18
Visionary
LEADERSHIP
T
he transformation of an academic
institution from private to public is a
tremendous challenge. Strong leadership is
paramount in ensuring that the transition
goes well.
Dr. Frank DeMarco LLD ’86 and
Rev. E.C. Le Bel served as the key architects
of the University of Windsor’s early years as
a public institution.
DeMarco’s association with the school
stretches back to 1946, when he accepted
a position at Assumption University
to develop its science and engineering
departments, along with its athletic
programs. Appointed athletic director in
1949, he coached the likes of Gino Fracas,
Bruno Bitkowski and Ray Truant who all
later became CFL stars.
He joined Essex College as an instructor
in 1953. DeMarco was the first to propose
that the institution’s financial viability could
only be achieved through the creation of
a public college, which would be eligible
for provincial grants. He was involved, in
an advisory capacity, in the creation and
incorporation of Essex College in 1954.
In 1956, Assumption accepted the non-
denominational Essex College as an affiliate.
Essex assumed responsibility for the Faculty
of Applied Science, the Schools of Business
Administration and Nursing, and the
Departments of Biology, Chemistry, Geology
and Geography, Mathematics, and Physics.
Holy Redeemer College, the national
seminary of the Redemptorist Fathers,
also affiliated.
In 1963, Assumption and Essex
merged to form a new public institution,
the University of Windsor. Father Le Bel,
president of Assumption, became the first
president of the new university. DeMarco,
who was by then the Principal of Essex
College, became vice-president of the
University of Windsor.
From the beginning, while at Essex
College, he promoted the development
of degree progress, graduate work, and
research, which continues today as
the underpinning of the University of
Windsor’s academic foundation.
DeMarco later served as the University’s
senior vice-president and vice-president,
Planning. He resumed teaching duties in
1979 and continued until his retirement
in 1986 when he was appointed Professor
Emeritus in the Faculty of Engineering.
On retirement, he received an honorary
doctorate in education for his many years
of dedication to the pursuit and promotion
of education at all levels. In 1989, he was
inducted into the University of Windsor
Alumni Association Sports Hall of Fame.
In 1996, he entered the Windsor & Essex
County Sports Hall of Fame.
In 2009, DeMarco was named a
recipient of the University’s prestigious
Clark Award, which recognizes outstanding
personal service by both alumni volunteers
and friends of the University who
have made significant commitments in
time, energy and expertise by serving
on University boards, committees or
campaigns.
Today, Dr. DeMarco, now 92, lives in
LaSalle, Ont., just a few kilometres from the
campus that he helped build.
Above: Dr. Frank DeMarco. Photo by Dr. Edwin Tam.
BY JENNIFER AMMOSCATO
