UNE remembers Dr. Laurence Bouchard

We are saddened to share with you that Laurence E. Bouchard, D.O., HON '94, passed away on Friday, December 11, 2015. 

Bouchard served many important roles for the University of New England and the College of Osteopathic Medicine and was often recognized for his contributions to the school.  As a former trustee of the New England Foundation of Osteopathic Medicine, Bouchard was one of the founders of UNE’s College of Osteopathic Medicine. He also served as COM's regional dean of Clinical Affairs.  Bouchard served on UNE’s Board of Trustees for many years and was a Trustee Emeritus.  He received an honorary degree in 1994 and the Pioneer of Osteopathic Medicine Award in 2002.

Bouchard was a Heritage Society member and made gifts in support of a wide range of initiatives at the University including the Art Gallery, the COM Annual Fund, the Pickus Center for Biomedical Research, the Alfond Center for Health Sciences, the UNEqualed Vision Campaign and COM scholarships.

Bouchard was a leader within the medical community.  He was a general practitioner and ran a family practice in Narragansett, Rhode Island. He received his D.O. from Kirksville College of Osteopathic Medicine (AT Still University) in 1962.  Bouchard served as president of the AOA from 1993 to 1994 and as president of the Rhode Island Society of Osteopathic Physicians and Surgeons (RISOPS) from 1968 to 1969. He also served as secretary of the Rhode Island Board of Examiners in Osteopathy from 1997 to 1985. In 2008 Bouchard received the AAO's Honorary Life Membership Award.  In 2013, RIOSPS awarded Bouchard the first “Laurence E. Bouchard D.O. Outstanding Service Award.”

UNE President Danielle Ripich recalled Bouchard’s dedication to UNE. “Dr. Bouchard's service to his profession and to the university is unmatched and his counsel and guidance have helped build the institution he took such great pride in,” she said.  “He will be sorely missed.” 

Visiting hours are Friday December 18 from 4 to 7p.m. at Avery-Storti Funeral Home, 88 Columbia St., Wakefield. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Mary Star of the Sea Church, Saturday December 19 at 11 a.m. followed by a gathering at the church hall. Donations may be made in his memory to University of New England, c/o Institutional Advancement, 716 Stevens Ave., Portland, ME 04103 for College of Osteopathic Medicine (COM) Scholarships.

 

About the University of New England

The University of New England is Maine’s largest independent university, with two beautiful coastal campuses in Maine, a one-of-a-kind study abroad campus in Tangier, Morocco, and an array of flexible, accredited online degrees. In an uncommonly welcoming and supportive community, we offer hands-on learning, empowering students to make a positive impact in a world full of challenges. The state’s top provider of health professionals, we are home to Maine’s only medical college, Maine’s only dental college, a variety of other interprofessionally aligned health care degree programs, as well as nationally recognized programs for marine science degrees, natural and social sciences degrees, arts and humanities degrees, and business degrees.