The INSPIRE! Campaign launched to support UPEI’s Future Generations
The University of Prince Edward Island officially launched its transformative friend- and fund-raising campaign today with some help from Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors. The INSPIRE! Campaign was unveiled with a focus on ensuring that UPEI achieves its vision and continues to build on an impressive legacy of accomplishment. A $1 million leadership gift on behalf of Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors was announced today as part of the campaign kick-off. The fund-raising campaign launch was part of the university’s annual Founders Day, which acknowledges people who have contributed in an exceptional way to UPEI’s rich history and bright future. The INSPIRE! Campaign has a goal of $50 million.
Aimed at supporting a number of priorities that advance UPEI’s ability to support students in achieving their full potential, The INSPIRE! Campaign will transform the UPEI student experience, expand programming, and showcase expertise. The INSPIRE! Campaign fund-raising priorities align with the UPEI strategic plan and include engineering, veterinary medicine, athletics, and experiential and global learning. While there is a strong focus on infrastructure for engineering and veterinary medicine, the campaign is very comprehensive with a strong focus on students in all its faculties and schools.
“At its heart, The INSPIRE! Campaign at the University of Prince Edward Island is about creating opportunities for people—and especially for students.” said President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “With leadership and support like that shown by Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors, UPEI will continue to evolve and deliver the exceptional learning experiences and opportunities that prepare our students for success.”
“Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors congratulates the University of Prince Edward Island on the inauguration of its INSPIRE! Campaign and wishes them success in accomplishing their ambitious and very worthwhile objectives.” said Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors President Philip Macdonald. “We are pleased to provide this leadership gift, which will contribute to enhanced educational opportunities and facilities for the students of UPEI.”
The community leadership for The INSPIRE! Campaign is being provided by Gordon MacKay. Gordon has held many roles in the University environment including student, varsity athlete, booster club participant, donor, and member of the Board of Governors. As chair of this important UPEI initiative, Gordon will work with his vice-chairs Mr. Blair MacLauchlan, Ms. Donna Hassard, Mr. Ray Keenan, Mr. John Horrelt, and, as well as an extended team of community-minded volunteers to advance the goals of the campaign.
“The success of UPEI and the achievements of its graduates contribute significantly to the social, economic, and cultural advancement of communities here at home and far beyond our shores.” said Gordon MacKay, Chair of The INSPIRE! Campaign. “I am delighted to serve as chair of The INSPIRE! Campaign in support of our important goals.”
Although today marks the official launch of The INSPIRE! Campaign more than half of the $50 million target has been raised. The campaign effort is expected to continue until 2018. Those interested in learning more about The INSPIRE! Campaign can visit the campaign website at www.upei.ca/inspire or email the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement at inspire@upei.ca
About UPEI
Located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the University of Prince Edward Island is proud of its long history of academic excellence, research innovation, community engagement, and service.
Consistently ranked as one of Canada's top primarily undergraduate universities, and home to a talented community of educators and researchers including six 3M Teaching Award Winners and 14 funded research chairs, UPEI offers a wide range of programs and degrees to 4,400 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students from over 60 countries.
UPEI drives progress in our province, region, and world by fulfilling its educational mission and embracing opportunities to invest in the success of our students, University, and community.
About The INSPIRE Campaign!
THE INSPIRE! Campaign! is a friend and fund-raising program that will advance UPEI’s outstanding ability to educate our students to fulfill critical roles here at home and around the globe.
Fund-raising priorities include engineering, experiential and global learning, athletics, and veterinary medicine. The campaign is focused on improving student experiences and outcomes through expanded academic programming, opportunities for international exposure and community engagement, and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.
With this support, UPEI and its talented faculty and staff will ensure our graduates, and the communities they serve, are positioned for success. THE INSPIRE! CAMPAIGN has a $50 million goal. More than half of this amount has already been raised.
About SDU
The St. Dunstan's University Board of Governors, to the extent possible, strives to foster Christian educational ideals exemplified in the motto of St. Dunstan's University, Ex eodem fonte fides et scientia (From the Same Source Comes Faith and Knowledge).
Saint Dunstan’s University (SDU) was a thriving, active, and accomplished post-secondary institution. In addition to its strong athletic program, SDU also introduced the Engineering diploma program (which today has grown into the UPEI Sustainable Design Engineering degree program) and opened its doors and welcomed many international students who still speak of their fondness and respect for their beloved alma mater.
Saint Dunstan’s University closed its campus in 1969. Since that time, the SDU Board of Governors has been very supportive towards UPEI, contributing approximately $5,000,000 both directly and indirectly through scholarships, awards, bursaries, capital campaign contributions, and the Catholic Studies program.
The SDU Board of Governors continues its mission in an effort to foster a culture of spiritually and intellectually informed Catholic citizens who live their faith in the wider society with integrity, compassion, and understanding.
