UPEI's Jackie Skinner was a 2012 National Nicol Entrepreneurial Award Finalist and she took part in the recent National Nicol Award Competition and Gala Dinner held in Ottawa. Skinner's business was one of six showcased at the Nicol National finals in front of a panel distinguished judges.

Skinner's business, Chapter 13 Designs will take unsold designer clothing that currently ends up in land fill and use it as the raw material to create new timeless and unique fashion creations. Using a network of design school graduates, this previously discarded material will be transformed into fashion garments to be sold both online and in boutique fashion stores.

The judges commented that this year's competition entries were the highest that have seen since the competition started over 8 years ago. After a full day of judging where the finalists were interrogated about their plans, the national winner, UNB's TotalPave was announced at a Gala awards dinner.

UPEI's Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit and 25-Year Service Awards were presented to UPEI staff members at a celebratory ceremony on April 5 in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. The awards recognized the outstanding employee performance and dedication to students and our community-on-campus, provincially and globally.

The Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit for UPEI Staff were awarded to eight UPEI employees in each of the seven categories. Below is a list and description of the seven award categories, along with this year's recipients:

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Campus Spirit will be presented to a UPEI employee who has fostered a sense of excitement on campus and promoted fellowship, goodwill, and belonging within the University community, by supporting and promoting UPEI. This year's recipient is Jason Singleton

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Exemplary Service will be presented to a UPEI employee who has demonstrated outstanding service and/or who has made significant contributions to the university community beyond that normally expected for his/her position. This year's recipients are Joan-Anne Gosbee and Roger Cook

The Presidential Recognition Healthy Workplace Award of Merit recognizes and celebrates an individual or department that incorporates aspects of health and wellness in their daily workplace activities, beyond that normally expected. This year's recipient is Monique Hebert

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Community Service recognizes and honours an employee who demonstrates the University of Prince Edward Island's commitment to community service through volunteer work, both on and/or off campus. This year's recipient is Denise Bustard

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Sustainability will be presented to a UPEI employee who has contributed to promoting the environmental, social and/or economic sustainability of the University of Prince Edward Island. This year's recipient is Donald Large

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Creativity is presented to a UPEI employee who has demonstrated outstanding creativity and/or who has made significant creative contributions to the University community beyond that normally expected for his/her position. This year's recipient is Lisa Stapleton

25 Year Service Watches & Certificates were also awarded at the Presidential Awards ceremony. This is an incredible staff achievement that is recognized by certificates and 25 Year Service watches. The University recognized the following for their commitment and valued dedication:

Dennis Olexson, Melita MacDougall, Catherine Toombs, Carol D. Heartz, Pamela McGuigan, Ramona A. Taylor, Sharon Gormley, Yogi M. J. Fell, Orysia Dawydiak, Blaine R MacLean, Bruce Ferguson, D. Brian Andrews, Ben Chaisson, Mike Hogan.

The University of Prince Edward Island Board of Governors recently accepted the recommendation of the review committee for the Dean of Science to extend the decanal appointment of the current Dean, Dr. Christian Lacroix, for a three-year term effective July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015.

Dr. Lacroix has been Dean since 2006 and a full-time faculty member in the Department of Biology since August 1, 1990. He was granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor in July 1995 and became full professor in 2003. His field of specialty is developmental plant morphology and he currently teaches plant science-related courses as well as Global Issues.

UPEI Vice-President Academic Dr. Jim Randall said, 'I am very pleased that the University is renewing Dr. Lacroix's appointment as Dean of Science. The Faculty of Science, under Christian's leadership, has grown tremendously, both in terms of numbers of students and the range of specialized undergraduate and graduate programs offered. I am pleased that Christian is going to be able to continue to lead faculty, staff, and students in the Faculty of Science in the upcoming years.'

Dr. Lacroix added, 'I look forward to working with a dedicated team of individuals over the next few years. Our goal is to develop a variety of program options for our students to attract the very best from the Island and beyond.'

