CHAMPAGNE, Dr. Joseph Ernest of Rochester, MI, and former president of Oakland University, was born on May 19, 1938 to Loretta Eva Lucier Champagne and Frederick Joseph Champagne of Norwich, Connecticut. He was married to Emilie Lind Champagne on December 27, 1969. He was a devoted father to Jennifer Champagne (David Zande), Juliana Wonboy (Jeff) and Johanna Champagne. He was the adored grandfather of Bella, Abbey and Jordyn Wonboy. He is also survived by his brothers-in-law, Dr. Dwight Lind (Nell) and Wayne Lind (Sheryl); sister- in-law, Debbie Champagne as well as many nephews and nieces. He was predeceased in death by his parents, Fred and Loretta Champagne: Brother Fred Champagne; Father-in-law and mother-in-law, Leon and Dagmar Lind.
Joseph did his undergraduate work at St. Mary’s and St. Thomas University. He completed his Master’s degree at Fordham University in New York City and his PhD in Industrial Psychology at Purdue University. Soon after graduating, he was appointed Director of Research of the State of South Carolina. He was very proud of his early research and work to improve the lives of underprivileged through education and job training. He later moved to Houston to become the Associate Director of The Institute for Labor and Industrial Relations at the College Business Administration at the University of Houston. He led a feasibility study for establishing a Community College and became the founding President of Houston Community College in 1970. He later came back to the University of Houston to become Vice President for Academic Affairs. He served on the Board of lighthouse for the Blind, the Center of Multi-Handicap Children as well as other boards, to support increased access to education and opportunities.
In 1981, he and his family moved to Michigan and he became the President of Oakland University in Rochester, Michigan. He served the great university for 10 years. While at Oakland, he was one of the main builders of the Oakland University Technology Park which surrounds the university. In 1991, he left to head up Crittenton Hospital Corporation. He moved to Beaumont, Texas, to become the Chancellor of the Lamar University System in 1994. He moved back to Rochester to start his own corporation and educational consulting business. He became Vice President for Advanced Studies and Dean of the University Center. He was passionate about increasing educational opportunities for students by providing access to upper college level courses from local universities.
Joseph served as Chairman of the Board of Ross Controls for many years as well as being a member of the Munder Board of Trustees and on the Board of Sacred Heart Seminary. He most recently served on the Board of Lawrence Technology University in Southfield, Michigan.
Joseph’s unwavering faith in God set the foundation for his life. He was a longtime member of St. Andrews Catholic Church. We are especially grateful for the close spiritual relationships he shared with Father Zak Shallow and Monsignor Robert McClory. We are also thankful for the devotion and friendship shown to him in his later years, when he was dealing with Parkinson’s disease. We are especially thankful for John Macklin, John Kloc, Blessing Osanaiye as well as Maggie and the staff at First & Main.
Joseph wanted to be remembered by two phrases. The first was that "he cared" as was evident by his loving relationships with his family and his lifelong devotion to serving others. Secondly, what he repeated often towards the end of his life, which he eloquently mentioned at his final graduation speech at Oakland University, was. “Enthusiasm ain’t enough. You gotta get EXCITED!”
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to The Capuchin Soup Kitchen and Hope Horsepark.
A visitation will be held on December 16, 2018 from 12- 4 PM at Pixley Funeral Home, 322 W. University Dr., Rochester, MI 48307 and on Monday, December 17, 2018 at 11:30 AM until the funeral mass at 12:00 PM at St. Andrews Catholic Church, 1400 Inglewood Ave., Rochester, MI 48307.
