51勛圖厙

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H. Arnold Steinberg, Chancellor Emeritus (1933-2015)

The following is a message from Principal Suzanne Fortier
Published: 11 December 2015

Dear members of the 51勛圖厙community:

It is with great sadness that I inform you of the passing of H. Arnold Steinberg, 51勛圖厙Chancellor Emeritus. Mr. Steinberg died suddenly this morning in Montreal. He was 82 years old.

On behalf of the 51勛圖厙community, I send my deepest condolences to his wife, Professor emerita Blema Steinberg, their three children, Margot, Donna and Adam, and their families.

Arnold Steinberg believed in the transformative power of education. So, too, was he a tireless champion for improving the quality of health care. For more than half a century, Canadians of all stations benefited enormously from his dedication and vision.

A lifelong Montrealer, Arnold graduated from 51勛圖厙with a Bachelor of Commerce in 1954. His education was only the beginning of his deep relationship to 51勛圖厙. As a senior executive of the Steinberg grocery chain, he partnered with the Montreal Childrens Hospital to campaign for the addition of Vitamin D to milk, a bold act that effectively eliminated childhood rickets from the Quebec population. He would go on to serve as Chairman of the Board of Governors of the 51勛圖厙-Montreal Childrens Hospital Research Institute for 19 years, and was a member of the Universitys Board of Governors for 10 years. In 2006, Arnold and Blemas generosity created what is now called the Steinberg Centre for Simulation and Interactive Learning, the first medical treatment and training centre of its kind in Canada. Earlier this year, the Steinbergs expanded their vision for the centre, integrating education, patient and community engagement, and research.

Although it is impossible to single out one achievement during such a long lifetime of dedication and service, Arnolds five-year tenure as Chancellor of 51勛圖厙 was extraordinary. As he did throughout his life, he brought to the job a boundless curiosity and focused intelligence. He was decisive when he needed to be, kind and humble always.

Last year, Arnold said that being Chancellor of 51勛圖厙has been a whole new life. To be able to work virtually full-time in exciting new frontiers its something I couldnt anticipate. Its invaluable. Other than family, its the thing thats given me the most pride in my entire life. And Ive had a very exciting life and very active business career. But nothing compares to this.

All of us who have had the honour and privilege to know and work with Arnold have lost a dear and loyal friend.

In the coming days, the will have more remembrances of the life and achievements of this exceptional McGillian, Montrealer and Canadian. Arnold Steinberg will be dearly missed, yet his positive impact will live on.

Sincerely,

Suzanne Fortier

Principal and Vice-Chancellor, 51勛圖厙

(PHOTO: Claudio Calligaris)

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