Take it from David Davidovic: today’s McGill students are a force to be reckoned with. “I’m happy I’m not competing with them, because they are absolutely impressive,” says Davidovic, BSc’79, MBA’88.
And he would know. Although he’s currently living in California, the two-time McGill graduate maintains strong ties to the University. He serves as an advisor for the Dobson Centre for Entrepreneurship, a founding member of M-GEN (the McGill Global Tech and Innovation Group), and on McGill’s Regional Advisory Board for the U.S. West Coast.
“I am blown away by the success, creativity and leadership of my fellow west coast McGill graduates,” says Davidovic. “In retrospect, McGill prepared me well for the great career I’ve had. I feel an immense sense of gratitude towards the University.”
David Davidovic says his path to McGill was simply “serendipity.” Originally from Ecuador, his older brother happened to be working in Canada and suggested he apply to its universities. “There was so little planning; it simply happened, and I am extremely thankful for it. My McGill experience was fantastic.”
McGill prepared me well. I feel an immense sense of gratitude.”
He remembers attending lectures led by prominent pain researcher Ronald Melzack, neuropsychologist Brenda Milner, respiratory physiologist Joseph Milic-Emili, nephrologist John Seely, and management expert Henry Mintzberg. “Those are just some of the names I can recall. You don’t realize how important they are until later on, and it’s mind-blowing in retrospect.”
Davidovic went on to earn an MBA from the Desautels Faculty of Management and climb the ranks in the pharmaceutical industry. He retired as a vice-president at Roche and Genentech and still works as a consultant and advisor, including pro-bono work with McGill and other organizations. “I’ve learned a lot over the years, and there’s satisfaction in passing it on to others.”
In addition to his volunteering, he’s also a McGill donor. He’s pledged a legacy gift – a gift in his will – to the University, and serves as a Planned Giving Ambassador. His legacy gift will support financial aid, helping students who would not otherwise be able to access a quality education.
“Not only was my experience at McGill amazing, but it was also a huge bargain given its costs relative to other universities. Now I have the opportunity to support others, and I have no qualms about giving back any way I can.”
He encourages his fellow alumni to maintain their ties to McGill, and to support it if they have the means to do so. “Some may be able to assist financially, and I hope they do. For others, participating in local alumni events or serving as a mentor can make all the difference. Your connection to McGill doesn’t end the day you graduate.”