The University of Lethbridge expresses its deep condolences to the family and friends of Stephen Jarislowsky, a prominent and influential philanthropist who passed away at the age of 101.
Jarislowsky established the Jarislowsky Foundation in 1993 with a mission to promote, support and foster excellence and ethics in education, medicine and the arts, and the environment and climate change. In 2022, the University of Lethbridge joined a network of five universities from across Canada engaged in a first-of-its-kind collaboration focused on educating future leaders in government, politics and the public service. Supported by a $2-million investment from the Jarislowsky Foundation, ULethbridge established its inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership to lead its participation.
Jarislowsky was Harvard educated and led Jarislowsky Fraser Ltd., based in Montreal, for almost 60 years, managing as much as $60 billion in assets (Financial Post). He only stepped down as CEO from the company in 2012, at the age of 87.
The Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership was designed to assist the development of an innovative program of scholarship (teaching, research and experiential learning) to expand knowledge and training in the ethical practice of politics, fiduciary responsibility and democratic governance.
“Our students will be the great beneficiaries of this program and its focus and connectivity with four other regional, liberal arts-focused institutions that make up this network,” said Dr. Matthew Letts, dean of the Faculty of Arts & Science, upon its announcement in 2022. “This will create innovative and cross-institutional opportunities for transdisciplinary collaboration and experiential learning, and help students develop the broad perspective they need to become meaningfully and productively engaged in social and political issues.”
A recipient of the Order of Canada, Jarislowsky served on the boards of about 30 companies, including SNC-Lavalin Group Inc., the United Kingdom’s Daily Telegraph newspaper and Goodfellow Inc., a timber company. He was inducted into the Canadian Business Hall of Fame in 2007.
The University will lower its flag in honour of Jarislowsky when it learns of an upcoming memorial service. This notice will be updated with that information when available.
About the Jarislowsky Foundation
The Jarislowsky Foundation was founded in 1993 by Stephen Jarislowsky, a prominent Canadian philanthropist and business leader.
The Foundation has 42 research chairs in areas of democracy, governance, public sector management, environment & climate change, Canadian art, and health across Canada.
The Foundation supports programs that allow students from diverse backgrounds to discuss contemporary issues with mentors and recognized experts. These programs aim to develop students' critical thinking skills so that they become leaders with strategic vision and thinking.
The Jarislowsky Foundation supports more than 80 organizations a year in the arts and culture, hospital foundations, the community sector and climate change.
The Jarislowsky Foundation now donates approximately $8 million per year.
Contact:
Trevor Kenney | trevor.kenney@uleth.ca