On Monday, August 21, the moon will pass between the Earth and the Sun, creating a rare and spectacular show. A solar eclipse is a memorable event, but one that needs to be enjoyed with great caution. UPEI’s Department of Physics is hosting a viewing event for Monday’s eclipse to help you safely observe the eclipse—and learn a thing or two about astronomy!

The event begins at 2:30 pm outside the student entrance of UPEI’s School of Sustainable Design Engineering. There will be solar telescopes and viewing glasses to watch the eclipse, and activities for all ages to understand how eclipses work. A viewing screen will also be set up to monitor NASA’s live feed of the total eclipse as it is experienced across the United States. The Canadian Cancer Society will also be on hand to provide information about lifelong sun safety.

Can’t make the viewing event? Read this blog post with tips of how to watch from home, including tips on how to construct a device to help safely observe the sun.

The eclipse peaks at 3:50 pm, but the event will continue until 5:00 pm. For more information, visit projects.upei.ca/astronomy.

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. UPEI is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

Trade and commerce, environment and energy, and defence and security are topics that affect all Canadians. As a leader for innovation and social development, the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) will host the 2017 Palmer Conference this summer to welcome discussion on these important topics.

First held in 2010, the Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership brings together business leaders, policy experts, academics, and government representatives to discuss matters of national policy. The conference was established to honour Jim Palmer, a PEI native who was a direct descendant of Edward Palmer, one of the Fathers of Confederation, and partner at a Calgary law firm, Burnet Duckworth and Palmer LLP. It welcomes a diverse range of panelists and attendees from across Canada and the United States. The theme of this year’s conference is “Canadian-American Relations in a Changing World”, and takes place from August 29 to 31 on the UPEI campus.

“With our shared border and positive relations, Canada and the United States are friends and partners. This conference offers Canadians the opportunity to discuss current issues facing our country today,” said the Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development and Minister responsible for the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA). “Open and constructive dialogue has been, and always will be, a key element of social and economic success in our democratic society.”

“This year’s Palmer Conference brings an impressive line-up of panelists, in addition to a keynote address by the Honourable Andrew Leslie, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Foreign Affairs,” said Sean Casey, Parliamentary Secretary to the Minister of Canadian Heritage and Member of Parliament for Charlottetown. “Thanks to organizers, conference attendees will be treated to engaging conversation on matters important to all Canadians.”

The Government of Canada is supporting the conference by providing more than $35,000 as a non-repayable contribution through ACOA’s Business Development Program (BDP).

“We are very grateful for the continued support of the Government of Canada over the years for this important conference. Through the assistance of ACOA and the Department of National Defence, we have been able to bring together some of the best minds in North America to discuss these important policy questions,” said conference organizer and UPEI professor, Dr. Don Desserud.

UPEI’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz said, “the Palmer Conference could not be possible without the support of the Palmer family, sponsors, and many organizers. I add my thanks and sincere appreciation to the Government of Canada for their important contributions and look forward to participating in this event that allows delegates to delve into a relevant topic so critical to our country’s future.”

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. UPEI is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

New Student Orientation (NSO) is an annual tradition at UPEI to help incoming students get their bearings at their new school and put them on the path to success. NSO 2017 aims to build healthy connections between students and the people and places that will impact their first-year experience.

This year, NSO runs from Saturday, September 2 to Saturday, September 9.

Welcome Day (see activities below) is this Saturday, which is always an exciting day for UPEI. Similar to previous years, students will be introduced to various departments and services on campus that will gather in McMillan Hall of the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. This allows them to become familiar with UPEI staff and its supports and services.

Throughout the rest of the week, there will be information sessions, engaging activities, and fun celebrations— all with the purpose of building healthy connections and lasting memories for our incoming students.

This will culminate in a fundraising event on the last day—Panthers for Change. This year, we are supporting two local charitable organizations: Learning Disabilities Association PEI and Canadian Mental Health Association (PEI Division). These local charities have both agreed to invite our students to continue volunteering with them throughout the year.

To jumpstart fundraising efforts, NSO leaders will sweep the campus on Friday, September 1 at 9:30 am as part of an annual activity called “Bling-bling”. They will collect spare change from staff, faculty, students, and visitors on campus to see who can raise the most money in under an hour—you are encouraged to donate!

