Poole and Annear Families Commemorated by UPEI Scholarship
John and Barbara Poole, an Edmonton couple with PEI roots, have generously donated $50,000 to the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), for a new graduate research scholarship. The Ernest E. and Gertrude Annear Poole Memorial Scholarship will assist UPEI research graduate students studying watershed integrity. This year's recipient of the $2,000 scholarship is Pamela MacDonald.
Watershed Integrity is a part of the Faculty of Science's MSc programs in Biology and Chemistry. A high proportion of the graduate students choose to study topics within the general area of ecosystem integrity and many investigate the integrity of watersheds, both on and off PEI. "This award is very much appreciated," comments Dean of Science, Roger Gordon. "A scholarship in Watershed Integrity will enable a graduate student to receive advanced training in an area of both provincial and international relevance."
This endowed scholarship commemorates John Poole's parents, Ernest E. and Gertrude Annear Poole in their native province. Ernest Edward Poole was born in PEI in 1883. He was educated on the Island and attended Business College in Charlottetown. Later he studied architecture and reinforced concrete engineering and was associated with his father in the milling industry. In 1913 he incorporated Poole Construction Limited, and moved the company to Regina.
The same year Ernest Poole married Gertrude Inez Annear who was born in PEI and was educated at Prince of Wales College. Ernest and Gertrude raised a family of four: John, Ruth, George, and Inez. "My parents were proud of their PEI roots and returned frequently, taking their young family to visit relatives and eat lobster and oysters. They would be delighted with the objective established for this scholarship," says John Poole.
Supporting research opportunities for graduate students is among the university's top priorities. Research facilities have been recently modernized in the Duffy Science building and are being expanded at the Atlantic Veterinary College to ensure students continue to receive high quality education with up-to-date technology in well-configured laboratories.
For further information contact:
Tracey Comeau
Stewardship Officer, UPEI
(902) 566-0354
