Dr. Michel Ouellette, 53, passed away unexpectedly at his residence on the Douglas Campus of Cochise College on June 30, 2009. Born at Grand Falls, New Brunswick, Canada, in 1955, he was the husband of Janique Smythe, and the son of the late Patrick C. and Lorette (Godbout) Ouellette.
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Michel obtained his PhD in educational administration from the University of Alberta in 1998. He worked in higher education in Alberta and New Brunswick before becoming the director of Housing and Student Life at Cochise College in 2005. At Cochise College he was well known for his passion for cultivating student leadership and service learning. In addition to overseeing the residence halls, Michel was an associate faculty member. He was instrumental in providing leadership for student government, student clubs, numerous on-campus activities for students and staff, service learning and honors programs such as COOKIES, the MLK Project, and the Alternative Spring Break program. He consistently went above and beyond the call of duty on behalf of students and their learning opportunities.
Michel was an avid sports fan but was most known for his running. He completed many ultra marathons. He was known as ‘the guy who runs on the highway’ to many in the local community who saw him along Highway 80, no matter what the weather, faithfully running eight miles twice a day, every day. He had a sweet tooth and he loved chocolate, milkshakes and Diet Coke. Michel was a fervent traveler, particularly in the Caribbean, and with his curiosity, sense of humor, kindness and compassion, he endeared himself to everyone he met. He will be greatly missed.
Cochise College will be having a memorial service for Michel Ouellette on Monday, July 20th, at 10:00 a.m. in Room 501 A&B (Student Union) on the Douglas Campus. Community members are welcome to attend.
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