When Rollie Lutes succumbed to cancer, he left behind a legacy of leadership, professionalism and unselfish dedication. Rollie, who grew up in Moncton, recognized the value of a university education and enrolled in the Bachelor of Business Administration program at the University of New Brunswick.
Graduating in 1958, Rollie joined Clarkson Gordon, which later became part of Ernst & Young. It was the beginning of an outstanding professional career in accounting and finance. Rollie achieved his Chartered Accountant designation in 1961, rising to the level of partner with the Toronto office of Clarkson Gordon in 1969. When the opportunity arose shortly thereafter, Rollie accepted the managing partner position with the firm’s New Brunswick practice in Saint John. While there, he played a leading role in developing the firm’s profile and client base, acting as an advisor to many of New Brunswick’s leading businesses.
After more than 30 years with the firm, Rollie stepped down in 1992, not to retire, but to assume the position of senior vice president, finance and administration with NB Power. He later went on to serve as a member of the New Brunswick Board of Commissioners of Public Utilities.
Rollie’s record of service to the community was equally impressive. He was the founding chair of the St. Joseph Hospital Foundation, president of the Canadian Club of Toronto, national president of the Canadian Association for Community Living, president of Partners for Youth, secretary-treasurer of the Beaverbrook Art Gallery, director of the Institute for Research on Public Policy and treasurer of Junior Achievement of Canada.
Throughout his career, Rollie maintained a strong interest in the University of New Brunswick, including recruiting and mentoring scores of graduates, many of whom have gone on to their own successes in finance, business and community service. When the University came knocking in 1985, Rollie once again demonstrated his unfailing commitment by accepting the role as founding chair of the Faculty of Business Administration’s Advisory Council.
His dedication to mentoring young graduates, his leadership in community organizations and his tireless advocacy are all testaments to his belief that what really mattered were people. It seems only fitting that the University of New Brunswick establish the Roland J. Lutes, C.A. Memorial Scholarship, providing support to a young person hoping to create their own path to success.
Awarded to a student who has completed at least the requirements of the first year of the Bachelor of Business Administration degree program, selection will be based on scholastic attainment and financial need. The recipients must be New Brunswick residents according to the definition in the Provincial Government's Student Financial Services guidelines. The scholarship is funded by friends, colleagues and family of Rollie Lutes, and the New Brunswick University Opportunities Fund.
You may contribute by donating online or by mailing a contribution to our offices in Saint John or Fredericton. Thank you for your support.
We encourage you to share this page with family, friends and colleagues who may have known Rollie, and to help honour his memory by making a gift in support of the memorial fund at UNB online or by mail.
Establishing named scholarships, bursaries or other funds is an easy and meaningful way to ensure that you or someone you care about is remembered with a special connection to UNB. Contact us to learn more.
