Béliveau accepting the Loyola Medal, 1995 | Photo courtesy of Concordia University Archives
Montreal Canadiens hockey legend and Concordia honorary degree recipient Jean Béliveau passed away on December 2. He was 83.
Béliveau, LLD 09, was captain of the Bleu, Blanc, Rouge for a decade. He won 10 Stanley Cups — the first in his inaugural year with the National Hockey League (NHL) in 1956, the last in 1971, when he retired.
“He was a pillar of the community — on and off of the ice,” said Concordia President Alan Shepard. “For his contribution to Quebec and Canadian society, Concordia was proud to recognize him with an honorary doctorate in 2009. The university community extends its condolences to his family and to hockey fans who have both lost a great.”
In his honorary degree citation, Richard Courtemanche of Concordia’s Department of Exercise Science, described him as “a source of inspiration for our students. He has the remarkable capacity to unite people.”
Concordia awarded Béliveau with its prestigious Loyola Medal in 1995. The accolade recognizes outstanding citizens who’ve made significant contributions to the community.
“He reflected the ethos of the Loyola Medal, which recognizes individuals who enrich humanity at large,” said Bram Freedman, vice-president of Development and External Relations and Secretary-General at Concordia.
Jean Béliveau, LLD 09, at Loyola, 1966 | Photo courtesy of Concordia University Archives