The UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for the week of September 28-October 4 are Kelsie Collier, Women’s Soccer and Lorenzo Parker, Men’s Basketball. UPEI Athletics and Recreation showcases these talented athletes to recognize their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. UPEI Athletes of the Week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who:  Kelsie Collier, Women’s Soccer; Lorenzo Parker, Men’s Basketball

What: UPEI Panther Athletes of the Week

When: Week of September 28 – October 4

Where: University of Prince Edward Island

Why:  Collier, a fifth-year Kinesiology student from Stanhope, PEI, has been instrumental in the team’s recent turnaround. The decision to move Collier back from the striker position to full back has been a significant influence on the team's improved play the last two weeks. During this weekend's 1-0 win over Dal and 1-0 loss to SMU, Collier played strong and showed tremendous leadership on the pitch.

Parker, a fourth-year Bachelor of Business Administration student from New Minas, NS, had a great weekend for the Panthers in the Eric Garland Tournament at UNB. Parker had 23 points and 7 rebounds in the teams 97-88 win over UNB Friday night, 30 points (career high) and 7 rebounds in the last second 97-95 loss versus Laval on Saturday, and 26 points and 8 rebounds in the 113-107 OT loss to SMU on Sunday. Parker was selected as a tournament All-Star.

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 and UPEI Turf
• 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 University of Prince Edward Island honoured its five past presidents at its sixteenth annual Recognition of Founders ceremony today. The 2015 Founders are Dr. Ronald J. Baker, Dr. Peter P.M. Meincke, Dr. C.W.J. “Willie” Eliot (posthumously), Dr. Elizabeth R. Epperly, and the Hon. H. Wade MacLauchlan.

“UPEI's Recognition of Founders Ceremony is a time to come together as a community and celebrate those who have helped us establish who we are today,” said President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “It is a fitting that all our past presidents be given this honour, together, as they represent collectively the foundation of our University.”

Mr. Dana Kenny, president of the UPEI Student Union, presented the citations for each of the past presidents during the ceremony, while journalist Bruce Rainnie moderated the Presidents’ Panel: The Past Inspiring UPEI’s Future. The public panel discussion featured each Founder presenting his or her views on how elements of UPEI’s history, during their time as president, will shape the future of the University.

President emeritus and founding President Ron Baker, who was hired in 1969 at the age of 45 to take the reins of the newly established institution, commented, “At 91, I feel too out-of-date and increasingly incompetent to say much about the future, though given all that has happened since my time, I firmly believe that it will be great.”

“Thank you to our past presidents Ron, Peter, Betsy, and Wade,” added President Abd-El-Aziz. “Your words are inspiring and we will continue to strive to be the best for our students and to celebrate our accomplishments as a University, to carry on your legacy.”

Following the panel discussion, UPEI unveiled plans for THE INSPIRE! CAMPAIGN, a $50 million friend- and fund-raising campaign that will support University priorities: engineering, veterinary medicine, athletics, and experiential and global learning. A one million dollar gift from the SDU Board of Governors was announced as the first major leadership gift.

The Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award, which pays tribute to individuals who have made an exceptional impact on the Atlantic Veterinary College, was presented later in the day to the Cristofor Foundation.

About the Founders

Dr. Ronald J. Baker, President Emeritus, Founding President
Born in London, England, Ron Baker served with the Royal Air Force and trained in Manitoba. In 1947, he immigrated to Canada. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951 and a Master of Arts degree in 1953 from the University of British Columbia, both in English. From 1954 to 1956, he did graduate work in the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Following a distinguished period as professor and administrator at UBC and Simon Fraser University, Ronald Baker came to UPEI in 1969 as our founding President and served until 1978.

Dr. Peter P.M. Meincke, President Emeritus
Peter Meincke was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1936. He graduated with the sword of honour from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1958, obtained a degree in Engineering Physics from Queen's University, Kingston, followed by a master's and PhD in Low Temperature Solid State Physics from the University of Toronto. He taught physics and was appointed Associate Dean for Science and subsequently Vice-Provost at the University of Toronto. He was appointed second President of the University of Prince Edward Island in 1978 and served in this role until 1985.

