UPEI extends condolences on the passing of the Honourable Barbara Hagerman, LLD
University of Prince Edward Island President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz issued a statement today on the passing of UPEI honorary degree recipient, the Honourable Barbara Hagerman.
“On behalf of UPEI students, faculty, staff, and alumni, I would like to extend my deepest condolences to Dr. Hagerman’s husband Nelson, their children, and extended family and friends,” said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “Barb was not only a tireless community volunteer, beloved music educator, and former Lieutenant Governor of our province, but she was a great friend of this University.”
During her five-year term as Lieutenant Governor, Dr. Hagerman connected directly with the University and established two major initiatives which have had a profound and positive impact on UPEI students: monthly public recitals featuring UPEI music students at Fanningbank, her official residence, and a Family Mentor Program, whereby PEI families would become "hosts" to incoming international students. She and Nelson were proud "Island parents" to twelve UPEI students and remained in close touch with many of them since their graduation. Dr. Hagerman was also the first Honorary Patron of the AIRS project at UPEI.
As noted in the citation read at Convocation in 2014 when her UPEI honorary doctor of laws was conferred, Dr. Hagerman always felt that music had been the key to unlock many of life’s doors, giving her confidence, creative inspiration, and a career. She often said, “I have always lived to sing.” A very organized person and planner, she had even composed her epitaph many years ago, “She just wanted to make a beautiful sound, personally and professionally.”
“The entire UPEI community is saddened that the Honourable Barbara Hagerman’s ‘beautiful sound’ has been silenced, but is heartened that her tremendous contributions to the creative life of our province will be remembered forever,” added President Abd-El-Aziz.
Dr. Hagerman passed away in Charlottetown on October 6, 2016 after being diagnosed with terminal cancer earlier this year.
