A legacy isn’t just about milestones and projects
On Tuesday, March 19, 2024, the full-time staff of the McMaster Students Union had our monthly staff meeting.
As staff joined in-person and virtually, we heard updates about the latest projects by current Board of Directors members, projects that departments were working on, and we started talking about transitions.
After 22 years as general manager of the MSU, John McGowan announced that he would be departing his role in the summer months. Staff members looked shocked, some looked emotional and some looked confused.
After the meeting, I started to wonder about the legacy that McGowan was leaving behind. I started thinking about the Board of Directors that he worked with, their priorities for the year and the milestone projects that McGowan was involved in.
I spoke to board members from 2002 to now, thinking that I would be writing a timeline article about John’s legacy through projects. After talking to about 20 past BoD members, I realized that his legacy was so much more than the projects he was involved in.
McGowan was hired as general manager of the MSU in February 2002 to succeed then general manager and now-McMaster University Student Centre Administrative Director, Lori Diamond. McGowan came fresh out of the general manager role at Ryesac, Ryerson University’s student union.
“I’m excited about coming to Hamilton to join the MSU on the McMaster campus,” said McGowan in a McMaster Daily News article from 2002. Little did McGowan know that McMaster would become is home for the next 22 years.
“Big John”, as he was referred to in order to distinguish himself from Vice-President (Administration), John “Little John” Selluski, inherited quite a few large projects right out of the gate.
Not only did he take on the mantle of representing about 14,000 full-time undergraduate students, but also took over the opening of a brand new building on campus, the McMaster University Student Centre. The opening of MUSC coincided with the moving of all MSU services from Hamilton Hall into the new building.
John Popham was the Vice-President (Administration) for the MSU in 2005 and president in 2006. He reflected on his presidential year and how McGowan was integral.
“Our attention focused on the well-being of our staff and students and to continue on with day to day operations. Not the sexiest legacy, but nonetheless John was a rock throughout, offering support to the BoD, staff, and students who needed him the most. Providing sage advice as a sounding board whenever we needed him, including after hours and weekends. If it weren’t for John, that year may have had a very different outcome,” said Popham.
Ryan Moran, 2006 VP (Admin) and 2007 president echoed Popham’s sentiments.
“[McGowan] never made anything about him, it was about how he helps you accomplish what you've set out to do. Upon first meeting John, the "oh sh*t" feeling of "what have I just taken on" when I was elected VP Admin melted away, as he was the steady hand that made us feel at ease,” said Moran.
Vishal Tiwari, VP (Education) and President from 2008-2010 spoke to McGowan’s support during challenges Tiwari endured during his year.
"John was a rock throughout, offering support to the BoD, staff, and students who needed him the most,” said Tiwari. “I think if I were to be in his shoes, I would not have the patience or tact to do his job. I think most would fail miserably. It takes a certain type to be able to keep the organization going from year to year.”
Past Board members looked back at their memories with McGowan fondly, and from conversations had with them, you can tell they saw John as an older brother figure. Popham recounted a memory of a BoD retreat to Niagara Falls that illustrated this.
“After a night of strategic planning at the bar, John ducked out early to get some shut eye while Ryan, Drew, and I, visited Clifton Hill. We managed to get a hold of some water guns from a tourist shop, went back to the hotel, busted open the room and opened fire on McGowan, raining down lukewarm hotel water. Needless to say, John took exception to this, shot out of bed with his fists at the ready, as if he were a hockey player about to scrap . . . when he got his wits about him and heard our belly laughs, he (in typical McGowan fashion), took a big gulp of air, told us that we got him good, and went back to bed,” said Popham.
As the McMaster Students Union journeyed through the dynamic and transformative 2010s, John McGowan emerged as a central figure in its evolution. Initially known as the "Big Brother" of the organization during the preceding decade, McGowan seamlessly transitioned into a role that transcended mere leadership, earning him endearing titles like the "dad" or "uncle" of the MSU. This coincided with McGowan embracing fatherhood himself, further solidifying his place as a mentor and guide within the MSU.
Reflecting on the early years of the decade, Joseph Finkle, VP (Education) in 2010, fondly reminisced about McGowan's unwavering enthusiasm and patience.
"About 98% of them were unfeasible, costly, or downright foolish but John enthusiastically listened to me, offered help, and kindly explained when something could or could not be done," said Finkle. This sentiment echoed throughout the following years, as McGowan's impact continued to resonate with those he interacted with.
