$1.5 million raised for McGill, Hebrew University collaborations
At a gala awards ceremony Monday night, the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University and Ď㽶ĘÓƵ announced that more than $1.5 million has been raised so far in support of joint academic projects between McGill and Hebrew University. The event paid tribute to McGill Principal and Vice-Chancellor Heather Munroe-Blum, who received the prestigious Scopus Award from the Canadian Friends organization.
“I am truly honoured to have been recognized in this meaningful way by the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University,” Prof. Munroe-Blum said. “McGill’s internationalism and expanding network of global collaborations are accomplishments of which I am particularly proud, and our landmark research, teaching and student exchange projects with Hebrew University are a signature example of the profound contributions universities can make when we join forces and share strengths. Moreover, we and our colleagues at Hebrew University are most grateful for the outstanding generosity of donors who have supported these collaborations.”
Funds raised through the event will support collaborative projects between McGill and Hebrew University in four areas: medicine and epigenetics; human-rights law; international business; and food safety and water management. The projects include joint research initiatives, student and faculty exchanges between the two universities, and summer programs alternating between the two institutions. The fundraising effort is a part of Campaign McGill, which is raising $750 million to support the university’s top academic priorities.
“Heather Munroe-Blum was the perfect choice for the Scopus Award, and we bestowed it upon her with gratitude and pleasure,” said Monette Malewski, President of the Montreal Chapter of the Canadian Friends of Hebrew University. “Her work in strengthening ties between Canada and Israel, and between McGill and Hebrew University – our nations’ leading scholarly institutions – has been exemplary. The funds we have raised so far will ensure that our two great universities can continue to build bridges across borders, and can contribute to making innovative discoveries and nurturing a new generation of engaged global citizens.”
The Scopus Award is the highest honour that can be granted by a Friends organization, and recognizes individuals or associations who have excelled in their respective fields and whose humanitarian endeavors and outstanding commitment contributed to the betterment of society.