Michael Di Grappa on the move
Concordia University President and Vice-Chancellor Judith Woodsworth announced today that Michael Di Grappa is leaving the university on October 31.
Di Grappa, who has served as Vice-President, Services since March 2000, will be stepping into the role of Vice-Principal, Administration and Finance at McGill University.
“Michael has been an important part of the Concordia family for nearly 25 years,” says Dr. Woodsworth. “During that time, he has consistently demonstrated exemplary leadership and integrity, and always put the best interests of Concordia and its communities first. We have greatly appreciated Michael’s vision, strategic thinking, collegiality and warmth. I am pleased that his success at Concordia has been recognized by a sister university, and wish him the very best in his future endeavours.”
A 1984 graduate of Concordia's School of Community and Public Affairs, Di Grappa went on to complete his Master's of Public Policy and Administration at Columbia University in New York. He began his Concordia career in 1986 as Assistant to the Office of the Rector. He was President of the Concordia University Alumni Association from 1996 to 1998 and was honoured with the Distinguished Service Award through Concordia's Alumni Recognition Awards program.
He served as interim President and Vice-Chancellor from 2007 to 2008. In 2009, he took part in the Harvard Business School’s prestigious Advanced Management Program. Among his many responsibilities, he has overseen the $500 million revitalization of the university’s physical infrastructure.
“This decision was an especially difficult one given the importance of Concordia in my life,” says Di Grappa. “Concordia shaped me and provided me with outstanding opportunities to learn and contribute, beginning with my years as an undergraduate and continuing right through my time as interim President.”
“I would like to thank Dr. Woodsworth, my current and former colleagues, everyone in the Services sector and the members of Concordia’s Board of Governors for their friendship and unfailing support,” he continues “My new role at McGill will provide me with a new set of challenges in an expanded portfolio. I look forward to working with Concordia to push for a healthier university financing model, and to increase the notoriety of our homegrown universities and the important role they play in the economic and social development of our country.”
Roger Côté, Associate Vice-President, Enrolment and Student Services will serve as Acting Vice-President, Services until a Board mandated search committee is established and completes its work.
“We are very fortunate to be able to count on the guidance of Roger Côté, who has already served as interim Vice-President, Services on two occasions,” said President Woodsworth. “Roger’s knowledge of all the major files and his demonstrated successes as a leader in the Services sector will stand the university in good stead. I look forward to working with him at this time.”