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Robert and Kathryn Merrett

“You have to stand up in a small way for what you believe in and do what’s right,” says Robert Merrett, retired º£½ÇÉçÇø professor.

For Robert and Kathryn Merrett, “doing what’s right” means supporting the future of the Bruce Peel Special Collections at the º£½ÇÉçÇø’s Library with a gift through their Will.

“We are passionate about the collection and keeping the collection strong. For students and to attract visiting scholars.” 

The library played a critical role during their time at the university and in Edmonton. 

Kathryn came to the º£½ÇÉçÇø in 1967 to teach in the English department, and start a Ph.D. in literature, later returning for a Master’s in History. She recalls the countless hours she spent at the library over the years. As a student, and throughout her career working for Canadian Encyclopedia and as a historical writer. 

She met Robert in 1969. He had just arrived from England to teach at the º£½ÇÉçÇø’s English department. “I had four job offers but chose the º£½ÇÉçÇø because no one in my history had gone there and because of their Library, known as the second-best in Canada.” 

Robert chaired the Libraries committee. In his third and fourth year, he applied for a Canada Council Grant to boost the 18th-century collection in the Library. “We compiled a list of 18th century minor poets. And we purchased mounds of rare books. That was my beginning.” 

Thanks to visionary collectors and generous donors like the Merretts, the Bruce Peel Special Collections houses a world-class collection of more than 100,000 rare books. It is a significant global collection of archival materials that explore a range of local and international subjects and it’s won a lot of respect from faculty and the public.

“It’s filled with many unique collections, treasures and artifacts. Donations have made this possible.” 

Having lived in Edmonton for over 50 years, the Merretts feel it is important to give back to the º£½ÇÉçÇø and the Edmonton community. They felt the best way was by leaving a gift in their Wills. 

“We wanted to distribute what wealth we have to our community, as well as to our nieces and nephews. We have had so many connections to º£½ÇÉçÇø, so we’ve left a gift to them after taking care of our family. We know our legacy gift to the º£½ÇÉçÇø will give back to the community.”

Through their gift to º£½ÇÉçÇø in support of the Bruce Peel Special Collections, Robert and Kathryn have done something significant -- for º£½ÇÉçÇø students, staff and the entire Edmonton community. 

They have recognized “the hard work of librarians, donors, and people who want to make sources and culture available to everyone. It’s building on this tradition and carrying it forward.”

Like the Merretts, you probably have a special º£½ÇÉçÇø area that is meaningful to you. If so, you can get more information by . 

And you are welcome to contact one of the º£½ÇÉçÇø’s planned giving experts, Kathy Fitzgerald at 780-492-2616 or kathy.fitzgerald@ualberta.ca, Julian Solberg at 780-492-4811 or julian.solberg@ualberta.ca or Hilary Fabrizio at 780-996-7808 or hilary.fabrizio@ualberta.ca. They are available to help and answer any questions you have about supporting the º£½ÇÉçÇø through a gift in your Will.