to its diverse in 1980 — he remained active has overseen in its nearly expertise, broad client with the company until a 60-year history. base from a variety of few years ago. The Montreal company’s construction sectors and a Here are five other extensive portfolio also rapid transition to remote alumni making an impact includes the Ritz-Carlton work, SBSA has been able with SBSA in the field of extension and renovation to continue its operations structural engineering.

12 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine EVAN IRVINE, BENG 09: LUCKY BREAK

or Evan Irvine, the members in the Department Fjourney to SBSA started of Building, Civil and somewhat inauspiciously. Environmental Engineering. “I was really into “They piqued my interest mountain biking,” he says. in structural design and “The summer of 2008 was prepared me very well for the my last before graduating field. The tasks I was doing and entering the real world. when I started working at My plan was to travel around SBSA were very similar to Canada and compete in what we were doing in class.” a few races. Then I broke Irvine’s responsibilities OANA TAMAIAN, BENG 17: my collarbone.” include project and staff Instead of a cross-country management, business de- CHIP OFF THE OLD BLOCK bike trip, the injured Irvine velopment and marketing, landed an internship at SBSA. and contract administration. ana Tamaian knew subject, I liked my pro- He was hired upon graduation His arrival marked a Ofrom a young age that fessors and I liked the and became a part-owner and major shift for the company, she wanted to be involved in connections I had made. partner in 2014. particularly with regard to its building structures, either Now, knowing what architec- Irvine attributes part of his hiring practices. as an engineer, an interior ture really is, I’m glad I went success to having the right “SBSA was focused on designer or an architect. into structural engineering.” skills at the right time. more senior engineers at the Attuned to her interests, Tamaian and her family “When I arrived at the time,” says Irvine. “I think Tamaian’s father encouraged had emigrated from company, the new 2005 the management team was her to help out with his Romania to Alberta when she building codes were being pleasantly surprised with my home-improvement projects. was 11. She fully expected to implemented,” says Irvine. capabilities and those of the “My father saw how move back to Calgary after “I already had a good other young people we hired enthusiastic I was so graduation but fell in love knowledge of them thanks straight out of university and he allowed me to make with Montreal. to Concordia. I also had Concordia in particular. decisions,” she says. “He let “Unfortunately, my French more knowledge of the “This led to us hiring and me be in charge of how to wasn’t fluent, which made computer tools used for training junior engineers to paint a room, how to arrange it more difficult to get a analysis and seismic design become future project man- it and he allowed me to job, so I accepted work in than most of the more agers and partners. And it make mistakes. He was a big Saskatchewan at first.” experienced engineers.” was all because of that lucky influence on my career.” After six months in Regina Irvine credits Lucia Tirca summer internship in my Tamaian was sure she and then a year and a half in and Khaled Galal, both faculty last year of school.” wanted to be an architect. Ottawa, Tamaian landed at When she wasn’t accepted SBSA as a junior engineer. into any programs, however, “I knew I wanted to come she enrolled in structural back to Montreal, but I engineering at Concordia wanted to be picky about to raise her grades. Poised where I went,” she says. for another run at architec- “What sets SBSA apart from ture school, she suddenly other companies is the team. changed her mind. I was impressed by the size “After my first year, I of the projects they were didn’t want to make the willing to take on and how switch anymore,” Tamaian they weren’t afraid of says. “I really liked the a challenge.”

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 13 IN GOOD COMPANY

engineering. I was able to ask ALESSIO BERNARDI, BENG 12, him questions because he had just done the same classes.” AND MICHAEL BERNARDI, BENG 11: The favour was repaid when BORN TO BUILD Michael joined SBSA in 2015. “I was really fortunate,” ike many children, “Our education was a says Michael. “Having my Lbrothers Alessio and perfect balance of practical brother here made my Michael Bernardi spent and theoretical,” says transition to SBSA so much hours playing with Legos. Alessio. “The methods Dr. easier. I got to know everyone Unlike most children, Galal and Dr. Tirca taught us so much quicker and it was however, the pastime in class are exactly the ones easy to ask for help and developed into an we use in the field today. receive guidance.” enduring passion. “We were both huge geeks for Legos,” recalls Alessio. “Looking back, that led us to where we are now at SBSA.” Alessio is a partner with the company and both brothers serve as project managers. (Yet another partner and project manager, Jean-Sébastien Penney, BEng 14, MEng 16, is a double Concordia grad.) Despite their mutual child- hood interest, the Bernardis never expected to be working in the same field, much less for the same employer. “There was no moment growing up where we thought, ‘I want to be an engineer,’” says Michael. “We were both good at math I still pull out Dr. Tirca’s Being unafraid to ask and sciences and our dad is notes once in a while.” questions is precisely the advice a general contractor. I saw The fact that Michael went the Bernardi brothers give now structural engineering as through the structual engi- to students and junior engineers. something that connected neering program first was “No matter how ridiculous to what my family does and invaluable, says Alessio. you think it might be, just what I like.” “There are so many dis- ask,” says Michael. “We would The brothers agree on ciplines to study, so having rather get a ‘dumb’ question how Concordia prepared my brother go before me than have someone do the them for success. really put a spotlight on wrong thing.”

14 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine Throughout SBSA’s pro- JEFF LEIBGOTT, gression, the company has maintained a commitment BENG 80: to quality and client satisfac- AHEAD OF tion. Leibgott says the best is yet to come. “We’ve gone THE CURVE through many phases, but the team we have now is the 980 was a big year strongest we’ve ever had — 1for Jeff Leibgott, the accepted a position with the company since 2010. and it’s mainly built around president of SBSA. a steel manufacturer in He says SBSA has had to Concordia graduates.” “I graduated and then I Pembroke, Ontario. evolve since he was hired on, took a good part of the year “Luckily, SBSA called particularly when it comes to In Good Company is a series off to travel to Europe and me back a few weeks later. technology. on inspiring grads who work Israel,” he says. “My wife and I ended up in downtown “I remember the day we for corporations and non- I got married while we were Montreal, just around the got our first IBM computer profits that hire a large number in school so the trip was like corner from Concordia — in the office. We unpacked it, of Concordia alumni. To be our honeymoon. It was also a I’ve been with the company put it on the table and stared featured, please contact us at chance to get our bearings.” ever since.” at it, thinking, ‘Now what?’ [email protected] or Back in Montreal, Leibgott Leibgott started his career We never could have imag- @ConcordiaAlumni on set out to find a job. He in- at SBSA as a design engineer, ined the day when we would social media. terviewed with SBSA, but became an associate in 1988 be using laser scanners and when he didn’t hear back, and has been at the helm of 3D-modelling software.”

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 15 SETTING AN EXAMPLE

‘We let people know they are not alone’

400-plus Concordians have volunteered for CU Cares. Here’s how the community outreach FOR LOVINA BROWN, A THIRD-YEAR POLITICAL-SCIENCE MAJOR AND STUDENT AT THE INSTITUTE FOR initiative made a difference CO-OPERATIVE EDUCATION, VOLUNTEERING OFFERED THE CHANCE TO INTERACT WITH OTHERS.

JOSEPH LÉGER, BA 15 “With everything they are dealing One of the first volunteers to register with, students are still thinking about was Virginia Gerald, a receptionist with othing reveals true character quite what they can do to contribute to our University Advancement. Like Brown, Nlike a crisis — and COVID-19 has communities,” says Broad. she signed up to conduct wellness shown Concordia to be a community For Lovina Brown, a third-year checks by phone with Concordia’s that cares very deeply. political science major and student senior alumni population. First, when the university created an at the Institute for Co-operative “Most of the people I’ve spoken to are ongoing COVID-19 Emergency Student Education, volunteering offered the more than 80 years old,” says Gerald. “Yet Relief Fund, Concordians quickly chance to interact with others. they are sharp and doing such a great job came together to raise more than Eager to help wherever she can, of exercising and staying positive. Everyone $1 million for those in need. Brown works two days a week at a has been extremely happy and appreciative.” And since Concordia launched CU long-term care centre for the elderly Brown echoes this sentiment; she Cares in April — a collaboration and earned a Co-op work term with says the response has warmed her heart. between the Concordia LIVE C.A.R.E. Jeunesse, a non-profit that “I tell people that I’m calling to make Centre and University Advancement to offers support and advocacy for youth sure they are okay and to see if they recruit volunteer support for elderly in child-protection placements. have any needs that are not being met,” alumni and more than 12 Montreal says Brown. “Everyone I’ve spoken to outreach organizations — the response was over the moon that we had reached has been heartwarming. out and that someone cared. The “We’ve been so pleased by the Concordians often reminisce about community’s reaction to CU Cares,” their alma mater and share stories from says Katie Broad, coordinator of their time here — it’s very touching.” Concordia’s LIVE Centre. “So many Brown recalls speaking to a people have stepped up to help!” gentleman in his 80s who was feeling CU Cares connects students, overwhelmed. Both the man and his alumni, faculty and staff volunteers wife are diagnosed with significant to community organizations across medical conditions; he was having Montreal, with a special outreach VIRGINIA GERALD, RECEPTIONIST AT UNIVERSITY trouble keeping track of the many phone ADVANCEMENT, WAS ONE OF THE FIRST VOLUNTEERS program for elderly Concordia alumni. TO REGISTER. calls from different doctors’ offices. As Broad explains, the focus is on “I suggested he keep a pen and paper by virtual volunteering, such as letter “Considering what seniors are going the phone, and every time someone calls, to writing, wellness calls and food through — having to stay inside for their write down the date, time, name of the call- preparation, so that physical distancing health and well-being, often alone or er and their reason for calling,” says Brown. measures are respected. isolated — I think our role as volunteers is “It was a simple way for him to take Impressively, approximately 30 per to let them know that they are not alone,” back control. He told me, ‘You know, cent of CU Cares’ registrants have been Brown says. “And to let them know that Lovina, every time the phone rings, Concordia students. they are in our thoughts.” I’m going to think of you.’”

16 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine 3 WAYS TO SUPPORT YOUR COMMUNITY CAMPAIGN • Donate online with your credit card: concordia.ca/givenow • Call us at 5 4-848-2424, ext. 3884 or -888-777-3330 • Write us at [email protected]

Visit concordia.ca/communitycampaign | #CUpride

Community Campaign-Concordia Magazine fall 2020 v2.indd 1 2020-09-16 10:08 AM OUR DIGITAL FUTURE Behind Concordia’s unprecedented shift to virtual learning

JOSEPH LÉGER, BA 15

hen COVID-19 forced CONCORDIA WELL POSITIONED ‘IT WAS A MASSIVE Concordia to shut its doors, a Whitelaw says a big part of the LOGISTICAL UNDERTAKING’ Wmassive effort was launched successful pivot was a strong Gabriele says that Concordia’s fall to transition classes online. In less than pre-existing digital strategy. semester will be a combination of two weeks, students were completing “We were already thinking synchronous — real-time — and coursework virtually. about ways to use digital platforms asynchronous — on-demand — learning. But with a potential vaccine still to support and streamline our work. “This hybrid model is the foundation months away, another challenge loomed But to be clear, we’re not looking to use of what we call active learning. Students for the fall semester. this as an opportunity to become an get to really dig into the content, take it “We asked faculty to turn things online university.” apart and push the boundaries.” around in about a week [last March],” The lion’s share of the planning The goal, Gabriele adds, was to make says Anne Whitelaw, BFA 87, GrDip and oversight falls on the shoulders of course content as accessible, digestible 92, PhD 96, interim provost and vice- Sandra Gabriele, PhD 04, vice-provost and interactive as possible. president, Academic. “Now we’re of Innovation in Teaching and Learning, Accessibility was vital because some asking faculty to entirely transform and the small, formidable team at the students live in different time zones, the way they deliver course material in Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL). while others work, act as caregivers or three or four months — it’s important “I always describe CTL as the little share study spaces with roommates or to underscore that eConcordia courses engine that could,” says Gabriele. “They family members. normally take about a year to develop.” just keep turning out ideas and content “What we’ve been stressing to Moving courses online, Whitelaw that frankly astonishes me.” faculty is the need to create three emphasizes, involves more than Many of the initiatives Gabriele and kinds of engagement,” says Gabriele. repackaging and streaming material. CTL implemented were pending projects “Engagement between students and “Aside from the obvious technical that were fast-tracked. professors, either as individuals or as differences, you simply cannot sit in “Most of what we put into place a group, student engagement with the front of a camera on Zoom for three had funding lined up. This includes course material and, finally, student hours in the same way that you sit in a upgrading Moodle [a free and open- engagement between themselves — classroom. The way the material is taught source learning management system], something that we know is vital to the has to be completely rethought.” which used to have a clunky interface university experience.” She says that training faculty and and really wasn’t user-friendly. The Though the bulk of classes will be online, giving them the tools to teach online has latest version is much more visually some courses requiring hands-on work will been a major focus for the university and pleasing and has great features — be taught in person with strict guidelines. a learning process for everyone. including far greater accessibility “Our environmental and safety team “Most of our faculty are now fully for our students with disabilities.” walked through every single lab or engaged in experiential learning. As a studio space to assess accessibility, university, we spend a lot of time thinking “They just keep how many people can safely be in the about research and innovation, but we room or pass in the hallways, how rarely have the opportunity to have such turning out ideas and the transition between classes will an in-depth conversation about teaching. content that frankly take place and so much more. It was a I believe this will be a silver lining of the massive logistical undertaking.” pandemic for our university.” astonishes me.”

18 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine 4 CONCORDIA STUDENTS ON LIFE DURING THE PANDEMIC

COVID-19 has presented students with a unique set of challenges. We spoke to four Concordians about their coping strategies, lessons learned and hopes for the coming months.