During his time at UPEI, Dr. Lacroix has served as Chair of the Biology Department and as a member of numerous university committees including Senior Management Group, Academic Review and Planning, Senate, Internationalization, and Professor Emeritus Evaluation, to name a few. As well, he has acted as UPEI's university representative and scholarship liaison officer with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and is the editor of Botany, a leading monthly international journal in biology.

Dr. Lacroix was born and raised in eastern Ontario, and he attended McGill for both his bachelor's and master's of science degrees before receiving his PhD in botany from the University of Guelph.

UPEI Engineering students will display their designs and network with industry professionals at UPEI's Engineering Design Expo on Thursday, April 19.

As part of their engineering design class in the three-year engineering diploma program at UPEI, students formed into groups and were partnered with various mentor organizations. These organizations had real-life engineering challenges for which the students designed creative and innovative solutions. The design expo and judging will take place from 12:00-4:00 pm followed by an Engineers PEI reception and awards ceremony. The Engineers PEI Design Team Awards and individual Engineering department awards will be presented including the Noel MacAleer Award.

The WSRG released their findings on PEI's labour market on April 12 at a presentation attended by the Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allen Roach and UPEI President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

The research, commissioned by Skills PEI, involved a survey of over 600 Island businesses, and established baseline labour market supply and demand information, and identified requirements for planning that will be used to determine a future skills model for PEI.

Dr. Wendy Carroll, principal researcher, presented the findings to an audience that included survey respondents and government and industry sector representatives. One key finding was that 60% of Island employers reported difficulty recruiting qualified candidates, and due to this recruitment difficulty, 670 jobs went unfilled. These study results reveal that the primary reasons for recruitment difficulties include a deficiency in experience, specific skills, and education/training qualifications.

At the end of the research presentation, Minister Roach gave closing remarks, commenting on the importance of gathering information on the PEI labour market, and how Island businesses were economy drivers, and that government's role was to support their efforts in employing Islanders. Along this vein, he then announced that the Government of Prince Edward Island would be launching a new employment-opportunity initiative in an effort to attract and retain post secondary institution-educated graduates. For full details, read the Government of Prince Edward Island news release

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, and Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary for International Trade, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced funding for the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), University of Prince Edward Island to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment.

'Canada's long-term economic competitiveness in this emerging knowledge economy demands globally competitive businesses that innovate and create high-quality jobs,' said Minister Shea. 'Investments such as this one keep our region's economy strong, create high-quality jobs on the Island and ensure that PEI is a premier destination for the world's brightest minds.'

AVC has purchased a new state-of-the-art CT scanner, which will give the College additional research capabilities in the areas of dairy health, arthritis, bone grafting, orthopedic transplants and stem-cell healing in both large and small animals. This equipment will also allow for additional research in neurodegenerative diseases that can impact animal and human health.

'The work being carried out at the Atlantic Veterinary College with leading-edge, and state-of-the-art equipment is an essential element in this work,' said Parliamentary Secretary Keddy. 'The Atlantic Veterinary College is well known for its many outstanding research teams who are dedicated and passionate. In its pursuit of finding innovative ways to ensure optimal health for its clients, AVC is also creating a real competitive advantage within the global market. The whole Atlantic Canada region benefits from the work done here.'

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested $392,864 to help with the purchase of the new state-of the-art equipment. AVC has invested an additional $130,954.

'As the only full-service veterinary hospital in Atlantic Canada, we take great pride in providing the best care possible to our clients and their animals," said Dr. Donald L. Reynolds, Dean of AVC.

'This CT-scanner will greatly increase our capacity to diagnose and treat medical conditions affecting large and small animals, and it will be an important tool in the education of our students and the work of our researchers. On behalf of AVC, I thank the Government of Canada for its ongoing support of our work.'

UPEI Master of Education student Lech Krzywonos was recently awarded the 2012 Gary Filan Excellence in Leadership Award and Scholarship at the Chair Academy's 21st Annual International Leadership Conference that took place on March 26-29 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Krzywonos was nominated by his academic facilitators for outstanding participation in a foundation Academy, as well as his contribution to the overall Academy experience. Not only was Krzywonos recognized at the conference's awards ceremony, but he also received a scholarship to attend an Advanced Leadership Academy to further his leadership education.

