Concordia University Magazine - Spring 2007 (Volume 30, Number 1)

2007·4.1 MB·English

by  Office of University Advancement and Alumni Relations

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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
spring 2007
9 Recycled
Enviro U:
volume 30 Sustaining our planet Tohni sa p puabpliecra 1t0io0n% h raesc byceleend ,p rininctleudd ing
Conferences, student-run initiatives, 20% post consumer waste. For each
number 1 courses, research: in these and many tao tno onf o rfe cvyircgliend p paappeerr, tith aret dduiscpelsaces
other areas, Concordia is leading by total energy consumption by 27%,
action and example on the greenhouse gas emissions by 47%,
environmental front. We look at the particulate emissions by 28%,
many ways that the University, its w5a4s%te awnadt ewro boyd 3 u3s%e ,b syo 1li0d0 w%a.ste by
students, faculty members and alumni
are playing their part — and include a
Green Guide to help our readers do theirs.
by Julie Gedeon
18
Evolved consumers 9
Do advertising and other marketing techniques drive
our consumer behaviour? The answer, according to
Concordia marketing professor Gad Saad and other
advocates of evolutionary psychology, may surprise.
by Perry J. Greenbaum
d e p a r t m e n t s
3
Concordia University Magazineis published The Editor’s Voice
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. 4 President’s Page
ISSN 0706-1005
18
Dépôt légal: Bibliothèque nationale
du Québec. ©2007. Printed in Canada. 5
Behind the Scenes
Please address editorial correspondence
to the Editor, Howard Bokser,
Office of Advancement & Alumni 6
Relations, Concordia University News
1455 De Maisonneuve Blvd. West,
Montreal, QuebecH3G 1M8
Telephone: [phone] ext. 4856
Fax: [phone] Notices
E-mail: [email protected]
Website: magazine.concordia.ca
For advertising information, call 22
514-848-2424 ext. 3819. Association News
Editorial Board
Howard Bokser, editor and chair. 24
Members: Kathy Assayag, Sami Antaki, Class Acts
John Aylen, Igal Corcos, Susan Elias,
Linda Kay, Richard King, Sandra-Lynn Spina,
Donna Varrica, Xurxo Vidal.
30
Words & Music
Graphic Design
Concordia Marketing Communications P7635
Christopher Alleyne, John Stuart.
32
End Piece
Canada Post Corporation
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d i f f e r e n c e !
M a ke a
Passionate about education
I saw a slogan on the side of a cement truck: see a need and
fill it. My own slogan is: discover a need. When I have learned
of programs facing financial constraints, such as the Lecture in
Psychology series, emergency student funds or the University
of the Streets Café — which helps bring education to the
community — I have tried to fill the need.
My introduction to the University was as a student. Just a few
days after returning to Montreal in 1978 after many years in
California, I signed up for two courses at Concordia: Canadian
Government and Politics and French — even before my furniture
had arrived.
In 1992, I was invited to join the Board of Governors.
Unfortunately, my entrée was the horrifying shootings of four
professors in August, but with my training as a psychotherapist
I assisted in the counselling of faculty members and staff.
By the time I stepped down from the Board in 2004 and was
named a Governor Emeritus, I had served on more committees
than I can remember — I still sit on the Real Estate and
Communications committees. I’m also on the External Advisory
Group of the Faculty of Arts and Science and the advisory board
for the Concordia University Institute for Canadian Jewish Studies.
Currently I'm involved in setting up a compulsory ethics course for
JMSB graduate students.
Educated people like to think they can make a difference in the
world. Through contributing time or money, we can all help
educate students who may one day have a real impact for the
good of society.
Miriam Roland, Honorary Alumna
President, TALL-J Investments Limited
Montreal
See how you can make a difference!
Please call the Office of University
Advancement & Alumni Relations at
1-888-777-3330 or 514-848-2424 ext. 4856.
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the
editor’s voice
Saving ourselves
“What are future generations going to say
about us? . . . I’ll be hanging in a classroom
some day [motions towards a skeleton on
display] and I want to make sure that when
I’ve thinned out, I’m well thought of.”
— Isaac Davis (Woody Allen),
Manhattan
S
ome years ago, I was invited to
lunch at an exclusive private club
in Toronto. Looking around at the
stately wood-panelled walls, it wasn’t
hard to notice that the portraits of the
club’s past presidents were all of men of
a certain, shall we say, breed. I was very
aware that, as a Jew, it was only a few
years earlier that I wouldn’t have been
allowed membership to the club.