Keroles Riad, BEng 13, MSc 16, Kristen Karlsen, political science INDI program doctoral candidate, undergraduate and student life tock S i Public Scholar and founding coordinator, Arts and Science member, Waste Not, Want Not Federation of Associations (ASFA)

Elena Sarsam, finance Johnny El Hage, ‘A RICHER AND DEEPER undergraduate and vice-president, master’s candidate, LEARNING EXPERIENCE’ external affairs, CASA Cares Department of Education While CTL and the rest of the university have been transforming Concordia’s How have you been affected by the pandemic? academic landscape, Laura Mitchell, Kristen: As the coordinator responsible for planning ASFA’s Freshman executive director of Student Services, Orientation (Frosh) week for roughly 500 incoming students, I’ve had a different and her team have been busy readying a student experience during the pandemic than some. I’m planning ASFA’s first- virtual campus experience for students. ever virtual Frosh, which has been a crazy and extremely rewarding experience. “Our biggest priority was to ensure that Johnny: It was a shock because everything stopped — my work, my research, services and resources that are normally the art collective I helped found. This period forced me into a deep reflection available to students continue,” says to re-evaluate how and where I dedicate my time. It made me realize that I needed Mitchell. “I’m very proud of how we’ve to focus more on my thesis. managed to accomplish that.” What’s been a key takeaway? Much like CTL, many of the online initiatives implemented by Student Elena: Over the years, I’ve put certain activities aside because I ‘didn’t have the Services were projects that were either time.’ Now that we’re stuck at home, I find myself no more likely to achieve these planned or forecast, such as Future Ready things than I was before. It’s not about having time, it’s about making time for what’s important — this has motivated me to be more proactive. — a program to help grads transition into the workplace. Keroles: That change, even radical change, is possible in a very short period “Attendance for our Future Ready of time. I hope that we can recognize that while this pandemic is a big crisis, workshops has gone through the roof,” the climate crisis is also happening concurrently and is super urgent. I hope says Mitchell. “There’s a real appetite for that we, as a society, will recognize this and act with the same urgency we did for the pandemic. online programming from our students and we expect it to continue even after If you could fast-forward one year, what would be an ideal outcome? the pandemic.” Elena: That we’ll have learned something from this. A year from now, I’ll still be Though COVID-19 has disrupted a student and I think it would be great to see a mixture of in-person and online higher education across the country and learning continuing at Concordia. the world, Gabriele believes the situation Johnny: Normally, when we’re in the midst of our university experience, we presents an opportunity. rarely have the opportunity to pause and evaluate. COVID, however, forced us “Comparing online with in-person to stop. It led me to highlight some new priorities. Fast-forward one year, I hope learning is like comparing a novel to give more attention to what I have a passion for while giving myself more to a movie. Each medium, when done care and attention. well, provides its own beautiful and Kristen: An ideal outcome for me would be that corporations, governments engaging experience. One of the and public institutions not rush to reopen only to maintain profit margins and outcomes of the pandemic is that unjustly endanger lives in the process. we’re having a new dialogue about the Keroles: First, hopefully I will have my PhD! Also, I’m very excited because at different ways we can use technology to Waste Not, Want Not we’ve been working to create a spin-off company. We want to provide our students with a richer and approach large organizations and try to replicate what we’ve done at Concordia deeper learning experience.” [see concordiacompost.ca]. Hopefully, a year from now we’ll have a financially viable model that can operate city-wide. That’s where the real impact will be.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 19 ‘IT’S WONDERFUL TO BE A YOUNG BLACK WOMAN WHO CAN MAKE HER OWN DECISIONS’

20 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine Annick Maugile Flavien powers change at Concordia — and beyond — with the Black Perspectives Initiative

RICHARD BURNETT, BA 88

n the opening passage of her ACTIVISM AND SCHOLARSHIP upcoming memoir about growing In addition to the memoir, which I up Black in Montreal, Annick she hopes to publish in 2022, the three- Maugile Flavien, BSc 13, GrDip 15, time Concordia graduate hosts It Could MA 18, describes a harrowing, catalysing All Be So Simple, a monthly program encounter with police in 2000. on CKUT radio (ckut.ca), and the Flavien, 12 years old at the time, was podcast When Matriarchs Gather. returning home from a Halloween party Flavien also facilitates the in the neighbourhood of Côte-Saint-Luc. intergenerational “Mapping Blackness “My brother was driving,” Flavien in Montreal” project and is training recalls. “He did a U-turn and someone to become a full-spectrum doula and called the cops.” childbirth and eldercare educator. Her The siblings were soon surrounded hope is to deliver free workshops and by six squad cars. services to Montreal’s Black community. “They drew their guns to our faces. This past spring, Flavien launched It was traumatic because it didn’t matter the Black Perspectives Initiative (BPI), that we had done nothing wrong.” a hub to connect and support activities Flavien and her brother were related to Black perspectives, initiatives eventually released and went home and scholarship. to try to make sense of the incident. Funded by Concordia’s Faculty of “I wanted to understand what Arts and Science, BPI first began as a had really happened,” Flavien says. three-year pilot project in 2016 under “I heard my family whisper, ‘You the auspices of the Critical Feminist know, when you’re Black in these Activism and Research (C-FAR) initia- neighbourhoods, you have to be tive at the Simone de Beauvoir Institute. careful.’ That alerted me to the truth.” The next day at her mostly white elementary school, Flavien’s classmates struggled to relate to what had happened to her. “THE EMOTIONAL “That’s when I knew this was something I would have to deal with LABOUR PEOPLE ARE myself and that it was very much because of my skin colour. In a way, SHOULDERING TO it was the first time I realized what it ORGANIZE MOVEMENTS meant to be Black outside my home. It really woke me up and marked my life.” LIKE BLACK LIVES MATTER IS A CRISIS

ANNICK MAUGILE FLAVIEN, BSC 13, GRDIP 15, MA 18 IN AND OF ITSELF.”

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 21 “WE’RE CONSTANTLY SILENCING OUR TRAUMA BECAUSE WE DON’T WANT TO TAKE UP TOO MUCH SPACE.”

FLAVIEN ORGANIZED “SYMBOLS OF RESISTANCE,” A RESIDENCY PROJECT AND ART SHOW ABOUT BLACK ART BY MONTREAL-BASED BLACK ARTISTS, IN 2018.

Co-founded and co-coordinated award support, mentorship, research to the specific needs of the community. by Flavien and Meghan Gagliardi, BA 16, opportunities and programming that Black mental-health practitioners are MSc 19, C-FAR promoted anti-racist centres on Black perspectives. very difficult to find.” and anti-oppressive approaches to BPI has already launched two research Mental health has become a equity, inclusion and representation projects: “Imagining Black Futures – renewed priority after a historic year on campus and beyond. (Re)membering Voices, Coalition and of worldwide anti-racism protests “When C-FAR ended in 2019, the Space,” which recontextualizes Montreal’s in the wake of lethal police violence. Faculty of Arts and Science offered Black public history while envisioning what “The emotional labour people are to fund BPI and asked me to submit Black life could look like in the year 2050; shouldering to organize movements a pitch,” says Flavien. and “Black Mental Wellness on Campus.” like Black Lives Matter is a crisis in During its inaugural year, BPI is “We’re creating an online platform,” and of itself. The well-being of Black focused on strengthening relationships Flavien elaborates. “Students will be students and other members of the within Concordia’s Black community able to book therapists on the website Black community is constantly being through academic scholarship and as well as access other resources catered attacked from all sides.”

22 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine ‘THE BLACK ALUMNI COUNCIL HELPS US CONNECT’

After the celebratory launch of Concordia’s Black Alumni Network a year ago, the university’s Black Alumni Council was back in September — albeit virtually — with two ‘WHAT WILL MY IMPACT BE?’ “It’s wonderful to be a young notable events. Flavien says that BPI is informed, Black woman who can make her first and foremost, by Black student own decisions. It’s challenging and The Council, which oversees the activism, which has a long and proud revolutionary because of the history and Black Alumni Network, supported the history at Concordia. state of the world, but I feel so grateful Homecoming Resolute Forest Products “None of this is possible without that to be who I am, right here, right now.” lecture on September 10 featuring Nikole legacy. So I would say BPI is a response to That gratitude extends to the Hannah-Jones of The New York Times Concordia’s Black community. The reach opportunities and connections that Magazine. Jones, a journalist whose work of the Black Lives Matter movement Concordia has helped facilitate. focuses on racial injustice, was awarded the has pushed other organizations and “When students come to my office, 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for initiatives at the university to seek out their reaction is relief because they’re her essay in the 1619 Project, an ongoing BPI and become interested in the work able to speak with someone who looks initiative to reframe U.S. history by placing we would have done with or without like them,” Flavien explains. “And to the consequences of slavery and the Black Lives Matter.” know that they can come in and speak contributions of Black Americans at the While her brush with the police about their identity first without being centre of the national narrative. animated her activism two decades ago, afraid to say, ‘I think it’s difficult as a Flavien’s politically active parents had a Black person to do this or do that’ — The Council also sponsored a career formative influence on her life and work. that is huge. development event for students on “When my parents arrived in Canada “We’re constantly silencing our September 17 featuring campus services from Haiti in the 1960s, their main trauma because we don’t want to take up and student clubs. worries were finances and education,” too much space. So I think many young Flavien says. “They built a foundation people are comforted when they don’t “Our goal is to bring together alumni that enabled their children to have to put up that front. They can and support students,” says chair Tseli reach higher. Now I ask myself, speak their truth and be supported in it. Moshabesha, BA 11. “The Council is ‘What will my impact on the world be?’ And it’s beautiful to see.” important as it continues one of the defining aspects of student life on campus If you would like to support the Black — building community. The Black Alumni Perspectives Initiative and its mission, visit Council helps us connect after graduation, concordia.ca/givetobpi. whether it is in a different city or in another country, and maintain solidarity with other Black Concordians.”

“WHEN STUDENTS COME Moshabesha says the Council’s work complements such movements as TO MY OFFICE, THEIR Black Lives Matter, as well as the Black Perspectives Initiative (BPI) at Concordia: “We want to push forward initiatives that REACTION IS RELIEF will help Black students and alumni.”

BECAUSE THEY’RE ABLE The Black Alumni Council will next host a virtual Black Alumni Network event, TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE tentatively scheduled for October.

WHO LOOKS LIKE THEM.” Black alumni and allies who would like to join the Black Alumni Network can email the group at [email protected].

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 23 2020 VISION

24 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine ANNE-MARIE CROTEAU, BSC 86, DEAN OF THE JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS SINCE 2017

THREE 20TH-ANNIVERSARY MILESTONES MARK A MOMENTOUS YEAR FOR THE JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

2020 IAN HARRISON, BCOMM 01 faculty and staff front of mind. MILLENNIAL REFRESH “We want to enrich learning by A $10-million gift by Molson Inc. and hile 2020 will be remembered offering a continuously relevant the Molson Foundation, facilitated by for COVID-19, worldwide curriculum and adopting new and Concordia Chancellor (1993-2005) Wanti-racism protests and innovative teaching methods,” said Eric Molson, LLD 06, helped reposition a critical United States presidential JMSB dean Anne-Marie Croteau, the former Faculty of Commerce and election, for the John Molson School BSc 86, last February. Administration for the 21st century. of Business (JMSB) it has had “It was a transformative another layer of significance. This gift that ushered in a new VISION year marks the 20th anniversary era of business education for “With the Molson family name of the school’s endowment Concordia,” says Croteau. “With by the Molson family and, at the head of our faculty, our the Molson family name at the furthermore, the 20th anniversary brand has grown exponentially.” head of our faculty, our brand has of two visionary programs: the grown exponentially, as has the Goodman Program in Investment reach of our graduates.” Management and the Kenneth When Frederick H. Lowy, Woods Portfolio Management LLD 08, Concordia’s president Program (KWPMP). emeritus, conferred Eric Like Concordia at large, JMSB Molson’s honorary degree in had to swiftly acclimate to the 2006, he noted that the former challenges imposed by the chancellor’s “steadfast, quiet pandemic. After the protective leadership saw the university lockdown was enforced, the school through both foul weather took steps to ensure that academic and fair.” standards were upheld, with the welfare and safety of students,

ERIC MOLSON, LLD 06, ATTENDED THE CEREMONY TO INAUGURATE THE JOHN MOLSON BUILDING IN SEPTEMBER 2009.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 25 “His devotion to Concordia, his LAURELS GALORE Sustainable Enterprise, have further strength of character, his dignity and In the two decades since the initial elevated JMSB’s profile. In 2019, the his consideration of others have been Molson endowment, the business business school became the first to earn nothing short of exemplary.” school has racked up one impressive a Parity Certification from Women in The momentum sparked by Molson accomplishment after another. Governance, a non-profit that supports in 2000 was soon boosted by another As the trophy case in the Molson women in the areas of leadership $10-million show of support to help Building lobby attests to passersby, development, career advancement fund a new home for the business JMSB undergraduate and graduate and access to board seats. school. When the state-of-the-art students have consistently outclassed To this list, one has to include two $118.5-million John Molson Building competitors at case events — an innovative programs that, as it turns (MB) was ceremonially unveiled in important benchmark for success. out, both turned 20 in 2020, too. 2009, it marked the crescendo of Notably, soon after the Molson an unprecedented commitment to family’s generous gift, JMSB became ENTER GOODMAN AND WOODS Concordia by Eric Molson and family. the first business school in Quebec When Ned Goodman, LLD 97, one of The visibly moved chairman emeri- — and only the fourth in Canada — to Canada’s most esteemed merchant tus of Molson Coors told the audience of be fully accredited by the U.S.-based bankers, donated $1 million to JMSB in distinguished guests that he was proud Association to Advance Collegiate 2000, it was in service of a fairly radical to have his ancestor’s name so closely Schools of Business (AACSB). proposal: a part-time MBA program associated with the university. Other accolades, from a spot on with a Chartered Financial Analyst “We take pride that the Molson family’s The Economist’s annual list of the top (CFA) track, that would enable students relationship with our university remains 100 MBA programs worldwide to to work concurrently in finance in just as strong today with Andrew Molson the establishment of novel research Montreal or Toronto. as co-chair of the Campaign for Concordia centres and think tanks, such as the With that, JMSB became the first — our most ambitious fundraiser to date,” Institute for Governance of Private CFA-partner business school in Canada says Paul Chesser, BA 94, GrDip 97, vice- and Public Organizations (IGOPP) — and one of the first in the world. president of Advancement at Concordia. and the David O’Brien Centre for “Two things about the Goodman Program in Investment Management make it really unique,” says Sandra “We hope to establish ourselves as a lifelong Betton, a Goodman lecturer. “The very close relationship between the learning resource for our graduates.” curriculum and the CFA program and the fact that it’s offered simultaneously in two cities. The vision Ned Goodman articulated from the start was that the CFA gets you the job, the MBA gets you the career.” Indeed, the Goodman program, which Croteau calls “another jewel in our crown,” has become a de facto feeder school for Bay Street, Wall Street and institutional investors the world over. “What I enjoyed the most was the diversity of the students, the friendships that flourished and, of course, the networking opportunities,” says Bonnie Yu, BComm 02, MBA 08, now a director with the Caisse de dépôt et placement du Québec. “After the Goodman Program, besides the big jump in my salary, the experience led me to more interesting career opportunities.” NED GOODMAN, LLD 97 (RIGHT), WITH FREDERICK H. LOWY, LLD 08, CONCORDIA’S PRESIDENT EMERITUS

