Veteran political science professor Henri P. Habib has inspired thousands of young minds during his more-than-50-year career at Concordia. The highly recognized Middle East scholar, author and authority will be celebrated by the Concordia University Alumni Association (CUAA) during its 20th Alumni Recognition Awards Banquet May 16.
Habib began teaching in 1960 at Loyola College, one of Concordia's founding institutions. He established its Department of Political Science a year later and served as the department's Chair for a total of 24 years.
Habib's passion for his subject has rubbed off on generations of students. "Dr. Habib's surveys of the history and politics of the Middle East were absolutely fascinating, rich in detail and anecdotes about the many personalities that transformed the region," says Richard Brow, BA (poli. sci.) 83. "He brought a few students and staff to Libya in the mid-'80s, giving us a unique insight into a controversial regime, and I was hooked." Brow went on to study Middle East affairs and later worked on Middle East-related projects with former U.S. President Jimmy Carter.
In 1985, Habib won the John W. O'Brien Distinguished Teaching Award, a tribute to his outstanding performance as a teacher and student advisor, and in 1991 the CUAA presented him with an Honorary Life Membership Award. He was named Distinguished Professor Emeritus in 1999 and is also a Governor Emeritus, having served on Concordia's Board of Governors for more than 25 years.
As a testament to students' reverence for their former professor, a group of Concordia alumni and friends, led by Susan Raymer, L BA 71, created the Henri Habib Distinguished Lecture Series on Peace, Conflict and Global Politics in 2004. Liberal Member of Parliament Bob Rae delivered the 2011 lecture.
Countless students remember him fondly today. "Dr. Habib is hands down the most influential professor in my life," says Serge Ivanov, BA (poli. sci.) 90. "His course provided me with the understanding that yes, it is difficult sometimes to change the world but that change the world we must, either through law, intellectual debate or through sheer human determination. It is fitting that we see this happening in the Middle East today injecting those very same values as endorsed by Dr. Henri Habib many years ago. Thank you Dr. Habib."
Despite his official retirement in 1997, the enthusiastic Habib continues to teach Political Science at Concordia and has taught elsewhere, including at McGill and Ottawa universities. Habib holds a PhD from McGill.
Alumni and friends are invited to celebrate Habib at the Alumni Recognition Awards banquet.
