Concordia University Magazine - Fall 2006 (Volume 29, Number 3)

2006·7.7 MB·English

by  Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations

Cover Sept06 9/18/06 4:41 PM Page 1
Régine Chassagne,
BA 98, of Arcade Fire
P7082_ConMag Sept06 9/26/06 9:46 AM Page C2
Dimitri Manolopoulos, BA (econ.) 95, DIA 01, EMBA 03 Bob Zbikowski, EMBA 01 Kaoru Matsui Juan Manuel Ramos, EMBA 01 Brad Creamer, EMBA 01
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P7082_ConMag Sept06 9/26/06 9:43 AM Page 1
u n i v e r s i t y m a g a z i n e
magazine.concordia.ca
f e a t u r e s
fall 2006 6
6
Gang of Rockers
volume 29
Spin Magazineanointed Montreal the latest music “it” city
in 2005 thanks to the vibrant local indie-rock band scene,
led by Arcade Fire. Many of these musicians have something
number 3
in common other than musical chops: Concordia degrees.
by Patrick McDonagh
12
The New Literacy
Through Google, Yahoo, Wikipedia et al, and millions of
websites and blogs, students can tap into limitless online
information — but how can they know what’s valid and
what’s not? Concordia Libraries’ online tutorial,
Info Research 101: Surviving Your Essay,provides 12
some clues.
by Rhonda Mullins
16
Cover:Arcade Fire’s Régine Chassagne, Homecoming 2006
BA 98, at the Coachella Valley Music
A child rights activist and some stellar athletes led
and Arts Festival, Calif., 2005
Photo: Tim Mosenfelder/ABACA. the way for this year’s Homecoming festivities.
d e p a r t m e n t s
Concordia University Magazineis published
four times a year for alumni and friends of
Concordia University. Opinions expressed
herein do not necessarily reflect the views of
the alumni associations nor of the University. 3 The Editor’s Voice
ISSN 0706-1005 16
Dépôt légal: Bibliothèque nationale du Québec. ©2006.
Printed in Canada. 4 Letters
Please address editorial correspondence to the Editor,
Howard Bokser, Office of University Advancement
& Alumni Relations, Concordia University
1455 de Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, Quebec H3G 1M8 5 President’s Page
Telephone: [phone] ext. 4856
Fax: [phone]
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: magazine.concordia.ca
18 Association News
For advertising information, call 514-848-2424 ext. 3819.
Editorial Board
Howard Bokser, editor and chair.
Members: Kathy Assayag, Sami Antaki, 22 Class Acts
John Aylen, Linda Kay, Richard King,
Sandra-Lynn Spina, Donna Varrica.
Graphic Design
Concordia Marketing Communications P7082 30 Words & Music
Christopher Alleyne, Elana Trager,
Erin Mark, Caroline Grainger.
32 End Piece
Canada Post Corporation
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P7082_ConMag Sept06 9/16/06 6:17 PM Page 2
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P7082_ConMag Sept06 9/26/06 9:44 AM Page 3
the
editor’s voice
Bon Cop, Bad Rap
C
anadians — English Canadians,
specifically — have been trying
to figure out just what it means
to be Canadian from, it seems, the
beginning of time. While we still don’t
have a very satisfactory answer to what
we actually are, Canucks apparently
agree on what we don’t want to be:
American.
This was reiterated by an Ipsos Reid
survey in late July which found that one
of the reasons Stephen Harper’s
Conservatives had a slip in popularity
was that they were seen as walking too
much in step with George W. Bush’s for-
eign policy — specifically on the Mideast
and Afghanistan — a charge that has
continued to follow Harper since he
took office. Indeed, Liberal Party lead-
ership candidate Michael Ignatieff had period, like The Snow Walker(2003) or ering that the show follows a British
been accused of the same sin, which may Saint Ralph(2005), go almost unno- format, via the U.S., and that contes-
have been why in early August he took a ticed in the ROC. Even The Rocket tants mostly sang hits by American
contrary stance to Harper and the U.S. (2005), a bilingual picture whose sub- artists such as Bon Jovi and Bette
vis-à-vis the Israel-Lebanon crisis. ject — one of this country’s true hockey Midler, we can certainly discount it as
But while English Canadians say that legends — should have had mass appeal markedly Canadian.
