UPEI students Kathleen Murphy, Stephanie Culleton, and Ben Cudmore received recognition from the Canadian Cancer Society at a ceremony held in Charlottetown on April 22. Murphy received the national Outstanding Youth Leadership Award (given to only one youth volunteer in Canada each year); Culleton received the PEI Division's Leaders of Tomorrow Award; and Cudmore and his family received the national medal of courage. President and CEO of the Canadian Cancer Society, Pamela Fralick was on hand to present the awards.

Murphy was honored for her leadership, which motivates hundreds of volunteers, and has inspired a new generation of Island youth to become more involved in the fight against cancer.

The award nomination package mentions that in 2010, Murphy and her friends created Canada's first 'Tan-Free Prom' campaign. Their effort to promote the idea of 'love the skin you're in' received national media attention, and was applauded across the country. A framework to duplicate this initiative was developed and shared with PEI high schools, as well as with cancer prevention staff across the Society. Tan-Free Proms now take place across the country. Murphy has also been a strong advocate to ban the regular use of tanning beds. Her advocacy efforts led to provincial bans on tanning bed usage by minors under the age of 18, including a ban in PEI in 2012. Her hard work and commitment to seeing restrictions on tanning for youth will have a lasting impact on the lives of Canadians.

Over past three years, Murphy has also co-chaired UPEI's Relay for Life. And prior to that, she helped lead the Kensington Intermediate Senior High School's Relay For Life. Over the years, she helped to raise over $200,000 for cancer research and for the Society's programs and services on Prince Edward Island.

'Kathleen has been a driving force for the UPEI Relay for Life fundraiser for a number of years now,' said Interim Vice-President Academic Christian Lacroix. 'Her leadership, energy, and enthusiasm is contagious and has made the annual event such a success.'

Culleton was recognized provincially for her courage and motivation as a cancer survivor herself, and for her avid volunteerism with the Society, in particular with the Westisle Relay for Life. Culleton is currently enrolled in nursing at UPEI and continues to volunteer with the Westisle Relay for Life, as well as the UPEI Relay for Life, and the Kensington Relay for Life.

Cudmore and his family received the national honour 'for their efforts to inspire others on a cancer journey.' Ben, alongside his mother Michele, father Jamie, sister Tess, and brother Jon, advocated for catastrophic drug coverage for all Islanders and raised thousands of dollars to advance the mission of the Canadian Cancer Society, all while Michele was battling cancer. The Cudmore family lost Michele to the disease in August 2013.

'My dad says it's really Mom who deserves this award because she was so brave and such an inspiration the whole time. But it feels really good to get something like this because we have been courageous. We've been through a lot and we're just happy to share our story,' said Ben in a news release issued by the Canadian Cancer Society.

UPEI congratulates Kathleen, Stephanie, and Ben!

The University of Prince Edward Island's Board of Governors recently accepted the recommendation of the search committee for the Dean of the School of Business. Interim Dean and current faculty member Dr. Juergen Krause was the successful candidate and appointed as the Dean of the School of Business.

'I look forward to working with Juergen to continue to develop a number of initiatives in the School of Business,' said interim Vice-President Academic Dr. Christian Lacroix. 'Under his leadership, the school is poised to further distinguish itself as a place where students excel.'

Krause joined the School of Business faculty in July 2008 as an associate professor, primarily teaching in the field of biotech management. Shortly after joining UPEI, Krause founded the Centre for Health and Biotech Management Research that has created opportunities for the University and the School of Business to connect and foster positive collaborations with the business community. His scholarly work was further recognized in September of 2010, through the appointment to the National I2I (Idea to Innovation) NSERC Adjudication Committee. Krause served in the position of interim Dean of the School of Business, in addition to his faculty role, since May 2013.

Prior to his time at UPEI, Krause spent 22 years in senior leadership and executive positions in various operational and strategic capacities in the Biopharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical industry in both Europe and the United States. He successfully championed global company initiatives, as well as industry and university collaborations, and led alliances with industry partners.

