UPEI’s Climate Research Lab is hosting a two-day international symposium, October 5 and 6, entitled Adapting to a New Human Health Reality under Climate Change. The media are invited to the keynote presentation by the Honourable David MacDonald at 2 pm, October 5, in the Grafton Room, Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, 75 Kent Street, Charlottetown.

Global climate change is seen as one of the greatest threats to the future of humankind and the world. While climate mitigation strategies are necessary to reduce greenhouse gas emissions from human-created sources, those alone are unlikely to be sufficient to eliminate the negative impacts of climate change. The impacts of climate change from emissions of greenhouse gases over the past 150 years will have to be confronted by all jurisdictions. Therefore, pursuing a complementary strategy of enabling jurisdictions to adapt to climate change and negate many of the expected adverse impacts is equally, if not more, urgent.

This symposium will examine the state-of-the-science with regards to climate change and human health, and allow discussions that will hopefully guide jurisdictions to develop and implement adaptation policy and build resilience to the effects of climate change. The symposium is organized around the key themes of emergency and disaster management; nutrition and food security; indigenous peoples’ health; perinatal health; vector-borne diseases; and air quality. It will bring together climate experts who may not have considered the significance of human health, and human health experts who may not have focused their attention on climate change. Together with an invited group of audience participants from government, industry, and non-governmental organizations, this symposium will address the pressing issue of climate change and human health in an action-oriented and policy-focused series of dialogues.

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

UPEI’s Department of History and the UPEI Faculty of Arts will present the documentary film Nasser's Republic, the Making of Modern Egypt at a screening Thursday, October 12 at 7 pm in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, room 242 of Don and Marion McDougall Hall. Director Michal Goldman will be on hand to present the film and field questions after the screening.

Nasser's Republic, the Making of Modern Egypt is the first film for North Americans to focus on Gamal Abdel Nasser, one of the Arab world’s most transformative and controversial leaders. In 1952, as an unknown young Egyptian colonel, Nasser led a coup that became a revolution. Over the next 18 years, he reshaped the Arab world, facing deep divisions among the Arabs and emerging as a titanic figure—a champion of Arab progress and African liberation. But what he could not offer was democracy; instead, he established the region’s first and much emulated military authoritarian regime. A man of enormous charisma and ambition, Nasser became caught in the coils of his own power, dying at 52 with his revolution uncompleted. The Arab Spring and its aftermath are his legacy.

Michal Goldman is an American documentary filmmaker. Her interest in Egypt goes back to the 1990s when she lived in Cairo for several years to produce her film “Umm Kulthum, A Voice Like Egypt.” Several of her films have been nominated for Academy Awards. Her love for PEI dates back to 1970, when her parents bought a small farm in Mermaid.

All are welcome!

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 is proud to announce Morgan King, an Honours Science student in Chemistry and Biology, has been selected for a prestigious Killam Fellowship at Clemson University in South Carolina. The Killam Fellowships program is offered by Fulbright Canada—the Foundation for Educational Exchange Between Canada and the United States of America.

King is an exceptional student and the recipient of a number of scholarships, including the Wanda Wyatt Scholarship, the Leaders of Tomorrow Scholarship, the Inspiring Excellence Award, and the William A. Reddin Scholarship.

“Should I be chosen as a Killam Fellow,” wrote King in his application letter, I would use the opportunity to grow and make a difference, no matter how small, using what I learned. I would immerse myself in a place I have only read about. I would represent Canada as what I am: a bright-eyed, eager individual looking to learn about the world around him.”

“Based on my observation,” wrote Dr. Gaelene Tobin in her nominating letter, “Morgan is determined to become an outstanding research scientist and leader in his field of study. We feel that the support offered by this current scholarship could assist in this process.”

The Killam Fellowships Program provides an opportunity for exceptional undergraduate students from universities in Canada and the United States to spend either one semester or a full academic year as an exchange student in the other country. Students may participate in the program either as a direct exchange student (registering at their home university, paying their home fees, and attending the host university as an exchange visitor) or as a self-placed visiting student (applying for and registering at the host university, and paying host tuition fees).

The mandate of Fulbright Canada is to enhance mutual understanding between the people of Canada and the people of the United States of America by providing support to outstanding individuals. These individuals conduct research, lecture, or enrol in formal academic programs in the other country. In doing so, Fulbright Canada aims to grow intellectual capacity, increase productivity, and assist in the shaping of future leaders.

Studying abroad is one of the most amazing things a student can do during their time at University. With more than 60 partner schools around the world, UPEI offers many possible study abroad locations. Contact our coordinator of international partnerships to learn more!