26 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine KEN WOODS, MBA 75, LLD 17 (RIGHT), WITH CALVIN C. POTTER FELLOW MEAGHEN ANNETT, BCOMM 10, AND FORMER KWPMP DIRECTOR ABRAHAM BRODT

A similar comment can be made about “I’m overwhelmed,” said a proud members and other JMSB students. the Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Ken Woods in 2010. “I hardly imagined “The school has given me so much — Program at JMSB. when we began that the program that’s why it’s important for me to Established with a $1-million gift would succeed the way it has.” give back.” by businessman Ken Woods, MBA 75, Judith Kavanagh, BComm 87, Graduates have generously set up LLD 17 — a Concordia graduate who was has served on the KWPMP’s client scholarship and bursary funds for inspired by the late Calvin C. Potter, committee since day one. current students, devote time and BComm 48, a legendary professor “The program gets a 10 out of 10 energy as mentors, serve as lecturers emeritus and chair of the finance de- from me in terms of how it prepares and host seminars on campus. partment — the two-year program gives students for careers in finance. It’s Perhaps most importantly, they also undergraduate students the chance to really rigorous. Graduates go on to champion and hire younger graduates manage a real-life portfolio. become major players and occupy from their alma mater. “The year 2000 was important for us excellent positions in portfolio “Because we’re one of the largest in many ways,” notes Croteau. “It was management across Canada.” business schools in the world, our base also the year that a long-time friend of more than 51,125 alumni is growing and supporter of the university made ALUMNI POWER rapidly,” says Croteau. “Alumni are a an incredible donation to found the Goodman and Woods alumni not only powerful force, from both a reputation- KWPMP. The students who complete go on to chart remarkable careers, building and recruitment perspective. this demanding program are in the best they also pay it forward. And we need to better harness that positions to make meaningful change “When I say I’m very appreciative force by providing more opportunities and impact in the investment world.” of the Woods program, it’s personal for our alumni to engage with the Advised by a cohort of industry development, career development but school after graduation. professionals who serve as mentors also my family,” says Thomas Horvath, “Over the course of the next few and members of a client committee BComm 09, whose partner, Sandy Poiré, years, we hope to establish ourselves that convenes every quarter, stock- BComm 10, was the 2010 JMSB valedic- as a lifelong learning resource for our savvy KWPMP students have collectively torian and a fellow KWPMP standout. graduates. One’s education is never tripled the $1-million gift made by Horvath volunteers as a case complete and I believe that there is Woods to kick-start the portfolio two competition coach and co-lectures a lot we can offer our alumni after decades ago. an investment course for KWPMP they’ve entered the workforce.”

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 27 FACULTY ON THE FRONT LINES

28 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine FACULTY ON THE HOW CONCORDIA-LED RESEARCH FRONT CAN SERVE A POST-COVID-19 WORLD LINES JOEL BARDE troubled state of elder care to the precarious nature of essential and dversity doesn’t build lower-wage work. It has also afforded character, it reveals it. the opportunity to take concrete action AThis adage, adapted from a to address some of these issues. quote by the 19th-century American Concordia’s Centre for Research on writer James Lane Allen, has been Aging (engAGE) launched an initiative widely circulated throughout the to address social isolation among COVID-19 crisis to illustrate good — seniors last January. Located in Quartier and poor — examples of governance. Cavendish (formerly Cavendish Mall),

For a number of Concordia professors in the Montreal suburb of Côte- JANIS TIMM-BOTTOS, ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR, and researchers, the pandemic has Saint-Luc, the Creative Living Lab saw DEPARTMENT OF CREATIVE exposed a host of preventable, structural students facilitate book and film clubs, ARTS THERAPIES, AND FOUNDER AND DIRECTOR OF vulnerabilities in society, from the digital technology skill shares and an art THE ART HIVES NETWORK k c to S i concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 29 STUDENT RESEARCH ASSISTANTS TAKE PART IN A VIRTUAL TEAM MEETING FOR THE CENTRE FOR RESEARCH ON AGING (ENGAGE) LIVING LAB.

hive for older adults, all overseen storm,” says Timm-Bottos. “I’m really by a diverse cohort of researchers. hoping that solidarity can produce more The lab’s activities quickly developed kindness, more reaching out and more a loyal following. of an effort to create healthy spaces for The sudden onset of COVID-19 people to connect.” forced the Creative Living Lab to go digital in March. ‘LESS SELFISH AND MORE UNIFIED’ “It’s been an extraordinary While the severity of its impact has opportunity to look at how we think varied, there’s no question that the about social isolation,” says Janis pandemic has affected everyone. Timm-Bottos, the project lead, associate Canadians have looked to government professor in the Department of Creative officials to ensure that the health-care Arts Therapies, and the founder and system was not overburdened and have director of the Art Hives Network grappled with the challenges of spending (arthives.org). “When anything gets an inordinate amount of time at home. turned upside down in such a massive “It’s pretty rare to have an event that way, it lets you see things from touches every facet of society,” says different perspectives.” Nicole De Silva, whose research looks at According to Timm-Bottos, the Lab’s international co-operation and global online groups, formed post-pandemic, governance. Such common experiences have helped older members of the com- can help spur change, though society munity cope with social isolation, the must be vigilant to guard against harmful effects of which she likens to government overreach, argues the cigarettes. As a result, the art therapist assistant professor in the Department and interdisciplinary scholar has spent of Political Science. much of this year thinking about the role In May, De Silva published a paper in institutions of higher learning can play the Canadian Journal of Political Science in hastening a more equitable future. that looked at how major emergencies “It’s important for people to can threaten human rights when remember that we’re riding out the same governments introduce exceptional

“The pandemic has helped accelerate movements to end police violence and take down monuments to racism.”

NICOLE DE SILVA, ASSISTANT PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF POLITICAL SCIENCE

30 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine measures that lack sunset clauses Christian Moreau, Canada Research at the Concordia Institute of Aerospace and outlive their utility. De Silva, who Chair in Surface Engineering and Design and Innovation (CIADI). “I think served as the inaugural IKEA Research a professor in the Department of it’s a unique experience and I’m hoping Fellow in International Relations at Mechanical, Industrial and Aerospace that we will emerge a little less selfish the University of Oxford, says that Engineering, sees the unifying nature and a little more unified.” COVID-19 decrees have compelled of the crisis as an opportunity to Such unity will be key to addressing many Canadians to reflect on their improve things for the most vulnerable issues such as the disproportionate rights for the first time. among us — and mobilize efforts to effect the pandemic has had on the “It’s an interesting test, particularly mitigate future crises. working poor as well as larger existential for a country like Canada that sort of “All around the world, we are facing threats, such as global warming, he rests on its laurels when it comes to the same problem,” says Moreau, who explains. Like COVID-19, climate human-rights governance.” also serves as the director of research change is an issue that “we have to face.”

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 31 STEVEN HIGH, PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF HISTORY, AND FOUNDING MEMBER, CENTRE FOR ORAL HISTORY AND DIGITAL STORYTELLING

“What we see today is a result of years of government cutbacks and people being underpaid.”

INEQUITY EXPOSED deindustrialization and the rise of Quebec’s elder-care facilities as While the aftermath of COVID-19 may populism. He notes that Canada and emblematic of larger systemic have a unifying effect, its fallout has not the United States have moved towards problems. According to CBC News, been evenly distributed. a new economic model marked by a 88 per cent of deaths from COVID-19 “Who is most likely to get COVID?” decline in well-paid manufacturing jobs in the province have been in long-term asks Steven High, a professor in the and a rise in short-term and part-time care homes. In June, Quebec’s chief Department of History and a founding employment. Many workers now lack coroner ordered a public inquiry member of the Centre for Oral History job security, health care and the support into the large number of fatalities and Digital Storytelling. “It’s the of a union to collectively bargain on — more than 5,700 as of late August — front-line workers, from bus drivers their behalf. at these and other, similar facilities. to grocery store clerks, who are In High’s estimation, government “What we see today — in terms of the working-class and often racialized, should use its powers to promote full- huge death toll in Quebec — is a result who are most impacted.” time work and increase the minimum of years of government cutbacks and High is in the midst of a collaborative, wage. This, he says, could help level the people being underpaid,” says High. seven-year $2.5-million Social Sciences playing field between unionized and “Many people who are working in and Humanities Research Council of non-unionized businesses. long-term care facilities work through Canada (SSHRC) research project on High also sees the situation in temp agencies and are being moved

32 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine from place to place. This is part of the and Canada Research Chair in For now, he remarks that more reason why we’ve had such a terrible Transportation-Land Use Linkages resources “should be devoted experience here in Montreal.” for Regional Sustainability. “The to those most at risk.” The reality of COVID-19 is that it’s people who are really suffering have had a highly uneven impact on society, lost their jobs on account of everything RESEARCH WITH with people in the knowledge economy being shut down.” SOCIETY-WIDE IMPACT largely able to continue working. Patterson, whose work focuses With faculty on the front lines of “I haven’t stopped receiving on the modelling of transportation, research across a broad range of cheques every two weeks and I’m the environment, land use and their disciplines, Concordia is poised at very minimal risk of contracting linkages, says that while there is to drive crucial innovations with the virus,” says Zachary Patterson, currently some reluctance to use society-wide implications. associate professor in the Department of public transportation, that should Christian Moreau, who serves Geography, Planning and Environment, ebb as the contagion reduces. as director of the Green-SEAM

CHRISTIAN MOREAU, PROFESSOR, DEPARTMENT OF MECHANICAL, INDUSTRIAL AND AEROSPACE ENGINEERING, AND CANADA RESEARCH CHAIR IN SURFACE ENGINEERING

LED BY CONCORDIA’S CHRISTIAN MOREAU, GREEN-SEAM — A NETWORK COMPOSED OF RESEARCHERS FROM 11 CANADIAN UNIVERSITIES — AIMS TO DEVELOP AND DEPLOY INNOVATIVE AND ENVIRONMENTALLY CONSCIOUS SURFACE ENGINEERING SOLUTIONS.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 33 “If [private-sector (Surface Engineering for Advanced Kathleen Boies, a professor in the Manufacturing) Network, sees partners] have Department of Management at the an opportunity to develop better John Molson School of Business, and mechanisms to handle current threats tools that can be Concordia University Research Chair in and prepare for future events. The useful to fight the Leadership Development, says that this network supports key Canadian new work-at-home arrangement economic sectors that generate high- pandemic, they has major implications. value jobs and are export intensive, are ready to invest “It will have an impact on how including advanced manufacturing we approach leadership and the in aerospace, automotive, natural and contribute supervision of employees,” she resources industries and renewable observes. “Being confined at home has energy. In total, Green-SEAM to society.” really brought to light what works and researchers have secured Natural what doesn’t in terms of management.” Sciences and Engineering Research Boies adds that for many, the Council of Canada (NSERC) funds for “AI can be used to try to understand experience of telecommuting has led five surface engineering projects related who is more at risk of defaulting,” says to important reflections on work-life to the COVID-19 fight. Godin. “Also, a company can learn how boundaries and the importance of social Moreau’s team is studying how to better serve individual clients by networks. “Hopefully, these thoughts various surface coatings can be deployed better understanding their profiles and about various aspects of our lives will to reduce the spread of the virus. He building specific services for them.” end up advancing society for the better.” notes that while the virus lasts for two to There’s also a need to address changes three days on stainless steel, a material in leadership style. For many Canadians, HISTORY REPEATS widely used in most medical facilities, one of the most tangible day-to-day In Nicole De Silva’s view, society must study copper surfaces tend to neutralize it in adjustments has centred on work. With and learn from COVID-19 in order to be a couple of hours. Other materials, such Zoom and Slack the new norm, certain prepared for future crises. There has been a as titanium oxide, can be even more adaptations have been required at the collective amnesia around similar events in effective in reducing transmission. managerial corporate level. the past that we must avoid, she says. “We are starting a process for looking at the key challenges that we should address in the coming years,” says Moreau, of the Green-SEAM Network’s mandate. “Clearly antiviral and antibacterial surfaces could be amongst the solutions that are assessed.” Moreau adds that the network’s partners in the private sector have “I hope we will have been keen to participate. “If they have tools that can be useful to fight the taken very good note pandemic, they are ready to invest of the weaknesses, or and contribute to society.” Frédéric Godin, a Department of vulnerabilities, of our Mathematics and Statistics faculty health system and work member whose research focuses on how to minimize risk in the financial to address them.” services industry, sees a lot of potential to harness machine learning to alleviate the negative economic consequences of crises like the pandemic.

34 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine Between 1918 and 1920, the H1N1 ‘WE’RE ALL IN THIS TOGETHER’ influenza A virus killed somewhere Janis Timm-Bottos says that much between 17 and 50 million people. like the seniors she’s working with in “People just wanted to forget that period engAGE’s Creative Living Lab, she and because it was so traumatic,” says De her family have taken comfort in art, Silva. “It took World War II and the using it as a way to ground themselves Holocaust to prompt states to not only amid a rapidly changing world rife create the United Nations but embed with uncertainty. CU CARES human rights into the organization.” In her view, the workshops the lab De Silva adds that the experience of the offers can be scaled up and provide a ANSWERS pandemic — from mass unemployment cost-effective alternative to expensive to an extended lockdown — has prompted one-on-one art therapy sessions. THE CALL activism around certain causes and ini- With Canadians having to live tiatives. That’s reason for optimism. with COVID-19 for the foreseeable “There’s been talk of having a treaty future, Timm-Bottos thinks social Launched last April in the midst on the rights of older persons at the environments are a valuable area of the global COVID-19 crisis, global level,” she says. “The pandemic of investment. CU Cares is a collaborative effort has also helped accelerate movements “If we would put money there, by Concordia’s LIVE Centre and to end police violence and take down we would see tremendous improvements University Advancement to fortify monuments to racism.” in connectivity and overall health,” community groups with people power. Boies hopes that a more equitable future she says. “Society needs to normalize Thanks to a generous volunteer emerges in the wake of the pandemic. the experience we’re all going through network of students, faculty, staff “I certainly hope that we will have and recognize that almost everyone and alumni, CU Cares has mobilized taken very good note of the weaknesses, has experienced significant challenges to deliver food to vulnerable seniors, or vulnerabilities, of our health system related to COVID-19. We’re all in place wellness calls to people with and that we can, collectively, work to this together.” mental-health struggles, sew face address them. I also very much hope masks for front-line workers and that we have had a collective awakening more. As the pandemic endures, around the importance of elderly citizens however, the need for help is just as in our society and that things will change important as ever. KATHLEEN BOIES, PROFESSOR, substantially and quickly to ensure their DEPARTMENT OF MANAGEMENT, AND CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY RESEARCH safety, health, comfort and well-being.” CHAIR IN LEADERSHIP DEVELOPMENT If you would like to lend your support, visit concordia.ca/cucares. (To learn more about how our community has come together, see “Setting an Example,” p. 16.)

