Carly Clarke announced her resignation as head coach of the UPEI Women's Basketball Panthers today at a team meeting as she has accepted an offer from Ryerson University to fill their vacant Women's Basketball Coach position. Clarke had completed her third season with the Panthers.

UPEI Director of Athletics and Recreation Ron Annear said, 'It's disappointing to lose a quality, young female coach but this is a good career step for Carly and also an opportunity to be closer to her family who resides in Toronto.'

Clarke said, 'I could not be more thankful for the opportunity UPEI has provided me over the past three years. I would like to thank the athletics department, university, alumni, and community for their support during my time as a Panther. Most importantly, I would like to thank the student-athletes for their hard work and dedication, I will miss them greatly and am excited to follow them as the program continues to move in the right direction.'

'I know it was with mixed emotions that Carly made this decision, but I respect her situation and thank her for all her efforts in building the team over the last few years,' added Annear.

Originally from Halifax, Clarke attended Bishop's University in Lennoxville, Quebec, where she competed with the Gaiters women's basketball program for five years while earning a Bachelor of Science in Biology.

Following her playing career, Clarke joined the Dalhousie Tigers as an assistant coach for two seasons while completing a Masters in Business Administration. Prior to being hired by the Panthers, she spent a year in Hamilton working with the Canada Basketball's National Elite Development Academy.

In addition to coaching the Panthers, Coach Clarke led several Basketball PEI programs including the U-15 girls provincial team (2010), U-17 girls provincial team (2011), Centre for Performance, and Superskills Basketball Camp. Most recently, she was the head coach for the Cadet Women's National Team that competed at the FIBA America Championships earning a bronze medal, and a berth in the u17 World Championships being held August 17-26, 2012, in the Netherlands.

UPEI will begin its search for a replacement immediately and Annear hopes to have a job description posted through local and national channels by the first of next week.

UPEI alumnus, Evan O'Connor, successfully defended his PhD thesis on core-collapse supernovae-black-hole formation-at the California Institute of Technology (Caltech) in Pasadena, California. Under the supervision of Caltech's Dr. Christian Ott, O'Connor developed a computational code to simulate core-collapse supernovae and explored which stars are more likely to create black holes.

O'Connor is a native of Souris, PEI, and a former UPEI student who graduated in 2007. During his time at the University, he completed his Honours Physics Co-operative Education degree, holding some exciting work placements including terms at the Herzberg Institute, and the TRIUMF Lab, a world-class subatomic physics research laboratory in Vancouver, BC.

When asked what his time at Caltech was like, O'Connor mentioned the differences he saw between graduate students who attended larger universities with extensive programs during their undergraduate degrees, versus students, like him, who came from a smaller university.

'I feel that UPEI's core physics program prepared me well for the challenge of graduate physics,' said O'Connor. 'UPEI helped me discover what I wanted to do for post-graduate studies. The personal attention from the faculty and staff at UPEI assisted me in determining my post-graduate course of study, and that's something that wouldn't have happened if I had attended a larger university for my undergraduate degree.'

Dr. Sheldon Opps, associate professor and chair of UPEI's Physics department, supervised O'Connor's honours research thesis, and said he did a fantastic job during his time at UPEI. Opps and O'Connor studied Langmuir monolayers, with special interest in collapse phenomena, which has relevance on lung function and can play a vital role in infant respiratory distress syndrome. O'Connor continued working voluntarily on the Langmuir monolayer project while engaged in graduate research at Caltech.

'Evan has made substantial contributions in the area of theoretical astrophysics, and his research has provided us with a better understanding of core collapse and black hole formation,' said Opps. 'I expect great things from Evan over the coming years, and anticipate that he will be a leader in this field of research.'

'By performing research during the summer in the UPEI Physics department, I gained valuable computational experience,' said O'Connor. 'Through the cooperative education stream, I was able to learn more about areas of physics that I was interested in.'

This fall, O'Connor will continue his studies on core-collapse supernovae through a post-doctoral degree at the Canadian Institute for Theoretical Astrophysics at the University of Toronto.

UPEI congratulates Evan on his recent achievement!

A new online survey panel-PEI Perspectives-is being launched to offer Islanders the opportunity to provide feedback regarding a variety of topics relevant to themselves and PEI.

The Tourism Research Centre (TRC) is developing and launching the panel which is exclusive to Prince Edward Island residents. An independent research organization based at UPEI, the TRC has extensive experience managing an online panel of travellers that are surveyed regularly about tourism, usually in relation to PEI. The organization has now turned its attention to capturing information about Island life, recognizing the valuable and unique perspectives that PEI residents can offer regarding Island events, culture, community, and other tourism topics.

