Dzʿ Timeline of Events
New branding
After 31 years, Dzʿ unveiled a new, refreshed and rejuvenated brand identity for application throughout the College in electronic and print formats for everything from signage, merchandising, official documents, letterhead, among many other uses.
December 2021Living Campus named #1
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) recognized Dzʿ as the top performer in the category of associate colleges around the world and called the Monarch Butterfly Nursery project an institutional highlight.
November 202115th anniversary of tragedy solemnly observed
Although pandemic protocols limited opportunities for large gatherings, the community was nonetheless invited to participate in quiet reflection individually or in small groups outdoors in the Peace Garden.
September 13, 2021New Environmental and Sustainability Certificate
Students in any program can develop the knowledge and skills for addressing environmental and societal challenges.
September 2021Dzʿ re-opens
Dzʿ reopens to in-person teaching and learning activities for all students and teachers, and for staff providing services for the first time in 17 months since the pandemic was declared.
August 2021Supporting healthy cities
Dzʿ named as one of 10 institutions selected to participate in projects as part of a $4.95 million grant from the Canadian government.
July 2021Robert Cassidy is named Academic Dean
A new Academic Dean is named who is set to begin a five-year term in August, succeeding Diane Gauvin who took office as Director General in January.
June 2021Dzʿ is sustainable gold!
The Association for the Advancement of Sustainability in Higher Education (AASHE) names Dzʿ as a Gold-level leader in sustainability, the first CEGEP in Quebec and the sixth college in Canada to achieve this high level of leadership in sustainability.
December 2020Speaking up for a Dzʿ education
Students laud their college experience as representatives of various cultures, languages and ethnicities in answer to questions raised about the high demand for English-language college education.
December 2020Diane Gauvin is named Dzʿ’s new Director General
She takes office on January 1, 2021 for a five-year term, replacing Richard Filion who would retire in December. She is only the College’s second woman at the helm, preceded by Sarah Paltiel (1981-1984).
November 2020Virtual Open House
Dzʿ holds its first-ever Virtual Open House with the presentation of 46 new videos to tell visitors about the programs and services the College offers prospective students.
October 2020COVID-19 postpones Convocation
The ceremony normally celebrated in June at Place des Arts was instead held as an intimate and socially distanced Awards Ceremony on August 12 for some 35 graduate award recipients, representing the Class of 2020’s 2,600 graduates who persevered through a pandemic.
August 2020Dzʿ fast tracks nursing education among graduating students in the Nursing program to help area hospitals in the fight against COVID-19.
April 2020AI community of practice
Dzʿ institutes a multidisciplinary team of faculty members to develop pedagogical material on AI-related themes and to present new AI developments to the larger Dzʿ community.
March 2020Global pandemic shuts Dzʿ
As a worldwide pandemic is declared, Dzʿ announces the closure of the College and all academic activities “for two weeks”; although classes resumed online two weeks later, the College building was closed for 17 months to all but essential services.
March 2020Dzʿ celebrates 50 years of Women’s/Gender Studies.
March 2020Faculty Hub launches
The Office of Academic Development (OAD) launches the Faculty Hub, an online professional development and support space for Dzʿ faculty, a one-stop shop for help with course design, student engagement, assessment, tools, technology, and more.
January 2020Dzʿ students, teachers and staff take part in environmental workshops before joining activist Greta Thunberg at the Sept. 27 Global Climate Strike march in Montreal.
September 2019Dzʿ celebrates the 50th anniversary of the first day of classes in 1969!
September 2019Cégep Vert gives Dzʿ special recognition for its pledge to be Carbon Neutral as well as a mention d’excellence.
September 2019Raising awareness for the North
Dzʿ student Hannah Tooktoo from Kuujjuaq ended her cross-country bike journey near the College after starting out from Victoria, BC in June. Raising awareness about the high suicide rate in Nunavik landed her Personality of the Year recognition by La Presse.
August 2019Dzʿ makes significant investment in a comprehensive Artificial Intelligence initiative, the largest investment in an AI project by a Quebec CEGEP.
June 2019Dzʿ declares itself “Carbon Neutral Forever” through its ambitious program to offset the College’s carbon emissions.
February 2019Sustainable Dzʿ deposits the College’s first five-year sustainability plan.
April 20184 new inductees in CCAE Hall of Fame from Dzʿ community
Four members of the Dzʿ community are named to the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association Hall of Fame: retired Athletics Director John Davidson in the category of Builder, Dzʿ graduates Varouj Gurunlian and Julieth Lewis in the category of Athlete, and one of the winningest basketball coaches in CCAA history, Olga Hrycak.