we don’t want to emulate the Yanks, our outside the province instead landed In Quebec, French films, TV and
actions speak otherwise when it comes with a thud in Toronto, Vancouver, music are more accessible to French
to cultural choices. French Quebecers Calgary and the rest. This August’s speakers because of language, but it’s
are far more secure with their identity record-breaking cross-cultural cop- more than that: people are responding
and (dare I say) distinctiveness. The buddy comedy, Bon Cop, Bad Cop(pro- to stories of Quebecers, by Quebecers;
remarkable box office take in recent duced by Kevin Tierney, S BA 71, and they are drawn in by the mythology of
years of homemade French Canadian directed by Erik Canuel, fine arts 88), their culture. English Canadians, on the
movies (often involving Concordia did manage to attract anglo Quebecers other hand, apparently prefer American
alumni) speaks volumes about their (who typically don’t line up for Quebec- fare to our own stories.
interest in their own culture. Movies made films) but, despite good reviews Yet we lambaste politicians for doing
3
such as La Grande séduction (2003, and starring relatively well-known the same. What most of us tend to forget
directed by Jean-François Pouliot, BA Colm Feore, made only a minor dent (or choose to ignore) is that American
80),Ma vie en cinémascope(2004, outside this province. political policy — domestic and foreign
starring Pascale Bussières, fine arts 91), On television, some distinctly — fosters their cultural industry, and
C.R.A.Z.Y. (2005, produced by Pierre English Canadian TV shows such as their culture supports their policy;
Even, GrDip 90) and this summer’s Le Corner Gas,Trailer Park Boysand Da shunning one while embracing the
Secret de ma mère (directed by Vinci’s Inquesthave been able to find a other reeks of hypocrisy. We can criti-
GhyslaineCôté, fine arts 87) regularly niche audience, but these programs cize Stephen Harper for being Bush-
surpass Hollywood blockbusters in don’t attract anywhere near the number lite; but doing so while buying
ticket sales in this province. of viewers as CSIor American Idol.And Starbucks coffee, wearing American
Conversely, well-made English while Canadian Idol Season 4ruled the Apparel and watching Pirates of the
Canadian movies made during the same broadcast waves this summer, consid- Caribbeanrings hollow.
concordia university magazine fall 2006 issue
P7082_ConMag Sept06 9/26/06 9:45 AM Page 4
letters to the editor
Bipolar episodes
health issues, carrying on under If I had the option, perhaps the
I read with interest Lorri Benedik’s a veil of anonymity? best condition to be stuck with would
editorial on bipolar disorder In my case, I have be Hypomania, a variety of bipolar
(End Piece, June 2006). suffered from disorder that is compatible with
I made a mental note that bipolar disorder business achievement, according to
Joanna’s husband told Lorri for more than 20 years. psychologist John Gartner in his
his wife was in the hospital, My first manic episode book, The Hypomanic Edge(2005).
suffering from migraines occurred in Toronto, But I was able to carry on for almost
and, second, that she took in the fall of 1981, 20 years mainly because in my
her life after going off after I completed a normal mood I was enthused, focused
medication. final and successful on details, rooted in results. I could
I have a mixed reaction to draft of my MBA explain, or rationalize, that it was
the practice of rebranding research paper my artistic temperament. But, in the
mental illness to something (under the tutelage end, the manic episodes got worse,
more palatable. Obviously of Professor and by the year 2000 I experienced
one’s medical history is Pitsiladis). one that was so severe I’m lucky to
private; it’s a disservice to the As a 24-year-old, be alive; it occurred while I was
patient if friends and family dissemi- I recovered fairly well and managed to working and living in the States.