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 35 INTERVIEW

Looking ahead with Helen Antoniou

Concordia’s new Board of Governors chair starts her mandate at a time of rapid change and uncertainty

DAMON VAN DER LINDE, BA 08 ANTONIOU WAS OFFICIALLY NAMED THE UNIVERSITY’S NEW CHAIR OF THE BOARD OF GOVERNORS LAST DECEMBER.

hen Helen Antoniou succeeded Norman Hébert “It’s during the difficult times WJr., BComm 77, as chair of that you notice good governance Concordia’s Board of Governors on July 1, it dawned on her just how much working well behind the scenes.” the university — and the world — had changed since her official appointment to the post last December. ensuring that the interests of all strategic decisions are made — such “We’re obviously dealing with a new of Concordia’s stakeholders — as the university’s 2019 pledge to aim reality that came upon us very suddenly be they students, faculty, staff, for 100 per cent sustainable investments and has had a pervasive impact on all of alumni, the community — are well by 2025. our lives,” says the leadership coach and balanced and serve to prepare the Fellow board members include former corporate lawyer, management leaders of tomorrow, while moving Concordia President Graham Carr as consultant and business executive. forward research and innovation.” well as 25 representatives encompassing “It has not been easy to adapt, but faculty, students, support staff and I think Concordia is innovative ‘WE’RE VERY FORTUNATE TO members of the business, philanthropic and well-equipped to provide our HAVE SUCH A DIVERSE BOARD’ and public sector communities. students with the best education Antoniou first joined Concordia’s “We’re very fortunate to have such a consistent with the health and Board of Governors in 2015; she diverse board,” says Antoniou. “That’s well-being of our community. became vice-chair in July 2019. Her where we get our strength — from the “It’s during the difficult times that new three-year mandate will involve different thoughts and voices around the you notice good governance working chairing meetings (online for now) table. We’ve made a point over the years well behind the scenes. Our board is where legal and administrative to try to get different constituents from responsive, participatory and effective, frameworks are established and the broader community.”

36 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine NORMAN HÉBERT JR., “Concordia is innovative BCOMM 77, AND HIS WIFE DIANE DUNLOP- HÉBERT, BCOMM and well-equipped to provide 82, ARE LONG-TIME SUPPORTERS OF our students with the best CONCORDIA. education consistent with the health and well-being of our community.”

A MULTIFACETED CAREER ‘TEAMWORK AND COLLABORATION’ CELEBRATING Guiding the board through uncertain Antoniou currently works as an NORMAN HÉBERT JR. times will take creativity and executive coach for corporate leaders The business leader and philanthropist adaptability, two traits the Montreal and their teams, as well as family capped an impressive run at the helm native has shown throughout an business owners and their successors. of Concordia’s Board of Governors accomplished and multifaceted career. She believes this will serve her well in With law degrees from McGill and her new role which involves listening, JOSEPH LÉGER, BA 15 Université de Paris II, Assas in France understanding and supporting those — along with a Master of Public Health running the day-to-day operations of University leaders and members of from Harvard — Antoniou has worked the university. Concordia’s Board of Governors gathered as a corporate commercial lawyer in “Running any organization takes for a virtual celebration on June 18 to bid Montreal and London, United Kingdom. vision, strategy, flawless execution, farewell to Norman Hébert Jr., BComm 77, She also advised large multinationals teamwork and collaboration. But as he ended his term as chair of the board, as a management consultant in Paris when you’re dealing with a multi- a position he had held since 2012. for five years. stakeholder system as complex and Later, at Bombardier Aerospace and at dynamic as a university, the teamwork Hébert Jr., president and CEO of Groupe the McGill University Health Centre, she and collaboration aspects become Park Avenue Inc. and a member of the assumed leadership roles and provided very important. I think we’re lucky Order of Canada, looks back on his tenure vital strategic direction. She also man- at Concordia to have someone like with satisfaction and optimism. aged to find time to research and write President Carr at the helm who Back to Beer ... and Hockey: The Story of embodies these values,” she notes. “I’m proud of what we have accomplished Eric Molson (McGill-Queen’s University Looking beyond COVID-19, Antoniou over the past eight years. Concordia Press), the bestselling biography of hopes to see the continued growth of has established itself as a top academic Eric H. Molson, LLD 06, the former innovative programs centred on fields institution, not just in Quebec and Canada, Molson Coors chairman and Antoniou’s like sustainability, cybersecurity, but internationally. This is reflected in father-in-law. artificial intelligence, health care everything from student applications and As the long-time chancellor of and smart cities. faculty recruitment, fundraising and alumni Concordia from 1993 to 2005, Molson “I like our focus on real-world engagement, to how the media talks about facilitated a transformative endowment solutions to topical problems. us — there’s a great buzz about Concordia.” that led to the establishment of the John Concordia is a relatively young Molson School of Business in 2000 (see university and a very dynamic one, Hébert Jr. served two mandates as chair more on p. 24). Championing the univer- with a lot of great accomplishments of Concordia’s board, with his second term sity has clearly become a family affair. over the years. I think it’s on an extended two years to June 2020. During this “It’s the spirit of Concordia that upward path and I’m hoping to time, he oversaw several important initiatives really attracts me. Graham Carr calls it see that continue.” and expansions, including the award-winning a ‘next-generation’ university — and it District 3 entrepreneurship incubator, one-of-a- is! It’s bold, innovative, both globally kind 4TH SPACE, Gina Cody’s historic gift to the minded and community-focused. Faculty of Engineering and Computer Science, I consider myself very lucky to be construction of the new $62-million Applied part of it,” says Antoniou. Science Hub on Loyola Campus and the launch of the Campaign for Concordia, the university’s most ambitious fundraising effort to date.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 37 Concordia partners with MTL connect 2020 for virtual program

Annual event to feature 400 speakers, 10,000 participants from over 50 countries

MOLLY HAMILTON

oncordia is partnering with CMontreal Digital Spring (Printemps numérique) — a non-profit whose primary mission is to boost digital intelligence — for MTL connect: ng i

Montreal Digital Week, its major event pr S

hosted from October 13 to 18, 2020. tal i g i

Over six days, MTL connect will D feature 400 speakers for conferences, ontreal panels, workshops, technological M showcases and a virtual job fair. GINA CODY, MENG 81, PHD 89 (RIGHT), Some 10,000 participants from WILL DISCUSS LEADERSHIP WITH MUTSUMI TAKAHASHI, BA 79, MBA 95, LLD 13. more than 50 countries are expected to take part. Their talk helps kick off MTL connect

“We have created an event focused a on October 13. di or on the impact and challenges of digital c “As distance learning and telecommuting on C

transformation — social, economic, d become keystones of our society, MTL con- an environmental — across sectors,” says nect will give us an opportunity to discuss Concordia graduate Claude Landry, how we need to pivot to become more effec- ontreal

BFA 85, MTL connect director of M tive leaders in a digital landscape,” says Cody, ews N programming. co-chair of the Campaign for Concordia TV

The inaugural MTL connect took place C and benefactor of the Gina Cody School of in 2019 with over 2,000 attendees. Its Engineering and Computer Science (GCS). second edition, scheduled for March examined through papers and panels, Other prominent speakers confirmed 2020, was postponed due to COVID-19. artist talks, artworks, posters, institu- for MTL connect include Jeanne Holm, MTL connect’s fall programming tional presentations, workshops and the chief data officer for the city of Los will be held under nine themes: Summit on New Media Art Archiving. Angeles; Audrey Tang, digital minister sustainable development, education, “We are happy to partner with of Taiwan; Ursula Eicker, Concordia’s health, artificial intelligence, financial Concordia, to collaborate and grow,” Canada Excellence Research Chair technology (fintech), cybersecurity, says Landry. “I think the university’s in Smart, Sustainable and Resilient the future of work, creativity and the 51,900 students and more than 220,000 Communities and Cities; Vivek city of the future. alumni will greatly benefit from some of Venkatesh, MA 03, PhD 08, UNESCO Alongside MTL connect, Montreal our interesting talks and the opportuni- co-Chair in Prevention of Radicalization Digital Spring will also be hosting the ties to connect with new people.” and Violent Extremism and Professor 26th International Symposium on Concordians taking part in MTL of Inclusive Practices in Visual Arts Electronic Art — ISEA2020 — under connect include engineer and benefac- in Concordia’s Department of Art the theme “Why Sentience?” tor Gina Cody, MEng 81, PhD 89, in a Education; and GCS faculty member The weeklong event will address conversation on leadership with CTV Fehmi Jaafar. pressing contemporary issues. Current Montreal chief news anchor Mutsumi practice-based approaches will be Takahashi, BA 79, MBA 95, LLD 13. Visit mtlconnecte.ca/en to learn more.

38 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine MY GRANDFATHER ALWAYS MAINTAINED THAT THE REAL WEALTH OF ANY COUNTRY CAN BE MEASURED BY ITS INVESTMENT IN EDUCATION. PLANNED GIVING IS A LASTING WAY TO CONTRIBUTE TO EDUCATION. AS LONG AS CONCORDIA LIVES, MY PLANNED GIFT WILL CONTINUE TO GROW.

– Mahesh C. Sharma, professor, John Molson School of Business; creator of Uma Sharma Memorial Graduate Award and Sandhya and Swati Sharma Memorial Scholarship

YOUR GIFT YOUR LEGACY YOUR PLAN A planned gift can help fulfi ll your fi nancial, philanthropic and estate planning goals. Concordia’s Planned Giving sta can meet your unique fi nancial needs.

CALL 5 4-848-2424, ext. 8945, OR -888-777-3330, ext. 8945.

#CUpride concordia.ca/plannedgiving ALUMNI NEWS

PRESIDENT GRAHAM CARR CONGRATULATED PARTICIPANTS OF SHUFFLE 30 IN 2019.

Shuffle 31: reimagined and resilient

IAN HARRISON, BCOMM 01, WITH FILES FROM MARCO BUTTICE

ne year after Concordia’s annual Owalkathon shattered a record with SHUFFLE 30 DREW A BIG CROWD TO LOYOLA CAMPUS A YEAR AGO. $143,000 raised for student support, a different kind of Shuffle — reimagined in the age of COVID-19 — proved CU AT THE TOP — GOAL: $20,000 that is a symbol of the Concordia spirit,” just how resilient the university’s CU at the Top’s members biked, ran said team member Émilie Fortin, BA 06, community can be. and walked up Montreal’s Mount Royal an organizational development advisor Bookended by closing and opening to raise funds for Concordia’s Black with Human Resources. “We’re happy to ceremonies online, Shuffle 31 invited Perspectives Initiative (see p. 20). provide a helping hand.” participants to walk where they wanted, “We hope our support will help create when they wanted, between September a more equal, inclusive and just society,” STUDENT SUCCESS CENTRE — 18 and 25. said team co-captain Katia Lorye, a GOAL: $2,000 Shufflers were encouraged to reuse development officer in the Faculty Composed mostly of staff from T-shirts from Shuffles past to proclaim of Fine Arts. “During these times of Concordia’s Student Success Centre their school pride or use resources from financial instability, student support (SSC), which provides students with a downloadable “Virtual Shuffle Kit” to is more important than ever.” vital tools and assistance, members of create their own. Participants promptly this Shuffle 31 team raised funds for an shared their DIY designs on Concordia’s HUMAN RESOURCES — award to support a returning student social media channels, with the most GOAL: $2,000 with a previous failed standing. creative awarded a special prize. More than 40 Concordia Human “We’ll use this scholarship to Meet three Shuffle 31 teams that Resources staff and their families raised support the underdogs,” declared made a difference in kicking off funds for the HR Shuffle Award for team captain Ann Mclaughlin, a the university’s annual Community Excellence and the HR Shuffle Bursary. coordinator at the SSC. Campaign — part of the ambitious “Our team looks forward to $250-million Campaign for Concordia: participating in the Shuffle and To learn more about Shuffle 31, visit Next-gen. Now. contributing to this wonderful event concordia.ca/shuffle.

40 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine Staying connected with CU at Home

n response to COVID-19, Concordia skill levels. This workshop was created Create with Navy, two 45-minute I launched CU at Home to help our to prepare attendees for the President’s workshops hosted by Navy Chadsey, community stay engaged, active and Homecoming Céilí on September 11. BFA 17, designed for families to have connected. The initiative, which kicked PROFILE: A tool kit against racism fun learning to paint together. Under off in March, includes virtual events, and bias, a webinar hosted by Concordia Chadsey’s guidance, attendees tackled family activities, workshops, webinars professor Vivek Venkatesh, MA 03, PhD a field of wildflowers, a vibrant moun- and more — designed by our community, 08, drawing from the PROFILE tool kit tainscape and a colourful bumblebee. for our community. Learn about some — a practical guide against racism and Discover all CU at Home programming by of the events that took place in spring bias designed to address systematic visiting concordia.ca/CUatHome. and summer. racial and social profiling — to better Navigating career changes during the understand why society is at a collective pandemic, a two-part webinar series host- impasse over profiling. ed by Jessica Gohier, BA 09, founder of COVID-19 vs. the economy, a Q&A Profilia CV, to help navigate the challenges session with nationally renowned of job-hunting during the pandemic. expert Moshe Lander, senior lecturer Learn Irish Dancing, a two-part in Concordia’s Department of series hosted by Irish dancer Lucas Economics, to examine the risks Lawton, BA 17, to teach basic jigs and of reopening provinces too early reels for participants of all ages and during the pandemic. epeat R

d an

nse i R

LUCAS LAWTON, BA 17, IS AN INTERNATIONALLY RECOGNIZED IRISH DANCER WHO HAS RANKED AS HIGH AS FIFTH IN THE WORLD IN SOLO COMPETITION AND THIRD IN THE WORLD IN TEAM DANCING.

CONCORDIA PROFESSOR VIVEK VENKATESH, MA 03, PHD 08, IS THE UNESCO CO-CHAIR IN PREVENTION OF RADICALIZATION AND VIOLENT EXTREMISM AND DIRECTOR OF THE JESSICA GOHIER, BA 09, IS THE FOUNDER CENTRE FOR THE STUDY OF LEARNING AND OF PROFILIA CV, A RESUMÉ EXPERT, FREELANCE PERFORMANCE. WRITER AND EDITOR.

