Montreal
On Campus
Celebrating McGill’s Morgan Arboretum
McGill’s Morgan Arboretum celebrates its 80th anniversary during Homecoming later this month with a flurry of activities on Macdonald Campus. From teaching and research to conservation and recreation activities, the 245-hectare Arboretum is a beloved urban ecological space.
Culture
From the printed page to the big screen
McGill professor Alain Farah is one of Quebec’s most prominent authors. His award-winning novel Mille secrets mille dangers prompted an unexpected offer from celebrated filmmaker Philippe Falardeau (Monsieur Lazhar) – to work together to transform the novel into a movie.
People
The denim disruptor
Brandon Svarc’s family has been in the jeans business for three generations, but the Naked & Famous Denim founder brings his own unique sensibility to clothing, one that has earned him accolades. James Bond has been spotted in his jeans (but not the glow-in-the-dark ones).
Culture
A little bookstore that’s had a big impact
For generations of McGill students, The Word Bookstore on Milton Street has been almost as familiar a landmark as the Roddick Gates or the Redpath Museum. As The Word marks its 50th anniversary, Adrian King-Edwards, BA’71, the bookshop’s co-founder and owner, shares some memories.
Discovery
Sharing the stories of those left behind
In his new book Gone Gone, McGill professor Todd Meyers goes beyond the headlines about the opioid crisis to movingly convey the grief felt by those who have lost loved ones to overdose deaths.
Culture
Bringing a Montreal icon back to life
The ninth-floor restaurant at the Eaton's store on Sainte-Catherine Street was renowned for its Art Deco style and officially recognized as a historic monument by the Quebec government. Georges Drolet, an architect with expertise in heritage buildings, played a leading role in the downtown landmark's rebirth.
Culture
An accomplishment worth kvelling about
While working on a master’s degree at McGill, Aaron Lansky, MA’80, launched a rescue mission, one that would play a significant role in the preservation of a culture facing serious peril. As the driving force behind the Yiddish Book Center, Lansky has helped save 1.5 million books and built a one-of-a-kind collection.
Health
Helping Montreal prepare for the next public health emergency
As the deputy medical director at Montreal Public Health, David Kaiser, BSc’03, MDCM’09, MSc’13, oversees emergency preparedness. His holistic perspective on health issues was forged, in part, during his environmental sciences studies at McGill.
People
Montreal’s reform-minded police chief
Fady Dagher, EMBA'12, the new director of Montreal's police force, is known for his unconventional ideas. His innovative approach was shaped, in part, by his MBA studies at McGill and HEC Montréal.
Culture
Montreal’s impresario of POP
One of the hallmarks of Montreal is its vibrant indie music scene and Daniel Seligman, BA’00, has been one of its key promoters. The longtime creative director of POP Montreal shares his thoughts on the state of music in Montreal – and what it's like to hang out with Patti Smith.
People
It’s not just the family business, it’s a Montreal landmark
Mordecai Richler wrote about it. Anthony Bourdain called it a “national treasure.” As the co-owner of Wilensky’s Light Lunch, Sharon Wilensky, BA’82, DipEd’87, isn’t just looking after the family restaurant, she is co-managing an iconic Montreal institution.
People
Cumin, coriander and a sense of community
PhD student and community organizer Leonora Indira King, MSc’17, is the driving force behind the Parc-Ex Curry Collective, an initiative that provides non-status immigrant women with an empowering opportunity to benefit from their culinary skills.