Media Releases

UPEI Panthers' Lewis Page appointed as first head coach of Halifax Tides FC

Ron Annear — Wed, 03 Jul 2024 10:09:28 -0300

After 25 seasons with the UPEI Panthers, men’s and women’s soccer coach Lewis Page is set to begin a new chapter with the Halifax Tides FC. The soccer team is a founding club in the Northern Super League, which is committed to excellence in women’s professional soccer in Canada.

Page has been appointed as the Tides' first head coach for their inaugural season. He will continue to coach the Panthers until the end of the 2024 varsity season before transitioning to his new role in Halifax.

“Lewis Page has been synonymous with UPEI soccer for over two decades, so it’s a bittersweet moment,” said Jane Vessey, Director of Athletics and Recreation at UPEI. “We will miss Lewis dearly, but are so thrilled for this opportunity for him.”

Page has been head coach of the UPEI men’s soccer team since 2000 and the women’s team since 2020. Under his leadership, the men’s team won the 2002 AUS Championship and competed in CIS National Championships in 2002, 2005, 2009, and 2014 when they captured a bronze medal. Page was named AUS Coach of the Year on four occasions and CIS Coach of the Year in 2002.

“There are not enough words to express how grateful I am for the time I have spent at UPEI. The University and the athletics department have supported me on my coaching journey from a young assistant coach in 1995 to a head coach entering his 25th season,” said Page.

“I am excited about the new challenge that awaits me in Halifax at the end of this varsity soccer season. However, I will be saddened to leave my Panther family. My memories will not be about the wins and losses but about the quality of the people who have touched my life here. Although I may be leaving UPEI, it will never leave me.”

Page said he is looking forward to the 2024 varsity season and hopes to make it a memorable one. To ensure there is a smooth transition, Page will also work closely with the UPEI Athletics and Recreation department as it begins a search for new coaching staff in November.

Congratulations, Coach Page!

Three people connected to UPEI to receive Order of PEI

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 02 Jul 2024 12:08:12 -0300

Three people connected to UPEI have been named to the Order of PEI, the province’s highest civilian honour.

Kathryn Dau-Schmidt, Dr. Edward MacDonald and Reginald “Dutch” Thompson were selected for the Order of PEI from a field of 49 nominees. They will receive the insignia from Her Honour, Lieutenant-Government Antoinette Perry during a ceremony at Government House this fall.

Dau-Schmidt is a lab coordinator in the UPEI biology department. She has been selected to receive the Order of PEI for her dedication to preserving the tradition of fiddling and teaching the younger generation about the instrument. She is described as “diligent, resourceful, encouraging, and fun,” and is credited with deepening her students’ love of music.

She moved to the Island from the US in 1978, becoming a member of the PEI Fiddlers’ Society and Queens County Fiddlers within months of settling in the province.

MacDonald is an award-winning professor emeritus of history at UPEI whose work as a researcher of PEI history has significantly added to the understanding, preservation, and appreciation of Island culture. “Dr. Ed,” as he is affectionately known, has served as curator of history and collections of the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation and editor of its popular publication, The Island Magazine. In 1997, a secondment as director of research at UPEl's Institute of Island Studies led MacDonald to embrace his love of teaching through a full professorship with the University.

A prolific writer and researcher, MacDonald has written, compiled, edited, or co-edited 11 books as well as over 50 scholarly articles. He was named to the the Order of Canada in December 2023.

Reginald “Dutch” Thompson was named a UPEI honorary degree recipient during UPEI’s Convocation ceremonies in May. He is a retired theatre lighting designer and technician and a passionate oral historian and storyteller. He is best known for his CBC Radio program, “The Bygone Days,” which has aired for 34 years with more than 1,200 broadcasts.

Thompson has amassed 1,100 hours of interviews with people born between 1894 and 1932, 900 hours of which have been digitalized and preserved by the UPEI Robertson Library in the “Dutch Thompson Collection.” His research has been used by scholars and amateur historians all around the world and has been the basis of or used in countless MA and PhD dissertations, refereed journal articles, and family and local histories. He has also donated his research, time, and storytelling skills to a wide number of community organizations and published two books, Bygone Days and More Bygone Days.

Congratulations to all three Order of PEI recipients!

AVC staff recognized at annual Ice Cream Social

Apryl Munro — Sat, 29 Jun 2024 13:42:36 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) celebrated staff members during its annual Ice Cream Social and honoured a retiree for their years of service.

The Dean’s Awards of Excellence were presented to four outstanding members of the team who were nominated by their colleagues and peers in recognition of their remarkable contributions to AVC. Congratulations to Holly Burnley (Health Management department), Jackie Matheson (Technical Staff, Veterinary Teaching Hospital), Tammy Johnston (Anesthesia), and Tracy O’Flaherty (Health Management) who were nominated by their peers and supervisors. Their dedication to advancing learning and animal care made them stand-out leaders for this year’s awards.

“We are fortunate to have incredible staff members who make a difference every day in supporting teaching, research, and service,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, dean of the AVC. “It’s wonderful to see them being recognized by their peers and celebrated for their accomplishments.”

Mike Hogan retired earlier this year after nearly 40 years in his role as an animal care attendant. His colleagues shared fond memories of his time at the AVC and expressed how thankful they are for his decades of service.

The AVC community came together to enjoy ice cream sundaes served by Holman’s and enjoyed time to celebrate together.

Atlantic Veterinary College offers advice for dog owners visiting Atlantic Canada this summer

Apryl Munro — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 19:50:32 -0300

Summer is officially here, and many dog owners will be visiting Prince Edward Island (PEI) and Atlantic Canada with their furry companions to take in the beaches and other tourist attractions. However, a visit to the many dog-friendly beaches can sometimes turn into a trip to the vet.

To ensure a safe and enjoyable vacation for both dogs and their owners, the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) offers some tips for pet safety during summer travels.

“Dogs are like us—they love the beach—but some precautions are necessary to keep our furry friends safe this summer,” says Dr. Andrew Cohen, urgent and emergency veterinarian at the AVC Veterinary Teaching Hospital. “Planning ahead and knowing the signs of danger could save your pet a trip to the hospital.”

When playing fetch or swimming in the ocean water, dogs can ingest large amounts of salt water. This can cause dehydration or even diarrhea. To prevent this, be sure to have lots of fresh water available for them to drink and ensure they take plenty of breaks.

Dr. Cohen encourages visitors to understand the water conditions before heading to a dog-friendly beach. High waves and rip currents can make swimming a dangerous activity for your dog, and he advises keeping them on a leash if the conditions are rough.

Sand is a big part of what makes spending time at the beach so much fun; however, it can be very dangerous for dogs if they ingest it.

“Dogs can suffer from sand impaction, which shows up as constipation,” Dr. Cohen says. “Sand sticks to everything, so make sure tennis balls and other toys are cleaned off before your dog puts them in their mouth.”

In hot weather, watch for signs of heatstroke such as excessive panting, drooling, lethargy, and difficulty breathing. If heatstroke is suspected, move the dog to a cooler area immediately and seek veterinary assistance.

Summer adventures with dogs can be wonderful experiences if precautions are taken to ensure their safety and well-being. By following these tips, pet owners can help their furry friends enjoy a safe and memorable visit to PEI and Atlantic Canada.

UPEI Global Brigades Medical Chapter volunteers in underserved communities in Ghana

Melanie Taylor — Fri, 28 Jun 2024 11:26:10 -0300

The UPEI Global Brigades Medical Chapter recently returned from a successful trip to Ghana where they volunteered their service to public health projects and mobile medical clinics in underserved communities from May 25 to June 4, 2024.

Twenty-eight UPEI students took part in the Global Medical Brigades this year. Faculty advisor Inge Dorsey supported the students throughout the planning and organizing phase, and clinical nursing instructor Kerie Murphy accompanied them to Ghana. The students shared their volunteering experiences abroad during a public presentation held June 17 in the UPEI Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering building.

After returning from Ghana, third-year kinesiology student Brooke Smith said, “This experience was completely new to me. Growing up in a small province, I had never had the opportunity to truly immerse myself in a culture that wasn’t my own. Until I had this experience, I was never truly able to comprehend the healthcare disparities that would take place in different communities around the world. It was extremely eye-opening.”

Much effort went into preparing for this trip abroad over the past year. Bi-weekly meetings held during the school year included preparation for fundraisers, education about the program, vital signs training, and packing donation items, as well as visa and vaccination preparation. The students raised over $39,000 in donations and sponsorships, and collected a wide variety of donated items, many which were used to create personal and oral hygiene packets. The donated glasses and sunglasses brought from PEI were used for patients by an optometrist in Ghana.

Over four clinic days in the communities of Asaafa and Immuna, the UPEI Global Brigade volunteers helped local physicians, dentists, optometrists, and pharmacists provide accessible health-care services to 1,000 people. Community members were also given the opportunity to register for Ghana’s national health insurance during the clinic days, providing them access to health- care for many years to come. Volunteers had the opportunity to participate in an additional public health project over three days, during which two biodigesters (biological waste treatment and management systems) were successfully constructed for two families in the community of Suprudo, with the help of local artisans.

Carter Wynne, a chemistry student who graduated in May, was the UPEI Medical Brigades chapter president this past year. He said that he was grateful for this experience.

"UPEI Medical Brigades has brought together the most phenomenal people in the UPEI community together to work towards a common goal: empowering communities to reach their own health, sanitation, and economic goals. Since the club was founded by Reilly Sullivan in 2021, dozens and dozens of students have made an impact on Global Brigades’ partner communities, while becoming better leaders and global citizens. I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I never found Global Brigades, and I am forever thankful for it."

Sidney Fall, a third-year nursing student, said, “My experience with Global Brigades in Ghana was profoundly enriching, filled with moments of inspiration and deep introspection. Participating in this initiative was invaluable for my growth as an individual as well as a global citizen.”

Her words were echoed by the Global Medical Brigade volunteers. The trip to Ghana was an emotional and impactful experience, one the student volunteers said they will never forget. They are grateful for all those who made this experience possible, including the Global Brigades coordinators, staff, and healthcare professionals in Ghana, as well as their sponsors, families, friends, and the UPEI community who supported the endeavour along the way. In turn, these supporters are proud of the work performed by this hardworking UPEI Global Medical Brigades group.

You’re Invited: Campus Town Halls hosted by President Rodgers

Nicole Phillips — Thu, 27 Jun 2024 14:01:33 -0300

The following message was emailed to UPEI students, faculty, and staff on June 27, 2024.

Dear Students, Staff and Faculty,

Thank you all for the continuing warm welcome to UPEI and to PEI. It has been very exciting meeting everyone.

I want to hear more ideas, suggestions, and questions as I continue to really get to know the UPEI community, and as we begin to build our vision and strategic plan for the next five years.

You are all invited to attend one of two Campus Town Halls next week. I, along with the senior executive team, will be there to listen to your ideas and respond to questions. (There will be more chances to engage over the summer and throughout the fall semester.)

Wednesday, July 3, 1:00–2:30 pm
Performing Arts Centre Amphitheatre (PAC 121 S)
Thursday, July 4, 10:00 am–11:30 am
Performing Arts Centre Amphitheatre (PAC 121 S)

Both town halls are for all members of the campus community—students, staff, and faculty—and are being held at different times on different days as options to attend.

If you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join virtually—a further message will be sent on Tuesday, July 2 with the links.

If you are unable to participate in the scheduled town halls, there will be more opportunities to engage in discussion about our future in the coming weeks and months. You are always welcome to send thoughts and suggestions to president@upei.ca at any time.

I look forward to hearing from as many of you as possible and hope for lively discussions.

Best wishes,

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

University of Prince Edward Island

Rathlyn Foundation donates $1M for entrance scholarships to UPEI-based medical students

Heather Howatt — Wed, 26 Jun 2024 13:12:28 -0300

Beginning in the fall of 2025, the Rathlyn Foundation Entrance Scholarships for UPEI Medical Students will be granted to every UPEI-based medical student in their first year of study. These $2,000 individual scholarships will be funded in perpetuity by an overall gift of $1,000,000 from the Rathlyn Foundation.

“The University thanks the Rathlyn Foundation for this inclusive and historic gift to support entrance scholarships for UPEI-based medical students,” said Dr. Wendy Rodgers, UPEI’s president and vice-chancellor. “The University is grateful to receive this generous donation to help support our students, as well as investments from the private sector and the federal and provincial governments for the vital infrastructure required to deliver the Doctor of Medicine program.”

“We are extremely pleased to see support building in Prince Edward Island as Memorial University's Faculty of Medicine prepares to accept the first cohort of students to its PEI regional campus,” said Dr. Dolores McKeen, Dean of Medicine, Memorial University. “As we continue to partner with UPEI on both the regional campus and the eventual joint medical degree program, we couldn’t be more delighted for these Prince Edward Island students.”

The Rathlyn Foundation, founded in 1984 by Dr. Roger Warren and his late wife, Mary Warren, is known for its support of medical education and research, the advancement of veterinary science and education, the support of students at all levels of study, and post-secondary areas of study requiring current medical technology. Since 2008, the Foundation has supported the Chinook Project, scholarships for Atlantic Veterinary College students, and new MRI technology and equipment.

“It is my hope that offering an entrance scholarship to every student will provide not only financial assistance but also enhance their experience and confidence entering the world of medicine,” said Roger Warren, LLD. “My late wife, Mary, and I have always been passionate about animal health and welfare in Atlantic Canada as evidenced through our support of UPEI’s Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, the Atlantic Veterinary College. I see this as an obvious extension and the next step in our hope that the combination of our gifts to UPEI will have a significant impact on both animal and human health on Prince Edward Island.”

“What tremendous news for PEI students just as the Memorial University's Faculty of Medicine admissions portal opens for all students this month,” said Honourable Dennis King, Premier of Prince Edward Island. “As a government, we are proud to support the Memorial–UPEI partnership with the infrastructure and technology required to make sure all PEI residents have an equitable opportunity to get into medical school.”

Memorial University’s regional campus at UPEI will have 20 seats available for Prince Edward Island residents wishing to pursue a Doctor of Medicine degree. Island students who are interested in applying to the PEI regional campus for the fall of 2025 are advised to visit the Memorial University's Faculty of Medicine admissions website. The application period is now open and runs until Wednesday, August 28, 2024.

The UPEI Faculty of Medicine unit recently launched its fund- and friend-raising campaign. With generous gifts from many donors already in, a total of $1 million has been raised so far during the $10-million campaign, which will support the University’s contribution to the ongoing construction of the $91-million state-of-the-art building on the UPEI campus.

With the completion of the building scheduled for spring/summer 2025, just in time for the first cohort of students in August, there is still an opportunity for friends and future patients to get involved. We invite you to consider donating to the campaign fund. For more information and to discuss donation options, please contact Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, executive director of the UPEI Department of Development and Alumni Engagement, at 902-626-8551 or mjenkinssmith@upei.ca. Your support can make a significant difference in the future of health care in our community.

About the UPEI medical school

UPEI has a unique opportunity and duty as the provincial university to be part of the long-term solution to improve the current health-care system. Twenty undergraduate students from PEI will begin their studies at UPEI in August 2025 as part of a regional campus of Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine. The timeline for this initiative mirrors that of other regional campuses being developed across the country. Concurrently, UPEI and Memorial are seeking accreditation for a joint doctor of medicine degree, the first of its kind in Canada.

UPEI Chaplaincy Centre hosts barbecue to celebrate inclusion and hospitality

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 25 Jun 2024 10:59:49 -0300

Sister Sue Kidd talking with a member of the campus community during the barbecue.

Members of the UPEI community came out in large numbers to attend a barbecue on Monday, June 24 at the UPEI Chaplaincy Centre to celebrate inclusion and hospitality.

UPEI Chaplain Sister Sue Kidd and the UPEI Student Union organized the “Respect the Space, No Room for Hate BBQ” to “promote the good at UPEI.” She added, “I’m overwhelmed with a sense of deep peace, community, and gratitude.”

The lunch-time gathering was deemed a tremendous success with many faculty, staff, and students enjoying food, fun, and conversation. Outdoor games were provided by UPEI Athletics and Recreation, and food was
served by UPEI Student Union members and staff along with volunteers from the campus community.

UPEI mourns passing of Panther great Tracy Ellsworth

Ron Annear — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 17:25:21 -0300

The UPEI community was saddened to learn of the passing of Panther great and UPEI Sports Hall of Fame member Tracy Ellsworth on June 21, 2024.

