Jacques SAINT-PIERRE, 1920-2016

Jacques Saint-Pierre was born in Trois-Rivières, Québec. He did his undergraduate work at the University of Montreal, graduating with a licence in physics in 1945 and a licence in mathematics in 1948. In 1951 he completed a master’s degree in mathematics at the same university. He then undertook postgraduate studies in statistics at the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill and obtained his doctorate in 1954.

He was the first professor of statistics at the University of Montreal and in that capacity he had a strong influence in shaping the development of statistics in Quebec. He understood very early on in his career the importance of statistical applications, not only for other disciplines but also for the training of young students in statistics. He also understood very early the importance of computer science, both for its own sake and as a tool for disciplines like statistics. His influence was considerable, and several of us who are members of the SSC chose to become statisticians while taking his courses. Above all, he was a man of action. In 1954, he created a Statistical Consulting Centre for university researchers. He instigated the purchase of the first computer at the University of Montreal in 1957 and was responsible for putting it into operation. He founded the Computing Centre in 1964 and directed it until 1971. He was also the founder of the Department of Computer Science and Operational Research in 1966 and directed that Department until 1969. He was the first Director of the Centre for Mathematical Research, from 1969 to 1971.

While he was building these infrastructures at the University of Montreal, Jacques Saint-Pierre belonged to a number of learned societies. He was especially active in the American Statistical Association, being a member of the Board of Directors from 1958 to 1960 as a representative from Eastern Canada and New York State. He was a founding member of the Montreal Chapter in 1957, a member of its Executive Committee from 1957 to 1962, and President in 1961-62. He was also active in the Canadian Operations Research Society, and a founding member of its Montreal Chapter.

Such a heavy involvement in university and professional activities undoubtedly detracted from his research activities. Nevertheless, Jacques Saint-Pierre is author or co-author of some forty scientific publications. National and international organizations, recognizing his competence in research, have invited him to sit on various expert committees. He was a member from 1965 to 1967 of a special committee of the National Research Council (NRC) — now the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) — for the funding of computers in universities, a member from 1967 to 1969 of the NRC Computer Science Grant Selection Committee, a member from 1974 to 1985 of the Stewart Reid Award Selection Committee of the Canadian Association of University Teachers (CAUT), and a member of the organizing committee for an international symposium on railway cybernetics in 1967. He was a member of the Canadian delegation to that symposium, as well as to a subsequent one in Osaka in 1970.

Jacques Saint-Pierre has worked constantly to improve the quality of professional life for his colleagues. He has always maintained an active concern for professorial matters. He was a founding member of the Association des professeurs de l’Université de Montréal (APUM) in 1956 and president in 1959 and 1960. He was a member in 1966 and 1967, as a representative of the professoriate, of the quadripartite committee whose work led to the adoption of the present Charter of the University of Montreal. He was vice-president of CAUT in 1963 and 1965 and president in 1965-66. He was a founding member of the Association des professeurs des universités de langue française du Québec (APULFO) and vice-president in 1964-65. He was a member of the Council of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC) from 1970 to 1972.

Jacques Saint-Pierre was also deeply involved in the administration of the University of Montreal. He was Vice-Dean and Director of Studies for the Faculty of Science from 1961 to 1964, an elected member of the University Assembly from 1967 to 1971, a member of the Board of the University from 1967 to 1971, a member of the Executive Committee from 1967 to 1971, in charge of planning in 1971-72, chairman of the sub-committee for academic development from 1971 to 1982, chairman of the subcommittee on academic structures from 1971 to 1982. Finally, he was Vice-Rector (Planning) From 1971 to 1982.

Professor Saint-Pierre became Professor Emeritus of the University of Montreal in 1983. Even in retirement he has kept up his activities. He has been director of instruction for the computing service since 1983 and chairman of the consultative committee to evaluate services at the University of Montreal since 1987. He has been President of the Association des professeurs retraités de l’Université de Montréal (APRUM) since 1985.

Many organizations have recognized his competence and his desire to serve, by awarding him prizes and honours. He received the Governor General’s Medal from the Province of Québec in 1945. He twice received the University Merit award of the Association générale des étudiants de l’Université de Montréal (AGEUM), in 1960 and in 1965. He was awarded the Canadian Centennial Medal in 1976. He became an honorary member of both the CAUT and the SSC in 1986.

Behind these achievements and honours, there is the man. He was, for many members of the SSC, their first professor of statistics. He is in no small way responsible for our choice of career. Even today, it is not unusual for us to consult him before making an important decision. He is much loved and respected as a man, an example and a model for us all.

Robert Cléroux, December 14, 1988

Photo credit: Jacques St-Pierre, director of the Computer Center of the University of Montreal, Archives UdeM, October 27, 1964 / Centrale de photographie. 1 photograph: b&w proof. D0037/1fp00147 UdeM Archives, Office of Information fonds, D0037/1fp00147