UPEI honours 2026 Founders during ceremony on October 7

The University of Prince Edward Island held its 25th Recognition of Founders ceremony on Wednesday, October 7, 2026, in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall.

The Recognition of Founders ceremony was established in 2000 as an opportunity to celebrate the beginning of the academic year, strengthen the University community, and recognize the many contributions, commitments, and sacrifices that have helped shape higher education in Prince Edward Island. The event honours those whose dedication and service have advanced the University.

Recognized as 2026 Founders during the ceremony were Leonard (Len) Doucette; Dr. Don Mazer; Dr. F. Alan Reesor (posthumously); and Dr. Roberta MacDonald (in absentia).

The ceremony began with the singing of O Canada by UPEI Music choral students and an invocation by University Chaplain Sister Sue Kidd. 

UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Wendy Rodgers welcomed those in attendance and thanked the Founders for their contributions to the University.

“Universities are places of growth, discovery, and evolution, and their ability to adapt is shaped by the strength and vision of their founders,” said Dr. Rodgers. “A university’s reputation is built on its roots, and at UPEI, our founders created something remarkable by bringing together diverse communities. Their willingness to embrace different ideas laid the foundation for innovation and progress that continues today. Thank you to our founders for the legacy you created and for the lasting impact your contributions continue to have on our future.”

Amy Montesdeoca, President and CEO of the UPEI Student Union, brought greetings on behalf of the student body.

“On behalf of the UPEI Student Union and our entire student body, it is a privilege to welcome you all to this year’s Recognition of Founders ceremony. Recognizing our Founders is a moment for all students to pause, reflect, and learn from those who came before us. Through their scholarship, mentorship, advocacy and dedicated service, today’s honourees poured their hearts and vision into shaping an environment where students could truly thrive,” said Montesdeoca. “They built academic programs that challenge us, supported campus spaces that welcome us, and set standards of excellence, compassion, and community that define what it means to be a Panther.”

The citations were read by UPEI Student Union executive members Onozare Onaivi, vice-president student life, for Len Doucette; Yoely Almonte, vice-president academic, for Dr. Don Mazer; Alissa Cyrino, vice-president external, for Dr. F. Alan Reesor; and Lian de Camargo, vice-president finance and administration, for Dr. Roberta MacDonald.

As Dr. MacDonald, who lives in Alberta, was unable to attend the ceremony in person, President Rodgers presented her recognition plaque during a meeting held in early September.

A reception followed immediately after the ceremony.

About the Founders:

Len Doucette
One of the founding staff members of the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), University of Prince Edward Island, Len Doucette joined the College in 1987 as its first postmortem technician. Tasked with establishing and operating a new state-of-the-art postmortem laboratory, he played a critical role in developing a facility that would serve both veterinary education and the diagnostic needs of Prince Edward Island’s agricultural sector and wider community. Working alongside AVC’s founding dean, Dr. Reg Thompson, Doucette helped lay the foundation for a program that would become recognized internationally for excellence in veterinary education and service.

Over a 27-year career, Doucette contributed to the training of approximately 1,400 veterinarians, as well as countless residents, interns, and graduate students. Known for his exceptional work ethic, dedication, and commitment to maintaining a safe and highly effective learning environment, he became an indispensable member of the AVC community. His contributions helped shape generations of veterinary professionals and at both AVC and UPEI. Click here to read the complete citation.

Dr. Don Mazer
Dr. Don Mazer joined the University of Prince Edward Island’s Department of Psychology in the 1970s and became one of the institution’s most influential teachers, scholars, and innovators. A pioneering critical psychologist, he challenged students and colleagues to examine assumptions about mental health, well-being, and the social and environmental factors that shape human experience. His commitment to intellectual inquiry and interdisciplinary collaboration helped foster a culture of scholarship, dialogue, and innovation that continues to define UPEI today.

Beyond the classroom, Dr. Mazer helped advance important initiatives across the University, including early efforts to establish Women’s Studies, groundbreaking work examining sexual harassment on campus, and the development of some of Canada’s first courses in ecopsychology. His leadership also helped lay the foundation for UPEI’s Environmental Studies program. Known for bringing people together both academically and socially, Dr. Mazer left an enduring legacy of critical thinking, collaboration, and community engagement before retiring in 2005. Click here to read the complete citation.

Dr. F. Alan Reesor
The late Dr. Alan Reesor was a founding member of the UPEI Department of Music, joining the University in 1970, just one year after its creation, and serving until his retirement in 1997. As department chair for 19 years, he played a central role in building a music program recognized nationally for its excellence. An internationally respected organist, choral director, musicologist, and teacher, Dr. Reesor inspired generations of students through his scholarship, mentorship, and enthusiasm for music. His achievements were recognized through numerous honours, including an honorary doctorate from the University of King’s College and honorary fellowship in the Royal Canadian College of Organists.

Dr. Reesor’s influence extended far beyond the University. As a performer, conductor, educator, and community leader, he enriched musical life across Prince Edward Island and beyond. He helped establish the PEI Symphony Orchestra, advised on the restoration and design of several historic organs, and organized a long-running summer organ recital series that attracted acclaimed performers from across Canada and around the world. Through his dedication to teaching, research, performance, and community service, Dr. Reesor had a positive impact on UPEI and one the province’s cultural life. Click here to read the complete citation.

Dr. Roberta MacDonald
Dr. Roberta MacDonald joined UPEI’s School of Business in 1984 as an Assistant Professor and served as Dean from 2002 to 2011 before retiring in 2013. During her leadership, she guided the faculty through a period of significant growth, most notably overseeing the development and approval of UPEI’s MBA program, which welcomed its first students in 2008. She also played a key role in securing support and funding for Don and Marion McDougall Hall, providing a dedicated home for the business program and positioning it for future expansion.

Dr. MacDonald’s impact extended well beyond these achievements. She pioneered UPEI’s first 2+2 partnership with Holland College, helped establish the Business Co-op program, strengthened connections between the University and industry through initiatives such as the PEI BioAlliance and Global Associates, expanded international opportunities for students, and fostered entrepreneurship through the Hostetter Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship. Her vision and leadership transformed business education at UPEI and left a legacy that continues to benefit students, faculty, and the broader community. Click here to read the complete citation.