Join us Monday, June 26 at 4:30 pm for a presentation from Dr. Josh MacFadyen, a candidate for UPEI’s Canada Research Chair in Applied Communication, Leadership, and Culture (ACLC). The presentation will be held in room 237 of UPEI’s Kelley Memorial Building.

Dr. Josh MacFadyen is an assistant professor of environmental humanities in the School of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies and the School of Sustainability at Arizona State University. In 2014, he was a Postdoctoral Fellow in the Historical GIS Lab at the University of Saskatchewan, and from 2012-2014, he was NiCHE Project Coordinator and Course Instructor at the University of Western Ontario.

His talk is titled: “Canadian Food and Energy Frontiers: Mapping the Past to Prepare Leaders for the Future.”

Abstract: Working in the disciplinary ecotones between humanities, sciences, and social sciences, Dr. MacFadyen’s research on the environmental history of Canadian food and energy shows how the digital humanities are critical to understanding and communicating sustainability transitions. Using examples from the Maritimes, Eastern Great Lakes, and the Prairies, this talk applies tools like historical Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to help understand the origin of modern commodity frontiers, industrial agriculture, and energy transitions. By equipping Arts students with digital humanities, traditional land use mapping, and critical theories of science, we will better prepare leaders who inform the policies and engage the problems associated with food and energy in the Anthropocene.

The Applied Communication, Leadership and Culture program at UPEI explicitly connects the communication skills and leadership training of a liberal arts education to successful post-graduation employment. The program is defined by its focus on the transferability of the written, oral and visual communication skills, the critical thinking, and the cultural awareness acquired during a liberal arts education to the world beyond academia. Technical skills, work-integrated learning (internships, cooperatives, workplace-generated projects), and career-related mentoring are key components of its design.

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 UPEI Bookstore has upgraded its e-commerce website to offer a wider selection of clothing, giftware, textbooks, and local books available online, 24 hours a day. Panther fans, alumni, and current students will find the new site convenient and easy to use for their online purchases.

Under the “Course Materials” section, students can purchase textbooks or eBooks for their classes. Students have the option of getting eBook codes e-mailed directly to them, or having textbooks shipped to their home. Customers looking for reference books can search the UPEI Bookstore’s affiliate, eBook, for more than one million titles. 

The UPEI Bookstore carries locally published books including selections from the L.M. Montgomery Institute and Island Studies Press. Some notable titles are After Many Years and My Dear Mr. M from the L.M. Montgomery Institute and New London: The Lost Dream, Bird Calls, and A World of Islands from the Island Studies Press. Many have PDF versions available.

UPEI-, Panther, Alumni- and AVC-branded clothing is available online in ladies, unisex, youth, and toddler sizes under the “UPEI Gear”, "Panther Gear", “AVC Gear” and "Alumni Products" sections in the top menu bar. Unisex sizes range from Small–XXL, while ladies clothing is available in XS–XL. All clothing and giftware listed online is also available in-store. Items make great gifts for future and current students, UPEI Alumni, as well as Panther fans.

Online orders may be placed at any time of day, seven days a week, but orders are only processed during weekday business hours: 8:30 am–4:00 pm during the summer (May to August) and 8:30 am–4:30 pm during the school year (September to April). Free shipping is available on PEI for orders over $75 while shipping across Canada, the United States, and internationally is available at a nominal cost. Various payment methods are accepted including Visa, Mastercard, American Express, and UPEI Bookstore gift cards. Orders may also be placed online for in-store pickup.

Visit the UPEI Bookstore's Shop UPEI website today! 

Representatives from TD Bank Group visited the University of Prince Edward Island today to present a cheque for $350,000 to support the new UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences.

Donated through UPEI’s Inspire! Campaign, TD’s gift will be used towards programming, including experiential learning opportunities; scholarships and awards; and the establishment of the TD Student Learning Centre.

“TD is committed to helping Canadian youth realize their educational goals through supporting excellence at universities," said Scott Belton, Senior Vice-President, Atlantic Region for TD Canada Trust.  "We are thrilled to support the UPEI School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences with its mission that ensures future generations have the knowledge, skills, and confidence needed to contribute solutions to complex and rapidly-changing industry sectors, including our own.”

“I thank TD for sharing our vision for the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences,” said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “TD’s generosity will help UPEI provide transformative programming that prepares students to readily solve complex problems in data-intensive sectors that require highly quantified and analyzed decision making. The performance of these sectors impacts each of us more and more every day.”