NAVY CHADSEY, BFA 17, IS THE FOUNDER OF CREATE WITH NAVY, WHERE SHE PRESENTS CUSTOMIZED ART EVENTS IN HOMES OR BUSINESSES FOR ALL AGES AND OCCASIONS. MOSHE LANDER, A SENIOR LECTURER IN CONCORDIA’S DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS, IS A REGULAR GUEST ON GLOBAL AND CJAD, AND IS FREQUENTLY INTERVIEWED BY THE GLOBE AND MAIL AND THE NATIONAL POST.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 41 ALUMNI NEWS

NEW GRADUATES SHARED THEIR PRIDE ON SOCIAL MEDIA USING CONCORDIA-BRANDED GIFS, FILTERS AND THE #CUPRIDE, #CUGRAD2020 AND #CUALUMNI HASHTAGS.

“A VERY WARM WELCOME TO ALL THE GRADUATES OF CONCORDIA FOR 2020,” SAID “WORK HARD, NEVER GIVE UP — NOTHING CAN HOLD YOU BACK,” SAID HARDEEP KATHY REICHS, LLD 11, TO A NEW COHORT OF ALUMNI. REICHS, A CRIME WRITER GREWAL, BCOMM 83, PRESIDENT OF OHCAL FOODS, TO THE CLASS OF 2020. AND FORENSIC ANTHROPOLOGIST, WAS A PRODUCER ON THE FOX TV SERIES BONES. Class of 2020 oncordians banded together to fête the class of 2020 Cin style with CU Celebrate, the university’s first virtual celebration of graduating students. The online festivities took place on June 18 in honour of the more than 6,200 new graduates who joined a network of 220,000-plus Concordia alumni around the world. The celebrations included a live social-media wall where posts from new grads were displayed featuring Concordia convocation GIFs and filters. Congratulatory video messages were also shared from star alumni, honorary degree recipients, university leaders and members of the Concordia University Alumni Association. Words of wisdom and advice came from Kathy Reichs, LLD 11, Hardeep Grewal, BComm 83, Alexandre Bilodeau, BComm 16, Fay Arjomandi, BEng 98, “IT IS NOT THE PERIOD THAT DEFINES YOU, BUT HOW YOU REACT THROUGH THESE and Peter Simons, LLD 19, among others. The celebrations MOMENTS THAT WILL DEFINE YOUR GENERATION,” SAID PETER SIMONS, LLD 19, were capped off with a live online dance party led by DJ PRESIDENT AND CEO OF LA MAISON SIMONS. Chris Tan, BFA 11, of the music duo Royce and Tan.

Watch video messages at concordia.ca/CUcelebrate.

42 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine 30 years of Concordia Homecoming eptember 2020 marked a milestone for Concordia as Salumni and friends celebrated the 30th anniversary of the university’s Homecoming. Though festivities shifted online due to COVID-19 restrictions, alumni found good reason to celebrate this year’s events, which took place from September 9 to 17. Noteworthy moments from the anniversary year included a conversation, presented by Resolute Forest Products, between Nikole Hannah-Jones and CBC’s Shari Okeke, BComm 95. Hannah-Jones covers racial injustice for The New York Times Magazine and was awarded the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for Commentary for her introductory essay to the 1619 Project, which aims to reframe U.S. history by centring the consequences of enslavement and the contributions of Black Americans. Concordia President Graham Carr also invited all alumni for a toast to the Homecoming anniversary with an Irish céilí (pronounced kay-lee) hosted by Irish-language scholar Gemma Lambe. The gathering featured university updates from President Carr, highlights from Michael Kenneally, principal and chair of Concordia’s School of Irish Studies, and a jig led by Irish dancer Lucas Lawton, BA 17. Discover Art Volt featured a conversation between Annie Gérin, new dean of Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts (see p. 50), with Cheryl Sim, MA 07, managing director and curator at Fondation Phi pour l’art contemporain. The pair discussed the Art Volt Collection — a new platform for emerging contemporary art — and the importance of supporting artists and creative practitioners at early stages of their career. The Gina Cody School Distinguished Alumni Speaker Series CHERYL SIM, MA 07, MANAGING hosted Richard Howe, BEng 88, chairman and CEO of Inuvo DIRECTOR AND CURATOR AT FONDATION PHI POUR L’ART CONTEMPORAIN, Inc., for a talk called Driving Innovation with Applied AI. SPOKE ABOUT WAYS TO SUPPORT AND Howe discussed how he was able to transform a company in PROMOTE FLEDGLING ARTISTS. decline into a leader in artificial intelligence, as well as how his organization leverages AI in response to some of the world’s challenges. Howe was joined by Concordia’s Tristan Glatard, assistant professor in the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering, and Canada Research Chair (Tier II) in Big Data Infrastructures for Neuroinformatics.

Learn more about the 30th anniversary celebrations at concordia.ca/homecoming.

RICHARD HOWE, BENG 88, TALKED ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE AT THE GINA CODY SCHOOL INVESTIGATIVE JOURNALIST AND DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI PULITZER PRIZE WINNER NIKOLE SPEAKER SERIES. HANNAH-JONES HEADLINED THIS YEAR’S 30TH ANNIVERSARY OF CONCORDIA HOMECOMING.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 43 ALUMNI NEWS

Celebrating Irish Studies

Dear Editor,

To elaborate on your recent article on Irish Studies at Concordia (Concordia University Magazine, winter 2020), we wish to draw attention to the enormous contribution of Brian O’Neill Gallery, BA 57, LLD 10, in developing this area of study over 15 years, which eventually led to the creation of the School of Irish Studies in 2009. Partnering with Peter O’Brien and Michael Kenneally,

Gallery created the Canadian Irish Studies Foundation (CISF) in 1996, and by calling on his very extensive

network of friends, business and government contacts, and Irish community members (including many of his fellow alumni of Loyola College — one of Concordia’s founding institutions), Gallery enthusiastically sought financial support for this project. While an increasing number of courses, programs, public lectures, academic structures and community-outreach events were being consolidated within Concordia, Gallery’s ability to inspire donors and work with a succession of university administrators ensured the steady growth of this area of study.

Particularly notable was the partnership Gallery created between the CISF, Concordia and the Government of Quebec under the leadership of then Premier Jean Charest, which led to the creation of the Johnson Chair in Quebec and Canadian Irish Studies, with a mandate to conduct research, teach and publicize the multi-faceted story of the Irish in Quebec and elsewhere in Canada. As a fifth-generation Irish-Quebecer himself, with several illustrious ancestors who shaped the history of Montreal and indeed Concordia itself through its Loyola roots, Gallery was passionately dedicated to highlighting this history so that Quebecers could learn about and connect with this very important part of their heritage. BRIAN O’NEILL GALLERY WAS AWARDED AN HONORARY DOCTORATE IN NOVEMBER 2010. With the School of Irish Studies now firmly established, Gallery can take pride in his exceptional achievements. Indeed, he has received several Irish- community awards to recognize his accomplishments. The Concordia University

Alumni Association awarded him the prestigious Humberto Santos Award of Merit in 2010 and that same year the university itself conferred him with an honorary degree. Upon his retirement from the Canadian Irish Studies Foundation, a special evening was organized at which various dignitaries from Concordia and from the wider business, political and cultural community acknowledged the fulfillment of his dream.

To give permanent recognition to Gallery, the Canadian Irish Studies Foundation established the Brian O’Neill Gallery Scholarship Fund which annually awards free tuition to about 25 students in Irish Studies and has disbursed more than $300,000 since its inception. Perhaps the most enduring part of Gallery’s legacy is the knowledge that the numerous annual courses in Irish Studies, the Irish Public Lecture

Series and ongoing community-outreach events will ensure that his achievement will continue, on a permanent basis, to shape the lives of countless individuals.

Pamela McGovern, Chair, Canadian Irish Studies Foundation Michael Kenneally, Principal, School of Irish Studies

To mark the 10th anniversary of the formal creation of the School of Irish Studies, Concordia’s University Advancement has partnered with the Canadian Irish Studies Foundation to prepare a 24-page booklet outlining the achievements of Irish Studies [email protected]. since inception. If you would like to receive a copy of this booklet, please contact the School at

44 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine TAKE PRIDE IN YOUR ALMA MATER!

LES RATÉES, A SHORT SCIENCE-FICTION FILM DIRECTED BY MYRIAM GUIMOND, BFA 16, PREMIERED ON AUGUST 22 AT THE VIRTUAL 2020 FANTASIA INTERNATIONAL FILM FESTIVAL. International film fest goes virtual he annual Fantasia International Film Festival took place Tvirtually between August 20 and September 2. Now in its 24th year, the festival presented 20 films produced or directed by Concordians, including Grooves by Danielle Caron, BFA Tony Lo reda, BComm 85 Christine Lengvari, BSc 72 (film prod.) 20. The film was the winner of the university’s 2020 Fantasia Award. Premiering at this year’s online festival was a short film by Myriam Guimond, BFA (film prod.) 16. In the director’s Les Ratées, three teenaged fans of horror and science-fiction novels encounter strange events at a library.

Rana Ghorayeb, BA 97, MEng 0 John Zeppetelli, BFA 84

REGRET, DIRECTED BY SANTIAGO MENGHINI, BFA 12

Regret, by Santiago Menghini, BFA(film prod.) 12, follows the story of a man battling his inner demons after the death of Winston Kan, BAdmin 8 Dawn Tyler Watson, BFA 94 his father. The 16-minute short horror film was awarded the Midnight Jury Award at SXSW 2020. You are part of Concordia’s accomplished 220,000-member alumni family. • Tell us where you’re at: concordia.ca/keepintouch • Share your successes: [email protected] • Join us on social media: @Concordia.Alumni

RACHEL SAMSON, BFA 19, BRINGS ILLUSTRATIONS TO LIFE IN TEMPS DE GLACE.

In her short animation Temps de glace, Rachel Samson, BFA (film anim.) 19, illustrates a young girl’s daydreams as she sits by a hockey rink. Samson’s film premiered at this year’s festival #CUpride #CUalumni on August 29.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 45 CONCORDIA GOLF CLASSIC RAISES MORE THAN $5.8 MILLION FOR SCHOLARSHIPS AND BURSARIES

The annual event has helped more than 1,500 students since 2004

MOLLY HAMILTON

“I think it’s a great model for a fundraiser “I believe knowledge acquired through “The ultimate objective of the Golf where all the bankers come together. higher education drives the future of the Classic is to build a better world by It’s all about, how can we better support world. So it is difficult to find a better educating people and by giving them the community? We compete on most cause to support. All the money raised the necessary tools to make this a better days, but once in a while we come together is helping hard-working, financially world for everyone.” to have a bigger impact on challenged students who need assistance.” — Luigi Liberatore, LLD 18, causes like education.” — Louis Tanguay, BComm 75, LLD 18, honorary co-chair and owner, Golf Griffon — Sylvain Corbeil, Senior Vice-President, honorary co-chair des Sources TD Commercial Banking, Quebec and Atlantic Regions, TD Bank Group

“It is a great fundraiser. If you take the “It’s a really unique tournament. The “For us at HSBC, we want students to amount of money raised over time, that’s fact that all the banks, who are usually in have the best possible education. Some an impressive number. It helps out a lot competition, come together for this cause of them obviously need financial support of students who are going to make a and to do something good for Concordia, and we can help them get that through difference in society. The money raised will for the students and for the reputation of the Golf Classic.” give a chance to many people who would the school, is very important.” — Charles Douville, BComm 84, otherwise not have had the opportunity.” — Nathalie Soucy, Head of Sales, Senior Vice-President, Regional — André Desmarais, BComm 78, LLD 07, Vice-President, Business Services, Head of Commercial Banking – Quebec, honorary co-chair Desjardins Group HSBC Bank Canada ince it first teed off in September 2004, the While COVID-19 has made it necessary to cancel the Golf Concordia Golf Classic has raised more than Classic for 2020, organizers have high hopes for a successful S$5.8 million for scholarships and bursaries event in 2021. Until then, continuing to extend support to stu- that have benefited more than 1,500 students. dents during this challenging time is more imperative than ever. The money raised from the annual event provides A heartfelt thank-you to our co-chairs, co-presidents, alumni, critical financial support, encouraging the next generation friends and partner organizations whose generosity and support of leaders and change-makers — like former bursary recipient have made this event such a huge success over the years. Liliane Chamas, BSc 09, a Rhodes Scholar — to reach their concordia.ca/golfclassic fullest potential. Boasting an impressive roster of co-chairs and “Everybody looks forward to the Golf co-presidents, the fundraiser was presided over by Classic and the money raised is going Norman Hébert Jr., BComm 77, and George Hanna, BA 72, to a great cause. It’s also an opportunity throughout its first decade. The late L. Jacques Ménard, for people to get together — a lot of BComm 67, LLD 06, also served as co-president for two years. the same players come back every year. Held at the exclusive Golf Griffon des Sources in Mirabel, the People are generous in their support and tournament is the only fundraiser in Quebec to convene execu- I think that’s important.” tives from Canada’s major banks in support of a good cause. — Frank Cavallaro, CBC weatherman and event emcee

“It’s an important cause for Laurentian “The actual purpose of the Golf Classic “RBC has been involved in the Golf Bank because it helps students reach their speaks to not only me but also BMO, in Classic for years, and for many reasons. potential by reducing financial barriers and terms of the importance of education. At RBC, it’s in our DNA and values to challenges. We always like to promote this We strongly believe that education contribute to the prosperity of our fundraiser because it’s promoting education, is the foundation of our society and communities. We also recognize how employment and entrepreneurship for social values.” important it is to support the development tomorrow’s leaders.” — René Douville, Senior Vice-President of our youth, who are our future.” – Sophie Boucher, Vice-President, Business and Head, Corporate Finance Division – — Nadine Renaud-Tinker, President, Development, Business Services, Quebec, BMO Bank of Montreal Quebec Headquarters, RBC Royal Bank Laurentian Bank

“Education is a very strong priority for our “The tournament gives people an “When I was in university, I benefited from city. This is why National Bank is so keen enjoyable way to network and give what I consider to be not only an amazing on supporting universities. It is not only a back to a staple of the community.” education but an entrance scholarship. corporate responsibility but a privilege.” — Demo Trifonopoulos, BComm 85, When I look back at the success I have — Tony Aksa, Associate Vice-President Vice-President and Region Head – attained in my career at Scotiabank, Commercial Banking, National Bank Quebec, Commercial Banking CIBC I really attribute it to Concordia.” — Maria Mangiocavallo, BComm 86, GrDip 89, Vice-President and Head, Commercial Banking and Roynat Capital, Quebec Region, Roynat/Scotiabank STUDENT POETRY

Works from Benjamin Bush Anderson, winner of the 2018–19 Gabriel Safdie Undergraduate Creative Writing Award for Poetry erson d n A

tephen S

UMPTEENTH an essay on sustainability

With an ornery wink and a one two three I buttoned my shirtsleeves. We woke exhausted we’d been peering in our sleeps. You felt it important to note that we held our hands with our wrists, our wrists with our elbows. I argued our fingers were held by our knuckles, our knuckles held by our shoulders. This was an impasse, we both held our ground. With what you asked we giggled. You held my gaze a moment longer.

