Great Concordian: Christine Lengvari, dedicated alumna, volunteer and donor

Alumna, volunteer and major donor, Christine Lengvari, BSc 72, is one of the most significant builders in Concordia’s history.

A graduate of Loyola College, which merged with Sir George Williams University to create Concordia in 1974, Lengvari’s leadership over the decades has impacted the university in numerous ways.

The president and CEO of Lengvari Financial Inc. played a key role in establishing Concordia’s planned giving program. She subsequently advanced the Campaign for Concordia with two generous bequests of her own: one in the amount of $1 million in 2017 and another in the amount of $5 million in 2024.

The latter, the first major gift made in support of the university’s School of Health, will bolster important research initiatives related to nutrition and wellness.

Formerly recognized as one of Canada’s 50 Women of Influence in the Life Insurance Industry, Lengvari’s service at her alma mater has included leadership mandates on alumni association committees, the Concordia University Foundation and the Board of Governors.

She has also given time as a mentor to Women Who LEAD, a program designed for alumnae, and the John Molson School of Business’s Kenneth Woods Portfolio Management Program, where she advised student investors as a client committee member for more than two decades.

“I loved my experience with the Woods students,” Lengvari says. “They are light years ahead of where we were, and are so driven and accomplished.”

The Great Concordian’s honours include the 2017 Prix de Distinction by the Chambre de Securité Financière in 2017 and a 20-year service medal from Montreal’s St. Mary’s Hospital Foundation.

Lengvari previously lectured in financial accounting at McGill University and the University of Natal in Durban, South Africa. She also established a non-profit organization in South Africa that uses a lottery to fund job creation projects in disadvantaged communities in Zululand. The non-profit has since grown into one of the largest charities in the country.

The Concordia University Alumni Association has twice honoured Lengvari at its annual Alumni Recognition Awards: She received the Benoît Pelland Distinguished Service Award in 2019 and the Humberto Santos Award of Merit and Service in 2023.

When you reflect on your time as a Loyola College student, what stands out?

Christine Lengvari: It was a very warm and supportive environment. I felt good being there. Loyola Campus was a protective, nurturing place, which I really appreciated coming out of Sacred Heart, an all-girls high school.

I was involved with the chaplaincy and student services, participating in weekend getaways and retreats. I met wonderful people, some of whom are still very close friends. I also ran for student government, and fondly remember professors who encouraged me in different areas.

I felt like I belonged. I was part of a community, and that was a wonderful experience.

What are some of the factors that have enabled your success?

CL: What’s really been important is my education. You need degrees or professional designations for credibility. You also have to work hard and be flexible.

Professional paths are seldom a straight line — you must be adaptable and prepared to face setbacks head on. You need to be willing to see where new opportunities lie. It’s important to be adventurous and move out of your comfort zone, and to bring some creativity into everything you do.

What advice do you have for students who may want to follow in your footsteps?

CL: Passion is crucial. You need to find your passion and then go for it. Education is essential too, of course. As my mother always said, they can take everything away from you, except your education.

Luck is also important — but I believe that hard work and proper preparation creates good luck and opportunities.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

CL: I’m thrilled and in awe, especially knowing the calibre and quality of the company I’m in. It’s a great honour because we have so many outstanding people at Concordia. I’m always inspired by the members of this incredible community and what they’ve accomplished in life.