Neither would have French Canadians,
Catholics, anyone of colour — or
women.
As I glanced around at the older club
members, I couldn’t help but feel, how And before we pass judgement on come from polluting our environment,
could you have willingly participated in others, it’s fair to ask: how will webe destroying our forests, draining the
such discrimination? This wasn’t viewed? Will people 50 years hence earth of oil and other natural resources,
ancient history in some far off land. think, how could they have depleted our or killing off species of animals, insects
This was Canada, just a few years planet’s natural resources? How could and plants? The cost of inactioncer-
removed. they have let the polar caps melt? How tainly outweighs that of any positive
We can easily gaze back at the recent could they have left the world in such a initiative. Now is the time to act to stop
past, right here in North America, and state? our planet’s abuse.
find plenty of examples of average folk It’s important to separate the hype In this special issue, we proudly
allowing terrible things to happen right from reality. I’m old enough to remem- report on some of the many ways that
in their midst. How could American ber forecasts from 30 years ago or more Concordians are acting to save the envi-
southerners, for instance, have sat that claimed the end was nigh, either ronment (“Enviro U,” p. 8). You’ll also
idly as African-Americans were forced from nuclear holocaust, large-scale find a “Green Guide,” which includes 3
to the back of the bus or to drink world famine due to overpopulation, or 10 tips on how you can do your part.
from water fountains designated for the disappearance of the ozone layer. We’re trying to do ours, too.
“coloreds”? What about Canadians who And there are scientists out there who Beginning with this issue, we have
watched their friends and neighbours discount human-made global warming, switched to a 100 percent recycled
hauled off to Japanese internment such as Carleton University geology paper stock. (The cover is made from
camps? And so on. professor Tim Patterson (as reported in 10 per cent recycled paper.) Once
But can we really use today’s stan- University Affairsmagazine, December you’re done with it, please pass this
dards to judge our predecessors? When 2006), and others who feel that even if magazine along — or recycle it.
people have found themselves in such we are heating up the planet, we’re like- Even though we helped cause this
situations throughout history, speaking ly decades or even centuries from expe- mess, hopefully our generation will be
out may have cost them their jobs, their riencing its effects. the one to say, stop! And, as a result,
freedom, or worse. Still, is there any good that can maybe we’ll be a bit better thought of.
concordia university magazine spring 2007 issue
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President’s page
Our responsibility to sustain
A
Concordia has also backed
t Concordia we take our role
these sustainability initiatives:
of teaching students to become
responsible citizens very
seriously — as we do the role of (cid:1)For the ninth year in a row Concordia
being conscientious members ranked as the most energy efficient
of the community. university among the six largest
Most of the world today has fortu- universities in Quebec.
nately come to realize that the contin- (cid:1)University shuttle buses now run on
ued viability of our planet must be a 4% biodiesel fuel.
political, economic and social priority, (cid:1)The new John Molson School of Business
and that is why the University has building will be LEED (Leadership in Energy
proudly become a leader in the area and Environmental Design) certified.
of sustainability. (cid:1)R4 Concordia (Rethink, Reduce, Reuse,
At Concordia you can find a large Recycle) has created innovations in waste
number of our researchers involved management on campus with over $72,000
in projects that will benefit our in cost savings realized through various
environment in the very long run. programs, including the reusable dish
Gcrroosusn-ddibsrceiapkliinnagr ayn rde sienacrrceha siisn agdlydress- FLEURY (cid:1)pCoronjceoctrd ainad h tahse pluagrt-nae-rmedu gw citahm tphaei gn.
idnegv eplroepsisning ga lstoecrineattailv ies seuneesr gsyu csho uarsces; CHRISTIAN CSuitsyt aoifn Maobnlet rDeeavl’esl oSptrmaetengt.ic Plan on
Concordia President Claude Lajeunesse.
assuring information security; looking (cid:1)Concordia implemented a solid waste
at new models of governance and entre- reduction strategy that included the
preneurship; stimulating rural develop- several courses now offered at the installation of new recycling bins and
ment; exploring the stages in life tran- University, and this trend will continue signage. As a result, solid waste
sition; improving learning and school to grow. produced by each campus member was
performance; advocating human rights; Moreover, we appointed a full-time reduced by 6.82%.