'Islanders have a wealth of information and insights that would be extremely beneficial to the tourism industry here on PEI and beyond, and we believe PEI Perspectives is an excellent platform for gathering their feedback and ensuring it gets into the hands of planners and decision-makers,' noted Kent Hudson, manager of the TRC.

As technologies evolve, researchers are seeking new ways to connect with the public. Telephone and paper surveys, while still valuable tools for research, are considered by many to be less convenient than an online survey that is accessible via one's PC, laptop, or mobile device.

To ensure all Islanders are aware of the opportunity to join PEI Perspectives, an invitation is being sent to every household across PEI in mid June. As an incentive for joining the panel, the TRC will draw for ten $100 prizes at the beginning of August.

'We are confident that Island residents will recognize the importance of joining PEI Perspectives. Islanders have a long-standing reputation of community engagement here on PEI and this online panel offers new opportunities to interact and provide feedback on important issues,' Hudson observed.

Initially, PEI Perspective panel members will be asked to complete surveys concerning different aspects of tourism; however, the TRC has a broader long-term vision for PEI Perspectives.

'In the long run, we want to partner with other research institutions, community organizations, industry stakeholders, and government to extend the reach of PEI Perspectives beyond tourism. Research is valuable and applicable to just about every facet of life, business, and governance, and we believe that engaging Islanders through this online panel will benefit all involved,' said Hudson.

PEI residents who are interested in learning more about, or want to join, the online panel can visit www.feedbackpei.ca.

For Information:

The 10th biennial international conference on the life and writings of Lucy Maud (L.M.) Montgomery will be hosted by the University of Prince Edward Island's L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) on June 20-24. This year's theme-cultural memory- will be celebrated by an exciting group of scholars, including presenters from seven countries.

Among them will be a new presenter to the conference, Vappu Kannas, a doctoral student from Finland and a young LMMI scholar. 'There aren't many well-written books that depict the development of young women in depth, or of female communities and relationships in a general sense,' says Kannas. 'That, I think, explains why Montgomery's books appeal to women-and men-from around the world.'

Montgomery's heroines are also a central appeal to Kannas. 'You can't help being drawn to them. Annoying as they may be, they are never dull. Or, as Montgomery puts it when depicting Emily in Emily's Quest, ‘Many people liked her, many disliked her. No one was ever wholly indifferent to her.''

Another new presenter will be Poushali Bradury of India, who thinks Montgomery has 'the ability, like the very best authors, to transport her readers from across the world to an imagined space.' Bradury mentions that there are plenty of Montgomery fans in India. 'I'm particularly intrigued by the vivid characters, both the joys and deep sorrows that can beset these characters are also major points of continued fascination.'

One of the keynote speakers, Diane Tye from Memorial University of Newfoundland, is not new to scholarship, but is bringing a fresh eye to Montgomery's work from her well-known research in folklore. With a focus on Atlantic Canadian folklore, and on girls and women, Tye has 'published on subjects from bachelorette parties to Christmas mummering, contemporary legend and cultural understandings of regionally iconic foods like molasses and home-baked bread.' Her talk on 'folklore as memory' will shed light on local tradition and Montgomery's writing.

The diverse conference panels will feature new ideas about Montgomery, and home and cultural landscape; narrative and storytelling; folklore, reading, and remembering; memory, and masculinity, and cross-cultural memory.

Since 1993, the L.M. Montgomery Institute's conferences have drawn scholars across a wide range of academic disciplines and research interests, and have been foundational to international scholarship on Montgomery and Canadian culture, 'islandness,' conflict, landscapes, nature, the idea of the classic. This year's conference hopes to continue to refresh literary studies, to illuminate Montgomery's life, and to write with new and young scholars.

For more information, or to purchase session passes, visit http://www.lmmontgomery.ca/conference2012 or contact conference co-chairs, Simon Lloyd (902) 566-0536 slloyd@upei.ca, or Jean Mitchell (902) 566-0381 mjmitchell@upei.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island today honoured its fourth, and first female president, Dr. Elizabeth ‘Betsy' Epperly, Professor Emerita, by dedicating Epperly Plaza- located at the south entrance to the Robertson Library-in her name. Dr. Epperly served as president from 1995-98.

Dr. Epperly's commitment to UPEI dates back to when she was a student-the first to register at the newly created University of Prince Edward Island in 1969. Originally from the United States, Epperly moved to Canada because of her love of the writing of PEI's own Lucy Maud Montgomery.

'On behalf of the students, staff, and faculty of UPEI, I thank Dr. Epperly for her years of service to the University,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'They, along with visitors to campus, will now have a record-through this lovely plaza-of the mark she has made at UPEI.'

