The University of Prince Edward Island issued a statement today on the passing of UPEI honorary degree recipient Sam Sniderman.

UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz said, 'Mr. Sniderman was a friend to many, including to UPEI, and was a great contributor to arts and culture in Canada. For example, he and his partner, the late Janet Mays, implemented the Sound and Film Archive as part of the Robertson Library collections at UPEI. On behalf of the entire UPEI community, I want to pass on my most sincere sympathies to Mr. Sniderman's family, friends, and colleagues.'

Though the record retailer and colourful personality was a Torontonian through and through, Sam 'the Record Man' Sniderman was a seasonal resident of PEI for many years and considered the Island his second home. Sam Sniderman received the degree of Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from the University of Prince Edward Island in 2003 for his significant contributions to the music-in particular east coast music-industry, and for his support of music education and budding talent.

Today, UPEI computer science student Ben Docksteader and a dynamic team of young entrepreneurs launched their new iPad application-StrokeLink-an app destined to positively impact the lives of stroke patients. The team worked over the past eight months to design, build, and test the new healthcare app and is excited today to release the public beta in Canada.

StrokeLink is a venture of The Next 36, an organization with a goal to increase Canadian prosperity by developing Canada's next generation of high impact entrepreneurs. Docksteader and his team of Anne-Marie Paquette, Morgan Moe, and Simon Jalbert, were all selected as four of the top 36 graduates from across Canada to be a part of the 2012 cohort of The Next 36.

StrokeLink, a free app that uses a patient-focused interface, empowers stroke survivors by providing them with the necessary tools to regain their independence. The app's comprehensive toolkit of health- reference material and its powerful tool for rehabilitation was created to guide and actively engage stroke patients as they recover, using accessible design and rich media content. These self-care tools include rehabilitation programs with exercises ranging from fine motor skills to full body movements, and are presented as text, pictures, or videos, accompanied by audio cues.

The accessible and engaging design seamlessly guides stroke survivors through their daily rehabilitation programs and allows for custom exercises to be created using the iPad's camera. Users can also enter the number of sets and repetitions for each exercise, just like a gym workout, and a calendar tracks the user's progress. The purpose is to help stroke survivors regain not only functional independence, but also confidence.

As StrokeLink's chief technology officer, Docksteader was eager to put his technology skills to good use, but credits the nature of the app that made him truly passionate about the work, with special motivation from his grandfather who suffered a stroke more than 15 years ago. 'Almost all of my memories of him were after his stroke, and seeing how it had serious impacts on him, my grandmother and mother,' he said. 'He is one man that I sincerely look up to and respect to the utmost, and I hope that what I am doing would make him proud.'

Although Docksteader and the other company co-founders will be graduating from The Next 36 program later this month, their involvement with the product is far from over. Docksteader hopes to see StrokeLink become a standard in Canada and in the US, in hopes that it will impact the lives of many stroke survivors, ultimately leading to improvements within the healthcare system.

For more information on StrokeLink, visit http://strokelink.ca/.

Selvi Roy, a PhD student in UPEI's Faculty of Education, has been awarded a prestigious Strategic Training in Health Research (STIHR) fellowship by Knowledge Translation (KT) Canada. As part of the two-year fellowship, Roy will work on a study which aims to identify knowledge translation strategies to improve the health of indigenous women from the Mi'kmaq community of Prince Edward Island.

'We know that the health of indigenous women in Canada continues to be poorer than that of non-indigenous people,' said Roy. 'That's very consistent to what I saw growing up in India. Marginalized communities have poorer access to health services, and have a different perception of their own health.'

Roy plans to meet with Mi'kmaq chiefs, elders, and women to examine these perceptions, and make connections with health-care providers. Her study will provide reliable, current, community-level data that reflects the health needs of the Mi'kmaq community for policy development and program planning to promote health.

'The project at this point is just taking shape and is akin to a lump of clay on a potter's wheel,' said Roy. 'There is much to be determined about how to best move forward. It is most important that I speak with members of the community to learn their needs and concerns before proceeding to identify KT strategies to best meet those needs.'