Competitor, fearless, respected, champion—these are just a few words that describe the type of person Tracy was as a Panther and community member at large. During Tracy’s five years at UPEI, she completed her Bachelor of Education and a Bachelor of Arts, while distinguishing herself as an All-Conference player in both field hockey and basketball.

In 2003, she was inducted into the UPEI Hall of Fame after a stellar career that saw her excel on the field hockey pitch and basketball court in the mid-1980s.

Everything came together for Tracy in her final two years at UPEI, as she dominated the sports scene.

In 1986–87, she was named an All-Conference Player in field hockey and basketball and was part of UPEI’s first-ever AUS Women’s Basketball championship. Her solid performance in both sports led to her being named UPEI’s Outstanding Female Athlete for the first time and Sport PEI’s All-Round Female Athlete for the second year in a row.

In 1987–88, she picked up her fifth straight field hockey and second consecutive basketball All-Conference awards. She also helped her basketball team capture its second straight AUS title.

From 1993 to 2004, Tracy inspired the next generation of women’s basketball players as UPEI’s head coach. She was named the conference’s Coach of the Year in 1997 and, a year later, guided the Panthers to an AUS title.

Over the course of her life, Tracy continued to devote her life to sports by volunteering to coach various minor and provincial teams. She spread her love for teaching across various schools on the Island during her career as an educator with many lasting memories and friendships created over her life. She deeply cherished her most recent years as an administrator at West Kent Elementary School. Read the full obituary

UPEI and the Panther family extend sincere condolences to Tracy’s husband Paul and their children Alexander, Jenna Mae, and Jordan, as well as extended family and friends.

The 2024–2025 UPEI Women’s Basketball season will be played in memory of Tracy. Details will be announced at a later date. Also, the Tracy Ellsworth Memorial Women's Basketball Scholarship has been established at UPEI in her memory. Donations toward the scholarship can be made online at upei.ca/donate.

UPEI Cairo Campus holds Convocation ceremony on June 9

Melanie Taylor — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 13:15:11 -0300

The University of Prince Edward Island held its Convocation ceremony on June 9 at its campus in New Cairo, Egypt.

The Honourable Diane Griffin, Chancellor of UPEI, presided over the ceremony and bestowed degrees upon 123 graduates in the faculties of Business, Engineering, and Science. Nour Khalil was the Top Achiever in Computer Science; Fatma Nagi was the Top Achiever in Sustainable Design Engineering; and Shakira Topouzzada was the President’s Cup Recipient and Top Achiever in Business Administration.

In her address to the Class of 2024, Chancellor Griffin remarked on her pride in the University and praised the graduates for their resilience and commitment to excellence throughout their education.

“Today marks not only a major milestone for our graduates and their families and friends, but also for our University community. It is a very special honour for me as the new Chancellor to preside at this Convocation at the Cairo campus,” said Griffin. “The University is proud to be offering our students in Egypt the best in higher education.

“As you know, our Class of 2024 has been on a roller coaster ride to reach today’s momentous occasion. You have dealt with a pandemic, political unrest in neighbouring countries, and your own personal challenges. Amid the uncertainty, you carried on, and through it all, you showed an exceptional capacity to learn. I believe that your resilience has been developed in part because of the deeply shared values that UPEI’s community relies on to guide all our behaviour and actions…This disciplinary expertise that you have gained as a result will serve you very well, and when you combine that expertise with the resilience that you have adapted, no challenge will be too great. You all have people who have helped you achieve your goal of being at this convocation here today, but it is actually your own effort that got you across the finish line.”

Dr. Kim Critchley, Provost of the UPEI Cairo Campus, served as master of ceremonies for the convocation. Special guests included H.E. Dr. Abdel Wahab Ezzat, representative of the Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research; His Excellency Louis Dumas, Ambassador of Canada to Egypt; Dr. Ramy Sallam, President of Universities of Canada in Egypt, and Dr. Hadia Hamdy, Vice-President for Academic Services, Universities of Canada Egypt.

Attending from UPEI were Dr. Wayne Peters, Interim Dean, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering and UPEI Alumni Association representative, and Dr. Tarek Mady, Dean, McDougall Faculty of Business.

Participants from the UPEI Cairo Campus included Dr. Rasha El Shafei, Associate Provost of UPEI Cairo Campus and Associate Dean, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering; Dr. Ahmed Elsheikh, Associate Dean, Faculty of Mathematical and Computational Sciences; Dr. Nesma Ammar, Associate Dean, Faculty of Business Administration; Dr. Yasmin Abdou, Assistant Professor and Marshal; and Ms. Joumana Maged, UPEI Cairo Campus Alumni Association representative.

UPEI Cairo Campus Class of 2024

Valedictorian Omar Ebrahim, who graduated from the Faculty of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, delivered an inspiring address to his fellow graduates, families, and friends.

“My fellow graduates, everyone from our friends, our doctors, administration, all the way to top management, generally felt like our second family, which made UPEI Cairo Campus our second home,” said Ebrahim. “I will miss the hectic but growth-inducing nature of being an active student, but most importantly, I will miss the amazing privilege of being a UPEI student. While the journey ahead for a lot of us is unknown, it is the beauty within the attempt that will allow us to keep going despite any roadblocks. It is possible along the way that we fail and that will be the result of trying something new. But, if the faith in ourselves is always stronger than our fear, then we are going to be destined for things beyond our wildest imaginations. Congratulations to you all! Let’s go on and make history!”

Following the awarding of their degrees, the graduates received a UPEI pin and card from the UPEI Alumni Association as the newest members of the Panthers-for-Life family.

In 2017, UPEI began discussions to offer an academic program in Egypt after a Canadian parliamentary delegation visited that country to explore establishing a university complex in New Cairo. The initiative is funded entirely the University of Canada, Egypt (UCE) consortium. The UPEI Cairo Campus offers the following degrees: Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering; Bachelor of Science in Mathematical and Computational Sciences; Bachelor of Business Administration); and Master of Business Administration in Global Leadership. Students in these degree programs learn the same curricula as do those at UPEI’s home campus on Prince Edward Island, and, at the end of their programs, graduate with UPEI degrees.

AVC faculty member receives Aquaculture Association of Canada Research Award of Excellence

Apryl Munro — Mon, 24 Jun 2024 09:28:24 -0300

Dr. Mark Fast, professor of fish health and immunology at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), University of Prince Edward Island, is the recipient of the Aquaculture Association of Canada Research Award of Excellence.

Dr. Fast was presented with the award on June 18 at the Dr. Joe Brown Social during the Aquaculture Association of Canada’s 2024 conference and tradeshow, which is being held in Charlottetown from June 16 to 19. The Research Award of Excellence recognizes high quality, innovative, and current research that has had a significant impact on the aquaculture industry in Canada and recognizes Dr. Fast’s contributions to academic and industry aquaculture research both within Canada and internationally.

Dr. Fast is a world-leading researcher in aquatic animal health who has published over 100 peer-reviewed journal articles, contributed to several book chapters and sections, and is regularly invited to speak at local and international conferences. His work includes developing immunizations for salmon, and research in the field of genomic approaches for sea lice and disease issues of wild and farmed salmonids.

National Indigenous Peoples Day is June 21!

Nicole Phillips — Thu, 20 Jun 2024 09:29:30 -0300

The month of June in Canada has been officially acknowledged as National Indigenous History Month since 2009, in recognition of the rich history, heritage, resilience, and diversity of First Nations, Inuit, and Métis Peoples across Canada.

UPEI’s Robertson Library has developed an Indigenous Resources Guide that includes articles, books, documents, websites, and other resources related to research about Indigenous Peoples in Canada. Also, you can learn about our Elders and scholars at UPEI on the upei.ca website or access resources about Mi’kmaq culture, traditions, and language on the L’nuey website.

June 21—the summer solstice—is designated as National Indigenous Peoples Day, “a day for all Canadians to recognize and celebrate the unique heritage, diverse cultures, and outstanding contributions of First Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples…For generations, many Indigenous peoples and communities have celebrated their culture and heritage on or near this day due to the significance of the summer solstice as the longest day of the year.” (Crown-Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs Canada).

In Epekwitk on June 21, the Native Council of PEI invites the Indigenous and broader community to its annual celebration of National Indigenous Peoples Day at Confederation Landing Park in Charlottetown, beginning at 11:00 am. Highlights of the event include cultural performances, drumming, dancing, youth games, and prizes, as well as a free barbeque, bannock, and cake at lunch.

On June 21, UPEI will raise the Mi’kmaq flag on one of the flagpoles located near the Kelley Building. The Mi’kmaq flag flies permanently on a flagpole at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place.

UPEI faculty members awarded funding from Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 11:50:00 -0300

Eight faculty members at the University of Prince Edward Island have been awarded a total of $988,500 from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).

The funding for UPEI was part of a federal announcement made on June 14 in support of discovery and applied research in Canada by Yasir Naqvi, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Health, and Ryan Turnbull, Parliamentary Secretary to the Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Innovation, Science and Industry, on behalf of the Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Innovation, Science, and Industry.

Dr. Greg Naterer, vice-president, academic and research at UPEI, congratulated the faculty members on their success.

“We are proud of UPEI’s award-winning faculty researchers,” he said. “With this support from NSERC, they will continue to apply their expertise to create new knowledge in diverse fields, and strengthen the University’s reputation of excellence in research, nationally and internationally.”

Dr. Paul Bernard, Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, received a discovery grant of $29,000 per year for five years and a one-year discovery launch supplement of $12,500, totalling $157,500, for a project titled “Ultrasound as a pervasive environmental acoustic: Implications for rodent models.”

Dr. Mark Fast, Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, received a discovery development grant of $20,000 per year over two years, for a total of $40,000, for a project titled “Manipulating lower vertebrate immunity to enhance resistance to pathogens.”

Dr. Joel Ross, Biology, Faculty of Science, received a discovery development grant of $20,000 per year over two years, for a total of $40,000, for a project titled “Deciphering gene regulation by neuronal long noncoding RNAs.”

Dr. Stephanie Shaw, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, received a discovery grant of $27,000 per year for five years and a one-year discovery launch supplement of $12,500, totalling $147,500, for a project titled “The Future of future energy: An exploration of future energy systems and forecasting future sustainability implications.”

Dr. Nasser Sadd, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, received $28,000 per year over five years, for a total of $140,000, for a project called “Bridging analysis and physics via asymptotic iteration method and special functions.”

Dr. Sara Sadri, Canada Research Chair in Remote Sensing and Water Security, received a discovery grant of $26,000 per year over five years and a one-year discovery launch supplement of $12,500, for a total award of $142,500, for a project titled “Advancing science of food-energy-water nexus under climate change.”

Dr. Michael van den Heuvel, Biology, Faculty of Science, received a discovery grant of $48,000 per year over five years, totalling $240,000, for a project titled “Cellular mechanisms of toxic action of petroleum pollutants.”

Also, included in the funding announcement were grants awarded under PromoScience, a federal science promotion and outreach program. Dr. Amy Hsiao, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, received a grant of $27,000 per year for three years, totalling $81,000, for a project titled “Inclusion of diversity in engineering and leadership in sustainability (IDEaLS).”

UPEI acknowledges the assistance of Canada’s tri-council of federal granting agencies—Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)—through its Research Support Fund, which helps fund services and infrastructure that support research activities at the University. In 2024–25, UPEI was allocated $1,041,691 from the RSF.

UPEI hosts 2024 international Korean and Asian Studies conference

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 18 Jun 2024 09:15:18 -0300

The University of Prince Edward Island will host an international Korean and Asian Studies conference from June 27–28, 2024, in the Faculty Lounge, SDU Main Building.

The conference, titled “Confucian Humanism: Korean, Comparative, Interdisciplinary, and Contemporary Perspectives,” is organized by UPEI’s Asian Studies and Korean Studies program in consultation with the North American Korean Philosophy Association, which is affiliated with the American Philosophical Association.

The opening ceremony will take place on June 27 at 9:00 am, starting with a reception and the performance of two traditional Korean songs by Sung Ha Shin-Bouey, Associate Professor of Music. Speakers will include Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, Associate Vice-President Research at UPEI; Dr. Sharon Myers, Interim Dean of Arts; and the director of the Korean Studies Promotion Service, Academy of Korean Studies, and Dr. Edward Chung, UPEI Asian Studies and Korean Studies Project Director and the conference organizer.

During the conference, 18 prominent scholars from the United States, Korea, China, Taiwan (Republic of China), Netherlands, and Canada will present and discuss papers in six thought-provoking panels.

As well, there will be two keynote speeches. On June 27, Dr. Philip J. Ivanhoe, Professor, Department of East Asian Languages and Cultures, Georgetown University, Washington D.C., will give a keynote speech titled “Chinese and Korean Neo-Confucian Views on Not Transferring One’s Anger.” Presenters will give papers on and discuss “Korean Confucian Humanism 1: Metaphysical and Ethical Perspectives and Practical Implications”; “Korean Confucian Humanism 2: Moral Practice and Confucian Influence on Buddhist Thought and K. Alphabet”; and “Confucian Ideas, Virtue Politics, Ethics of AI, and Critique of Racism.”

On June 28, Dr. Chun-chieh Huang, Distinguished Chair Professor and former Dean (2008–2017), Institute for Advanced Studies in Humanities and Social Sciences, National Taiwan University, Taipei, will give a keynote speech titled “Mencius and Confucian Humanism: Korean and Global Perspectives.” Topics to be discussed during the panels include “Korean Confucian Ethics: Humanistic, Comparative, and Contemporary Perspectives”; “Korean Confucian Humanism, Feminine Ideal, and Feminist Perspective”; and “Korean Buddhism and Christianity and Western Thought in Interaction with Confucian Humanism.”

The closing address will be given on Friday afternoon by Dr. Halla Kim, Professor, Philosophy, Sogang University, Seoul, Korea; Vice-President, North American Korean Philosophical Association; and Vice-President, Korean Philosophical Association in Korea. Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President Academic and Research, UPEI, will conclude the conference with a thank you and farewell speech.

Everyone is invited. For information, visit /programs/korean-studies/2024-korean-asian-studies-international-conference, or contact Dr. Edward Chung, Asian Studies and Korean Studies Project Director, at chung@upei.ca, 902-566-0324 (o), or Jill Blaquiere, administrative assistant of Asian Studies, Philosophy, Political Science, Religious Studies, and DSJS, at jnblaquiere@upei.ca, 902-566-0331.

The conference is supported by an international Lab Program for Korean Studies grant (AKS-2022-LAB-2230002) through the Ministry of Education, Republic of Korea, and the Korean Studies Promotion Service, the Academy of Korean Studies.

Thank you from President Rodgers

Nicole Phillips — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 15:46:23 -0300

The following message was also distributed by email to UPEI students, faculty, and staff on June 17.

Dear UPEI students, staff, and faculty,

I was so pleased to kick off summer, show Panther Pride, and gather together last week at the “Hello, Summer” barbecue. We welcomed summer and it welcomed us back with great weather! It was great to see so many of you sporting the green and white, enjoying the festive atmosphere, and having great conversations. The turnout was fantastic—better than expected; we had to order more food! A big thank you to Dana Hospitality, Jared and team, and the those in the Office of the President, IT Systems and Services, Facilities Management, and Ancillary Services, and others who put the event together on rather short notice! It was also great for me to meet so many people—I can’t promise to remember everyone’s name—so please say hi and remind me when next I see you.

June marks not only the beginning of summer but also National Indigenous History Month (and National Indigenous Peoples Day on June 21) and Pride Month in Canada. These are important reminders to work together to create a respectful, positive, and inclusive environment for all members of the University community.

I want to thank everyone for the warm welcome since I arrived. I have been meeting as many UPEI leaders as possible including student, union, faculty, senior administration, government, and others. What I have heard is that they all have the best interests and well-being of not only their constituents, but of the entire University top of mind. They have all acknowledged that everyone has been through a lot over the last couple of years. We all appreciate and respect that each individual’s, unit’s, institutional, and community response will take its own time and course. In parallel, all leaders have also consistently indicated a strong will to move forward, and for the University to take its next steps on an exciting journey.

In the coming weeks and months, we will have opportunities to engage with each other, to express our goals and aspirations for our own futures and the future of the University. You will see more events, town-hall meetings, and other invitations and opportunities to develop discussions to inform the development of a strategic plan for the next five years coming soon.

