Richard Nowakowski will talk games in a public lecture on Friday, June 5 at 5 pm as part of the Canadian Mathematical Society's Summer Meeting at the University of Prince Edward Island.

'Games in general have very nice mathematical formulas,' said Nowakowski. 'It may look like there are a number of possible moves, but mathematical analysis focuses on just a few.'

Chess and checkers are two games that Nowakowski studies, as he specializes in two-player games where the players move alternately, there are no random factors and the last player to move determines the winner.

Nowakowski is heavily involved with the CMS and mathematics in the Maritimes. He volunteers with Dalhousie Math Circles, a mathematics outreach program based out of the Department of Mathematics & Statistics at Dalhousie University, where he works as a research professor. Nowakowski also volunteered on a team of university markers across Canada who graded the Sun Life Financial Canadian Mathematics Challenge (COMC) in November 2014. He has worked with the CMS since the mid-1980s and is a former Canadian Mathematical Olympiad (CMO) Chair.

Nowakowski said he is happy to have the CMS Meeting back again in Atlantic Canada. The last CMS Meeting in the region was in Halifax for the 2013 Summer Meeting.

'It's nice to have the meetings rotate around the country,' said Nowakowski. 'You always get quite a few local people attending, so there should be a strong turn-out of Atlantic mathematicians.'

The public lecture will launch the 2015 Canadian Mathematical Society Summer Meeting. More than 300 mathematics professionals, students, and educators from Canada and around the world are expected to attend. Nowakowski's lecture takes place at the University of Prince Edward Island on Friday June 5 at 5 pm in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, 242 Don and Marion McDougall Hall, and is a free event. No mathematical background is required to appreciate the talk.

About Richard Nowakowski
Richard Nowakowski is a Research Professor at Dalhousie University, specializing in game theory and graph theory. In 2008, he was awarded the CMS Adrien Pouliot Award, which recognizes contributions to outreach and teaching and the 1995-1996 Dalhousie University Faculty of Science Teaching Award. More information about Richard can be found on his website: http://www.mscs.dal.ca/~rjn/Home.html

About the Canadian Mathematical Society
The CMS is the national mathematics organization that promotes the advancement, discovery, learning and application of mathematics. The Society's activities cover the whole spectrum of mathematics including: scientific meetings, research publications, and the promotion of excellence in mathematics education at all levels. The CMS annually sponsors mathematics awards and prizes that recognize outstanding achievements.

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer among Canadian men, with one in seven developing the disease in his lifetime. An average of 65 Canadian men are diagnosed every day, and 11 of those men will die from it. 90% of cases can be cured thanks to medical advances, but early detection is the key.

Every year, motorcycle enthusiasts from across the country join together to raise funds to fight prostate cancer in the TELUS Motorcycle Ride for Dad. In this year's edition, some of the money raised by the PEI chapter will support the research Dr. Bill Whelan, professor of physics at UPEI.

Dr. Whelan's research uses technology called optoacoustics, which uses light and sound to detect cancer. With optoacoustics, short pulses of light are sent into tissue, and sound is created. Measuring the strength and frequency of the sound may help to better locate cancerous cells and possibly sooner while the tumour is small.

This new partnership with the PEI TELUS Ride for Dad will support UPEI's ongoing research efforts in developing optoacoustic imaging to improve prostate cancer detection and treatment monitoring," said Dr. Whelan.

"According to the Canadian Cancer Society, PEI Prostate cancer mortality rates are 35% above the national average. This is quite disturbing,' said Tamara Shores, Chairperson of the PEI TELUS Ride for Dad. 'We are very fortunate to have Dr. Whelan performing his research right here on PEI and we are pleased and excited to be able to contribute to his research.'

'We at UPEI are grateful for the contribution of every participant and donor to the TELUS Ride for Dad,' said Dr. Robert Gilmour, Vice-President Research and Graduate Studies at UPEI. 'This contribution allows Dr. Whelan to hire and train a student to aid in his research. This is the second award to UPEI from the Ride to support research at UPEI, and we're proud to continue this relationship.'

The mission of the TELUS Ride For Dad is to raise funds to save men's lives by supporting prostate cancer research and raising public awareness of the disease.
Funds are raised through large-scale, one-day motorcycle, snowmobile, watercraft, and ATV ride events and through ongoing public fundraising throughout the year. TELUS Ride For Dad events take place in multiple cities across Canada, representing every Canadian province. The PEI Ride is Saturday, June 13, 2015.