UPEI's Interim Dean of Education Miles Turnbull mentioned that it came as no surprise when Krzywonos was recognized for his outstanding leadership at this prestigious international conference. 'Professors and colleagues who worked with Lech during his MEd program at UPEI were all impressed with, and touched by, Lech's intellect, gentle yet creative leadership style, and his humble approach to life and his colleagues. I expect to hear much more about Lech's future career and leadership growth,' said Turnbull.

Krzywonos is currently the Academic Chair of the School of Access at the Nova Scotia Community College in Truro, Nova Scotia and will graduate from the UPEI MEd program this spring. 'It was truly humbling to be named as the recipient of this award among an international conglomerate of the best leaders in our college and university systems. This recognition is a reflection of the exceptional individuals who support me every day. My family, NSCC colleagues, the Chair Academy cohort and facilitators, and UPEI's MEd colleagues and staff have all allowed me to make mistakes and learn each and every day, and through this, are helping to shape my leadership journey. I combined the Chair Academy experience as a credit towards my MEd. It's a feather in the cap for UPEI to have supported such a collaboration that promotes partnership, flexibility, and creativity. '

The Chair Academy based in Mesa, Arizona is dedicated to delivering exemplary leadership development. The Academy has offered world-class, competency-based, leadership development programs for college and university leaders at the organizational, state, regional, national, and international level since 1992. The Annual International Leadership Conference attracts leaders from around the world to experience distinguished keynote speakers and presentations.

More about UPEI's Master of Education in Leadership program

Listening to Don Avery, Human Resources Manager, and Tim MacPhee, former Quality Control Coordinator, at Padinox Inc. speak about their work together, one might think they were long-time colleagues; yet, MacPhee was only with the high-end manufacturer of Paderno cookware for four months. It is amazing what they were able to accomplish in the span of a co-op work term. MacPhee, a fourth-year UPEI Business Co-operative Education student, spent his second work term with the company this past fall. He was brought in to assist in streamlining the quality control system at the kitchenware powerhouse.

In business since 1979, and the golden standard of cookware in North America, Paderno has secured longevity in a competitive market. By the time the 'Pots for Eternity' hit the market, they had undergone a thorough quality control assessment, backed by their 25-year warranty.

The process of making Paderno cookware is a complex series of steps that requires skilled personnel, coordinated communication, and top-of-the-line machinery from Italy. Padinox seeks to eliminate even the slightest knick or scratch defect from its production line, making the quest for product perfection of utmost importance. While employed at Padinox, MacPhee was first tasked to identify quality issues by meeting with factory staff, and then he tracked deficiencies with information sheets he developed. By increasing communication and documenting processes, Padinox was able to decrease deficiencies considerably. The company continues to utilize MacPhee's plan, though his work term is now complete.

According to Avery, MacPhee brought a wide range of skills to the table. 'He was a quick learner, took the initiative on his own to learn, and was not afraid to ask important questions,' he said.

'My courses at UPEI gave me the knowledge base, and I fully understood how to utilize the classroom concepts, by applying them at Padinox,' said MacPhee of his work term preparation. Along with having strong academic preparation, MacPhee's success was ensured with a fine balance of support and autonomy. He worked closely with a quality-control consultant from the Business Development Bank of Canada, and Avery, who gave him day-to-day support. At the same time, MacPhee was given a high level of responsibility to decide how to go about completing his tasks, and he was encouraged to share his suggestions.

MacPhee rose to the challenge, and provided concrete results to Padinox while learning on the job. He is currently on his final work term at Vogue Optical and will graduate from UPEI this year. MacPhee is thankful of the cooperative education he received at UPEI, and said he feels more prepared to start his career upon graduation.