nate the news far and wide. not alienate my work colleagues too My journey continues with the help
But it’s also a tad Victorian, and may much . . . my side of the story. In truth, of mood stabilizers.
contribute to the stigma. I can’t change I was running around like a maniac, Terence Skeet, BComm 78, MBA 81
society or individual values, but while talking a mile a minute and carrying a Montreal
the “unpopular” forms of cancer — camera in a brief-
prostate and breast — are now stigma- case for lunch time
free, we’ve got a long way to go with photo shoots
mental health. of street cars and
But if you have a mental illness, such strangers. I carried
as bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, it on working and my
is a major indignity that you can’t talk mood returned to
about it or that you feel there will be normal after a week
some crushing negative reaction or two, no hospital-
to it in your various networks of ization, and no doc-
friends, colleagues and acquaintances. toring either.
I suppose I should tentatively give What I didn’t real-
myself a nickname, possibly Theodore ize, and none of my
Street. It rhymes with my real name. But work colleagues told
I’ve reached the tipping point, the point me: I had experienced
4
of no return — no more clichés. What is a mild to medium
the point about writing about mental Bipolar I episode.
university magazine
Concordia University Magazinewelcomes readers’ comments. Letters should
include the writer’s full name, address, school(s), degree(s) and year(s) of
graduation for alumni. Letters may be edited for length and clarity. No letter
will be published without the full name of the correspondent. Correspondence
should be sent tothe Editor, Concordia University Magazine, 1455 de
Maisonneuve Blvd. W., Montreal, Que., H3G1M8. Fax: [phone], e-mail:
[email protected] web: magazine.concordia.ca
fall 2006 issue concordia university magazine
P7082_ConMag Sept06 9/26/06 9:45 AM Page 5
President’s page
Concordia is on the Move!
BY CLAUDE LAJEUNESSE, n welcomed Louise Dandurand, a
PRESIDENT, CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY heralded leader in the research field,
T
as our new Vice-President Research
his is truly an exciting time to & Graduate Studies
be at Concordia. The entire expanded our international
n
Concordia community should be recruitment, academic and research
proud of the achievements of this great partnerships and international
institution and I know that we are all exchanges
motivated to provide the best possible created 13 research chairs, bringing
education for our students and to serve onur total to 68 FLEURY
theC wonidceorr dcoiam ism turunliyt yo.n the move. Last Snchsoeocul oref dB fuusnindeinssg b fouril oduinr gJohn Molson CHRISTIAN
Concordia’s President Claude Lajeunesse.
year was one of strong advancement. Our
faculty and staff reinforced our academic
We have to significantly reinforce
development and our students shone in
every facet. There are too many examples our research profile and take full
to cite, but each of our faculties can point
with pride to major achievements like advantage of our young research
the growth of our research profile in
talent in the University.
Arts and Science, our $6-million solar
energy network led by Engineering
& Computer Science, partnerships developed a project to address the that gives us the data to further inform
n
like Hexagram and the success of our needs of mature, independent, at-risk our academic plan and to help build a
students in Fine Arts, our win at the and visiting students and to better higher public profile.
John Molson International MBA Case coordinate for- and non-credit
Competition and the establishment continuing education, online and Based on our groundwork last year and
of the Institute for Governance of Private distance education our academic and institutional planning,
and Public Organizations by the John increased inter-faculty initiatives, we have identified the key areas we want
n
Molson School of Business. cooperation and joint programs to strengthen and develop in the coming
As befits an engaged university, sought private partnerships for months:
n
Concordia’s students are known as student residences and will be increasing We must keep on track with our
n
concerned, active and involved young residential space academic priorities and continue to build
people who are going to change this reinforced our public profile the solid academic foundation to become
n
world. Last year was no exception; through proactive media, marketing a leading Canadian university.