and preventing genocide. Concordia Sustainability Co-ordinator in 2004. (cid:1)Concordia composted one ton of organic
is pushing the boundaries in areas of Concordia has hosted an annual sus- waste in the newly built rooftop Compost
research like nanotechnology, environ- tainable business conference since Concordia facilities.
mental genomics, the digital arts and 2005, and this year, under the title (cid:1)The Concordia Solar Decathlon Team won
art therapy. “Money Talks! / Parlez d’argent!” we first prize for designing and building the
Many of our alumni have taken the invited guests to join distinguished most energy efficient home at a
lessons from Concordia to heart and panellists who explored economic competition in Washington, D.C.
strongly support environmental causes, issues relating to sustainability, such (cid:1)Concordia initiated a new program
4 and some have even moved into the as socially responsible investments, encouraging staff and students to be more
environmental field as a career. carbon trading markets, and ecological energy efficient at work and at home.
The student-initiated Sustainable economics and fiscal reform. (cid:1)The University installed 300 new spaces
Concordia Project was established at On March 22, we awarded former for bike parking to promote alternative
Concordia — with the University’s sup- American Vice-President Al Gore an transportation.
port — in 2002. Since the first sustain- honorary doctorate in appreciation of (cid:1)Concordia developed an online carpooling
ability assessment in 2003, we have and to support his work on environ- database and a rider-share board.
tried to grapple with the responsibili- mental issues. (cid:1)Concordia’s contractor for cleaning
ties of both educating ourselves and Nevertheless, there is still much for services switched to chemical-free
functioning as a responsible public all of us to do. cleaning products, significantly
institution. The social, economic and And we all have our roles to play. I’m improving indoor air quality on the
environmental issues related to sus- confident that together we can make a campus.
tainability have become the focus of difference in our world.
spring 2007 issue concordia university magazine
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behind the scenes
Giving Concordia an edge
Louise Dandurand, the new Vice-President ture and any institutional strategy will use them to develop in new directions.
of Research and Graduate Studies, sees an take that into account. For instance, faculties could work togeth-
opportunity for more vigorous pursuit of “We need to position ourselves to er more concretely on developing inter-
provincial research funding develop new strategic research areas,” disciplinary programs and initiatives.
BY KAREN HERLAND she says. Dandurand sees that happen- Prior to Concordia, Dandurand, who
ing by strengthening partnerships. holds a PhD in political science from
A
lthough she is still only a short “Academic research should echo in the University of Toronto and an MSc in
time into her mandate as Vice- society economically, socially, politi- history of science from Université de
President, Research and Graduate cally and culturally.” Thus, industrial Montréal, had been the President and
Studies, Louise Dandurand is already en- and social stakeholders are equally Chief Executive Officer of the Fonds
thusiastic about where Concordia is important. québécois de recherche sur la société et
headed. la culture since 2001.
“The dynamic faculty renewal She began her career in the political
Concordia has experienced in the last science department at the University of
five to six years puts us in an excellent Ottawa. After teaching for five years,
position to develop new research nich- she was appointed Director of Policy
es,” she says. “We have a wonderful and Planning at the Natural Sciences
opportunity that can give us a leading and Engineering Research Council of
edge over established institutions with Canada (NSERC) and, subsequently, the
traditions and a certain rigidity.” Secretary General of the Social Sciences
After stepping into the newly created and Humanities Research Council of
VP post at Concordia in November, Canada (SSHRC). She held various
Dandurand’s first priority was to “visit positions during her term at SSHRC,
as many research units as possible to including Acting President. In 1997,
take the pulse of the University.” She she was appointed Vice-President,
wthaes upnleitass eadn dto t hdeis dceodveicra “titohne voift aplriotyf eosf- ELISSALDE SUtnraivteegrsicit aén ddu FQinuéanbecica àl PMlaonnntriénagl, at
sors, researchers and graduate stu- MARION (UQAM) and the following year became
dents.” She was also impressed with the UQAM’s Vice-President Research,
Louise Dandurand, Concordia’s first Vice-
number of ties Concordia’s researchers President, Research and Graduate Studies. Creation and Planning.