I am honoured to lead and to support UPEI and all members of the University community through defining our strategy and continuing our journey to reach our individual and collective full potential.

With best wishes,

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Prince Edward Island
902-566-0400 president@upei.ca

UPEI Women’s Basketball Panthers recruit former ACAA Player of the Year Abby Miller

Ron Annear — Mon, 17 Jun 2024 09:25:51 -0300

The UPEI Women’s Basketball Panthers have recruited Abby Miller, a former Atlantic Collegiate Athletic Association (ACAA) Female Basketball Player of the Year, to the team for the 2024–25 season.

An accomplished player who received many accolades in her time as a Mount Allison University Mountie from 2018 to 2023, Miller was named the ACAA Female Basketball Player of the Year in her final year at Mount Allison, and a Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA) All-Canadian. She is also a two-time ACAA First-Team All-Conference recipient who played in championship games and brings a winning mentality to the team.

The 23-year-old from Mount Denson, Nova Scotia, who is enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program at UPEI, has been looking forward to getting back on the court playing the sport she loves ever since her illustrious career at Mount Allison ended in 2023.

“I took a year off after graduating and was just working full-time on the Island,” she said. “It was really tough transitioning out of playing at the university level.”

Recently, Miller started playing again with the Miramichi Her-icanes of the Maritime Women’s Basketball Association and realized how much she missed competing.

“I love to play basketball, and I had people tell me as I was leaving Mount A that I should use my last year of eligibility so I wouldn’t have any regrets.”

They were right. She did have regrets. But when an opportunity came up with the UPEI Panthers, it was her chance to make up for it.

“I had a very successful career at Mount A and the ACAA level, so as a competitor, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to test my skills and compete at the U SPORTS level.”

Her decision to forego her final year of eligibility with Mount Allison may have been a blessing in disguise for the UPEI Panthers, who needed to address the forward position in the offseason. Backed by an impressive basketball resumé, Miller should have an edge at the vacant spot once training camp begins later this year.

“I hope to take on a leadership role with the team this season. Even as a new player to the program, I bring a lot of experience that I’m excited to share.”

Head coach Matt Gamblin didn’t get a chance to coach Miller while he was at Mount Allison, but he’s excited to get his opportunity now.

"We’re excited to have Abby join the green and white this season,” he said. “She brings a level of toughness and competitiveness to the court that you cannot teach. She had a great career at Mount A, and her rebounding and defensive intensity will certainly translate at this level.”

Miller describes herself as a defence-first player who brings a physicality to the low post. She’s also a proven scorer who averaged 11.2 points on 44.8 per cent shooting, 7.0 rebounds, and 1.6 steals in four seasons with the Mounties.

“Coming into the AUS as a 5-foot-11 forward, I’m a bit undersized for my position, but I play big, and I hope to use my strength and speed to my advantage as an interior player, especially as a rebounder,” she said. “I play with a lot of grit and hustle on both ends of the court, which I hope to bring to UPEI.”

UPEI Healthy Campus Committee Upcoming Events

Melanie Taylor — Fri, 14 Jun 2024 11:01:22 -0300

The UPEI Healthy Campus Committee is pleased to announce a UPEI Staff/Faculty Coffee Break and Wellness Check scheduled for Friday, June 21 and a "Car Free to Campus Day" on Wednesday, June 26.

June 21 - UPEI Staff/Faculty Coffee Break and Wellness Check

Join us at McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre from 10:00 am to 12:30 pm for a positive wellness experience! Take the opportunity to enjoy a coffee break and engage with various wellness-focused booths including mental health, nutrition, blood pressure testing, glucose testing and more!

Complimentary light refreshments will be provided, and attendees will have a chance to win exciting summer-themed door prizes.

For more information and/or questions, please contact Angela Marchbank, Fitness and Wellness Coordinator at amarchbank@upei.ca.

June 26 - "Car Free to Campus Day"

The UPEI Healthy Campus Committee is pleased to invite faculty and staff to participate in our first “Car Free to Campus Day”!

REGISTER HERE and then bike, walk, bus, or roll to work on campus on Wednesday, June 26 for:

Snacks!
Chances to win great prizes!
Fun, exercise, fresh air, and camaraderie!

Check in at the Quad between 7:30 and 9:00 am or by email (amarchbank@upei.ca) if you start earlier or later.

PLUS!! The buildings with (1) the most participants; and (2)
the most car kilometres saved get bragging rights so make
sure to pass this along to your colleagues and get them to
sign up!

Are you thinking that you live too far from campus for this to work? Consider parking off campus and biking, walking, busing, or rolling in from there. Problem solved!

Check out bus routes and schedules at https://www.t3transit.ca/ and charlottetown.ca/cycling for some great Active Transportation resources, including this bike map to help you plan your route.

L.M. Montgomery Institute hosts 16th biennial conference June 19 to 23 at UPEI

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 12:21:53 -0300

Delegates from 16 countries will explore the theme of “L.M. Montgomery and the Politics of Home” during the L.M. Montgomery Institute’s 16th biennial conference at UPEI from June 19 to 23, 2024.

The conference is co-chaired by Dr. Caroline E. Jones, Visiting Scholar at the L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) and an independent scholar and editor in Austin, Texas, and Dr. Laura Robinson, a former Visiting Scholar with the LMMI and professor of English and Women’s and Gender Studies at Acadia University.

“This year marks the 150th anniversary of L.M. Montgomery’s birth, and in celebrating her work and legacy, we remember the past, celebrate the present, and anticipate the future of Montgomery studies,” said Drs. Jones and Robinson. “As we look back, we consider the formative elements of politics and home that shaped Montgomery as author, diarist, and public and private citizen. As we look forward to the next 150 years of Montgomery studies, we celebrate new scholars, new voices, and new ways of seeing and understanding the author whose work brings us together.”

Members of the public are welcome to attend two of the conference events free of charge. The first public event will take place on Wednesday, June 19, from 7:00–9:00 pm, in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium (Room 242), Don and Marion McDougall Hall, when the Enchanted Book Club will host “A Conversation between the Literary Houses of L.M. Montgomery, Emily Carr, Louisa May Alcott, Jane Austen, and Elizabeth Gaskell.” Panelists will include Jan Turnquist, executive director of Orchard House where Louisa May Alcott wrote and set Little Women; Sherry Ashworth, speaker for Elizabeth Gaskell House; Pascale Halliday, executive director of the Carr House; Lizzie Dunford, director of Jane Austen’s House; and Dr. Alan MacEachern, researcher of the Green Gables House and Farm and past Visiting Scholar with the LMMI.

The second public event, on Thursday, June 20, starts with a #Maud150 Birthday Cake Reception from 3:00–3:30 pm in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall. This will be followed immediately by an hour-long “Celebrating L.M. Montgomery, Her Homes, and Her Heroines, at 150: An Armchair Discussion” with Dr. Kate Scarth, Chair of L.M. Montgomery Studies at UPEI, and Hayley Solano, founder of the Enchanted Book Club, in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium (Room 242), also in Don and Marion McDougall Hall.

“We are so pleased to be hosting our conference during this special year—the 150th anniversary of Montgomery’s birth,” said Dr. Philip Smith, chair of the LMMI. “Through her writing, Montgomery created a legacy with enduring power and appeal to people around the world—aptly demonstrated by the range of (home) countries our delegates come from. We are proud to honour and celebrate this great author and Islander.”

Registered participants will have the opportunity to attend over 80 presentations on the theme of Montgomery and the politics of home, including keynote addresses by Dr. Jones; Dr. Ebony Elizabeth Thomas, chair of the joint program in English and education and associate professor at the University of Michigan’s Marsal Family School of Education; and Dr. Elizabeth Epperly, founder of the L.M. Montgomery Institute and professor emerita of English at UPEI.

Participants will have the option to attend the conference in person or virtually. For more information about the conference program and registration, visit https://lmmontgomery.ca/registration-lmmontgomery-politicsofhome.

Coming to a community near you: An update on Prince Edward Island’s coastal erosion

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 10:48:31 -0300

Essentially a large sandbar made up of primarily sand and sandstone, Prince Edward Island is vulnerable to the impacts of climate change, especially coastal erosion, sea-level rise, and storm surges. Islanders are particularly worried about their homes and cottages built close to the water’s edge.

The Government of Prince Edward Island and the University of Prince Edward Island have come together to survey PEI’s changing coastline every year and build a number of tools that allow Islanders to understand their property’s vulnerability to coastal erosion.

Dr. Adam Fenech, University of Prince Edward Island’s Climate Lab, is touring the province to speak about coastal erosion and the vulnerability of Island communities to climate change, and to show the tools available for understanding this vulnerability.

One of these tools is a new, revamped version of CLIVE (CoastaL Impacts Visualization Environment), the internationally award-winning videogame that allows Islanders to fly over PEI, raise and lower sea levels, and click on-and-off coastal erosion rates.

“The UPEI Climate Lab will visit eight communities in early July to showcase the new CLIVE,” said Fenech, “which has been shown scientifically to increase the knowledge and awareness of coastal issues, increase people’s concern about coastal issues, and most importantly, increase their willingness to take action against climate change.”

CLIVE uses a videogame interface that combines available coastal survey data, historical records, and predictive climate change models, and translates them into a 3-dimensional geovisual information tool that can be explored and queried by non-scientist stakeholders. It allows citizens of an entire Canadian province to explore past environmental change, and how climate change may impact coastal communities due to sea-level rise at various scales.

CLIVE won an international award in 2014 from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology for communicating coastal risk and resilience, and the 2014 Murray Pinchuk Community Builder Award recognizing the highest standard of community building in the public and private realms, and efforts to develop a coastal erosion visualization tool and work to share ideas on how best to adapt to coastal erosion and sea level rise. This new CLIVE is a significant improvement on the past, said Fenech.

Fenech has worked extensively in the area of climate change for 36 years and has edited eight books on climate change. He was featured in a book published last year titled Inspiring Canadians: Forty Brilliant Canadians and Their Visions for the Nation. He was awarded the Queen Elizabeth II Platinum Jubilee Medal (Prince Edward Island) created to celebrate the 70th anniversary year of Queen Elizabeth’s Accession to the Throne, for his “positive impact on the preservation of the environment.”

The following is a schedule for the CLIVE travelling roadshow:

July 2, 2024, 3:00 to 4:30 pm: Beaconsfield Carriage House, 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown, PEI
July 2, 2024, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Victoria Historic Schoolhouse, 730 Victoria Road, Victoria-by-the-Sea, PEI
July 3, 2024, 3:00 to 4:30 pm, The Pavilion, Historic St. Mary’s Church, 1374 Hamilton Road, Kensington, PEI
July 3, 2024, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Eliyahou Wellness Centre, 20 Recreation Street, North Rustico, PEI
July 4, 2024, 3:00 to 4:30 pm, Wind Energy Institute of Canada, 21741 Route 12, Tignish, PEI
July 4, 2024,7:00 to 8:30 pm, West Point Harbourside Centre, 159 Cedar Dunes Park, West Point, PEI
July 5, 2024, 3:00 to 4:30 pm, The Lodge, 1358 Souris Line Road, Souris, PEI
July 5, 2024, 7:00 to 8:30 pm, Dr. Roddie Community Centre, 5549 St. Peter’s Road, St. Peter’s Bay, PEI

For more information, please contact climate@upei.ca.

This update to CLIVE has been supported with funding from the Government of Prince Edward Island and the Government of Canada through the Research and Knowledge Initiative.

Bringing home agriculture lessons from Canada

Apryl Munro — Tue, 11 Jun 2024 09:35:58 -0300

Sixteen representatives from partner organizations of Veterinarians Without Borders-Canada (VWB) visited Prince Edward Island (PEI) from April 28 to May 3 to gain insights into agricultural management and industry issues. The delegates, hailing from Kenya, Ghana, Vietnam, Laos, and Cambodia, had spent a week in Ottawa before arriving in PEI.

Their host, Dr. John VanLeeuwen, a professor of ruminant health management and epidemiology, and chair of the Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), welcomed the group. Dr. VanLeeuwen, also a former president of VWB Canada, provided the visitors with an in-depth understanding of smallholder dairy health management and One Health principles. He discussed food security, climate change, environmental sustainability, gender equity, and antimicrobial resistance, drawing on his extensive experience teaching, research, and service in low-income countries such as Kenya, Ethiopia, Malawi, Thailand, Costa Rica, and Peru.

The educational tour included a visit to a sheep farm where participants learned about flock health, disease management, innovative barn design, and the sheep value chain. The group then toured a dairy farm and explored disease and manure management, silage techniques, biosecurity measures, cow comfort, calf management, and automated computerized milking.

At the AVC, they participated in a hands-on demonstration of artificial insemination techniques, enhancing their understanding of livestock reproductive health. The visitors also enjoyed a trip to the Great Canadian Soap Company and goat farm in Brackley, where they learned about transforming goat milk into soap and other personal care products.

The tour concluded with a visit to the UPEI Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peter’s Bay where they toured the facility, including the drone lab, and learned about agricultural adaptation to climate change. The final farm visit was to a beef farm where they learned about the nutritional, reproductive, and infectious disease management practices implemented on the farm, including a record-keeping system, which could be adapted to their country’s farms.

For many of the visitors, it was the first time they experienced snow, making their trip to Canada one of incredible learning opportunities that will enhance farming in their home countries and of cultural experiences they will not forget.

UPEI psychology students partner with junior and high school students on projects devoted to peace

Melanie Taylor — Mon, 10 Jun 2024 09:44:59 -0300

Dr. Stacey MacKinnon, associate professor of psychology at UPEI, hosted a celebration for 16 senior undergraduate students taking a special topics psychology of good and evil course, and international junior and senior high school students from the NewGate School’s Global Campus, the lab school for the Montessori Foundation, on Sunday, June 4, at the UPEI Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation (CCCCA) in St. Peter’s Bay.

“It’s been a lot of fun putting this project together,” said MacKinnon during an interview with CBC PEI Mainstreet. “The goal was to create materials that would be used by parents, schools, and individuals to be able to encourage young people ages 12–22 (the same age as the students involved) in incorporating a more peaceful approach to life, a more peace-based mindset so that we can start from the ground up, building the peaceful world that we want to have.”

In the fall of 2023, MacKinnon’s senior undergraduates and the NewGate students teamed up with the Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation in Maryland to become peace-certified and create educational materials for youth around the world. At the recent celebration, the students received their peace certificates, displayed their projects, and raised funds for the foundation. Dr. Jeni Stepanek, founding director of the foundation, attended via Zoom, along with alumni of the psychology of good and evil course from the past 12 years, and some students and teachers who were unable to physically attend.

MacKinnon said during the interview that the event was a fantastic opportunity for the UPEI students to act as collaborators, not just mentors. Participants worked on six peace projects ranging from a “kindness journal” with guided props to a story about a young person who was afraid of the dark and how perspectives can shift based on those experiences. The aim was to provide accessible and easy-to-use activities to bring forward the idea that peace is a choice in how people live in and respond to the world.

“The goal with this project was to bring in this age group from 12–22 with an eye towards collaboration as partners,” she said. “Valuing everyone’s perspective, whether you’re younger or older, from any country that was represented, and any perspectives that came into play as well. Putting younger students with the older students was wonderful because they live in different worlds, so bringing those intergenerational worlds together was exciting for my students. Peace is something we always talk about as being ‘out there,’ but the reality is it starts from inside. It starts with every person deciding what they want the world they live in to look like. We’re always going to be in conflict; that’s going to happen. But we don’t have to have it turn into things like wars. We have to find ways to be able to respect and coexist when we disagree with people because we aren’t all the same and we shouldn’t be. Difference is our strength as much as similarity is. When we talk about these kinds of ideas, it starts from within."

During the interview, Elizabeth Hale, co-director at NewGate School’s Global Campus, said she became an educator because Montessori wrote a book called Education for Peace, and she believes in helping students find peace within themselves. She wants them to be grounded in that personally so they can bring peace into every community they touch.

“We have created an online community of 18 students on three different continents. We came together at the climate centre at UPEI, and it’s been really wonderful to be together. Learning about all the different perspectives and experiences has been great for my students. Togetherness and sharing are our future and the more that we can see helping each other in a peaceful way, the better,” she said.

The celebration concluded a week-long end-of-the-year research trip at the CCCCA for the NewGate Global Campus students and teachers.

To learn more about how to participate in making peace possible, visit Mattie J.T. Stepanek Foundation.

