MONTREAL/June 6, 2005—
On Wednesday, June 8, Eric Molson, Chancellor of Concordia University, will confer commemorative Concordia University diplomas to more than 500 alumni who graduated from Sir George Williams University prior to the 1974 creation of Concordia. The ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. in Thèatre Maisonneuve at Place des Arts (175 Ste. Catherine West).
By awarding commemorative Concordia diplomas to our Sir George Williams graduates we honour our alumni who feel an affinity to both Sir George and Concordia.î said Dr. Lowy.
Sir George Williams University had its origins in the Montreal YMCA, which was established in 1851, the first in North America. Education was an important part of its program from its early days. The Y and its educational program moved to Drummond St. in 1912, and 1926 its Educational Department had become the co-educational Sir George Williams College, where part-time evening studies were a special feature.
University-level courses were introduced between 1929 and 1931, and the first day classes in 1932. In 1948 Sir George Williams College obtained its university charter, although it had been granting degrees since 1936-37. In 1959, the College requested the Provincial Legislature to amend its university charter, changing its name to Sir George Williams University. This is the university charter under which Concordia currently grants university degrees.
Sir George Williams alumni who are unable to attend the ceremony, but who wish to receive a commemorative Concordia diploma, can do so by contacting the Office of Alumni Relations at (514) 848-2424, ext. 4397, or by e-mail at: alumnievents@concordia.ca.
Future commemorative convocation ceremonies are also being considered.
Biography: Sir George Williams
History: Sir George Williams University
Biography: Dr. John W. O'Brien, LL.D - Concordia's First Rector
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Source :
Tanya Churchmuch
Senior Media Relations Advisor
Concordia University
