UPEI's faculty of education would like to congratulate Carolyn Francis on receiving the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award. This award recognizes the contributions of volunteers from across the country. Francis, coordinator of practice teaching in the faculty of education, has been committed to connecting her province with people in developing countries.

As an educator, Francis has been closely involved in teacher development and training through the Canadian Teachers' Federation and Uganda Teachers' Union project; Teachers' Action for Girls (TAG), to enable Ugandan girls to remain in school; as well as a twinning program that links schools in Kenya with those in Prince Edward Island in conjunction with Farmers Helping Farmers. She has also served on the board of Camp Abegweit.

'It is an honour and a privilege to work and learn from Carolyn,' said Miles Turnbull, UPEI's Dean of Education. 'Observing and benefiting from her caring approach to students, her colleagues, and all of her tasks, I am not surprised that this very fine educator has been recognized with a Caring Canadian Award. Félicitations, Carolyn!'

During a ceremony at Rideau Hall on April 25, the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada presented the Governor General's Caring Canadian Award to 26 volunteers from various sectors. The ceremony highlighted National Volunteer Week which took place April 21-27.

Since National Volunteer Week in April 2012, contributions of more than 250 volunteers from across the country have been recognized with the Caring Canadian Award. Discover these recipients and some of their stories at www.gg.ca/caring.

Congratulations, Carolyn!

About the Caring Canadian Award

UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman is proud to launch the UPEI Panther Academy. 'We have some of the best athletic facilities and talented staff in the country,' he said. 'We are positioning the Panther Academy to attract people of all ages, from everywhere, to enjoy a high performance experience and excellent customer service in all of our offerings.'

The Panther Academy will become the umbrella organization for all UPEI Athletics and Recreation programs including day/week camps; fitness classes; training; leagues; developmental, high performance, and travel clinics that are offered externally to individuals, groups, and teams. Participation in these activities will be targeted to all ages including the local Island community, Atlantic Canada, across Canada, and around the world.

Panther Academy participants will build self-confidence, learn from excellent role models including current and former student-athletes, and have the opportunity to increase their knowledge. All of the Panther Academy leaders provide a focused experience, while teaching skills, in a fun and safe atmosphere. The goal of the Academy is to ensure participants enjoy themselves, make lifelong friends, and try new experiences while growing as individuals.

The public is invited to hear more about the Panther Academy at tomorrow's Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre Open House from 9:00 am-2:00 pm. The day will be jam-packed with something for everyone- bring the family and see what the Sports Centre has to offer.

For more information on the Panther Academy, email pantheracademy@upei.ca or call Panther Central (902) 566-0368.

The following was distributed by Canadian Parents for French PEI:

Canadian Parents for French PEI, a branch of a National network of volunteers which promotes and creates opportunities for Canadian youth to learn and use French as a second language, has announced the winner of its Educator of the Year Award for the past year. The award is presented annually to a person who has shown exceptional support and dedication to the quality and availability of French language programs in PEI schools. This year's recipient is UPEI Dean of Education Miles Turnbull.

The UPEI Wind Symphony has released its latest CD, 'Four Horsemen,' a compilation of selected works from performances during the 2012-13 academic year. Recorded live in UPEI's Dr. Steel Recital Hall, this CD features many contemporary wind band pieces including works by two emerging Canadian composers.

The CD begins with Dmitri Shostakovich's 'Festive Overture,' a masterpiece by this Russian composer, consisting of an opening fanfare followed by driving, energetic, and lyrical themes. UPEI's composition professor Dr. Richard Covey was commissioned to write a piece for the Wind Symphony with funding from the PEI Council of the Arts, which was premiered during the fall semester. This piece expands upon the general style of a fanfare, exploring different perspectives of the 'majestic' through contrasting musical gestures and stylistic features.

The title track 'Four Horsemen' was written by MUN composition professor Andrew Staniland. It's derived from the four horsemen of the apocalypse, which is described in The Bible's Book of Revelation. Staniland drew inspiration from the four corners of the earth, four horsemen and four angels, interpreting them beyond their caricature roles, echoing an ancient knowledge about astronomy and celestial movement that set his creativity alight. The resulting piece is a fierce yet inquisitive modern work that is more about the joy and inspiration of scientific knowledge than about an apocalyptic vision of the end of the world.

UPEI saxophone instructor Kevin MacLean is the featured soloist with his rendition of Claude T. Smith's 'Fantasia,' which exploits the technical and lyrical elements of the saxophone. Other significant contemporary pieces include David Maslanka's 'Traveler' and David Sampson's 'Moving Parts.'

This is the fifteenth CD recorded by the UPEI Wind Symphony, all under the direction of Dr. Karem J. Simon. Copies are now available for purchase at the UPEI Bookstore.

UPEI was saddened to hear of the passing of Dr. Mary (Nicholson) Ross, honorary degree recipient and former head resident of Marian Hall. Ross passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, at the Dr. John Gillis Memorial Lodge, on Saturday, May 4. She was 94 years old.