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 following is cross-posted by UPEI on behalf of the Association of Atlantic Universities.

The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) - atlanticuniversities.ca - in partnership with Medavie Health Foundation (Medavie) - medaviehealthfoundation.ca - has created a full-time Regional Coordinator position dedicated to supporting student mental health initiatives for post-secondary education (PSE) institutions across Atlantic Canada.

Dr. Elizabeth Cawley (see below for bio) has been appointed as the Regional Coordinator and was introduced by the AAU and Medavie representatives today at ‘From Survive to Thrive’, a regional student mental conference hosted by Mount Allison University.

Medavie’s investment to create the Regional Coordinator position, which is also supported by the region’s 16 universities and six community colleges, will increase capacity for further collaboration on challenges related to student mental health. Dr. Cawley serves the region’s PSE institutions from Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John’s, NL.

“For the past five years, Medavie Health Foundation has been a highly supportive partner helping our universities and community colleges improve student mental health services”, said Dr. Alaa Abd-El Aziz, President, University of Prince Edward Island and Chair, AAU.

He added that, “Meeting student mental health needs is one of the most pressing issues on our campuses.  With Medavie’s generous support, the AAU is fortunate to have attracted someone of Dr. Cawley’s background and experience to help our institutions meet student needs as efficiently and effectively as possible.”

“We recognize that post-secondary life can be challenging for students”, commented Bernard Lord, CEO, Medavie. “This new position will help enhance mental health initiatives at campuses across the region, helping our students not just survive, but thrive. It’s also an example of a different kind of health care - one that begins on campus in helping students stay in school and live their best lives. Ensuring people receive the right support at the right time aligns with the way Medavie thinks about health care.”

Dr. Peter Cornish, Director, Associate Professor, and Director of Memorial Counselling and Wellness Centre, Memorial University and Co-Chair, AAU student mental health committee, summarized the value of the newly created position to universities and colleges:  “Through the synergy of our Atlantic-wide collaboration, we are poised to lead the country with innovative, highly engaging wellness programming. This aligns very well with the collective academic mission to prepare the next generation to thrive and lead with passion, purpose and an ethic of care.”

Dr. Elizabeth Cawley is currently the Regional Mental Health Coordinator for the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU). Dr. Cawley received her PhD in Psychiatry from McGill University. Her research focuses on help-seeking behaviour in post-secondary students and developing online strategies to increase early help-seeking via mental health literacy and self-assessment. Dr. Cawley has consulted at a number of top Canadian universities, assisting them with the development and implementation of their mental health strategies. In addition, Dr. Cawley was recently selected to participate in a Kids Help Phone Advisory Group. This Advisory Group was designed to be multidisciplinary and acts to inform the Board of Directors on relevant topics; Dr. Cawley specializes in the area of Service Design.

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For further information, contact:

Peter Halpin, Executive Director, AAU

phalpin@atlanticuniversities.caphalpin@atlanticuniversities.ca>

(902) 425-4238 or (902) 497-4419

Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, president and vice-chancellor of UPEI, toured Hon. Heath MacDonald, Prince Edward Island’s Minister of Economic Development and Tourism, through the School of Sustainable Design Engineering. Photographed here are Payton Brown and Skylar Riggan, members of the UPEI Baja SAE team, as well as Dr. Abd-El-Aziz, Minister MacDonald, and Jeff Bowser—the advisor for UPEI Baja SAE.

UPEI’s School of Sustainable Design Engineering is for students who are eager to put their skills and knowledge to work, designing innovative, targeted, and sustainable processes, products, and solutions that improve people’s lives and better society. Our students are part of a unique learning experience that is hands on, team focused, project based, and industry linked.

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.

Students from UPEI’s Faculty of Business have kicked off the 2017–18 case competition season with a win. Teams from UPEI took first and third place at the Atlantic Schools of Business (ASB) Case Competition, which is part of the 47^th annual ASB Conference: one of Canada’s longest running academic business conferences, this year held at Acadia University.

UPEI competed against teams from Dalhousie University, Saint Mary’s University, Crandall University, Cape Breton University, and Acadia University. The first-place team consisted of Alex Dunne (fourth-year BBA, accounting specialization), Sydney Gallant (fourth-year BBA, finance specialization), and Callum Wood (fourth-year BBA, accounting specialization). The third-place team included Shanna Blacquiere (third-year BBA, accounting specialization), Jacob Ezeard (third-year BBA), and Zach Geldert (fourth-year BA, sociology major).