Message from the President: Incident at the UPEI Chaplaincy Centre

Nicole Phillips — Thu, 06 Jun 2024 18:00:57 -0300

The following message was emailed to UPEI students, faculty, and staff on June 6, 2024.

Dear UPEI Community,

We are all navigating challenging times, globally and locally. UPEI’s strength lies in our shared values of equity, inclusion, Indigenization, academic freedom, rigour, accountability, integrity, and excellence. It is also the responsibility of universities to foster environments where we can constructively discuss difficult topics, express our differences, and celebrate diversity. Our primary concern will always be the safety of our community members and their right to feel secure on our campus. We will not tolerate hate or calls for violence that threaten this safety and security.

There was a recent incident of disturbing and offensive graffiti at the UPEI Chaplaincy Centre that demonstrated misogyny, antisemitism, Islamophobia, anti-Black racism, anti-Christian sentiment, sexual deviance, and threats of sexual violence.

This type of behaviour is unacceptable and falls outside UPEI's commitment to build a culture of trust, safety, and inclusion. It is especially disappointing to see this incident occur in a place where a welcoming environment for people of all backgrounds has been cultivated by Sister Sue Kidd. Incidents of this nature are deeply harmful, and we understand it can have an impact on individuals, the communities targeted, and the entire campus community.

I met with Sister Sue yesterday to offer support and to assure her that senior administration and a number of University departments, including Security Services; Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights; and Student Affairs, are working to identify the perpetrators, enhance security at the Chaplaincy Centre, and support community members who have been impacted.

We are not providing further detail so as not to perpetrate harm to our community, but if anyone has any information about this incident, please reach out to UPEI Security Services at security@upei.ca or 902-566-0384 or to PEI Crimestoppers at 1-800-222-TIPS (8477).

UPEI students, staff, and faculty do not have to face difficult situations by themselves. If news of this incident is impacting you and you wish to access resources beyond your own network for support, please contact

the Department of Student Affairs at studentserv@upei.ca, or
visit the Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights web site to access the “Find Supports and Services” web page.

Thank you for your unwavering commitment to UPEI’s mission and values—together we can foster an inclusive, diverse, and welcoming environment for all.

Sincerely,

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

University of Prince Edward Island

902-566-0400 president@upei.ca

UPEI hosts delegation from the Consulate General of Japan

Nicole Phillips — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 11:36:28 -0300

The University of Prince Edward Island hosted a brief visit to campus by Mr. Akihiko Uchikawa, the Consul General of Japan in Montreal on Wednesday, May 22.

Mr. Uchikawa, who was on his first official visit to PEI, was joined by his wife, Ms. Cristina Iori, and the Vice-Consul, Ms. Manami Inaba, and met with a number of University representatives including Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President; Dr. Sharon Myers, Interim Dean of Arts; Dr. Jerry Wang, Director of Recruitment and Advisement and the International Student Office; Dr. Edward Chung, Director of Asian Studies and Professor of Religious Studies; Ms. Reiko Dolan, Sessional Instructor, Modern Languages; and Dr. Kristin Domike, Program Officer, Office of Study Abroad and International Collaboration.

The meeting at UPEI focused on various areas of interest between Japan and the University such as student recruitment, research, fostering exchanges between Japanese and Canadians, and implementing projects aimed at familiarizing Canadians with Japan.

Mr. Uchikawa joined the Japanese mission in Montreal in September 2023 but has worked alongside Canadian colleagues in multilateral frameworks such as the UN. His past postings abroad include Italy (four times), Thailand, and South Africa. The Consul General of Japan in Montreal’s jurisdiction includes Quebec, Nova Scotia, Newfoundland and Labrador, New Brunswick, and Prince Edward Island.

Canadian College of Health Leaders awards fellowship to Paul Young

Heather Howatt — Tue, 04 Jun 2024 10:18:52 -0300

The Board of Directors of Canadian College of Health Leaders (CCHL) recently congratulated Paul Young on attaining Fellowship status by presenting him with the prestigious Fellows Medallion at its National Leadership Conference held May 30–June 2 in Halifax (read November news release).

The Fellowship designation is bestowed upon members who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and made a significant impact on the Canadian health system. These individuals are motivated to continue influencing future leaders through their involvement in the Fellows Program and CCHL, thereby shaping the future of healthcare leadership in Canada.

Paul Young, FCCHL, is the first Islander and one of the youngest Canadians to achieve this milestone. Paul is the Chief Operating Officer of the Faculty of Medicine at the University of Prince Edward Island. Paul has 20 years of experience in both public and private industry. He has always had a passion for working in health care as an advocate for system change to create a better experience for the residents of PEI through strategy and innovation. Paul’s Fellowship project focused on E-leadership: Implications and best practices for leaders.

Congratulations, Paul!

Greetings from the Office of the President

Nicole Phillips — Mon, 03 Jun 2024 16:05:13 -0300

The following message was issued to UPEI faculty and staff by email on June 3, 2024

Hello UPEI colleagues,

I am honoured to assume the office of President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island today. I wanted to let you know how excited I am to join the UPEI community. It is my privilege to take us forward on the next steps in our journey. I want to thank the selection committee, everyone who participated in the selection process, and everyone who has extended such a warm welcome since I arrived on the Island. I have had the opportunity to tour the beautiful campus, and the new medical building—there are many very exciting initiatives unfolding!

The University is emerging from its own challenges in a time of global challenges that have highlighted the need for education, for respect, and for diversity. UPEI is answering that need through its scholarship, teaching, learning, and research, and through its own internally focused work on culture and process. I have been impressed with the strength and integrity of UPEI's approach to addressing its challenges and am honoured to take that work forward.

I am passionate about higher education and the entire post-secondary sector. Developing critical thinkers, skilled knowledge users, and supporting scholarship, performance, research, and inquiry of all kinds is critical, and it's exciting. I am also passionate about inclusion, equity, diversity, and Indigenization, and believe these are all crucial components to a sustainable future. UPEI embraces the values of education in supporting people to reach their full potential: equity, inclusion, Indigenization, academic freedom, rigour, accountability, integrity, and excellence—all key to the success of post-secondary education and of communities. I am committed to excellence in all University activities, including its administration. UPEI is important to the province and country and there is no UPEI without its staff, faculty, and students—all of us. The University is situated in a beautiful province at the intersections of critical industries and resources, geographical and social relevance, and its success will have broad impacts.

A few priorities for the coming weeks will be to listen and engage with all of you, and learn more about the community, the province, and your exciting ideas and initiatives, as well as what is needed to ensure a sustainable future for all. The implementation of the UPEI Action Plan will be a top priority for the coming years; and there are ambitious goals laid out based on the extensive work already done by the entire campus community and a dedicated advisory committee. EDI, Indigenization, dignity, and respect will be key values embedded in the work to come. In the near future, we will start a strategic planning process to set the course for the next five years. Work will continue to develop the new medical program in collaboration with Health PEI and Memorial University, and we will look to continue to grow UPEI's research intensity and impact. We will continue to work with our government, college, and community partners to ensure our work is relevant, effective, and we are connected to needs, local and beyond.

I hope to spend the next several weeks meeting as many of you as possible, and continuing to get to know the campus, the city, and the province.

With very best wishes,

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

AVC Class of 2024 joins the veterinary profession

Tue, 28 May 2024 13:32:57 -0300

For the University of Prince Edward Island's Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) Class of 2024, walking across the stage to receive their white coats was the ultimate goal—the summit of a mountain that seemed so large four years ago.

This tenacious group entered veterinary school in the height of a global pandemic when they were forced to take classes online and isolate while attending school. Over their four years of studies, they continued to face a barrage of challenges. The class got through every test of strength, knowing they would one day achieve their dream of becoming doctors of veterinary medicine.

On May 14, the 66 graduates received their white coats during their long-anticipated white coat ceremony, held for the first time at the UPEI Performing Arts Centre. They stood on stage with the faculty members who taught them over the years and who officially welcomed them to the veterinary profession at the ceremony.

“Achieving an education in veterinary medicine is never easy under the best of circumstances,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI, during the ceremony. “For you, the Class of 2024, the path to your doctor of veterinary medicine degree was even more fraught with various unexpected challenges. You have truly earned your white coats.”

“This class has learned that resilience isn’t just a trait; it’s a mindset that grows stronger with each trial they have had to overcome,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, Dean of AVC. “It is time for you to celebrate your achievements and the bright future that awaits you.”

In addition to the white coat ceremony, a number of awards were presented to the graduates.

Dr. Madelaine Russell won the prestigious R.G. Thomson Academic Achievement Award for the highest cumulative grade average for all courses taken during the four-year program. Also receiving awards at the White Coat Ceremony were the following faculty and staff:

Falina Dovick, medical radiology technician, Class of 2002 Technician Appreciation Award
Dr. Ciaran O’Carroll, small animal surgery, Vetoquinol Award in Pain Management
Dr. Zoe Rutledge, resident, small animal medicine, Class of 2006 Intern/Resident Mentorship Award
Dr. Sheri Ross, associate professor of companion animals, Boehringer Ingelheim Award of Excellence in Clinical Teaching

Earlier in the day, the Class of 2024 received their doctor of veterinary medicine degrees at the Convocation ceremony for the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Also, 13 AVC graduate students were granted their degrees:

Master of Science-Faculty of Veterinary Medicine: Dr. Sarifa Lakhdhir, Dr. Edward Kariuki Nganga, Dr. Thomas Eric Olney, Dr. Vernon Cole Ptycia-Lamky, Dr. Hannah Brooke Spitzer, and Dr. Camille Squair,
Doctor of Philosophy in Veterinary Medicine: Dr. Mohamed Afifi, Dr. Mariana D. Agosto Miguel Fonseca, Dr. Megan Tamilea Jewell, Dr. Svenja Koepper, Dr. Walaa Hamed Sha Nasry, Dr. Marianne Isabelle Parent, and Dr. William Thomas Robbins

Congratulations, Class of 2024!

To see a full list of graduates, visit here.

Berry Genge named a 3M National Student Fellow

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 28 May 2024 12:34:53 -0300

Berry Genge, a fourth-year UPEI Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) student from Lewes, PEI, has been named a 2024 3M National Student Fellow by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) and 3M Canada.

The fellowship honours up to ten full-time college or undergraduate students across Canada who have demonstrated outstanding leadership in their lives and at their postsecondary institution. These students embrace a vision of education that enhances their academic experience and beyond.

Genge was nominated for the award by Dr. Libby Osgood, associate professor in the FSDE and a 2024 3M National Teaching Fellow, with letters of support from Dr. Wayne Peters, interim dean of the FSDE; Dr. Nadine Ibrahim, faculty steering committee member for the Sustainability and Social Entrepreneurship Fellowship, University of Waterloo; and Shannon Snow, work-integrated learning program officer, UPEI Experiential Education department.

Osgood said that the selection of Genge as a 3M fellow recognizes the immense impact of her leadership and mentorship during her four years at UPEI.

“I suspect she will fully embrace this opportunity to promote a broader understanding of engineering and advocate for an inclusive, expansive learning environment, now for a national audience. She is a change-maker, and I can't wait to see what she will do during the fellowship and in her final year of the engineering program.”

“We're so proud of Berry for receiving this award,” said Peters. “As a leader and an innovator, she has made many key contributions to our students’ success through the creation of vital opportunities for them to strengthen their academic and professional skills, to improve their work ethic, to build their confidence, to mature as young adults and aspiring engineers, and to engage in experiences that go well beyond the classroom. Berry has been an excellent role model on all of these fronts.”

Early in her university career, Genge became involved in the engineering student help centre. Through this role, she worked to fill the gaps that engineering students find in their education. This includes the introduction of professional development opportunities, engineering-specific career days, and networking events that partner with local organizing bodies within the engineering profession. She has also been a leader within her engineering society executive team and has led advocacy efforts to improve the quality of life of marginalized groups within her faculty.

Genge has been awarded several campus-wide distinctions, including the inaugural “Panther for Life” campus spirit award. Acknowledging that even small efforts can lead to lasting change, she works to create a spread of “small ripples” within UPEI in the hope that it leads to a greater change for all. She said she is honoured to be selected one of this year’s 3M National Student Fellows.

“I feel this achievement is a true reflection of the meaningful work that I’ve been enabled to do within the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering; no matter how small I may feel the work I am doing is, what it really represents is the fostering of community and collective successes,” said Genge. “Whether it be organizing social events through the Engineering Society or facilitating professional development opportunities through the Engineering Success Centre—we are working towards this common goal. Everyone should be given the tools they need to thrive through this degree, and I feel so honoured to be part of this meaningful movement.”

Genge will graduate in the spring of 2025 after she completes her Bachelor of Sustainable Design Engineering degree and hopes to find a job in her field.

“On behalf of UPEI, I congratulate Berry on receiving this prestigious fellowship,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President Academic and Research. “The award recognizes her academic excellence, outstanding leadership, and dedication to her community and fellow students. It is students like Berry who hold the key to the future of our society. We are very proud of her achievement.”

Genge is looking forward to meeting her fellow 3M National Student Fellows next month at the 3M STLHE Conference in Niagara Falls, Ontario.

UPEI adjunct professor selected to participate in Action Canada Fellowship program

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 28 May 2024 12:30:29 -0300

Dr. Jeffrey Collins, an adjunct professor at UPEI, has been selected to participate in the Action Canada Fellowship program.

During the ten-month program, Dr. Collins and 16 other participants will study Canada’s natural resource sector, meet with experts, and visit communities across the country during four field trips to learn about local policy challenges and opportunities, as well as distinct cultures, institutions, communities, and economies. Their first study tour will be in Calgary, Alberta, from June 17–22.

Dr. Collins is a senior policy analyst within the Department of National Defence’s Director General--Material Systems and Supply Chain team. He is a noted expert on Canadian defence procurement and policy. He has published extensively, including dozens of reports and articles, and two books, Reassessing the Revolution in Military Affairs (2015) and Canada’s Defence Procurement Woes (2023). Since 2015, he has been a part-time adjunct professor at UPEI, teaching in two graduate international relations programs. He is also a board member of the Banff Forum, one of Canada’s leading public policy conferences.

In recognition of his public service leadership with the Government of Prince Edward Island from 2016 to 2022, he was awarded a Ministerial Medal for Public Policy Innovation. In 2019, as a result of his work on Prince Edward Island-United States trade relations, he participated in the US State Department’s International Visitor Leadership Program on US Foreign Policy Decision-Making. Prior to joining the PEI Public Service, he was a policy advisor to Canada’s Minister of Veterans Affairs.

Dr. Collins holds a PhD in Political Science from Carleton University, an MA in International Relations from the University of Birmingham, a law degree from the University of Aberdeen, and a BA and Certificate in Public Administration from Memorial University of Newfoundland. He lives in Stratford, PEI, with his spouse, Jenny, and daughters Eva and Maggie.

In 2017, Action Canada and the Public Policy Forum joined to expand Canada’s top accelerator of new leaders. Together, they deliver the Action Canada Fellowship, which aims to enhance emerging leaders’ understanding of the country and public policy choices for the future. Action Canada offers its fellows a deepening understanding of the country, while also equipping them with policymaking tools and fostering connections with diverse leaders nationwide. This immersive experience encourages fellows to engage with grassroots realities on the ground, while also helping hone their leadership skills. Since 2023, over 300 alumni have gone through the program.

UPEI celebrates the achievements of faculty and staff

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 28 May 2024 11:00:51 -0300

Members of the UPEI community filled the UPEI Performing Arts Centre on May 23, 2024, to celebrate the achievements of their colleagues. During the event, the University Awards of Excellence and 25-Year Service Awards were presented to faculty, librarians, clinical veterinary professionals, clinical nursing instructors, sessional instructors, and staff members.

Dr. Greg Keefe, interim president and vice-chancellor, thanked the University community for contributing to the success of UPEI as a whole and its students in particular.

“Many people have contributed to the development of the UPEI Action Plan, including those in this room,” he said. “We have set the wheels in motion for change, and now we must work to implement the plan, build out our frontline teams, monitor progress, and continue to learn from—and reconcile with—each other. I congratulate all of you on your resiliency and express my gratitude for your patience and willingness to always put our students first. It is my honour to help present these awards, which acknowledge individuals for their outstanding contributions to the success of UPEI.”

Dr. Max Schaefer, sessional instructor of philosophy, Faculty of Arts, was presented with the University Teaching Excellence Award. This award recognizes outstanding contributions to teaching in one or more of the following areas: teaching effectiveness, teaching innovation, clinical instruction, and scholarship of teaching and learning and educational leadership.

