UPEI mourns great friend, Michael S. Schurman, LLD
The University of Prince Edward Island extends its condolences on the passing of Michael S. Schurman, LLD after learning of his sudden death over the weekend.
The 79-year-old retired business icon was a long-time friend of and donor to UPEI. He was past vice-chair of the UPEI Board of Governors, chair of the Building a Legacy capital campaign, and most recently served on the Advisory Council for the UPEI School of Sustainable Design Engineering. He was recognized by UPEI for his contributions to and leadership in the construction, business, education, charitable, and non-profit sectors with an honorary doctor of laws degree in 2009.
“The University has lost a great friend and tremendous supporter in Michael Schurman. Mike was passionate and steadfast in his commitment to post-secondary education and, in particular, to UPEI,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor. “On behalf of the entire UPEI community, I extend my most sincere sympathies to Mike’s wife, Pat and his daughters, Margo Thompson, Kim Horrelt, Pam Montgomery, and Jody Hollis, and their families.”
In 2008, Dr. Schurman and his family were recognized for their contribution to UPEI’s Building a Legacy campaign when the dramatic, two-level entrance and main feature in Don and Marion McDougall Hall was named “Schurman Market Square.”
At that time Dr. Schurman said, “UPEI is such an important element of the cultural, economic, social, and educational life on Prince Edward Island. To support the University is the same as supporting the development and growth of the province. It is so easy to support UPEI because it benefits all Islanders.”
He also noted that UPEI's reputation for excellence in education and research had grown immensely, and would continue to grow. His prediction came true—he shared the vision of President Abd-El-Aziz for the new UPEI School of Sustainable Design Engineering.
“I’ve personally lost a great friend and mentor,” added President Abd-El-Aziz. “Mike provided wonderful guidance and support from the first day I arrived at UPEI. I can’t say enough about how much he helped UPEI achieve our dream of having the School of Sustainable Design Engineering and how he was continuing to contribute by serving on the engineering advisory council. I will greatly miss him.”
After completing his education at Acadia University (Commerce) and UNB (Civil Engineering), Dr. Schurman became involved in his family's construction, building supplies, and concrete business, M.F. Schurman Company, Limited, becoming president and general manager. His business acumen and ability for being at the forefront of technology was known across the country, and his wisdom was well sought. Dr. Schurman served on the boards of the Canadian Construction Association, Atlantic Business Development, Atlantic Provinces Economic Council, Atlantic Opportunities Agency, Island Telecom, and Slemon Park Corporation. He was inducted as a laureate of the Junior Achievement of PEI Business Hall of Fame in 2000. The family business, which had expanded under Dr. Schurman’s leadership to include a dozen companies under the M.F. Schurman name, was sold to J.D. Irving Ltd. in 2004.
Among his many volunteer pursuits, he was a long time board member for The Fathers of Confederation Building Trust, most recently serving as treasurer. He also had served as an executive member of the Board of Governors at Acadia University and as vice-chair of the Holland College Foundation. The Michael S. Schurman Family Foundation also funded the Heart and Stroke Foundation of PEI's Change of Heart program.
Funeral arrangements for Michael S. Schurman, LLD have been entrusted to Belvedere Funeral Home. The University will lower its flags to half-mast position in his memory.