Krause earned his Masters degree in Chemistry and his PhD in Biochemistry from the University of Konstanz, Germany. He performed his postdoctoral studies at the University of Chicago, Illinois.

Congratulations, Dr. Krause!

The annual Canadian Mathematical Society (CMS)/UPEI Math Camp was another great success. The 12th annual event held May 2-4 is a national initiative that sponsors over 20 regional camps across the country.

Math Camp is the Department of Mathematics and Statistics' major outreach initiative for interested students in grades 10 and 11 in PEI high schools. This year's event attracted 26 students from ten high schools across the Island.

Camp activities included sessions with faculty; group problem solving; mathematical relays; math trivia; and recreational evening activities. The camp goers also get a taste of University life as they get the opportunity to stay overnight in UPEI residence during the camp's weekend duration. UPEI undergraduate students serve as chaperones guiding the high school students around campus and tutoring them during the camp's problem solving sessions.

'The ultimate goal of Math Camp is to enrich the students' mathematical education and to encourage them to study math at the post-secondary level,' said Math Camp event lead and UPEI faculty member Ken Sulston. 'The camp also opens their eyes to potential careers involving mathematics and science, and is a wonderful way for the camp goers to make new friends with similar interests.'

Math Camp is sponsored by the Atlantic Association for Research in the Mathematical Sciences (AARMS), CMS, UPEI's dean of science, and the Department of Mathematics and Statistics.

UPEI Men's Basketball Head Coach Tim Kendrick is pleased to announce that six-foot-seven Milorad 'Miki' Sedlarevic will join the Panther Family for the 2014-15 season.

Sedlarevic has played in the top European level for Union Olimpija Ljubljana U19 Euro league team, and was a finalist in the Slovenian All-Star Slam Dunk Competition in December 2013. He is now enrolled in the famed Luxembourg Basketball Academy (LBBA) and will be joining current Panther and former LBBA alumnus Stefan Vujisic. LBBA Head Coach Darko Ristic, himself a former professional Euro league star player and coach, says that, 'Milorad is definitely one of the most talented athletes we've ever had at the LBBA.'

Coach Kendrick is very pleased about adding his newest Panther to the roster, 'I am very excited to have Miki come on board. We think he can help us right away, and I really like his versatility,' he said. 'We feel that he can play the 1-4 spots. He handles and passes the ball very well, and looks like a very good shooter with range. He is used to playing at a high level of competition, and from all accounts is an exceptional team player. I expect Miki to be another important piece of our program for years to come.'

Sedlarevic looks foward to the opportunity, 'I'm very honoured, proud, and excited to be a Panther and be part of this great family. UPEI's Stefan Vujisic, who is also a former LBBA athlete, told me so many good things about the University of Prince Edward Island, Coach Kendrick, and his basketball program, that I'm really certain UPEI is the right place for me to realize my basketball and my academic goals.'

UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Bill Schurman welcomes Sedlarevic to UPEI, 'We welcome Miki to UPEI and to the Panther family. We look forward to his contributions on the court, in the classroom, and within the community. We will do all we can to offer Miki a positive student-athlete experience.'

Sedlarevic is enrolled in the Bachelor of Arts program at UPEI.

Go Panthers Go!

On Friday, May 2 UPEI hosted a brand new science camp-'Girls Get WISE' (Women in Science and Engineering) which aimed at exposing participants to hands-on science activities and career information, and attracting female students to science, engineering, and technology fields.

The camp saw 52 students from grades 7-9 in attendance from schools all across Prince Edward Island. Camp goers learned more about engineering, physics, chemistry, and computer programming through a variety of activities including participating in an international development engineering project; practicing programming skills; building a solar panel; and performing chemical experiments. Attendees also had the opportunity to speak with female mentors who are currently working in the science, engineering, and technology fields.

During the camp, an Engineers Without Borders project called ‘Water for the World' enabled the students to discuss global issues and how they impact science and engineering.

