3,000 combined years of service recognized at Concordia’s annual long-service and retirement event

It was a warm and celebratory atmosphere in the Grey Nuns building on February 24. Colleagues, friends and senior leaders gathered to celebrate Concordia employees who have marked career milestones of 20 to 50 years of service in 2025, as well as those who retired in 2024.

In total, the 221 honourees represent 3,010 years of service to the university. The event brought together more than 100 guests.

Honouring service and milestones

With her own retirement quickly approaching, Carolina Willsher, associate vice-president of human resources, hosted the event for the last time.

“Everything we’ve accomplished — every success — has been driven by the dedication of our people,” Willsher said in her opening remarks.

She highlighted the many roles that support the university’s mission, from teaching and research to operations and administration.

“Whether as a reliable colleague, an encouraging leader, a supportive friend or a welcoming face to students, your presence has mattered and still does.”

Recognizing dedication and commitment

Among the honourees were four individuals celebrating an extraordinary 50 years of service: part-time faculty Rosalyn Hailpern and Robert Mearns; Frederick Francis, program coordinator of co-operative education; and Murielle Salari, assistant to the associate dean, John Molson School of Business.

Michael Di Grappa, vice-president of services and sustainability, reflected on the impact the honourees have made and the role they have played in shaping the university through their years of service.

“These are not small numbers. They represent commitment and entire chapters devoted to a purpose bigger than any single role,” he said.

Di Grappa also acknowledged Willsher’s 17 years as associate vice-president of human resources.

“Your leadership has ensured that this university treats its people — its most precious resource — with the care and respect they deserve,” he said. “Dare I say this is pretty sacred work!”

Marking three decades of purpose and meaning

A highlight of the evening was the address by Sharon-May Nelson, assistant director of the Executive MBA program at the John Molson School of Business. Nelson reflected on her own 30 years of service and spoke on behalf of the honourees.

“It is an incredible feeling to reach this milestone and to be part of the Concordia community for this length of time,” she said.

“Concordia is a nurturing environment filled with people who truly care about what they are doing, irrespective of the roles they play. Everyone has a seat at the table,” she said. “I stayed because I love the work I do and the value I bring to the institution, as well as to the students and alumni I impact on a regular basis.”

She also pointed to the Executive MBA program as an example of the university’s ability to adapt. She described the willingness to innovate as key to that agility, noting that Concordia continues to meet the needs of business professionals by regularly updating the program’s curriculum.

Looking ahead, Nelson advised colleagues on how to remain engaged: “Be curious and open. Stay true to the nature of education and learning.”

Continuing forward with resilience and confidence

President and vice-chancellor Graham Carr also paid tribute to the honourees for their steadfast commitment to the university, saying “Concordia’s future remains bright because of the dedication, resilience and perseverance of people like all of you. Thank you!” 

Willsher then delivered her closing remarks, thanking faculty, staff and those who have recently retired.

“To those marking milestones, I hope you continue celebrating many more successes. And to those who have retired, my best wishes for this next chapter!”

The evening concluded with a reception and the distribution of commemorative gifts to honourees.
 

Read more about how Concordia celebrates long service and retirement.