Forty-five years of changing the world
Since its creation in 1980, the School of Community and Public Affairs (SCPA) has overcome numerous changes, all while always keeping the same values. Follow its evolution to see how it has responded to social shifts while driving meaningful change.
1980s
1980
The establishment of The School of Community and Public Afairs (SCPA)
The School of Community and Public Affairs was established in 1980 as part of Concordia University's initiative to create "University colleges." At its creation, a total of five University colleges existed at Concordia University: the Liberal Arts College, the Lonergan University College, the Science College, the Simone de Beauvoir Institute and the School of Community and Public Affairs. These colleges had to be accompanied by a major, while membership in the University colleges acted as a minor.
From day one, the School positioned itself at the crossroads of academia and community. These colleges offered students the opportunity to enhance their Bachelor's degrees with customized programs tailored to their individual needs and interests. Studying at a University college provided students with intimate classes, valuable relationships with staff, and creative learning experiences. The faculty at these colleges were known as "fellows," serving as mentors to the students.
Our very own Perry Calce, who is currently coordinator of academic programs and curriculum development at the School, was a student of the School of Community and Public Affairs starting in 1984.
When I came in, we were a very little cohort, we were a handful of people and it was so nice to get to know people. We had the entire basement and I met some amazing people with whom I am still in touch with today and still call them friends. And that is how I started my career with the SPCA in 1981.
1985
Advisory board creates distinguishing values for the School
From its earliest days, the School of Community and Public Affairs established an advisory board, underscoring its commitment to bridging the gap between academia and the broader community. This board played a key role in ensuring that the school remained responsive to real-world challenges and the evolving public affairs landscape. Its collaborative approach helped distinguish the SCPA as a forward-thinking institution, dedicated not only to academic excellence but also to nurturing a network of engaged citizens and future public leaders equipped to tackle pressing social issues.
One of the board’s key contributions was the introduction of internships, which became a vital part of the student experience. Perry Calce was later hired to oversee the internship program, a role he has held for nearly four decades. Perry recalls Vince Sirois saying that “the school report card is what the students of this school end up doing," emphasizing the lasting impact of its graduates in the field of public affairs.
One of the reasons the program was created was to increase the representation of Anglophones within the Quebec public service. In its early years, the School of Community and Public Affairs established itself on core values of community engagement, bilingualism, and a focus on public policy.
The founders envisioned a unique educational institution that would prepare Anglophone students with the skills and deep understanding needed to navigate and contribute to the predominantly Francophone policy landscape of Quebec. From the outset, bilingualism was a central feature of the School’s mission. The SCPA aimed to bridge the linguistic divide in Quebec’s policy sphere, fostering collaboration and dialogue between Anglophone and Francophone communities.
This was important to me because if I wanted to do public policy, I wanted to do it right. We had to represent the people that we create policy for.
The School has often attracted students through personal connections and word-of-mouth. Many people have described the School as a hidden gem that is found by people who need it most. For Perry, for example, it was through accidental word of mouth over 40 years ago!
1990s
1990
Daniel Shapiro and Margie Mendel lead a period of major transformation for the School
Daniel Shapiro became principal of the SCPA in the 1990s under unusual circumstances. At the time, the School was without formal leadership, and Shapiro, frustrated by the lack of direction, sent an email questioning why such a promising program was being neglected. The response he received was straightforward: if he believed in the School that much, he should take on the role himself. He agreed, and that decision marked the beginning of a new chapter for the SCPA.
Working closely with Margie Mendel, both economists by training, Shapiro helped lead a period of major transformation. Together, they strengthened the School’s academic foundation, clarified its purpose, and set it on a more stable and structured path. Their leadership helped shape the SCPA into the respected and distinctive program it is today.
During that time, the School has played an important role in shaping influential leaders, including but not limited to Glenn Murray, Mandy Gull-Masty and Desirée McGraw. The School has a strong tradition of cultivating engaged and impactful public leaders, aligning with its mission of training students for roles in public policy and community service.
1997
History becomes a full academic unit with its own major
In 1997, Daniel Salée became the principal of the school, working alongside Martin Singer, who was the dean and a professor of history. At that time, the school did not offer its own courses, and students could only be "members" rather than fully enrolled in the School as their major program. This created a sense of limitation, as the school was perceived as having a secondary role.
Under the leadership of Daniel Salée, the School transitioned from being a “membership-only” program to a full academic unit with its own major. This shift allowed the SCPA to hire its own faculty and offer courses directly through the School—a crucial step in its growth and independence. This led to the hiring of notable educators like Eric Shragge and Anna Kruzynski.
2001
The creation of the Community Economic Development (CED) program
In 2001, the SCPA took a new step forward by creating the Community Economic Development (CED) program. The creation of the CED was one of the most significant advancements for the school, which carved out a distinct niche for community practitioners. The CED program introduced a new approach to thinking about the economy and social justice, setting the school apart as a leader in social innovation.
