The University of Prince Edward Island conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates to more than 950 graduates today as part of Convocation 2017. This year includes the first-ever cohort from the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering from UPEI’s School of Sustainable Design Engineering. Convocation 2017 also saw UPEI’s first graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies.

The families and friends of the Class of 2017 gathered for two ceremonies today in UPEI’s Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, the first at 10:00 am, and the second at 2:30 pm.

UPEI Chancellor Don McDougall led both ceremonies; President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz addressed both ceremonies. “Each of you will be moving on to your next journey at a time of great hope and possibility for Canada’s future,” said Dr. Abd-El-Aziz, reflecting on a cohort graduating in the 150^th anniversary of Canada. “I know you have bold ideas and aspirations for what Canada can be. And while you sit here today, you may have a very specific plan for what is to come next. However, the wonderful thing about this journey that we are all on is that through the various twists and turns of life, you may end up somewhere very different—and even better—than what you envision today.”

The University also conferred honorary Doctor of Laws degrees on four recipients: Judy Clark, an aboriginal leader, advocate, interpreter, and healer; Stan MacPherson, a chartered accountant, entrepreneur, and a leader in community and business; Allan Curran, an alumnus of SDU and prominent business owner; and Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Rollins Epperly, a world-renowned scholar, writer, and the first female president and vice-chancellor of UPEI.

“When you leave here today to celebrate with your family and friends, I hope you will also make a quiet commitment to yourself to never, ever stop learning,” said Mr. MacPherson in his address to the morning graduates. “Be committed to the relationships that matter in your lives and give back to the communities that need you. Be courageous in the face of adversity. Be gracious in the glow of success.”

“My University of Prince Edward Island has the communicating roots of an old-growth forest and the collaborative energy of a nest of stars,” said Dr. Epperly to the afternoon graduates. “I hope you realize today, feeling the collective energy of this room and of all those who celebrate with you, that an interdependent, mutually supportive, respectful community can be the founding model for all of your conscious relationships. Then, in your relational health, in your ability to build with others, may you become fully the stars you wished on and wish to be.”

“The best parts of the last few months or years have been the people we have come across here on campus and in the PEI community,” said morning valedictorian Foying Senbanjo from Lagos, Nigeria. “Look around you, or cast your mind back, to the wonderful friendships and relationships you’ve made.” Senbanjo graduated with her Bachelor of Business Administration—Co-operative Education.

Lief Wilm of Calgary, Alberta, addressed the afternoon ceremony. Of the challenges of the last four years, he said: “We could not have overcome these obstacles without the guidance from our mentors, support from family and friends, and the wisdom of our professors. I encourage everyone here to thank the people in your support system that got you where you are today.” Wilm graduated with his Bachelor of Science (honours) in Mathematics.

Chancellor McDougall conferred the title of Professor emeritus on Dr. Tim Ogilvie, a founding faculty member and a former dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College. UPEI’s first ever Librarian emerita title was bestowed, in absentia, to Betty Jeffery, long-time librarian at Robertson Library and past-president of the UPEI Faculty Association.

UPEI held its annual Senior Class Awards at a ceremony the day before, where a number of academic and student prizes were awarded. The complete list will be posted in the coming days at upei.ca/seniorclassawards. The Governor General’s academic medals were presented by the Honourable H. Frank Lewis, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. The Governor General’s Gold Medal (graduate level) was awarded to Robert Déziel (Doctor of Philosophy—Veterinary Medicine). The Governor General’s Silver Medal (undergraduate level) was awarded to Courtney Horrocks (Bachelor of Science—Mathematics).

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Last evening approximately forty UPEI alumni and friends gathered outside St. John’s for a Newfoundland and Labrador alumni chapter event.

Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Mr. Pat Sinnott, Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors, were on hand to greet guests at the Outer Cove home of Carolyn Dobbin Noseworthy, that overlooks Torbay. President Abd-El-Aziz also addressed the crowd and thanked chapter executive members Patricia Fowler and Justin Pater for their dedication to their alma mater.

There are currently more than 25,000 PWC (Prince of Wales College), SDU (Saint Dunstan's University), and UPEI graduates that span more than fifty countries around the world.

