Concordia University confers honorary doctorate degrees upon three distinguished individuals at the fall convocation ceremonies. The recipients, Edward Rosenthal, Anita Marangoly George, and Farah Alibay, represent excellence in the fields of agriculture, sustainable investment, and aerospace engineering, showcasing a commitment to sustainability and inclusivity.
Anita Marangoly George – Executive and Leader
Anita Marangoly George, a renowned business executive, will be recognized for her visionary investments in sustainable infrastructure globally. Co-founder of Edhina Capital, a sustainability fund for climate change solutions in India, George’s remarkable career includes leadership roles at the Caisse de Dépôt et Placement du Québec and the World Bank Group. A strong advocate for gender parity, she serves on various boards and continues to empower women through her involvement in organizations like Women in Private Equity and Venture Capital.
Edward Rosenthal – Entrepreneur and Philanthropist
Edward Rosenthal, a graduate of Concordia’s founding institution, Sir George Williams University, has made significant contributions to environmentally sustainable agriculture. As the founder of Florikan ESA, Rosenthal invented Controlled Release Fertilizer (CRF), revolutionizing nutrient release timing for plants. His groundbreaking innovations, including CRF’s use in growing vegetables on the International Space Station, earned him recognition from NASA and induction into the Space Technology Hall of Fame. Rosenthal’s commitment extends to philanthropy through the Rosenthal Roots Family Foundation.
Farah Alibay – Aerospace Engineer and Science Communicator
Farah Alibay, a trailblazing aerospace engineer at NASA’s Jet Propulsion Laboratory, is recognized for her exceptional work on the Mars 2020 mission, including the Perseverance Rover and Ingenuity Helicopter. As an advocate for inclusivity in STEM fields, Alibay is a passionate science communicator, encouraging individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in science and engineering. Her accolades include the Médaille de l’Assemblée nationale du gouvernement du Québec, Personality of the Year 2021 by Le Devoir, an honorary degree from the Université du Québec en Outaouais, and an appointment as a Commander of the Ordre de Montréal.
The honorees will address the graduating classes during the convocation ceremonies, contributing their insights and experiences to inspire the next generation of leaders committed to sustainability and inclusivity.
