It is with great sadness that Concordia announces that Louise Dandurand, the university’s former vice-president of Research and Graduate Studies, passed away on Sunday, December 11.
“Warm and energetic, Louise was someone who encouraged everyone around her to ‘think big.’ She will be missed by all,” says Alan Shepard, Concordia’s president.
“Her positive impact on the lives of our many graduate students and researchers will be felt for generations.”
Dandurand began her career at the university as a vice-president in 2006, quickly becoming a leading academic research administrator. In 2010, Concordia appointed her to a second five-year mandate.
From 2012 to 2015, Dandurand was president of l'Association Francophone pour le savoir (Acfas), the largest multidisciplinary gathering of research and knowledge in the French-speaking world. During her tenure, Concordia hosted the association's 82nd congress for the first time in 2014. It was a resounding success.
“Louise was instrumental in bringing more than 5,000 scholars to Concordia for Acfas,” says Graham Carr, provost and vice-president of Academic Affairs.
“She made sure the conference showcased who we are, as an institution, across all disciplines. The scientific program was strong, but so were the fine arts, cinema and media arts. Concordia excelled on the world stage — thanks, in no small part, to Louise’s involvement.”
Dandurand was named an officer of the Ordre National du Québec in June 2016 for her formidable dedication to higher education.
‘A stalwart supporter of graduate studies’
Peter Kruyt, chair of Concordia’s Board of Governors at the time of her retirement, described Dandurand’s contributions in glowing terms.
“Louise brought the university into the major leagues," he said.
“She [was] a driving force in supporting graduate studies and making it an integral element of the broader research and training agenda at Concordia.”
When she retired in 2011, Dandurand spoke about being satisfied with her achievements — always crediting her colleagues for their teamwork.
“There has been a significant cultural shift to give research and graduate studies their lettre de noblesse, and I think this is what my team can be very proud of,” she said, at the conclusion of 35 years of public service.
As a tribute to Dandurand's efforts on behalf of Concordia, former president Frederick Lowy unveiled a $15,000 scholarship in her name, to be awarded every year to a deserving graduate student.
“This is something that will forever carry your name,” he said. “We really appreciate what you’ve done.”
Dandurand began her academic career in the Political Science Department at the University of Ottawa. Her interests for science and university research policies soon brought her into the administration sphere.
After teaching for five years, she was appointed director of policy and planning at the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) in 1986 and, subsequently, secretary general of the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC). She held various positions during her term there, including acting president, and served as director of the Fonds de recherche du Québec - Société et culture (FRQSC) from 2001 to 2006.
At Concordia, she found a home.
“Her wealth of experience and insight made her an admirable presence,” says Carr.
“Under her dynamic leadership, the university’s research profile grew substantially, both nationally and internationally. She was a stalwart supporter of graduate studies as an integral element in a broader research and training agenda at Concordia.”