Dr. C.W.J. “Willie” Eliot, President Emeritus
Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan in 1928, Dr. C.W.J. “Willie” Eliot had a prolific professional career as a classicist, especially in Greek history and archaeology. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Toronto, he attended the American School of Classical Studies in Athens from 1952 to 1957 where he did graduate research. A well-travelled classical scholar, Willie Eliot took up his duties as UPEI’s third President in 1985, after a number of years at Mount Allison University, including several as Vice-President. He served as UPEI President until 1995.

Dr. Elizabeth R. Epperly, Past-President, Student Founder
Recognized as a student trailblazer and named as a Founder in 2006, Dr. Elizabeth Rollins Epperly came to UPEI from her Virginia home in 1969—PEI's opening year. She was the University's very first enrollee on record.  Inspired by the writings of Lucy Maud Montgomery, her coming to the Island was the fulfillment of a dream. After graduating in 1973 with her Bachelor of Arts in English literature, she then proceeded to Dalhousie for her Masters degree in 1974 and eventually completed her Doctorate at the University of London in 1978. Dr. Epperly became UPEI's fourth and first female President in 1995 and served until 1998.

The Honourable H. Wade MacLauchlan, President Emeritus
Wade MacLauchlan, born in Stanhope, is the only Islander to serve as UPEI president. A lawyer by training, he had a successful academic career at Dalhousie Law School, the University of New Brunswick and, particularly, as the fifth President of the University of Prince Edward Island from 1999 to 2011. His tenure as President is marked by tremendous enrolment, research, and core funding growth. With his advocacy for learning and practical skills in writing and diplomacy, Wade MacLauchlan is celebrated for his contributions to his province. He continued this tradition of public service when he was sworn in as Premier of Prince Edward Island earlier this year.

The University of Prince Edward Island officially launched its transformative friend- and fund-raising campaign today with some help from Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors. The INSPIRE! Campaign was unveiled with a focus on ensuring that UPEI achieves its vision and continues to build on an impressive legacy of accomplishment. A $1 million leadership gift on behalf of Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors was announced today as part of the campaign kick-off. The fund-raising campaign launch was part of the university’s annual Founders Day, which acknowledges people who have contributed in an exceptional way to UPEI’s rich history and bright future. The INSPIRE! Campaign has a goal of $50 million.

Aimed at supporting a number of priorities that advance UPEI’s ability to support students in achieving their full potential, The INSPIRE! Campaign will transform the UPEI student experience, expand programming, and showcase expertise. The INSPIRE! Campaign fund-raising priorities align with the UPEI strategic plan and include engineering, veterinary medicine, athletics, and experiential and global learning. While there is a strong focus on infrastructure for engineering and veterinary medicine, the campaign is very comprehensive with a strong focus on students in all its faculties and schools.

“At its heart, The INSPIRE! Campaign at the University of Prince Edward Island is about creating opportunities for people—and especially for students.” said President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “With leadership and support like that shown by Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors, UPEI will continue to evolve and deliver the exceptional learning experiences and opportunities that prepare our students for success.”

“Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors congratulates the University of Prince Edward Island on the inauguration of its INSPIRE! Campaign and wishes them success in accomplishing their ambitious and very worthwhile objectives.” said Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors President Philip Macdonald. “We are pleased to provide this leadership gift, which will contribute to enhanced educational opportunities and facilities for the students of UPEI.”

The community leadership for The INSPIRE! Campaign is being provided by Gordon MacKay. Gordon has held many roles in the University environment including student, varsity athlete, booster club participant, donor, and member of the Board of Governors. As chair of this important UPEI initiative, Gordon will work with his vice-chairs Mr. Blair MacLauchlan, Ms. Donna Hassard, Mr. Ray Keenan, Mr. John Horrelt, and, as well as an extended team of community-minded volunteers to advance the goals of the campaign.

“The success of UPEI and the achievements of its graduates contribute significantly to the social, economic, and cultural advancement of communities here at home and far beyond our shores.” said Gordon MacKay, Chair of The INSPIRE! Campaign. “I am delighted to serve as chair of The INSPIRE! Campaign in support of our important goals.”

