Francoeur, Br. Robert, 1923-2007

Br. Robert A. Francoeur, F.I.C. was born on February 3, 1923, in Fall River, Massachusetts. His father was Joseph Francouer and his mother's maiden name was Leone Giasson. Br. Robert joined the Brothers of Christian Instruction at the age of 12. Br. Robert then went on to earn bachelor's degrees in arts and education from The University of Montreal, a Master of Arts degree in Philosophy from Boston College in June of 1950, a Ph.D. in Philosophy from the University of Notre Dame in 1958, and a law degree from the University of Akron. He has also studied at the University of Fribourg in Switzerland, the University of Paris, Sorbonne, France, and the Institut Catholique in Paris.

Br. Robert began his teaching career in Montreal at the young age of 18 with a third grade class. He also held teaching positions in Biddeford and Alfred, Maine, and in Plattsburgh, New York. In 1958 he became Dean of LaMennais College, Walsh's predecessor, in Alfred, Maine.

When Br. Robert headed off to study for his doctorate at Notre Dame in Indiana, he was given instruction to find a suitable area in the Midwest to relocate the Order's college. Br. Robert found North Canton and began laying the groundwork for what is now Walsh University.

On November 17, 1960, Walsh College officially opened for classes. Br. Robert was its first academic dean, a position he held from 1960-1970. After the retirement of the first president Br. Thomas Farrell in 1970, Br. Robert Francouer became Walsh's second president, a post he held until 1977, when he took a leave of absence to earn his law degree. He returned to the classrooms and taught philosophy and business ethics classes.

Br. Robert Francoeur died on Tuesday, August 7, 2007, following a battle with leukemia at 84 years of age.