Concordia University Alumni Association gives $30,000 in honour of graduating class

After a year of challenges brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Concordia University Alumni Association (CUAA) is honouring the class of 2021 with a gift of $30,000 to the Campaign for Concordia: Next-Gen. Now.

“If anybody has lived this pandemic and experienced all of the highs and lows, it’s the graduating class,” says the CUAA’s president, Linda Donnini, BSc 91. “To contribute in such a significant way, given the unique circumstances this year — and to do it on their behalf — is a very proud moment for us.”

The donation is the second-largest gift the association has made during the pandemic, after its $50,000 gift to support students in 2020.

The new $30,000 funding will be shared by three on-campus initiatives: $15,000 toward the Student Emergency and Food Fund (SEFF), $10,000 for mental health and wellness, and $5,000 in support of the Otsenhákta Student Centre.

The SEFF provides grocery store gift cards to students in difficult financial situations, while the Otsenhákta Student Centre provides resources, services and assistance for First Nations, Inuit and Métis students at Concordia.

‘We’re here for each other’

“The CUAA board was concerned about the student experience during this very difficult year,” says Nura Jabagi, MBA 14, PhD 21, CUAA vice-president of philanthropy. “We wanted to honour the graduating class for its perseverance and tenacity.”

The CUAA, which serves more than 220,000 alumni of the university and its founding institutions, works with Alumni Relations to provide graduates with a variety of benefits and services, career programs and networking opportunities.

“Shortly after the holidays, in 2020, we asked ourselves how we could support our university community best — and that starts with students,” says Donnini.

For Jabagi, a new board member and graduating student, says that despite joining the CUAA and building relationships virtually during the pandemic, she still felt part of the community.

“That’s why I joined. I knew I was graduating soon, and Concordia has touched my heart greatly,” Jabagi says. “Throughout my time as a student, I’ve benefited from a lot of financial awards and support from the university.

"I hope the CUAA’s gift reminds this new generation of alumni that we’re all a community and we’re here for each other.”