The Alumni and Friends chapter network is an important initiative to strengthen Panther Pride, and to nurture the bond between alumni and UPEI. If you would like to participate in chapter activities, or you are interested in launching a chapter in your area, please get in touch with the UPEI Alumni office by emailing alumni@upei.ca.
 

The University of Prince Edward Island’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, was named a Top 50 CEO by Atlantic Business Magazine at a formal red-carpet reception, dinner, and awards gala in St. John’s, NL last night.

Since 1999, Atlantic Business Magazine has dedicated one of its six issues per year to profiling Atlantic Canada’s 50 most accomplished business leaders. Nominees for the awards are judged according to their corporate, community, and industry involvement; their organization’s growth in recent years; and, their responses to various managerial challenges.

“I am very humbled to receive this honour from Atlantic Business Magazine,” said President Abd-El-Aziz. “While I am not an entrepreneur in the traditional sense, I do have entrepreneurial skills that I apply to my work as an administrator and researcher at UPEI.”

He added, “I love to pull together people with different skillsets to create a great team to accomplish a goal—whether it’s a fundraising target, constructing a new building, or creating a new program. It is immensely rewarding to see your collective vision become a reality and see the people you work with do well and feel good about their contributions and achievements. I am very proud to share this award with my colleagues at the University.”

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree-granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

National Police Week is being celebrated across Canada, May 15–21. The week began in 1970 as a way for police to connect with their communities and increase awareness about the services they provide.

UPEI’s Security Services team is recognized under the PEI Police Act as an official police agency. Among the team of 19 men and women, there are seven full-time police officers.

While community policing is at the heart of Police Week, it is present on campus year-round.

“Safety is our number one priority,” says Marc Pharand, manager of Security Services. “And when we engage with our community members, we have a greater ability to maintain a safe environment for all individuals across the UPEI campus.”

“Over the past year,” Pharand added, “We have been working diligently to improve our visibility and have more contact with the community through daily foot patrols, regular meeting with clients, and engaging with visitors. We are fortunate that UPEI community members are co-operative and care about safety.”

“The UPEI Security Services team is dedicated to ensuring the safety of the thousands of people who visit, study, and work at our University,” said President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “National Police Week is an opportunity to thank our UPEI campus police for their exceptional work, and I encourage the campus community to do just that.”

The thirteenth annual PEI Nursing Research to Practice Conference is being held May 26 in Don and Marion McDougall Hall at the University of Prince Edward Island. The conference brings together practicing nurses, academic researchers, and students to hear and share the latest research from their respective fields of practice. This year’s conference explores how nurses can work towards improving the patient and family experience.

“Nursing research contributes knowledge to the nursing profession and provides evidence to support nursing practice, decision-making and policies to improve the lives of individuals, families, and populations,” said Dr. Gulrose Jiwani, Dean of Nursing at UPEI. “The projects showcased this year speak to the relevance of research to directly improve practice.”

“The nursing research to practice conference is a wonderful day where nurses comes together to demonstrate and share the great work being done right here on PEI,” said Marion Dowling, Chief of Nursing, Allied Health, and Patient Experience for Health PEI. “This year we have a focus on how our nursing work impacts the patient and family experience.”

Conference Keynote

Dr. Tara Sampalli is Director of Research and Innovation, Primary Health Care and Chronic Disease Management, at the Nova Scotia Health Authority and an assistant professor of Medical Informatics at Dalhousie University. Dr. Sampalli effectively blends research with practice, bringing the novel concept of “embedded research” into healthcare. Her research interests include care models for chronic disease management, patient centered care and multi-morbidities, integrated models of care, knowledge management, and application of innovative IT solutions in healthcare.

The 2017 PEI Nursing Research To Practice Conference is co-sponsored by UPEI’s School of Nursing and Health PEI.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The University of Prince Edward Island Board of Governors approved a balanced budget at their May meeting last evening for the 2017–18 fiscal year.

The annual operating budget, which is $113.9 million, outlines how UPEI funds important campus resources like student and ancillary services, faculties and schools, academic support, administration, and property maintenance. The operating budget does not include research funds, which are budgeted separately on a project-by-project basis, but it does include the budget of departments that provide support to research. Capital projects are also budgeted on a project-by-project basis and reported within the capital assets fund.