Raised in Flat River on her family farm, she graduated from Prince of Wales College and began her teaching career at the age of 16. After 32 years of teaching, Ross accepted a position with UPEI where for 13 years, she became the head resident of Marian Hall, a men's dormitory. In 1995, the University paid tribute to Ross and her work by awarding her with an honorary degree.

'On behalf of the entire University community, I'd like to extend sincere condolences to Mary's family and friends,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'UPEI was fortunate enough to work and learn from this remarkable woman, and during this time, we, too, feel a tremendous loss.'

The following is a passage from her honorary degree citation which references her time as head resident and describes her selflessness, compassion, and character. 'Many of those young men-sometimes lonesome, often afraid and uncertain of direction or goal in life-owe a degree of their later success to her wise counsel and to her sympathetic ear when no one else seemed to be listening or to care. Indeed, some of these students will tell you that, without her influence in their lives, they would never have completed university at all.'

Online condolences may be expressed at www.macleanfh.com.

The University of Prince Edward Island Board of Governors approved a balanced budget for the 2013-14 operating year at its regular monthly meeting Thursday night on the UPEI campus.

It was reported earlier this year that UPEI faced a shortfall of $9 million between projected revenues and expenditures for the time frame May 1, 2013-April 30, 2014. According to the University Act, UPEI must table a balanced budget; therefore, the proposal to the Board needed to strike a balance between tuition revenue increases and expenditure reductions to preserve services, maintain quality, and keep education affordable at the Island's only university.

President and Vice-Chancellor Abd-El-Aziz said, 'The University administration addressed its budget with a thoughtful approach and kept students and staff at the forefront of our deliberations. As of tonight, we have an approved, balanced budget, but it is based on a number of assumptions. We need to continue to work diligently to achieve projected revenue targets and keep costs under control to avoid any further adjustments.'

While UPEI tuition fees will remain among the lowest in the Atlantic Provinces for both Canadian and international undergraduate students, an increase of four per cent was approved. This translates into an increase of $21 per course. Since 2003, the average annual tuition increase has been 3.1 per cent.

UPEI Student Union President Anastasia Smallwood added, 'As representatives of the students of UPEI we, the UPEI Student Union, dislike any increase to tuition. However, we understand the difficulties faced by the University in the creation of the 2013-14 budget. We appreciate the fact that student interests have been put first and that the tuition increase has been kept to a minimum.'

There were no core programs affected by this budget despite the University experiencing many pressures. The status quo provincial operating grant combined with normal inflationary effects, as well as salary increments, pension commitments, benefit costs, heat, electricity, deferred maintenance, and HST, were cost drivers.

Throughout the budget process, administrators across campus worked to minimize the impact on UPEI's most valuable resource-people-by reducing non-salary expenditures as much as possible and employing a number of cost cutting measures. However, with 73 per cent of expenses allocated to salaries and benefits, some job reductions will be unavoidable in order to balance the budget.

The approved 2013-14 UPEI Operating Budget will be available online May 10, 2013.

*For a complete list of graduates, click here

A record 954 graduates were conferred with degrees, diplomas, and certificates as they crossed the stage at UPEI's convocation on Saturday, May 11.

The Class of 2013 and their proud families and friends gathered to celebrate in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre for two ceremonies-the first beginning at 10:00 am and the second one at 2:30 pm.

Both events were led by Chancellor William Andrew and featured remarks by President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

Abd-El-Aziz challenged the graduates and said, 'As you begin this next stage of your life, you will choose a path. Ask yourself, ‘What is next?' and make sure you have a good answer! Be adventurous, define a goal, and boldly move towards it with the encouragement of those who care about you.'

Honorary degrees were conferred upon business leader and volunteer Fred Hyndman, humanitarian and community activist Marie Burge, science educator and entrepreneur Regis Duffy, and environmental expert and research Diane Griffin. Hyndman addressed the morning graduates while Duffy addressed the afternoon convocation.

During Hyndman's address, he asked graduates to be thankful for their former teachers and professors who have helped them reach this day. 'Certainly not all, but most of you graduating today are receiving your first degree. You must be excited, relieved, proud, and grateful. ‘How can I know?'' he asked them, 'Because I, too, am receiving my first degree and am excited, proud, and grateful.' Hyndman reminded graduates to embrace risk, 'for it is only by taking calculated risk that discoveries are made, that innovation occurs, that profits are earned, and the unknown is explored.'

Jason Cook, from Moncton, N.B. delivered the valedictory address in the morning, and Robert Hainsworth, of South River, Ont. delivered the address in the afternoon. Cook received his Bachelor of Education degree and was awarded the Faculty of Education Prize for an outstanding education student. Hainsworth was awarded his Bachelor of Arts degree during the afternoon ceremony.