Katie Ferguson, VP (Admin) in 2011, recalled her initial impressions of McGowan, noting not only his dedication to the MSU but also his commitment to his own family.
"My first impression of John was his beaming smile as he stood with his children in a place where he has left an extraordinary mark on the lives of countless student leaders," she remarked.
This intersection of personal and professional values became a hallmark of McGowan's leadership style, influencing countless individuals within the MSU. It’s these values that have shaped the MSU to feel more like a family than the not-for-profit corporation that it is.
As the years progressed, McGowan's role as a mentor and advocate for student leaders became increasingly evident. Siobhan Stewart, who served as President in 2012, attested to McGowan's enduring support and willingness to learn.
"Even when he didn’t understand something I like or didn’t see my perspective, I felt like he often would try his best to learn new things or consider things in a different way," she reflected.
This adaptability and receptiveness to feedback endeared McGowan to the MSU community, fostering a culture of inclusivity and growth.
Shaarujaa Nadarajah, VP (Admin) in 2016, fondly remembered McGowan's approachability and mentorship during her tenure.
"His door was always open. In fact, I rarely have ever seen his door close during my term," she recalled. McGowan's steadfast guidance and empathy empowered student leaders, nurturing personal and professional development within the MSU.
Throughout the decade, McGowan's instrumental role in project continuity and relationship-building remained unparalleled. Daniel ‘Tuba’ D'Souza, VP (Finance) in 2017, acknowledged McGowan's pivotal contributions, particularly in navigating complex initiatives such as the Student Activity Building project, later renamed to be the HUB.
"He holds a ton of relationships with university administration because he’s been so good after that they actually trust MSU," D'Souza remarked.
This trust and credibility established by McGowan paved the way for meaningful collaborations and advancements within the MSU.
Scott Robinson, VP (Finance) in 2018, reflected on McGowan's profound impact on student experiences at McMaster.
"His impact on thousands of Marauder students, and hundreds of MSU staff was immeasurably positive," he noted.
This sentiment was echoed by Ikram Farah, who served as president in 2018, expressing heartfelt gratitude for McGowan's mentorship and support. "Your wisdom, guidance, and unwavering support have been invaluable, leaving an indelible mark on each of us," Farah said.
Kristina Epifano, VP (Admin) in 2018, emphasized McGowan's leadership during challenging times, highlighting his genuine concern for the well-being of MSU members. "He never failed to check in on how we were doing, he cared about us as people and always reminded us that we are so much more than our jobs," she recalled.
Jess Anderson, VP (Finance) in 2019, credited McGowan for his consistent presence and invaluable advice, particularly during the tumultuous period marked by the COVID-19 pandemic. "During a year of such change and uncertainty, I always knew that you would be a consistent, strong and dependable manager for the MSU," Anderson said.
As the decade ended, it became evident that McGowan had become the glue that bound the MSU together, ensuring the completion of projects and the maintenance of relationships. His unwavering commitment to the MSU solidified his true role as the heart and soul of the organization, leaving an indelible legacy that continues to inspire generations of student leaders.
Entering the 2020s, John McGowan's presence within McMaster University's sphere extended into a new era defined by his evolving role as a mentor, guide, and father figure within the MSU. Just as the previous decade witnessed his transition from a "Big Brother" to a cherished mentor, McGowan's influence continued to shape the landscape of student leadership and community engagement.
Reflecting on McGowan's impact, Mitchell German, VP (Admin) for 2022-23 and later assumed the role of MSU Student Life Director, emphasized McGowan’s unwavering commitment to student advocacy. German highlighted how McGowan's daily efforts were dedicated to championing student interests and fostering a vibrant campus community.
"Every day that John worked at the MSU, he fought and advocated for students," German said.
Similarly, Sarphina Chui, VP (Finance) for 2022-23, echoed the sentiment of McGowan's influential mentorship. Chui described McGowan as an "incredible mentor," emphasizing his pivotal role in revitalizing campus life following the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic.
"John's guidance and support were instrumental in steering the MSU through the process of reinvigorating campus activities, food and beverage operations, and in-person services," Chui explained.
Elizabeth Wong, VP (Education) for 2022-2023, reflected on McGowan's enduring impact, drawing parallels between his leadership style and the nurturing qualities of a father figure. Wong recalled McGowan's ability to create a supportive environment where student leaders felt empowered to thrive.
