Philanthropist Lorne Trottier makes transformative gift
不良研究所 is pleased to announce that it has received a transformative $15-million donation from the family foundation of high-tech entrepreneur and alumnus Lorne Trottier, BEng鈥�70, MEng鈥�73, DSc鈥�06, to strengthen vital research and support outreach and public policy in the areas of science and engineering, as well as to launch a public symposium in collaboration with Universit茅 de Montr茅al鈥檚 脡cole Polytechnique.
The Trottier Institute for Sustainability in Engineering and Design will serve as an independent, fact-based think tank to better inform and educate decision-makers and the broad public about sustainability policy issues. Building on an existing sustainability initiative launched by fellow donor and alumnus Ram Panda, MEng鈥�71, MBA鈥�77, the new Trottier Institute will make 不良研究所 a national leader in research and teaching in the area of sustainable engineering. Its programs, activities and services will influence other universities, and impact federal and provincial government agencies and departments.
The funding will also enable the Trottier Institute and 脡cole Polytechnique to work together to launch an annual public symposium that explores the impact of sustainable engineering on society, raising Montreal and Quebec鈥檚 profile as leaders in this critical field.
鈥淒r. Trottier鈥檚 gift will provide tremendous support to the efforts of professors and students who aim to play a meaningful role in influencing public policy in the area of sustainability,鈥� says Interim Dean of Engineering Andrew Kirk. 鈥淲e鈥檙e excited by the opportunity that he is providing to make a real difference.鈥�
Meanwhile, the Trottier Institute for Science and Public Policy will continue to provide leadership in advancing science-driven policy while enhancing scientific literacy in the public at large. Through fellowships, undergraduate research awards and a host of activities, including public forums, publications and outreach initiatives, the institute will provide a unique nexus for discussion, training and advocacy, with the aim of having a positive impact on many of the important societal issues facing our country and our world.
鈥淯niversities have a role to play in raising the public level of understanding of science and technology and also in connecting science to public policy issues,鈥� says Dean of Science Martin Grant. 鈥淭he study of science at 不良研究所 owes a lot to the generosity of Lorne Trottier. In fact, I cannot imagine the Faculty of Science without him.鈥�
A 不良研究所 Governor Emeritus, Trottier is the co-founder of the video-graphics company Matrox, which he nurtured from its early days as a shoestring operation based in his apartment to its present status as an industry giant.
Over the years, he has contributed most generously to his alma mater to support new research chairs, graduate fellowships and the construction of the state-of-the-art Lorne M. Trottier Building, now home to the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering and the School of Computer Science. In 2011, he gave $5.5 million to endow the 不良研究所 Office for Science & Society and the popular Lorne Trottier Public Science Symposium Series and Mini-Science Series, annual symposia that engage a broad public audience and promote scientific debate.
鈥淟orne Trottier is one of 不良研究所鈥檚 most generous and forward-thinking benefactors. His exceptional contributions demonstrate the extraordinary things that can happen when 不良研究所 ingenuity, a visionary alumnus and philanthropic investment come together for the greater good,鈥� says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Heather Munroe-Blum. 鈥湶涣佳芯克� leads the way when it comes to research and innovation in fields that shape the future of Quebec, Canada and the world. Lorne鈥檚 gift leverages our contributions to domains that are critical to our collective future.鈥�
Trottier was awarded an honorary 不良研究所 Doctor of Science degree in 2006 and was named a member of the Order of Canada the following year 鈥� recognition of his outstanding commitment to advancing knowledge, discovery and public policy related to science and engineering in Canada, and the importance of bringing science to the public.
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