Honorary degree citation - Patrick G. Malone*

By: R.W. Breen, June 1975

Mr. Chancellor:

I have the honour to present to you, Reverend Patrick G. Malone, S.J., distinguished past president of Loyola.

Father Malone is a man of singular character; a character which was formed by his cultural and spiritual background, by his academic career and an unflinching acceptance of challenges which have faced educational leaders in the past decades.

University studies based in the Classics, Philosophy, Theology and subsequently Economics destined him to Academia. He taught Economics here at Loyola in 1946 - and I, as one of his first students, can attest that in his case, the transition from one side of the lecture hail to the other was eminently successful.

He accepted the challenge of Administration at St. Mary's University in Halifax, where, from 1951-1956 he was Dean of Studies, professor of Economics, and subsequently President of the University from 1956-1959.

Openness, foresight, originality and courage - in a word, “leadership” - these are the talents which he brought to the fore as President of Loyola from 1959-1974. With his leadership, Loyola experienced its greatest phase of physical development despite constant financial difficulties. Inspired by his open and original vision, Loyola expanded its academic program and opened its doors to the community in general. Due to his foresight and courage, Loyola not only survived but flourished. After a glorious history of 126 years, in 1972, the future of Loyola was threatened. Though abandoned by his academic colleagues in Quebec, Father Malone embarked on a mission to justify the necessity of Loyola's existence. Soon, the population of the Province, both French and English, rallied to support Father Malone and Loyola. Finally, he ensured the continued contribution of Loyola in the Quebec University Community by playing a major role in the merger with Sir George Williams. It remains our duty and responsibility to make the tradition and spirit of Loyola an integral and vital force in Concordia University.

Mr. Chancellor, I am honoured to present to you, on behalf of the University Senate, and by the authority of the Board of Governors, Patrick G. Malone, that you may confer on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.

* deceased