Next-Gen engagement

Concordia offers tuition waivers to First Nations and Inuit students from across Quebec

First Nations and Inuit students whose communities are situated in Quebec can now benefit from a Concordia tuition waiver for most undergraduate and graduate programs, covering full- or part-time studies.

While Indigenous students from communities across Canada are enrolled at Concordia, the majority are from communities within Quebec. The initiative includes all 11 Nations — 10 First Nations, as well as the Inuit — across Quebec. 

“Indigenous students can now access services such as the Otsenhákta Student Centre and the Kaié:ri Nikawerá:ke Indigenous Bridging Program, which reflect the deep and ongoing work that stems from the Indigenous Directions Action Plan,” says Manon Tremblay, senior director of Indigenous Directions. 

“These services contribute to an enhanced cultural climate for Indigenous students and can help support them throughout their learning journey.” 

Tuition fees will be waived for remaining credits of the program, rather than being limited to a fixed number of years. This flexible approach, coupled with the inclusion of part-time studies, certificate programs and independent studies, broadens the opportunity for a greater number of First Nations and Inuit people in Quebec to access higher education. The creation of the program is one of the steps outlined in Concordia’s Indigenous Directions Action Plan, which provides concrete actions to decolonize and indigenize the university.

Inspiring the next generation of Black scientists

Growing up in the Bahamas, Nicola S. Smith developed a love for science, despite a lack of role models. The marine biologist now aims to inspire the next generation of Black scientists at Concordia and beyond.

“It’s time to recognize, appreciate and tear down the barriers and obstacles that Black people had to overcome and are still fighting to overcome to be treated fairly, and with dignity,” she says.

Smith recently joined the Department of Biology as an associate professor, where she studies the impacts of climate change on marine systems and invasions. 

New mural celebrates artist Gabor Szilasi

A new mural unveiled on Sir George Williams Campus honours Gabor Szilasi, world-renowned photographer and professor emeritus in Concordia’s Department of Studio Arts. 

Painted by Rafael Sottolichio and produced by MU, a Montreal non-profit organization, the mural features a reproduction of Szilasi’s 1971 photo “Tempête de neige, février” along with his self-portrait. The project is part of the City of Montreal’s Programme d’art mural and MU’s Tribute to Montreal’s Great Artists series.

12 community leaders join President’s Advisory Group

Concordia has appointed 12 accomplished individuals to its new President’s Advisory Group. The leaders will support President Graham Carr and his senior team on key issues, offering expertise to help the university navigate current and future challenges. The team includes:

• Morton S. Minc, (chair), Concordia jurist-in-residence
• Nahlah Ayed, award-winning journalist and host of Ideas on CBC Radio
• Yolande James, managing director and head of Strategic Communications and Global Government Affairs, PSP Investments
• Vickie Joseph, entrepreneur, founder and CEO, V Kosmetik International, and chair of the board of directors, Chamber of Commerce of Metropolitan Montreal
• Naveed Irshad, president and CEO, Manulife Canada
• Larry Markowitz, senior director, Financial Communications, NATIONAL Public Relations
• Brigitte Monneau, executive director, SYNTHÈSE – Pôle Image Québec
• Sabaa Quao, president, PlusCo Venture Studio, and co-founder, Wealthie Works Daily
• Paule Robitaille, immigration lawyer and journalist
• Allan Rock, president emeritus, University of Ottawa, former federal cabinet minister, and former Canadian ambassador to the United Nations
• Kahsennenhawe Sky-Deer, former grand Chief of Kahnawake, CEO and president at Sky-Deer Consulting
• Thupten Jinpa, founder, Compassion Institute, principal English translator for the Dalai Lama, and chair, Mind and Life Institute
  

Concordia releases its shared vision for Loyola Campus

Concordia’s new vision for Loyola Campus focuses on sustainable development over the next 15 years. The plan includes five development zones, such as new academic and research buildings, expanded community spaces and indoor sports facilities. The development is part of Concordia’s larger Campus Master Plan, a framework to achieve development projects that will shape the campus of the future. 

New scholarships support Black PhD students at Concordia 

Concordia’s School of Graduate Studies has introduced two new scholarships to support Black PhD students: the Black Student Excellence Doctoral Entrance Awards, and the Indigenous and Black Engineering/Technology (IBET) Momentum Fellowship.  

The initiatives align with Concordia’s commitment to increase the recruitment and success of Black scholars, and are part of ongoing efforts stemming from the final report of the President’s Task Force on Anti-Black Racism. 

Co-op students build, learn and connect in the Cree Nation of Chisasibi

Muhammad Ahsan and Malik Arsalan were the first two Concordia students to intern on the Cree territory in one of Canada’s most northern regions. 

The new partnership between the university’s Institute for Co-operative Education and the Cree Nation of Chisasibi allowed the graduate engineering students to contribute to projects related to infrastructure, housing and engineering. The hands-on experience additionally offered an immersive journey into Cree territory and culture. 

Former Stingers represent Team Canada at Summer Olympics

Concordia alumni had a strong presence at the 2024 Paris Summer Olympics, with three former Stingers competing for Team Canada in their respective sports. Tammara Thibeault participated in women’s boxing (75 kg), Linda Morais in women’s freestyle wrestling (68 kg), and Alex Moore in men’s freestyle wrestling (86 kg).