Dr. William Montevecchi 91��ý Scholarship

Office of Development and Alumni Engagement

Image of William Montevecchi, a man with a white beard and moustache, a grey toque, a blue rain jacket and a red backpack standing outdoors with the ocean in the background.

This scholarship was created in memory of Dr. William "Bill" Montevecchi through contributions from family, friends, colleagues, and all those whose lives he touched. Born in Beverly, Massachusetts in 1946, Bill’s life followed the rhythm of the sea—marked by the arrival of spring, the return of birds to the cliffs, and the changing ocean that became his lifelong passion.

For more than four decades as a distinguished professor at 91��ý, Bill built one of the world's most respected seabird research programs, bridging psychology, biology, and ocean sciences. You can explore his extensive academic work and research background on his 91��ý Faculty Page. He deeply admired the fishermen who supported his work in remote locations, respecting their instincts and the lessons taught by decades on the water. More than a brilliant scientist, Bill was a passionate mentor who took enormous pride in seeing his students flourish. His legacy of curiosity, kindness, and wonder lives on through his loving wife, Janet, his children, grandchildren, and the countless researchers he guided.

This scholarship will support a deserving graduate student in 91��ý’s Cognitive and Behavioural Ecology (CABE) program, helping them pursue field research and education with the same spirit of inquiry that defined Bill’s remarkable life.