All in the family

 
Photo by Pat Pinotti

More than 300 graduates of Loyola College were given honorary Concordia certificates at a ceremony on March 30 in the Loyola Chapel. Before the merger with Sir George Williams University in 1974, Loyola graduates got their degrees through Université de Montréal because Loyola College lacked a university charter.

The recipients responded to the invitation with warmth, and in large numbers — another 400 Loyola grads have written to ask for certificates by mail. While most of those present graduated in the 1960s and early ’70s, several were from classes in the 1940s.
Chancellor Eric Molson called the honorary grads “dual citizens” of Concordia, and outgoing U de M rector Robert Lacroix assisted in the conferring of the degrees. Other speakers were Jim Donaldson, president of the Loyola alumni, John Aylen, president of Concordia alumni, and Vice-President Kathy Assayag.

Provost Martin Singer made an amusing speech promising an amnesty for late library books, and asked the appreciative grads to spread the word about the university’s current vigour. A similar honorary convocation for graduates of Sir George Williams University is planned for June 8 at Place des Arts.