48 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine

9

PURRING THE LINE’S GONE SLACK [Portions of Poem Broken Free from the Leash]

acres of earshot of arm’s length of

the mind both expanse and exit wound

the arrow tip leads to the mouth

of

a a cave horse which in named Loop- the nick of de-Loop spooked time wind and by the crowds careens water erode until to a halt and impossibly it is so wide that it one by one they spun to see winks away to

nothing

AN ANGLE MOVING TOO QUICKLY TO BE NAMED

it was about ye

high and ye wide

there was mutual relief like a ceasefire or the end of a singalong

didn’t you unhook the sidelong look from the whites of your eyes or am I imagining your face twelve hundred miles from here where the bullseye is in the periphery and centerstage is a trapdoor 8 you twirled a baton but that is beside the point

the point is here nestled at the bottom of an iceberg where solid ice and icecold water mingle in their experimental ozone too preoccupied with becoming to stop and smell the undertow

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 49

4 FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE ‘I’m impressed by the ingenuity and resiliency I’ve seen,’ says new dean Pascale Sicotte

ELISABETH FAURE, BA 07, GRDIP 10, AND TAYLOR TOWER

ver the last six months of Oglobal upheaval and uncertainty, Concordia’s Faculty of Arts and Science has been drawing on its strengths to tackle the challenges facing students, faculty and staff. According to Pascale Sicotte, who began her mandate as Faculty of Arts hotography

and Science dean on August 1, the P

O

faculty’s quick-thinking and innovative di o J y

response laid the foundation for a b

strong academic year ahead. hoto “The Faculty of Arts and Science P PASCALE SICOTTE BEGAN HER FIVE-YEAR TERM AS FACULTY OF ARTS AND SCIENCE DEAN ON AUGUST 1. leveraged its breadth of expertise in the service of our students and our the Black Perspectives Initiative (p. 20) Researchers and staff inside community,” she says. “I’m impressed launched in February of this year, as the innovative space will advance by the ingenuity and resiliency I’ve well as last year’s Protests and Pedagogy groundbreaking work in fields seen in my short time here.” conference, which marked the 50th such as aquatic biology, microscopy From the beginning of the pandem- anniversary of the protest known as the and nanoscience. ic lockdown, faculty members were at Sir George Williams Affair. And this fall, with courses continuing the forefront of moving courses online. The Loyola College for Diversity and online, the faculty will offer first-class Members of the education department’s Sustainability is also offering a new course education to its students, Sicotte says. Educational Technology team mobilized to taught by renowned historian Dorothy “This is an exciting place to be. help the university make the pivot, earn- Williams, BA 84, MA 99. Black Montreal We will continue to support our strong ing them the moniker “EdTech Heroes.” (LOYC 298-02) is largely designed to and talented community, as it continues Anti-racism protests worldwide have introduce students to the major themes, to excel and rise to the challenges also fuelled and renewed the faculty’s issues and debates in the city’s Black facing us all.” commitment to work towards eradicat- history from its origins until today. Concordia plays a key role in these times ing racism and building a more diverse As the new Applied Science Hub of drastic social change, the dean adds. and inclusive community. on Loyola Campus proves, the faculty “We’re harnessing the power of research Recent and ongoing projects include continues to grow in other ways. and education to improve our world.”

50 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine GINA CODY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE ‘Research collaborations with industry partners are ongoing and robust,’ says interim dean Mourad Debbabi

VINCENT ALLAIRE While new to the role, Debbabi has cites Gina Cody, MEng 81, PhD 89 — been implicated in some big initiatives GCS’s chief supporter and namesake hile the pandemic has changed at GCS. Most recently, in August 2019, donor — as an inspiration. Wworking habits the world over, he and his team of cybersecurity re- “I am very proud of what Concordia faculty and staff at the Gina Cody searchers received $560,000 to launch has become,” says Gallo. “It made me School of Engineering and Computer the Open-Source Cyber Fusion Centre who I am, and it continues to demon- Science (GCS) have diligently pivoted with Carleton University and two indus- strate what it means to be progressive, operations to enhance teaching for trial partners, eGloo and AvanTech. open and inclusive.” the online environment. This past June, the Carolina Gallo Relatedly, and in a first for the With experiential learning at the core Scholarship for Women in Engineering school, the Girls Summer Engineering of GCS’s mission, new opportunities and Computer Science was introduced and Technology (GirlSET) camp was for hybrid and inclusive learning are on to help achieve a more equitable delivered as an online program by GCS the horizon. The goal is to help students gender balance in fields still largely from July 6 to 17. GirlSET provides stay engaged, focused and socially dominated by men. engineering experience for girls in active, while giving them access to a Carolina Gallo, BA 84, a social-justice grades eight to 11 and encourages them high-calibre education. advocate and political science graduate, to pursue careers in STEM. Under the new leadership of interim Meanwhile, faculty and researchers are dean Mourad Debbabi, who assumed creating partnerships with organizations the role on May 1, research labs that in both the public and private sectors, require on-site access reopened this highlighting GCS’s research strengths in past summer. smart cities and resilient communities, “Moreover, our research collabora- applied artificial intelligence, cyberse- tions with industry partners are ongoing curity, software engineering, aerospace, and robust, enriching the relationships advanced manufacturing, infrastructure with the public and private sector that management, and cyberphysical systems. make the Gina Cody School such a rel- While prioritizing these research evant training ground,” says Debbabi, strengths, the development of a professor at the Concordia Institute complementary graduate programs for Information Systems Engineering, continues. Future plans at GCS include NSERC/Hydro-Québec Thales Senior creating recruitment strategies to attract Industrial Research Chair in Smart top-drawer talent. The school’s proven Grid Security and Honorary Concordia ability to rise to the demands of the University Research Chair Tier I in COVID-19 crisis (see p. 28) will surely

Information Systems Security. MOURAD DEBBABI STEPPED INTO THE ROLE OF play a part in any success beyond 2020. INTERIM DEAN OF THE GINA CODY SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND COMPUTER SCIENCE ON MAY 1.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 51 FACULTY SPOTLIGHTS

JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

‘Responsibility, inclusiveness and engagement’: the John Molson School of Business is future-ready

KATIE MALAZDREWICZ, into the ecosystem of the organization With the Minor in Data Intelligence, BA 06, GRDIP 09 and implementing mechanisms to business undergraduate students achieve that commitment and sustain receive supplemental training in he John Molson School of Business it over time. areas such as data modelling, data T(JMSB) drafted a strategic plan in The school also signed a partnership mining and forecasting. This minor 2019 to propel it to new heights and agreement last year with Manulife provides the tools to build models solidify its position as an institution that Investment Management that for analyzing business problems that produces valuable business research, established the first sustainable help organizations avoid risk and take prepares students for the job market investing practicum at a Canadian advantage of opportunities. and contributes meaningfully to society. university. After months of “When we began working on our plan, preparation, the inaugural we did it knowing that it had to support cohort of students started Concordia’s nine strategic directions, the program on May 1. which lay out the actions required for a The three-credit future-ready, next-generation univer- Sustainable Investing sity,” explains Anne-Marie Croteau,BSc Practicum (SIP) enables 86, JMSB’s dean since 2017. undergraduate business “We went through the exercise of students to better looking at who we are as a business understand the principles school. What do we know about our- of environmental, selves? What are we good at and what social and governance drives our decisions? It was pretty clear (ESG) investing that there are a few fundamental princi- in a capital market ples JMSB has always been committed to environment. Students UNDER DEAN ANNE-MARIE CROTEAU, THE JOHN MOLSON SCHOOL OF BUSINESS WAS CERTIFIED BY WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE. upholding: responsibility, inclusiveness will make fund management and engagement.” recommendations to a In 2019, The John Molson School supervisory committee based on As part of the MBA program, students of Business became the first business sustainable investing criteria. can pursue the SAS Certification in Data school ever certified by Women in “The ultimate goal is to demonstrate Analytics. Over the past year, this option Governance. The non-profit supports the superiority of ESG investing as an has seen an almost 50 per cent increase initiatives related to leadership investment philosophy,” explains Amr in enrolment. Courses included in the development, career advancement and Addas, adjunct professor of finance at certification are Statistical Software access to board seats for women across JMSB and supervisor of the SIP. for Data Management and Analysis, Canada. The certification recognizes Important new trends and areas Business Forecasting, Data Mining organizations that have achieved results of focus have emerged over the Techniques, and Statistical Models by articulating a commitment to gender past few years, particularly in data and Data Analysis. parity in the workplace, integrating it intelligence, analytics and data mining.

52 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine FACULTY OF FINE ARTS ‘Concordia holds a key position in Montreal’s cultural scene’: Annie Gérin’s mandate as Fine Arts dean begins

ANDY MURDOCH

nnie Gérin, professor, scholar, Aaccomplished administrator, beloved member of the Montreal arts community, and the recent interim dean of the Faculté des arts at UQAM, recently succeeded Rebecca Duclos as dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, who has finished he her five-year mandate. c After an extensive search across ourneva T

e

Canada and the United States, the faculty i l mi

appointed Gérin, who officially began É y b her term on August 1. hoto

Fluent in English, French and P Russian, Gérin holds a PhD in the THE SEARCH COMMITTEE WAS IMPRESSED WITH ANNIE GÉRIN’S VISION FOR THE FACULTY’S FUTURE. History of Art and Cultural Studies from the University of Leeds, a Master to Concordia and serve her well as a key doors for Concordia students. of Art History from York University and member of our senior leadership team.” “Concordia holds a key position in a BA in art history from the Université Gérin’s demonstrated knowledge of the Montreal’s cultural scene. Its Faculty of de Montréal. Quebec and Canadian cultural scenes as Fine Arts is uniquely poised to develop She has published extensively and is well as her skill at relationship-building the programs and partnerships that will well known for her research in Canadian — internally, with university stakeholders change education in the fine arts and the and Soviet art in the 20th and 21st cen- and with different levels of government way we think about the role art can play turies, with a special interest in art as — will be significant in further expanding in society.” experienced by non-specialized publics the faculty’s and university’s networks, Duclos will return to her faculty posi- outside of gallery spaces. opportunities for cross-cutting tion in the Department of Art History. The search committee was impressed collaborations and reputations, “I warmly thank Rebecca Duclos with Gérin’s vision for the faculty’s fu- adds Whitelaw. for her outstanding leadership of the ture, says Anne Whitelaw, interim For the last five years, Rebecca Duclos Faculty of Fine Arts across her five-year provost and vice-president, Academic. led the faculty in collaboratively develop- mandate as dean,” says Whitelaw. “Annie’s exceptional track record in ing a vision that cemented Concordia’s “She developed and implemented a senior academic leadership roles and recognition and status as a force within strong strategic direction for the faculty in university governance, as well as her the local, national and international cul- and firmly established Concordia as commitment to respect-based dialogue tural sphere. Gérin says that this strong an anchor institution on Montreal’s and decolonization, will be of great value reputation will be invaluable in opening cultural landscape.”

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 53 ALUMNI UPDATES

Concordia awards 7 new honorary doctorates

This spring’s recipients included a science champion, a preserver of Indigenous culture and a BBC journalist

JAKE BRENNAN Jennifer Flanagan is the Hong Kong-born David Dame Julia Higgins’ co-founder, president Fung has founded or co- approximately 250 and CEO of Actua, founded more than 30 publications span Canada’s largest science, business ventures in North chemistry, physics, chemical technology, engineering America, Europe and Asia. engineering and materials and math (STEM) Trained as a chemical science. Among her many outreach organization. engineer, he has held key research firsts is her use The national charity research and operational of neutron scattering to partners with companies, positions at global chemical investigate the dynamics of governments, post- and engineering companies polymer molecules. Higgins secondary institutions and and has spent much of was the first woman fellow community organizations his career developing of both the Royal Society to provide STEM programs sustainable industry and and the Royal Academy of that build self-confidence energy solutions. These Engineering. Beyond her and employability skills to include the world’s largest extensive research and more than 300,000 youth smelter sulphuric acid teaching activities, Higgins annually. Flanagan’s work recycling system, waste- has actively promoted the has been recognized with water recycling in Israel, advancement of science accolades including the a Sino-Canadian waste- and technology education, RBC Canadian Women powered plant in Shanghai, particularly for women. Entrepreneur Award, Top a packaging-recycling 40 Under 40, WXN Most partnership in Europe, Asia Powerful Women and and North America, and the YWCA Women of a sustainable aquaculture Distinction Award. operation in China.

54 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine Born to the Sahtuotine New Brunswick-born Montreal-born Margie Gillis Vikas Swarup’s diplomatic First Nation on Great Bear Lyse Doucet has spent her is one of the most influential and literary career spans River in the Northwest 37-year career telling stories Canadian choreographer- more than three decades. Territories, Fibbie Tatti that often go underreported dancers of the 20th and Most recently, he served as is a fluent speaker, writer in Western media. She 21st centuries. In 1979, she the official spokesperson and storyteller of the North served the BBC for 15 years became the first performer of the Indian Ministry of Slavey Language. Over the as a foreign correspondent to take Western modern External Affairs in New past four decades, she has from West Africa and the dance to China, and her Delhi, and then as India’s helped develop an influential Middle East, where she original works, infused High Commissioner to model for Aboriginal developed an international with political, social and Canada. In 2019, he became language curricula and reputation as an expert on cultural themes, continue Secretary (West) in India’s served as an advocate and the regions. In 1999, Doucet to be performed around the External Affairs Ministry. monitoring agent of the transitioned into the role of globe. She has served as a Swarup’s first novel,Q&A NWT Official Languages senior presenter, but as the spokesperson for OXFAM, (HarperCollins Canada, Act. She was involved in BBC’s chief international the Planned Parenthood 2005), was published in both the Sahtu People’s land correspondent, she Foundation, several AIDS- 43 languages and won claim settlement and the continues to report awareness organizations, multiple awards. The film community of Deline’s self- from the field and make and is an active defender version, Slumdog Millionaire government agreement. She documentaries. Doucet of environmental causes. (2008), won seven BAFTAs, has also hosted a CBC North is often deployed to four Golden Globes and TV current affairs program. interview key figures and eight Oscars, including anchor major news events Best Picture. around the globe.

