Honorary degree citation - Robert J. Brodrick*
By: William R. Sellers, June 1987
Mr. Chancellor, I have the honour to present to you Robert J. Brodrick, physician, distinguished athlete, community leader and life long friend of Concordia University.
Dr. Brodrick's affiliation with Concordia University dates back to his high school years. Following his graduation from Loyola High School he attended Loyola College where he received his bachelor degree in 1943. He immediately 'enrolled in medical school at nearby McGill University and received his medical degree in 1947.
As a student he holds the distinction of being only one of two students ever to receive the "Representative Loyola Boy" medal in high school and the "Governor General's" medal upon graduating from Loyola College.
His leadership qualities were amply displayed in his role as class president during all four years at Loyola College. He was also president of the student council, president of the Loyola College Athletic Association, and valedictorian of his graduating class.
For over 40 years Dr. Brodrick has served the medical profession. Following his graduation from medical school he completed his internship training in hospitals in Montreal and London, England. He specialized in internal medicine and has speciality training in radiology. He currently operates a private practice in Westmount and is on the medical staff of the Queen Elizabeth Hospital. He also holds an academic appointment as Lecturer in the Department of Medicine and Clinical Medicine at McGill University. His memberships in medical societies number nearly a dozen.
Not only has Dr. Brodrick had a distinguished academic and medical career, he also excelled as an athlete and managed to combine his love for athletics and his medical expertise even before the field of sports medicine became fashionable.
As an athlete he played all sports at Loyola High School and College. He is a recipient of the Loyola Sportsmanship Trophy and a charter member of the Loyola Sports Hall of Fame. Highlights of his athletic career include the captaincy of the McGill University Intercollegiate Hockey Championship team of 1945-46, a first team all-star selection with the Streatham Hockey Club of London, England, and a team member of both the Montreal Royals Junior and Senior Hockey clubs.
Dr. Brodrick's interest in sports goes beyond the playing field. In 1951 he authored a book entitled "Ice Hockey" which was used as the hockey reference for several years in the Encyclopaedia Britannica. In 1969 he assumed the responsibility of medical director for the newly formed Montreal Expos Baseball franchise - a position he still occupies today. His status as immediate past president of the Major League Baseball Physicians' Association reflects the respect of his colleagues in the field of sports medicine.
Dr. Brodrick has been and presently is an active alumnus on behalf of Concordia University and its predecessor Loyola College.
He is a former member of the Board of Governors of Loyola College. On two occasions he served as President of the Loyola Alumni Association. He co-authored the criteria for the Loyola Medal, a medal awarded as a tribute to outstanding leadership and achievements that have enriched the heritage of Canada and humanity. He is presently a member of the advisory Board of Directors, Loyola Foundation, and a member of the Board of Directors, Loyola High School Foundation. He has been active in Fund raising at various levels of involvement for many years. Most recently he served as honorary Chairman of the Loyola High School Foundation Annual Campaign of 1984. It is also of interest to note that four of his children attended Loyola College.
Having reviewed the contributions of Dr. Brodrick over the years it is no wonder that he was chosen to co author the criteria for the Loyola Medal For he exemplifies the leadership qualities and achievements that serve to enrich the heritage of Canada and humanity.
Mr. Chancellor, it is a privilege to present to you, on behalf of the Senate and by the authority of the Board of Governors, Robert J. Brodrick, so that you may confer on him the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa.
* deceased
