Jarislowsky Foundation invests $2M in a new chair at Trent University to educate political and government leaders of tomorrow
Trent University is partnering with the Jarislowsky Foundation and four other Canadian universities to create a first-of-its-kind network of endowed chairs focused on educating tomorrow's leaders in government, politics, and the public service.
At the forefront of this collaborative effort is Dr. Cristine de Clercy, Trent's inaugural Jarislowsky Chair in Trust and Political Leadership. Dr. Cristine de Clercy will be joining the Faculty of Humanities and Social Sciences to lead the development of an innovative program of scholarship(teaching, research, and experiential learning) that will expand knowledge and training the ethical politics, fiduciary responsibility, and democratic governance. This is a groundbreaking initiative that will enrich Trent's strengths in student-centred, research-informed, interdisciplinary approaches.
Trent is a founding member of the national Network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership made up of five endowed chairs at Acadia University, l’Université du Québec à Trois Rivières (in collaboration with l’École Nationale d’Administration Publique), Trent University, the University of Lethbridge, and Vancouver Island University.
“Trent is excited to be a part of the Jarislowsky Chair initiative. The eminent scholar we are appointing in Dr. Cristine de Clercy will build upon Trent’s strengths in interdisciplinary scholarship, helping us foster an environment in which our students think critically and consciously about ethics and politics.”
Dr. Leo Groarke
Past President and Vice-Chancellor, Trent University
This national initiative, focused on the role and responsibilities of political and public sector leaders, is aimed at attracting students from a variety of disciplines and backgrounds who are interested in politics, as well as at anyone who wishes to eventually work, or already works in public administration, the public sector or for any order of government. From a long-term perspective, the Jarislowsky Chairs network’s aim is to professionalize ethical and fiduciary responsibility in political and public service by developing certification in trust and political leadership, and providing the foundation for successful and impactful careers in politics and public service.
The President of the Jarislowsky Foundation, Mr. Stephen A. Jarislowsky, is at the origin of this network of university chairs. Born in Germany in 1925, Mr. Jarislowsky lived in the Netherlands and France between the two world wars. He witnessed situations like those in Ukraine today.
Jarislowsky says the creation of these new chairs responds to an obvious need in our democratic societies. "These situations are unacceptable. People need to understand historical experiences in order to prevent repeating them. And one of the ways to do that is to ensure our governments are led by inspiring, highly trusted, reliable men and women who exercise fiduciary responsibility,” says Jarislowsky. “Once democracy disappears in a country, it takes years to re-establish if it is even possible. Optimistically, it's a question of how we are going to strengthen and build trust in our public institutions, our organizations and ourselves”, added Jarislowsky.
“We are honoured to work in collaboration with the Jarislowsky Foundation and our university partners across the country to bring a new Chair position to Trent that builds on our liberal arts strengths in political theory and ethics. We look forward to working with Dr. Cristine de Clercy in enhancing a learning environment that inspires generations of professionals in politics, government, and public service with integrity and a commitment to ethics, democratic values and responsible governance.”
Dr. Mark Skinner
Acting Provost & Vice-President Academic, Trent University
Stephen A. Jarislowsky
Stephen A. Jarislowsky is a Canadian business magnate, investor, and philanthropist. He is the founder, chairman and CEO of Jarislowsky Fraser Limited, which he built into one of the largest and most successful investment management firms in Canada, with over C$40 billion in assets under management. Mr. Jarislowsky has been active in educational, cultural, and charitable activities of many kinds, and has endowed more than forty chairs across the country.
Jarislowsky Chairs Network Advisors
The network of Jarislowsky Chairs in Trust and Political Leadership is supported by an advisory council of accomplished Canadians, who have all been involved in public service in various capacities with great distinction.