“It was great to be able to compete with the other UPEI team and to have such a good team-building experience,” said Sydney Gallant.

Friday, September 29 at noon, students received a business case (a narrative about a real business and the problems it faces) they had never seen before. They then had 18 hours to analyze the case and create a solution with the option of using the Internet and textbooks as research aids. At 8:00 am the next morning, students submitted their presentations. Each team then presented their solution to a panel of academic and industry professionals for 15 minutes, directly followed by a five-minute question period.

Feedback from the judges panel indicated UPEI students showed an excellent understanding of the concepts and problems presented in the case and their presentations stood out for being comprehensive and creative. This great finish marks the third consecutive first-place win for UPEI at the ASB.

“We are happy to continue the tradition of success we've had in past years at ASB,” said team member Alex Dunne. “It feels awesome to get such a great start to the year.”

“Both UPEI teams had quality performances on the weekend,” said coach Mary Whitrow. “I am excited to see what they can achieve this year for UPEI!”

Past Results at ASB

2016 – 1^st and 3^rd place

2015 – 1^st and 2^nd place

2014 – 3^rd place

2012 – 1^st and 3^rd place

2011 – 1^st place

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.

Eminent animal welfare scientist Professor David Mellor, University of Massey, New Zealand, will give a public lecture at the Atlantic Veterinary College on Tuesday, October 17, at 7 p.m.

During his lecture, “Thriving, not merely surviving: A fresh perspective on animal welfare,” Mellor will look at negative and positive emotions in animals and how these emotions affect behaviours. He will offer a fresh perspective on animal welfare management through promoting positive states and minimizing negative ones, and consider the interaction between them.

Much of Mellor’s pioneering and well-recognized work in the field of animal welfare is on animal emotions and behaviour, and the promotion of positive welfare states in companion animals, farm animals, and others. He led the development and subsequent refinement of the Five Domains model of animal welfare, which covers all aspects of animal welfare including nutrition, environment, health, behaviour and the animal’s mental state, both negative and positive.

His contributions to animal welfare cover many aspects of the science, including the welfare and development of young animals, how to assess animal welfare comprehensively and systematically, investigation of negative experiences such as breathlessness, thirst, hunger and pain, and the study of positive emotional states in a range of animals.

For his work and leadership in animal welfare, he was honoured with the Global Health and Pharma Animal Welfare Award 2016—Best Animal Welfare Academic, New Zealand. In 2015, he was awarded the Universities Federation for Animal Welfare medal, which recognizes the exceptional achievements of an individual scientist who has made fundamental contributions to the advancement of animal welfare science over a number of years.

The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre is hosting the lecture, which is part of AVC’s annual community workshop series. For information, contact Janice MacWilliam at jmacwilliam@upei.ca or (902) 566-0589.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes two student-athletes for their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Jenna Mae Ellsworth (women’s basketball) and Kameron Kielly (men’s hockey), the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the week for October 2-8!

Jenna Mae Ellsworth is a second-year guard on the UPEI Women’s Basketball team and a Bachelor of Science student from Charlottetown. She was named to the tournament all-star team for the Concordia Classic, held over the weekend in Montreal. She also averaged 20 points, six rebounds, four assists, and three steals over three games. “Jenna Mae picked up the start of the 2017 season where she left off last year,” said coach Greg Gould, after the team’s second-place finish in Montreal. “She was our team’s leading scorer and best defender in our three wins in Montreal on the weekend. Her on-court leadership makes our team go.”

Kameron Kielly is a first-year forward on the UPEI Men’s Hockey team, and a Bachelor of Business Administration student from Charlottetown. The team lost its home-opener over the weekend to the University of New Brunswick, but snatched an overtime win the next day over the Université de Moncton. Kieslly shone in both games, notching a pair of goals and five assists. “Even though Kam was battling illness and had only practiced with our group a couple of times, he had an immediate impact with our group and in this league,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “There seemed to be instant chemistry with Power and Ashley, and between the three of them, they were in on almost all of the goals this past weekend. Great start for this group as a line, and for Kam individually.”

Don’t forget to pick up your Panther Package! For just $75, the package includes admission to every home game for UPEI Women’s and Men’s Soccer, UPEI Women’s and Men’s Rugby, UPEI Women’s and Men’s Basketball, and UPEI Women’s Hockey. Head to gopanthersgo.ca and click on ‘tickets’!

And don’t forget, UPEI students get into all Panther home games for free. Let’s fill the stands and make 2017–18 the best season ever!