"John's leadership, characterized by wisdom and compassion, played a pivotal role in rebuilding the organizational culture post-pandemic," Wong said.
Adam El-Kadi, current VP (Admin), reflected on his initial interactions with McGowan, describing him as a guiding presence amidst the uncertainties of student leadership.
"John's ability to foster open dialogue and provide guidance to a new generation of student leaders underscored his role as a trusted advisor and confidant," El-Kadi said.
Jovan Popovic, current MSU President, emphasized McGowan's unparalleled contributions to the MSU, spanning over two decades. Popovic highlighted McGowan's instrumental role in navigating the challenges of executive turnover and ensuring the continuity of projects and relationships within the organization.
"John's enduring presence served as a beacon of stability, fostering a cohesive and supportive environment for student leaders to thrive," Popovic said.
Although we are only about halfway through the 2020s, McGowan continued the work that he started from the previous two decades and left a lasting impact on recent board members. It’s quite fitting that we end this section with the opening MSU’s newest building, the HUB. A career bookended by the opening of arguably the two most used buildings on McMaster’s campus.
John McGowan has had such an illustrious career with the McMaster Students Union. From MUSC to the HUB, he has been involved in just about every major decision affecting student life from the MSU perspective.
But more importantly, the legacy that McGowan leaves behind is not tied to a milestone. It’s the impact that he has had on every Board member, every staff member, and every student touched by the MSU. McGowan has made a difference on all of our lives, whether you are aware of it or not.
As we bid farewell to McGowan, the heart and soul of the MSU for the past 22 years, the echoes of gratitude and admiration from those whose lives he touched resonated deeply.
Popham eloquently captured the essence of McGowan's legacy, describing him as an "all-around good guy," whose presence, patience, and understanding shaped the very fabric of the MSU. Without McGowan's calming influence and acumen, Popham reflected, the MSU would have been a vastly different place, perhaps even "much worse off."
Tiwari echoed this sentiment, expressing a profound sense of loss with McGowan's departure. Tiwari's hope that McGowan's replacement could learn from him underscored the unique and irreplaceable nature of his contribution to the MSU.
Finkle, in heartfelt gratitude, acknowledged McGowan as the "dad of the MSU," whose unwavering dedication and support had improved the lives of thousands of McMaster students. Ferguson concurred, emphasizing that while a new MSU General Manager might soon step into the role, for her, McGowan would forever remain the heart of the MSU.
Stewart reflected on McGowan's vocation, recognizing his role as a shepherd for countless MSU boards past. His enduring legacy, she suggested, lay not merely in his job but in a calling he had embraced wholeheartedly.
Farah acknowledged McGowan's enduring legacy, woven into the very fabric of MSU culture. She expressed hope that his influence would continue to shape the organization's approach to challenges and collaboration for years to come.
Anderson, in a testament to McGowan's character, described him as one of the kindest, most genuine managers she had ever had the privilege to work with. His consistency and dependability, particularly during times of uncertainty, had left an indelible mark on all who had had the honor of knowing him.
Robinson offered a poignant image of McGowan taking a moment to reflect on the campus from atop the University Hall Tower, symbolizing the positive impact he had had on thousands of Marauders throughout his tenure.
Chui expressed profound gratitude for the opportunity to experience the "John McGowan legend" firsthand, highlighting his unwavering commitment to uplifting student voices and believing in their visions.
Finally, Popovic articulated a sentiment shared by many: that people like McGowan came far and few between. Popovic considered it a privilege to have worked alongside McGowan, learning from him and striving to become the best version of himself.
As we reflect on McGowan's remarkable journey with the MSU, we are reminded not only of his profound impact but also of the enduring legacy of compassion, dedication, and leadership he leaves behind.
El-Kadi left the Silhouette with a poem about McGowan.
In the garden of the MSU,
John tends to the seedlings of Board and staff with care, deep and true.
With the firm yet gentle considerations of a father, he guides us to light,
Nurturing our growth, from morning till night.
He bends with our needs, like a willow, so wise,
Understands without words and hears lots of cheers and cries.
In his garden, each seed uniquely does grow,
John, the gardener, helps us to glow.
So, here's to our dear John, whose love does not tire,
Lighting in young hearts, a lasting fire.
With patience and love, he's sculpted an everlasting legacy,
In the garden of the MSU, he's a gardener with delicacy.
