Marc Jolicœur was a three-time graduate of the University of Ottawa, where he pursued his high school and post-secondary education. Marc Jolicoeur graduated with degrees in business administration (1975) and law (1978) before his appointment as national leader of the Corporate Commercial Group at the law firm of Borden Ladner Gervais. During his remarkable career, he generously and brilliantly served as one of the most steadfast proponents of the University’s development.
“We are very saddened by the loss of Mr. Jolicoeur. He was a gentleman and a friend to all who knew him. He is remembered as a outstanding leader and builder whose generosity knew no bounds. For many long years, he was one of the University of Ottawa’s greatest champions,” said uOttawa President and Vice-Chancellor Jacques Frémont.
Building the future
Marc Jolicoeur was committed to future generations and to passing on knowledge, as can testify those who attended his many lectures or the courses he gave through the Law Society of Upper Canada, now the Law Society of Ontario. His altruism is also reflected in the scholarship he created with his spouse, Kathleen Faulkner, for undergraduate students enrolled in the Faculty of Common Law or the Telfer School of Management.
His fifteen years of service on the Board of Governors, including seven as chair during a period of significant growth, along with his participation in various committees and fundraising campaigns, attest to his unfailing commitment to the University of Ottawa and its goals of increasing its contributions to research and innovation. Among other things, he led the Vision 2010 strategic planning, the adoption of a new construction capital plan, the establishment of success indicators for our institution. His involvement was instrumental in the most ambitious fundraising campaign in the University's history.
“Under Marc Jolicoeur’s leadership, the University became a viable, modern institution focused on the needs of students and employers. His community involvement and political acumen expanded the University’s reach and especially, lifted it into a position of influence that is the envy of many [...]” said Madeleine Meilleur, former Attorney General of Ontario and Minister of Francophone Affairs of Ontario.
As a philanthropist and one of Canada’s most respected lawyers, Marc Jolicoeur’s leadership and humanity will continue to inspire generations to come.
“Marc Jolicoeur embodied integrity. And he combined this integrity with poised elegance and an authentic, intuitive leadership style. Marc was a personal friend, mentor, and colleague for over thirty years, and I know that those of us he touched with his gifts of time, wisdom, and sense of humour will miss him terribly,” said Vice-President, External Relations Jacline Nyman.
An inspiring and lasting legacy
A shining example of commitment to both business and community, Marc Jolicoeur dedicated time and money to a variety of causes. Several boards benefited from his wide-ranging experience, including those of the United Way, the University of Ottawa Heart Institute, the University of Ottawa Foundation, the Ottawa Civic Hospital, the Michaëlle Jean Foundation, La Cité collégiale, the Association des juristes d’expression française de l’Ontario, the Festival franco-ontarien and the Regroupement des gens d’affaires d’Ottawa.
His impressive career and extraordinary contributions to society earned him many accolades and much recognition, including the Order of Ottawa (2012); the Queen’s Golden Jubilee Medal (2003); the André Mailhot Award, which is United Way Canada’s highest award of merit; and the Gordon F. Henderson Award from the County of Carleton Law Association.
“Marc Jolicoeur has left an indelible impression as a dedicated, enthusiastic and profoundly involved person,” said Professor Louise Bélanger-Hardy of the Faculty of Law and former member of the Senate of the University of Ottawa.
Those who had the pleasure of working with him spoke of an exceptional friend and individual. We will miss him greatly, and we will ensure that his legacy continues to guide the future of the University and of the community that he so remarkably helped build.
Friends are invited to pay their respects at Beechwood Cemetery at 280 Beechwood Avenue on Thursday March 17 from 4-8 p.m. A memorial service will also be held at 1 p.m. on Friday March 18 at Beechwood Cemetery. The University of Ottawa will also hold a special commemoration ceremony and of celebration of the life of Marc Jolicoeur at a later date, to be announced.