As UPEI is busy with the first week of classes and welcoming new and returning students to campus, its focus remains on upcoming priorities around delivering high quality educational programs, strong student experiences, a growing exploration and discovery agenda, long-term sustainability and building vibrant communities.

The recent discussion of UPEI Athletics and Recreation touches on the majority of these priorities in various ways, and a public search is now underway for a Director of Athletics and Recreation at UPEI. The position posting can be found here.

The hiring committee consists of Jackie Podger, Vice President, Administration and Finance - Committee Chair; Dave MacNeill, Lead Consultant, Athletics Review - Community Member; Norman Beck, Principal Stonepark Intermediate School - Community Member; Tracey Ellsworth, Principal Sherwood Elementary- Representative of Athletic Advisory Board; Tony Sauer - Scotia McLeod Wealth Advisor- Community Advisor; and Jonathan Oliver - Director Ancillary Services at UPEI.

A research project at UPEI is looking for volunteers who enjoy gardening, cooking, and working with children. Dr. Lyndsay Moffatt, assistant professor of education at UPEI, is looking for 23 elders (50+), and 23 young adults (16-30) or adults (30-50) who are willing and able to meet approximately once a month during the school year to plant seeds, make food, sing, talk, and tell stories with Kindergarten students.

Dr. Moffatt is studying how this kind of intergenerational project can support the kindergarten language and literacy curricula. To participate in 'Start With A Seedling,' volunteers will need an up-to-date police record check. This police record check is free if you present a letter from Dr. Moffatt that outlines the study.

Interested? Contact Dr. Moffatt at lemoffatt@upei.ca or (902) 620-5177.

'Start With A Seedling' is supported by a Joint Education Research Grant (JERG) from the Prince Edward Island English Language School Board, UPEI's Faculty of Education, and the PEI Department of Education and Early Childhood Development, as well as a Charlottetown Micro-grant.

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

UPEI Women's Rugby Head Coach Shannon Atkins is very pleased to announce that former rugby player Cassie MacKenzie will join the Panther coaching staff for the 2014-15 season.

MacKenzie, a two-time team MVP, two-time AUS All-Star, during her first season with UPEI, was also selected to play rugby for the U-19 Canadian Women's Rugby team. MacKenzie is known as a 'no-nonsense' scrum half who directed her team on both offensive and defensive strategies. She was admired and respected throughout the league for both her athletic ability, as well as her community involvement, in particular with rugby in PEI.

'Cassie played rugby at UPEI from 2004-08, and received many awards for her contributions on the field,' said Atkins. 'Since then, she has gone on to coach both at the high school level (for nine years), and as a provincial rugby coach (for five years). Cassie has always made the University proud in the classroom and on the pitch, and has received two degrees from UPEI (BSc and MBA). She is second to none in her coaching abilities, and I am really looking forward to the team benefiting from all of her expertise.'

'I am very excited to be joining the Panthers coaching staff this season, and look forward to coaching at a new elite level,' said MacKenzie. 'As a former Panther, this team is very special to me and I am grateful to have the opportunity to give back to a program that provided me with so many opportunities. The Panthers have a talented group of women, and I look forward to helping this young dynamic team build on their potential.'

In addition to being introduced, MacKenzie will also be honoured for her rugby accomplishments during the Women's Rugby home opener tomorrow afternoon at 2:00 pm on MacAdam Field where the team will take on the Acadia Axewomen.

'There are a few female players on the Island that have directly contributed to the success of women's rugby in the province, and Cassie is one of them,' added Atkins, who is also the Women's Coordinator for the PEI Rugby Union.

Go Panthers Go!

For information:
Ron Annear
UPEI Athletics and Recreation
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca

The University of Prince Edward Island signed two articulation agreements with Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. today to provide the opportunity for Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. graduates to gain admission into UPEI's Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Child and Family Studies degree programs.

Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. students who complete a two-year diploma in Human Services will now be able to gain admission into the third-year of the Bachelor of Arts program at UPEI; while Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. students who complete a two-year diploma in Early Childhood Education will now be able to gain admission to the third-year of the Bachelor of Child and Family Studies, through the Department of Applied Human Sciences.

These agreements were signed by UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz; UPEI Vice-President Academic Christian Lacroix; President of Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. Donald DesRoches; and Vice-President of Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. Colette Aucoin. The agreements mirror similar agreements for corresponding programs at Holland College.

'We are very pleased to welcome Collège Acadie as a partner institution,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'We look forward to recognizing the graduates of the Collège as they transition to an articulated degree program here at UPEI.'

'This is the first articulation agreement between the University of Prince Edward Island and Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. and we couldn't be more thrilled as our graduates will now be able to continue their post-secondary studies in the province. We hope that this partnership will pave the way to collaboration in additional program areas in the future,' said Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É. President Donald DesRoches.

For information:
Sheila Kerry
Media Relations and Communications Officer
University of Prince Edward Island
(902) 566-0760, skerry@upei.ca

Tina Robichaud
Collège Acadie Î.-P.-É.
(902) 314-3332, tina@trobichaudconsulting.ca

The UPEI soccer program will host 'UPEI Alumni Night' on Friday, September 12. All UPEI alumni will be granted free admission to the soccer games; drink and food specials will be available at The Wave prior to, and after the games; and a licensed beer garden will be available during the games. Alumni in attendance will also be entered to win a Panther prize pack from the UPEI Alumni Office.

The evening kicks off with the UPEI Women's Soccer team facing Mount Allison at 5:00 pm, followed by the UPEI Men's Soccer game at 7:15 pm. This will be a great chance for UPEI alumni to reconnect with former classmates and teammates, and cheer on this year's UPEI Panther student-athletes. For more information on upcoming games and events, check out www.gopanthersgo.ca.

For information:
Ron Annear
UPEI Athletics and Recreation
University of Prince Edward Island
(902) 566-0991, annear@upei.ca

The UPEI Panther Athletes of the Week for the week of September 1-7 are Emilie Pelletier, Women's Soccer; and Logan Dawson, Men's Soccer. UPEI Athletics and Recreation showcases these talented athletes to recognize their hard work and dedication to their respective sports throughout the season. UPEI Athletes of the Week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who: Emilie Pelletier, Women's Soccer; and Logan Dawson, Men's Soccer

What: UPEI Panther Athletes of the Week

When: Week of September 1-7

Why: Pelletier, a fourth-year science student from Fredericton, New Brunswick had a strong opening weekend for the Panthers. She scored in the Panthers 5-2 loss to Acadia University on Friday, September 5, and had two assists in the team's 4-0 win over Université de Moncton on Sunday, September 7.

Dawson, a fifth-year business student from Hampton, PEI returned to the team after a year off. He quickly returned to his high level of play, winning the 'Player of the Game' award in Friday night's 1-0 loss to Acadia, and had a strong performance in the Panthers 2-2 tie against Moncton on Sunday.

Panther Action this weekend:

Friday, September 12
UPEI Soccer Alumni Night presented by Cox & Palmer
5:00 pm (W) Soccer vs. Mount Allison University
7:15 pm (M) Soccer vs. Mount Allison University

Sunday, September 14
1:00 pm (W) Soccer vs. St. Francis Xavier University
3:15 pm (M) Soccer vs. St. Francis Xavier University

All Panther home games are available on http://austv.ca/

Go Panthers Go!

Emilie Pelletier, Women's Soccer

The UPEI Department of Music is pleased to begin its 2014-15 Concert Series at Steel Recital Hall on Friday, September 12 at 7:30 pm with David Braid and the Maritime Brass Quintet performing Braid's works for jazz piano and brass quintet and Gershwin's 'Rhapsody in Blue.'