'I'm very proud of Selvi and of her successful application for this fellowship,' said Dr. Barbara Campbell, Associate Professor in UPEI's School of Nursing, and Roy's PhD co-supervisor. 'As a member of KT Canada myself, I know this provides excellent opportunities for her, including mentorship in the area of knowledge translation. It's especially exciting knowing she is UPEI's first-ever STIHR fellow.'

KT Canada is a network of Canadian experts in knowledge translation joining forces to tackle the greatest challenge in health care today-the fact that, although there is a great deal of health research being conducted, there is a gap in applying the results at the patient's bedside and in everyday health decisions.

Jan Zwicky is not only one of Canada's finest poets, she is also a distinguished philosopher, an influential writer on the intersection of ecology and poetry, and an accomplished violinist. Dr. Zwicky will read from her new poetic work on Tuesday, October 2, at 7:30 pm in the UPEI Faculty Lounge, Main Building.

Zwicky emerged as an intellectual and lyrical force on the national poetry scene after publishing three poetry collections in the 1980s, including Wittgenstein Elegies, where she first merged her philosophical and poetic concerns. Then, Songs for Relinquishing the Earth, a book she initially handmade in her kitchen as a gift for friends, won the Governor General's Award for Poetry in 1999. It has been praised for its eloquent attention to the material/natural world and its emphasis on music and philosophy as lyrical forms.

Zwicky's subsequent writing, such as Wisdom & Metaphor (2003), has explored unique, polyphonic forms, merging poetry, philosophy, ecological and musical meditations, and even algebraic equations. In 2004, she published Plato as Artist, a non-specialist celebration of Plato's talents as a writer.

The poems in her new book, Forge, a finalist for the 2012 Griffin Poetry Prize, are immersed in music, and through music, in the natural world and human relationships. Forge also explores themes of spiritual catastrophe, transformation, and erotic love.

Zwicky has taught philosophy and creative writing at several universities, including Princeton and the Universities of New Brunswick, Western Ontario, and Victoria, and served on the faculty of The Banff Centre's Writing Studio. She lives on Quadra Island, B.C. Her reading is sponsored by the UPEI English Department, with generous support from the Canada Council for the Arts.

At the first Research on Tap of the season, Dr. Bruce Craig will lead a discussion on the historical factors which indicate Barack Obama will rewin the White House. Dr. Craig is a specialist in American presidential history, espionage, and Cold War history.

Research on Tap returns Tuesday, October 2 at 7 pm in the Pourhouse (above Charlottetown's Old Triangle Irish Alehouse).

'American University history professor Allan Lictman has written a controversial book called Predicting the Next President,' said Craig. 'He cites thirteen historical keys that determine the outcome of a presidential election. According to the keys, the race is over. Obama wins. Simple as that.'

Research on Tap is a discussion series led by UPEI researchers. For more information, contact Dave Atkinson at 620-5117 or datkinson@upei.ca

The UPEI Cross Country/Track & Field Club will host their major fundraiser-the Panther Pace 5km Fun Run on Tuesday, October 2 at 6:00 pm at the UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place. Registration will begin at 5:00 pm inside the turf facility clubhouse.

The newly developed, student-administered club brings together students who enjoy running-both long and shorter distances-and who support and motivate each other in personal running goals. The student-athletes involved in the club are able to compete in all Atlantic University Sport (AUS) invitational events and also run in other local and regional events.

Although the club is a student initiative, there is an advisory group with representation from the Government of Prince Edward Island, Athletics PEI, PEISAA, PEI Roadrunners Community, UPEI Athletics & Recreation, and UPEI student-athlete runners. The advisory group was put in place to provide the students with any support needed along the way.

'UPEI Athletics & Recreation is pleased to support the development of a running club,' said Ron Annear, director of Athletics and Recreation at UPEI. 'The opportunity has been made possible through strong interest from the community to partner with the club and to work closely with the student-athletes to form a training group. It's a natural sport to promote, especially with the quality of our athletics facilities and our athletes here at UPEI.'

