We are very pleased to honour a highly successful and supportive Albertan. Concordia University College of Alberta is proud to present its first Honorary Doctoral Degree in Divinity to Mr. Stephen Mandel.
Stephen Mandel
Doctor of Divinity (honoris causa)
Mr. Mandel鈥檚 commitment to Edmonton and its citizens accord fully with Concordia鈥檚 mandate and mission: he is an independent thinker, an ethical leader and a citizen for the common good. Stephen Mandel was born July 18, 1945, moving to Edmonton from Windsor, Ontario in 1972 after having received an Associate of Arts Degree from Lincoln College in Lincoln, Illinois, a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Miami University, and his Master鈥檚 in Political Science from the University of Windsor. In Edmonton Mr. Mandel became a successful businessman and entrepreneur; Edmonton also came to know him as one of its most personable and approachable mayors. During his tenure as mayor (2004-2013), Mr. Mandel鈥檚 dedication to improve the city鈥檚 image and reputation was always apparent. With a strong focus on the revitalization of Edmonton鈥檚 urban centre and public transportation, Mr. Mandel鈥檚 accomplishments have set a strong precedent for his successors. Nothing was just 鈥済ood enough鈥� in Edmonton under his leadership, as he sought excellence in every aspect of the city鈥檚 development. This included the arts, as Mr. Mandel, along with his wife Lynn, promoted the city鈥檚 arts and festival scene passionately. But he also has this same passion for this city鈥檚 educational institutions.
While Mayor, he repeatedly stated that 鈥淓dmonton鈥檚 post-secondary institutions are crucial to the city鈥檚 economy and identity.鈥� It remains his strong belief that our post-secondary institutions are an essential vehicle for creating and developing new leaders and the reputation of this city. He knows Concordia plays a major role in this quest.
It is therefore self-evident that, with his vocal sponsorship and continual presence at various Concordia events, Mr. Mandel has earned a permanent spot as a true Concordian. Concordia University College of Alberta is proud and feels blessed to call this dedicated leader and exceptional 鈥渃itizen for the common good鈥� an alumnus and 鈥淒octor鈥� of the university.