MONTREAL -- Philip Quintal will be retiring this fall after 38 years of dedicated service to McGill University. The news was announced to staff this week by Geoffrey Phillips, executive director of McGill Athletics and Recreation.

"It is with mixed emotions that I announce Phil's retirement," said Phillips. "I will miss the daily conversations with not only a colleague, but also a mentor and friend. He will be leaving our unit after an esteemed career, one that will have a lasting impact for years to come."

Quintal, a resident of the Town of Mt. Royal, Que., who was raised in St. Laurent, Que., earned an education degree from McGill in 1980 and began his full-time appointment at the University in 1983. Most recently, while serving as the unit's associate director, he twice stepped into the role of interim senior director of Athletics and Recreation, in 2015-16 and again in 2019-20.

"The McGill experience has been terrific and the continuous support provided by the University community was much appreciated," said Quintal, who kept active for many years as a member of the McGill squash club. "I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with a truly dedicated and professional staff and to interact with outstanding students and athletes. My wife Kim and I look forward to continue attending varsity events and cheering on the Martlets and Redbirds.  I also hope that there will still be a place for me in the lunch-time doubles squash group that gets together at the Currie gym."

One of Quintal's first responsibilities was to develop a children's summer sports program, which led to the opening of the McGill Sports Camp in 1984. He initially oversaw the instructional fitness program, which offered a variety of fitness and sports courses to students, staff, alumni and the general public. He went on to serve as campus recreation manager and for several years, also helped coach and supervise the varsity golf program.

"His commitment to McGill Athletics and Recreation has been unwavering throughout his tenure," added Phillips. "Our programs and services have flourished thanks to his support, encouragement and watchful eye. He was a fixture at many of our intercollegiate games and demonstrated a notable allegiance to our student-athletes, coaches and varsity programs. His wealth of institutional knowledge, but most of all, his unwavering dedication to making our unit the best it can be, will make his departure a difficult void to fill."

 

SOURCE:
Earl Zukerman
Communications Officer
Athletics & Recreation
McGill University
514-398-7012 (Tel.)
m.athletics.mcgill.ca (mobile website)
www.mcgillathletics.ca
earl.zukerman@mcgill.ca