Peter and Doris Kule
Drs Peter and Doris KuleConvocation Address
University of Alberta, June 8, 2005
Peter: Chancellor Newell, Chairman Edwards, President Fraser, Your Grace, Your Excellency, Graduates, Ladies and Gentlemen,
Doris and I want to thank the University of Alberta for bestowing upon us the Honorary Doctor of Laws degrees. We are deeply humbled by this recognition and privileged to have been chosen as recipients by this world-class University.
Doris: Today's convocation really belongs to our graduates who have succeeded in obtaining their Bachelor of Science degrees. Congratulations for a job well done: you will always be proud when you remember this day. Here are a few thoughts we would like to share with you.
Peter: Always cherish the motto of your Alma Matter: "Quaecumque Vera." "Whatsoever things are true." Above everything else, graduates, yours is the responsibility to ensure that you seek truth in all aspects of your life. Be prepared to share your talents with the community you live in: the world is waiting for your contribution.
Doris: As a teacher, it was my duty to impart students with the love of learning and the power of knowledge. Peter and I are not scholars but we are lovers of learning. Your parents, your relatives, your teachers, and your professors are proud of you and in turn deserve your recognition for helping you reach your goals.
Each of you will take a different path. Some of you will continue to be students; some will enter the workforce; and some of you might go into business. Your lifelong journey will be filled with learning opportunities. Do not be afraid to embrace these as they will contribute in making your lives exciting and productive.
Peter: Life is not without its struggles. I arrived in Canada some 67 years ago with $1 in my pocket. I spoke neither of Canada's official languages. The challenges were immense and overwhelming when I look back at those early years. Yet I knew that if I were to become an accountant, I would have to work hard to achieve my goals. We struggled. We learned. We risked and risked again, and we continued learning from each opportunity. Dear Graduates: Face your challenges; prepare yourselves for risk taking; expect some struggles; and learn from your successes and your failures.
Doris: Although we worked hard in our professions, we also had fun. Peter and I have always enjoyed volunteering in our community and our church and spending time with our family and friends. People have always been fundamental to our belief system, and many of our achievements are due to working collaboratively with others. In the course of your lives, graduates, you will receive many rewards but none more fulfilling than giving back to your profession, your family, or your community.
Doris and Peter: We would like to leave you with the following thoughts from the works of Ukrainian poet, Taras Shevchenko, translated by H.T. Jones:
Educate yourselves,
My brethren,
Study well! think deep!
Learn from many other nations
And your wisdom keep!