29 October 2015

McGill Class of ...


I recently returned from a stimulating visit north of the border. The first destination was Dartmouth, Nova Scotia, where I was excited to see a sea change in Canadian politics with the drubbing of the entrenched Conservative part by the resurgent Liberal party. Regardless of your party preferences, there was no denying the drama of the massive redirection of voter sentiment.

But that was not the ultimate purpose of the trip. I was there to pick up a classmate, so we could drive to Montreal together for our McGill University Architecture School reunion.

Our class was small - just 30 people; but, oh, what a group! One of the activities was a show & tell by each attendee of our career paths, with requested visuals on a few A2-sized panels (only in Canada!). I felt totally outdone by the accomplishments of my mates.  Let me offer examples of what some have done:
  • Moved into construction management, to eventually oversee construction activities in the US embassy in Ottawa and Canadian embassies in Tajikistan and Kyrgystan.
  • Lived for 7 years near the Arctic Circle, later moving to Ottawa to become a sought-after paint and digital artist and a designer of transportation artwork installations.
  • Lead planning efforts in India, seeking ways to improve the minimal housing of millions of people in Calcutta and Delhi.
  • Joined the World Bank organization to lead efforts to fund and build subsistence housing for impoverished peoples of central Africa.
  • Founded a company to design and deliver software to manage infrastructure for governments around the globe, and moved to advising urban planning in Saudia Arabia.
  • Designed and built (yes - both!) a 21 story office building in Hong Kong, while refusing to succumb to the common practices of financial scullduggery.
  • Lead one of the largest Architectural firms in Canada, only to eventually be bought out by an even larger international AE firm.
  • Migrated to lighting design, now with a company selling across North America.
  • Became an Anglican priest and once Dean of the Cathedral in Montreal.
  • Became a professional photographer, and casting director and location scout for major movies.
  • Moved to business and real estate development with large inner city projects, some approaching $1B in total value.
This comes on the heels of two classmates being featured on PBS's Cool Spaces. I must admit, I felt totally outclassed. But, I'll accept that regret for the absolute joy of being part of a very elite group.

McGill, I hope we have done you proud.

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