Welcome Day Activities
Time: Activity; Location

9:00 am: Residence Move-in; Residence Buildings
9:00 – 10:30 am:  Coffee House; Chi-Wan Sports Centre
9:30 am – 1:00 pm: Campus Tours (every 30 min); W.A. Murphy Student Centre
9:00 am – 12:00 pm: Register for courses and pay tuition; Registrar's Office, Kelley Memorial
10:00 am – 1:30 pm: Welcome Day Fair, Laugh it up! Photo Booth, Musical Entertainment; W.A. Murphy Student Centre
1:30 pm – 9:00 pm: NSO Team Registration, Team Activities, Supper, and NSO Kick-Off; Chi-Wan Sports Centre

For more information, visit the New Student Orientation webpage.

Congratulations to Dr. Jeanne Lofstedt, Professor of Large Animal Medicine at AVC, on being awarded with a Life Membership in the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) for her outstanding contributions to the Association and to the veterinary profession worldwide.

Dr. Lofstedt was honoured during the CVMA’s annual convention held in Charlottetown in July. The following is a media release issued by the CVMA on July 14, 2017, to mark Dr. Lofstedt’s achievements:

P.E.I. veterinarian honoured nationally for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession

OTTAWA, ON – Dr. Jeanne Lofstedt is being honoured with a Life Membership to the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) for her significant contributions to the CVMA and veterinary profession worldwide.

“We are pleased to honour Dr. Jeanne Lofstedt with a Life Membership to the CVMA,” says Dr. Troy Bourque, 2016-17 CVMA President. “We will forever be grateful for her over 20 years of service to our Association and her dedication to the profession.”

Dr. Lofstedt has held various leadership positions at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) and volunteer positions in various veterinary organizations, including the CVMA. Amongst others, she served as the Associate Dean of Academic Affairs at AVC, was a member of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Examination Committee, a member of the Journal of Veterinary Medical Education Editorial Board, a North American Veterinary Licensing Examination item writer, a site visit team member for the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education and the CVMA, a member of the CVMA National Issues and Professional Development Committees, and served as CVMA President from 2002-2003. Dr. Lofstedt has been the Scientific Program Coordinator for the CVMA since 2004.

Born in Benoni, South Africa, summers spent on the sheep and dairy farms of close relatives, the influence of a veterinarian uncle, as well as the opportunity to volunteer at a mixed animal practice during high school inspired her to pursue a career in veterinary medicine. In 1975, Dr. Lofstedt received her Bachelor of Veterinary Science degree with honours from the University of Pretoria in South Africa and was awarded the Sir Arnold Theiler Medal for the student with the highest academic standing overall.

After seven months in a mixed animal practice in Krugersdorp, South Africa, she was accepted into a Rotating Internship in Large Animal Medicine and Surgery at the Western College of Veterinary Medicine in Saskatoon. In 1981, she completed a three-year residency in food animal medicine and surgery and received a Master of Science degree in Pathology, both at Iowa State University. Dr. Lofstedt then joined Tufts University as an Assistant Professor in Large Animal Medicine from 1981 to 1987 and became Board Certified in Large Animal Internal Medicine in 1987. That same year she moved to Prince Edward Island to assume a faculty position at AVC where she currently holds the position of Professor of Large Animal Medicine in the Department of Health Management.

Dr. Lofstedt plans to join her husband, Dr. Rob Lofstedt, also a veterinarian, in retirement in January of 2018. She hopes to maintain her connection to the profession through various volunteer opportunities.

“Dr. Jeanne Lofstedt has been invaluable in building the academic foundations of the Atlantic Veterinary College. In so many ways, she defines professionalism for her students and for us, as colleagues. The profound effect she has had on her clients, her students, and the veterinary community is reflected in the utmost respect universally expressed by everyone who knows her or her work,” says Dr. Larry Hammell, Professor and Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research, Atlantic Veterinary College. “We are so grateful that she came to practice veterinary medicine in Canada so many years ago and even more grateful that she chose to share her wisdom and compassion in building the Atlantic Veterinary College.”

Life Membership is presented to a CVMA member for long and outstanding service on CVMA Council, Executive, Boards and Committees, or for outstanding contributions to the veterinary profession.

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The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about CVMA.

Contact:

Tanya Frye, Manager Communications and Public Relations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 128 or tfrye@cvma-acmv.org

UPEI Athletics and Recreation is again offering the Panther Package—the best sports deal on Prince Edward Island. For only $75 dollars, you can attend every home game for UPEI Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, Men’s and Women’s Rugby, and Women’s Hockey. That means season tickets for seven varsity teams at one remarkably low price!

