A story of perseverance and commitment to education

Jean-François Champagne is a recognized leader in academia, dedicated to serving his community, His career trajectory, however, was not a straightforward path. He quit CEGEP at 17 and made some major career strides before deciding to return to school for a certificate in computer science and a Bachelor’s degree from Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).   

Now in the role of interim General Director of the Fondation de l’UQAM and special advisor to UQAM’s President, Mr. Champagne candidly admits he was a dropout. “I didn’t find what I was looking for at CEGEP,” he confides.  He worked as a commercial custodian and rose quickly through the ranks, taking on management roles from the age of 19.  

He only returned to school years later, when he was accepted to UQAM via the experience-based admission pathway.  After obtaining a certificate in computer science, he registered in full-time studies at Polytechnique Montréal. All the while, he continued growing his career and received multiple promotions, including to the position of IT and Procurement Director. In 2017, in his mid-forties, he returned to UQAM and, with his transfer credits, completed his Bachelor’s degree. 

Mr. Champagne strengthened his leadership skills by volunteering with organizations such as the Red Cross and Scouts Canada, ultimately becoming Canada’s youngest Scouts Commissioner. He held numerous positions with the Association des Scouts du Canada, including Head of Contingent and International Commissioner, between January 1987 and November 2023. 

Always eager to take on an opportunity to serve the public good, he was also on the programming committee for the continuing education department at Université Laval, served as Vice-President of the Fondation nationale des Scouts between 2009 and 2013, and worked as a first aid instructor and operations manager with the Canadian Red Cross for 17 years. 

Illness and personal challenges  

In 2023, Mr. Champagne was diagnosed with amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)—also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease—at the age of 52. ALS is a serious and incurable neurodegenerative illness that results in progressive paralysis of the muscles involved in voluntary motor skills. “I started to notice strange symptoms and was referred to a neurologist. The final diagnosis came the same day I was flying to India for the International Masters Program for Managers (IMPM),” he recalls in anemotional interview. In spite of his diagnosis, he says he chooses not to let the illness define him and continues to work part-time as a special advisor to UQAM’s president.  

“Every day, ALS robs a little more of my ability to communicate,” he says. Seven months ago, he had to give up handwriting. A month later, he could no longer sign his own name. “Siri is my new sidekick,” he says. “She helps me write my text messages.” 

Undeterred, he finished his thesis and completed the IMPM program with distinction. He feels both proud and determined. “My reputation is intact,” he says. “I always finish what I start.” 

Mr. Champagne is all too aware of the challenges faced by people who take unusual paths. That’s why he created the Jean-François Champagne scholarship fund in 2023 to support students accepted to UQAM based on their experience and community involvement. “Higher education allowed me to improve my skills throughout my career,” he explains. “If you believe in higher education and the potential of students with unconventional backgrounds, I urge you to support the Jean-François Champagne scholarship fund.”  In September 2023, he was inducted into the Université du Québec’s Circle of Excellence for his outstanding contribution. 

Through his extensive network and fundraising efforts, he raised $30,000 for the scholarship fund, with a total goal of $50,000. More and more students are taking unconventional paths to higher education. “This year, we received more than 3,000 applications for the scholarship,” he says.   

In January 2025, Mr. Champagne was appointed interim General Director of the Fondation de l’UQAM. His mission is to modernize the foundation and help UQAM adapt to new challenges, particularly around funding and community engagement – a project close to his heart.“ The university that offered me an opportunity based on my experience all those years ago,” he concludes, “is the university where I’ll end my career.”