UPEI co-op students will soon embark on their summer work terms from May-August. Students are only admitted into the program after an evaluation of their academic performance, work experience, attitude, and their level of ambition. Once in the program, students are coached to prepare them for employment opportunities and to increase their value in the workplace.

Third-year UPEI women's hockey player, Anja Weisser, has had an unforgettable six weeks. In that time frame, Weisser, originally from Kaufbeuren, Germany, played for both her university and her home country at regional, national, and international championships-the top tier competitions in her sport. With UPEI, Weisser competed at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) and Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Women's Hockey championships. She then competed at the 2012 International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) Women's World Championship for Team Germany.

Weisser's hockey journey in Canada began after hearing about UPEI a few years ago at a minor hockey league camp in Finland. She had always wanted to play hockey in Canada and was urged to check out the UPEI women's hockey program. Two years later, she contacted Head Coach Bruce Donaldson and expressed her interest. Weisser made her way to UPEI, enrolled in the business program, and hasn't looked back, enjoying her first two seasons with the UPEI Panthers. 'I love the supportive environment that the University offers to its student athletes and enjoy the cohesion of my team,' she said.

Weisser reached a tremendous milestone on March 3, when the Panthers upset the St FX women's hockey team 2-1 in playoffs to advance to the Subway AUS Women's Hockey Championship, held at Dalhousie University. The Panthers then defeated the Mount Allison Mounties 3-0 to capture their first-ever AUS banner.

Weisser recalls the feeling of taking part in UPEI's first-ever AUS Championship win. 'It was unbelievable. No one was expecting us to win the AUS Championship, and most people didn't think we could beat St FX. Winning the AUS has been one of my best hockey experiences so far, our team really deserved the win.'

The UPEI women's hockey team had a strong showing at their first CIS Championship, losing close games to some of the best teams in the country, including the University of Montreal, Wilfred Laurier University, and the University of Alberta.

Weisser was only back on the Island for two weeks before she headed off to pre-camp in Burlington, Vermont, where she trained with Team Germany in preparation for the IIHF Ice Hockey Women's World Championship, April 7-12. Team Germany came up against some tough competition during the tournament, finishing seventh overall, after defeating Slovakia two games in a best of three game series.

Weisser was pleased with how the team performed, highlighting the win against their rivals, Team Switzerland. She mentioned the nerve-wracking feeling of playing close games, the importance of mentally preparing for each game, and the fan support and friendliness in Burlington. 'The highlight of the tournament for me, was the first three days, when five of my roommates, teammates, and close friends, drove 13 hours from PEI, just to support me. It was a great feeling, and I was really encouraged by their support,' said Weisser.

Donaldson was thrilled for Weisser to get the chance of a lifetime to compete with her home country. He noted Weisser as an important addition to the UPEI Panthers and this year's AUS win. 'She brings strength to our defensive zone coverage and plays a key role on both our power play and penalty kill opportunities,' said Donaldson. 'She is a true team player with a strong skill set, she moves the puck well, and positions the puck towards the net which creates offensive opportunities,' he added.

UPEI recently held its annual co-operative education awards ceremony on March 22 to recognize co-op students and employers. Student of the Year awards were presented to Rebecca Nieuwhof (Business Co-op Student of the Year) and Caitlyn Darrach (Physics Co-op Student of the Year). Ben Docksteader was recognized as the Computer Science Co-op Student of the Year but was unable to attend the ceremony.

BDO Canada LLP received the Employer of the Year award for Business, Patrick Trainor, Partner at BDO Canada LLP, attended to accept the award on behalf of the company. Employer Recognition Awards for Computer Science and Physics were also presented at the ceremony. Timeless Technologies Inc received the award for Computer Science, Brad Pineau, Owner of Timeless Technologies was in attendance along with John Rowe, President of Timeless Technologies Inc. NRC Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics located in British Columbia received the award for Physics, but were unable to attend the ceremony.

The annual event recognizes UPEI Co-op students for their accomplishments during co-op work terms, and it also recognizes employers who are committed to providing their students with the best experience possible.

Timeless Technologies Inc

BDO Canada LLP