U of A community mourns longtime friend and supporter Dr. Peter Kule

The College of Social Sciences and Humanities (CSSH) is greatly saddened to learn of the passing of community leader and philanthropic champion Dr. Peter Kule on December 7, 2023 — a loss felt by the entire University of Alberta community.

Over the course of a life that spanned more than a century, Peter was driven by a steadfast desire to give to the community, with a particular focus on supporting education and scholarly research.

His journey, woven intricately with the threads of compassion and philanthropy, bore witness to a profound impact. Alongside his late wife Doris, Peter etched an indelible mark on the landscape of generosity, leaving a lasting legacy through their generous support for many charitable causes, including the University of Alberta.

A far-reaching legacy

With a shared heritage — Peter was born in Stratyn, Ukraine, and Doris was born in Alberta to Ukrainian immigrants — their culture and religion were central aspects of the Kules’ lives. They were deeply committed to the Ukrainian community and passionate about contributing to areas that furthered the study of Ukraine and Ukrainians in Canada.

The Kules’ legacy at the U of A dates back to the 1970s when Peter, a successful accountant who had established a large firm in Edmonton, made his first donation to the accounting program in what was then known as the Faculty of Business Administration and Commerce (now the Alberta School of Business).

After Peter used his accounting expertise to become a successful real estate investor and entrepreneur, the focus of the couple’s generosity expanded to include Ukrainian and religious scholarship. Their generosity has left a deep and lasting impression throughout the College of Social Sciences and Humanities and the U of A. 

“We are immensely grateful for the friendship and support of both Peter and Doris Kule over the years,” says Dean Marvin Washington of CSSH. “Their vision and generosity have had a profound impact on research and teaching across our college, and their presence will continue to be felt for generations through the many initiatives they made possible.” 

Champions for Ukrainian studies

In the Faculty of Arts, the Peter and Doris Kule Centre for Ukrainian and Canadian Folklore was established in 2001, becoming the Kule Folklore Centre (KuFC) in 2006. The centre — dedicated to pioneering research in Ukrainian and Canadian folklore studies — is permanently endowed through gifts from the Kules and other community leaders. The Kule Chair in Ukrainian Ethnography, which is held by Dr. Larisa Sembaliuk Cheladyn, teaches Ukrainian folklore and other folklore-themed classes in the Department of Modern Languages and Cultural Studies. 

“Dr. Peter Kule was an extremely kind and generous man. He opened his heart and home to all,” says Sembaliuk Cheladyn. “Over the years, Peter and Doris hosted many members of the KuFC team. My most recent visit with Peter was this past summer. We had a wonderful time going through his large photo album, which captured memories of family, friends and accomplishments –  a testimony to his impact on the community and the legacy he has left behind. May his memory be eternal. Вічная пам'ять.”

“As one who did not know Peter personally, I have the great pleasure of seeing on a daily basis how much Peter and Doris Kule have done for the world through their endowments, including their support for vital research, teaching and outreach,” adds KuFC director Andie Palmer. “My deepest condolences to all who had the pleasure of knowing him. As for those who know him only through the legacy he has left us, we mourn with you all. May the fine work that reflects good credit on the Kule name long continue at the Kule Folklore Centre, so that he is remembered well. May his memory be eternal.”

In 2007, the Kules’ support led to the creation of the Kule Ukrainian Canadian Studies Centre (KUCSC) as part of the internationally-recognized Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies (CIUS). KUCSC is at the forefront of Ukrainian Canadian research and publication and is also engaged in the study of Ukrainians around the world through its Ukrainian Diaspora Studies Initiative. 

"The Kules have been generous benefactors of the Canadian Institute of Ukrainian Studies,” says CIUS Director Natalia Khanenko-Friesen. “With their support of scholarship, research and innovation, and their passion for their Ukrainian heritage, the impact of Dr. Peter Kule’s munificence and that of his late wife, Dr. Doris Kule, has been and will continue to be immeasurable."

Through the couple’s continued generous support, the Kule Institute for Advanced Study (KIAS) was established in 2010. This prominent research institute fosters the study of modern and historical political, social and cultural issues. To date, over 300 research projects have been supported by KIAS. 

“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,” says Director Michael O’Driscoll. “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.”

Supporting his profession and his faith

Peter also continued to support the Alberta School of Business. A proud Chartered Accountant (CA), he helped set up the Chartered Accountants Professorship in Accounting (since renamed the CPA Distinguished Chair in Accounting). 

“This professorship has helped strengthen our accounting department and contributed to thought leadership and research in accounting, helping us develop one of the leading Canadian Centres for research in behavioural accounting,” says CPA Distinguished Chair Karim Jamal. “Peter Kule was a shining example of how accounting expertise could be parlayed into a successful business career, and then community citizenship that will enhance education, research and the quality of life of Alberta.”

The Kules have also left their mark on other areas of the U of A. Through a donation to St. Joseph’s College, they established the Peter and Doris Kule Chair in Catholic Religious Education. The lectureship, currently held by Professor Matthew Hoven, recognizes a faculty member or visiting scholar who can provide significant contributions to Catholic religious education in Alberta.

Among the many honours they received in their lifetimes, the Kules were awarded honorary doctorates from the U of A in 2005 in recognition of their substantial contributions to the university and the community.

To learn more about the life and legacy of Peter Kule, watch this video that was released in 2021 to mark his 100th birthday.

Our college community would like to express our heartfelt appreciation to Peter and Doris for their visionary leadership and the enduring legacy they have bestowed upon the U of A.