'The girls were quite proud of their successful projects during this activity,' said UPEI engineering professor Libby Osgood. 'The teams were divided into countries and provided with money based on the literary and poverty rates of that particular country. The teams then had to ‘buy' supplies for a water filter to clean a source of dirty water. The teams learned to share their resources, donate money to poorer countries, and help one another. It created great discussion and was a wonderful learning opportunity.'

‘Girls Get WISE' is an initiative of WISE Atlantic, IslandWISE (Women in Science and Engineering), Engineers PEI, ITAP (Innovation Technology Association of PEI), along with faculty from UPEI's physics, chemistry, and engineering departments.

The University of Prince Edward Island conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates on a record 1,006 graduates as they crossed the stage at convocation ceremonies on Saturday, May 10.

The Class of 2014 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 at 2:30 pm.

Newly installed UPEI Chancellor Don McDougall led both events while President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz gave remarks.

'Together-you represent over 60 countries-from all corners of the world,' Abd-El-Aziz told the graduates. 'Each of you is unique-but today you become a greater force. Together, you are UPEI's Class of 2014. And we are so proud of you.'

Four honorary Doctor of Laws degrees were conferred upon well-known Canadian industrialist Robert K. Irving; retired Canadian Armed Forces Major-General Matthew Macdonald; music educator and former Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, the Honourable Barbara A. Hagerman; and community visionary and retired educator James C. MacAulay. Irving addressed the morning convocation, while Hagerman addressed the afternoon ceremony.

During Hagerman's address, she asked the graduates to watch for life lessons in all that they do, and with those they interact with, and to find these 'gems of wisdom' that are found sometimes in the most unusual and unexpected circumstances. 'Cherish your family, your friends, your university and your community. Many people have helped you to this point-inspired you, pushed you, supported you, challenged you, and today congratulate you,' she said. 'Think of them now, and remember them in the years to come.'

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine graduate Donald Buchanan of Glace Bay, Nova Scotia addressed the morning convocation as class valedictorian, while Bachelor of Arts graduate and Cornwall native Shannon Moore delivered the afternoon valedictory address. Moore is the third of her siblings to represent a UPEI class as valedictorian.

Moore spoke of the ‘pains and perks' of University life and encouraged her fellow graduates to pursue what they are truly passionate about. 'Among us today is a diverse group of people. The talent and the potential in the gymnasium this afternoon makes for a promising future,' said Moore.

UPEI held its annual Senior Class Awards Ceremony on Friday, May 9 where a number of prizes were awarded. The Governor General's Academic Medals were presented during the convocation ceremonies by the Honourable H. Frank Lewis, Lieutenant Governor of PEI. The Governor General's Gold medal (graduate level) was awarded to Master of Education student Thomas Vincent Hilton of Charlottetown during the morning convocation. The Governor General's Silver medal (undergraduate level) was awarded to Bachelor of Science degree recipient Kristen Callaghan of Charlottetown. Callaghan also received The Polyclinic Prize for the student who has achieved the highest aggregate in the four years of an undergraduate program, as well as the Ambrose Kwok-Yau Lee Award for highest standing in fourth year of the Science program.

UPEI sends its best wishes to all graduates!

Join us for the launch of 'Some weather we're having! 2015 PEI Weather Trivia Calendar' written by Don Jardine and Dr. Adam Fenech and published by UPEI's Climate Research Lab. The launch takes place from 7-9 pm, May 20 at the Carriage House Beaconsfield Historic House in Charlottetown.

Prince Edward Island history comes to life in this first-ever PEI weather trivia calendar of 365 stories about Prince Edward Island weather and its impact on Islanders' everyday life. This calendar brings stories from North Cape to East Point, West Point to Murray Head - and all points in-between over the past 150 years. It features:

• PEI weather trivia for every day of the year
• Twelve beautiful full-colour PEI weather photographs
• Stories of Prince Edward Island as told by our weather
• Information about tornadoes on Prince Edward Island: their frequency, location and intensity
• Stories of memorable PEI snowstorms from the past seven decades
• Maritime Electric workers reminiscences about severe weather
• Historical PEI weather stories from Samuel Holland (1765), the War of 1812, the Yankee Gale (1851) and the Ice Boats (1855)

As examples, did you know these interesting PEI weather stories?