Receiving University Research Excellence Awards was Dr. Edward MacDonald, professor of history, Faculty of Arts, who was recently conferred with the title professor emeritus. This award recognizes faculty members for outstanding research and scholarly accomplishments and significant contribution to advancing the University’s national and international reputation for research excellence.

Dr. Trung Ngo, professor of robotics and intelligent systems, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, received the University Award for Excellence in Graduate Student Supervision for excellence in the supervision, mentorship, and support of graduate students.

University Awards for Exemplary Service were presented to Charlotte McCardle, director of strategic planning, Office of the President; Tyler Stapleton, web content architect/writer, Marketing and Communications; and Sherilyn Acorn, manager of Study and Stay and Exchange Programs, Office of Study Abroad and International Collaboration. This award is given to a UPEI employee who has demonstrated outstanding service and/or has made significant contributions to the University community beyond that normally expected of their position.

Shannon Snow, Work-Integrated Learning faculty liaison, received the University Ambassador Award, presented to a UPEI employee who has made a significant positive impact on the University by advancing the strategic priorities of their unit, department, or faculty, or by fostering a sense of excitement on campus and promoting fellowship, goodwill, and belonging within the University community.

Jaclyn Borden, learning strategist, Student Affairs, received the University Award for Support of Student Success Award for making significant contributions to higher education by supporting student success.

“The University Awards of Excellence are a wonderful opportunity for the UPEI campus community to come together to celebrate the exceptional accomplishments of our colleagues,” said Sue Connolly, interim vice-president, People and Culture. “The nominations received were thoughtful, generous, and eloquent, and they demonstrated a commitment to one another and to UPEI that is inspiring. There are so many people on this campus doing good and important work and doing it with great care and consideration for both the students we serve and the colleagues we work with day in and day out. This year’s award recipients were all honoured for their exceptional service to our university, and they make us all proud to be part of this community.”

The following faculty and staff were recognized for 25 years of service to UPEI:

Dr. Nola Etkin, Department of Chemistry, and dean, Faculty of Science;
Dr. Nebojsa Kujundzic, Department of Philosophy, Faculty of Arts;
Dr. Derek Lawther, Department of Physics, Faculty of Science;
Dr. Scott Lee, Department of Modern Languages, Faculty of Arts;
Brenda MacLean, McDougall Faculty of Business;
Nicole Murphy, Department of Pathology and Microbiology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine;
Tracy O’Flaherty, Department of Health Management, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine;
Sung Ha Shin-Bouey, Department of Music, Faculty of Arts;
Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, and associate vice-president of research and dean, Faculty of Graduate Studies;
Christopher Vessey, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Faculty of Science;
Dr. Andrew Zinck, Department of Music, Faculty of Arts

Click on this link to hear from some of our 25-year service award winners!

Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis visits UPEI

Nicole Phillips — Fri, 24 May 2024 12:41:58 -0300

The Prime Minister of St. Kitts and Nevis, the Honourable Dr. Terrance M. Drew, visited the UPEI campus on May 22, 2024, for a brief meeting with Dr. Greg Keefe, UPEI’s interim president and vice-chancellor.

Prime Minister Drew was on PEI to attend and speak at the Global Sustainable Island Summit 2024 that was held at Crowbush, May 22–23. Th summit brought together industry leaders, innovators, and start-up companies from around the world to explore and discuss the innovative solutions capable of positively impacting island communities.

Dr. Aitazaz A. Farooque, Professor and Associate Dean, Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation; Dr. Kuljeet Grewal, Assistant Professor, Sustainable Design Engineering; and the Hon. Diane Griffin, Chancellor of UPEI, also spoke at the summit.

Discussions and panels focused on sustainability and policymaking for islands; highlighting developments in renewable energy; green technology; achieving net-zero; and climate change mitigation.

UPEI faculty member receives $1.65 million from NSERC CREATE program for climate change-related agriculture project

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 21 May 2024 11:56:23 -0300

Dr. Xander Wang, an associate professor with the UPEI School of Climate Change and Adaptation, has been awarded $1.65 million from the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC)’s Collaborative Research and Training Experience (CREATE) program for a project called “NSERC CREATE Training Network for CLImate Smart Agriculture (CLISA).”

On May 16, NSERC issued a news release announcing $26 million in funding through its 2024 CREATE program for 16 training programs, including Dr. Wang’s project. It will “facilitate the transition of new researchers from trainees to productive employees in the Canadian workforce while tackling crucial science and engineering challenges.”

Through the CLISA project, a network of researchers, new graduates, and professionals with knowledge and expertise in climate smart agriculture will be trained to promote the development and application of new technologies and strategies in Canadian farming practices and strengthen the country’s agricultural workforce. The project aims to reduce the impact of climate change on the agriculture industry and food security.

“Climate change is already having a significant impact on agriculture and food security due to increased prevalence of extreme events and increased unpredictability of weather patterns,” said Wang. “This is especially true for Canadian farmers who have seen increases in heat and drought in many agricultural regions, including the Maritimes, the Prairies, and southern Ontario. Future climate projections show that Canadians will likely see drier summers from coast to coast but increased winter and spring precipitation. While some aspects of climate change may be promising—for example, longer frost-free seasons—the unexpected increase in climate variability and more frequent extreme events will adversely affect the agricultural industry.”

Dr. Wang said that agriculture is a significant contributor to global warming, with about ten per cent of Canada's greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) coming from crop and livestock production.

“Enhancing food security while reducing agricultural GHG emissions and preserving the natural resource base and vital ecosystem services requires a significant transition to more productive, sustainable, and resilient agricultural production systems.”

Such a transition demands a major shift in the way that land, water, and soil nutrients are managed to ensure that these resources are used more efficiently, he said. Making this change requires considerable changes in the traditional farming technologies and practices—a transition that will rely heavily on new graduates, researchers, and professionals who have knowledge and expertise in climate smart agriculture.

The CLISA network aims to address the need for these highly trained personnel by advancing cutting-edge research and development of new methods for precision agriculture, water and soil management, sustainable food production and food value chains, and climate-smart financing and policies.

Dr. Wang will lead the development of CLISA with collaborators at Memorial University, Dalhousie University, the University of Saskatchewan, Lethbridge College, the University of British Columbia, and the University of Guelph.

“Climate change is one of the greatest challenges facing our country and indeed our planet, and the threat of food insecurity is a very real part of it,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI. “With our climate change and adaptation program, UPEI is uniquely placed to explore solutions that will help our agriculture industry meet the needs of Canadians in years to come. I congratulate Dr. Wang on achieving the funding for this important project.”

Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President Academic and Research at UPEI, also congratulated Wang on receiving the NSERC CREATE funding.

“Dr. Wang’s project is an excellent example of the impactful research and scholarly work at UPEI that is addressing global challenges,” he said. “His success in the CREATE program builds upon the University’s national recognition of excellence in research.”

UPEI acknowledges the assistance of Canada’s tri-council of federal granting agencies—the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)—through its Research Support Fund, which helps fund services and infrastructure that support research activities at the University. In 2023–2024, UPEI was allocated $931,234.00 from the RSF.

UPEI Healthy Campus Committee to host Staff and Faculty Coffee Break and Wellness Check May 24

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 21 May 2024 09:31:25 -0300

The UPEI Healthy Campus Committee is hosting a Staff and Faculty Coffee Break and Wellness Check on Friday, May 24, from 10:00 am to noon at the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering building.

UPEI staff and faculty are encouraged to take part in this positive experience, enjoy a coffee break, and engage with various wellness-focused booths including

PEI Pharmacy Association: Discover an array of services and support offered by pharmacists.
Chief Public Health Office: Gain insights into low-risk drinking guidelines, nutrition guidelines, and recipes to help encourage proper hydration during the hot summer months.
UPEI Health Centre: Have your blood pressure and glucose testing as well as get information about tetanus vaccines and naloxone kits.
UPEI Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering: Embark on insightful tours and find out more about this exciting and innovative program.
Telus Health: Learn about the employee and family assistance program and the Telus app offerings.

Members of the UPEI Healthy Campus Committee including new co-chairs Janet Loo, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Nursing, and Liz Rostant MacArthur, Manager, Health, Safety, and Environment, will be available to talk about upcoming wellness programming, events, and fitness opportunities. These include a special UPEI employee discount membership at the Bell Aliant Centre pool, a staff and faculty weekly outdoor program for pickleball and spikeball, and a Bike or Walk to Work Day on June 26! These new programs, activities, and savings aim to promote and encourage all UPEI staff and faculty to take advantage of exciting opportunities for health and wellness.

Complimentary light refreshments will be provided, and attendees will have a chance to win exciting summer-themed door prizes.

The purpose of the UPEI Healthy Campus Committee is to build capacity within the University to apply an integrated, comprehensive, and employee-centered workplace health model. The model highlights leadership engagement and a supportive workplace culture, the enhancement of employee well-being, and the prevention of chronic disease and mental illness.

For more information and/or questions, please contact Fitness and Wellness Coordinator Angela Marchbank at amarchbank@upei.ca.

UPEI Convocation 2024 brings a sense of accomplishment and several firsts

Melanie Taylor — Fri, 17 May 2024 11:37:11 -0300

The excitement and pride were palpable at the University of Prince Edward Island this past week when the Class of 2024 graduated with their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The Convocation ceremonies took place in the UPEI Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre on May 14 for graduates of the faculties of Veterinary Medicine and Nursing; May 15 for the faculties of Business and Sustainable Design Engineering; May 16 for the faculties of Arts, Education, and Graduate Studies; and May 17 for the Faculty of Science.

In his address to the graduates, Dr. Greg Keefe praised the graduates for living by UPEI’s values—inclusion, equity, and Indigenization; academic freedom and rigour; accountability and integrity, and excellence. He also noted that this was the first graduating class in which seven students received their bachelor’s degree with a minor in Indigenous Studies; the eagle feather, presented to UPEI last summer by the Native Council of PEI, was carried for the first time in the Academic Procession; and O Canada was sung at the end of each ceremony in Mi’kmaq as well as in English and French.

“Incorporating traditions and symbols are important, but we need to always do more. We have a long way to still to go, but I thank all of those who are advancing Indigenization and reconciliation at UPEI,” said Keefe.

“If I can impart one thing to our graduates,” he added, “it’s always to live and act based on our shared values. And when you combine your disciplinary expertise with the resilience you have developed, and are guided by our UPEI values, no challenge will be too great. I thank everyone for seizing the opportunity and acknowledging our collective responsibility to positively impact those around us. Let’s continue to all work together to help shape our campus and our world for the better.”

Receiving honorary degrees during Convocation Week were Mary Jeanette Gallant and Aggi-Rose Reddin who led the charge in saving the historic Glenaladale estate in Tracadie Cross, PEI; John W. Bragg, CC, ONS, one of Canada’s most successful business founders and leaders; Reginald “Dutch” Thompson, a passionate oral historian and storyteller; and Gary Schneider, founder and coordinator of the Macphail Woods Ecological Project.

Throughout the week, Dr. Andrew Tasker, professor of neuropharmacology (retired), Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Edward MacDonald, professor of history, Faculty of Arts, were each conferred with the title of Professor Emeritus.

The valedictorians were Jessica Watts, Faculty of Nursing; Bridget Patterson, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering; Sarah Legault, Faculty of Education; and Charleigh Teefy, Faculty of Science.

Each of the four valedictorians spoke about the unique challenges that they and their fellow graduates faced and the resilience they showed as they strove to complete their education. They also stressed the need to be kind, to have courage and persevere in the face of obstacles, and to be lifelong learners.

During the May 14th ceremony, valedictorian and nursing graduate Jessica Watts said the Class of 2024 not just faced but persevered through several major obstacles during their time at UPEI.

“The future of nursing and veterinary medicine requires resiliency, loyalty, determination, and a fresh perspective,” she said. “I am confident that the Class of 2024 is the embodiment of just that. We have endured the entirety of the COVID-19 pandemic, Hurricane Fiona, in-person semester disturbances, a month-long strike, and a critical healthcare worker shortage, to name a few. We continued to study, learn, grow, and work during these unprecedented times, showing our unwavering commitment to the profession we are soon entering…I encourage each of you to be brave. To be bold. To be confident. To be the change.”

During the ceremony on May 15, the Honourable Diane Griffin, who was recently installed as the University’s tenth Chancellor, conferred upon the Honourable Catherine Callbeck the title of Chancellor Emerita at UPEI for her exceptional service as the University’s ninth Chancellor from 2018 to 2023.

On May 16, the first cohort of the Doctor of Psychology program graduated. The program prepares graduates to practice as clinical psychologists.

At the conclusion of each ceremony, Chancellor Griffin, who was presiding over Convocation for the first time, offered special thanks to Dr. Greg Keefe for his service as the University’s interim president and vice-chancellor for the past two-and-a-half years. Her words invoked a standing ovation.

During the Convocation ceremony for Faculty of Science graduates on May 17, Kassandra Devon Lynn, Doctor of Philosophy, Faculty of Science, was awarded the Governor General’s Medal (graduate) and the Faculty of Graduate Studies Award of Distinction. Briana Creed, Bachelor of Science Honours, received the Governor General’s Medal (undergraduate).

The senior class awards were presented earlier in the week. Click here to view the complete list of awards.

UPEI students study abroad in Spain through Maymester initiative

Melanie Taylor — Fri, 10 May 2024 14:29:25 -0300

A group of 11 UPEI students are currently at the University of Burgos in northern Spain, delving into understanding how heritage can be a key resource in promoting sustainable economic development in rural areas. The students are accompanied by Dr. Melissa James, director of undergraduate programs, UPEI Faculty of Business, and Sherilyn Acorn, manager of the Study and Stay and exchange programs, Office of Study Abroad and International Collaboration.

“This is an incredible opportunity for students to see the history and culture of and learn about sustainable practice in northern Spain,” said James.

The students were welcomed by Verónica Calderón, vice-chancellor of the University of Burgos. She graciously received the students, emphasizing her university’s commitment to promoting student mobility and cultural exchange and highlighting the importance of international collaboration in the academic field. While speaking with the students, Calderón recommended that, while learning and studying in Burgos, they seek to understand how heritage can be used to generate economic opportunities in rural environments, in addition to participating in an enriching experience that combines academic learning with immersion in the rich cultural, linguistic, and natural heritage of Burgos and the surrounding province.

While in Spain, the students are participating in training sessions led by faculty at the University of Burgos. The program includes a series of cultural visits to places such as La Catedral, Atapuerca, Las Huelgas, and the Hospital del Ray. They will also be walking some of the final stages of the Camino de Santiago Trail.

Bianca Boutilier, a third-year business student, said she is grateful to have the opportunity to take part in an educational experience like this. “Learning about the heritage, culture, and sustainable business practices of this beautiful region in Spain has truly broadened my perspective as a business student. Thank you to the Global Skills Opportunity program for the funding to make this possible and the University of Burgos for hosting us and for providing us with this inspiring, once-in-a-lifetime learning opportunity.”

In 2019, another group of UPEI students studied at the University of Burgos and participated in a Maymester program titled, “The Camino de Santiago, Human Heritage, and Sustainable Tourism Practices.” The program, developed by the International Spanish Centre, included academic sessions on history, architecture, and entrepreneurship in rural areas. Acorn remembers it as a fabulous experience for all involved.

“This partnership with Burgos has been in existence since 2015, with our first students coming in 2017 for the semester, which was very successful. We’ve had several students study on exchange since then. The 2019 Maymester was the most incredible program ever, which is why we’re back! We hope to do this over and over and over again.”

For information about upcoming Maymesters, visit UPEI Study Abroad.

UPEI’s Paul Young named one of Atlantic Canada’s top CEOs

Heather Howatt — Fri, 10 May 2024 10:38:23 -0300

Paul Young, Chief Operating Officer for the UPEI Faculty of Medicine, was named one of the Top 50 CEOs in Atlantic Canada during an awards gala on May 9 at the Delta Hotel St. John’s Conference Centre.

The annual awards ceremony, hosted by Atlantic Business Magazine, recognizes leaders in the region who have demonstrated excellence and success across categories, including corporate governance, organization growth, management, industry leadership, and personal social responsibility.

The Top 50 CEO award acknowledges Young’s work leading one of the most ambitious health-care initiatives in Atlantic Canada in the last 20 years.

