Jean-François Cloutier joins the Cercle du Directeur
Jean-François Cloutier (HEC Montréal 2008), Branch Manager at iA Financial Group, is the first to make a major planned gift as part of the newly launched Défi Héritage 120, further demonstrating his remarkable commitment to HEC Montréal and the next generation of business professionals. Through his gift, he hopes to foster student engagement, provide opportunities for emerging women leaders and create a more caring learning environment. This exceptional contribution has earned him a place in the HEC Montréal Foundation’s most prestigious philanthropic circle, making him the youngest member in its history.
“A legacy gift is a natural extension of my longstanding dedication to HEC Montréal. I became a member of the Conseil des Gouverneurs in my thirties, and I was determined to make it to the Cercle du Directeur by my forties — and here I am!”
Jean-François Cloutier (HEC Montréal 2008), Branch Manager, iA Financial Group
For Cloutier, the true impact of philanthropy lies in acting on one’s principles and contributing to the common good.
“When I became a father, my philanthropic commitment to tomorrow’s leaders took on a whole new meaning. I want to build a better world for my son. Making arrangements for a bequest in my will is my way of investing in something bigger than any one person. I’ve come to see how important it is to pass on my belief in contributing to the socioeconomic well-being of our society and putting human beings at the heart of the biggest challenges of our time.”
Helping talent thrive and building a campus that cares
This gift will be directed toward several priorities. First, it will establish a new scholarship known as the Bourse d’implication Jean-François Cloutier – Ambition, to be awarded every year to a female student who shows outstanding engagement and leadership. It will also help fund the Bourse d’implication Lyne Bouchard – Tremplin, an annual $5,000 scholarship. Through this significant contribution, he hopes to expand access to education for aspiring women leaders, carrying forward the values of generosity, perseverance and optimism that his mother instilled in him. By naming the scholarship in her honour, he will ensure that her legacy inspires women for generations to come.
Yet another portion will help set up a nursing space — the Cabine d’allaitement Jean-François Cloutier — in the Lise-et-Giuseppe-Racanelli Building to provide students, staff members and visitors with a private, safe spot to breastfeed and care for their babies.
“I hope that one day my son will see this as an integral part of our family story and that he will carry on the tradition. Ultimately, I’m the first person to benefit from this gift — giving back like this brings more meaning and joy to my life.”
Michelle Paquin (HEC Montréal 2008), Partner and Chief Strategy Officer at Groupe Avversita, and Jean-François Cloutier with their son in 2024.
“Mr. Cloutier’s connection to his alma mater is deep and abiding. His unwavering loyalty and presence at key moments in our history speak to this bond. This latest act of generosity is yet another tangible way for him to join us in supporting future business leaders. In doing so, he is embodying the very spirit of kindness and humanism that inspired him during his time at HEC Montréal. Our entire team is profoundly grateful to him for his contributions.”
Michel Patry, Chief Executive Officer of the HEC Montréal Foundation