Chancellor Emeritus Ed Lumley, who passed away Wednesday at the age of 85, is being remembered at the University of Windsor for his transformative leadership, generous philanthropy, and lasting legacy as a statesman, mentor, and institution builder.
The University of Windsor’s chancellor emeritus Ed Lumley, who died Wednesday at the age of 85, is remembered for his many contributions to the institution, said Chancellor Mary Jo Haddad.
"I knew that I had big shoes to fill when I was installed as Chancellor in 2019," said Chancellor Mary Jo Haddad. "Chancellor Emeritus Lumley was a formidable man, a wonderful mentor, and close friend. He was a true statesman and led an accomplished life of public service and philanthropy. We are proud to have had him as UWindsor's Chancellor for so many years. My heartfelt condolences to the Lumley family."
“It was a privilege to know and learn from Chancellor Emeritus Lumley,” President Robert Gordon said. “He built an incredible legacy at the University of Windsor by helping to fundraise over $100 million in support of capital projects and scholarships. Of course, Lumley’s unwavering support of the University resulted in the naming of the Ed Lumley Centre for Engineering Innovation in 2013. We are honoured to remember him and his many contributions to the University community.”
Born and raised in Windsor, Dr. Lumley graduated in 1961 with a Bachelor of Commerce from Assumption University, the predecessor of the University of Windsor.
Prior to his appointment as Chancellor, Lumley had a distinguished record of achievement as an entrepreneur and mayor of Cornwall, Ontario, before serving 10 years as a Member of Parliament and holding several senior cabinet portfolios in the federal government. Those positions included Minister of Industry, of International Trade, and of Science and Technology.
A successful corporate executive, Lumley served as vice-chair of BMO Nesbitt Burns for more than 25 years and was a member of a number of domestic and international corporate boards of directors. He also was involved in numerous non-profit organizations.
In 2014, Ron Joyce, chair of the Joyce Foundation, announced a $10-million gift to endow the Ed Lumley Bursary in recognition of Lumley’s commitment to the University and the Windsor-Essex community. Since 2015, 58 students have benefited from the bursary, each qualifying for as much as $32,000 in assistance during their four years of study.
In July 2014, Lumley was invested as a member of the Order of Canada, the country’s highest honour for lifetime achievement. He received an honorary doctor of laws degree from the University of Windsor in 2019 after 13 years of service as chancellor.
The flag in front of Chrysler Hall will be lowered from Friday, April 25, to Sunday, April 27, in memory of Lumley. In honour of his legacy, donations to the Ed Lumley Bursary are being accepted at uwindsor.ca/supportuwindsor.