have to collaborators across the Dandurand serves or has served on
province and country. These ties may However, she does want the the boards or steering committees of
not be apparent outside of the University to become more proactive in several important organizations sup-
University, and she would like to see terms of seizing funding opportunities. porting higher education, research
them strengthened and formalized. She points out that Quebec provides a and innovation systems, and she has
Although she continues to tour the lot of infrastructure funding specifically been North America’s representative 5
campus and learn more about current for research teams, centres and net- on the Institutional Management of
research endeavours, Dandurand works. She credits that support frame- Higher Education program of the
intends to develop a series of strategies work for the higher number of Quebec OECD, member of the Canadian
and policies to direct and support the researchers getting federal support — delegation on the Scientific Systems
funding and infrastructure of current although 24 per cent of Canadian Committee of the OECD and Canadian
and potential research units. “By the researchers are based in Quebec, about delegate to the International Group of
end of 2007, I would like a clear road a third of available federal funding goes Funding Agencies for Global Change
map with a number of institutional to Quebec researchers. “They are taking Research.
strategies defined and ready to be advantage of the leading edge that kind
deployed,” she says. Concretely, that of support gives,” she says. Karen Herland, BA (journ.) 86, also has an
means long-term planning. She recog- She would like Concordia’s researchers MA in communications from McGill. She is
nizes that each faculty has its own cul- to pursue those funds more actively, and Assistant Editor of The Concordia Journal.
concordia university magazine spring 2007 issue
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concordia news
Concordia launches
new visual identity
The stylized shield that has been on
Concordia ads, signs, stationery and
brochures for the past 19 years has been
replaced with a fresh look.
On January 18, Concordia’s Board of
Governors approved a new logo for the
SERVICES University, the fourth in its 33-year
MEDIA history. The logo combines the open
CREATIVE basosookc iaantedd m wiinthd- tbhoed YyM-sCpAir aitn tdr iiatnsgle
S
IIT founder, Sir George Williams, and the
Al Gore accepting his honorary doctorate from Concordia President Claude Lajeunesse at Montreal’s rising sun of knowledge that symbolized
Palais des Congrès, March 22.
the Jesuit Loyola College.
The groundwork for the project was
Al Gore receives honorary
others. The conference, held at the laid through reputation surveys of a
Concordia degree, speaks Palais des Congrès March 20-22, was wide sample of stakeholders within
at youth summit the brainchild of Concordia political the Concordia community and
science students Mohamed Shuriye and beyond. Two outside design firms
Former U.S. Vice-President Al Gore, Peter Schiefke, and was organized with were retained, and together with the
who recently won an Oscar for his cau- the help of the Concordia Student University’s own designers created
tionary global warming documentary Union, the Arts and Science Federation 120 visual ideas that were gradually
film An Inconvenient Truth, will have to of Associations, R4, Sustainable narrowed down to a handful. After
make room on his mantelpiece for Concordia and the Students’ Society of extensive consultation, including
another honour, thanks to Concordia. McGill University. about 40 one-on-one interviews with
On March 22, in a ceremony at The conference included a series of students, professors, staff, senior
Montreal’s Palais des Congrès, skills and information workshops. The administrators and governors, the
Concordia President Claude Lajeunesse final day was hosted by musicians Sam final choice was made.
presented Gore with an honorary doc- Roberts and Sarah Harmer, and includ- Concordia’s director of Marketing
6 torate on behalf of the University. The ed addresses by Quebec Environment Communications, Sami Antaki, BA 82,
honour, Dr. Lajeunesse said, was “for Minister Claude Béchard and Steven said because both firms were headed by
all that you have accomplished in the Guilbeault, Quebec director of alumni, the design work cost about
past and all that you will continue to Greenpeace. Joining Gore as a keynote $30,000, “about one-tenth of what
accomplish. . . . It is a symbol of speaker was Canadian environmentalist someone else would charge.”
respect and appreciation for your life- and scientist David Suzuki. Antaki said the choice of the new
time of service to your country and to a In his presentation, Gore criticized symbol followed what the surveys said
better world.” the mass media for largely ignoring the people think of when they hear
Gore was in Montreal to speak at the issue of climate change for decades. But “Concordia” — innovative, diverse and
Youth Action Montreal Summit: Less he praised Quebec for being “the con- approachable — and what the University
Talk, More Action, a three-day confer- science of Canada on the environment,” wants to add to that mental image —
ence dealing with climate change that and said he was proud to now be part of “quality.”
attracted more than 5,000 students and the Concordia family. — Barbara Black
spring 2007 issue concordia university magazine
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concordia news
Sir George Williams Campus
Fitness Centre opens
The newFitness Centre opened its
doors to Concordia students, faculty,
staff and alumni on the Sir George
Williams Campus in January.
