A $2-million gift from the late John Yaremko will support the advancement of research and teaching in the history, culture and politics of Ukraine at the University of Toronto. The donation bolsters the University’s existing endowment for the Chair in Ukrainian Studies. A ceremony dedicating the John Yaremko Chair in Ukrainian Studies was held at the University on November 9, 2010.

“The University of Toronto is proud of its long engagement in the study of Ukraine,” says President David Naylor. “Our academic programming in Ukrainian studies has benefited immensely over the years from the steadfast support of the Ukrainian community, which originally endowed the Chair in Ukrainian Studies. Now, thanks to John Yaremko, an eminent alumnus and longstanding benefactor, we will be able to support and foster future generations of scholars committed to teaching, to producing leading-edge research and to furthering our understanding of Ukrainian history, politics and culture.” 

Born in Welland, Ontario, in 1918 and educated at the University of Toronto and Osgoode Hall Law School, the Honourable John Yaremko had a long and distinguished career in provincial parliament. He was the first Ukrainian-Canadian member of the Legislative Assembly and the first to be appointed cabinet minister in Ontario. A passionate voice for human rights, social justice and multiculturalism in the cabinets of premiers Leslie Frost, John Robarts and Bill Davis, Mr. Yaremko was appointed to a number of ministerial portfolios, including transportation, citizenship, and social and family services.

The Honourable Bill Davis, also a U of T alumnus, remarks: “John Yaremko was a tireless advocate for social justice and the rights of immigrants. Through his public service and his philanthropy, he worked hard to improve the welfare of his fellow Canadians.”

Mr. Yaremko was an iconic figure in the Ukrainian-Canadian community. His name was synonymous with advancing issues related to Ukrainian-Canadians specifically and multicultural issues more generally. In 1981, he became a founding member of the University of Toronto Chair in Ukrainian Studies Foundation.

“John took immense pride in the University of Toronto and its connection to the Ukrainian community,” says Ihor Bardyn, President of the University of Toronto Chair in Ukrainian Studies Foundation. “He felt it was crucial to establish a bridge between Canada and Ukraine so that we can further our understanding of Ukrainian culture and the Ukrainian-Canadian way of life.”

Founded in 1827, the University of Toronto is Canada’s largest and most-distinguished university, offering teaching programs in 17 academic divisions located on three campuses and in 10 fully affiliated teaching hospitals. It hosts one of the major Ukrainian studies programs in North America and is at the forefront of advancing an understanding of the government, economy, history and culture in Ukraine.