• Unable to land at Charlottetown Airport due to thick fog in 1943, an RCAF bomber dropped depth charges (bombs) on Mount Edward Road to save fuel.
• Earl Jay's pigs swam down the street in Mount Stewart after the Kennedy Inaugural Storm of 1961 flooded their barn.
  PEI was deprived of a Harvard-trained doctor who died of exhaustion and exposure when caught in a snowstorm for days taking the ice boats across the Northumberland Strait in 1855.
• 'Stormy Michael David Kennedy' was born in Freetown in 1992 during a severe snowstorm that required a trip to the hospital behind snow plows.
• A tornado in the Albany area in 1935 sent a 12-year-old boy airborne while holding three chickens. The boy landed safely still holding his three chickens.
• The worst railway accident on PEI, which killed four men, occurred during a heavy snowstorm in 1932 when Train #33 ran into Train #211 which was stalled in a four metre snow pile at Handrahan's Cutting near Tignish.

A light lunch will be offered. Registration is required. Register by visiting our website at upei.ca/climate or by calling 620-5221.

The Honourable Gail Shea, Canada's Minister for Fisheries and Oceans, on behalf of the Hon. Ed Holder, Minister of State for Science and Technology, formally announced today the awarding of a new Tier 1 Canada Research Chair in Young Lives in Global & Local Contexts at the University of Prince Edward Island. The chair was awarded by the CRC Secretariat and Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada (SSHRC) to Dr. Kate Tilleczek, a Professor in the Faculties of Education and Arts (Sociology/Anthropology) at UPEI. Dr. Tilleczek is also an Adjunct Research Scientist at the Hospital for Sick Children in Toronto.

'Our government is proud to work with the University of Prince Edward Island in building research excellence,' said Hon. Gail Shea, Regional Minister for Prince Edward Island. 'The Canada Research Chairs are driving innovation, addressing health, environmental and social issues, and spurring economic growth in our community - all of which serve to improve the lives of Canadians.'

Dr. Tilleczek first came to UPEI five years ago to take up a Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Child/Youth Cultures and Transitions. This new Tier 1 Chair reflects her expanded research program and portfolio. She is the founding director of UPEI's Young Lives Research Lab, which houses the CFI-funded Qualitative Research Lab. She works with provincial governments and communities across Canada, and beyond, conducting and mobilizing research into practices aimed at enhancing the lives of children and youth.

'I am most privileged to have been awarded this Tier 1 CRC and honoured to work with so many excellent teams of colleagues and students,' said Dr. Kate Tilleczek, Canada Research Chair in Young Lives in Global & Local Context. 'My research aims to bear witness to the ways in which modern societies treat our youngest members, especially those who are made marginal. I focus on three important social systems: public education, technology, and mental health. I seek to describe how they function in young lives over time, place, and context and to share research findings with those who are positioned to better support children and youth.'

'Dr. Tillezcek's work is just outstanding. I'm continuously proud that she's part of the UPEI research community,' said Dr. Robert Gilmour, Vice-President Research and Graduate Studies at UPEI. 'From her work with young people's mental health and well-being, to the Wekimun school she is creating for and with the indigenous people of Chile, she is a credit to UPEI.'

'Dr. Tilleczek's work reflects each of UPEI's four strategic priorities-student experience, vibrant communities, exploration and discovery, and long-term sustainability,' said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI. 'She is the very best of what we do. I want to congratulate Dr. Tilleczek on behalf of the University of Prince Edward Island.'

The Canada Research Chairs Program was created with an annual budget of $300 million to establish up to 2,000 research professorships across the country and to position Canada as a world leader in post-secondary research. The program currently supports researchers, in more than 70 Canadian post-secondary institutions, who are conducting research in natural sciences and engineering, health sciences, and social sciences and humanities disciplines.