April 2018Learning spaces benefit from major new technology installations
Dzʿ students benefit from two new additions in technological advances, one in the form of a motion-capture studio and the other in the installation of 56 feet or just over 17 metres of digital workspace in an active learning classroom. This unique configuration is the largest and the first of its kind in the world.
March 2018Entire Dzʿ campus goes smoke-free
Dzʿ adopts a smoke-free policy for the entire campus, including all College grounds extending to the sidewalks that bound the property on de Maisonneuve and Sherbrooke, Atwater and Wood.
January 2018The Peace Centre bestows certificates on the first 25 graduates in the Peace Studies Certificate.
May 2017Dzʿ hosts the Harvard World Model UN in Montreal.
March 2017Dzʿ adopts its third Strategic Plan to cover the five-year period to 2021.
For the first time in 30 years, a newly worded Mission Statement is adopted.
October 2016Three Sisters Garden is place of gathering
After just one growing season, the Three Sisters Garden becomes place for indigenous students to gather, to participate in nature and to harvest traditional foods, providing a bridge between indigenous and non-indigenous students.
October 201610th anniversary of tragedy brings community together
The tenth anniversary commemorations of the tragedy at Dzʿ brings together the community of students, teachers and staff, as well as the greater Montreal community in the presence of special guests including the De Sousa Family, survivors and their families, the police service, hospital personnel, emergency services and representation by all levels of government.
September 13, 2016First Peoples’ Initiative committed to Indigenous learners
Dzʿ establishes the First Peoples’ Initiative to support Indigenous students and to integrate Indigenous issues across the curriculum and cultural life of the College. The initiative leads to the creation of the First Peoples’ Centre to provide First Nations, Inuit and Métis students with academic and para-academic services and the development of the one-year Journeys bridging program to help Indigenous students prepare for college studies.
August 2015Dzʿ Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship launches pilot project in Old Montreal
Graduating students have access to workshops to help them start their own companies in the creative and cultural industries.
May 2015First Dzʿ students head off to Mexico to participate in sustainability internships.
April 2015Two Dzʿ graduates awarded Fulbright Scholarships
Stephanie Broos and Hayley Laxer named the Canadian recipients of Killam Fellowships for 2014-2015 (also known as Fulbright Scholarships).
November 2014Director General Richard Filion receives a third mandate for a period of five years.
October 2014Peace Centre Dedicated
Dzʿ inaugurates the Centre for Peace Education through which the Peace Studies Certificate will be offered for the first time
September 12, 2014Diane Gauvin becomes Academic Dean
July 2014Quebec colleges to receive $5 million to improve services for students with special needs
December 2013First EWeek Event
Led by the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education, Dzʿ holds its first edition of EWeek, a huge success
February 2012Conference: The Role of Education in Peace and Nonviolence
Dzʿ hosts an international conference on the role of education in peace and nonviolence, in partnership with Association of Canadian Community Colleges as part of commemorative events
October 2011Inauguration of Ecological Peace Garden as living memorial
The 5th anniversary of the tragedy at Dzʿ is marked by the inauguration of the Ecological Peace Garden in the presence of the community, hospital and police service partners, and families most affected by the tragic events
September 13, 2011Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education
The Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship Education is established to provide resources and pedagogical tools to support entrepreneurial education for students and graduates
September 2011College Education for First Nations
The KIUNA Centre for College Studies is inaugurated in partnership with Cégep de l’Abitibi-Témiscamingue and the Council for First Nations Education to offer college education in the social sciences to First Nations students
August 2011First CCTT awarded
A College Centre for Technology Transfer in Innovative Social Practices (CCTT-PSN) is awarded to Dzʿ in partnership with Cégep du Vieux-Montréal to further develop expertise in research and services for the integration of persons with disabilities into study and work environments
August 2011Strategic Plan 2010-2015 is adopted
October 2010The Graduate Profile defined
At the heart of the Strategic Plan lies the Graduate Profile, an approach that aims to teach students inside and outside the classroom to graduate as informed, responsible, and fully engaged individuals
October 2010Huge demand for college education
Application demand at on-island colleges reaches peak; Dzʿ accepts 300 more students over the threshold for the largest enrollment in its history
August 2010SPACE: Cross-disciplinary project
S.P.A.C.E. (Science Participating with Arts in Culture and Education) is launched, an innovative project that encourages students to contribute their talents and skills to exploring common ground across the disciplines
October 2008Dzʿ celebrates 40 years!