Although today marks the official launch of The INSPIRE! Campaign more than half of the $50 million target has been raised. The campaign effort is expected to continue until 2018. Those interested in learning more about The INSPIRE! Campaign can visit the campaign website at www.upei.ca/inspire or email the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement at inspire@upei.ca

About UPEI

Located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the University of Prince Edward Island is proud of its long history of academic excellence, research innovation, community engagement, and service.

Consistently ranked as one of Canada's top primarily undergraduate universities, and home to a talented community of educators and researchers including six 3M Teaching Award Winners and 14 funded research chairs, UPEI offers a wide range of programs and degrees to 4,400 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students from over 60 countries.

UPEI drives progress in our province, region, and world by fulfilling its educational mission and embracing opportunities to invest in the success of our students, University, and community.

About The INSPIRE Campaign!

THE INSPIRE! Campaign! is a friend and fund-raising program that will advance UPEI’s outstanding ability to educate our students to fulfill critical roles here at home and around the globe.

Fund-raising priorities include engineering, experiential and global learning, athletics, and veterinary medicine. The campaign is focused on improving student experiences and outcomes through expanded academic programming, opportunities for international exposure and community engagement, and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

With this support, UPEI and its talented faculty and staff will ensure our graduates, and the communities they serve, are positioned for success.  THE INSPIRE! CAMPAIGN has a $50 million goal. More than half of this amount has already been raised.

About SDU

The St. Dunstan's University Board of Governors, to the extent possible, strives to foster Christian educational ideals exemplified in the motto of St. Dunstan's University, Ex eodem fonte fides et scientia (From the Same Source Comes Faith and Knowledge).

Saint Dunstan’s University (SDU) was a thriving, active, and accomplished post-secondary institution. In addition to its strong athletic program, SDU also introduced the Engineering diploma program (which today has grown into the UPEI Sustainable Design Engineering degree program) and opened its doors and welcomed many international students who still speak of their fondness and respect for their beloved alma mater.

Saint Dunstan’s University closed its campus in 1969. Since that time, the SDU Board of Governors has been very supportive towards UPEI, contributing approximately $5,000,000 both directly and indirectly through scholarships, awards, bursaries, capital campaign contributions, and the Catholic Studies program.

The SDU Board of Governors continues its mission in an effort to foster a culture of spiritually and intellectually informed Catholic citizens who live their faith in the wider society with integrity, compassion, and understanding.  

UPEI Athletics and Recreation highlights the hard work and dedication of two student athletes every seven days with the Subway Athletes of the Week. This week, we honour Emily Keen from the women’s rugby team and Dut Dut from the men’s basketball team. UPEI Athletes of the week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who:  Emily Keen, Women’s Rugby; and Dut Dut, Men’s Basketball

What: UPEI Panther Athletes of the Week

When: Week of October 5-11

Where: University of Prince Edward Island

Why: Keen is a third-year Bachelor of Science student from Marshfield, PE. She continued her strong, dependable play for the Panthers during Saturday’s 42-17 loss to Acadia. The coaching staff asked team captain Keen to push herself further, carry the ball more, and to go into contact. It paid off. Keen scored her first try. Keen is a skilled player who always works hard, leads by example, controls the game offensively, and was the Panthers best tackler on the field. 

Dut Dut, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student from Ottawa, ON, had a great weekend. During the team’s 2 wins 1 loss record at the John Dore Classic at Concordia, Dut scored 55 points, including 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals in the championship game. Dut was selected to the Tournament All-Star Team.

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 and UPEI Turf
• 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 Mickey Place Memorial Basketball Tournament, presented by Rodd Hotels & Resorts, begins on Friday, October 16. Eight basketball teams from across Canada and the United States will compete in this annual three-day event.

UPEI men’s basketball team will tip-off against the University of New Brunswick, University of Maine Fort Kent, and Holland College, while the women’s team will take on the University of Ottawa, Acadia, and Bishops.