Since 2000, the TELUS Ride For Dad has donated more than 15 million dollars to the Prostate Cancer Fight Foundation to support prostate cancer research and awareness in the communities where the funds were raised. For more information, visit ridefordad.ca.

The Department of English at UPEI and the PEI Writers' Guild will co-host much-loved author Sheree Fitch as Writer in Residence during June 21-28.

Sheree is a children's author, poet, and novelist with more than 25 publications. She has received numerous awards and given presentations and workshops on many topics in Canada and abroad. Her writing for both children and adults has been described as 'exuberant, joy-filled and wise.' Her readings are 'magical' and her workshops 'inspirational.'

Her two workshops will be on Saturday, June 27: 'Writing Children's Literature - Serious Nonsense, Word Play & Utter Stuff' at 9:30 am-12:00 pm, and 'How to Write That Book You Need to Write' at 1:00 pm-3:30 pm. Both workshops will be in the SDU Main Building, room 320, UPEI.

Sheree will give two public readings: Confederation Centre Art Gallery on Tuesday, June 23, at 7:30 pm, and Montague Rotary Library on Thursday, June 25, at 6:30 pm. Both readings are free admission.

For more information on the workshops and to register, please visit the PEI Writers' Guild Website.

The UPEI International Relations Office (IRO) is recruiting volunteer Conversation Partners for its summer programs. The IRO hosts an English Language Summer Camp where students participate in English Academic Preparation (EAP) courses in the morning and fun, educational activities during the afternoon. The camps will be ongoing through the summer from July 24 through August 28. For more information, please visit http://projects.upei.ca/englishsummercamp/.

The IRO is looking for volunteers to participate in activities with these visiting students. Volunteers will be encouraged to become Conversation Partners, to help fellow students learn, and develop their English language skills.

This opportunity will allow you to learn about another culture, participate in fun socio-cultural activities, and help students practice their English. Please contact Nouhad Mourad (nmourad@upei.ca) or Teresa Tu (jtu@upei.ca) with the UPEI International Relations Office for more information on how you can get involved.

About the UPEI International Relations Office
UPEI's IRO facilitates student exchanges, assists in official visits from international delegations, and provides academic and personal services to our many international students.

About UPEI's English Language Summer Camp
Students aged 16 - 22 spend 2-6 weeks learning English in the morning and participating in fun, cultural activities in the afternoons. Highly qualified and experienced English language instructors work very hard to help students make improvements in speaking, listening, and to improve their overall confidence in using English. Students share their cultures and learn about things such as Anne of Green Gables and LM Montgomery, sustainable energy, and Canadian Culture and History.

University of Prince Edward Island Men's Basketball Head Coach Tim Kendrick is excited to announce that Samy Mohamed from Toronto, Ontario has committed to join the Panthers.

Mohamed is transferring from Algoma University after three seasons in the OUA, therefore, as per CIS rules, will redshirt the 2015-16 season to be eligible for 2016-17.

The 6'0' guard holds the single game scoring record at Algoma with 48 points. Mohamed also currently holds the Ontario College Athletic Association (OCAA) single game, three-point shooting record at 14. In 2012-13, Mohamed was selected to the OCAA All-Rookie Team. Mohamed played his high school basketball with the Blessed Mother of Teresa Titans where he was twice selected to the Senior Catholic School All-Star Team.

Mohamed says, 'I am thrilled to join the UPEI Panther program to help build on their success. Coach Kendrick has done a great job building a winning culture, and I am very excited to have a chance to win a Championship. I believe my game will translate well within the Panthers system!'

'We are very pleased to have Samy joining us here at UPEI,' adds Coach Kendrick. 'Aside from his obvious basketball talent, he can really shoot, and plays hard and smart. Samy is a very pleasant young man with wonderful character; he brings great effort to both academics, where he maintains a good average, and to the basketball floor!"

Mohamed is enrolling in the School of Business at UPEI.

About UPEI Athletics and Recreation
• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place
• Home of Panther Sports Medicine
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

The UPEI Men's Hockey Panthers are pleased to announce that winger Carter Rigby will join the team for the upcoming season.

