Stephen B. Roman

Class of 1989

Stephen B. Roman, mining magnate, financier and founder of Denison Mines Limited and The Roman Corporation.

Stephen Roman was driven by his belief in the freedom of individuals to create their own destiny. He was just 16 and penniless when he arrived in Canada from Eastern Slovakia in 1937. He worked as a farm labourer near Port Perry, Ontario until 1946, when he staked a gold claim northwest of Sudbury, Ontario. A quick sale brought a modest profit which Stephen reinvested in the fields of Alberta and western United States.

In 1954, Stephen returned to mining when he bought a controlling interest in Ontario’s Denison Mines. His determination and focused strategy brought a renewed stability to an unsettled mining community that was experiencing tough economic times. Denison became a major international player with the discovery of the world’s largest single source of uranium at Elliot Lake, Ontario.

A slump in uranium sales in the 1960’s forced Denison to diversify into potash and oil and gas production. While aggressively seeking new contracts at home and abroad, Stephen entered the cement, paper and financial services markets through his newly founded company, The Roman Corporation. His tenacity secured strong consistent performances for his companies, resulting in profits in the billions of dollars.

Numerous corporations and foundations benefited from Stephen’s generous patronage. He was and active supporter of the Slovak community which led to his founding of the Slovak World Congress.