Young said he is embracing the challenges of transformation through his work developing a medical school in Prince Edward Island.

“The UPEI Faculty of Medicine is a massive undertaking that has been met with many obstacles, including aggressive timelines, supply chain challenges, and some concerns over the medical school’s potential impact on PEI’s ongoing health sector human resources challenges,” he said.

By relying on his extensive expertise in health management, Young has built a progressive and innovative leadership team that is working diligently on several creative and innovative solutions, which he is confident will make the forthcoming PEI medical school a success.

A passionate advocate for systemic change within health care, Young believes in thinking differently and being innovative to overcome challenges to create opportunities and possibilities when the path forward isn’t always apparent.

“It is not every day that you are afforded the opportunity to build a medical school, and while it is a daunting and complex challenge, it doesn’t mean that each day can’t be exceedingly satisfying, rewarding, and fun.”

“Congratulations to Paul for being recognized among Atlantic Business Magazine’s Top 50 CEOs,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, UPEI’s interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “This award is a result of his unwavering focus and ability to lead teams to work towards a common goal, such as the development of our joint medical degree with Memorial University. UPEI is fortunate to have him as our COO for the Faculty of Medicine.”

He also received the Top 50 CEO award in 2021, 2022, and 2023 for work leading to transformational change through innovation and ingenuity, despite the unprecedented instability facing health care.

Young joined UPEI in October 2022.

UPEI’s Dr. Libby Osgood named a 3M National Teaching Fellow

Melanie Taylor — Thu, 09 May 2024 12:26:41 -0300

Dr. Libby (Elizabeth) Osgood, associate professor in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE), has been named a 2024 3M National Teaching Fellow by the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE) and 3M Canada.

“This is incredible news! I'm so proud of Libby and her accomplishments,” said Dr. Wayne Peters, interim dean of FSDE. “I'm thrilled that she brings this level of quality, dedication, and passion to our program and its students.”

Each year, STLHE and 3M Canada reward exceptional teaching and learning at Canadian universities by selecting ten teaching fellows who show leadership in enhancing post-secondary education and a sustained dedication to undergraduate education. Dr. Osgood was nominated for the prestigious award by Dr. Shannon Murray, Professor of English, Department of English, Faculty of Arts, and Dr. Etienne Côté, Professor of Cardiology, Department of Companion Animals, Atlantic Veterinary College.

In their nomination letter, Dr. Murray and Dr. Côté, who are both 3M National Teaching Fellows, said Dr. Osgood is “one of the bright lights at UPEI, but she tends that light for others, not to light her own career. Hers is a truly integrated academic life, with a fascinating path: NASA engineer to nun and award-winning university teacher. She is truly a model of Rumi’s principle that, when things seem dark, we should brighten our own lights.”

Dr. Osgood changed her approach to teaching after taking a leave to become a nun: rather than thinking that she taught engineering concepts, she now focuses on teaching engineering students.

“This honour recognizes exceptional teachers and educational leaders in higher education, and Libby is a leader among leaders,” said Dr. Murray. “She has done so much for both her students and her colleagues, and we are very lucky to have her at UPEI.”

Dr. Osgood’s teaching practice is based on five “Ps”: passionate, proactive, present, philanthropic, and prepared. Her innovative classroom strategies—like the “Comet Caper” mystery or the “Breadboardia” approach to learning electronics circuitry—have been adopted by instructors across North America and shared in peer-reviewed education journals. One of the first faculty members in the FSDE, she has been a leader in the design of the program as well as in the founding and student-led running of its Engineering Success Centre, which supports engineering students and mentors student leaders.

Dr. Osgood is the recipient of UPEI’s two major teaching awards as well as six others, including for her work with students as partners. Heavily engaged with STEM and STEAM outreach and international humanitarian engineering, she has accompanied her students to projects in Kenya and Honduras.

As her UPEI colleague Inge Dorsey wrote in a letter supporting her nomination, said Dr. Murray, “she says “yes” to opportunities, but she also creates opportunities for others. Libby’s goal is to create a culture of hope within engineering education, and her approach to leadership is to lead beside and then step aside to let other people’s lights shine.”

“Being selected as a 3M teaching fellow is a reflection of the mentorship I received from talented and generous colleagues across UPEI and is a testament to the dedication of our engineering students who inspire me to try harder each day, so they can go make the world a better place,” said Osgood.

Dr. Osgood is the ninth faculty member at UPEI to be named a 3M National Teaching Fellow. In addition to Dr. Murray and Dr. Côté, 3M National Teaching Fellows at UPEI include Dr. Brent MacLaine, Department of English, Faculty of Arts; Dr. Brian Wagner, Department of Chemistry, Faculty of Science; Dr. Philip Smith, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts; Dr. Fiona Walton, Faculty of Education; Dr. Sue Dawson, Department of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine; and Dr. Ann Braithwaite, Department of Diversity and Social Justice Studies, Faculty of Arts.

“On behalf of UPEI, I congratulate Dr. Osgood on this incredible accomplishment,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, UPEI interim president and vice-chancellor. “With her dedication and passion for teaching and learning, she is most deserving of this honour. Libby and all our 3M scholars are exceptional faculty members and are a big part of what makes UPEI such a fantastic institution.”

Congratulations, Dr. Osgood, from the entire UPEI community!

Ushering in a new era as we celebrate Convocation 2024

Nicole Phillips — Thu, 09 May 2024 11:12:35 -0300

The following message was emailed to UPEI faculty, staff, and students on May 9, 2024.

Dear Members of the University Community,

At the end of every exam period, a sense of excitement begins to percolate and builds into May as we prepare to congratulate our graduating students at Convocation. This year, however, not only does spring signal a new chapter in the academic journey of our graduates, but we are also ushering in a new era at UPEI.

In late March, the Board of Governors approved the UPEI Action Plan, which outlines the University’s efforts to build a culture of trust, safety, and inclusion. We have learned a great deal over the past year since the release of the University of Prince Edward Island Review. It has been humbling to witness the courage, compassion, and collective strength of our community as members provided the candid input needed to develop the action plan. We have set the wheels in motion for change, including the hiring of initial key positions in the areas of Human Resources, EDI and Human Rights, Sexual Violence Prevention and Response, Student Affairs, and Security Services. Now we must work to implement the plan, build out our frontline teams, monitor progress, and continue to learn from—and reconcile with—each other.

On April 5, we installed the Honourable Diane F. Griffin as the University’s tenth Chancellor. While Chancellor Griffin is no stranger to UPEI (she holds a BSc from Saint Dunstan’s University and a BEd and honorary Doctor of Laws from UPEI), she will preside at Convocation and confer degrees for the first time this year. We are grateful for her dedication to UPEI.

We have also turned the corner on many important initiatives at UPEI. From April 22–26, the University held “Good News Week”:

On Monday, we officially opened the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship—named in honour of our former Chancellor and with support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), Innovation PEI, Credit Unions of PEI, and a major contribution from the River Philip Foundation.
On Tuesday, we launched Phase 2 of the Atlantic Veterinary College’s fundraising campaign, which will focus on the re-development of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. We raised more than $4 million in private donations and had substantial ACOA support during Phase 1, and we have already raised $1 million of $6 million goal for Phase 2.
Wednesday’s event included a historic announcement—the first time UPEI has ever named a Faculty–with the naming of the McDougall Faculty of Business. This honour recognized Don and Marion McDougall’s long association with the Faculty and their contributions to the University.
On Thursday, we officially launched the $10 million campaign for the Faculty of Medicine, which will support the University’s contribution to the ongoing construction of the $91 million state-of-the-art building on the UPEI campus, which will house a 10,000-patient Health PEI patient medical home, the UPEI Psychology Clinic, and PEI Adult ADHD Clinic, and feature simulation, anatomy, and clinical skills training spaces that will be used by other UPEI faculties as well as for continuing education opportunities for PEI physicians and other allied health professionals.
And on Friday, we celebrated the beginning of the $15 million “love our library” campaign to revitalize our beloved Robertson Library, the heart of our campus.

The good news continued this week when Dr. Libby Osgood, Associate Professor, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, was named a 3M National Teaching Fellow by the Society of Teaching and Learning in Higher Education. On behalf of UPEI, I congratulate Dr. Osgood on this incredible accomplishment. Libby and all of our 3M scholars—she is our ninth—are exceptional faculty members and are a big part of what makes UPEI such a fantastic institution.

This spring will also bring about even further change for the University and for me personally. It will be my honour to participate in the four Convocation ceremonies next week as they will mark my last in my role as interim president. I was extremely pleased with the selection of Dr. Wendy Rodgers as UPEI’s next President and Vice-Chancellor. Her blend of academic experience, administrative acumen, and passion for creating healthy, inclusive, and respectful environments aligns perfectly with UPEI’s ambitious vision and plan to change the campus culture. I look forward to supporting Dr. Rodgers as she begins her role.

We are excited to begin new traditions at Convocation. In 2022, the Mawi’omi Indigenous Student Centre gifted inaugural Indigenous Graduation Stoles to graduating Indigenous students. Last year, we incorporated drumming by the Lonecry First Nation Drum Group. Drums are considered sacred amongst Indigenous peoples, representing the heartbeat of people, animals, and Mother Earth herself. This year, O Canada will be sung in English, French, and Mi’kmaq, and the Eagle Feather, which was presented to the University by the Native Council of Prince Edward Island in 2023, will be carried for the first time as part of the Academic Procession. The Eagle Feather will be placed in a position of prominence on the Convocation stage alongside the ceremonial mace. The eagle is sacred in Indigenous culture because it flies closest to the Creator and symbolizes respect, honour, strength, courage, and wisdom. The eagle’s feathers also symbolize a step forward and a new chapter in the ongoing story of reconciliation.

UPEI is committed to advancing reconciliation through higher education—we now have an Indigenous Strategic Framework and Initiatives that has been endorsed by both the Board of Governors and Senate. As a community, we have started a journey of growth to realize the role we must play in promoting an understanding of Indigenous history and culture and supporting respectful relationships.

Convocation recognizes the hard work and perseverance our students have demonstrated during their time at the University of Prince Edward Island. During this time, we should also celebrate the hard work of our entire University community after a challenging year—in fact, a few challenging years. I thank all of you for supporting me over these last two-and-a-half years, and for seizing the opportunity and acknowledging our collective responsibility to positively impact those around us. Let’s continue to all work together to help shape our campus and our world for the better.

I hope to see many of you during Convocation 2024! Congratulations, graduates!

Regards,

Greg

GREG KEEFE, DVM, MSc, MBA (he/him)
President and Vice-Chancellor (Interim)

Celebrating success: A journey through the Atlantic Veterinary College

Apryl Munro — Wed, 08 May 2024 13:35:06 -0300

When Dr. Katherine Guarino, a Class of 2024 doctor of veterinary medicine graduate, was applying to veterinary schools four years ago, the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island was a blip on her radar.

"When I made my first list of schools, I was planning on going wherever opportunity would take me," she explained. “It wasn’t until after I made connections with the AVC admissions staff, who guided me through the process, that I decided it was the best fit for me. They accommodated my whirlwind of thoughts and emotions as I moved countries during a pandemic.”

Guarino hails from Maine, USA, and moving to Canada in 2020 was indeed a whirlwind. That swirling continued as she adjusted to online learning during the COVID-19 pandemic and then reeled from the effects of Hurricane Fiona. Her class battled two major crises in their time at the AVC and bonded intensely throughout.

“The AVC is like a little community in the corner of a larger university, which surprised me,” she said. “Students and faculty learned my name right away, and the smaller class sizes made learning unique.”

The experience has changed her profoundly as she is starting her career as an emergency veterinarian in Nova Scotia, where she plans to pursue her Canadian permanent residency. When asked about her decision to remain in Canada post-graduation, she said it was an easy decision for her future family.

“I've always wanted to be a mother. This is the only life goal of mine that is more important than being a veterinarian. I believe Canada is the best place for children to safely exist as they are while also discovering who they can grow up to be.”

For aspiring veterinarians considering a similar path, Dr. Guarino offers sage advice: "Make sure that you are ready. Not your study techniques, test-taking ability, or interview finesse, but your actual self. This is a marathon, so make sure you are taking care of yourself to make it to the finish line.”

As Dr. Guarino prepares to transition from student to professional, she notes the bittersweet feeling of leaving behind the familiar comforts of academia. Yet, armed with the skills and support gained from her time at AVC, she faces the future with confidence and optimism, knowing these four years prepared her to navigate any challenges that lie ahead.

Congratulations to Dr. Guarino and the entire graduating class of AVC as they embark on the next chapter of their veterinary careers. The AVC will celebrate their achievements at the White Coat Ceremony on May 14, 2024, at 2:00 pm at the Performing Arts Centre at UPEI.

UPEI adds one-year stream to Master of Applied Health Services Research program

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 07 May 2024 12:13:43 -0300

The University of Prince Edward Island has added a new one-year course-based professional stream to its Master of Applied Health Services Research (MAHSR) program.

Previously, students earned their degree through a two-year thesis-based MAHSR-T stream. Now they can choose either it or the one-year MAHSR-P stream.

Dr. Jennifer Taylor, program lead for the MAHSR program, said it is very exciting to have the one-year course-based professional program come to fruition.

“We have had a thesis-based stream for years, but students are also looking for a course-based non-thesis program that they can complete within one year. It will provide a much-needed, flexible, online option for students and encourage more people to study health services research.”

Health services research is a dynamic field of inquiry that explores the multifaceted aspects of healthcare, encompassing access, costs, quality, delivery, organization, financing, and outcomes, said Taylor. It aims to generate new knowledge about the structure, processes, and effects of health services for individuals and populations.

The recent global pandemic underscored the imperative for evidence-based, research-driven decision-making in health services. Professionals equipped with an understanding of determinants of health, policy expertise, exceptional communication skills, and advanced research skills are poised to possess a distinct competitive advantage provided by the MAHSR program.

The MAHSR program is geared toward those who aspire to excel in health policy, program planning and design, in government, community health agencies or the private sector. Programs are offered at four campuses—Memorial University of Newfoundland, Saint Mary’s University, University of New Brunswick, and University of Prince Edward Island.

Applications are still being accepted for the one-year MAHSR-P stream. Students will be accepted until the program has reached its full complement of students or the program begins. To apply to this or any UPEI program, visit Apply to UPEI.

For more information, please visit the Master of Applied Health Sciences Research website.

Why take the MAHSR-P Program?

One-Year Program: Bid farewell to extended studies! Our fast-track one-year program ensures swift progress toward your graduate degree in applied health services research.

Comprehensive Curriculum: Delve deep into Canadian health policy and services, research methods. Gain invaluable expertise for a competitive edge in your field.

Online Flexibility: Enjoy top-notch online education with interactive seminar-style sessions and primarily synchronous learning.

Global Opportunities: Unlock a variety of career possibilities in Canada and worldwide as a sought-after expert in health services research.

Relationships: Build relationships with award-winning interdisciplinary faculty.

Networking: Engage with key players in health services research, including UPEI’s Health Research Network, Research Nova Scotia, The Newfoundland and Labrador Centre for Applied Health Research, the New Brunswick Institute for Research, Data and Training, GNB Centre of Excellence for Health, CN Centre for Occupational Health and Safety, and other health services decision-making bodies. Collaborate with students, faculty, and health services decision-makers in online professional workshops.

Professional Development: Develop a strong skill set in conducting and communicating applied health services research valuable for public policy development and evaluation. Join a welcoming, personalized learning environment that focuses on your development as a professional.

UPEI Arts Review group launches new publication

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 07 May 2024 10:21:25 -0300

The UPEI Arts Review group held a book launch on Wednesday, May 1, for its latest publication, Into a New Tongue, a collection of academic and creative writing. Members of the campus community gathered in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, to celebrate the creative skills of UPEI students from various degree programs, and the only printed, student-led publication of its kind at the University.

Into a New Tongue was selected from the Walt Whitman poem, Song of Myself, and explores themes of liberty, identity, mythology, and connection, which are the chapter titles. The Arts Review launch provides a platform for students to share and celebrate their work while also recognizing the achievements of the editing board and the collaborative effort behind the publication. Thirteen students contributed their essays, poetry, artwork, and other projects to the book: Kate Jensen, Ethan Drake, Keridwen Cambell, Margret Orford, Kylee Bustard, Koraleigh Ahearn, Mallory Travis, Jennifer Platts-Flanning, Jared Simmonds, Austin Lynds, Aurora Ryder, Barbara Rousseau, and Jon Debly. Editors are Arielle Dunn, Brianne Harper, Darragh Clayton, Jacob Durden, Sofia Cervantes, Julia Drummond, Oliver Chaffey, and Nick Hildenbrand.

