The University of Alberta is saddened by the passing of Stephen A. Jarislowsky, a longtime supporter of the university and a Canadian business leader and philanthropist whose commitment to scholarship and ethical leadership left a lasting mark on institutions across the country.
At the U of A, Jarislowsky’s support has advanced research in finance and strengthened the university’s art collections. The Stephen A. Jarislowsky Distinguished Chair in Finance, currently held by Dr. Randall Morck in the Alberta School of Business, reflects his belief in the value of outstanding scholarship. Morck is internationally recognized for his work in corporate finance, political economy and financial history, and his research continues to challenge conventional thinking about economics and the forces that shape prosperity.
That commitment to scholarship was central to Jarislowsky’s philanthropy. Through the Jarislowsky Foundation, which he established in 1991, he supported endowed academic chairs at universities across Canada, helping researchers pursue important questions in business ethics, corporate governance and democratic leadership. His support for the Mactaggart Art Collection’s curatorial endowment also reflects his interest in the arts and the role they play in university life.
“Stephen Jarislowsky believed in the importance of strong scholarship and the people who advance it. His support has helped the University of Alberta attract and sustain academic excellence, and his commitment to ethical leadership speaks to the important role universities play in shaping the future. We are grateful for his generosity and for the confidence he placed in our university,” says Bill Flanagan, president and vice-chancellor of the University of Alberta.
Jarislowsky built a distinguished career in investment management, founding Jarislowsky, Fraser & Company in Montreal in 1955. He was also a leading advocate for corporate governance and business ethics, helping establish the Canadian Coalition for Good Governance in 2002.
His influence will continue through the scholars he supported and the work they carry forward. The University of Alberta extends its condolences to his wife, Gail, and his family and friends.