2014-2015 was a landmark year for the James McGill Society. On November 17th Members adopted a constitution that included giving up annual Membership fees in favour of annual donations.
Facilitating these developments was administrative cooperation and partnership with Martlet House’s Development Office, whereby the Society became a McGill Interest Group. With these innovations, the Society has restructured itself to face the future. Special thanks are due to past presidents Tom Thompson, who provided invaluable assistance in arrangements with the Development Office, and Susan Button who has provided loyal service to the Society since its founding forty years ago in 1975.
The Executive Committee also created the annual James McGill Society Recognition, for an outstanding McGill undergraduate paper on a McGill topic, or on a topic making use of McGill’s Heritage Resources. A committee composed of Professor Jarrett Rudy (History Department) and Mr. Gordon Burr (Past President; University Archives) recommended that the prize for 2015 be awarded to Ms. Tess Elsworthy for “An Undemocratic Blot” on Japanese Internment. Ms. Elsworthy will be invited to a meeting of the Society in the fall to receive recognition and $100.00, and to speak briefly on her project.
Members will be pleased to hear that the Society’s Patron, Principal Suzanne Fortier, will launch the Society’s 2015-16 program on October 6, James McGill’s birthday.
The proposed talks for the coming year – 2015/16 - are:
Tuesday, October 6, 2015: Founder’s Day - Principal Suzanne Fortier, An informal question/answer session. 170th meeting. Annual Stanley Frost Lecture. McGill Faculty Club Ballroom.
Monday, November 9, 2015: Prof. Lawrence Mysak on “Hockey Sticks, Outdoor Rinks and Climate Change”. 171st meeting.
Winter, 2016: Dr. Jonathan Meakins on saving the artefacts of Royal Victoria Hospital. 172nd Meeting
Spring, 2016: Maysie MacSporran Annual Lecture. To Be Announced - 173rd meeting.
Last year, the Society was honored by these excellent and well-attended presentations:
- Monday, October 6, 2014, Prof. Peter F. McNally “McGill University and Quebec City, 1960-2002.” Annual Stanley Frost Lecture. 166th Meeting (Faculty Club, Main Dining Room).
- Monday, November 17, 2014, Prof. Desmond Morton “How McGill Won the Great War!” 167th Meeting (Otto Maass Chemistry Building, Room 10) Joint meeting with Sigma Xi McGill-Montreal Chapter.
- Monday February 9, 2015, Ingrid Birker “Women in Science at McGill” Maysie MacSporran Annual Lecture. 168th Meeting (Redpath Museum Auditorium) Joint meeting with Sigma Xi McGill-Montreal Chapter.
- Monday, April 27, 2015, Theresa Rowat “Canada’s Archival Heritage, the University and You: an Archivist’s Perspective” Presidential Address. 169th Meeting (Faculty Club, Main Dining Room).
The Society notes the passing this year of Professor Emeritus Gerald Farnell, former Dean of Engineering; Robert Stevenson, former Dean of Students; and Douglas Bourke, a Governor Emeritus of the University.
Members will be pleased to hear that a former President of the Society, Prof. David Covo, was granted the title of Profesor Honoris Causa by Ion Mincu University of Architecture and Urbanism (UAUIM) in Bucharest, Romania, on March 6, 2015, for “his exemplary professional and teaching career, for his significant achievements that make him a real professional model internationally, as a sign of recognition for all these outstanding activities and our appreciation for his work and support given to our university”
At the Society’s Annual General Meeting, preceding the October Meeting, Council will bring forward its nominee for president, Professor Jarrett Rudy, Department of History and Classical Studies. Professor Rudy has been a member of Council for many years, and has spoken before the Society. On behalf of Council and the Membership, I would like to extend our thanks and appreciation to Ms. Theresa Rowat, who has served as President during the past two years. Her leadership in developing and implementing the Society’s new structure was much appreciated. Council will also bring before the AGM, nominees for Council – two-year terms. A motion will be presented raising the annual donation, qualifying for Membership in the Society, from $20.00 to $25.00,
As we celebrate the 40th anniversary of the James McGill Society, l would like to express thanks and appreciation to the Executive Council, and Membership for their enthusiasm and continuing support. I look forward to seeing you at our meetings.
Respectfully submitted
Peter F. McNally
Executive Secretary