Montreal
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.
On Campus
Snapshots from the past
McGill is marking its 200th year, but this isn’t the first time that the University has celebrated a milestone anniversary. We take a look at what life was like for previous generations of McGillians during other significant anniversary years.
People
Planning for Pride’s post-pandemic future
As the new executive director of Montreal Pride, Simon Gamache, BMus’02, MMus’05, will have a major say about what the future holds for one of Montreal’s signature events as it emerges from two years of pandemic restrictions.
Society
Fighting the good fight
In tough times, many Montrealers have turned to organizations like Centraide, Chez Doris, Moisson Montréal and the Old Brewery Mission for invaluable support. Meet the McGillians who lead some of the city's most important charitable organizations.
People
Honouring the woman who saved Old Montreal
If you have ever enjoyed a stroll through Old Montreal, you owe Blanche Lemco van Ginkel, BArch’45, DSc’14, a debt of thanks. One of the driving forces behind Expo 67, she was the recent recipient of Canada's top prize for career achievements in architecture.
People
Taking her game to a whole new level
As one of the driving forces behind Assassin’s Creed, Jade Raymond, BSc’98, helped establish Montreal as a major player in the world of gaming. Now, she is leading the charge as Google shakes up the video game industry with a bold new foray into cloud-based gaming.