June 20 is a special day for Epperly, not only because of her plaza dedication, but because it is also the day on which Lucy Maud Montgomery received her first copy of Anne of Green Gables from her publisher in 1908. Canada Post also chose June 20, in 2008, to launch a commemorative 'Anne' stamp in Cavendish, PEI.

Epperly is the author of many books and dozens of articles, and has curated four Montgomery exhibitions. Founder and first chair of the L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI), she serves on the board of the Anne of Green Gables Licensing Authority and the International Advisory Board of the LMMI.

Epperly still spends a great deal of time devoted to her research on Montgomery. 'Even though I can't always be here on the Island, when Lucy Maud Montgomery is the inspiration, you're always home. You're always on Prince Edward Island.'

Plantings around the Epperly Plaza reflect Betsy's lifelong passion, as they include flora that appear in Montgomery's writings, such as: lilacs, roses, lilies, and silken poppies.

'People want to be proud of the University and feel that it is a beautiful place,' said Epperly. 'I'm so thrilled that UPEI continues to beautify this campus, it's just gorgeous.'

The dedication ceremony featured a fanfare, 'Epperly Salute,' composed by retired UPEI music professor, Bert Tersteeg; special remarks by master of ceremonies and librarian Simon Lloyd, President and Vice-Chancellor Abd-El-Aziz, and Epperly herself; and the unveiling of the plaque, which is mounted on granite, near the library entrance.

To honour the presidents of the University, space has been allocated within the campus plan to create plazas conducive to the enjoyment of the University grounds. Three plazas were unveiled in 2008 honouring UPEI's first three presidents Drs. Ronald J. Baker, Peter P. M. Meincke, and C.W.J. Eliot.

The Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing project (AIRS) will hold its fourth annual regional workshops June 25 and 26 in UPEI's Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 246, from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

AIRS is an exciting seven-year research project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada. More than 70 researchers from around the world contribute to the project's three focus areas: the development of singing ability, singing and learning, and the enhancement of health and well-being through singing. The research aims to provide resources and best practices for teaching and encouraging singing across cultures and generations, and a means for enhancing quality of life through improved intercultural and intergenerational understanding.

Tuesday's workshop features research presentations by recent honours graduates Erica Ross and Denise Beaton; UPEI faculty members such as Dr. Martha Gabriel and Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, Canada Research Chair in Island Studies; as well as a keynote presentation by Dr. Steven Brown, Director of the NeuroArts Lab in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University. Dr. Brown's presentation is entitled: 'Neuroimaging of Pitch Production.'

The event begins Monday, June 25, with a small, expert workshop focused on the resilience of song. A full-day workshop Tuesday, open to the public, highlights research presentations on singing and development, education, and health care, and interactive hands-on demonstrations of research in singing in the UPEI AIRS research space.

The workshop also features presentations by AIRS partners, including Music PEI, Culture PEI, the PEI Alzheimer's Society, and Young at Heart Musical Theatre. Cameo appearances include the AIRS UPEI Multicultural Song Circle and the Grace Christian School (His Girls) among other performers throughout the day.

'Singing is a natural human ability and AIRS is discovering how it can best be exploited to the benefit of individuals, government, and society. We are so fortunate that UPEI is at the hub of this large research enterprise aiming to examine singing in all its dimensions,' said Dr. Annabel Cohen, Professor of Psychology and Director of the AIRS project. 'This AIRS workshop provides the opportunity to share our growing knowledge with the community. We also welcome the insights that community members bring and the important problems to which they direct our attention.'

Members of the public are encouraged to register for the workshop by contacting Ross Dwyer at rdwyer@upei.ca. For more information, visit the AIRS website, http://www.airsplace.ca/. All are welcome!

UPEI clarinetist and professor Karem J. Simon, in collaboration with percussionist Krista Carruthers, will present multiple performances of 'Cadenzas' by Canadian composer Alexina Louie on Sunday, July 1, beginning at 2:30 pm. In a departure from typical recital protocol, 'Cadenzas' will be performed three times, in three separate campus venues.

The recital will begin in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall, and then proceed to McMillan Hall in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre at approximately 3:15 pm, and conclude in Schurman Market Square in Don and Marion McDougall Hall at 3:55 pm. A celebration of Canadian music, this recital is part of the 'Clarinet Spectrum: A Study of Sound and Blend in Space Series.'

The concept for this initiative reflects Dr. Simon's interest in finding ways for audiences to become more aware of and engaged with contemporary music. 'By hearing a piece multiple times, the listener develops expectations, and begins to make connections between the diverse elements of the work. Moreover, by changing venues, the distinctive acoustics of each hall provides a unique perception of color and blend,' says Simon.

