Internationally acclaimed filmmakers, lifelong educators, and tour-de-force environmental stewards Albert and Pirkko Karvonen are also UAlberta donors.
Internationally acclaimed filmmakers, lifelong educators, and tour-de-force environmental stewards, Albert and Pirkko Karvonen have recently joined the distinguished ranks of the University of Alberta donors.
With a focus on nature and in particular botany, Albert and Pirkko have kindly made their donation to commemorate their son Ben, former Botany Masters student at UAlberta. Their aim is to encourage a greater awareness of the natural world, one of Ben's passions, and help young people with financial contributions so that they might focus on the wonderful world of plants.
From an early age, the lives of Albert and Pirkko have been intimately intertwined with nature, likely the root of Ben's passion for botany. By the age of 13, Pirkko already collected over 300 plants for school, and knew both their latin and common names. While growing up on a farm in rural Alberta, Albert became fascinated with nature through observation and adventure as he learned about how things fit into the natural world.
Right to the root of education
But what makes the Karvonens such impressive environmental stewards is their passion for education. Graduating from UAlberta with an education degree in 1960, and a Master's in 1966, Albert Karvonen began what would become an illustrious career in education, spending the first 14 years of his career attending night and summer school while working. Meanwhile, by reading all of his textbooks Pirkko developed her own weaving courses which were picked up by the Edmonton Public School board and the Alberta government. Pirkko has since taught classes both rural and overseas. As Albert says, "education is the key to really learning about the world, issues and what's important... [and] how we move forward in the world."
A captivating nature
The Karvonens shared interests in education and genuine concern for the environment also propelled them into the international spotlight for their work on nature films.
Their goal was to extend education beyond the lab, helping people experience the natural environment with their films.
Well, it worked. Their accolades are tremendous, winning an award for contributions to the motion picture industry in the 90's from the Alberta Motion Picture Industry, and the best of the festival 1993 for an educational nature film, among others. The Karvonens have been showcased from Chicago film festival to Sweden, and their work has made it to over 150 countries.
Now, the Karvonens are choosing to give back to the University of Alberta in hopes of providing others with the life and opportunities they worked so hard for. "It is "important to have empathy for others. Many people have difficulty pursuing education, getting schooling, and just living," they explained.
"I am fortunate to have the education that I have, and the work experience that I have, and the only way that I have achieved probably a lot of it is through education," added Albert, reflecting on the pivotal role his education has had on his success.
The Karvonens have altruistically donated not only their time and money, but also their land, turning 145 acres of their property into a protected nature conservatory. "The key thing is not how much you give, but to focus on the concept of giving, of helping others to achieve what you feel you have achieved."
From book dedications to international film awards, Albert and Pirkko Karvonen have left their mark on our planet and in the lives of students and aspiring learners around the world. The University of Alberta is incredibly grateful for their kind and generous contribution in memory of their son Ben, to help future generations become as successful as they are.