Great Concordian: Lillian Vineberg-Goodman, artist, community organizer and pre-eminent builder of Concordia

As the first woman to chair Concordia’s Board of Governors, a role she held from 1999 to 2003, Lillian Vineberg-Goodman, BFA 83, helped steward the bold expansion plans that would shape her alma mater for the 21st century.

Yet the breadth of her impact as a volunteer and leader extends way beyond Concordia.

The accomplished artist was the first woman to serve on the board of the Town Council of Hampstead, an on-island suburb of Montreal, from 1977 to 2002.

Her guidance has improved scores of institutions and organizations across the city, from the Jewish General Hospital, the Hope & Cope Cancer Wellness Centre and the Raoul Wallenberg Centre for Human Rights.

At Concordia, Vineberg-Goodman served on the Fine Arts Advisory Board.

She also chaired the Committee to Revitalize the Loyola Campus in the late 1990s. It was Vineberg-Goodman’s committee that recommended the updating of the entirety of both campuses, which led Concordia to invest more than $200 million in construction of new labs and buildings for science, fine arts, engineering and the business school.

Vineberg-Goodman has also been a major donor to Concordia. The alumna’s support has benefited the Faculty of Fine Arts at large, as well as students in the Department of Studio Arts and Art Volt, the faculty’s accelerator program for recent graduates.

The importance of service was cultivated in Vineberg-Goodman from childhood.

“Growing up in Ottawa, we were encouraged to be politically active and civically involved,” says the Great Concordian. “I watched my mother diligently fundraise and volunteer, while my father worked hard running his business.

“It was inspiring to work for leaders like Louis St. Laurent and Lester Pearson as well as local politicians. I remember John Diefenbaker coming to speak to my high-school class. These experiences deeply connected me to the value of being engaged.”

As a result of her commitment to public service, Vineberg-Goodman has been honoured by the Canadian Jewish Political Affairs Committee and the Union des Municipalités du Québec. She was chosen as the 2024 Person of the Year for the Jewish Community Foundation, which distributes funds to individuals and groups in need. 

Vineberg-Goodman received the Queen Elizabeth II Golden Jubilee Medal in 2002 and the King Charles III Medal in 2024. She was also awarded an Honorary Membership in the Golden Key International Honour Society of Students in 2002.

For her tireless efforts to advance Concordia, Vineberg-Goodman was distinguished with the Humberto Santos Award of Merit in 2006 and was elected Concordia Governor Emeritus in 2012.

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

Lillian Vineberg-Goodman: I remember how it fulfilled my passion for fine arts. After starting with a BA at McGill University, I returned to study fine arts at Concordia when my children were in school.

I was thrilled to learn from Robert Bigelow, a printmaking professor and leading lithographer. The classes and professors were exceptional. The environment was supportive and inspiring, proving that a top-notch education in the arts didn’t require going to New York or Paris.

My four years at Concordia were transformative, leading to a successful career as both a fine artist and printmaker. I cherished the experience, the community and the personal growth it fostered.

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

LVG: My success has been greatly influenced by the mentors and role models in my life. Community work, advocacy and civic involvement was ingrained in me by my family at a young age.

I was also inspired by Lillian Freiman, the woman I was named after. She was a remarkable person who, in her 55 years, accomplished extraordinary feats. After World War II, she traveled to Europe to rescue 175 Ukrainian and Jewish orphans, bringing them to Canada and placing them in homes across the country. Many of these individuals I have met over the years — and their lives stand as a testament to her impact. She also started the poppy campaign in Canada to support our veterans.

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

LVG: As a woman, don’t be afraid to break barriers in fields that were once dominated by men, like fine arts. You’re in an exciting era with many opportunities, so make the most of it and enjoy the journey. I managed to break the glass ceiling, and you can too.

Seek out every mentor you can find. Also, ensure you gain business skills alongside your artistic training, as understanding how to navigate the professional world is crucial for a successful career.

How does it feel to be a Great Concordian?

LVG: It’s a tremendous honour and I’m grateful for the acknowledgment. Concordia has been a fantastic institution, offering meaningful opportunities and increasingly being recognized for excellence in research and education.

I’m confident that there are more than 50 alumni who deserve this recognition. There are so many outstanding individuals who have benefited from their time at Concordia.