UPEI Founder, beloved professor and alumnus Joseph “Joe” Revell dies
The University of Prince Edward Island extends its condolences on the passing of UPEI Founder John Joseph “Joe” Revell after learning of his death yesterday after a brief illness. He was 80 years old.
The name “Joe Revell” is one that is very familiar to those who know UPEI. Professor Revell had a distinguished and memorable career in the UPEI School of Business acting as the first Dean and Chair. He easily stepped into the role of a university professor and as a former graduate of both Prince of Wales College (1955) and Saint Dunstan's University (1957), he was no stranger to the campus.
UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz said, “Our University has lost a great friend in Joe. Not only was he a long-time Professor and former Dean of the UPEI School of Business, he also continued to support UPEI in retirement. He was a champion of many community causes and served on the UPEI Board of Governors for many years. I remember when I first arrived at UPEI, Joe welcomed me and provided such great support. I will always appreciate his generosity of spirit and wisdom.”
“On behalf of the entire UPEI community, I pass on my most sincere sympathies to Joe’s wife Jeanie; children Jim, Dan, and Janice; family, friends, and colleagues,” added President Abd-El-Aziz.
Professor Revell retired from the UPEI School of Business in 2000 after 35 years as a teacher and administrator with both SDU and UPEI. He served as chair of the department from 1968-78, Dean from 1981-87, and again from 1996-98. Professor Revell served as a member of the University Senate and was Chairman of the University Athletic Board—and up until recently, he never missed a UPEI Men’s Hockey home game. He was on the UPEI Board of Governors from 2005 until 2012 and was named a UPEI Founder in 2001.
As was noted during the 2001 Founders Ceremony, Joe led UPEI and the School of Business through its developing years with dedication, vision, hard work, and a general interest in the well being of his students. He believed that positive communication was key and said, “students bring an enthusiasm and inquisitiveness which can be a great deal of fun.” Professor Revell was often heard encouraging his students, calling them by name, helping out in any way he could, and as one colleague recalled, "he was always up for a friendly game of golf.”
Memorial donations may be made to the J.J. Revell Business Scholarship at UPEI by phoning 902-894-2888; visiting UPEI's secure, online donations webpage (please note the award name in the "Designate Your Gift" section); or mailing Kim Roach, UPEI Development and Alumni Engagement, UPEI, 550 University Avenue, Charlottetown, PE C1A 4P3. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to the Belvedere Funeral Home in Charlottetown. UPEI will lower its flags to half-mast in his memory.
