The late Dr. Klaus Jochem, MDCM’85, still stands as a giant in the eyes of his sister, Karin Macpherson.
She describes him as a “renaissance man,” recounting his time spent as a field doctor in remote Nepal, a scholar at several prestigious universities, and his enthusiasm for literature, history and the piano.
Jochem passed away in November 2017, but his passion for learning has lived on. Macpherson was the executer of her brother’s estate, which left a bequest to establish the Hans Josef and Klaus Jochem Bursary. In less than two years the bursary has already provided generous financial support to 13 foreign students, and will continue in perpetuity.
“It may prove to be the best thing that Klaus did in his life, which was already full.”
Jochem pursued many interests, but education, paired with a sense of duty to give back, were common threads. Both were influenced by Karin and Klaus’ father, Hans Josef Jochem. Hans emigrated from Germany with very little and found success in Montreal, for which “he was always grateful,” says Macpherson. “My father would tell stories about those who helped us. He recognized that we all need help; no one does it alone.”
The elder Jochem is named in the bursary, which was deliberate on her brother’s part. “Klaus had a debt of gratitude to my father for what he did for our family, and they had similar values.”
Jochem’s upbringing, as well as his time spent abroad and in developing countries, would inspire him to give back in many ways during his lifetime. He fought to control infectious disease in Nepal, sponsored foster children through international charities, and “was always giving of his time and experience.”
When it came time to discuss his estate, McGill came out on top because of “its stature as a leading university, my brother’s cherished memories, and how education gives people a leg up: it broadens horizons and impacts lives. He would’ve been thrilled that [his gift] was in people’s hands so quickly and being put to good use. And when people give to you, you remember it, and pass it on.”
Karin dismisses the idea that her brother considered himself a philanthropist. “That’s just Klaus.” Nevertheless, his influence will last for generations.
“Two hundred years from now, it’s still going to be here. This is another extraordinary thing that my brother has done that will impact many people’s lives.”
This bursary has allowed me to do so much - stay in school, focus on my studies, and help my family rest a bit financially. Without it, I couldn't play McGill football. I'd like to thank the donor very much for the help he's given me. It took the pressure off, and I’m sure it did the same for the other recipients as well.”
- Jean Exume, Social Work student and recipient of the Hans Josef and Klaus Jochem Bursary
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