Graham Martin | Courtesy: Concordia Records Management and Archives
In 1962, Martin founded the Department of Electrical Engineering at Sir George Williams College, one of Concordia’s founding institutions. He began teaching the first digital computing course that fall, before the university even owned a computer (courses were held at the head office of IBM).
Martin was there to see the installation of Sir George Williams’ very first computer at 2015 Drummond Street in August 1963, at the cost of $45,000.
Like all faculty and staff at Sir George, Martin was involved in designing the Henry F. Hall Building, which opened in 1966. Martin then ran the Computer Centre, which he founded, on the ninth floor.
“Dr. Martin made very significant contributions to the growth of computer science at Concordia,” says Sudhir Mudur, chair of the Department of Computer Science and Software Engineering. “He started and managed the computer centre facility in the hall building for many years and also started the Computer Science Department at Sir George (in 1972).”
In 1976, two years after the merger of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University, Martin became Concordia’s vice-rector, Administration and Finance (the equivalent of today’s chief financial officer and vice president, services combined). Martin oversaw the creation of departments such as Environmental Health and Safety. Over the years he continued to make an impact on the people he worked with.
“When I started at Concordia in 1981, I worked in his sector,” says Roger Côté, vice president, Services. “I remember him as a great, caring leader, always engaged, interested and making everyone feel that they were supported.
“At a time when universities were in a period of considerable development in technology and in their physical environment, when work was going from manual to automation, Graham understood the value of change and strongly supported that path for the university. He was a person of great influence, but it was never about gaining personal success. For him, it was always about serving others,” Côté added.
“Graham was the first vice-rector that I worked for at Concordia University,” wrote Shirley Robinson (Maynes) in an online guestbook. “He was a kind and generous man and he will be missed.”
Martin was appointed principal of the Institute for Co-operative Education in 1991 when the work-study program was at a low ebb. At the time of his retirement ten years later, Co-op had nearly 1,000 students, exceptionally high standards, and a placement rate of 97 per cent.
In addition to his administrative work, he always taught at least one course each term, in order to stay in touch with the students who were his main concern. His capacity to inspire is reflected by his former students, some of whom have become professors themselves.
“Graham hired me to teach my first ever programming course as a Masters student. I am starting my 26th year of teaching (my 15th at Concordia) and I love it!” wrote Nancy Acemian, Senior Lecturer, Computer Science and Software Engineering, in the online guestbook. “I would never have thought of going into teaching had it not been for (Graham). (He) will always be in my heart.”
Martin chaired the Department of Computer Science right up until the time of his retirement, on May 1, 2001 after 39 years of service.
Even after retirement, Martin’s desire to give back to the Concordia community continued. He was the Pensioner’s Association observer on the Board of Governors from 2008 to 2011.
“I worked with Graham in his role as principal of the Institute for Cooperative Education in the 1990s and then again in his role as president of the Pensioners Association and an observer on the Board of Governors,” says Bram Freedman, vice-president, Development and External Relations, and secretary-general. “Graham was the epitome of a gentleman – dedicated, caring and a huge booster and supporter of Sir George and then Concordia University. They don’t make many people like him anymore.”
Family will receive condolences at Collins Clarke MacGillivray White Funeral Homes, 222 Autoroute 20, Pointe-Claire, on Friday, September 11, from 2 to 4:30 p.m. and from 7 to 9 p.m.
A Funeral Service will take place Saturday, September 12 at 11 a.m. at Christ Church Beaurepaire, 455 Church St., in Beaconsfield.
In lieu of flowers, donations to Camp Massawippi would be appreciated.