The School was created based on the growing need for university graduates to be educated in developing sophisticated mathematical and computational techniques aligned with market needs, managing and extracting knowledge from unprecedented volumes of data, and integrating methods with powerful analytical software and technology tools.

“Our industry partners like TD tell us that there is a tremendous need for employees with expertise in mathematical and computational sciences,” commented Dr. Gordon MacDonald, Associate Dean of the School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences. “TD’s generous gift will allow the School to leverage opportunities that will benefit our students’ personal and professional development and help supply market-ready graduates to various sectors.”

The cheque presentation was held in conjunction with a School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences Advisory Council meeting. The Advisory Council brings together expertise from across the country and around the world to ensure the School offers one of the region’s most comprehensive undergraduate programs in mathematics, computer science, and statistics.

UPEI Women’s Hockey head coach Bruce Donaldson is pleased to confirm Island native Ally Clements will be joining the UPEI Panther program this coming September. Clements is from High Bank, PEI. She was the captain of the Kings County Midget AAA and a member of Team PEI U18 program that participated at the Atlantic Challenge Cup.

“We have watched Ally play over the past number of years,” said Donaldson, “and what we really liked was her desire to compete when ever she is on the ice. Ally clearly likes the physical side of the game. She challenges her opponents and makes them work. Ally brings leadership to the program; she is big on community involvement and academically does very well.”

“Since the age of four, hockey has been a huge part of my life,” said Clements. “I love where I live, and I'm proud to be an Islander. To have the opportunity to put on a Panther jersey is something that I've always dreamed of. I'm looking forward to being able to play in front of all my family and friends and to be part of such an amazing program.”

Clements is enrolled in the Faculty of Science, where she will specialize in Kinesiology. 

by Dr. John Vanleeuwen, Professor of Epidemiology and Ruminant Health Management, Department of Health Management, AVC

In May, Kenya moves into the cool season, but the activity level was anything but cool this past May for those involved in the Queen Elizabeth Scholar (QES) program. The QES team consisted of six Kenyan graduate students involved in training and research projects to complete their Master’s or PhD degrees, four Canadian undergraduate students (two veterinary and two nutrition) helping them, and translators, drivers, and local people hired to help find farms.

There were lots of moving parts—one morning, six vehicles left from the houses we rented, with people involved in different parts of the project going in different directions. After completing required course work in Canada over the past year or so, the Kenyan graduate students were eager to get back to their country to see their loved ones and to begin the field research that complements the efforts of Farmers Helping Farmers (FHF) to improve milk production, food security and nutrition, and overall livelihoods of Kenyan farm families in Naari, Kenya.

Here is an update:

Dennis Makau and Joan Muraya, veterinary PhD students from Kenya, continue monthly visits to train and conduct research on cow nutrition and cow reproduction on 100 dairy farms, respectively. With the drought that occurred last year and continued until March (good rains for the last two months), even farmers following recommended practices have run out of good quality stored feeds for their cows. However, the high-protein shrub seedlings distributed to farmers in early 2016 are doing well on most of the farms that received them, helping to keep cattle protein intakes at a reasonable level. Milk collections at the Naari Dairy have remained at 4000 litres per day, despite the drought, and should go up substantially with the recent rains. Unfortunately, reproduction, which is the first thing to get hit with droughts, has suffered during the last year, with fewer cows showing heat, being bred, and conceiving, despite efforts to enhance uterine health and ovarian cycling. Again, breeding success should improve with the recent rains as animals’ body condition scores improve with better feeding. Monthly data collection and advice on improving nutrition and reproduction should quantify on-going costs and benefits of the training and resources provided.

Emily Kathambi Kiugu, a veterinary MSc student from Kenya, initiated her training and research project on cow comfort on 100 dairy farms. Emily will go to each farm four times. On the first visit, she gets baseline information on cow comfort, including stall design features and management, and she attaches accelerometers to the cows’ legs for three to five days to get lying-down times. On the second visit, she removes the accelerometers and gives specific oral and written advice on how to improve cow comfort with low-cost changes in design and management. A month later, on the third visit, she will reassess stall design features and management, and re-attach the accelerometers. A few days later, on the final visit, she will remove the accelerometers and address stall changes left undone. One farmer started hammering some boards to renovate a stall according to the recommendations while we were washing our boots, which demonstrates the desire of these farmers to improve their farms.

