Concordia’s long-service event celebrates the achievement of 300+ employees and retirees

On March 27, Concordia hosted its annual long-service and retirement event, honouring faculty and staff who reached career milestones in 2024 or retired in 2023.

Held in the Grey Nuns (GN) Building, the event fostered a warm and celebratory atmosphere where colleagues, friends and senior administrators gathered.

Gratitude for the honourees

Carolina Willsher, associate vice-president of Human Resources, welcomed guests as the evening’s emcee, setting a tone of appreciation and reflection.  

“What makes Concordia truly special is the sense of community we’ve built together — the bonds formed through collaboration, mutual respect and unwavering support,” Willsher shared.  

Graham Carr, president and vice-chancellor — who celebrated 40 years of service last year — also expressed his gratitude to the honourees, recognizing the remarkable commitment of faculty and staff. 

“Whether in classrooms, labs, offices or behind the scenes, your contribution is what makes this university an extraordinary place,” Carr said.  

Special recognition for faculty members

Among the honourees were five distinguished faculty — Bryan Barbieri, Harry Greenspan, Arpi Hamalian, Mahesh Sharma and Christopher Trueman — who each marked an extraordinary 50 years of service.  

Charles Acland, distinguished university research professor in the Department of Communication Studies, celebrated 25 years of service, having started his journey at Concordia as a student. Speaking on behalf of the honourees, he reflected on the significance of long service. 

“Each additional year deepens our entwinement with this institution. Our years here are not just about us as individuals but about the connections among us,” Acland shared. 

As in past years, faculty and staff were invited to celebrate 20 years or more of service — honouring careers that have spanned decades of growth, transformation and impact on generations of colleagues and students. 

“In a way, that’s the mission of a university — by design we build connections through the work of education, doing so with generous nudging, cajoling, encouragement of others based on our expertise and capacities,” Acland added.  

Christopher Alleyne, creative lead designer for University Communications Services, is celebrating 30 years at Concordia. For him, the event was an opportunity to reflect on a career of constant learning and creativity. 

“When I think about my 30 years at Concordia, I’m proud to contribute my talents toward the education sector, through all the extremely fruitful projects I’ve been a part of — so many of which have directly led to huge leaps forward for the university in terms of facilities, enrolment and reputation,” Alleyne said. 

“The world of higher education has changed since I joined the university, but we keep on adapting and continue to forge a positive impact on students and our community at large.”

‘Longevity in service is a reflection of a workplace that inspires’  

The evening also provided an opportunity to recognize Concordia’s 50th anniversary, highlighting a legacy of groundbreaking research and innovative education. 

Michael Di Grappa, vice-president of services and sustainability, emphasized that the essence of the university is shaped by its people.

“Concordia is very much determined by us — by what we decide to make of it and how we come together to make it happen,” Di Grappa affirmed.

As the event ended, Willsher expressed gratitude to all those present for their long-term commitment and congratulated the honourees and retirees on their achievements.

“Longevity in service is a reflection of a workplace that inspires, challenges and supports its people,” Willsher said. “Thank you all for being a significant part of our story at Concordia.” 

Read more about how Concordia celebrates long service and retirement.