The University of Prince Edward Island extends condolences to the family and friends of Catherine Hennessey (UPEI LLD ’87), well-known PEI heritage activist, who passed away on March 3, 2026, at the age of 92.

Born and raised in Charlottetown, Hennessey was a passionate trailblazer in the preservation of heritage and history on PEI. In 1970, she founded the PEI Heritage Foundation, now the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation, and served as executive director until 1980. Subsequently, she served on Charlottetown’s heritage review committee and its City Council.

Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues continues to be a meaningful way for our community to celebrate one another. To date, 179 submissions have highlighted the exceptional work, dedication, and kindness of our colleagues. 

Thanks to the ongoing interest and participation, submissions will continue to be featured in upcoming issues of Campus Connector. You can read this month’s submissions (organized in alphabetical order) below. 

As we move into March, I am pleased to share exciting academic and research progress over the past month. We have secured new research funding opportunities for Island Studies and vaccine research, among others. The AI Advisory Group has awarded funding for projects that strengthen the University's capacity in thoughtful and evidence-based curriculum redesign that incorporates artificial intelligence. This month's newsletter provides a brief update on other teaching, learning, and research initiatives across campus. 

Curriculum Coherence

UPEI Curling student-athletes Jack MacFadyen and Ella Lenentine earned the PEI Mixed Doubles title at the Summerside Curling Club on February 22, 2026. They will proudly represent PEI at the Curling Canada national championships in Surrey, British Columbia from March 21–27, 2026.

MacFadyen, who is from Charlottetown, PEI, is nearing the completion of his business degree, and Lenentine, from New Dominion, PEI, is in her first year of studies in science.

The 2026 Summer Job and Career Fair, hosted by UPEI’s Experiential Education department, will take place on March 11, 2026, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, at McMillan Hall in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

The Institute of Island Studies’ Island Lecture Series will present a talk titled “Finding Place: An Irish Story” by author Frank Gillan on March 17, 2026, at 7 pm, in the Faculty Lounge (Room 201), SDU Main Building, UPEI.

The University of Prince Edward Island extends its condolences to the family, friends, and colleagues of F. Allan Curran who passed away on February 19, 2026, at his home in Bay Shore, New York, at the age of 86. 

A leader in the machine tool manufacturing industry, and previous owner of Royal Products, Curran was well-known as an entrepreneur, family man, advocate for UPEI, and a person who lived the mantra “service before self.”