from our CSU orientation events to Art and communications work and met We have to significantly reinforce
n
Matters to our sustainability initiatives, regularly with government and funding our research profile and take full
5
Concordia students were leaders and officials advantage of our young research talent
trendsetters. Concordia continued to laid the groundwork for the fundrais- in the University and new research
n
be involved in humanitarian and social ing teams in the faculties in preparation funding possibilities.
justice issues including the restitution for our next comprehensive campaign We have to assure a vigorous partici-
n
of the artwork of Max Stern and Katrina moved forward with major projects pation socially, economically, artistically
n
hurricane relief. to improve campus life, including and on a professional level to contribute
the Quartier Concordia project on our to the wider community.
As an institution, Concordia has moved Sir George Campus and the opening We must continue to strengthen our
n
forward on several fronts in the past year. of the new Communication Studies relationship with government, friends,
We have: and Journalism Building on the potential donors, and funding and
named our new Chancellor, David P. Loyola Campus research organizations, and build
n
O’Brien, L BA 62 completed a major reputation study national and international partnerships.
n
concordia university magazine fall 2006 issue
Indie Bands Feature-final3.qxd 9/26/06 10:24 AM Page 6
Alumni Profile
G a n g
of
R o c k e r s
by Patrick McDonagh
Concordia grads strike a chord in the
renowned Montreal indie-rock scene
A
C
A
B
A
/
MOSENFELDER
M
TI
Indie Bands Feature-final3.qxd 9/26/06 10:24 AM Page 7
T Musical Joy
he volume on the Montreal music until we raised enough money to
scene — or at least the anglophone The Arcade Fire’s debut album, Funeral, record a song.”
indie-rock part of it — has been graced many an annual critics’ top-10 Chassagne, an accomplished multi-
cranked up to “eleven” ever since list after its late-2004 release, thanks to instrumentalist married to Arcade Fire’s
the town was anointed by writers at Spin subtly emotive lyrics and orchestration lead singer, Win Butler, admits, “I love
Magazineand the New York Timesin 2005 that blend joy and melancholy in an making music. And when I play shows, I
as the latest music “it” city. Everyone knows irresistible concoction. But, says Régine want to share the intensity, the fear and
the mantle will pass to another town — by Chassagne, BA (comm. studies) 98, the joy I get with others.” She adds,
now, no doubt, it already has — but the chart-topping success wasn’t the goal “Music, dance, singing, playing piano,
musicians play on, and the music still when the CD was recorded — especially accordion or drums: it’s like using dif-
rides the airwaves and the iPods. ferent paintbrushes and different types
What led to our city’s young musi- Music, dance, singing, of crayons on a canvas. I love to learn
cians earning this acclaim? how the sound is organized
piano, accordion
playing or drums:
It isn’t necessarily a in every instrument.”
Concordia education — different paintbrushes While Chassagne
it’s like using
although that needn’t has been playing music
different crayons
hurt, as attested to by the and types of all her life, she credits
number of our grads working canvas. her Concordia years with
on a
in Montreal’s indie (i.e., independent) helping develop some composi-
music milieu. tion chops and heaps praise on music
Concordia alumni who have experi- as the band had no major label. “We instructor Iain Cook, BA (comm. stud-
enced the starmaker machinery behind were just friends writing music togeth- ies) 93, MA (media studies) 97. “There’s
the popular song include the Stills’ singer er,” Chassagne says. “After a while, nothing better for a student than to have
and guitarist Tim Fletcher, BFA 02, and we got excited about a bunch of songs, an inspired teacher,” she says. “Iain is
Godspeed You! Black Emperor’s David but the only way for our friends to hear one of the very best teachers I ever had.
Bryant, BA 98. We introduce you to a them was to stop by our loft. So we I loved the fact that he gave us specific
few other indie-rock Concordians of note. started playing small shows in bigger assignments but let each of us come
lofts in Montreal, then up with the answer in our own style.”
