The University of Alberta community is mourning the loss of Gerald “Gerry” Maier, a respected alumnus, donor and lifelong champion of engineering education.
Gerry’s connection to the U of A began as a student in the late 1940s, when he was part of the second cohort to enter the university’s then-new petroleum engineering program. While earning his degree, he was also a member of the Golden Bears hockey team – an early example of the balance, discipline and teamwork that would define his life and career.
After graduating with a BSc in engineering in 1951, Gerry went on to become one of Canada’s most influential energy executives, holding senior leadership roles with Hudson’s Bay Oil and Gas, Bow Valley Industries and TransCanada PipeLines. He was widely recognized for his professional achievements, including induction to the Canadian Petroleum Hall of Fame, receiving the U of A Alumni Association’s Distinguished Alumni Award, and receiving an honorary doctor of laws degree from the university in 1999.
Throughout his life, Gerry remained deeply grateful for the role education played in opening doors. That gratitude took lasting form in 1999 when he made a $1-million leadership gift to support teaching and learning in the Faculty of Engineering – a gift that was matched by TransCanada Pipelines. His support helped make possible the Engineering Teaching and Learning Complex, which opened in the early 2000s and remains the academic and social hub of the engineering campus today.
"All of us in the Faculty of Engineering are keeping Gerry's widow, Anna, and their entire family in our thoughts during this time of tremendous loss for them. It is indeed a monumental loss for our entire engineering community,” says Simaan AbouRizk, dean of the Faculty of Engineering.
“Gerry will live on in the heart of the engineering profession here in Alberta and across Canada. His contributions and impact on our country are an amazing legacy, and we are proud of his meaningful connections as an alumnus and friend of the University of Alberta."
More than bricks and mortar, Gerry’s gift reflected a belief in preparing students not just with technical expertise, but with the curiosity, creativity and confidence to meet an ever-changing world. The space that bears his name continues to bring students together – just as he once did – to learn, collaborate and imagine what comes next.
Gerry Maier’s legacy lives on through the thousands of students who pass through the Engineering Teaching and Learning Complex each year, and through a university community strengthened by his vision, leadership and generosity.
In memory of Gerry Maier, the University of Alberta flag will be lowered to half-mast on Feb. 4, 2026, and will remain lowered until Feb. 6.