UPEI’s budget plan is based on revenue generated by two principal sources—the annual provincial operating grant and student tuition. As was announced during the spring sitting of the provincial legislature, the provincial government increased UPEI’s operating grant by one per cent for 2017–18.

“We thank our government for its commitment and support to post-secondary students. The University continues to work with the Government of Prince Edward Island on important synergies including the attraction and retention of students from the Island, across Canada, and around the world,” said President Abd-El-Aziz. “These initiatives support our shared priority of providing a quality education to our students so they can succeed to their full potential in a global market.”

The budget includes a tuition increase of three per cent, keeping it among the lowest in the Maritimes, at $603 per three-semester hour course, an increase of $17. This represents an increase of $170 per year for a student taking a full-course load. Fees for international students will also increase by three per cent, or $21 per course.

President Abd-El-Aziz explained, “We recognize that the cost of post-secondary education is rising for our students. However, a modest increase in tuition fees is necessary to help counteract our significant budget pressures. Despite a three per cent increase, our tuition remains the second lowest undergraduate rate in the Maritime provinces.”

“Another tuition increase is of course disappointing,” said Hammad Ahmad, President of the UPEI Student Union. “The UPEI Student Union’s position has always been that tuition should never increase more than the Consumer Price Index, but we do realize that the increase has been kept to a minimum given the financial challenges that the University faces.”

During the budget process, the University worked to minimize the impact on UPEI’s most valuable resource—people—by continuing to reduce non-salary expenditures as much as possible. UPEI and the unions also successfully negotiated employment contracts that cover the period 2016–20 and worked together to make changes to the University’s pension plan. While the proportion of the operating budget allocated to salaries and benefits remains high at 71 per cent, UPEI has been able to not only sustain its workforce through vacancy management and attrition, but grow faculty and staff numbers to accommodate new program developments.

“UPEI is very proud of the continuing success of our students, faculty, and researchers,” added President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “Together, we are building outstanding experiential learning opportunities though the development of new programs in sustainable design engineering; mathematical and computational sciences; and applied communication, leadership, and culture.”

“UPEI is committed to investing in our students through providing excellent education, service, and supports.”

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students to reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree-granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Released by Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada

Innovation and Canadians will be better equipped for the well-paying middle-class jobs of today and tomorrow as a result of a $2.2 million investment in the University of Prince Edward Island.

This joint federal-provincial investment was announced today by Sean Casey, Member of Parliament for Charlottetown, on behalf of the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, and by the Honourable Sonny Gallant, Minister of Workforce and Advanced Learning, on behalf of the Government of Prince Edward Island for the following projects:

Psychology Research Infrastructure
This project will receive $664,000 in SIF funding and $664,000 in provincial funding (total project cost $1.53 million). The project at UPEI's Memorial Hall will target the repair and renovation of the university's psychology research infrastructure. Repairs to the building's foundations, windows, walls, central air and heating systems will improve the energy efficiency and quality of research facilities. The renovation will also improve consultation space for researchers and students to develop greater interactions with community partners in support of research projects in gerontology, social justice, and indigenous issues.

Patient-Oriented Research
This project will receive $300,000 in SIF funding and $300,000 in provincial funding (total project cost $673,600). The project will renovate approximately 4,350 square feet of existing space to expand the Clinic for Patient Oriented Research at the University of PEI. This "living lab" brings patients, health care partners, researchers, UPEI graduate and post-doc students together to engage in learning, collect data, and apply research through new knowledge. Students will gain valuable ‘real world’ learning experiences while working with patients under the mentorship of licensed Health PEI personnel and UPEI researchers.

The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda aims to make this country a global centre for innovation—one that creates jobs, drives growth across all industries and improves the lives of all Canadians. This investment is a prime example of that vision in action. 

“These infrastructure investments will create good, well-paying jobs that can help the middle class grow and prosper today, while also delivering sustained economic growth for years to come. Through the Strategic Investment Fund, we are strengthening the foundation for building Canada into a global centre for innovation, " said Casey.  

