Now that our spring 2024 issue of Concordia University Magazine is out, you may have already heard some buzz about Concordia’s golden anniversary.
This milestone — a celebration of the merger of our founding institutions, Loyola College and Sir George Williams University, 50 years ago — kicks off in June. As you read through these pages, you’ll discover how we’ve already begun to promote the 50th anniversary through some of our stories. This includes branding through a commemorative logo and tagline, both of which you’ll see more of in future communications across our campuses and beyond. Our new visual identity helps capture Concordia’s past and the opportunities that lie ahead — 50 Years: Forever Forward.
Four of our designers submitted their creations for Concordia’s 50th-anniversary logo. All paid homage to our past, while embracing the possibilities of the future. The designs were presented to various focus groups in the university community. The feedback, unanimous among students, volunteers, alumni and our leadership team, led to the selection of the winning design, which you can view below.
Graphic designer Stephen Pan created a logo that represents both an amphitheatre — a place of gathering — and a bisected vinyl record — a retro nod to our founding decade — to form the recognizable Concordia “C”. Five arcs denote the five decades since Concordia was established in 1974.
The 50th-anniversary stories in this issue, and those to come over the next year, offer a glimpse into the remarkable evolution that has made Concordia what it is today. From the role of Records Management and Archives in documenting our past 50 years (“Guardians of Our History”) to a visual tour of Concordia’s campuses (“Lens on Concordia”), we hope these features inspire you to reflect on how far we’ve come from and where we’re going.
As we look ahead to this milestone year, we will continue, as always, to put the spotlight on our inspiring network of Concordia alumni, while showcasing the groundbreaking ideas coming out of the university. In this issue, our “Mind Matters” cover story examines interdisciplinary research at our School of Health into our aging brains. You’ll also read about an inspiring family of all-star basketball alumni who have paved the way for a new generation of players (“Nothing but Net”).
With our 50th-anniversary festivities kicking off in the weeks ahead, I invite you, as of mid-May, to visit our dedicated website (concordia.ca/50). It will showcase many of the stories you shared with us over the past year and keep you informed of all of the great activities we have planned. Whether you’re in Montreal or elsewhere, you’ll be able to connect with your alma mater for this special occasion — stay tuned.
We couldn’t be more thrilled to share this journey of growth and achievement with you, our alumni and friends. We look forward to celebrating with you.
Wishing you all the best,