While a number of prizes were awarded at events leading up to convocation, the Governor-General Medals were presented during the convocation ceremonies by the Honourable H. Frank Lewis, Lieutenant-Governor of PEI. The Governor General's Medal (graduate) was awarded to doctor of philosophy degree recipient Fernanda Dórea of Rio de Janeiro, Brazil during the morning convocation. During the afternoon convocation, the Governor General's Medal (undergraduate) was awarded to Bachelor of Science-Honours degree recipient John Paul Larkin. Larkin was also awarded The Polyclinic Prize for the student who has achieved the highest aggregate in the four years of an undergraduate program.

UPEI congratulates all degree, diploma, and certificate recipients!

This year's Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit and 25-year Service awards were presented to staff and faculty at a special ceremony on Monday, May 6. The awards recognized outstanding performance and dedication to students and our community-on-campus, provincially, and globally.

The Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit for Faculty and Librarians are awarded based on teaching, scholarly endeavours, service, or combined achievement. Awards for librarians are based on exceptional performance, in one or more of professional practice, scholarly endeavours/professional development, and/or service. The following is a list of faculty and librarian award winners: Teaching: Dr. Susan Dawson, Dr. James Polson, Ms. Charlene VanLeeuwen; Scholarly Endeavours: Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, Dr. Dany MacDonald, Dr. Larry Hammell, Dr. Kate Tilliczek, Dr. John Vanleeuwen; and Service: Dr. Sheldon Opps.

The Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit for Staff acknowledge staff for exemplary service, campus spirit, volunteer and community service, and support and student success. This year's recipients are from a variety of different departments and areas.

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Campus Spirit is 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, was awarded to Mr. Rocky Paquet, Facilities Management.

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Exemplary Service is 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 Ms. Virginia Sheehan, Facilities Management and Mr. Gerard Burge, ITSS.

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Volunteer and 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. Mr. Roland MacSwain, from Facilities Management received this year's honour in recognition of the countless volunteer hours he has given to minor hockey.

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Support of Student Success is presented to a UPEI employee who has made significant contributions to higher education via supporting student success. This year's recipient is Ms. Anne Bartlett, from Student Affairs.

25-year Service awards were also presented at the 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 dedication:

Donna Barnes, David Buck, Pierre-Yves Daoust, Robert Doiron, Sherman Elderkin, Debbie Gass, Cheryl Gaudet, Betty Gregan, Stephen Hughes, Allan Keoughan, Jeanne Löfstedt, Robert Löfstedt, Dawna Lund, Lorraine Lund, Jennifer MacDonald, John MacDougall, Kathy MacKenzie, Dianne MacLean, Rosemary MacIver, Christopher McQuaid, Susan O'Connor, Arthur Ortenburger, Robert Page, Kenneth Parry, Linda Ruschkowski, Rita Saunders, David Seeler, Darcy Shaw, Elizabeth Spangler, Wayne Squarebriggs, Andrew Tasker, and Allen Veale.

Congratulations to all award recipients!

The UPEI Department of Athletics and Recreation was especially proud on Saturday during the afternoon convocation when UPEI women's hockey player Jaime Lynn Donaldson was named the first recipient of the Rory Beck Outstanding Academic and Athletic Leadership Award.

Friends and family created this award to honour the late Rory Beck's passion for sports and his belief that education and community service are critical components of a meaningful life. The award is granted to the graduating student who has displayed the most outstanding dedication to athletics, academics, leadership and campus spirit throughout their post-secondary under graduate studies at the University of Prince Edward Island.

Roderick (Rory) Beck was one of those rare individuals who touched the lives of so many people through his professional careers, sports involvement, and personal life. Beck passed away suddenly of natural causes in April of last year.

Donaldson was selected by the UPEI scholarship committee because of her demonstrated excellence in both academics and athletics. A great leader on and off the ice, Donaldson was captain of the women's hockey team this past year, a member of AUS Championship team last season, recipient of an Academic All Canadian award, and was involved in numerous charitable events and fundraisers, including the RBC 'Newcomers Play Hockey' program and the UPEI Paderno Challenge Cup. Donaldson truly exemplifies what this award stands for.

Congratulations to Jaime Lynn, Panther for Life, and a sincere thank you to all of the donors who made this award possible.

The 11th annual Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS)/UPEI Math Camp was recently held on campus May 3-5. The Math Camp is a national initiative that sponsors close to two dozen regional camps across Canada.

UPEI's Math Camp is the main community outreach activity of the Department of Mathematics and Statistics. This year, the camp hosted a group of sixteen students-ten girls and six boys from grades 10 and 11-from eight Island high schools and one home scholar.

This group represents some of the best math students on PEI, with goals to enhance student education, and to encourage students to continue studying math when they reach the university level. Most of the math and statistics faculty present 60-to 90-minute sessions with the camp attendees, introducing some mathematics that is understandable to the students, but unfamiliar in a high school curriculum.

The students are also challenged with group problem-solving, mathematical relays, and mathematical trivia. As the camp runs for three days, the students stayed overnight in Andrew Hall, and relaxed during the evenings with some recreational activities. The students got a better sense of university life during their stay in residence.