‘The finest of its kind in Canada’

Concordia’s Liberal Arts College celebrates 35 years of classic thinking

May 6, 2014

By James Gibbons

Source: Advancement and Alumni Relations

“Concordia’s Liberal Arts College (LAC) has become the finest of its kind in Canada,” said LAC co-founder Frederick Krantz to a jubilant crowd of alumni, faculty, staff and friends of the university.

LAC Alumni Association President, Julie Amblard, joined by fellow LAC alumni and friends | Photo credit: Joseph Dresdner

LAC celebrated a milestone 35 years and honoured its key figures at Montreal’s La Plaza Holiday Inn on May 3. Volunteers from the LAC’s Alumni Association, which includes association president Julie Amblard, BAdmin 85, MBA 88, organized the event in collaboration with Concordia’s Advancement and Alumni Relations.

Founded in 1978 by Krantz and the late Harvey Shulman, the curriculum bolstered the presence of classics at the university. Course material includes the likes of Plato and Dante.

“Whatever you end up doing, you learn things here that everyone should know.” It’s the same sentiment that has attracted the college’s donors for over three decades.

“I think this is a foundational degree,” said Bradley Yeager, BA 13, of his experience at the college.

LAC’s principal, Eric Buzzetti, highlighted the role of benefactor Stanley Tucker, who has supported the college since its inception. “The money donated by Mr. Tucker and his late wife Rita allowed the college to purchase a few thousand books,” said Buzzetti to the crowd.

Honorees Lois and Stan Tucker | Photo credit: Joseph Dresdner

Tucker, a Word War II veteran, explained that LAC’s curriculum and mandate evoked the quality education of his youth.

“The schooling I had as a youngster was the foundation of a happy, successful life,” said Tucker. “I wish all of you the same joy and success.”

While steadfastly devoted to western classics, the college continues to show a modern streak. “It’s really grown a lot since I was here,” said Catherine Astrakianakis, BA 87. “Younger generations continue to invigorate the college."

The invigoration extends to the college’s infrastructure. For the first time in 35 years, LAC will undergo a top-to-bottom renovation this spring.

The support of Celia Shulman, BA 81, BA 90, MA 04, wife of the college’s co-founder, has helped fund the renovation. To honour the Shulmans’ support, the establishment of the Celia and Harvey Shulman Seminar Room was announced at the gala.

LAC's Co-Founder Frederick Krantz, honoree Celia Shulman, and principal Eric Buzzetti | Photo credit: Joseph Dresdner

LAC faculty establish the Lina D'Iorio (centre) student scholarship fund | Photo credit: Joseph Dresdner

Long time staffer Lina D'Iorio, who retired in 2013 after 25 years with the college, was also honoured.

A student scholarship has been established bearing her name. The scholarship gestures towards what matters most at the college, as Krantz suggested.

“Our graduates have been accepted to every major art, professional school, and law school across Canada and the U.S.,” said Krantz. “What we’re most proud of at the college are our students.”

View the Flickr album.

‘The finest of its kind in Canada’

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