“Being involved as an editor for this year’s edition has been an invaluable experience,” said Harper. “Collaborating with other editors, the editors-in-chief, and working with talented students to bring the book together has been incredibly rewarding. This opportunity has given me a deeper appreciation for the creative voices within our community and the significance of artistic expression.”

Harper added that the Arts Review is not only a platform for highlighting current student talent but will hopefully encourage future students to participate and contribute.

Jacob Durden has been involved with the Arts Review both as a contributor and as an editor. He says editing forces him to really engage with the work of fellow students, makes him a better writer and reader, and helps him to get to know the artist.

“The Arts Review is a vessel through which many of UPEI's best artists have shared their work for years. It's always a huge honour to be involved in the process of putting it together. I’m consistently impressed by the quality of writing that we get from UPEI students every single year. The launch is a small way to celebrate that!”

Dr. Greg Keefe, UPEI interim president and vice-chancellor, attended the book launch, and said it was great to witness the creativity and knowledge that these students possess.

“I cannot stress enough how important having strong writing skills is for academic success and for daily life, no matter what career path or vocation we choose to follow. Congratulations to all involved in the creation of this new publication.”

UPEI marks National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls

Melanie Taylor — Mon, 06 May 2024 15:10:39 -0300

Every May 5, the National Day of Awareness for Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, also called Red Dress Day, is solemnly observed. Throughout the UPEI campus, red dresses were carefully hung by the staff of the Mawi’omi Indigenous Student Centre. The purpose of hanging the dresses on the campus is to draw attention to the gendered and racialized nature of violent crimes against Indigenous women and to evoke a presence through the marking of absence by honouring Canada’s missing and murdered Indigenous women and girls.

The origins of Red Dress Day trace back to 2010 when Métis artist Jaime Black conceived the REDress Project. This powerful art installation was born out of a desire to bring attention to the staggering number of women, girls, and 2SLGBTQQIA+ individuals who have fallen victim to violent crimes. Since its inception, the tradition of adorning spaces with red dresses has spread nationwide, including at UPEI, serving as both a memorial for those lost and a rallying cry for preventative action against future violence.

UPEI announces seventh President and Vice-Chancellor

Nicole Phillips — Mon, 06 May 2024 11:15:19 -0300

The University of Prince Edward Island Board of Governors announced today that Dr. Wendy Rodgers has been appointed as the seventh President and Vice-Chancellor after a comprehensive 12-month search. Dr. Rodgers will assume the role—which provides strategic vision and leadership for all academic, administrative, financial, and service operations at UPEI—on June 1, 2024.

The chair of the Board, Shannon MacDonald, who also chaired the Presidential Search Committee, expressed her confidence in Dr. Rodgers’ appointment.

“We sought a leader who truly understands what it takes to lead UPEI at this pivotal time in our University’s history. We were very impressed with the quality of candidates and the amount of interest in this important leadership role.

“We unanimously chose Dr. Rodgers as she brings extensive credentials that reflect UPEI’s mission and values as well as a deep understanding of workplace fairness and respectful environments. We are confident that this will position her well to lead the execution of the UPEI Action Plan, shape the development of the University’s next strategic plan, and build upon UPEI’s successes, propelling our provincial university into the future.”

The Presidential Search Committee, which included six members appointed by the Board and six members appointed by the Senate, was thoroughly impressed by Dr. Rodgers’ experience as an academic, researcher, and administrator. She earned her Bachelor of Arts from York University, Master of Arts from Western University, and PhD in Kinesiology from the University of Waterloo. She began her post-secondary education career as an assistant professor in the Faculty of Human Kinetics at the University of Windsor before moving to the University of Alberta, where she was a full professor and high-achieving researcher for almost 20 years.

After serving in a number of administrative and governance roles at the University of Alberta, Dr. Rodgers was most recently the Vice-President Academic and Provost at the University of Northern British Columbia where she led the implementation of numerous academic priorities.

“Dr. Rodgers’ dedication to scholarly excellence, robust governance, and equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI), and Indigenization, combined with an authentic and strategic leadership style marked by integrity and openness, has helped her to realize institutional goals in her past roles,” added Ms. MacDonald. “We are thrilled to welcome her to UPEI.”

Dr. Rodgers has a deep commitment to EDI and Indigenization in post-secondary education. Over her career, she has led institutional initiatives in these areas as well as issues management, faculty workload and evaluation, and oversight and leadership of the academic mission. Dr. Rodgers has also been active in research ethics review and related administration. In 2023, she was named chair of the Council of Canadian Academies’ multidisciplinary expert panel to examine best practices for EDI in the post-secondary research ecosystem. Read Dr. Rodgers' full biography

Only the second woman to hold the position of President and Vice-Chancellor at UPEI, Dr. Rodgers is excited at the prospect of this new opportunity.

“The University of Prince Edward Island is an amazing institution of higher learning with a vibrant and resilient community of students, staff, and faculty,” she said. “I am honoured to serve as UPEI’s seventh president at this important time of cultural change and thank the Board of Governors for placing their confidence in me. I look forward to ushering the University forward as we address challenges and seize strategic opportunities so that we can continue making a difference in the province, region, country, and beyond. I am excited to move to PEI; live and work in Epekwitk, the territory of the Mi’kmaq; and be a part of UPEI’s future.”

“I am extremely pleased with the selection of Dr. Rodgers as UPEI’s next president,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor, who will continue in the post until Dr. Rodgers’ arrival and will remain as an advisor during the transition. “Dr. Rodgers’ blend of academic experience, administrative acumen, and passion for creating healthy, inclusive, and respectful environments aligns perfectly with UPEI’s ambitious vision and plan to change the campus culture. I look forward to supporting her as she begins her role.”

The presidential search for UPEI’s seventh president and vice-chancellor began in May 2023 and included phases for planning, consultation, candidate search and assessment, interview, and announcement. During the consultation phase, the search committee offered several ways for members of the University and broader community to provide input to develop the candidate profile. During the interview phase, current students, staff, and faculty had the opportunity to meet finalist candidates at “fireside chats."

Message from the Chair of Board of Governors: Dr. Wendy Rodgers appointed as UPEI’s seventh President and Vice-Chancellor

Nicole Phillips — Mon, 06 May 2024 11:10:00 -0300

The following message was emailed to students, staff, and faculty May 6, 2024

On behalf of the Board of Governors and Presidential Search Committee, I am excited to announce that after a comprehensive search and the Board’s unanimous approval, Dr. Wendy Rodgers has been appointed the seventh President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island. Dr. Rodgers’ appointment is effective June 1, 2024.

Our presidential search focused on finding a president who could lead our inspired and innovative community to fulfill our mission and grow our impact as the province’s only degree-granting institution. We are confident that Dr. Rodgers will build trust among our stakeholders, engage with our students, and support the success of our world-class faculty and staff, while fostering a deep sense of community.

Dr. Rodgers most recently served as Vice-President Academic and Provost at the University of Northern British Columbia in Prince George, BC, where she led the implementation of academic leadership development, developed new leadership positions, and reinvigorated numerous processes including quality assurance. Prior to that appointment, she served in a number of roles at the University of Alberta, including seven years as Deputy Provost. In this position, she led key strategic initiatives such as leadership development, faculty relations, development of the university’s equity, diversity, inclusion (EDI) strategic plan, and oversight of the Canada Research Chair program; and advised on key academic issues.

An authentic and passionate leader, Dr. Rodgers embodies the characteristics needed to build on UPEI’s reputation for teaching, learning, and research excellence. She impressed the Presidential Search Committee as well as the broader University community with her experience in leading institutional initiatives.

Dr. Rodgers’ extensive credentials reflect UPEI’s mission and values, in particular EDI and Indigenization, as well as a deep understanding of workplace fairness and how to create respectful environments. This will position her well to lead the execution of the UPEI Action Plan and shape the development of the University’s next strategic plan.

I’m pleased to share some words from Dr. Rodgers with you:

“The University of Prince Edward Island is an amazing institution of higher learning with a vibrant and resilient community of students, staff, and faculty. I am honoured to serve as UPEI’s seventh president at this important time of cultural change and thank the Board of Governors for placing their confidence in me. I look forward to ushering the University forward as we address challenges and seize strategic opportunities so that we can continue making a difference in the province, region, country and beyond. I am excited to get to work and be a part of UPEI’s future.”

While the Board is pleased to begin the next chapter, we are extremely appreciative of Dr. Greg Keefe’s service as Interim President and Vice-Chancellor since December 2021. He navigated the University through one of the most difficult and challenging periods in our history and always had a steady hand at the helm, allowing us to conduct a thorough search. He will continue in the post until Dr. Rodgers’ arrival and will remain as an advisor during the transition.

I would also like to sincerely thank the Presidential Search Committee, which included members appointed from both the Senate and Board, and UPEI’s Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion team for their diligence, dedication, and collective commitment to this endeavour over the past year. It was critical that the search included opportunities for input from a wide range of representatives of the University community—I am grateful to those community members who provided feedback throughout the selection process. Also, I extend my thanks to the Action Plan Advisory Group for their recommendations.

We are entering an exciting and pivotal time for the University of Prince Edward Island. After 50 years as a distinctive public post-secondary institution, UPEI is poised for change and impact over the next half-century. Please join me in welcoming Dr. Rodgers as she gets set to boldly lead UPEI to an even brighter future.

Sincerely,

Shannon MacDonald, FCA, CPA, ICD.D
Chair, UPEI Board of Governors

AVC alum awarded 2023 Atlantic Award of Excellence

Apryl Munro — Fri, 03 May 2024 12:06:38 -0300

Dr. Lesley Steele, a graduate of the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), is the winner of the College’s 2023 Atlantic Award of Excellence in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care.

Dr. Dominique Griffon, dean of AVC, presented the award to Dr. Steele at the closing ceremony of the Atlantic Provinces Veterinary Conference in Halifax on April 21. Dr. Steele was nominated by Shelley Wood, an employee of one of her many veterinary hospitals.

Dr. Steele began her veterinary medicine journey at the AVC in 1993, with a vision of becoming a large animal veterinarian. Graduating in 1997, she successfully worked in the large animal field but then turned her eyes to small animals. While her passion was caring for animals, she found her entrepreneurial side and created the Steele Veterinary Group; she is now the owner of six clinics in the Atlantic provinces. She also founded Virtual Veterinary Solutions, which is integrating cutting-edge AI technology for diagnostics for pet bloodwork.

“Dr. Steele’s dedication to advancing technology and innovation in veterinary medicine proves she is way ahead of her time,” said Dr. Griffon. “She is propelling our profession into the future while helping to meet the unique needs of pet owners.”

Dr. Steele has served as a representative of the Newfoundland Veterinary Medical Association. She has also guest lectured at the AVC, where she is excited to share her inspiring story with the next generation of veterinarians.

“Dr. Steele stands as an exemplary figure within the veterinary profession,” said Wood in her nomination letter. “Her unwavering commitment to advancing animal care and veterinary practices is evident through her innovative initiatives and tireless advocacy for the welfare of animals.”

Wrongful convictions in Canada topic of Chief Justice Thane A. Campbell Lectureship in Law

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 03 May 2024 09:10:15 -0300

Canadian criminal defence lawyer James Lockyer, CM, will speak about wrongful convictions in Canada during the Chief Justice Thane A. Campbell Lectureship in Law presentation on Thursday, May 9, 2024, at The Guild, 111 Queen Street, Charlottetown, at 4:30 pm.

The Chief Justice Thane A. Campbell Lectureship in Law is open to the public. All are welcome to attend.

Lockyer obtained his LLB at the University of Nottingham in 1971 and in 1974 was called to the bar in England as a barrister. In 1972–1973, he was an assistant professor of law at McGill University, and from 1974–1977 he was an assistant professor of law at the University of Windsor. In 1977, he was called to the Ontario bar and began to practice criminal law. He has been a criminal lawyer for 45 years doing trial defence and appeal work. Since 1992, much of his practice has involved unravelling wrongful convictions.

A partner in the Toronto office of Lockyer Zaduk Zeeh, he is a founding director of Innocence Canada (formerly known as the Association in Defence of the Wrongly Convicted), a Canada-wide organization that advocates for the wrongly convicted. In this capacity, he has been involved in more than 30 high-profile wrongful conviction cases including those of Guy Paul Morin (1995), David Milgaard (1997), Clayton Johnson (2002), Steven Truscott (2007), Robert Baltovich (2008), William Mullins Johnson (2008), Romeo Phillion (2010), Tammy Marquardt (2011), Leighton Hay (2014), John Salmon (2015), Maria Shepherd (2016), Frank Ostrowski (2018), Joyce Hayman (2021), Jacques Delisle (2021), Bernard Doyle (2023), Brian Anderson and Allan Woodhouse (2023), and Robert Mailman and Walter Gillespie (2024).

In 2001, he received the G. Arthur Martin Criminal Justice Medal from the Criminal Lawyers’ Association. In 2005, he received the John Howard Society’s Award for Distinguished Humanitarian Service. In 2012, he received the Award for Justice (Advocates Society). He has received honorary doctorates from five Canadian universities and the Law Society of Upper Canada. In December 2018, he was named a member of the Order of Canada.

Co-sponsored by the University of Prince Edward Island and the Law Foundation of Prince Edward Island, the Chief Justice Thane A. Campbell Lectureship in Law honours Thane A. Campbell, Rhodes Scholar, former premier of Prince Edward Island, and first chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island.

For more information, please email artsadmin@upei.ca.

Five outstanding leaders to receive honorary degrees at UPEI Convocation

Melanie Taylor — Thu, 02 May 2024 10:51:30 -0300

Five outstanding leaders will receive honorary degrees, and four graduates will deliver valedictory addresses over four Convocation ceremonies at the University of Prince Edward Island, May 14 to 17. Over 1,200 graduates comprise the Class of 2024.

“UPEI is so proud of our graduates,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President and Vice-Chancellor. “In the last four years, they worked diligently to achieve their dreams while dealing with some major challenges. Through it all, they showed an exceptional capacity to broaden their knowledge and skills and to live by UPEI’s values, in particular—inclusion, equity, diversity, and Indigenization. I look forward to greeting and congratulating each graduate as they cross the stage to receive their degrees.”

Dr. Keefe also praised this year’s honorary graduands—Mary Jeanette Gallant and Aggi-Rose Reddin, John Bragg, Reginald “Dutch” Thompson, and Gary Schneider.

“Each of these esteemed leaders is worthy of the University’s highest honour because of their significant contributions to their respective fields and communities. UPEI is very pleased to recognize their achievements and service in the areas of heritage, business, preservation of history, and the environment.”

On Tuesday, May 14, the ceremony will include the presentation of certificates, diplomas, and degrees to graduates of the Faculty of Nursing and Faculty of Veterinary Medicine. Honorary degrees will be conferred jointly upon Mary Jeanette Gallant and Aggi-Rose Reddin. The valedictorian will be Jessica Watts, Faculty of Nursing.

On Wednesday, May 15, the ceremony will include the presentation of certificates, diplomas, and degrees to graduates of the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering and the McDougall Faculty of Business. An honorary degree will be conferred upon John Bragg. The valedictorian will be Bridget Patterson, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering.

On Thursday, May 16, the ceremony will include the presentation of certificates, diplomas, and degrees to graduates of the Faculty of Arts, Faculty of Education, and Faculty of Graduate Studies (Master in Global Affairs only). An honorary degree will be conferred upon Reginald “Dutch” Thompson. The valedictorian will be Sarah Legault, Faculty of Education.

On Friday, May 17, the ceremony will include the presentation of certificates, diplomas, and degrees to graduates of the Faculty of Science. An honorary degree will be conferred upon Gary Schneider. The valedictorian will be Charleigh Teefy, Faculty of Science.

Each ceremony will be held in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, starting at 10 am. Due to safety regulations, seating at the Convocation ceremonies is limited to guests with invitations, which must be presented at the door. Guests are asked to arrive early to ensure everyone is seated at least 15 minutes before the ceremony start time as there will be no admittance once the academic procession enters the Sports Centre.