Melanie McKenna is a student-athlete and the club's president, 'I'm very excited to be a part of the creation of this new running club at UPEI,' she said. 'With the tremendous facilities and quality of athletes we have, I think it will take off. Having so much support from the community and partners thus far, I have no doubt that we will grow as a sport and become a strong AUS contender.'

Club members are beginning to train together, and encourage all UPEI students interested in running to join them. The club is also great for varsity athletes who wish to receive some extra training throughout their regular and/or off-seasons. For more information on the Panther Pace or to join the UPEI Cross Country/Track & Field Club, please contact Melanie McKenna at mjmckenna@upei.ca or Janice Robertson, UPEI Program and Athletic Facilities coordinator at (902) 566-0305 or robertson@upei.ca.

The following was distributed jointly to media by the University of Prince Edward Island and the UPEI Faculty Association.

The University of Prince Edward Island and the UPEI Faculty Association have ratified a four-year agreement, the two parties announced today. The agreement, tentatively reached earlier this month, was voted on by members of the Faculty Association's Bargaining Unit #1 on Wednesday, Thursday, Friday of this week, and then approved by the University's Board of Governors.

'By working together, we have achieved a fair and equitable agreement for our members that puts our salary base and benefits on a competitive footing with our colleagues at other Atlantic provinces' universities,' said UPEI Faculty Association President Betty Jeffery.

The four-year deal marks a commitment by both the Faculty Association and University administration to work cooperatively to reach a fair deal, and which led to the agreement being approved only three months after the previous contract expired on June 30, 2012.

The agreement largely preserves existing terms but allows for a 7.25 per cent net salary increase-spread over four years. Additionally, there will be a 3 per cent increase to the salary to offset a corresponding higher contribution by the academic staff to the UPEI Pension Plan, putting their average level of contribution to 9.04 per cent. Both the University and Faculty Association acknowledged that it was important to solve the pension shortfall situation and did so through a collateral process.

'On behalf of UPEI, I appreciate the efforts and hard work of both negotiating teams in putting the interests of our students at the forefront of their deliberations,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'As we face continued budget constraints, an underfunded pension, and challenging times ahead, I am extremely thankful that this agreement will allow UPEI to continue its tradition of providing quality higher education and thank all those who contributed to the process.'

On Monday, October 1 and Tuesday, October 2, the 33rd annual Deans' Honours and Awards Evening, sponsored annually by the deans of all faculties and schools will recognize student academic merit. Tonight, the University will honour students in the faculties of arts and education and the school of business.

Tomorrow night, the faculty of science and school of nursing students will be recognized for their achievements.

The ceremonies take place in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at 7:00 pm.

On behalf of the University community, we offer congratulations to our students for their past achievements and best wishes for continued success!

The University of Prince Edward Island honoured three individuals last week who have contributed to the University in an exceptional way. Over 100 people attended the 13th annual Recognition of Founders ceremony to show their respect and appreciation and to honour UPEI's rich heritage and traditions.

The 2012 founders are Ms. Heather Love, Mr. Don MacCormac, and Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Heider, recipient of The Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award, which pays tribute to individuals who have had a significant and positive impact on the Atlantic Veterinary College.

'The Recognition of Founders ceremony is one of the most exciting events at our institution where we take time to honour tradition by recognizing the pioneers who have helped shape the University,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'Our founders are those who have contributed to UPEI, 'daring to dream' each in their own way, offering their wisdom and experience so that we can be prepared for the future.'

An academic procession opened the ceremony and was led by mace bearer Kate VanGerven, UPEI Student Union president. UPEI Board of Governors chair Tom Cullen acted as the master of ceremonies, while University chaplain Sister Sue Kidd provided the invocation, with Abd-El-Aziz delivering the welcoming remarks. Citations were read for Love, MacCormac, and Heider by VanGerven, Christie Love, a business co-op student, and Dr. Tim Ogilvie, respectively. A reception followed the award presentations in W.A. Murphy Student Centre's McMillan Hall.

About the Founders