The MacEwan community offers its heartfelt condolences to the family of Dr. Peter Kule, who passed away on December 6 at the age of 102. Dr. Kule was a steadfast supporter of MacEwan’s students and programming.
“The MacEwan community is extremely grateful for Dr. Kule’s contributions to our campus, programming and students,” says President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Annette Trimbee. “This loss will not only be felt here, but across Edmonton and beyond. His lifelong commitment to education and his passion for helping others has left a lasting impression on many people, and we extend our deepest condolences to his family.”
Dr. Kule and his wife, Dr. Doris Kule generously donated $1.6 million to MacEwan over their lifetime. Their contributions led to the creation of the Drs. Peter and Doris Kule Chair of Ukrainian Community and International Development, the Drs. Peter and Doris Kule Visiting Scholars in Ukrainian Studies and Culture, and the naming of the Drs. Peter & Doris Kule Health Lecture Theatre in the Robbins Health Learning Centre. They also gave to the Health and Nursing Technology Fund, contributed a gift to help establish the Chair of International Health, and provided support for the Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre’s Operating Fund.
In 2008, they were awarded the Distinguished Citizen Award at MacEwan’s Spring Convocation.
“Together with his late wife, Dr. Doris Kule, they have supported educational and cultural initiatives at the university, enhancing student education experiences, and helping to facilitate critical connections with partners in Ukraine,” says Dr. Craig Kuziemsky, associate vice-president, Research. “At MacEwan University, they have supported the Ukrainian Resource and Development Centre (URDC), to develop provincial, national and international projects linking MacEwan to the Ukrainian Canadian community and universities in Ukraine and Eastern Europe. MacEwan University is extremely grateful for the support and friendship of this visionary leader and donor.”
ABOUT DR. PETER KULE
Kule was born in Stratyn, Ukraine, came to Canada with his mother and two brothers in 1938. The family settled in Two Hills, Alberta, before Dr. Kule moved to Edmonton in 1940. After moving to the city, he married Doris and began his career as an accountant and real estate investor.
Throughout his life, Dr. Kule has been active in a number of Ukrainian cultural and community organizations, including the Ukrainian Catholic Brotherhood of Canada and the Ukrainian Professional and Businessmen's Club. He received numerous awards and recognitions for his work, one of the highlights being in 1993 when Pope John Paul II proclaimed him a Knight of the Order of St. Gregory the Great.