Two Concordia professors among the first to be named to the new Order of Excellence in Education
The province of Quebec has recognized Concordians André Roy and Michel Magnan as academic leaders who make significant contributions to the development of education.
Both faculty members were recently named Distinguished Members of the Ordre de l’excellence en education.
Administered by the Ministry of Education and Higher Education, the new honour was established this year to reward individuals for their standout contributions.
Roy, dean of the Faculty of Arts and Science and a professor in the Department of Geography, Planning and Environment, came to Concordia in 2014.
Magnan, a professor in the Department of Accountancy and the Stephen A. Jarislowsky Chair in Corporate Governance, joined Concordia’s John Molson School of Business (JMSB) in 2000.
Both honourees attended a ceremony celebrating their accomplishments in Quebec City on June 15.
An authority on sustainability
Roy received the distinction for his innovative and interdisciplinary approach to teaching and research on issues related to environmental degradation and sustainability. In particular, his work focuses on river systems and the ways in which urban rivers respond to climate change.
“I am thrilled to be recognized in this way,” Roy says. “The establishment of this new honour demonstrates that the Quebec government understands the impact and importance of interdisciplinary, hands-on, research-rich learning experiences for our next generation of leaders and scholars.”
Michel Magnan | Photo by Concordia
Teachers have the power to change society
Magnan is one of the country’s foremost experts on financial reporting and governance. His research focuses on financial statement analysis, performance and compensation management, corporate social responsibility, and environmental and ethical issues.
For Magnan, the creation of this honour sends a strong signal that teaching is at the core of every professor’s mission.
“Teachers have the power to change society by instilling a quest for knowledge, by opening up minds and by allowing for the discovery of new horizons,” he says.
“Moreover, we continuously learn from our students as they lead us to push the limits of our own knowledge. I am tremendously grateful to all the students and colleagues with whom I have had the privilege to work with over the years.”
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