UPEI recognizes SDU’s commitment
A special dedication ceremony was held recently at the University of Prince Edward Island to recognize St. Dunstan's University (SDU) and its Board and alumni's commitment to the University. Main Building will now be officially known as 'SDU Main Building.'
'UPEI prides itself on the heritage passed down from St. Dunstan's University and Prince of Wales College, and welcomes opportunities like today to increase our understanding of that history,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz during the ceremony. 'And part of that history is that UPEI has benefited so much from the generosity of SDU alumni and the SDU Board of Governors.'
In 1969, when UPEI opened its doors for the first time, it inherited the traditions of two long-established institutions, St. Dunstan's University and Prince of Wales College. SDU Main Building was constructed in 1854 and was the heart of the SDU campus, as it continues to be today for the UPEI community.
The dedication ceremony was held during UPEI's annual Summer Reunion Weekend, fitting as many alumni were celebrating milestone anniversaries on campus and were present while President Abd-El-Aziz and Chair of the SDU Board of Governors George MacDonald unveiled a sign and plaque bearing the building's new name.
MacDonald said, 'This indeed is a special occasion. As we look around campus, we see how much the University has grown. The building that still dominates is the one that in 1855 became St. Dunstan's College when a small body of determined spirits led by Bishop MacDonald fulfilled their dream. They started the college because they believed in education for youth.'
He added, 'This building is where these young people lived, worshipped, held their classes, studied, worried, celebrated, laughed and cried, dreamed and formed their values that made them leaders-leaders in the church and in the community.'
The SDU Board of Governors Chair went on to thank the UPEI Board of Governors and UPEI President for making the recognition happen. He said, 'In 1969, the SDU Board chose to support UPEI and continues to this day. In scholarships alone, the SDU Board has contributed over $3 million. Our board and alumni are committed to continuing this relationship and building upon it. I am so proud to see today's recognition through the naming of SDU Main Building.'
