‘May the force be with you!’ Jonathan Wener steps down as chancellor after a decade of noble service
As chancellor, the visionary builder and philanthropist presented over 40,000 alumni with their diplomas at convocations
Jonathan Wener Concludes Second Term as Concordia Chancellor, Leaving a Lasting Legacy
Jonathan Wener's commitment to Concordia University is unparalleled. After a decade of dedicated service, Wener, a graduate and long-time benefactor, has completed his second term as the university’s chancellor.
President Graham Carr expressed deep gratitude, stating, “For literally decades, Jon has been an extraordinary ambassador for Concordia. He’s been a tireless champion for the university and for the crucial role education plays in society. His generosity with time, knowledge, energy, and philanthropy has been invaluable, and we are extremely grateful.”
Wener, who earned his Bachelor of Commerce degree in 1971 from Sir George Williams University—one of Concordia’s founding institutions—has been a steadfast supporter of the university. His involvement dates back to 1995, when he joined the university’s Board of Governors, where he played key roles as vice-chair and chair of the Real Estate Planning Committee. It was in this capacity that Wener helped advance the university’s ambitious vision to expand its Loyola and Sir George Williams campuses.
In 2012, he was appointed deputy chancellor, alongside the late L. Jaques Ménard, and by 2015, Wener became Concordia’s chancellor. He was also named a Great Concordian in 2014.
A visionary entrepreneur and chairman of Canderel, the real-estate development firm he founded in 1975, Wener has been instrumental in transforming Concordia’s campuses over the past 15 years, with the development of new buildings and modernized facilities. This transformation has helped position Concordia as a leading, next-generation university in Canada.
Reflecting on his journey, Wener said, “It’s been an honour to serve Concordia. It’s where my most passionate and benevolent work happens. I’ve always been grateful for the start my university gave me in my career—and as the place where I met my wife Susan on her first day at Concordia!”
In 2017, to mark Montreal’s 375th and Canada’s 150th anniversaries, the Weners made a significant donation, gifting a kinetic sculpture titled Di Octo by artist Anthony Howe, placed outside the Henry F. Hall Building on Mackay Street.
Wener also played a key role in Concordia’s Campaign for Concordia: Next-Gen Now, the university’s largest-ever fundraising effort, providing the lead gift to inspire others to contribute. The Weners donated $10 million to establish the Jonathan Wener Centre for Real Estate at the John Molson School of Business, in addition to supporting student bursaries and scholarships. Wener also served as an honorary chair for the campaign.
Helen Antoniou, chair of the Board of Governors, praised Wener’s forward-thinking approach, stating, “What I appreciate about Jon is how forward-thinking he is. He is always planning for future generations. His leadership and contributions to Concordia have been very inspiring. He shows gratitude for the start Concordia gave him and does so regularly.”
Incoming chancellor Gina Cody, whose term begins on January 1, 2025, expressed her admiration for Wener’s impact, saying, “Jonathan’s leadership, vision, and unwavering dedication have shaped the future of Concordia in remarkable ways. As a community, we owe Jonathan tremendous gratitude for his contributions and the lasting legacy he helped Concordia build.”
Wener’s exceptional leadership has been recognized over the years with numerous honors, including being named a member of the Order of Canada in 2003 and receiving the Order of Montreal in 2018.
On November 6, the Weners were celebrated by friends, alumni, and donors at a special event. Hosted by Cody, the event featured a fireside chat with Antoniou, honoring Wener’s extraordinary contributions to the university.
