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.

AVC’s big reunion celebration is almost here! On Friday, July 14, Dean Greg Keefe will host an All-Year’s Reunion at 7:00 pm, in The McCain Foundation Learning Commons. Two classes are celebrating milestones—the Class of 1992 its 25th anniversary at the All-Years’ Reunion, and, on Monday, July 17, the Class of 2007 its ten-year anniversary in the Commons at 5 p.m.

During the All-Years Reunion, the inaugural AVC Alumni Challenge Cup will be awarded to the class with the greatest proportion of grads who donate $25 or more to the College. And Dean Keefe will present Dr. Alice Crook, coordinator of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre, with AVC’s 2016 Atlantic Award of Excellence in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care. It will be a jam-packed evening with local entertainment and delicious food!

Alumni will also have the chance to learn about the new AVC Alumni Association, a great way to stay in touch with their alma mater and classmates. For more information or to get involved, please contact Janice MacWilliam, special events coordinator for AVC, at jmacwilliam@upei.ca, or Anthony Gill, manager of alumni engagement for UPEI, at adgill@upei.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island is thrilled to announce a $30,000 funding grant through the Rick Hansen Foundation’s Access4All Program, a Canada 150 Signature Initiative aimed at breaking down barriers for people living with disabilities.

In celebration of Canada’s 150th anniversary of Confederation, the Rick Hansen Foundation, with support from the Government of Canada, invited schools and community groups to learn more about accessibility, identify barriers, and apply for grants of up to $30,000 to undertake and celebrate accessibility infrastructure improvements in public places and spaces.   

With the participation of the Government of Canada, this grant will fund a “Barrier Buster” Project that will see ten buildings on the UPEI campus receive infrastructural accessibility upgrades. The project funding was acquired through THE INSPIRE! CAMPAIGN at UPEI, and will also support an awareness event and announcement, detailing the upgrades and improvements, later this fall.

“We want to help ensure that every individual in the UPEI community has the opportunity to realize their full potential,” said Vice-President Administration and Finance Jackie Podger. “This begins with creating inclusive and accessible communities, and we’re proud to be able to improve and upgrade our facilities with support from the Government of Canada and the Rick Hansen Foundation.”

While approximately 500 students are registered with UPEI Accessibility Services, the upgrades and improvements to the UPEI campus will impact and benefit the entire community.

The entire University of Prince Edward Island community was saddened to hear of the passing of historian and UPEI sessional lecturer Boyde Beck on Tuesday, July 18, from complications associated with pancreatic cancer.

He died at his summer home in Cable Head East at the age of 56.

Beck was a historical research officer with the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation and a long-time lecturer with UPEI’s Department of History.

The Dieticians of Canada recently honoured Dr. Melissa “Misty” Rossiter at the 2017 National Conference Award Ceremony in St. John’s, Newfoundland. Dr. Rossiter received a Member Recognition Award, which recognizes volunteerism, expertise, and achievements that contribute to the advancement of the profession in the areas of leadership, innovation, education, and association catalyst.

Dr. Rossister was honoured in the leadership category. According to the award website:

“Dr. Rossiter’s nomination highlights the diverse roles dietitians can develop and nurture and in the process help create effective public health policy. As a primary or co-investigator, her research focus is assessing and promoting nutritional health for women and children. By examining the Nutrition Standards in Child Care in PEI, Melissa’s research progressed to engaging the child-care community in conversation about feeding young children through the Early Years Centres Evaluation project. She is a member of the Obesity Prevention from Conception pan-Canadian team and a DC representative with The Society of Obstetricians and Gynecologists of Canada developing clinical practice guidelines on female nutrition. Dr. Rossiter’s contributions demonstrate strong leadership and commitment in promoting nutrition health and building the profession’s knowledge base.”

Congratulations, Dr. Rossiter!

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 congratulates Dr. David Hickey, Assistant Professor, Professional Writing and Digital Rhetoric in the UPEI Department of English, on receiving the 2017 Pat Rogers Poster Award from the Society for Teaching and Learning in Higher Education (STLHE). Dr. Hickey was recognized for his poster, Sounding Off: Soapboxes for the University Classroom, at the recent STLHE annual conference in Halifax. 

The L.M. Montgomery Institute and the University of Prince Edward Island are launching an exhibit that marries technology and history in an exciting and dynamic way. “The Wreck of the Marco Polo” Virtual Reality Experience launches Thursday, July 27 from 4-6 pm in UPEI’s Robertson Library.

The virtual reality experience is a five-minute adventure where participants are transported back in time, through special reality headsets, to the July 1883 wreck of the Marco Polo as witnessed by eight-year-old Lucy Maud Montgomery. Participants will hear Montgomery’s words, which were chronicled eight years later in her essay, “The Wreck of the Marco Polo”, describing how the ship came within 300 metres of the Cavendish shoreline and ran aground off PEI’s north shore.

The launch includes a reception with guest speakers, including Dr. Betsy Epperly, past-president of UPEI and the founder of the L.M. Montgomery Institute.

“The Wreck of the Marco Polo” Virtual Reality Experience will be available for public viewing in the Robertson Library on July 27, noon–8:00 pm; July 28, 8:00 am–5:00 pm, and July 29, noon–5:00 pm.

This is a UPEI Reunion Weekend Event. For the full schedule of events, visit upei.ca/reunionweekend

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.