Your Panther Package includes with a Panther coin, ball cap, and a poster with all the dates for the 2017-18 season.

Holders of the Panther Package also receive a discount on season tickets for UPEI Men’s Hockey. Buy your Panther Package, and add in Men’s Hockey for $165—you’ll save $25!

To purchase your package, visit gopanthersgo.ca and click on ‘tickets’!

Congratulations to Dr. David Condon, AVC Class of 1991, on being awarded the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Small Animal Practitioner Award for his compassion towards the animals in his care and his dedication to the student veterinarians he mentors and supervises.

Dr. Condon was honoured during the CVMA’s annual convention held in Charlottetown in July. The following is a media release issued by the CVMA on July 14, 2017, to mark his achievements:

Island veterinarian awarded for his compassion towards animals and dedication to student veterinarians

Ottawa, Ont. – Dr. David Condon was honoured with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) Small Animal Practitioner Award for his compassion towards the animals in his care and his dedication to the student veterinarians he mentors and supervises.

“I can attest to Dr. Condon’s outstanding reputation as a competent and caring small animal practitioner within our community,” says Dr. Leigh Lamont, Associate Dean, Academic and Student Affairs, University of Prince Edward Island. “What I believe sets Dr. Condon apart is his passion for education and his willingness to mentor veterinary students.”

Dr. Condon, who grew up on a small family farm on P.E.I., developed a strong interest in veterinary dentistry and has devoted a significant portion of his time pursuing continuing education in this area. He was instrumental in the formation of the student chapter of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry for Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) students, hosts dental wet labs for the students at his clinic, and offers lunch lectures on veterinary dentistry at AVC.

Dr. Condon and his wife, Lisa, travel with the Peter Emily International Veterinary Dental Foundation to provide free veterinary dental care to captive large cats (tiger, lions, etc.).

He is a member of the Foundation for Veterinary Dentistry, the CVMA, the PEI Veterinary Medical Association, and the Canadian Veterinary Reserve. He currently serves on the board of directors of his local watershed group and has had past involvement with the PEI Wildlife Federation.

“Perhaps most noteworthy are the students who report that they leave their rotation at the Abegweit Animal Hospital feeling more confident in their skill set and ready to practice independently. That is high praise indeed,” adds Dr. Lamont.

CVMA’s Small Animal Practitioner Award, sponsored by Petsecure Pet Health Insurance, is presented to a CVMA member whose work in small animal practice, clinical research or basic sciences is judged to have contributed significantly to the advancement of small animal medicine, surgery, or the management of a small animal practice.

– 30 –

The Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) is the national and international voice for Canada’s veterinarians, providing leadership and advocacy for veterinary medicine. Each year, CVMA proudly recognizes individuals and groups for their outstanding contribution to veterinary medicine. Visit canadianveterinarians.net to learn more about CVMA.

Contact:

Tanya Frye, Communications & Public Relations
Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA)
613-236-1162 ext. 128 or tfrye@cvma-acmv.org

In the great tradition of performance poets and singer-songwriters, Joseph Maviglia is known for his riveting music and poetry presentations. His songs, poems, and essays draw on diverse influences—from his Calabrian-Italian heritage and North American folk and rock, to the Beat poets and contemporary spoken word artists. During tours across Canada, Europe, and the United States, he has supported many social justice causes through his artistry.

Maviglia will give two performances as part of the UPEI Winter’s Tales Author Reading series: on September 14, 7:30 pm in the Faculty Lounge of UPEI’s SDU Main Building, and again on September 16, 1:00 pm in the Montague Rotary Library at 53 Wood Island Hill (Cavendish Wellness Centre) in Montague. Admission is free.

Originally from Ottawa, Maviglia attended the Banff Centre for the Arts after studying at Simon Fraser University. He settled in Toronto where he was part of a group of singer-songwriters and poets in the vanguard of Toronto's musical and literary circles.

Among his publications are poetry books The God Hangs Upside Down and Freakin’ Palomino Blues, and his recent essay collection, Critics Who Know Jack: Urban Myths, Media and Rock and Roll. His albums include Memory to Steel and Angel in the Rain.