“We are very excited to kick off our 2015-16 season by hosting the Mickey Place Memorial Tournament,” said UPEI Athletic Director Chris Huggan. “We welcome teams and invite basketball fans to come out and watch AUS and CIS championship contenders, both our Men’s and Women’s teams look forward to an early test. This will be a wonderful weekend of basketball action!”

The tournament is named after John Thomas “Mickey” Place, a long-time friend of Panther Sport, a former UPEI student union employee, and a UPEI honorary degree recipient. UPEI is also excited to welcome Rodd Hotels & Resorts as presenting sponsor.

Tournament admission per day is $10 Adult, $6 for a non-UPEI student, and free for PEI Students K-12.  A tournament pass is $20. The full tournament schedule follows:

Friday, October 16, 2015                                                                      

3:00 pm                 (M)           HC vs UPEI

For full tournament information, check out www.gopanthergo.ca.

The UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for the week of October 12-18 are Marie-Soleil Deschenes, Women’s Hockey, and Mason Wilgosh, Men’s Hockey. UPEI Athletics and Recreation showcases these talented athletes to recognize their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. UPEI Athletes of the Week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who:  Marie-Soleil Deschenes, Women’s Hockey; and Mason Wilgosh, Men’s Hockey

What: UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week

When: Week of October 12-18, 2015

Where: University of Prince Edward Island

Why:  Deschenes, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science student from Ile-Perrot, Quebec, backstopped the Panthers to a 2-0 start on the weekend. During the 4-1 win over St. FX and 2-0 shutout over Mt. A, Deschenes stopped 46 of 47 shots for a save percentage of .979.

Wilgosh, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student from Winnipeg, Manitoba, enjoyed a strong weekend for the Panthers. Team captain Wilgosh led the way offensively during Friday’s 4-1 win over Dalhousie, scoring a hat trick. He continued his strong play during the Panthers 5-3 win over St. FX on Saturday night.

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 and UPEI Turf
• 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

UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz issued the following statement today about Ralph Manning, chief physiotherapist for the University's varsity athletics teams, who passed away earlier today in hospital after suffering a heart attack last Thursday:

"Our University has lost a great friend and champion.

Shortly after arriving at UPEI, I had the pleasure of meeting Ralph and over the years enjoyed our conversations. He was a very committed and dedicated individual and put UPEI and its student-athletes first, offering professional and kind service. Even when he wasn’t officially “on duty”, Ralph was either at the rink, on the pitch, at the field, or at the gym cheering on our Panthers.

On behalf of the entire UPEI community, I pass on my most sincere sympathies to Ralph’s wife, Tara, his extended family, friends, and colleagues—and to our student-athletes who felt his impact and received his care."

The UPEI Women’s Hockey game scheduled for tonight at MacLauchlan Arena versus UdeM has been cancelled and flags will be lowered to half mast in memory of Manning. UPEI Student Affairs will be offering walk-in counselling appointments all day Thursday and Friday to support student-athletes who are dealing with this tremendous loss. Appointments can also be made by calling 902-566-0488.

The UPEI Women’s Hockey game scheduled for October 21 at MacLauchlan Arena versus Université de Moncton has been cancelled due to the passing of Ralph Manning earlier today.

Ralph Manning was owner of Panther Sports Physiotherapy and was chief physiotherapist for UPEI’s varsity athletics teams. He was very well known in Island community for his warm good-natured personality and dedication to providing quality physical therapy. The University has issued an official statement on upei.ca.

Flags on campus will be lowered to half mast in memory of Manning.

UPEI’s Executive MBA program is excited to officially launch the EMBA Book Club.

Indigo! has graciously offered to partner by providing a meeting space at their Charlottetown store location. The first meeting will be on October 27th at 7 pm at Indigo! The first book is Give and Take by Adam Grant, published by Penguin Books.

All are welcome. We encourage everyone to get involved and bring a friend.

The EMBA Book Club’s books are selected by faculty at the UPEI School of Business. Sessions will be moderated by a School of Business faculty member.

This is a great way to get or stay connected with the UPEI School of Business and to support continuous learning.

For more information, contact Susan Graham, scgraham@upei.ca. For a complete list of meeting dates and book titles, visit the EMBA website.