The Mickey Place Memorial Basketball Tournament, presented by Rodd Hotels & Resorts, begins on Friday, October 13. Seven basketball teams from across Canada and the United States will compete in this annual three-day event.

UPEI Women’s Basketball starts the three-day tournament with a game against Mount Allison University Friday at 6:00 pm.

“The UPEI Women’s Basketball team has played six exhibition games on the road and is looking forward to playing in front of home fans at the Mickey Place Tournament this weekend,” said coach Greg Gould. “The team has won five of those six games and will try to keep its momentum going against Mount A and Holland College.”

The Panther men begin their tournament Friday evening at 8:00 pm against Cape Breton University.

“We are really excited about the Mickey Place tournament this year,” said coach Darrell Glenn. “We have lots of exciting activities planned for our alumni returning to campus, and the competition lined up for the weekend will give our team a great opportunity to continue to grow.”

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.

Admission is free for UPEI students and students K-12. Tickets are $10 for an adult day pass, or $20 for a weekend pass. All games will be played in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. The full tournament schedule follows:

Friday, October 13

6:00 pm (W) Mount Allison University vs. UPEI

8:00 pm (M) Cape Breton University vs. UPEI

Saturday, October 14 

2:00 pm UPEI Alumni Game

4:00 pm (M) Mount Allison vs. Cape Breton University

6:00 pm (W) UPEI vs. Holland College

8:00 pm (M) UPEI vs. University of Maine at Fort Kent 

Sunday, October 15

12:00 pm (M) University of Maine at Fort Kent vs. Cape Breton Univresity

2:00 pm (M) Mount Allison vs. UPEI

Don’t forget to pick up your Panther Package! For just $75, the package includes admission to every home game for UPEI Women’s and Men’s Soccer, UPEI Women’s and Men’s Rugby, UPEI Women’s and Men’s Basketball, and UPEI Women’s Hockey. Head to gopanthersgo.ca and click on ‘tickets’!

And don’t forget, UPEI students get into all Panther home games for free. Let’s fill the stands and make 2017–18 the best season ever!

The Panther home-schedule is full this weekend, with the home-opener for UPEI Women’s Hockey, the Mickey Place Memorial Basketball Tournament, and games for men’s hockey and both soccer teams.

UPEI Men’s Hockey starts off the weekend with a home game against the Université de Moncton, Friday at 7:00 pm, in MacLauchlan Arena. The Panthers had a tough time with the Aigles Bleus in their last match-up, coming back from a big goal deficit to beat them in overtime.

“We will be looking to have a better start this Friday vs UdeM,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “Our team showed a tremendous amount of resolve for a very gutsy win last week, but reality is you cannot expect to overcome those type of deficits on a regular basis. We will be adding a couple of players back to the line-up that will be a nice boost for the team.”

UPEI Women’s Hockey plays its home-opener Saturday evening at 7:00 pm in MacLauchlan Arena. Coach Bruce Donaldson says the team is looking forward to starting the season against back-to-back AUS Champions Saint Mary’s University.

“ We played them in pre-season and lost 3-1,” he said. “It was a great yard stick and clearly showed we had some work to do to get ready for this coming weekend. The keys to winning will be to control their big players and take advantage of any power-play and penalty-killing opportunities that come along.”

Both Panther soccer teams play at home Saturday afternoon. The women host Dalhousie University at 1:00 pm.

“Coming into the last half of the season, it’s important we find another gear,” said coach Graeme McDonald. “Every point counts now, and we have to be mentally prepared and ready to compete.” 

The men hit the field at 3:15 pm, also against Dal.

“The Tigers have a strong team this year, but we have been performing well recently,” said coach Lewis Page. “We are looking to turn those performances into points this weekend.”

Even mid-season, the Panther Package is a deal that can’t be beat. For just $75, the Panther Package gives you admission to every home game for UPEI Women’s and Men’s Soccer, UPEI Women’s and Men’s Rugby, UPEI Women’s and Men’s Basketball, and UPEI Women’s Hockey. Head to gopanthersgo.ca and click on ‘tickets’!

And don’t forget season tickets for UPEI Men’s Hockey! Your $190 dollars gives you a reserved seat, 15 individual tickets, 2-for-1 golf at Fox Meadows Golf and Country Club (until May 31, 2018), a 10% discount card at Source for Sports, 2 for 1 large pizza for the year at Domino’s, and a $50 discount towards your Panther Package!

Remember, UPEI students get into all Panther home games for free. Let’s fill the stands and make 2017–18 the best season ever!