School of Health receives $5-million legacy gift from Christine Lengvari
Paul Chesser, vice-president, University Advancement; Christine Lengvari, BSc 72; President Graham Carr; Véronique Pepin, interim dean, School of Health; Sylvia Santosa, Canada Research Chair Tier II, Clinical Nutrition
A long-standing donor and volunteer whose expertise helped establish Concordia’s planned giving program has further strengthened her alma mater with a remarkable bequest of her own.
Christine Lengvari, BSc 72, is donating $5 million in support of the Campaign for Concordia: Next-Gen Now, a major contribution that will benefit nutrition and wellness research at the university’s School of Health.
Located on Loyola Campus, the School of Health takes a multidisciplinary and hands-on approach to health-related research, education, student training and community engagement.
“Christine Lengvari is truly one of our Great Concordians,” says President Graham Carr. “This incredibly generous gift, announced as we kick off our 50th-anniversary celebrations, will drive advances in nutrition and wellness science and lead to healthier communities.
“By funding innovative research, this donation will foster new insights, enhance public-health strategies and ultimately improve society at large.”
Lengvari’s latest gift comes seven years after the president and CEO of Lengvari Financial made an initial planned gift of $1 million to Concordia.
“I’m thrilled to be able give back to my alma mater,” Lengvari says. “I believe that targeted planned giving can be essential for creating positive change. Concordia’s School of Health is enriching people’s lives, and it’s an honour to play a part in such vital work.”
Beyond philanthropy
Lengvari’s commitment to Concordia extends far beyond her financial support.
The Centraide of Montreal cabinet member has given time to Women Who LEAD, which empowers women alumni to enhance leadership skills and make a positive impact on society.
Lengvari’s service has included leadership mandates on alumni association committees, the Concordia University Foundation and the university’s Board of Governors. She also served on the client committee of the Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program for 22 years.
“We are deeply grateful to Christine Lengvari for her extraordinary generosity, which will spark groundbreaking research to address some of society’s most pressing health-related issues,” says Véronique Pepin, interim dean of Concordia’s School of Health.
Adds Paul Chesser, BA 94, GrDip 97, vice-president of Advancement: “Concordia has been fortunate to benefit from Christine Lengvari’s leadership and support over the last four decades. Her impactful generosity is an inspiration and a great example to us all.”