Maviglia’s performances are sponsored by the UPEI Faculty of Arts and Department of English, the Montague Rotary Library, and with generous support from the Writers’ Union of Canada and The Canada Council for the Arts.

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. UPEI is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

The AVC Class of 2021 celebrated the commencement of their veterinary education at the 2017 AVC-CVMA Blue Coat Ceremony held at UPEI on Friday, August 25. At the ceremony, the new students were presented with blue lab coats, signifying the beginning of their four-year journey toward their doctor of veterinary medicine degrees. Welcoming them were Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI; Dr. Greg Keefe, Dean of AVC; and Dr. Melanie Hicks, Vice-President of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (CVMA) and a member of AVC’s Class of 2003.

On Monday, August 28, the new students hit the ground running, attending their first lectures of the year! We thank the CVMA for supporting our incoming students at their Blue Coat Ceremony. Welcome and congratulations, Class of 2021! 

The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre is hosting a conference September 22 and 23 on Animal Welfare in Practice with a focus on feline behaviour. The conference opens with a free public lecture by Dr. Lynne Seibert, entitled “Preventing Behaviour Problems in Cats.” The lecture begins at 7:00 pm, Friday, September 22 in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium of UPEI’s Don and Marion McDougall Hall.

Many problematic behaviours of pet cats can be prevented by providing resources to meet the needs of the cat, including scratching surfaces, play opportunities, and exercise. Dr. Seibert will discuss common problems such as scratching, house-soiling, nocturnal behaviour, and aggression. All are welcome to this free, public event.

Dr. Seibert received her DVM degree from the University of Tennessee. After 3 years in private practice, she completed her master’s and PhD degrees in psychology at the University of Georgia, with a focus on animal behaviour and neuroscience. She completed a residency in behaviour medicine at the University of Georgia, achieving board-certification with the American College of Veterinary Behaviorists in 2001. At this time, she owned and operated a behaviour referral practice in Seattle, Washington and served as adjunct faculty at the University of Tennessee College of Veterinary Medicine and psychology faculty at Antioch University-Seattle. She has taught veterinary behaviour courses at six veterinary colleges and currently teaches behaviour to veterinary students at Tuskegee University and Auburn University. She is a past president of the American Veterinary Society of Animal Behavior and served two terms as secretary-treasurer on the ACVB Board of Regents. She has presented over 2,000 hours of behaviour education in 38 states and 4 countries. She owns a behaviour referral practice in Roswell, Georgia, and is mentoring her second approved non-conforming behaviour resident. She shares her home with two dogs, two cats, six birds, and a pot-bellied pig named Vivianne.

The Animal Welfare in Practice conference continues Saturday, September 23 with more presentations and discussions on feline behaviour. For registration details, see awc.upei.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. UPEI is located on the ancestral and unceded territory of the Mi’kmaq People.

UPEI Athletics and Recreation is excited to announce the 2017 Mulligan Cup schedule and invites the community to come out and enjoy ‘the beautiful game’, September 1-3 at the UPEI Turf Field.

The Mulligan Cup provides an excellent opportunity for coaches to make final roster decisions. This sixth annual cup honours Vince Mulligan, the ageless varsity UPEI soccer and hockey coach throughout the 80s and 90s. It is a great way to kick off the season and showcase the UPEI men’s and women’s soccer teams to their supporters.

“Mulligan Cup is a great pre season tradition for us,” said Lewis Page, coach of UPEI Men’s Soccer. “It allows us to honour a UPEI legend in Vince Mulligan and provides three crucial games to help us prepare for the start of the season.”

“Mulligan Cup is an exciting opportunity to showcase our new recruits and get the chance to see how the squad has progressed from the previous season,” said Graeme McDonald, coach of UPEI Women’s Soccer. “It's also a special time as we continue to show our appreciation to Vince Mulligan.”

The AUS league openers for both UPEI soccer teams will take place at home on September 9, when the men's and women’s teams take on St. FX.

The full schedule for the Mulligan Cup can be found at gopanthersgo.ca.

Tickets for the Mulligan Cup are $5 per day for adults, free for children and students in K-12. You can also purchase your Panther Package—the best sports deal on the Island. The Panther Package gives you tickets to every home game for UPEI Men’s and Women’s Soccer, Men’s and Women’s Rugby, Men’s and Women’s Basketball, and Women’s Hockey. You can also buy them online! Head to gopanthersgo.ca and click on “tickets.”