At 6'0, 225 lbs, Rigby combines size, speed, and determination with a nose for the net. In four WHL seasons, Rigby scored 70 goals and added 62 assists while playing with the Kelowna Rockets and Swift Current Broncos. After finishing his junior career in March, Rigby played four games in the East Coast Hockey League with the Stockton Thunder, adding three assists. His strong season landed Rigby with an invitation to attend 2015 NHL summer camp with the Minnesota Wild.

'When I come to the rink, I bring a lot of energy to the game,' said Rigby, a native of Penticton, BC. 'I feel UPEI fans will see a solid, tough player who loves to play the body and put the puck in the net.'

UPEI Head Coach Forbes MacPherson says he has been working for a number of months recruiting Rigby. Having him commit to the Panthers is welcome news for the future of the Men's Hockey program.

'Carter is the kind of impact player we have been keying in on for the past couple of years. He competes at a very high level every night, he loves to play in the tough areas in both ends of the rink and he has the ability to finish scoring plays because of his great shot,' said MacPherson. 'I expect Carter will be a great compliment to our program and I can't wait to see him wearing the green and white.'

Early in the recruiting process, Rigby said it became obvious that UPEI was going to be his destination.

'I found my conversations with Forbie honest and down to earth,' explained Rigby, who will enroll in the Business Administration program. 'Everything I've learned about PEI, the University, and the hockey program made me realize this was the best fit for the next stage in my career.'

Director of Athletics and Recreation Chris Huggan praised the addition of Rigby to the UPEI family.

'I would like to welcome Carter to the University of Prince Edward Island. I know he will be a great addition to our men's hockey program and to our campus community,' said Huggan.

About UPEI Athletics and Recreation
• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

When UPEI Men's hockey coach Forbie MacPherson offered Ryan MacKinnon the chance to don the famed green and white Panthers jersey , the Summerside native felt an overwhelming sense of pride.

'Obviously, growing up in PEI and watching the Panthers makes you wish to someday put on that jersey,' said MacKinnon, who starred in his final major junior season last year with the Charlottetown Islanders of the QMJHL. 'It is an amazing opportunity and I feel very privileged for the chance to play at UPEI.'

MacKinnon had the best offensive season of his career in 2014-15, scoring 10 goals and adding 40 assists in 64 games. He also added five assists in the playoffs. MacKinnon knows he will be counted on to fill some of the void left with the graduation of Panther standout defencemen Reggie Traccitto to the American Hockey League.

'I am really looking forward to that challenge. Reggie had a great career and deserves a spot at the pro level. I learned a few things simply by watching him,' said MacKinnon. 'The past season with the Islanders gave me the confidence to add that offensive side to my game and I'm looking forward to doing what I can to help the Panthers win it all.'

Coach MacPherson said while he is excited about MacKinnon's offensive capabilities, there are many other important intangible factors to his game.

'Ryan is a born leader. He has captained two teams in the Quebec League. He was captain of his bantam and midget teams. He brings a lot of the table,' said MacPherson. 'He competes hard during every shift, in both ends of the rink, and I think his game is perfectly suited for the tough AUS conference.'

Joining the Panthers will give MacKinnon the opportunity to reunite with a number of his close friends including fellow defenceman Casey Babineau, who he played with in Rimouski. He also played minor hockey with and against Darcy Ashley, Brent Andrews, and Craig MacLauchlan.

'Playing with these guys just makes it special,' said MacKinnon, who will enroll in Business Administration program this fall. 'They are obviously great players and even greater people off the ice.'

During the recruitment process MacPherson said MacKinnon demonstrated strong character and a burning desire to win. He also has a great respect for the UPEI Panthers tradition.

'Ryan is the kind of player we covet. He is prepared to put the work in to win and he knows how special it will be for an Island kid to bring a championship home to UPEI,' added MacPherson. 'A university hockey career only lasts four or five years, but when you play here, you are a Panther forever. Ryan really gets that.'

Athletics and Recreation Director Chris Huggan was pleased to hear that MacKinnon has chosen UPEI.

'I watched Ryan MacKinnon be the leader of the Charlottetown Islanders on the ice and I was even more impressed with how he conducted himself off the ice,' said Huggan. 'I am pleased to know he will be joining our proud UPEI family.'

About UPEI Athletics and Recreation
• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

The University of Prince Edward Island announced today that Greg Gould is returning as head coach of the Women's Basketball team.

