The name of the University of Ottawa is synonymous with that of Father Roger Guindon. A man of commitment and vision, Father Guindon gave a new meaning to altruism. But altruism doesn’t just happen; it is born of love. Love of people. Love of the challenge of opening up new horizons.
Father Guindon, OMI, CC, first came to the University of Ottawa as a student, in 1933, when he enrolled to complete his high school studies. In 1942, he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, and three years later, a degree in theology. He was ordained a priest in 1946 and taught from 1947 to 1964 in the theology faculty, where he also served as dean for four years.
During his term as the University’s president (then known as “rector”) from 1964 to 1984, Father Guindon witnessed profound change not only in society but also in this small Oblate institution that became a flourishing provincially funded university during his time here. Father Guindon, in office during the transition, became the first official head of the University of Ottawa.
With the desire to improve services for students, Father Guindon played a key role in obtaining provincial funding to build the health sciences complex on Smyth Road. This 80-acre site, which today bears his name, is now home to the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario CHEO), the Rehabilitation Centre as well as the University of Ottawa’s faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Father Guindon’s affection for the University was infectious. Having spent more than 70 years of his life with the University, he gave selflessly of himself. And for this reason, all those who knew him returned this affection for our institution and truly appreciated Father Guindon—especially the students, who held him in the highest regard.
Just as Father Guigues is considered the founder of the University and Father Tabaret its builder, Father Guindon is recognized as the catalyst responsible for profound institutional change, the driving force that saw the University ushered into modern times. As the leader of the University, he brought about dramatic transformation. He laid the foundation that has allowed us to become one of the Canada’s leading public universities. Today, students continue to reap the benefits of Father Guindon’s work, his love of life, his vision and his perseverance.
Awarded eight honorary doctorates and two fellowships from postsecondary institutions in Ontario and Quebec, Father Roger Guindon is an example of exceptional commitment to public service as well as a passionate advocate of bilingualism and French culture. He will be greatly missed, but he has left behind a valuable legacy for the entire University community and for the generations after him.The name of the University of Ottawa is synonymous with that of Father Roger Guindon. A man of commitment and vision, Father Guindon gave a new meaning to altruism. But altruism doesn’t just happen; it is born of love. Love of people. Love of the challenge of opening up new horizons.
Father Guindon, OMI, CC, first came to the University of Ottawa as a student, in 1933, when he enrolled to complete his high school studies. In 1942, he earned a bachelor’s degree in philosophy, and three years later, a degree in theology. He was ordained a priest in 1946 and taught from 1947 to 1964 in the theology faculty, where he also served as dean for four years.
During his term as the University’s president (then known as “rector”) from 1964 to 1984, Father Guindon witnessed profound change not only in society but also in this small Oblate institution that became a flourishing provincially funded university during his time here. Father Guindon, in office during the transition, became the first official head of the University of Ottawa.
With the desire to improve services for students, Father Guindon played a key role in obtaining provincial funding to build the health sciences complex on Smyth Road. This 80-acre site, which today bears his name, is now home to the General Campus of the Ottawa Hospital, the Children’s Hospital of Eastern Ontario CHEO), the Rehabilitation Centre as well as the University of Ottawa’s faculties of Medicine and Health Sciences.
Father Guindon’s affection for the University was infectious. Having spent more than 70 years of his life with the University, he gave selflessly of himself. And for this reason, all those who knew him returned this affection for our institution and truly appreciated Father Guindon—especially the students, who held him in the highest regard.
Just as Father Guigues is considered the founder of the University and Father Tabaret its builder, Father Guindon is recognized as the catalyst responsible for profound institutional change, the driving force that saw the University ushered into modern times. As the leader of the University, he brought about dramatic transformatiAon. He laid the foundation that has allowed us to become one of the Canada’s leading public universities. Today, students continue to reap the benefits of Father Guindon’s work, his love of life, his vision and his perseverance.
Awarded eight honorary doctorates and two fellowships from postsecondary institutions in Ontario and Quebec, Father Roger Guindon is an example of exceptional commitment to public service as well as a passionate advocate of bilingualism and French culture. He will be greatly missed, but he has left behind a valuable legacy for the entire University community and for the generations after him.
