The recipient shall be a man or woman whose character, philosophy and contribution has enriched the heritage of Canada and humanity.
We are extremely proud to announce that Senator Roméo Dallaire, OC, CMM, GOQ, LL.D, was awarded the prestigious Loyola Medal, Concordia University's highest honour. The Loyola Medal is awarded to outstanding citizens as evidenced by their character and life philosophy, who have made a significant contribution to the Canadian or world community.
Dallaire joins an impressive list of Loyola Medal recipients, including Governor-General Georges P. Vanier, Cardinal Paul-Émile Léger, feminist Thérèse F. Casgrain, musician Oscar Peterson and philanthropist Richard J. Renaud, L BComm 69.
Loyola Alumni Association President Jim Donaldson, L BSc 52, bestowed the prestigious Loyola Medal on Lieutenant-General the Honourable Roméo A. Dallaire, O.C., C.M.M., G.O.Q., M.S.C., C.D., (Retired), Senator, in the Loyola High School Atrium before about 150 guests.
In his acceptance speech, Gen. Dallaire mentioned that his mother, Catherine, was a long-time Concordia staff member, and he also talked about his recent appointment to the UN Advisory Committee on Genocide Prevention.
Senator Dallaire came to prominence for his role as Commander of the United Nations Assistance Mission for Rwanda. His troubling experiences there have influenced his life and career choices since then, including the decision to write his award-winning account of the Rwanda genocide, Shake Hands with the Devil: the Failure of Humanity in Rwanda.
Following the reception, Dallaire delivered his first lecture as a MIGS senior fellow. He said classic warfare, with armies fighting armies, is becoming outdated. Canada and other nations face grave geopolitical challenges, including the current crisis in Darfur.
Photos by IITS Creative Media Services