Gould, originally from Moncton, New Brunswick, coached the Panthers from 2012-14 and prior to that led the coaching staff for the girls' basketball team at Riverview High School in New Brunswick. He will begin his post at UPEI immediately to fill the vacancy left by Mark English last month.

Chris Huggan, Director of Athletics and Recreation said, 'While we were impressed with all of the candidates we interviewed, Greg Gould is an experienced, committed and highly successful coach. We are very excited to welcome Greg back, to take our program to the next level and build upon last year's success.' The 2014-15 team played in the final of the AUS championship, placing second behind Saint Mary's.

Gould is eager to return to the Island and continue working with UPEI student athletes, alumni, and the PEI basketball community.

'My goals are to help make the team a consistent AUS contender, win the championship, and ultimately, compete solidly at the national level,' said Gould. 'I would like to thank UPEI for sharing my vision for the Women's Basketball program and look forward to connecting with our student athletes to help them develop into the most capable, compassionate, ethical, and successful persons they can be. I can't wait to discuss how we can work together to move the program forward.'

Gould has coached basketball for 44 years, leading girls basketball teams at Moncton, Fredericton, and Riverview high schools, six times to the New Brunswick Interscholastic Athletic Association (NBIAA) AAA provincial championships. He also coached at the post-secondary level, including the St. Thomas University and the New Brunswick Teachers' College women's teams, and for a variety of provincial basketball teams. Gould is a recipient of the Atlantic Colleges Athletic Association (ACAA) Coach of the Year, Basketball New Brunswick Coaches Award, and the NBIAA Women's Coach of the Year award.

The Steering Committee for the 10th North Atlantic Forum conference, 'Building Community Resilience: Innovation, Culture, and Governance in Place,' to be held from 16 to 19 September 2015 in Summerside, is extending the early bird registration deadline until June 30. The early bird rate is $275, which includes conference materials, meals during the conference, conference banquet on September 18, shuttle from Charlottetown Airport, return transportation to Charlottetown, one field trip excursion, and local transportation events in Summerside.
The North Atlantic Forum is a network of researchers, policy-makers, and development practitioners focused on best practices in social and economic development and governance. The members believe in and celebrate the power of small, and the innovations that come out of unlikely places.

'Our Government is pleased to support UPEI through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency's (ACOA) Business Development Program, with a contribution of $30,000,' said the Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Honourable Rob Moore, Minister of State (ACOA). 'This conference will strengthen the local economy and explore how to sustain long-term prosperity in rural areas.'

Conference organizers have created a program of more than 70 presentations, workshops, panel discussions, and keynote addresses from community organizations, community leaders, nonprofit organizations, government, students, researchers, and businesses from across Canada and internationally, on the topic of building resilient communities or regions. The conference invites explorations of how various 'dark horses' in Canada and the broad North Atlantic-including minorities, small towns, peripheries, aboriginal communities, those with little money, status, voice, or political leverage-can rise to the occasion and chart livable futures. The conference will examine opportunities for sustainable living that are more likely to emerge from small and peripheral communities-rural, coastal, or island.

We invite participants from academia, government, NGOs, and communities to join us as we not only learn from other jurisdictions, but as we explore rural and small-town Prince Edward Island through a lively and community-engaged program. For more information, visit www.pei2015.crrf.ca or contact us at naf2015@upei.ca. The conference is hosted by the Institute of Island Studies at UPEI, in partnership with the Canadian Rural Revitalization Foundation (CRRF), and with funding from ACOA.

UPEI's Physical Activity Research Centre is seeking children aged 8-12 to participate in the Canadian Assessment of Physical Literacy (CAPL) study. The CAPL is a national study coordinated by the Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario Research Institute designed to assess physical literacy (the skills and abilities necessary for engagement in lifelong physical activity).

The study tests children in a number of different areas, such as fitness level, sedentary behaviour, motor skills, body composition, and knowledge and understanding of physical activity. The data collected will be used by researchers across the country, and will be included the ParticipACTION Report Card.

Testing can take anywhere from two to four hours, depending on the number of participants in the group. Children will complete activities in a number of stations.

Data collected in this study is confidential, however, parents will receive their child's results.
The CAPL study is made possible, in part, by the RBC Learn to Play Project. The RBC Learn to Play Project is funded by RBC and the Public Health Agency of Canada and delivered by ParticipACTION to help children develop the confidence and skills they need to enable them to become active for life.

For more information, or to participate in the study, contact capl@upei.ca.