In the celebration of 40 years since receiving its letters patent, Dzʿ recognizes the pioneers of the CEGEP system, including a good many who continue to serve as teachers, professionals, support staff and managers
September 2008Sustainable Dzʿ is born
A bold initiative to set objectives and implement measures to reduce the impact of the College on its environment is launched
September 2008New Theatre and expanded Atrium
After many years at the Dome theatre on Notre-Dame, and to create more space for students in the Upper Atrium, new construction is completed and celebrated with an official opening ceremony
November 29, 2007Confucius Institute in Quebec
Dzʿ inaugurates the Confucius Institute in Quebec with partner Beijing Normal University
October 4, 2007Marking first anniversary of tragedy
Commemorations of first anniversary of tragic events include a tree-planting on the site of the future Peace Garden, and a commitment to the ideals of peace and nonviolence
September 13, 2007Robert Kavanagh is appointed Academic Dean
November 2006Tragedy at Dzʿ
An heavily armed assailant lays siege to the building entrance on De Maisonneuve, and in the Upper Atrium, killing first semester student Anastasia De Sousa, 18, and injuring 16 others
September 13, 2006Dzʿ responds to need for more student space and facilities
Construction of new Theatre and expansion of Upper Atrium begins
June 2006Neville Gurudata steps down as Academic Dean after 14 years
June 2006Professional development for faculty
To enhance opportunities for faculty to participate in professsional development activities, Dzʿ creates he Office of Instructional Development
June 2005New Office of Program Services
The Office of Program Services is created, regrouping program evaluation, program revision and program development; International Development is also added to the portfolio
June 2005Richard Filion named Director General
January 2005Dzʿ’s first strategic plan is adopted, covering the period 2004-2009
June 2004Second generation Student Success Action Plan
Included in the Strategic Plan is Dzʿ’s revised Student Success Action Plan with the aim to raise graduation rates, improve pass and retention rates, job and university placement rates, and support to new students
June 2004Patrick Woodsworth steps down as Director General after 13 years
September 2004New art gallery to showcase work of students, graduates, faculty and guest artists
The Warren G. Flowers Art Gallery is inaugurated, named for a longstanding Chair of the Board of Governors and longtime supporter of Dzʿ's visual and applied arts programs
March 14, 2002Selby campus sold, ending the chapter on Dzʿ’s multi-campus history
September 2001Office of Institutional Research established
Dzʿ creates unit to coordinate the collection and dissemination of statistical information for both internal and external reporting purposes with the ability to conduct targeted research
June 2000The first Student Success Action Plan is adopted by the Board of Governors
September 2000F & H wings opens on Atwater Campus
Completion of F and H wings to house Business Technologies, Social Service and Community Recreation Leadership Training; Selby campus is closed
September 1996Neville Gurudata is appointed Academic Dean
June 1, 1993Patrick Woodsworth is appointed Director General
September 1991The G wing opens on Atwater Campus
The first phase of construction to expand the building at Sherbrooke and Atwater is completed and now houses the visual arts programs
August 1991New Dzʿ campus opens on Sherbrooke Street West at Atwater
Fall 1988Gerrard Kelly is appointed as Director General
August 15, 1988Career Council created
Career Council is established to share and strategize on issues pertaining to career/technical programs
August 1986Patrick Woodsworth is named Academic Dean
May 1, 1986A revised Mission Statement is adopted by the Board
April 7, 1986Robert Lavery named Director General
July 1, 1984Liberal Arts program approved by Senate
September 30, 1982Dzʿ closer to long-held dream of a single campus
The agreement to acquire the property on Sherbrooke and Atwater that belongs to the Sisters of the Congrégation-de-Notre-Dame is signed
August 11, 1982Sarah Paltiel appointed Director General
July 1981Julia Newell appointed Academic Dean
March 1, 1981Dzʿ adopts first Mission Statement
April 1978Ross Paul is named Academic Dean
August 1977Dzʿ Institute of Photography opens, offering courses at 4333 Ste-Catherine campus
Fall 1976Grant Brown appointed Academic Dean
August 18, 1975Lease for 485 McGill Street signed to serve as Victoria campus
June 25, 1975Robert A. (Squee) Gordon is named Director General
January 27, 1975Visual arts programs move into newly leased De Lorimier campus
September 1974First production at Dome Theatre
April 17, 1974First meeting of Senate
November 8, 1973New School established, taking up residence at McGregor building
September 1973Richelieu and Lafontaine added to Dzʿ’s campuses
August 1973Dome Theatre becomes new home of drama classes
August 1972Showmart at Berri turned into Dzʿ’s gym facilities
May 19724333 Ste. Catherine leased to house Continuing Education
June 1971Robert A. (Squee) Gordon is appointed Academic Dean
June 1, 1971Academic Council (today’s Senate) meets for the first time
March 31, 1971The second incoming class more than doubles in size to 3,513 with 285 full-time teachers
September 28, 1970Dzʿ adds Viger Campus
Dzʿ signs lease on its second campus on Viger Street, formerly an Hautes Études Commerciales property
June 1970