In Memory of Peter Kule

We were deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Peter Kule, Canadian philanthropist, friend to the University of Alberta, and along with his wife Doris, who passed away in March 2020, the founding donors of the Kule Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS).

Peter’s philanthropy and his commitment to academic research has touched lives here in Edmonton, across Canada, and around the world. The legacy created by Peter and Doris’s philanthropic contributions continues to impact research, learning, and community engagement at the University of Alberta and beyond. 

In a previous leadership role, I had the good fortune to meet Peter and Doris briefly, and I was struck by their warmth and joyfulness. I have also heard many wonderful stories from former KIAS Director Geoffrey Rockwell, former Dean of Arts Lesley Cormack, and many others. Peter has had such a tremendous impact on our campus community and will be missed by all of the students, staff, and faculty who have benefitted from his kindness and generosity.

Geoffrey Rockwell, in reminiscing about Peter and Doris, recalls spending time with them in their home alongside Oliver Rossier (former KIAS Coordinator) and Lesley Cormack. They would visit regularly to update Peter and Doris on activities at KIAS, and, they would bring posters and abstracts from grants to show them. One particular memory stands out when he recalls his visits with Peter.

“I remember times when Oliver and I would also take Peter and Doris to Uncle Ed’s Ukrainian Restaurant for lunch. Peter would advise me on what to try. Often we would have KitKat chocolates for dessert, discretely smuggled in by Doris, while the waitresses smiled on. During lunches and the driving back and forth, Peter would share stories about his work with Alberta Premiers, University of Alberta Presidents, Ukrainian community leaders and business leaders. Somehow, Peter always paid, no matter how hard we tried to get to the cashier first. I suspect he had arranged things before on the phone.”

While Peter and Doris are no longer with us, we are inspired by them every day when walking into the KIAS office in Old Arts. Their portrait hangs in the lobby and is the first thing visitors see when entering the building. 

The generous support of Peter and Doris was inspired by their experience of the history and culture of Ukraine and the global struggle of humanity for peace, justice, and wellbeing. Their gifts have supported researchers across the University of Alberta as they work to  “create a greater understanding of the most important issues of the day,” and we are proud to serve as custodians of that important legacy. 

Michael O’Driscoll
Director, Kule Institute for Advanced Study
Professor, English and Film Studies