In memoriam
Our community mourned the loss of several university supporters and ambassadors, including:
Brian O’Neill Gallery, BA 57, LLD 10
A fifth-generation Irish-Quebecer, Brian O’Neill
Gallery was a prominent businessperson, former Westmount mayor and the co-founder of the Canadian Irish Studies Foundation, which helped establish the School of Irish Studies at Concordia. “Brian was an undeniable pillar of support for Irish Studies, and an irrepressible personality who marked the history of his alma mater,” says Concordia President Graham Carr. “We are truly grateful for his generosity to Concordia and for emulating the Jesuit ethos of service to society as a ‘man for others.’”
Bruce Mallen, BComm 58, BA 64, LLD 04
Bruce Mallen’s history with Concordia stretches back more than 50 years and his influence can still be felt today. As a faculty member in the university’s business school — later renamed the John Molson School of Business — he launched the Department of Marketing and then became founding director of the much- lauded MBA program. His roles included director of national marketing and economics in Montreal, stints as a consultant, film producer, real-estate developer and dean of Florida Atlantic University’s College of Business.
Justin Powlowski
A respected researcher, committed professor, accomplished administrator and a beloved colleague, Justin Powlowski was the associate vice-president of research, strategic initiatives and partnerships at Concordia. “Justin was one of the most humble, understated, self-effacing people you could ever meet. Yet he touched so many people and contributed massively to a host of key transformative changes at Concordia,” says Concordia President Graham Carr.
Jeanne Maranda, BA 87
Jeanne Maranda was a towering figure in the history of the Simone de Beauvoir Institute at Concordia, as well as a fierce advocate for women’s rights in media and advertising. In her 50s, she was part of the first cohort of students to study at the Simone de Beauvoir Institute's inception in 1978. She was the founding president of Meute/MédiAction, a group that worked to improve the image of women in advertising and publicity. She was a member of the Conseil des femmes de Montréal, as well as the Fondation Thérèse-Casgrain. Her many honours include the Women of Distinction Award from the YWCA for advancing the cause of women.
Photo by Mark Prent
Ramesh Sharma
Ramesh Sharma enjoyed a long and fruitful 57 years as a faculty member in the Department of Physics at Concordia. Over the span of his devoted teaching, research and service career, he mentored and helped countless students and was a caring and effective teacher. He taught a broad spectrum of courses from introductory to advanced physics. He pioneered both teaching and research in nuclear physics in the department and filled many service roles across the university.
Tom Gibson
Tom Gibson was a well-respected Canadian photographer, beloved teacher, colleague and founder of the Photography program at Concordia’s Faculty of Fine Arts. “Tom was a great photographer, ahead of his time in relation to the dynamics of modern life or the social landscape, with which he was often associated,” says Martha Langford, Concordia professor of art history and curator of the Canadian Museum of Contemporary Photography exhibition. “The intensity of the work, an observational style of street photography that is no longer practiced on our streets, is unforgettable.”
Christine Blackette, BComm 79
Christine Blackette spent almost two decades working as an assistant with the Commerce and Administration Students' Association. Additionally, the Undergraduate Programs Office relied heavily on her assistance to ensure students participated in the many committees that were available to them. Blackette enriched students’ extracurricular experience and was known for her kindness and generosity.
