Concordia President and Vice-Chancellor Judith Woodsworth addressing Sir George Williams and Loyola graduates from the years 1963, 1968, 1973 and 1978 at the President’s Reunion Brunch during Homecoming 2008.
F or most of us, summer came late but then struck with a vengeance.
As the days get shorter and temperatures drop, there are fewer regrets in the university world than elsewhere. We are now moving toward our belle saison of vibrant colours, new faces beaming with anticipation, and a sense of excitement—as well as a nip—in the air.
And while I can no longer claim to be Concordia’s “new” president, there’s so much that’s shiny, new and innovative at the university that I, too, revel in the fresh start.
Highlighted in this issue, the new home for the John Molson School of Business opens its doors this month to much fanfare and many kudos. Elegant, airy, spacious and energy efficient, it will stand as a landmark and symbol of the ever-increasing quality of the programs it houses.
As usual, we are pleased to introduce you to some of the most stellar members of the Concordia family. We are proud of the accomplishments of faculty members and great grads, which you will read about in these pages.
Speaking of grads, we are planning an action-packed Homecoming for the benefit of returning alumni and members of the university community. We will feature a series of athletic, cultural and social events, including the third annual Family Fair Day, which we expect to attract up to 2,000 neighbours and friends for a day of fun on the Loyola Campus. Amid the celebrations, we will be hard at work orienting new faculty members and students.
We are also setting the course for the next few years, as we identify the actions that will be taken across the university to achieve the goals set out in “Reaching Up, Reaching Out,” the university’s strategic framework. Keep your eyes peeled for further developments.
I look forward to seeing you at Homecoming, the many alumni activities at home and away that are planned for the coming year, and— where most of you are concerned— simply around town and on campus. As always, I invite you to say “hi” and introduce, or re-introduce, yourselves. Until then, have a great fall, et bonne rentrée !
