Concordia University’s School of Canadian Irish Studies is receiving $1 million to go toward new student scholarships, the university announced on Wednesday.
The new Brian O’Neill Gallery Scholarship Fund, funded by the Canadian Irish Studies Foundation, will provide nearly $50,000 annually in support of 20 student awards.
A Concordia graduate and former mayor of Westmount, Gallery co-founded the Canadian Irish Studies Foundation in 1995 with the goal of supporting the study of Irish history and culture.
“Brian is a force of nature,” Concordia president Alan Shepard said in a statement. “Over two decades, he propelled Concordia’s Irish Studies program to the forefront in North America in terms of creating new opportunities, celebrating the past and creating the future. This new scholarship will recognize his impact for generations to come.”
