Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues–October 2025, Issue 3
We are thrilled by the incredible response to our Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues program! The month of October saw another 47 incredible submissions, each one highlighting the generosity, dedication, and positivity that make our University such a special place. In just over two months, we have received a total of 107 submissions.
Because of this tremendous response, we will continue to share submissions through the upcoming issues of Campus Connector. Read the third set of submissions for October (organized in alphabetical order) below.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your stories and celebrate your colleagues. It is inspiring to see our community come together to shine a spotlight on the people who go above and beyond every day.
Submissions for next month are now open! Share your note of recognition by the last Friday of the month, and let’s continue celebrating the amazing colleagues who make our campus shine. For more details about the program, including links to past issues and details on how to make a submission, please click here.
Kristy McKinney, UPEI Teaching and Learning Centre
Kristy kindly welcomed me to her team and helped me connect with the staff union, fostering a sense of belonging from the start. Her support didn’t end there—she quickly invited me to co-create a collaborative Lunch and Learn event, welcoming campus faculty to explore reflection practices for Truth and Reconciliation Day through the creative process of making zines. Kristy’s commitment to activism and inclusive engagement is truly inspiring, and her welcoming nature has made me feel at home on my new team.
Dr. Martha Mellish, Department of Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College
Dr. Mellish plays an integral role in the DVM students’ learning as well as the care and welfare of the resident horses. Her willingness and ability to adapt while changes are happening within the courses is greatly appreciated. Her dedication to student learning and success is exceptional. Her unwavering support of her staff and colleagues does not go unnoticed. Dr. Mellish makes my days brighter.
Spencer Merz-Wood and Rosie Le Faive, Robertson Library
Rosie and Spencer brought forward a policy change for community borrowers registration for using the Robertson Library. The previous registration policy, which required proof of a permanent address, created a barrier for unhoused Islanders. The policy change was proposed with a goal of increasing accessibility and equity. Kudos to Rosie and Spencer for increasing access for equity-seeking groups to the Robertson Library! - Kim Mears
Dianne Malone and Larry Kelly, Facilities Management
I’ve included Dianne and Larry together in this submission because they both make our days in Don and Marion McDougall Hall a little brighter. They care about their work and the connections they make with us in Marketing and Communications. They always say hello when passing by our office doors or ask if we need anything. I feel like they’re a part of our team here, and we’re lucky to have them working in our area. Their positivity goes a long way!
Tracy Manning, Department of English, Faculty of Arts
I am recognizing Tracy Manning for her outstanding kindness, mentorship, and unwavering support during my first role as a casual staff member at UPEI and the Faculty of Arts. Tracy embodies the true spirit of UPEI, fostering inclusion, teamwork, and excellence through her daily actions. Her genuine care and consistent willingness to help others create a welcoming environment where everyone feels valued and supported. Tracy not only does her job but also makes a lasting impact on the people around her. - Leticia Chimah
Edwin Mfone, Marketing and Production, Marketing and Communications
I want to recognize Edwin for the incredible difference he has made since joining our team (Marketing and Production). He brings such depth of skill and curiosity to every project, and his thoughtful, steady approach has already improved how we work. Edwin is the kind of teammate who listens, collaborates, and quietly makes everything run smoother, all while keeping a sense of professionalism and calm even when things get complex. He has earned everyone’s trust and respect in a short time, and it’s clear that he’s here to make a lasting impact. We’re lucky to have him at UPEI. - Emi Abou Wafia
Debbi O’Brien, Department of Psychology, Faculty of Arts
Debbi has immense understanding and kindness for her fellow colleagues, faculty, and students at the Psychology Training Clinic (PTC) within the PsyD program. While recently taking on the role as director of the PTC, which is a brand-new role within the department, she is also still supervising students. Debbi continues to ensure that the daily routines of the PTC run smoothly while addressing issues or problems, serving on the committee; working through processes and procedures, and supporting admin staff, fellow supervisors, and faculty. She wears many hats as director, but she really supports the program as a whole! Debbi’s kindness shows through each day no matter how hectic things might be!
Nicole Phillips, Communications and University Relations, Marketing and Communications
Nicole, UPEI’s Director of Communications and University Relations, exemplifies remarkable leadership, integrity, and dedication. Tireless in her commitment to the University, she is often among the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring UPEI’s reputation is not only protected but elevated across every platform and audience. Under her guidance, a small but mighty team manages an extraordinary volume of work—executing with precision and professionalism that rivals much larger institutions. Known for her honesty, strategic insight, and extensive network of contacts locally, regionally, and nationally, Nicole is a true ambassador for UPEI and a driving force behind its respected public voice.
Ellery Richardson, Marketing and Production, Marketing and Communications
I want to take a moment to recognize Ellery for his incredible resilience and positivity over the past months. During a period when our team was understaffed and the workload was especially heavy, Ellery never wavered. He handled every challenge with composure, professionalism, and an unfailingly positive attitude. Beyond his steady presence, Ellery brings true creative talent and a fresh approach to design. He’s not afraid of feedback; in fact, he welcomes it and continually pushes himself to deliver stronger, more refined work every time. Thank you, Ellery, for guiding us through a difficult stretch with such grace, dedication, and creativity. UPEI is lucky to have your talent and spirit on the team. - Emi Abou Wafia
Kelly Robinson, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights (two submissions!)
Kelly organized the creation of Love Letters to Survivors, a campus community-made art piece that features letters of hope, love, and support written by campus community members to survivors of sexual violence. This piece is now beautifully displayed in the SVPRO so that survivors/victims will see these notes as they access services offered at the SVPRO. As a survivor myself, I felt very emotional seeing this piece; it gave me profound hope to read the words shared by our campus community—to see that WE are a community that believes survivors; WE are a community that can transform something heinous into something hopeful; bit by bit, day by day, WE will fight to eradicate gender-based violence in all of its wretched forms. I feel so humbled to work alongside Kelly. I am grateful for her creativity and the demonstrable care she instills into her work here at UPEI. Though change can be painfully slow, actions from folks like Kelly remind me that there are many people on campus who approach our work as more than just a checkbox—these actions do not go unnoticed and WILL amount to the changes we need and hope to see in the world!
Kelly is skilled at building and strengthening relationships and will go out of her way to make you feel valued and understood. She puts 150 per cent of her effort into her work and is effective at her job as Education Officer. From August until October, Kelly hustles to coordinate and facilitate educational presentations to our Athletics and Recreation department and student-athletes, our Residence Life Advisors, managers, faculty members, student leaders, and more. Within that same time frame, she partners with various groups to ensure students, faculty, and staff are aware of the SVPRO during Welcome Back Week, Consent Week, and Sexual Assault Awareness Week. She manages the SVPRO social media, collaborates with many departments, and is engaging for both students and staff. She is thoughtful in her words and actions, is generous with others, has a kind heart, and a soft smile for everyone. Outside of the department and even outside of the campus community, I often hear about the great work SVPRO is doing and more often than not, Kelly has had a major role in that work.
Dr. Wendy Rodgers, Office of the President
I want to take a moment to recognize Wendy for the remarkable leadership she has brought to UPEI. When she first stepped into her role, many of us weren’t sure if things could truly change; there were issues that felt deeply entrenched and were difficult to name. But through her integrity, fairness, and steady presence, Wendy has made it possible for people to speak up and be heard, and trust that action will follow. Her leadership has created space for honest conversations and accountability, and we’re already seeing real, positive change because of it. Wendy leads with a focus on both people and progress, a balance that inspires confidence and strengthens our community. We’re deeply grateful for her guidance and the example she sets every day.