On fire: at left, the Arcade Fire’s Régine Chassagne at the Coachella small venues, then Arcade Fire spent the summer
Valley Music and Arts Festival, Calif., 2005; below, Win Butler, slightly bigger recording songs for a new album,
Richard Reed Parry and Sarah Neufeld at the Reading Festival, venues . . . and while fan expectations are
England, 2005. Chassagne says of their first CD, Funeral,
“We were obsessed with writing, arranging and recording those
songs right, and playing them for people the best we could.”
FEATURES
REX
/
MAGUIRE
ALEX
JOHN
Indie Bands Feature-final3.qxd 9/26/06 10:24 AM Page 8
high, she says, “I couldn’t write music organ, piano, accordion, xylophone and kind of collaboration. I started putting
just trying to please a particular audi- percussion; with Bell Orchestre, he up signs in the dance department saying,
ence or widen our fan base. All we can works the stand-up bass. Neufeld plays ‘I want to make music for dance.’ ”
do is keep working hard and not get violin in each band. Since then, he, Neufeld and their
distracted by failure or success in the “The two projects seep into each bandmates have been making instru-
public’s eye.” other because Sarah and I play in mental music for considerably broader
both, and [horn-player and former audiences, in addition to elegant pop
Creative Symmetries
Concordia student] Pietro Amato is also tunes with Arcade Fire. The soundscapes
“Bell Orchestre’s music hangs in the involved with Arcade Fire,” says Parry. of Bell Orchestre — who have released
symmetry and energy, so if the band “But they’re different artistically and their first album, Recording a Tape the
doesn’t play well, the music cannot really how they operate. In Bell Orchestre, Colour of Light— range from a whimsical
exist,” says Richard Reed Parry, BFA some music is brought in by one of the duet for bass and typewriter to impas-
(electroacoustic studies) 03. “There is members and then shaped by the band, sioned ariastic frenzies. “I’m reluctant
something very delicate about it.” Parry but the bulk of it happens improvisa- to say both bands are hitting their stride
understands the light, accurate and tionally as a group.” right now,” Parry says, “but these days
timely touch that goes into making the For Parry and Neufeld, Bell Orchestre it really feels that way.”
music — as well as the balance needed to preceded Arcade Fire, and was nour-
Hard Work & Good Luck
be a successful working musician, since ished in the Concordia fine arts environ-
he and fellow Bell Orchestrian Sarah ment. Most of its current line-up, When Pony Up! was ordained a group
Neufeld, BFA (electroacoustic studies) including Amato and Kaveh Nabatian, to watch in 2005 by the rock-critic
03, are also full-fledged members of BFA 01, came together in 2002-03 gods at Spin Magazine, the all-female
Arcade Fire. This past summer, in as part of a final-project collaboration quartet, formed in 2001 by Lisa Smith,
between Arcade Fire’s recording ses- with dancers and choreographer BA 98, had released only a four-song
sions for its new album, Bell Orchestre Sasha Kleinplatz, BFA (contemp. dance EP. But as of this past spring, fans can
was rolling along the European festival & women’s studies) 04. Parry says, enjoy an album’s worth of power-
circuit, playing in Vienna, Madrid, “I was working creatively with different pop songs on Make Love to the Judges
Barcelona and a host of other cities. artists and was really interested in dance, with Your Eyes(an imperative learned
In Arcade Fire, Parry plays guitar, bass, but there was no structure to create that by young figure skaters). “Being suc-
SAarcraahd eN Feiurefe, lwd haincdh ,R aicchcoarrddi Rnge etdo PPaarrrryy,, poipceturareted qwuitithe p deirfcfuesrseinotnlyis.t “ SBteelfla Onr Schchensteried eisr iants tthruem Meunsteaul,m w ohfi lFei nAer cAardtse iFni rBeo dstooens,, 2fo0r0 l5a,c akr oe fi na bboettht eBre tlel rOmrc,h peosptr seo anngds.”
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