The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Memorial University mourns the passing of Stephen A. Jarislowsky, an extraordinary Canadian business leader, philanthropist and champion of higher education.

Mr. Jarislowsky's life reflected a broad intellectual curiosity. Having lived across Europe and North America, studied engineering, Asian studies and business, and built one of Canada's most respected investment management firms, he brought a unique global perspective to his philanthropic work. He supported academics in fields ranging from economics, health, science and the arts, reflecting a conviction that knowledge does not exist in isolation and that progress often emerges at the intersection of disciplines.

At Memorial, the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Economic and Cultural Transformation serves as a lasting reminder of his belief in the transformative power of scholarship. Established through the generosity of the Stephen Jarislowsky Foundation, Elinor Gill Ratcliffe and the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador, the Chair has advanced research on cultural change in the areas of global and local cultures, strategies for immigration integration and retention, diasporas and demographic changes.

"Since 2015, as the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Cultural and Economic Transformation at Memorial University, I have been deeply honoured to benefit from his visionary foresight, insight and wisdom, as well as his generous support and encouragement. We will carry forward Mr. Jarislowsky’s vision, generosity and commitment to excellence; these qualities will continue to inspire my research team and future generations." — Dr. Tony Fang, Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in Economic and Cultural Transformation at Memorial University

“The world has lost one of its great intellectual benefactors in Mr. Stephen Jarislowsky. Through his many gifts to universities, he supported the public good with wisdom, wit, and charisma. And, his support for teaching, research, democracy, and economic development will live on through the ongoing work of the Jarislowsky chairs.  The Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences at Memorial is fortunate indeed to have benefitted from his generosity and his discernment.” — Dr. Natasha Hurley, Dean, Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences

“Mr. Jarislowsky’s contributions to scholarship in medicine, management, the arts and, in particular, to economic and cultural transformation at Memorial University, will have a lasting impact on many future generations. His advocacy for and support of higher education in Canada and in Newfoundland and Labrador is one of his most memorable contributions that will be remembered for years to come.” — André McDonald, vice-president (research and innovation) at Memorial University

Memorial University remains grateful for his vision and generosity, which continue to be felt throughout our research community. Mr. Jarislowsky's legacy endures through the work of scholars and students whose lives have been enriched by the opportunities he helped create.

We extend our sincere condolences to his wife, Gail; his children, Michael, Alexandra and Marika; and his family, friends and colleagues.