“This once-in-a-generation investment by the Government of Canada is a historic down payment on the government’s vision to position Canada as a global centre for innovation," added Minister Bains. "That means making Canada a world leader in turning ideas into solutions, science into technologies, skills into jobs and start-up companies into global successes. This investment will create conditions that are conducive to innovation and long-term growth, which will in turn keep the Canadian economy globally competitive.”

The funding from the Government of Canada is being allocated through the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund, which will enhance and modernize research facilities on Canadian campuses and improve the environmental sustainability of these facilities.

“Through the Strategic Infrastructure Fund, we are making investments to help our post-secondary institutions continue their integral role in building a prosperous economy for Prince Edward Island," said Minister Gallant. "We are committed to supporting all Island post-secondary institutions to foster growth, prepare students for well-paying jobs, draw international students and faculty, and drive prosperity for years to come.”

As a result of these investments, students, professors, and researchers will work in state-of-the-art facilities that advance the country’s best research. They will collaborate in specially designed spaces that support lifelong learning and skills training. They will work in close proximity with partners to turn discoveries into products or services. In the process, they will train for—and invent—the high-value jobs of the future. And their discoveries will plant the seeds for the next generation of innovators.

“With the renovations at both Memorial Hall and Steel Building, UPEI researchers will have modern, efficient, safer, and more expansive facilities in which to conduct their innovative work," said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. "These infrastructure improvements will allow our students to have access to experiential learning opportunities including greater interactions with the community at large. On behalf of the university community, I thank the federal and provincial governments for their support and investment in UPEI.”

That is how the Strategic Investment Fund will jump-start a virtuous circle of innovation, creating the right conditions for long-term growth that will yield benefits for generations to come.

Investments in post-secondary facilities are foundational in building a prosperous economy for Prince Edward Island. Island post-secondary institutions foster economic growth, prepare students for well-paying jobs, draw international students and faculty, and drive prosperity throughout the province.


Quick facts

• The Government of Canada’s Innovation Agenda is designed to ensure Canada is globally competitive in promoting research, translating ideas into new products and services, accelerating business growth and propelling entrepreneurs from the start-up phase to international success.
• The targeted, short-term investments under the Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund will promote economic activity across Canada and help Canada’s universities and colleges develop highly skilled workers, act as engines of discovery, and collaborate on innovations that help Canadian companies compete and grow internationally.
• The Post-Secondary Institutions Strategic Investment Fund supports the Government of Canada’s climate change objectives by encouraging sustainable and green infrastructure projects.

The UPEI Office of Recruitment and International Relations is seeking volunteers to serve as conversational partners at its summer programs. In its fourth year, the International English Language Summer Camps welcomes students to UPEI from all over the world where they will participate in daily activities to improve their English language skills. Students will take English Language Program (ELP) courses in the morning while engaging with volunteers in fun, educational activities during the afternoon.

UPEI is looking for several people to volunteer, spend time on campus, and participate in activities with these students. Volunteers will serve as conversational partners to help students learn, and develop their English language skills. The camps will be ongoing throughout the summer beginning on July 4. For more information, please visit http://projects.upei.ca/englishsummercamp/.

This opportunity will allow volunteers to learn about another culture, participate in fun socio-cultural activities, and help international students. The program is registered with the PEI Community Service Bursary Program, which recognizes high school students for their volunteer work by providing them with a bursary of up to $500.

Please contact Joy Mackinnon (jjmackinnon@upei.ca) for more information on how you can get involved.

About the UPEI Office of Recruitment and International Relations

The Office of Recruitment and International Relations facilitates the recruitment of students, English Academic Preparatory (EAP) classes, student exchanges, assists in official visits from international delegations, and provides academic and personal services to UPEI’s many international students.

About the English Language Summer Camp at UPEI

Students between the ages of 16 and 22 spend two to six weeks learning English in the morning and participating in fun, academic socio-cultural activities in the afternoon. Highly qualified and experienced English language instructors work very hard to help students make improvements in speaking and listening, and to improve their overall confidence with the English language. Students share their cultures and learn about such things as Anne of Green Gables and LM Montgomery; Canadian culture and history; global issues and the environment.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Two UPEI students will be studying this summer in Ireland, thanks to the support of the Benevolent Irish Society of PEI (BIS) and the Ireland Canada University Foundation (ICUF). Lindsay MacGregor and Erin Rowan will participate in an Irish language program offered by the National university of Ireland in Galway.

