In Memoriam: Ira Kukin, 1924-2017, by Henry Rosovsky

In Memoriam speech by Henry Rosovsky, former chair of The Harvard Academy for International and Area Studies

Delivered on September 12, 2017, Cambridge, Massachusetts

IRA KUKIN, 1924-2017

Ira Kukin, the founding benefactor of the Harvard Academy, died in New Jersey at the age of 93 on May 17, 2017. The Jewish saying “may his memory be a blessing” is, in this case, particularly appropriate. A great many scholars have benefitted from Ira Kukin’s generosity and vision. Indeed, it could be argued that his gift was an important factor in sustaining “area studies” at a time of great uncertainty about its future—at Harvard and everywhere else. (High theory was in; language and culture was out.)

Kukin graduated from City College in 1945 and came to Harvard for graduate studies in Chemistry. He was awarded the Ph.D. degree in 1951 and started his career working in a number of industrial research laboratories. In 1963 he went on his own and created Apollo Technologies, a pioneer company in the field of reducing air pollution resulting from electricity generated through the use of coal and heavy fuel oil. Apollo was very successful and eventually operated all over the world. Kukin remained at the helm until 1983 when Apollo was sold and he was able to turn to full-time philanthropy.

The list of those who benefitted from his donations is long: Yeshiva University, Albert Einstein Medical School, Cardozo Law School, City College, Brandeis, Barnard, etc. etc. And, of course, in a major way Harvard University.

When one of our own makes a fortune it rarely escapes the notice of those in charge of what we euphemistically call “development.” As dean I had been made aware of Kukin’s resources and of his strong attachment to Harvard and to the Chemistry Department. I was in hot pursuit of a chair in chemistry and in the early 1980’s journeyed to New York to close the deal. (In those days, if I remember correctly, a chair cost slightly over one million dollars.) In Manhattan, standing on the street and about to shake hands, Ira Kukin unexpectedly said: “If you inspire me I would be willing to make a much bigger gift.” Louis Pasteur said: “Luck favors the mind that is prepared,” and I was prepared. For some time Derek Bok and I had wanted to start something resembling the Society of Fellows focusing on international and area studies. (The original Society of Fellows seemed to be increasingly concentrating on the physical and biological sciences.) The idea inspired us and—most fortunately it also inspired Kukin. His founding gift was the equivalent of about three chairs, and the Academy was on its way.

Ira Kukin was not a passive benefactor. He regularly attended dinners and presentations; he asked questions; all the senior and junior scholars knew him. Through his businesses he became quite knowledgeable about different parts of the world. He had strong opinions and was not shy about expressing them. Those of us who were his contemporaries will remember him with gratitude and we will miss him.

Henry Rosovsky
July 31, 2017