H. James Bourque ’56
James Bourque ’56, has been named as the 2026 recipient of the Dr. Donald and Catherine Finlayson Award. First established in 1968 and renamed in 1999 for Dr. Donald and Catherine Finlayson, this award recognizes individuals, organizations, or businesses with notable professional success and strong support of Lake Superior State University.
Bourque has built a distinguished and wide-ranging career in economic development, industrial mineral consulting, business leadership, public service, and philanthropy across the United States and internationally.
A long-time resident of Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan, and a proud alumnus of Lake Superior State University (then Michigan College of Mining and Technology), Bourque has maintained strong ties to his alma mater throughout his life. He is a former Laker basketball and track athlete, an Athletic Hall of Fame inductee in 2002, and was recognized early in his career as Most Valuable Trackman for MCMT in 1955. He has served as a member of the LSSU Foundation Board of Directors since 1985, including two terms as Chair, and has also been a Laker Club member since 1984. In recognition of his service and impact, he was bestowed Emeritus status in 1985 alongside Senator Walter North and Dr. Lou Lukenda. He has been a long-time donor and supporter of the university.
“It was a privilege to be awarded Emeritus status alongside Dr. Louis Lukenda and Senator Walter North. It was a truly meaningful honor that I’ll always remember,” Bourque commented.
He began his professional career with the Boy Scouts of America, where he served in leadership roles in Michigan, Indiana, Wisconsin, and at the national headquarters in New Jersey. As Assistant National Director of Health and Safety and National Director of Aquatics, he directed nationwide programs and developed the “Lifeline USA” high adventure pilot program at Philmont Scout Ranch. Over the course of his scouting career, he was consistently recognized among the organization’s top performers nationally.
He later moved into economic development and public planning, serving as Director of the Eastern Upper Peninsula Regional Planning and Development Commission with offices in Ontario Hall for 5 years. He and his commission were selected as the “model” for the country and was recognized appropriately for the same. He also served as a consultant to federal, state, and provincial governments. His work with agencies such as the U.S. Economic Development Administration and the Michigan Department of Commerce helped shape regional development initiatives across Michigan and Canada and contributed to nationally recognized planning models.
Bourque is widely known for his expertise in industrial mineral development. Through H. James Bourque & Associates, he has advised corporations including Dow Chemical, 3M, Lafarge, and Great Lakes Dredge and Dock, as well as international partners in North America, the Caribbean, and Africa. His work has included quarry development, infrastructure planning, and large-scale resource evaluation for transportation, construction, and environmental applications.
He has also been a successful entrepreneur, founding and developing multiple companies in the industrial minerals and infrastructure sectors, including Ontario Trap Rock, Aggregates America LLC and Mountain Stone LLC, which specialize in quarry products and Great Lakes shoreline protection. Earlier ventures included companies in manufacturing, asphalt development, and Canadian aggregate production, many of which were successfully sold or transitioned over time. He has donated landscape stone along with architectural sandstone for various Lake State projects. He also donated money for the sauna in the men’s basketball locker room.
“I’m proud that I was able to donate the landscape stone and sandstone that’s been used on several projects around campus,” Bourque said. “Every time I visit, it’s nice to see that contribution has become a lasting part of the university and its landscape.”
Bourque also served as Finance Director of the Republican Party of Michigan, where he directed and eliminated significant organizational debt. He directed fundraising efforts for multiple state and national political campaigns, including major fundraising events for three U.S. Presidents, as well as the National Republican Convention in Detroit. President Ronald Reagan asked him to become the National Director of Finance for the Republican party—he declined—other commitments. He has also led fundraising initiatives for numerous civic and charitable organizations.
Bourque’s professional and civic involvement has included leadership and membership roles with numerous organizations, including the Boy Scouts of America National Council, Michigan Association of Regions, Michigan Society for Planning Officials, National Society of Fund-Raising Executives, and several regional cultural, historical, and community boards in Michigan and beyond.
“I’ve had the honor of working with outstanding leaders at Lake Superior State University, especially Dr. Louis Lukenda on the Phoenix Property, where we created a Charter School, which has benefited the university substantially for many years. I’ve also had the opportunity to know every university president since LSSU’s founding. Through each chapter of its history, my faith in this university has only grown stronger. I have every confidence that Lake Superior State University has a bright future ahead.”
He and his wife, Ann Cook Bourque, have two daughters, Kristine (Jerry Shull) and Jill (Ken Verheecke).