Watch video messages from Concordia honorands and illustrious alumni at concordia.ca/CUcelebrate.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 55 ALUMNI UPDATES

Alumni with more than one degree Michael Winzap, BA (poli. Mary Chronopoulos, Joseph Galluci, BComm from Concordia, Sir George Williams sci.), was named Ambassador 99 BComm (econ.), (mktg.), MBA (investment and/or Loyola are listed under of Switzerland to Samoa, as well EMBA 06, was appointed mgmt.) 08, was appointed their earliest graduation year. as Ambassador of Switzerland vice-president and chief to the board of directors of to New Zealand accredited financial officer at Énergir Skyharbour Resources. to other Pacific Islands. Inc. She assumed her new MOLLY HAMILTON role on April 6, 2020. Jarad Pesner, BA Eric Poteet, BComm 04 (classical civilization), 92 (fin.), was named head of Monique Hutchins, was appointed senior Anthony Vanelli, BSc North American institutional 00 BComm (mrkt.), was business developer at 76 (math.), MSc (math.) 78, foreign exchange sales for named corporate secretary at Solotech, an audiovisual and was named provost and vice- Toronto Dominion (TD). Oxford Mining Corporation, a entertainment technology president academic at Wilfrid gold explorer focused on highly company, in Ottawa, Ont. Laurier University in Waterloo, Geneviève Dussault, prospective and underexplored Ont. He assumed his new 93 BA (psych.), GrDip areas of Northern Quebec. Robert-Paul Juster, position on August 1, 2020. (institutional admin.) 99, 06 BA, was named the Sex was appointed senior account Massimo Iamello, and Gender Science Chair Patricia Abbott, BA director at Tam-Tam\TBWA, 01 BComm (acct.), GrDip by the Canadian Institutes 81 (journ.), is celebrating a Montreal-based marketing 08, was named partner at of Health Research (CIHR) 30 years as conductor of the and communications agency. MNP LLP, one of the largest Institute of Gender and English Montreal School Board full-service chartered Health. Juster, a researcher Chorale and 40 years with the Karen Hogan, BComm, accountancy and business at the Centre de recherche Chorale du Gesù as a founder GrDip (acct.) 95, was advisory firms in Canada. de l’Institut universitaire en and conductor since 1982. nominated by Prime Minister santé mentale de Montréal, Justin Trudeau to be Canada’s Henry Kwan, BA (econ.), will focus on LGBTQI2S Gina Cody, MEng, PhD 89, new Auditor General. was named sales director wellness and resilience. will be featured in a book at Vanguard Canada. published by Simon & Schuster Tamir Moscovici, BFA Arda Yapar, BComm (fin.), titled Extraordinary Canadians 95 (film prod.), joined talent Elisa Gruber Lustig, BComm was named finance manager (written by Peter Mansbridge) agency The Directors Network (fin.), was hired as director of of alternative investments at that will be released this fall. as a director for commercials private investing at Ballentine Montrusco Bolton Investments. and branded content in the U.S. Partners in Waltham, Mass. Brian Howlett, Marion Morris, BA 82 BComm, was appointed Jennifer Hayes, BA, Audrey Lefebvre, 07 (comm. studies), was president and CEO at Hemlo 96 MBA 01, was reappointed 02 BA (comm. studies), appointed senior director Explorers Inc. (formerly as Commissioner of the was named vice-president, of strategy and operations at Canadian Orebodies Inc.), a Canadian Dairy Commission director of operations and BICOM Communications. mineral exploration company by Minister of Agriculture client lead at Tam-Tam\TBWA. with a portfolio of properties and Agri-Food Marie-Claude Kristen Petitclerc, in Ontario and Nunavut. Bibeau. Hayes has held the Marie-Hélène Beaulieu, 08 BA (poli. sci.), was position since 2017. 03 BA (comm. studies), hired as a lawyer at Renno Brenda Shanahan, was hired as head of brand & Vathilakis, a litigation 88 MBA, was named a Heather Kirk, BComm partnerships and strategy firm located in Montreal. member of the National Security (fin.), was named senior vice- at The Unknown Group, a and Intelligence Committee president and chief financial Montreal-based content Andrea Clarke, BSc, of Parliamentarians. officer at Groupe Sélection, marketing and strategy agency. 09 MSc 12, MBA 17, was the largest private retirement named senior director of Michael Singer, BComm complex developer in Canada. Pauls Calitis, AMBA, was Community Engagement and 89 (acct.), was named interim appointed chief operations Social Impact in the Office of CEO of Aurora Cannabis. Dominique McCaughey, officer and member of the the Provost at Concordia. BA (hist.), MA (hist.) 02, supervisory board at airBaltic, Benoit Arsenault, was named chief executive the flag carrier of Latvia. Patricia Lanoie, BA 90 BA (econ.), was officer at the Montreal-based 11 (comm. studies), was appointed vice-president, organization Agence Ometz. Nicolas Dinh, BEng (comp. named director at Romeo business development for eng.), Ranjit Sarai, BEng & Fils, a Montreal-based Quebec at Raymond James, Andrew Chlebus, (software eng.) 03, and Miro production house. a division of the American 97 BA (soc.), GrDip Pavletic have developed financial services company 99, was named vice- STACK, a mobile app Iain Farmer, MBA, was Raymond James Financial. president of business launched in Canada that aims 14 appointed vice-president solutions at LG Canada. to simplify how consumers of corporate development at save and spend money. Osisko Gold Royalties Ltd.

56 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine Katerina Fragos, BComm, 1 was named to the 2020 “30 Under 30” list by GreenBiz. Fragos was noted for her work in sustainability and climate- change consulting at PwC. 4 Michael Sabia, LLD, was named chair of the Canada Infrastructure Bank. The bank was established by the federal government in 2017 to help spur revenue-generating infrastructure projects through public-private partnerships. 2 Sarah Volstad, BA (journ.), was hired as legal counsel at Astaldi, a construction multinational based in Rome.

Manel Menouar, BA 15 (poli. sci.), was appointed senior policy advisor to the office of Bill Blair, Canada’s Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

Sasha Alcoloumbre, 16 BA (western society and 3 culture), wrote, directed and produced a film calledTrois Mois. It was featured as part of an LGBT Film Series at Never Apart in Montreal last February.

Massimo Cannucci, BA (Eng. lit.), was named media copywriter at Valtech, a global digital agency.

Antoine Landriault- Arbour, BComm (fin.), was named senior associate 1 Susan Stromberg, BA 74, submitted this image to the Hyde Collection for the Glen Falls, at Diagram Ventures. Charles Vennat, EMBA, was named CEO of 48North N.Y., museum’s digital art competition. Stromberg had been struggling with artist’s block until she Khatidja Kassam, Cannabis Corp. accidentally spilled a glass of milk and was inspired to fashion the shape of the COVID-19 virus. 17 MBA, was hired as 1) Don’t Cry Over Spilt Milk: Stay Home, Be Safe, Stay Strong (2020). communications advisor Julie Rollet, at Bonjour Startup 18 BComm (mktg.), was 2 Raymonde Jodoin, BFA 83, took part in a group show at Maison Antoine-Lacombe last Montreal, which aims to named content project February and March until COVID-19 forced the museum and heritage house in Saint-Charles- promote entrepreneurial manager at Valtech. Borromée, Que., to close. 2) Fleurs 2018 no. 7, Sumi-e and crayons on washi paper (2018). innovation in the city. Daniel Herrera, 3 Chrissy Cheung, BFA 00, will present her work at the 24th Eastside Culture Crawl at Parker Sara Baron-Goodman, BA 19 EMBA, was named chief (journ.), was named senior corporate development officer Street Studios in Vancouver, B.C., from November 19–22, 2020. 3) Vermilion, acrylic on canvas. copywriter at 1Milk2Sugars at Medcolcanna Organics, Communications. a Calgary-based medical 4 Shelley Freeman, BFA 99, exhibited works last winter at Galerie Carlos in Montreal’s cannabis company. Old Brewery Mission and participated in the group show Let’s Get Wild at the Métèque collaborative art space in Notre-Dame-de-Grâce. 4) Ridges (2019).

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 57 KUDOS

Leon Llewellyn, BFA 74, CERCLES DES GRANDS GrDip (art edu.) 75, was the ENTREPRENEURS DU QUÉBEC recipient of the 2020 Dr. The Cercle des Grands entrepreneurs du Clarence Bayne Community Québec showcases the achievements and Service Award, named commitment of inspiring individuals whose for Concordia professor actions have contributed to the province’s emeritus Clarence S. Bayne, entrepreneurial vitality and economic from the Black Theatre development. This year, two out of the Workshop. Llewellyn was four inductees were Concordians. recognized for his significant André Chagnon, LLD 04 volunteerism in the arts and Christiane Germain, LLD 13 education within Montreal’s Black community. NEW GENERATION PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD LONGLIST Margaret Atwood, LLD 79, The New Generation Photography Award was the recipient of a Library grants three photographers under the age and Archives Canada Scholar of 30 with a $10,000 prize each fall. The award. The awards recognize 1 2020 longlist includes two Concordians. the outstanding contribution Delphine Lewis, BFA (photo.) 17 of Canadians who have Garnet Dirksen, MFA candidate dedicated their lives to the creation and promotion of the country’s cultural, literary and historical heritage. SOBEY ART AWARD Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, a $25,000 prize was Barry Blitt, ATTD 80, won the 2020 Pulitzer Prize for awarded to everyone on this year’s Sobey Art Award Editorial Cartooning for his satirical covers for The New longlist. Two Concordians were co-winners. Yorker magazine. 1 Sabrina Ratté, BFA (film prod.) 05, MFA (studio arts) 12 Adam Basanta, MA 13 Janet Stewart, BA (hist.) 80, was the recipient of a 2020 Champions of Mental Health Award from the Canadian 2020 SCOTIABANK PHOTOGRAPHY AWARD Alliance on Mental Illness and Mental Health in the The $50,000 Scotiabank Photography Award recognizes Community (Individual) category. a mid-to-late-career photographer. Two Concordia alumni were nominated this year. Caroline Vu, BA (psych.) 85, was the first-prize winner of the Emmanuelle Léonard, BFA(photo.) 98 concours littéraire Octobre le mois des mots in Sorel-Tracy, Jin-me Yoon, MFA 93 Que. The theme of this year’s contest was migration. 2020 JUNO AWARDS Nuvei, a payment technology firm whose chairman and The Juno Awards celebrate Canadian musical achievement. CEO is Philip Fayer, ATTD 00, was named one of Canada’s Dawn Tyler Watson, BFA 94, won Blues Album of the Year “Best Managed Companies” by Canadian Business magazine. for Mad Love. Kent Nagano, LLD 19, won Classical Album of the Year: Nika Khanjani, MFA (studio arts) 11, was co-winner of Large Ensemble with the Orchestre symphonique de the Mécénat Musica Prix 3 Femmes. The $50,000 prize Montréal for The John Adams Album. will help develop three new operas by emerging Canadian Tim Baker, BA 04, was nominated for Songwriter of woman-identified composers and librettists. the Year, Forever Overhead: “All Hands,” “Dance,” “The Eighteenth Hole.” Mara Eagle, MFA student in Concordia’s Department of Joseph Baron Grass, BFA 07, was nominated for Studio Arts, was awarded one of the 2020 Claudine and Songwriter of the Year, Wave: “Broken,” “Dream for Stephen Bronfman Fellowships in Contemporary Art, Dreaming,” “Here Comes the River” (co-songwriter). valued at more than $60,000 over two years.

58 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine THANK YOU! Concordia’s generous community helps us lead as Canada’s next-generation university. We introduce recognition circles to acknowledge the support of our dedicated donors.

• Lifetime gifts of $ 00,000 or more “Concordia’s donors CHANCELLOR’S BUILDERS CIRCLE contribute enormously to the success of our university.

Our giving circles recognize • Gifts for fi ve or more the generosity of our consecutive years • Lifetime members give supporters. Thank you! for 25 years or more We are immensely grateful for your commitment.” • Deans’ Circle: — GRAHAM CARR, PRESIDENT, Annual gifts of CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY $500 to $ ,999 • President’s Circle: LEADERSHIP Annual gifts of Learn more at CIRCLES $2,000 or more concordia.ca/DonorRecognition

• Planned gifts or bequests that leave a legacy HERITAGE SOCIETY IN MEMORIAM Leslie Renée (Clement) Cohen (1957-2020) ‘A person who worked selflessly, with honesty and integrity’

MOLLY HAMILTON faculty association, where ong-time Concordian she served on the executive LLeslie Renée (Clement) and as vice-president of Cohen, BA 81, MA 84, PhD professional development 93, passed away on January and training. Throughout 28, 2020, in Montreal. her tenure with the She was 62. association from 1994 to After she completed 2011, Cohen helped establish all three of her degrees at university-wide seniority Concordia, Cohen joined the for a number of colleagues, university’s psychology facul- which provided job security ty in 1985. She soon met, and for part-time faculty. As a later wed, a fellow part-time result, Cohen improved the instructor in the department, professional fortunes of Samuel Clement. Cohen taught hundreds of professor and chair of the many at Concordia. “I had a life that I never students over the course of department from 2007 “I remember a person would have had if I hadn’t her 17-year career and was to 2013. “Year after year, who worked selflessly, with met Leslie,” says Clement well respected by members her students reflected on honesty and integrity,” says (pictured above with Cohen). of the Concordia community. the thoroughness of her Laurence. “A person whom “She was curious, empathetic, “Her teaching evaluations teaching, her empathy and I came to respect and admire principled, funny, nervy demonstrated her dedication her commitment to their for her dedication to the and she was always looking to the well-being of her academic success.” highest standards of teaching for things she could do students,” says Jean-Roch Cohen also devoted herself — not only for herself but for people.” Laurence, psychology to Concordia’s part-time for all of her colleagues.”

