Alumni and volunteer couple’s major gift supports the next generation of business undergraduates
For Caroline Khalo, BComm 98, GrDip 00, the entrance scholarship she received as a new Concordia student was more than financial help — it was a turning point.
“The award came at a time when I really needed encouragement,” recalls the Department of Accountancy alumna. “I desperately needed that support, and it changed everything for me. Yes, you have to work hard, but sometimes you need help and encouragement.”
Khalo went on to build a successful career in accounting and finance, now serving as Senior Advisor in Accounting Standards at Desjardins. Her husband, Philippe Pourreaux, BComm 00, Partner, Value Creation at PwC Canada, has also built a distinguished career in strategic consulting and finance.
Together, the couple recently made an $85,000 gift in support of business students at their alma mater — a gesture rooted in gratitude and a shared belief in the power of education.
“Education opens doors,” says Pourreaux. “We’re both very grateful for what Concordia gave us — the teaching and learning, the friendships and the opportunities that shaped who we are today. Supporting students is our way of giving back to a place that continues to mean a lot to us.”
Their decision to give came naturally, says Khalo, as this year marked 30 years since she first arrived at Concordia — the same year she received her life-changing scholarship.
“It just clicked,” she says. “I realized this was the right time to give back, to say thank you and help the next generation.”
The couple’s gift comes at a time of celebration for the John Molson School of Business. It was recently ranked the best business school in Canada by Bloomberg Businessweek for 2025-26.
“John Molson students have a tremendous amount of potential,” affirms Pourreaux. “It’s exciting to see how far the school has come, and to know that our contribution can help the next generation continue that upward path.”
Pourreaux’s connections to Concordia run deep. For more than 15 years, he has given generously of his time and leadership — serving as president of the Concordia University Alumni Association (CUAA) from 2010 to 2015, where he helped unify three alumni associations into one organization representing more than 200,000 graduates. He later continued his involvement as a member of Concordia’s Board of Governors from 2015 to 2024, contributing to the audit and real-estate committees.
“Volunteering gave me an opportunity to test my leadership skills,” remarks Pourreaux. “It was a great way to stay connected to the university community and to witness first-hand how Concordia continues to evolve and innovate.”
Now, with their careers established, the couple are embracing a new phase of giving.
“For many years, I gave back through time,” says Pourreaux. “Now we’re in a better position to give in different ways — and to help students in the same way Caroline was helped.”
For Khalo, gratitude is at the core of their gift. “The help I received 30 years ago is still in my heart,” she says. “I’m just very grateful to be in a position to pay it forward.”
Pourreaux adds that what makes this moment even more meaningful is being able to share it with his wife.
“For a long time, when I was volunteering at Concordia, I often went to events alone because our kids were small,” he says. “Now we’re doing this together — and every year, knowing that a student will benefit from our support is incredibly rewarding.”