Dr. Richard Kurial Award for International Students

The Dr. Richard Kurial Award for International Students is granted to a returning full-time international student at UPEI who is in the greatest financial need. This award honors Dr. Richard Kurial, who served as Dean of Arts from 2002-2011 and was a tireless advocate for international students. Dr. Kurial understood the unique challenges faced by international students in adapting to a new cultural and academic environment, and his advocacy went beyond administrative support. He often opened his home to international students, providing them with a welcoming place to stay and fostering a supportive community around them. His commitment to inclusivity and understanding made a profound impact on the lives of many students, offering them not only a safe space but also guidance and mentorship. In recognition of Dr. Kurial's dedication to international education and his compassion for students, his friends at his favourite local pub, The Churchill Arms, created this bursary to assist international students facing financial difficulties, ensuring they succeed academically and fully engage in the university experience. The bursary reflects Dr. Kurial's lifelong belief in the power of education to bridge cultures and his deep empathy for those far from home. Dr. Kurial was a native of Vancouver, British Columbia, and began teaching history at UPEI in 1993. He passed away on June 30, 2023, one day before his official retirement.