“We are incredibly excited for two of our UPEI students to take advantage of this amazing opportunity, which wouldn't be possible without the generosity and support of ICUF and the BIS,” said Sherilyn Acorn-LeClair, coordinator of International Partnerships at UPEI. “UPEI is committed to international experiential learning and the student experience as it is one of the four pillars in the institution’s strategic vision. This opportunity is also perfectly aligned with the Canadian Bureau for International Education's national initiative of encouraging more students to take part in learning abroad.”

The Benevolent Irish Society will help support the travel to and from Ireland. ICUF, through its Irish Language program—funded by the government of Ireland’s Department of Arts, Heritage and the Gaeltacht—will cover program fees, accommodation, and board. Rowan and MacGregor will be studying in An Cheathrú Rua, located in the Connemara region.

The Benevolent Irish Society is one of the oldest organizations in Prince Edward Island. Established in 1825 the Society was incorporated by an Act of the Legislature in 1882. Originally established to meet the needs of Irish immigrants and the poor of all denominations, today the Society places increasing emphasis on preserving and promoting Irish history, culture, and heritage, and in particular its Gaelic, Celtic traditions.

The Ireland Canada University Foundation nurtures the great friendship between Canada and Ireland, through the support of scholarly exchange. The creation of the ICUF in 1993 recognized that Canada and Ireland share a great history, and there are many links between both countries, but for such a connection to sustain and grow for future generations, efforts must continue to be made to support the development of new links between both countries.

UPEI's Office of Recruitment and International Relations has more than 70 exchange partner schools in 27 countries, offering many ways for students to study abroad!

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Join for a presentation and dialogue with Pablo Aránguiz Mesías, a visiting research fellow of UPEI’s Young Lives Research Laboratory (YLRL). The presentation is us Thursday, June 8 at 10 am in room 246 of UPEI’s Don and Marion McDougall Hall. Aránguiz will be presenting about the the Wekimün Chilkatuwe School in Chiloé, Chile—a collaborative project of the YLRL and the General Council of Williche Chiefs of Chiloé.

“We are pleased and honoured to have Pablo with us as a Visiting Fellow,” said Dr. Kate Tilleczek, director of the YLRL. “He has been a central part of the team in our international and collaborative work to build and develop this unique intercultural school and curriculum with, for, and by the Williche youth and communities of southern Chile. Pablo’s visit will heighten our collaborations even further as we forge additional links with Indigenous communities on PEI and share together our respective lessons and questions about education and sustainable development in First Nations communities. The Wekimün School project has been a tremendous honour and learning experience. It is our hope that the YLRL and the Willche Council of Chiefs will witness many new roots taking hold from the foundations we have created together.”

Wekimün School, funded by Global Affairs Canada, aims to improve the quality of life of the Indigenous Williche youth, their families, and territories through intercultural educational initiatives. Its educational model seeks to integrate traditional-Indigenous and western-scientific knowledge into curricula and project-based learning programs.

Aránguiz, a professor at Wekimün School, holds a master’s degree in analysis and management of ecosystems from the University of Alicante in Spain. Aránguiz contributes to the development of a unique intercultural curriculum at Wekimün, teaches, and manages the school’s community-based education and sustainable development projects.

“It has been a privilege to be a direct witness and participate in the dialogue between the systems of traditional Williche and modern scientific knowledge. Wekimün, the new knowledge, has been possible thanks to the humility of those who have made available their life experiences to face the global problems that affect to all of us today,” said Aránguiz.

Professor Aránguiz will be visiting Prince Edward Island June 5-10. During his time, he will meet with and learn from scholars and members of the Indigenous communities on the Island. His presentation Thursday will give an overview of Wekimün School, including a multi-media display of photographs and video. There will be time for open questions and answers, and a dialogue about next steps in the collaboration.

The Young Lives Research Laboratory conducts qualitative research in the area of reimagining schools for and with marginalized youth, youth and technology, and youth and mental health. For more information on the lab, visit katetilleczek.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.