‘The only thing I could maybe be good at’
Over the course of his long career, François Bourassa, BMus’85, has established himself as one of Canada’s top jazz musicians. His famous father, former Quebec premier Robert Bourassa, was hoping he’d give engineering a try.
Read the article‘The only thing I could maybe be good at’
Over the course of his long career, François Bourassa, BMus’85, has established himself as one of Canada’s top jazz musicians. His famous father, former Quebec premier Robert Bourassa, was hoping he’d give engineering a try.
Read the article
People
A sky-high approach to urban gardening
In the latest instalment of ‘How I Got Here,’ MicroHabitat co-founder Alexandre Ferrari-Roy, BSc(AgEnvSc)’15, tells us how he transformed his passion for urban farming into a successful business that oversees 400 rooftop and indoor farms across North America and Europe.
People
Transforming spaces with light
Even a magnificent piece of architecture wouldn’t look quite right if its lighting wasn’t thoughtfully designed. That’s where architectural lighting expert Conor Sampson, BArch’96, comes in. Chances are good that you’re familiar with his work.
Culture
Add these books to your summer reading list
Canada’s prime ministers, a tale of grief and ghosts, and the one-and-only Leonard Cohen are among the subjects of recent books that McGillians might want to dive into.
People
Not your typical retirement reporter
Meera Raman, BA’21, might not be who you had pictured in your mind as The Globe and Mail’s retirement and personal finances reporter. She is still in her twenties, for one thing. She prides herself on taking a non-stodgy approach to subject matter that affects practically everyone.
On Campus
Five women, one Arts tradition
Mary LeRossignol entered McGill in 1889, just a few years after women were first admitted to the University. She unknowingly started a tradition for the women in her family that continues to this day in the Faculty of Arts.
Society
Having a say on the tech that’s changing their lives
Artificial intelligence and online media platforms are having an enormous impact on the lives of young people. McGill’s Centre for Media, Technology and Democracy has been exploring that impact with a pair of recent high-profile initiatives.
People
Bringing new worlds to life
Visual effects compositor Jordan Catracchia, BSc’11, has worked on some of Hollywood’s most popular movies in recent years, including two Oscar-winning Avatar films. When you watch one of the movies he has contributed to, he wants you to feel like you’ve been transported to another world.
People
“The best time of the year”
David Amber, BA’93, has covered the Olympics, the NBA Finals, and the World Series, but the Hockey Night in Canada host says there is no sports event that quite matches the intensity of the Stanley Cup Playoffs. “It’s amazing to watch the sacrifices the players will make this time of year.”
On Campus
Meet McGill’s new provost
Angela Campbell, BA’95, BCL’99, LLB’99, the University’s new provost and executive vice-president (academic), talks about some the challenges facing McGill, why the University’s students are unique, and how McGill has changed (and not changed) since she was a student here.
Alum notes
Spring 2026