For information:
Dave Atkinson, Research Communications, UPEI
(902) 620-5117

UPEI's Department of Education would like to extend special congratulations to its 84 Bachelor of Education Kindergarten graduates who crossed the stage on May 10.

In 2010, kindergarten moved from private governance into the PEI public school system. Educators working in kindergarten at that time were given a unique opportunity to pursue a modified Bachelor of Education degree specialized for the early years (Kindergarten to Grade 2) through UPEI's Faculty of Education. These leaders proudly graduated during the May 2014 convocation ceremonies; some expressed their gratitude and experiences through short testimonials (see a few below).

'For somebody that had been in the field of early childhood education for 20 years (including 15 years as a kindergarten teacher in the private sector), the idea of going back to school at the age of 40 was daunting. However, with the knowledge that the majority of kindergarten teachers would be following the same process, and with the wonderful support and guidance given to us by UPEI, I was sure the goal would be attainable. The course was well laid out for us, and although minor adjustments were made throughout the process, we were always well informed and respected as the professionals we were already known to be.' - Anita Smith-LeClair

'For me this was an opportunity of a lifetime. I had taught kindergarten in the public sector for many years. With the support of my husband and family, I entered university in 2011 as a student, a teacher, a wife, a daughter, a sister, and a colleague. The Professors were captivated at the experience and knowledge we kindergarten teachers brought forth. The courses were not necessarily overly difficult, just time consuming! Each course focused on engaging students, differentiated instruction and assessment, which our assignments, presentations, and reflections clearly revealed! Completing my degree was an educational dream. As I am, was and always will be, a teacher!' - Marg Dumville

'Before beginning this adventure, I was a kindergarten teacher in the private sector and now I am a member of a team of teachers within the public school system. When the decision was made to put the Kindergarten into the Public School System, I was both shocked and afraid. This was unknown territory for me and I was concerned about how I would fit into this puzzle. However, it has provided me with an opportunity to reach outside my comfort zone and to learn and grow as a professional.' - Isabel Myers

'J'ai vécu une très belle expérience avec le programme du Bac en Éducation pour la maternelle en français à l'Université de l'Île-du-Prince-Édouard. Les professeurs ont su travailler avec moi pour approfondir les connaissances que j'avais déjà acquises en éducation en offrant des activités intéressantes, stimulantes, et pratiques telles que l'apprentissage par projets, la collaboration entre enseignants, et l'utilisation de la technologie en salle de classe.' - Michelle Ledgerwood

Minister Alan McIsaac applauded the UPEI graduates in a recent news release. 'Moving kindergarten into public schools has been one of the largest initiatives undertaken in the history of education in Prince Edward Island,' said Minister McIsaac. 'Kindergarten teachers bring a richness of knowledge and experience to the public school system and have helped ensure that the introduction of kindergarten to the school system has been a positive experience in the best interest of Island children.'

Congratulations to all!

UPEI sends its congratulations to editor Dr. Richard Lemm for the PEI Book Award for Riptides: New Island Fiction. The collection of 23 short stories, published by Acorn Press, took home the honour at the Atlantic Book Awards Gala in Charlottetown on Wednesday, May 21. Dr. Lemm is a professor of English at UPEI.

Among the authors in the collection are several writers from the UPEI community: Orysia Dawydiak (biomedical sciences), Malcolm Murray (philosophy), Alan Harrington (English), and a number of UPEI graduates including Melissa Carroll, Lisa-Marie Brunnen, Hannah Visser, and Dylan Riley.

'This honour recognizes the emergence of talented fiction writers on PEI and that there is fictional life on the Island after L.M. Montgomery,' said Dr. Lemm in a release shortly after the shortlist was announced. 'As well, the inclusion of UPEI faculty and graduates in the anthology is further evidence of this university as a place where excellence is nurtured and achieved.'

The Atlantic Book Awards are run by the Atlantic Book Awards Society: a non-profit organization with a mandate to promote and acknowledge excellence in Atlantic Canadian writing and book publishing.

For information:
Dave Atkinson, Research Communications, UPEI
(902) 620-5117, datkinson@upei.ca