Julia Kenny and Ren Chamberlain (AVC Class of 2019), the 2017 QES veterinary interns, are helping with the veterinary projects above, and they are also involved in a training and research project around silage. They are collecting information about farmers’ knowledge, attitudes, and practices around making and feeding silage. FHF has been promoting and facilitating silage-making so farmers have good quality feed even during the dry season. In this part of Kenya, the silage fed to cattle is primarily corn silage. Very few farmers were feeding silage because of the light rains during the last year prior to March 2017 (having exhausted their silage stores), and because of the good rains now (they have lots of fresh feed to give now). However, many farms now have some silage or are making silage for the upcoming dry season. As the summer unfolds, the interns will be able to assess silage quality and ongoing feeding practices. These interns will also be providing advice to these farmers on silage making and feeding, along with other health management recommendations appropriate for the farm.

The veterinary graduate students and undergraduate students are accompanied by two UPEI nutrition undergraduate students, two nutrition graduate students, and one graduate student involved in program evaluation. This group is working on three other research and training projects looking at the farm family benefits from the improved animal health, welfare, and productivity (and income) on the Naari farms, such as human nutrition (e.g., drinking more milk) and gender equity and empowerment.

Together, the group of 10 undergraduate students and another 10 local support people are making great strides in these research project, and sharing stories and cultures, while the local farm families are enjoying their company, learning from the training provided, and benefiting from the resources provided by the project. A success story all around!

Join the Honourable David MacDonald as he leads discussions on topics around the theme of Now That’s a Really Great Question,“Can Mother Earth and her peoples survive and thrive in the Anthropocene?”

These UPEI breakfast seminars will be held Tuesday mornings from 8:00 am to 10:00 am from July 4 to August 22 at 618 University Avenue, Charlottetown. The series is sponsored by the UPEI Climate Research Lab.

“David MacDonald has a prestigious history of working on the important issues that shape not only Prince Edward Island and the country of Canada, but also the world,” said Dr. Adam Fenech, director of the Climate Research Lab. “His detailed knowledge of the economic, social, and ecological sustainability of Prince Edward Island is unparalleled, and this series allows us all to learn from it.”

Each seminar will have a different topic.

July 4, 2017
Are Oceans Us? The Climate/Ocean Crisis: How can we end the Global ‘Addiction’ to Fossil Fuels?

July 11, 2017
Is Politics the Art of the Deal? What is indispensable about Politics in our Global Village?

July 18, 2017
How can we create a Habitable, Thriving and Just Future?

July 25, 2017
Who’s Speaking, Who’s Listening, Who Cares? Why is the Medium really the Message?

August 1, 2017
Is Capitalism over? What are Healthy Models for a Caring Economy?

August 8, 2017
Why does our culture depend on Violence? If we love this Planet, can we Live in an age of Mass Destruction?

August 15, 2017
Why Racism? Its Roots and Branches—‘The African Condition’ meets ‘Black Lives Matter’

August 22, 2017
Is Reconciliation possible? Why do we need to ‘Unsettle the Settler’?

Register for individual seminars by contacting climate@upei.ca or 902-894-2852

David MacDonald grew up in Prince Edward Island. He is a graduate of Prince of Wales College, Dalhousie University, and Pine Hill Divinity Hall. He also holds several honorary degrees in law and divinity. He was ordained as a United Church Minister in June of 1961, serving as pastor of the United Church in Alberton, Prince Edward Island from 1962 to 1965.

He was elected as a Progressive Conservative Member of Parliament in 1965, 1968, 1972, 1974, 1979, and 1988; first, as the representative for western PEI, and second, for Rosedale (Toronto Centre). In 1979, he was appointed Secretary of State, Minister of Communications, and Minister Responsible for the Status of Women. In June 1997, he was the NDP candidate for Toronto Centre–Rosedale. In 1984, he was appointed Canadian Emergency Coordinator/African Famine and, in 1986, Canadian Ambassador to Ethiopia, Sudan, and Djibouti.

From 1989–1993, he chaired the House of Commons Standing Committee on the Environment, the ad hoc Parliamentary Committee on AIDS, and the House of Commons Liaison Committee. Since the early 1990s, he has been actively involved in a number of national and international organizations committed to just and sustainable communities, human rights, and peace. Since 2008, he has been a member of the Board of Directors for Faith and the Common Good, a national interfaith network and charitable organization. Since December 1998, he has served as Special Advisor on Indian Residential Schools for the United Church of Canada and, more recently, on Climate and Ocean Change.

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 Dean of Nursing Scholarship Fund will help to support nursing students with funds raised at a gala hosted by the UPEI Faculty of Nursing last evening.