The creation of the CED program involved demonstrating a clear need for it, with debates and discussions taking place at the institutional level. The school had to prove its capacity to support and lead these new, forward-thinking initiatives, further solidifying its role in driving social change.
2004-2007
Involvement with the Community Economic Development Ukraine (CEDU) project
In the mid-2000s, the School of Community and Public Affairs played a pivotal role in the Community Economic Development Ukraine (CEDU) project, a partnership with the Canadian Bureau of International Education (CBIE) and funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA). Launched in 2004, the project aimed to empower Ukrainian communities to mobilize resources and collaborate with local authorities to improve socio-economic conditions.
Concordia’s involvement took place over two summers, in 2005 and 2006. During the first phase, professors from Uzhgorod National University and Cherkasy State Technological University received extensive classroom training in community economic development through the SCPA’s Graduate Diploma in CED program. The second phase added internships with Montreal-based CED initiatives and site visits to community projects in Montreal, Huntington, and the Eastern Townships, giving participants hands-on experience in applying CED principles.
The program was co-coordinated by Lance Evoy, Director of the Institute in Management and Community Development (IMCD), and Eric Shragge, then Principal of the SCPA, with administrative support from Perry Calce, Coordinator of Academic Programs and Curriculum Development at the SCPA, and tutor Eric Abitbol. This initiative strengthened international ties, culminating in 2007 with Concordia signing memorandums of understanding with the two Ukrainian universities. The project underscored the SCPA’s commitment to advancing community development and social innovation on a global scale.
2010 - 2012
Launching the First Peoples Studies program
After many efforts, the SCPA launched the First Peoples Studies program, led by Indigenous faculty and grounded in Indigenous perspectives. It became the first Indigenous Studies Major in Quebec. Daniel Salée started to work on and design that program in 2001, but it was not accepted and ratified by the university until around 2007. The seal of approval of the Ministry of Education was only granted around 2010.
In 2012, the School of Community and Public Affairs was at the heart of the Montreal student strikes, a powerful movement against proposed tuition hikes that would have significantly increased the cost of post-secondary education in Quebec. The strikes, known as the "Maple Spring," were a pivotal moment in Quebec's history, drawing hundreds of thousands of students and supporters into the streets to demand accessible education and challenge austerity measures.
The SCPA played a major role, with students and faculty actively participating in organizing, mobilizing, and facilitating discussions on the importance of education as a public good. The School’s building was used as a major organizing location, where students and other organizers could come together. The School’s commitment to community engagement and social justice was exemplified during this period, as it became a hub for advocacy, dialogue, and solidarity, underscoring its ongoing mission to empower students as agents of change in policy and society.
2018-2019
Launching the Immigration Studies minor
In 2018-19, during his time as principal of the School of Community and Public Affairs , Chedly Belkhodja, with the help of Perry Calce, launched the Immigration Studies minor.
Inspired by the success of the First Peoples Studies program, Belkhodja saw a clear opportunity to introduce a program focused on immigration, one of his areas of expertise. With immigration being a central issue in Montreal, Quebec, and globally, there was a strong need and demand for such a program. Belkhodja described its creation as "clear and simple," given the evident desire for an academic focus on immigration.
The new minor aligned perfectly with the school’s interdisciplinary values and goals, offering students critical insights into immigration and its broader societal impacts.
2020-2024
A resurging engagement with the SCPA Student Association
The years following the pandemic were both transformative and challenging. Like many universities, the SCPA experienced a noticeable decline in student engagement. However, as soon as students returned to campus, they made a strong and intentional effort to revive their student association. Their commitment to rebuilding community life reflected the school’s enduring spirit of collaboration, activism, and student-led initiative.
Since then, the SCPA’s student association has returned to playing a central role on campus—organizing events, advocating for student interests, and creating a vibrant space for dialogue and action. Many of its members have gone on to take on broader leadership positions across the university, including seats on the Concordia Student Union and the Senate.
2025
The 45th anniversary of the School of Community and Public Affairs
In 2025, the School of Community and Public Affairs celebrates its 45th anniversary. This is a remarkable milestone that highlights its enduring commitment to public engagement and interdisciplinary education. Under the dynamic leadership of Anna Sheftel, the School has entered a new era of innovation and student-centered learning. Sheftel, an expert in oral history, has brought a deeply engaged and collaborative approach to her role as principal. She is known for her accessibility and active involvement with students, fostering a vibrant academic community.
A notable initiative under her leadership is the launch of Listening Beyond, a student-produced oral history podcast that explores the stories of changemakers and social justice advocates. Developed through the course SCPA 352: Community and Local Activism, the podcast exemplifies the School's emphasis on experiential learning and community engagement.
The SCPA continues to thrive with an exceptionally active student association and the recent addition of Vijay Kolinjivadi, whose expertise in ecological economics enriches the School's interdisciplinary offerings. The enduring "magic formula" of big ideas, hands-on learning, interactive classrooms, and a close-knit community remains at the heart of the SCPA's identity, preparing students to address complex societal challenges with creativity and compassion.
The four SCPA principals gather for the 45th anniversary
