Julian McKenzie, BA 16, pictured with fellow Department of Journalism grad Maya Johnson, BA 06, CTV Montreal News anchor
‘On the right path’
McKenzie recalls his professors, including Alistair Sutherland, Caroline Van Vlaardingen, BA 84, Andrea Hunter and Abe Hefter, MA 17, with particular fondness. His classmates, many of whom are now successful journalists themselves, became an important part of his professional development.
“There were so many great people I got to interact with. So much talent played an incredible role in my development,” he says.
Those early collaborations made McKenzie feel part of a larger community — a foundation that would serve him well in his career, which included pursuing a master’s degree at Syracuse University.
Once back in Canada, McKenzie wasted no time diving into the professional world. He used his skills and connections to quickly begin writing for The Athletic and The Canadian Press, earning a reputation for insightful sports reporting. His ability to cover stories with both depth and passion led to his recognition with the Gala Dynastie Award for Best Podcast for The Scrum Podcast in 2020.
“It was a huge moment in my career,” McKenzie says of the award. “It made me feel like I was on the right path.”
Now living in the nation’s capital, he says he’s excited about his new chapter covering the Ottawa Senators NHL team for The Athletic.
“I want to fully immerse myself in the media ecosystem here in Ottawa and see what new stories I can help bring to life.”
As McKenzie’s career flourishes, he remains connected to his roots at Concordia. His relationships with The Link and the broader journalism community continue to shape his work.
“It means a lot to me that I was able to contribute to Concordia’s 50th-anniversary celebrations. It’s a community that has had such a huge impact on me personally and professionally,” says McKenzie who voiced his alma mater’s flagship 50th-anniversary video and narrated Chapter 1: Loyola’s Legacy of Forever Forward, Concordia’s anniversary campus tour podcast.
“I’m always connected to the Concordia community, and I’m thankful for everything I learned there.”
As he looks to the future, McKenzie’s ambitions continue to evolve. While he is excited about his future in Ottawa, he’s also driven by bigger dreams.
“I want to cover the Olympics, write a book and maybe even produce a documentary,” he says. “The sky’s the limit.”