Concordia mourns the loss of lawyer Walter Borys, BSc 75, May 1, Barrington E. Burgher, Richard McConomy, L BA 66, who passed away on August 16, 2020. 2020, Toronto, Ont. He was 80. L BSc 72, April 4, 2020. McConomy played football for Loyola He was 83. College — one of Concordia’s founding Stéphanie (Meszner) Both, institutions — and was a member of the S BA 65, April 29, 2020. Bernice A. (Hazen) 1962 team that was inducted into the She was 96. Camacho, BComm 83, Concordia Sports Hall of Fame in 1998. March 31, 2020. She was 89. Norma (Goldbach) Botner, Marian N. (Abbey) Adam, Geoffrey Clayton Blair, BA S BA 73, March 25, 2020. Clifford T. Caron, S BSc 72, S BA 45, May 16, 2020. 89, May 1, 2020. He was 56. She was 89. April 1, 2020. He was 74. She was 101. Irene Blayney, BA 79, David A. Bruley, GrCert 94, Emma Holic Carroll, Isadore Don Albin, S BA 56, May 28, 2016. April 5, 2020. He was 55. S BComm 51, March 30, 2020, May 6, 2019, Montreal, Que. Montreal, Que. She was 90. Brian George Bleakley, S BSc Stephen Huntley Bruneau, Jane (Ross) Allan, S BSc 69, 71, June 4, 2020. He was 82. BSc 75, May 31, 2020. Janet (Burr) Chapdelaine, June 2, 2020. She was 73. GrCert 87, BA 91, April 17, Bernard C. Bloom, S BA 60, Gordon R. Brunet, 2020. She was 76. Eunice Baldwin, S BA 52, May 26, 2020, Edmonton, BComm 78, April 6, 2020, May 19, 2020, Cleveland, Ohio. Alta. He was 79. Montreal, Que. Maria La Starza Colarusso, BA 92, Cert 93, March 24, 2020, Allan Nicholas Battah, Murray George Bolton, Gunter R. Brunet, Montreal, Que. She was 75. BComm 75, May 22, 2020. L BA 73, May 26, 2020, S BSc 71, MSc 86, May 15, He was 67. Pointe-Claire, Que. 2020, Pointe-Claire, Que. D’Arcy Coulson, L BA 57, April He was 80. He was 85. 2, 2020, Pontiac, Que. He was 83.

60 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine Enid Amanda Dayle, David Nelson Hall, Barbara C. (Hyman) Molly (Katz) Rechnitzer, BA 76, April 10, 2020. S BSc 69, PhD 76, May 14, Maclaren, BA 76, May 8, 2020, S BA 58, April 1, 2020, She was 92. 2020. He was 71. Montreal, Que. She was 83. Halifax, N.S. She was 83.

Tekahonwen:sere Melvin Nat Hier, S BA 52, April Joan Anna (Solomon) Ross Reeves, BA 84, Diabo, L BA 64, April 20, 23, 2020. Maass, BA 77, May 17, 2020, April 5, 2020, Wotton- 2020. He was 79. Montreal, Que. She was 95. under-Edge, U.K. He was 60. Mary Helen Hidas, BA 75, Linda Diorio, BFA 85, April 8, 2020. She was 78. Michael B. McCrann, Lorna Rosenstein, S BA 63, April 4, 2020. BComm 85, March 11, 2019, April 21, 2020. She was 79. Lois Hollingsworth, MA 90, Kanata, Ont. He was 55. Fr. Norman J. Dodge, May 11, 2018, Montreal, Que. Allan Salomon, S BA 63, S.J., L BA 29, May 2, 2020, She was 82. Robert L. Munro, S BA 51, April 6, 2020. He was 81. Pickering, Ont. He was 92. May 14, 2020. He was 92. Robert G. Hollingworth, David Lawrence Sargon, Joseph Donohue, BFA 74, S BA 71, May 21, 2020. Gerald Murphy, L BComm BA 02, May 1, 2020. August 13, 2019, Montreal, He was 71. 52, April 27, 2020, Montreal, He was 47. Que. He was 65. Que. He was 88. Michael Homonko, S BA 57, Maureen (Mo) Steenhill, Edward Entus, S MTM 70, May 4, 2020. He was 91. Linda Nelson-Gougeon, BA BFA 96, April 21, 2020. April 15, 2020. He was 88. 82, BAdmin 92, March 12, She was 47. John Frederick Howell, 2020, Mexico. Allan Flegg, GrDipl 74, BA 95, March 13, 2020. Lucien St. Martin, L BA 71, May 27, 2020. He was 71. Margaret Moore O’Meara, October 26, 2018. Daina B. (Liepins) Hyder, BA 77, July 22, 2019. She Allan Abbey Flom, GrCert 84, April 18, 2020, was 94. Ellen Lynn Thomson, BA 13, BAdmin 88, April 24, 2020. Montreal, Que. She was 84. May 18, 2020. She was 58. He was 95. Elizabeth (Merson) Ostro, Bruce Douglas Irwin, S BA 44, April 24, 2020. Ivan M. Trebichavsky, Byrne Alexander Fulton, BFA 83, May 3, 2020. She was 97. S BA 72, April 12, 2020, L BA 70, June 3, 2020, He was 69. Montreal, Que. He was 72. Richmond Hill, Ont. He was 72. Luciano Ottoni, BComm 79, Jozef Janiak, S BSc 73, April 9, 2020. He was 62. Emmanuel Triassi, MEng Walter Gapmann, BA 75, BA 76, April 4, 2020. 79, April 6, 2020, Montreal, GrCert 85, May 3, 2020. He was 70. Arthur (Bud) Gerard Que. He was 68. He was 71. Patton, L BA 53, April 13, Peter Kerenyi, BA 74, April 2020, Montreal, Que. Herbert Vool, S BA 54, John Francis George, 29, 2020. April 2, 2020. He was 87. BSc 74, July 16, 2018, Paula (Stone) Pelletier, BA Ottawa, Ont. He was 66. Edmund Ksonzek, S BSc 79, June 5, 2020, Lighthouse Larry Weller, S BA 70, S MA 60, MSc 79, March 9, 2019. Point, Fla. She was 72. 73, April 22, 2020. He was 73. Murray Joel Gold, BComm He was 88. 84, May 6, 2020, Montreal, John J. Pepper, L BA 49, Mary Wenger, S BA 66, Que. He was 62. Lily (Gregus) Kubina, BA 79, May 15, 2020, Montreal, March 27, 2020, Montreal, GrCert 89, March 21, 2020. Que. He was 92. Que. She was 83. Harold P. Gordon, S BA 61, June 6, 2020, Sunny Isles, Marie-Helene Lacasse, Catherine E. Pilley, BA 79, Barbara M. West, L BA 73, Fla. He was 83. EMBA 98, Montreal, Que. April 11, 2020. She was 89. May 30, 2020. She was 71.

Allan Gotlieb, LLD 05, Gerald R. Lavalley, S BA 67, Michael Owen Prince, Gilbert Stanley Williamson, April 18, 2020, Toronto, Ont. MA 80, May 7, 2020, L BA 52, May 28, 2020, S BA 70, April 24, 2020, He was 92. Pointe-Claire, Que. Kanata, Ont. He was 89. Pointe-Claire, Que.

Heather (Evans) Guest, Shirley Patricia (Newman) Dorothy (Arbess) Rakmil, Eugene (Gene) Yakovitch, BA 74, April 20, 2020, Lefebvre, BA 83, March 20, S BA 53, April 23, 2020, S BA 62 May 5, 2020. Montreal, Que. She was 69. 2020. She was 89. Montreal, Que. She was 89. He was 80.

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 61 WORDS & MUSIC

Wanderings past and present, wishes for a sensible future

MARCO BUTTICE Richard Stanford, BFA 79, Spanning six years and a tells a multi-layered family dozen countries, Pomade rawing on more saga spanning 100 years in recounts venturing into an Dthan 30 years of The Sentinel (Eta Carinae, unknown and more exciting experience in economic $24.50). Beginning in life, and the heartbreak and history, William J. 1884, the novel follows the growth that comes with Buxton, professor in Lloyd-Craigs, a family of the risks. Concordia’s Department of reporters and artists from Communication Studies, the Eastern Townships Brigitte Huppen, BFA 89, examines the role of who will go to any length in has written her second biographer in Harold Innis pursuit of a story. Covering French-language young- on Peter Pond: Biography, major 20th-century events adult novel. Dix jours Cultural Memory, and the such as the two world wars (Bayard Canada, $19.95) is a Continental Fur Trade and the Russian Revolution, throwback to the aesthetics (McGill-Queen’s University Stanford’s tale is a deep of the 1970s and 1980s. After Press, $39.95). Addressing dive into the morals of a trip to Vancouver with her Innis’s engagement with journalistic inquiry. father in 1978, Anya is tasked the legacy of fur trader and with writing about the best adventurer Peter Pond, Seeker: A Sea Odyssey memory of her summer upon a frequently overlooked (Guernica Editions, $25), her return to school. She historical figure, Buxton a memoir by Rita Pomade, recalls the 10-day journey explores changing Cert 92, begins as a dream and her discovery of the political and intellectual of paradise; a fantasy Sex Pistols, learning to circumstances throughout shattered along the way due redefine and assert herself Canada’s confederation. to a disintegrating marriage. in the process.

62 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine Long-time French editor a Materially Engaged Poet and freelance critic Meet and Eat at Lee’s of Les cahiers de la femme, Ecology of Mind (Peter Keith Garebian, MA Garden, by author and Jeanne Maranda, BA 87, Lang, $129.95). A specialist 71, showcases a mix of filmmakerDay’s Lee, BA 78, challenges the demeaning in sustainable development, short reviews in his new will broadcast on Saturday, portrayal of women in Graham critiques market- collection, Mini Musings: October 31, on Absolutely advertisements and details based economic systems and Miniature Thoughts Canadian (CBC, Quebec the quarter-century-long highlights the outcomes of on Theatre and Poetry only). The documentary, fight for change inWhat’s changing minds collectively. (Guernica Editions, $20). which will also be available wrong with this picture? In his blurb of the book, to stream on CBC Gem, 25 years against sexism in Professional artist and former Concordia professor centres on the restaurant advertising (Tellwell Talent, public speaker Guy Giard, Henry Beissel writes: Lee’s father opened in $11.99). Maranda further BFA 83, tells his story “Mini Musings has a richness Montreal in 1952 and what points out the progress that in the autobiography Le that belies its title. The it represented to the city’s has been made for women in grincement des balançoires mix of observations, Chinese community. professional spaces and the (Self-published, physical anecdotes and reflections measures that still need to $19.99, ebook/audiobook presented in terse, witty be taken. $9.99). Sharing his prose, is consistently experience of overcoming entertaining, informative Peter Graham, GrDip 05, abuse and PTSD, Giard and deliberately Cert 09, MA 10, 14, examines hopes to provide healing provocative.” the relationship between to those on the path bodies, environment and to recovery. biodiversity in his newest book, Traces of (Un-) Sustainability: Towards

concordia university magazine fall 2020 | 63 ENOUGH SAID

100 years strong: remembering Arthur Lismer ons mm o and the Group C a di e im k i of Seven W ARTHUR LISMER’S OLYMPIC WITH RETURNED SOLDIERS (1919)

RONNA MOGELON, BFA 82 reel-to-reel recordings. A real tag team! of the year, where all the artists’ paint- So, our family was very involved with ings were on display and she got to dress y mum and dad were very artsy the arts. up in her best outfit. My cousin Richard Mand involved in the art community Anyhow, my parents wanted us to remembers the licorice pipes that we got in Montreal in the 1960s. They hosted have a good background in art and so at the end of the class on our way home. art shows in our home before artists they sent us to the Montreal Museum of I’m not sure if his classes had an could find galleries to represent them. Fine Arts on Saturday mornings to take effect on me, but I suppose they might My mother, Lila, was from Saint John, art classes with Arthur Lismer. Most have. Years later, I chose art as my New Brunswick, and was very close with kids went to nursery school. We went field of endeavour and graduated from painter Fred Ross, who was her teacher to Arthur Lismer school. Concordia with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. at art school. (Several of his works Because I was so young, my recollec- Maybe some of his teaching rubbed off are hanging in the National Gallery of tions are rather scattered. I remember after all! Canada, in Ottawa, Ontario.) Before how tall he was, but then again, being he had a regular gallery, he showed only six years old, I was pretty short at As told to Ellen Bond and excerpted, with his artwork at our house. the time. I seem to recall he smoked a permission, from “The Group of Seven and As well, my father, Alex, wrote the pipe. I remember how I felt like a real me: A few degrees of separation,” published monthly art column in The Montrealer, artist because we got to stand at an easel on Library and Archives Canada’s blog a magazine from the 1960s and 1970s. and paint. My older sister, Marcia, who on May 6 to commemorate the 100th Mum usually interviewed the art- took the class a few years previous to me, anniversary of the Group of Seven’s ists and Dad wrote the story from her remembers the big art show at the end first formal exhibition.

“Most kids went to nursery school. We went to Arthur Lismer school.”

64 | fall 2020 concordia university magazine 180277

PARTNER: Alumni – University of Western Ontario

JOB: H&D print ad

LANGUAGE: English

SIZE 8.125" W x 10.75" H

COLOURS: 4/0 (C M Y K)

DATE: Nov 2/2018

Revisions:

Not all surprises are good ones.

Especially the ones that you aren’t  nancially prepared for – like a root canal, an accident that prevents you from working, or if the unthinkable happens and a loved one is suddenly no longer there. That’s why there’s Alumni Insurance Plans.

They can help protect you against life changing events that can happen at any stage of your life. Choose from Health & Dental, Term Life, Major Accident Protection, Income Protection and more. With Alumni Insurance Plans, aƒ ordable rates and  nancial security are a piece of cake.

Get a quote today. 1-888-913-6333 or Manulife.com/concordia

Underwri en by The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. Manulife, Manulife & Stylized M Design, and Stylized M Design are trademarks of The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company and are used by it, and by its a liates under licence. ©2018 The Manufacturers Life Insurance Company. All rights reserved. Manulife, PO Box 670, Stn Waterloo, Waterloo, ON N2J 4B8. Conditions, Limitations, Exclusions may apply. See policy for full details.

Accessible formats and communication supports are available upon request. Visit Manulife.com/accessibility for more information.

180277 Alumni_2018_ad_Multi_Concordia_8.125x10.25_v2.indd 1 2018-11-02 3:16 PM Undergraduate: October 24, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. Graduate: November 7, 9 a.m. – 1 p.m. • Listen to presentations • Ask your questions live • Message with current students about their experience • Learn more about programs, student life, student services and more Register now at concordia.ca/openhouse