The semi-formal event raised $3185.00 and saw approximately 90 students, alumni, faculty, staff, and supporters come together to acknowledge the success and growth of nursing at UPEI. The University introduced nursing education at the baccalaureate level in 1992; it is now the proud alma mater of nearly 1000 nursing alumni.

“The intention of the gala was to celebrate our Faculty’s growth and how much we have accomplished,” said Dr. Gulrose Jiwani, Dean of Nursing. “From a single program with 16 students to a full-fledged faculty that offers two undergraduate programs, a Master of Nursing program, and post-graduate certificate courses to more than 300 students, the UPEI Faculty of Nursing is second to none.”

“Serving on the Nursing Gala organizing committee has been a valuable and fun experience,” said third-year nursing student Chloe Roche. “It is very rewarding to know that all of our hard work and planning has resulted in a beautiful evening for the UPEI Faculty of Nursing community and a new scholarship for some of my peers.”

Congratulations to Dr. Etienne Côté, professor of cardiology at AVC, on being selected the 2017 Continuing Educator of the Year--Small Animal during the 89th Western Veterinary Conference (WVC) in Las Vegas last March. The WVC Continuing Educators of the Year Awards are given in six categories to acknowledge the significant role of instructors who share their knowledge in innovative ways to enhance animal health. Over 14,000 veterinary professionals attended the conference where they heard from over 325 speakers on topics relevant to veterinary medicine.

The entire University of Prince Edward Island community was shocked and deeply saddened to hear of the death on July 2 of Robert “Rocky” Paquet, a long-time service worker with UPEI’s Facilities Management department who always had a smile and glint in his eye. Although always hopeful, in recent weeks, he had become adversely affected by a heart condition and was in Halifax seeking treatment at the time of his death. Rocky would have turned 61 years old later this month.

Rocky reached his 25-year anniversary of employment with UPEI in 2016 and while he was well-known for his polished floors and attention to detail as a cleaner, he was most recognized for the exam-week chili lunches that he organized for students twice a year. He was honoured for his contributions to the University and to student life with a Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Campus Spirit in 2013 and with a UPEI Student Union Staff Award in 2014.

“The entire University community is saddened by the passing of Rocky, who was a dedicated employee and legendary for organizing the exam lunches,” said Vice-President Administration and Finance Jackie Podger. “I remember meeting him shortly after beginning at UPEI and his passion for helping students and willingness to lend a hand was evident right away. On behalf of President Abd-El-Aziz, I extend my sincere condolences to Rocky’s family, friends, and colleagues. He will be greatly missed.”

Born in Chatham, New Brunswick, Rocky moved to PEI in his youth and attended Charlottetown Rural High School, always calling the Island his home.

Sister Sue Kidd, UPEI’s chaplain, fondly remembers her dear friend and lunch collaborator. “He had a huge heart and cared deeply about others and all of God’s creations. As I looked for photos to remember Rocky, I realized I have many pictures of chili pots and happy students, but very few of the man who made it all happen. That is typical of Rocky’s way—working diligently in the background to serve others. ‘Well done, good and faithful servant.’”

Robert “Rocky” Howard Paquet was the son of the late Reginald and Agnes (Findlay) Paquet. In addition to his extended UPEI family, he is remembered by several brothers and sisters; many nieces and nephews; and his beloved dogs.

The University has lowered flags in front of Kelley Memorial Building and at UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place to half-mast in Rocky’s memory. Funeral arrangements have not yet been confirmed. A memorial service will be held at the UPEI Chaplaincy Centre in September.

AVC’s annual ice cream social, held on June 29, was a resounding success—such a success that event organizer Janice MacWilliam had to go running for more ice cream!

During the social, Dr. Greg Keefe, dean of AVC, presented Dean’s Awards of Excellence to Heather MacSwain, Office of the Associate Dean of Academic and Student Affairs; Theresa Andrews, Farm Services; and Allan Keoughan and Sharon Gormley, Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

“Our staff members are essential to the College’s success through their contributions in teaching and research support, service activities, and administration,” said Dean Keefe as he congratulated and thanked the award winners.

Retiring faculty and staff were also honoured: Heather Briand, Biomedical Sciences, for 31 years of service; Betty Gregan, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, 29 years; Patty McKenna, Pathology and Microbiology, 27 years; Dr. Hans Gelens, professor of small animal internal medicine, Companion Animals, 20 years; and Dr. Wendy Duckett, professor of large animal medicine, Health Management, 19 years. Dr. Keefe thanked the retiring staff and faculty members for their many years of service at AVC and wished them good health and happiness during their retirement.