Personal gifts
Supporting the next generation
Dominic D’Alessandro’s endowment for Concordia graduate awards reaches $10 million
Dominic D’Alessandro, BSc 67, LLD 98, the former long-time president and CEO of Manulife Financial, has committed $6 million to establish a historic, first-of-its-kind PhD awards program at his alma mater. With this latest donation, his total endowment for graduate awards at Concordia now exceeds $10 million.
The significant contribution will support students pursuing research-focused PhDs in science, technology, engineering, mathematics (STEM), and finance, offering them scholarships that will rival Canada’s top academic awards in monetary value.
The Dominic D’Alessandro PhD Awards are designed to provide financial support to top-tier doctoral students and are expected to set a new benchmark for academic excellence in Canada. The endowment will fund 10 awards annually, each valued at $50,000.
“This gift will ensure that Concordia’s brightest minds in STEM and finance have the resources to achieve their full potential,” says Concordia President Graham Carr. “Intrepid as a leader, Dominic D’Alessandro has long been a champion of innovation and education. This remarkably generous contribution will have a lasting impact on students, researchers and the broader community. We are deeply grateful for his unwavering support and vision for the future of Concordia and Canada.”
The D’Alessandro Awards will provide a much-needed boost to Concordia’s efforts to attract and retain world-class talent. With an emphasis on innovation and research, the awards are designed to propel top students into academic and professional careers that will contribute to trailblazing research and advancements in their respective fields.
“Education has always been a priority for me,” says D’Alessandro, who served as president and CEO of Manulife Financial from 1994 to 2009. “I’m proud to support Concordia, my alma mater, and I believe these awards will help the next generation of students excel in their studies and contribute to the innovation economy. Concordia has always had the spirit of pushing boundaries, and I’m excited to see the impact these awards will have.”
Dominic D'Alessandro, pictured with his wife Pearl.
Highlights
André Desmarais, BComm 78, LLD 07, deputy chairman of Power Corporation of Canada, donated $1.6 million to support the France and André Desmarais Graduate Fellowships, as well as $500,000 to support the Henry Habib Diplomacy Accelerator Endowment in the Department of Political Science.
John Sicard, BCompSc 88, DSc 24, and Pina Sicard, BA 87, committed $1 million to support initiatives at the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science, including new endowments for students with autism spectrum disorder, entrance awards and a fellowship to advance research and innovation in supply chain and logistics. Their gift will also bolster the school’s Innovation Program.
Sam Kersheh, BComm 94, and his sister Paula Kersheh, contributed $314,500 to establish the Kersheh Family Endowment for Student Awards at the John Molson School of Business.
Jacques Bournival, BFA 79, donated $75,000 to establish the Prix Jacques Bournival en cinéma francophone. The award will support students in Film Production at the Mel Hoppenheim School of Cinema and encourage excellence in francophone filmmaking.
A gift of $50,000 from Andrea E. Bolger, MBA 86, will support Career Management Services at the John Molson School.
A gift of $50,000 from Jeffrey Soliman, BComm 08, will support the Jeffrey Soliman Dean’s Fund.
Anatol M. von Hahn, BComm 81, donated $30,312 in support of the Case Competitions General Fund at the John Molson School, enabling students to participate in academic competitions that develop practical skills and experiential learning opportunities.
A gift of $25,000 from Michael R. Dufort, BEng 85, will support the Gina Cody School of Engineering and Computer Science Development Fund.
A gift of $25,000 from Naveed Irshad, BSc 93, will renew the Irshad Family In-Course Scholarship in Actuarial Mathematics.
Lillian Mauer gave $25,000 to the Lillian and Billy Mauer Fund for Conversations in Contemporary Art offered through the Department of Studio Arts.
Pardo Mustillo, BA 79, MA 81, PhD 86, donated $25,000 to the Mustillo–D’Onofrio Bursary. Established in honour of his parents, the bursary supports new refugees and immigrants pursuing undergraduate studies.
Richard D. Paterson, BComm 64, gave $25,000 to John Molson School case competitions.
Erik Van Der Kaay, BSc 62, and Mary Jo Van Der Kaay have created a major new endowment that will provide support for more than a dozen undergraduate science students annually. The Erik and Mary Jo Van Der Kaay Endowment will offer merit-based scholarships to students beginning a Bachelor of Science degree, ensuring sustained assistance for future generations of Concordia learners.
