Concordia celebrates 50 Years: Forever Forward

August 24 marks five decades since the merger of Loyola and Sir George Williams

August 21, 2024

A collage of images showing buildings and people together, with a burgundy wash placed over the image

Concordia University is celebrating its 50th anniversary this week. The institution grew from the roots of Loyola College and Sir George Williams University, which merged to become Concordia on August 24, 1974.

Over five transformative decades, Concordia has evolved from a teaching institution into a comprehensive research university. Its campuses have doubled in size and, over the last 25 years, its student population has also doubled to 50,000.

“Our local, national and international reputation has thrived, while Concordia’s standing in every measurable index has flourished,” says President Graham Carr, noting that Concordia was recently named the top university in North America under 50.

“Our university’s upward progress is the result of the steadfast dedication of students, faculty, staff, alumni, donors, friends and volunteers,” adds Carr. “At its core Concordia is about values and our ambition to celebrate accessibility, diversity and excellence, to foster creativity and innovation — and to make a positive impact on our students and the world they go on to shape.”

Two-thirds of Concordia’s undergraduate and graduate students hail from Quebec. Another 10 per cent of its scholars are from the rest of Canada. One quarter of Concordia's students come from 150 different countries around the world.

A recent study shows the university adds nearly $2 billion to the Quebec economy annually through its operations, human capital, productivity and innovation.