In Memoriam
Nahum Gelber, CM, KC, BCL’57
The Faculty of Law mourns the passing of Nahum Gelber, CM, KC, BCL’57, a distinguished alumnus and cherished friend of our community. Mr. Gelber’s visionary philanthropy made possible the creation of the Nahum Gelber Law Library, inaugurated in 1998. This state-of-the-art facility has since become a cornerstone of legal scholarship at McGill, offering students a bright, open, and welcoming space for study and reflection. More than three decades later, the Gelber Library remains a beloved and vital part of campus life.
In 2019, Mr. Gelber was appointed to the Order of Canada, the country’s highest civilian honour, in recognition of his extraordinary contributions to philanthropy. His citation celebrated his enduring support for the visual arts, education, and numerous not-for-profit organizations.
His generosity and foresight have left an indelible mark on our Faculty and continue to enrich the academic journeys of students and scholars alike. We extend our deepest condolences to his family and loved ones.
The Hon. Ken Dryden, PC, OC, LLB’73, LLD’18
As a law student and professional athlete in the 1970s, Ken Dryden was a trailblazer, famously presenting our then-dean, the late John W. Durnford, with a unique challenge: 'How do we accommodate a student who’s playing in the Stanley Cup Final during law exams?'
The beloved goaltender of the Montreal Canadiens helped the team win six Stanley Cups and was awarded five Vezina Trophies as the league’s outstanding goaltender. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 1983. His contributions to hockey extend beyond the ice to roles as team president, commentator, analyst and best-selling author.
Hockey was followed by a distinguished career in public service, initially as Ontario’s first Youth Commissioner and later as a Liberal Member of Parliament, where he served as Canada’s Minister of Social Development.
“Whether donning the iconic bleu-blanc-rouge or serving in Canadian public life, Ken Dryden embodied the ideal of dedicating oneself to something greater – be it a team, a sport, community, or justice,” said Dean Tina Piper. “His commitment to excellence, service and connection set a shining example for generations of law students. His legacy will continue to inspire us all.”
Read more about his illustrious career and legacy in the McGill Reporter.
Alumni in the news
Helen Antoniou, BCL’92, LLB’92, a discuté leadership, héritage et valeurs dans le monde des affaires avec le professeur Karl Moore, dans Les Affaires. « Quand on agit en croyant que ce n’est pas seulement pour soi, mais pour quelque chose de plus grand, on ressent une grande liberté — celle d’agir avec courage et détermination », explique-t-elle avoir appris d’Eric Molson, président de Molson de 1988 à 2010. Poursuivre la lecture
Maria Rita Battaglia, Ad E, BCL’89, LLB’89, et Paul John Murdoch, BCL’99, LLB’99, ont reçu le Mérite du Barreau. Me Battaglia a reçu le Mérite du Barreau pour son engagement et son leadership dans l’exercice de sa profession et pour sa participation significative au développement en droit de la famille. Fondateur du cabinet Murdoch Rodrigue Archambault Avocats dans la municipalité crie de Wemindji, Me Murdoch a reçu le Mérite Justice autochtone. Poursuivre la lecture
Brian Bronfman, CM, QC, LLB’91, BCL’91, was appointed to the Order of Canada. Trained as a mediator, Brian Bronfman is a unifier committed to creating a more just and harmonious society, primarily by strengthening the field of peace. Through both his family foundation and the charitable organization he co-founded, the Peace Network for Social Harmony, he focuses on diversity, inclusion, violence prevention, equity and peace-building as the essential elements for achieving a more peaceful and inclusive society.
The Honourable L. Yves Fortier, PC, CC, OQ, BCL’58, LLD’05, received the McGill Alumni Association’s highest honour, the Award of Merit. Discover his impressive journey, from the front cover of Allô Police to becoming one of the world’s foremost international arbitrators.
L’Hon. Bruno Guillot-Hurtubise, BCL’95, LLB’95, a été nommé juge à la Cour supérieure du Québec. Reconnu pour son expertise en droit familial, le juge Guillot-Hurtubise coordonnait auparavant le Service de recherche de la Cour supérieure du Québec et il y a joué un rôle clé dans le développement professionnel des jeunes juristes recherchistes.
Jacques Parisien, CM, BCL’75, was appointed a member of the Order of Canada. Jacques Parisien worked in communications for over 40 years. He helped steer the growth of Astral Media’s radio division, positioning the company as one of the largest media enterprises in Canada. A dedicated philanthropist, he has supported several cultural, educational and community organizations, including the Montreal Museum of Fine Arts and the Pointe-à-Callière Museum.
Laurence Ricard, BCL/LLB’13, DCL’24, a reçu le prestigieux 2025 Dissertation Award de la Northeastern Association of Graduate Schools. Après avoir complété son doctorat à la Faculté de droit de McGill, Laurence Ricard a fait un séjour postdoctoral à la Chaire Antoine-Turmel sur la protection des aînés de l'Université Laval. Elle est chercheure postdoctorale à la faculté de droit de l'Université de Sherbrooke, où elle mène une recherche sur la conscience du droit et la pédiatrie de la maltraitance. Elle est aussi professeure à temps partiel sur une nomination à long terme à la faculté de droit de l'Université d'Ottawa.
The Hon. Rachel Elizabeth Young, LLB’97, BCL’97, was appointed to the Ontario Court of Justice. Read about her appointment
570 000$ pour l’accès à la justice
En 2024, grâce à l’engagement pro bono de Me Vincent Ranger, BCL/LLB’12, 19 familles montréalaises ont obtenu un dédommagement de 7,2 millions de dollars après avoir été victimes de harcèlement et d’abus de la part d’un propriétaire d’immeuble. Pendant six ans, Me Ranger a mené cette bataille juridique sans rémunération, redonnant espoir à des familles épuisées par le système.
En signe de reconnaissance, les familles ont choisi de remettre 570 000 $ au Collectif juridique — une clinique communautaire qui avait initialement mis Me Ranger en contact avec les victimes. Ce don, le plus important de l’histoire du Collectif, permettra d’élargir l’accès aux services juridiques gratuits pour les citoyens en situation précaire.
Lire l’article complet dans La Presse
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