Stephen Jarislowsky, Canadian philanthropist, advocate for corporate governance, and former spy, has passed away at the age of 101.

He launched the Jarislowsky Foundation in 1991, which has funded more than 50 endowed chairs at universities across Canada and, and donated $10 million annually to support their work.

Dr. Alex Marland, Professor in Acadia’s Politics department, is one of the five Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership.

“At Acadia University and across Canada, Stephen Jarislowsky’s philanthropy has made a lasting contribution to democracy, public life, and higher education,” says Dr. Marland.

“Through his generosity, he has helped students develop the knowledge, critical thinking, and practical experience needed to become informed citizens and engaged leaders. His belief in learning by doing, coupled with his determination to advance innovative approaches, offers an enduring lesson for universities everywhere.”

“Mr. Jarislowsky’s commitment to strong democratic foundations was rooted in formative experiences, notably fleeing Nazi-occupied Europe as a teenager and serving in Japan during the Second World War. These experiences, together with his post-secondary education, ingenuity, tenacity, and formidable work ethic, led to a remarkable career in Canadian finance and fuelled his determination to invest in the country’s future. Through the establishment of dozens of Jarislowsky Chairs at Canadian universities, including the Chair in Trust and Political Leadership at Acadia, he supported the development of knowledge, leadership, and institutions essential to a healthy democracy. Many Acadia students have benefitted from the generous gift of the Foundation, Scotiabank, RBC and many other donors, which has ranged from financing their graduate studies to supporting field trips to legislatures.”

“His legacy will endure through the generations of students at Acadia and beyond whose education, opportunities, and lives have been enriched by his generosity.”

Read the Jarislowsky family’s statement here.