C/O McMaster Sports Community, Guest speakers Sundeep Dhillon & Richard Martinelli
McMaster alum and 2021 World Series Champion Alex Anthopoulos to headline event with the McMaster Sports Community
The McMaster Sports Community is offering McMaster students an opportunity of a lifetime to those interested. Alex Anthopoulos, the General Manager of the Atlanta Braves, will be joining MSC for a general discussion and a question and answer session over Zoom, marking the first time the speaker has ever returned to the school. The event will be taking place on Dec. 8 at 6:00 PM.
At the event Anthopoulos will be joined by close friends of his from his time at McMaster, Sundeep Dhillon and Richard Martinelli, who Anthopoulos credits as being highly impactful in his career success, and a large part in both his life journey, and his time in university.
As a former Mac student who studied economics, Anthopoulos has built an impressive career for himself in the world of sports. He acted as the GM of the Toronto Blue Jays from 2009 to 2015, and currently works as the GM of the Atlanta Braves. Impressively, he has recently become a World Series Champion in the 2021 season, and is the first Canadian to ever do so as GM.
Why is Anthopoulos’ experience relevant to MSC? Jack Hinde, Co-President of MSC, described the excitement club members feel towards the opportunity to meet and hear from a Mac alum who has carved such a successful sports career for themselves.
“Everyone within the club is extremely excited to have Anthopoulos over to talk about his career. It really is an amazing opportunity for all McMaster students. Not only is he one of the most important GMs in [Major League Baseball], but he is a Mac alumni, which makes this event even more exciting to all of us,” explained Hinde.
Interestingly, it was during an interview for the Silhouette that Anthopoulos was invited, and accepted to attend this MSC event. Jovan Popovic, Sports Editor for the Silhouette and Co-President of MSC, invited the accomplished Mac alum to host the event for the club.
“Well, when Jovan [Popovic] had an interview with Anthopoulos a couple of weeks ago, he offered the GM an opportunity to host the Q and A over zoom for the club. To our excitement, Anthopoulos accepted and that is what made us really happy: to have a very busy man with consistent duties take some of his time to do an [event] for our club,” explained Hinde.
While this is an excellent chance for students to learn from a figure in sports of significant stature, this is also an opportunity for Hinde and the rest of MSC to represent the Mac community for all it’s worth.
“Most of us are still in disbelief about this, as it means so much to the community, especially the baseball fans who knew about Anthopoulos for years. We are just so thankful for it, but now I feel like we have a bigger job to do when it comes to the interview. We have to be well organized and we want to represent the club in the best way possible to him,” said Hinde.
Those interested can keep their eyes peeled on the MSC Instagram page, where they will post frequent updates about the event. Sign ups for the event also remain open through their Google form. The guest speaker appearance is available to all McMaster students, not just club members, although sign-ups will be capped at 50 people.
C/O John Lott
One alum's journey to winning a World Series
The year was 1996 and McMaster students were arriving on campus. For some, it wasn’t just their first time at McMaster, but also in Hamilton. This was the case for a first year economics major making the trip from Montreal. This was the story of Alex Anthopoulos.
“I remember having left Montreal [with] my father and brother . . . Waking up in Hedden Hall the morning after I got dropped off, I didn’t know a soul. I remember calling home and I had a lump in my throat,” said Anthopoulos.
The experience of leaving home can be stressful, but it’s what follows that makes all the difference.
Anthopoulos remembers his time at McMaster fondly. School, his experiences and his friends had long-lasting effects on his life.
“Definitely the best, both academic and social, experience of my life,” said Anthopoulos. “My best friends in the world are friends I made at Mac and the life experiences and everything I went through, I would never change it for the world.”
It was during his time at McMaster that Anthopoulos would enter the baseball world. He loved sports, specifically baseball, but never expected to work in the sport. He recalled frequently discussing the possibility, but never made a move on it until a friend of his just couldn’t take it any longer.
“One of my good friends to this day, Rich Martinelli, went to Mac with me [and we] roomed together. He was the one who I would just annoy, [telling] him about how I just wanted to get into baseball, [and] kept talking about it. He finally snapped on me one day and said ‘I’m sick of hearing you talk about it, I want you to do something about it,’” explained Anthopoulos.