Alexina Louie is among Canada's most highly respected composers. Completed in 1987, 'Cadenzas' is a four-movement work, seventeen minutes in duration that exploits the technical and expressive components of each instrument. As its title suggests, the music sounds improvisatory. In combining the clarinet with percussion-vibraphone, marimba, orchestral bells-novel colors are created. This music is an engaging tour de force that is accessible for both novice and seasoned concert goers. As the drama of the music unfolds, the listener will experience a wide range of emotions and moods.

Each presentation of 'Cadenzas' will be unique. The first will follow typical recital protocol. With McMillan Hall, the second venue, the space will be as dark as possible for the presentation of this music as a pagan ritual. For the final rendition in Schurman Market Square, in Don and Marion McDougall Hall, the audience will be placed between the performers and a limited number of scores will be available for audience members to follow. All are welcome to attend!

Ryan Gallant, UPEI Student Union president from 2005-2007, was recently valedictorian at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Gallant graduated from McGill in June 2012 with a Bachelor of Common Law and Bachelor of Civil Law (LLB and BCL).

Gallant's speech was delivered in both English and French, and it highlighted the student population's diversity, universal memories, ups and downs, and the support system behind each graduate.

'Thankfully, not one of us got where we are today alone. Behind each graduate is a person or people who have at different times given us the sufficient support and encouragement we needed to get through law school, or just through the day,' said Gallant. 'Whoever these important people were and are for you, I would like each graduate to take a moment to hold them in your mind, and to give them a much-deserved thank you and round of applause.'

Gallant reminded his fellow graduates of their hard work, but also of reality. 'In whatever capacity you decide to apply your gifts and skills, don't expect-and indeed, don't hope-that everything will be easy. Struggle is at the base of all growth, all progress, and all worthwhile changes and beginnings.'

Gallant credits much of his leadership experience to his time at UPEI. 'My undergraduate experience at UPEI-both in and out of the classroom-provided me with a great base for my academic career, and with the tools and confidence I needed to develop as a student, a leader, and as an individual.'

During his time at UPEI, Gallant was an active volunteer in several groups including New Student Orientation, the Chaplaincy Centre Advisory Committee, and the Grad Executive. He also worked on campus while he was a student, at the First Year Advisement Centre, and for the student newspaper, The Cadre, as a reporter and editor, and as president of the Student Union.

Since graduating from UPEI, Gallant has remained involved with the University through volunteer work with the Student Union, working as activity coordinator for the Explore Program for the past five summers, and co-hosting Wade MacLauchlan's 'Raised Expectations' celebration and fundraising dinner for student awards held in recognition of MacLauchlan's completion of 12 years of service as UPEI's fifth president and vice-chancellor.

Gallant's future plans include working in law enforcement, or practicing law here on Prince Edward Island.

UPEI's varsity soccer and hockey teams are excited to announce that five-foot-ten Islander Cole MacMillan has committed to attend UPEI in September. MacMillan will join the soccer and hockey Panthers in the fall.

Head coach of the men's soccer team, Lewis Page, coached MacMillan on the 2009 Canada Games team and knows him well. 'What makes him a great athlete is his competitiveness and his work ethic. He is a great team leader who sets an example for his teammates both on and off the field. These qualities translate to any sport-whether it be in hockey or soccer,' says Page. 'From a soccer perspective, we're excited to have Cole in our program, he is a superb defender and an excellent passer. This will give our back lineup a new look this season.'

Forbes MacPherson, head coach of the UPEI men's hockey team agrees. 'Cole has the rare ability to make an impact as a two-sport athlete at UPEI. As far as hockey is concerned, he will bring a physical play and work ethic that will make our team harder to play against. He plays a style of hockey that makes it extremely uncomfortable for opponents, while also providing opportunities for him offensively.'

MacMillan is looking forward to the fall, 'I'm very excited to have the opportunity to play both hockey and soccer at UPEI, and also fortunate to be able to play here on the Island. Both are great programs with lots of Island support, and I'm just looking to earn my spot, and hopefully help improve both programs, and keep them moving in the right direction,' says MacMillan. 'It will be a very busy next few years, but I'm looking forward to the challenges it's going to bring.'

Most recently, in the 2011-12 season, MacMillan played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, and in the Junior A hockey club for the Amherst Ramblers. Currently, MacMillan is playing on the PEIFC soccer team which plays in the PEI and New Brunswick Premier Leagues.

MacMillan comes from a family of hockey greats. He is the son of former NHL'er Bob MacMillan, who played for 11 seasons from 1974-75 until 1984-85. Cole is also the nephew of former NHL'er Bill MacMillan. Cole's older brother Logan currently plays for the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League, and was selected as the first-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2007 NHL entry draft.

Season tickets for all Panther sports teams are now on sale, with the soccer Panthers home opener set for September 8 and the men's hockey hitting the ice for regular season on October 12.