Parking is available within a five- to ten-minute walk of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Please refer to the campus map for the location of general parking areas on campus. There are a number of accessible parking spots, designated by the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair) located in front of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre and the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

All four Convocation ceremonies will be livestreamed at upei.ca/live.

About the 2024 UPEI honorary degree recipients:

Ms. Mary Jeanette Gallant and Ms. Aggi-Rose Reddin
Ms. Mary Jeanette Gallant and Ms. Aggi-Rose Reddin led the charge in saving the historic Glenaladale estate in Tracadie Cross, PEI—home to Captain John MacDonald and the Glenaladale settlers of 1772—when it was listed for sale in 2012. In 2015, the Glenaladale Heritage Trust, which oversees the restoration and preservation of the estate, was incorporated. In 2018, the Trust obtained title to the estate with funding from the Canadian Heritage Cultural Spaces Program and additional financing from the Province of PEI. In 2021, the Trust received significant grants from the federal and provincial governments, further affirming its historical significance.

A direct descendant of the Glenaladale MacDonalds, Ms. Gallant, of Mount Stewart, PEI, is the founding chair of the Trust, overseeing the ongoing operations at Glenaladale. She conducts tours and gives presentations, continuing to present the historic importance of the estate and seeking financial support for its restoration. Through her work with the Trust, she has established numerous local, national, and international connections. Ms. Gallant has been involved for many years with the PEI Scottish Settlers Historical Society, especially the genealogy of the MacDonalds. She has extensive knowledge of many of the Scottish families on PEI and expertise in presenting their stories.

Ms. Gallant is an artisan who was trained as a caner (creating and replacing cane and rush chair seats) by a traditional artist and is owner of Maple Hill Caner. She recently retired as office manager of MacAskill Woodworking in Charlottetown.

Ms. Reddin, of Savage Harbour, PEI, is the founding vice-chair of the Trust. She is a visionary and an accomplished writer who is highly respected in the arts and cultural community. Her past positions include president of the PEI Environmental Health Cooperative, instructor at Holland College, and treasurer of the PEI Multicultural Council. She was part of a team that was awarded a 2021 Heritage Recognition Award for an interactive virtual story map of the Hillsborough River.

Ms. Gallant and Ms. Reddin were key players in the Glenaladale Heritage Trust receiving the National Trust for Canada Awards: This Place Matters in 2017 and the Governors’ Award in 2018. Glenaladale was also recognized by the Community Foundation of PEI in 2019. They served on the “Alexander” committee of the PEI Scottish Settlers Historical Society, helping to produce the book, Glenaladale Settlers 1772, published in 2016. A new version was published in 2022 to mark the celebration of the 250th anniversary of the arrival of the Glenaladale settlers, which was held at the estate.

They also played leading roles in the digital file transformation into book form of A History of Mount Stewart Illustrated and Extended Edition by Frank Pigot in 2017 and Helen MacDonald of Glenaladale—Miss Nelly.

Mr. John Bragg, CC, ONS
Mr. John Bragg, of Oxford, Nova Scotia, is one of Canada’s most successful business founders and leaders. Born in Springhill, Nova Scotia, in 1941, Mr. Bragg received a Bachelor of Commerce degree and a Bachelor of Education degree from Mount Allison University in Sackville, New Brunswick, in 1962 and 1963 respectively. Following completion of his studies, he founded Oxford Frozen Foods Limited in 1968, now an international leader in the frozen food industry specializing in wild blueberries grown in Nova Scotia. He became involved in the hospitality industry in 1967 with the late David Rodd, owning and operating two hotel properties in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. (The Rodd Grand Hotel in Yarmouth continues to serve visitors to that area today.) In 1970, Mr. Bragg founded Bragg Communications, now Eastlink, which provides cable and telecommunications services in almost all major centres of Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island as well as other provinces of Canada. He is regarded as a pioneer in this industry.

Mr. Bragg has served on or currently serves as a director on the boards of many Canadian companies including TD Bank Financial Group, Maple Leaf Foods Inc., Canada Bread Limited, Empire Company Limited, and Sobeys Inc. He is deeply committed to community, higher education, and other philanthropic causes. Through their River Philip Foundation, he and his wife Judy, who was granted an honorary degree from UPEI in 2010, have contributed to several universities. At UPEI, most recently, they provided a leadership gift to support the new Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship. They also made a significant donation to support human health research facilities at the Atlantic Veterinary College in memory of the late Mr. Rodd and supported the Fulbright Chair in NutriSciences and Health. They created a scholarship in memory of Mr. Rodd—the David W. Rodd Scholarship in Tourism and Hospitality. Mr. Bragg also provided leadership and support in raising funds for UPEI’s Alexander Bradshaw Campbell Entrance Scholarships. He has supported other important organizations including the Nature Conservancy of Canada, the Multiple Sclerosis Scientific Research Foundation, and the Queen Elizabeth Hospital.

He has been awarded honorary degrees from eight universities and colleges, including Mount Allison University, Dalhousie University, Acadia University, St. Francis Xavier, and Cape Breton University. His many honours include being named a Companion of the Order of Canada in 2022 and being inducted into the Canadian Agricultural Hall of Fame in 2023.

Mr. Reginald “Dutch” Thompson
Mr. Reginald “Dutch” Thompson, of Bunbury, PEI, is a retired theatre lighting designer and technician and a passionate oral historian and storyteller. He is best known for his CBC Radio program, “The Bygone Days,” which has aired for 34 years with more than 1,200 broadcasts.

Mr. Thompson has amassed 1,100 hours of interviews with people born between 1894 and 1932, 900 hours of which have been digitalized and preserved by the UPEI Robertson Library in the “Dutch Thompson Collection.” His research has been used by scholars and amateur historians all around the world and has been the basis of or used in countless MA and PhD dissertations, refereed journal articles, and family and local histories. In 2019, he published a book, The Bygone Days, based on many of the interviews he compiled.

He was historical advisor and locations scout for five seasons of the CBC TV production, Emily of New Moon, and has performed as a storyteller at multiple Small Halls Festivals and many charity and fundraising events. He has been an advisor and resource for numerous heritage and historical societies on PEI and donated his research, time, and storytelling skills to countless community organizations.

Mr. Thompson has received six Heritage Awards from the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, including the prestigious Award of Honour in 2016 and the Boyde Beck Memorial Award for oral history and storytelling in 2018, as well as the City of Charlottetown Heritage Award and the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.

Mr. Thompson attended Charlottetown Rural High School; holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Dalhousie University; and did graduate studies at St. Francis Xavier University.

Mr. Gary Schneider
Mr. Gary Schneider, of Stratford, PEI, is a lifelong learner who strives to constantly improve his knowledge and skills. His pioneering spirit and love of learning, combined with an evidence-based philosophy, have achieved notable results.

Mr. Schneider is the founder and coordinator of the Macphail Woods Ecological Project, which includes a teaching space, native plant nursery, greenhouse, arboretum, and trails. In this role, he coordinated the extensive development and growth of various community programs since the project’s inception. Examples include the School of Woodland Ecology; summer day camps, chainsaw safety training, native plant propagation and sales, and forest restoration projects, with the goal of enhancing PEI forests and connecting Islanders with the ecosystems around them.

Other positions include developer and co-instructor of a field course on ecological forestry for UPEI and Acadia University; independent writer and editor; and founding member of the Kings Forestry Cooperative Limited. He participated in the journalism and advertising program at the Niagara College of Applied Arts and Technology from 1973–1974. He is a leader in sustainable forest management and stewardship of public lands on PEI and an advocate at the provincial and federal levels for the protection of the environment.

Mr. Schneider has received numerous awards for his work, including the Order of PEI in 2022; the Canadian Museum of Natural History’s 2020 Adult Inspiration Award; the Charlottetown Royalty Rotary Club’s 2018 Mentor Award; and Canadian Geographic’s Gold Medal for Restoration and Rehabilitation in 2004.

UPEI Panthers add pure point guard Naki Alonzo

Ron Annear — Wed, 01 May 2024 09:37:03 -0300

In an effort to maximize offensive efficiency, the UPEI Women’s Basketball Panthers has made a strategic move by recruiting Naki Alonzo, a traditional pass-first point guard.

Alonzo brings a new dimension to the team that head coach Matt Gamblin is excited to explore.

“Naki is a pure point guard. She sees the floor really well and has the characteristics of a floor general who can set and control the tempo,” Gamblin said. “Being able to create an advantage off the dribble and by moving the defence with the pass is something we've struggled with, and that’s where Naki can help us.”

Alonzo brings a wealth of experience to the Panthers after spending the past five seasons with the GTA Blues of the JUEL of Ontario. She also had a stint with Scarborough Prep of the Ontario Scholastic Basketball Association (OSBA) in 2022–23 where her play earned her all-star consideration.

“My greatest strength in terms of skills is my basketball IQ. I have a deep understanding of the game, which allows me to anticipate opponents’ moves, make quick decisions under pressure, and find openings in the defence,” she said. “I’m committed to doing whatever it takes to contribute to the team’s success, whether it’s scoring, distributing the ball, or locking down opponents on defence.”

The 18-year-old, who will study psychology in the fall, said she is eager to join the Panthers and continue her journey of player development and leadership. She believes UPEI is the best fit for her.

“I understand that success requires constant growth and adaptation, and I’m committed to pushing myself and my teammates to achieve our full potential on the court and in the classroom.”

Gamblin believes Alonzo will fit in nicely from day one.

“We expect Naki to make an impact right away. She loves the game and is a hard worker who wants to continually improve.”

UPEI Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering holds annual Student Design Expo

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:54:32 -0300

The UPEI Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) showcased the best in sustainable design engineering projects by its students at the annual Student Design Expo on Friday, April 19, 2024.

The students had the opportunity to highlight their design skills, to network with design clinic partners, and to be recognized for their hard work as aspiring engineers. In addition to student project teams and members of the UPEI community, including Dr. Greg Keefe, Interim President and Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President Academic and Research, Kim Levesque from the Association of Professional Engineers of PEI, and Philip Brown, Mayor of Charlottetown, attended the event.

Dr. Sheldon White, an assistant professor in the FSDE, said it is amazing to see the projects the students come up with each year.

“It's always fascinating to see a project go from simply a problem on a piece of paper to a student team picking it up, brainstorming to come up with possible solutions, and working through the design process to come up with something that actually solves the problem,” he said. “It’s fascinating to watch how quickly that can happen and how the student team can work together to come up with solutions.”

The 2024 Student Design Expo was supported by event sponsors Innovation PEI and Springboard Atlantic. Sponsored awards announced after the event included Parks Canada Awards, Engineers PEI Awards, OCII Innovation Award, Cleantech Award, FSDE Awards, CSME Gold Medal Awards, and FSDE Graduate Student Awards. For a complete list of awards and winners, go to 2024 Student Design Expo.

“Design projects allow engineering students to work with community and industry partners on actual technical challenges identified by the organization,” said Naterer. “These provide a form of experiential learning for students and tangible benefits to external partners. The students should be proud of their quality design work and their ingenuity, resourcefulness, and determination in finding creative solutions.”

National Day of Mourning is Sunday, April 28—Flag half-masting notice

Nicole Phillips — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 16:08:47 -0300

Each year on April 28 in Canada and over 100 countries, we mark the National Day of Mourning to remember those who have lost their lives or suffered injury or illness on the job or due to a work-related tragedy. It is also a day to collectively renew our commitment to improve health and safety in the workplace and prevent further injuries, illnesses, and deaths.

At UPEI, the Health, Safety, and Environment department promotes an internal responsibility system that expects all workplace parties to collaborate on identifying, assessing, and managing all workplace hazards and risks. UPEI Health, Safety, and Environment provides oversight and guidance to ensure compliance with occupational health and safety legislation on PEI.

Traditionally, support for the National Day of Mourning is shown by wearing black and yellow ribbons or stickers, lighting candles, and observing a moment of silence at 11:00 am. There are many ways we can show our support on the National Day of Mourning. Please consider:

displaying a Day of Mourning poster
wearing a Day of Mourning lapel sticker
observing a moment of silence
viewing a video on the Day of Mourning from the Canadian Centre on Occupational Health and Safety (CCOHS)
attending the ceremony hosted by PEI Federation of Labour:
Day of Mourning Ceremony
7:00 pm on Sunday, April 28, 2024
St. Paul’s Hall, 101 Prince Street, Charlottetown

The University of Prince Edward Island will observe the National Day of Mourning by flying the flags near Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place at half-mast on April 28.

More information about the National Day of Mourning can be found on the Canadian Centre for Occupational Health and Safety website.

UPEI launches $15-million “love our library” fundraising campaign to revitalize Robertson Library

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 26 Apr 2024 13:40:52 -0300

The University of Prince Edward Island launched a $15-million fundraising campaign to revitalize the Robertson Library on Friday, April 26, as part of “Good News Week at UPEI.”

Private sector donors have already contributed $600,000 to the campaign, including two $100,000 leadership gifts, one from Grant Thornton and the other from the UPEI Alumni Association.

“The revitalization of the Robertson Library is truly a transformative project—one that will influence our students, faculty, and community members for years to come,” said Dr. Greg Keefe, interim president and vice-chancellor of UPEI. “Through the generous support of these and other donors, our library will become a more inclusive space that facilitates learning, teaching, and research, and welcomes and supports all learners.”

Opened in 1975, the Robertson Library has served the campus community, the province, and a world-wide community of users for almost 50 years. Today, with access to over 1.6 million unique books, 130,000 journals, and 100,000 streaming media, the library connects the campus to a world of information. As well as providing essential resources and study spaces to students and researchers, it offers information literacy skills training and unique learning opportunities, and provides support for Open Education Resources (OER), reducing barriers to learning and making education more affordable.

(Left to right) John Rowe and Sara Underwood, representing the UPEI Alumni Association; University Archivist and Special Collections Librarian Simon Lloyd; Chancellor Diane Griffin; Interim President and Vice-Chancellor Greg Keefe; Professor Edward MacDonald, Department of History; University Librarian Donald Moses; UPEI student Noah Mannholland; and Chris Gallant, representing Grant Thornton.

Funds raised during the campaign will be used to support teaching and learning by upgrading existing group and individual study spaces and renovating former storage space to create new study areas.

“In 2020, we worked with the UPEI Student Union to conduct a student survey about space within the library,” said University Librarian Donald Moses. “Over 700 students responded, identifying key needs such as renovating and expanding group and individual study room options, ensuring that there are quiet spaces that can be managed by the user, and improving and enhancing teaching and learning spaces within the library.”

Moses said that students also highlighted the need for spaces that are accessible, energy efficient, and sustainable and that have comfortable furniture, natural light, and amenities like electrical outlets.

“Students are invested in the library,” he said. “They come to study either individually or in groups, and they also come for socialization and respite. They want spaces that work for them and that they can control to meet their needs. The library is a second home for many students.”

Dr. Edward MacDonald, professor of history, has had a soft spot in his heart for the library since he was a student at UPEI in the 1970s.

“The library is at the very heart of a university’s educational and research mission, the one institution on campus that serves everyone: faculty, students, staff, researchers, the general public,” he said. “The excellence of a university is closely tied to the excellence of its library’s resources and staffing. As UPEI grows, the library, too, needs to grow. I can’t think of a more appropriate way to support UPEI than by helping make an excellent library even better.”

Housed within the Robertson Library is the Prince Edward Island (PEI) collection, which includes many historical documents and artifacts that are invaluable to students, researchers, and scholars. Funds raised will be used to expand and enhance the space where the collection is stored in ways that will improve the preservation and sharing of the province’s shared published heritage.

The PEI Collection has been essential to Bailey Clark’s experience at UPEI—first during his time as an undergraduate history honours student and now as a Master of Arts in Island Studies graduate student.

“Over this time, the PEI Collection has been indispensable,” he said. “Through the collection’s in-person and digital resources, I have accessed government documents, published materials including community histories, and Island newspapers—all of which have been central building blocks of historical arguments that I have made in my scholarly work. Many pieces of the Island’s documentary history are rare, so the collection fulfills a vital role in collecting, preserving, and making available these resources for scholars of the Island. I wholeheartedly support any initiative to give the collection more capacity to support research into the Island’s history.”

Donations to the Robertson Library revitalization project at all levels are welcome. To donate, please visit upei.ca/loveourlibrary. Anyone interested in supporting UPEI initiatives may contact Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, Executive Director, Department of Development and Alumni Engagement, at 902-626-8551 or mjenkinssmith@upei.ca.