After that conversation in his third year, it was exactly what he decided to do, reaching out to the Blue Jays and Expos in search of an opportunity. Although it wasn’t exactly what he expected, he found his way in.
“The Expos said, ‘we don’t have an internship in baseball operations, but we have something where you can basically open the players mail, coordinate it, work with them, work in the clubhouse, those types of things.’ It was a non-paying job, but I just wanted to get my foot in the door,” said Anthopoulos.
As minimal as the role seemed, it would play a big part in the advancement of his career. He always eyed scouting and felt he had an opportunity at hand. He would complete his mail duties during the day and spend his nights working on scouting.
“At night when I was done and the games were starting, I would go sit in the seats and write scouting reports. I knew I was capable of more than doing player mail, but that was a way to get my foot in the door. I got paid in experience,” explained Anthopoulos.
"I knew I was capable of more than doing player mail, but that was a way to get my foot in the door. I got paid in experience."
Alex Anthopoulos
This is where things began to take off. The organization took notice of his skills and determination and had him travel to Florida to work as an international scout. After a year and a half, he would become a scouting coordinator. Two years later, he took on a scouting coordinator position from the Blue Jays and would get his big break after another two years.
“I got offered [the] assistant [general manager] position, did that for four [years] and then the GM position came up. A lot of it was right place, right time — no doubt about that. I think the key was that I really enjoyed what I was doing . . . I couldn’t wait to get into the office,” said Anthopoulos.
He discussed many late nights at home, watching VHS tapes and DVDs of draft videos. He worked so hard not just to get ahead, but because he was genuinely interested and loved what he did, calling it “a real labour of love.” He was just glad to do something he loved.
For those wanting to follow in his footsteps, he emphasized the importance of having a true passion for the job, suggesting that it’s a requirement for the line of work.
“Make sure you are doing it for the right reasons, meaning you absolutely adore it,” explained Anthopoulos. “The sacrifices, socially, time commitments, things like that — it’s really a way of life. . . I’ve told people before that have interned with us — there’s nothing wrong with just being a sports fan and having another career.”
Anthopoulos was always very passionate and never stopped working on his way to the top. After being named the Blue Jays GM in 2009, he spent six more seasons with the organization. In his final year with the team in 2015, they won the division and made the playoffs for the first time since 1993.
Anthopoulos gained a reputation as a top-tier GM that season and was named the Major League Baseball Executive of the Year following a flurry of moves to bring the team into contention. With a 53-51 record at the trade deadline, Anthopoulos pulled off one of the “best-ever” trade deadlines, acquiring five time all-star and Cy Young winner David Price, and five time all-star, Troy Tulowitzki, along with several other pieces.
In 2021, Anthopoulos found himself in a similar situation with the Braves sitting third in the division with a 51-54 record, and batting injuries.
Over the course of the season the Braves would see Canadian ace Mike Soroka retear his achilles, perennial MVP candidate Ronald Acuna Jr. tear his ACL, and two time all-star Marcell Ozuna break his hand while also being arrested on domestic violence charges. All three would miss the remainder of the season.
Leading up to the trade deadline, Anthopoulos rebuilt the Braves outfield entirely, trading for Joc Pederson, Adam Duvall, Eddie Rosario and Jorge Soler, all of whom were huge contributors in the title run. Rosario was named NLCS MVP and Soler was named WS MVP.
“We still had a chance to get in the playoffs . . . Your job as a GM is to try to get your team in. If you get your team in, anything can happen. Our runs allowed, our runs scored, we had scored a lot more runs than we had allowed, it just wasn’t resulting in wins. We thought we were capable of a lot more,” said Anthopoulos.
"We still had a chance to get in the playoffs . . . Your job as a GM is to try to get your team in. If you get your team in, anything can happen."
Alex Anthopoulos
Anthopoulos surely made the most of this opportunity, never giving up after many had written his team off.
“Our run differential was like plus 100 and something and we were a game under .500, we should’ve been so much better — it just ended up showing up over six months. It wasn’t a tough call. Selling just didn’t make any sense,” explained Anthopoulos.
A few months later, he would be proven correct, as it was the Atlanta Braves celebrating with the World Series trophy during their parade.
It was a long journey for Anthopoulos to become the first Canadian GM to ever win the World Series and it was a journey that all started at McMaster University.
“[McMaster] will always have a piece of my heart. . . I definitely wouldn’t have been where I am today without having experienced it."
Alex Anthopoulos