Located on the Metro level in the
Engineering, Computer Science
and Visual Arts Integrated Complex
(EV Building) — and visible from the
ground floor — the facility can accom-
modate about 35 programs and activi-
ties. The main studio/gymnasium is
complemented by two smaller studios
that are used by the Department of
Contemporary Dance, as well as five classes per day. Monthly as well as semester passes are
Campus Recreation. The new fitness area, calledLe Gym, available to students, faculty and staff,
This past semester, 1,600 members features first-rate cardio machines, a and alumni with an Alumni ID Card.
signed up for various instructional spacious layout and informed training The spring/summer rate is $99 (plus tax).
courses for fitness, dance and martial staff. The more traditional free weights For more information, call
arts. Recreational badminton and bas- and selectorized weight equipment 514-848-2424 ext. 3860, or visit
ketball attract almost 200 students each complete the space by offering some athletics.concordia.ca/fcampus/
week. The spinning studio offers up to 150 training stations. default.shtml
7
come as you are, come as you were
Special reunions,a Family Fair Day,lectures,the Homecoming Football Game and much more.
Thursday,September 27 to Sunday,October 7,2007
Visit alumni.concordia.ca for updates.
concordia university magazine spring 2007 issue
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notices
Alumni Recognition Awards
Hittin he
g t
Tuesday, May 29, 6 p.m.
high notes
Sofitel Montreal
1155 Sherbrooke St. W., Montreal
a b e n e f i t c o n c e r t
$80
Sunday, May 6, 7 p.m.
The CUAA Alumni Recognition Awards represent the highest
Join us for a unique opportunity to hear some of
honour the Association bestows for outstanding achievement,
opera’s most talented singers in the splendid setting
service to the advancement of Concordia University or
of the Notre Dame Basilica and to support Beaux-Arts
continuous service to the local community.
Concordia Fine Arts and the Orchestre Métropolitain
du Grand Montréal.
Visit alumni.concordia.ca/calendar/cuaato learn about
The artists are Maria Guleghina (soprano), appearing this year’s recipients and to register.
courtesy of the Metropolitan Opera, Neil Shicoff
(tenor), Bryn Terfel (bass-baritone), Gianna
Corbisiero (soprano), Irina Mishura (mezzo-soprano)
and Marc Hervieux (tenor), accompanied by the choir
2007 Ottawa Friends
and musicians of the Orchestre Métropolitain du
Grand Montréal and conductor Yannick Nézet-Séguin. of Loyola Dinner
For more information, visit highnotes.concordia.ca Save the Date: Friday, September 14
Join Ottawa-area alumni to honour Loyola alumni Roger
Abbott, attendee 64, and Don Ferguson, L BA 70, of the Royal
Concordia University Art Supply Store Canadian Air Farce.
10% alumni discount For more information, call Jennifer Cottin,
514-848-2424 ext. 3882
The Concordia University Art Supply Store is introducing a
“welcome back” 10% discount for all Concordia alumni upon
presentation of a current Alumni ID Card.1
The Art Supply Store has provided a vital service to fine art
10% alumni discount
students for the past 25 years. The VA Art Supply Store is located
on the first floor of the Visual Arts Building, 1395 René-Lévesque
Blvd. W. 514-848-4609, [email protected]
The CUAA is happy to announce that Via Rail is offering
1 For more information on the Alumni ID Card,
Concordia University alumni a 10% discount on all public fares
call 514-848-2424 ext. 4856, or visit
system-wide for the class of service: VIA I, Comfort and
alumni.concordia.ca/cuaa/benefits/idcard
Sleeper. Alumni will need to provide the Corporate Discount
Code 810217 and present their Alumni ID Card1in addition to
a photo ID card.
Reservations can be made:
8 Online at: viarail.ca2
By telephone: 1-888-Via Rail (1-888-842-7245)
At any Via Rail station or with Concordia University authorized
travel agencies
1 For more information on the Alumni ID Card,
call 514-848-2424 ext. 4856, or visit
alumni.concordia.ca/cuaa/benefits/idcard
2 Corporate clients must create a user profile at viarail.ca
and edit passenger preferences. For discount type, select
corporate rate and input the discount code. No serial
number is required.
spring 2007 issue concordia university magazine