Throughout this season, the Music Department will be celebrating its students, alumni, and PEI musicians by featuring them in fifteen of the seventeen concerts presented in the series. This first concert includes UPEI alumni Eric Mathis and Bob Nicholson as part of the brass quintet. The Maritime Brass Quintet brings the highest calibre chamber music to concert halls, churches, festivals, and schools throughout the Maritimes. The group is comprised of five of Canada's finest brass players: Curtis Dietz and Richard Simoneau (trumpet), Gina Patterson (horn), Eric Mathis (trombone), and Bob Nicholson (tuba and bass trombone).

Maritime Brass Quintet members have studied throughout North America and performed or held positions with many of the world's leading ensembles, including the Chicago Symphony, Toronto Symphony, l'Orchestre Symphonique de Montréal, National Arts Centre Orchestra, Honolulu Symphony, and the Canadian Opera Company Orchestra. They also have experience playing in numerous smaller groups and ensembles, including Foothills Brass, Northumberland Brass, Honolulu Brass Quintet, the Jive Kings, and the Canadian Brass.

'They know each other musically and get as fine a blend as you can get with instruments from different makers. The sound of this quintet was sunny and glorious' - The Chronicle Herald By Stephen Pedersen Concert Review

Since forming in the spring of 2011, the Maritime Brass Quintet embarked on a busy concert schedule and its members have been featured guests at many of the region's well-known concert series and performance venues including the Scotia Festival of Music, the Music Room, Acadia University, University of Prince Edward Island, Université de Moncton, and First Baptist Church, Halifax. They frequently collaborate with some of the regions finest musicians including Paul Halley and the King's Chapel Choir, Nick Halley and Capella Regalis, Jeff Joudrey and the Halifax Camerata, the Musique Royale Concert Series, Music at Three Churches, Mahone Bay, and in recital with Mark Duggan at the Scotia Festival of Music. All members are dedicated educators as well as players, and are committed to working with brass players of all ages.

Braid has been hailed by MacLean's Magazine as 'a jazz genius to call our own.' Braid, a two-time Juno award winner, is among a new generation of Canadian artists making his mark on international stages. Braid has performed across Western Europe, Scandinavia, Asia, Australia, Brazil, the United States, and Canada. Combining harmonic intricacies fundamental to European classical music and the spontaneity of American jazz, Braid's original music engages audiences with melodic lyricism and rhythmic pulses that do not conform neatly to any one musical genre.

Recently awarded Jazz Pianist of the Year in Canada, Braid is also a recipient of SOCAN Composer of the Year, recognizing his output of over eighty works including compositions for solo piano, jazz ensembles, chamber ensembles, and symphony orchestras. He has released nine recordings, garnering six Juno nominations and two Juno awards; he is also a multi-national jazz award winner and a recipient of the Canada Council for the Arts' Jazz ID Award. Braid graduated from the University of Toronto and was nominated for the Governor General's Academic Medal. His most recent focus is on solo piano performances. In addition to his solo recording, 'VERGE,' Braid's solo work is profiled in Daniel Berman's series 'Solos: the Jazz Sessions' (Original Spin Media) along with pianists Brad Mehldau, Ethan Iverson, and Jacky Terrason. Braid's solo work is also recorded on CBC's 'Q,' and 'The Signal.' In addition to performing and composing, Braid is on faculty at the University of Toronto.

Tickets for the September 12 performance are $15/$10 for students and seniors, and are available at the door, or in advance by calling 566-0507 or by email at music@upei.ca

The 15th annual Recognition of Founders Ceremony will take place Thursday, September 25 at 2:00 pm in the Quadrangle outside of SDU Main Building.

The Prince Edward Island community is invited to take part in a ceremony to honour UPEI's rich heritage and traditions by acknowledging individuals who have contributed to the University in an exceptional way.

The 2014 Founders are: Ms. Joy Ikede, Dr. Frances Gray, and Ms. Dulcinea Andrews. Dr. Ian Dohoo will also be recognized as this year's recipient of the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award, which honours individuals who have had a positive impact on the Atlantic Veterinary College.

A reception will follow the ceremony in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall (also ceremony rain location). Parking will be available at the CARI Complex.

For information:
Rebecca Gass
Events and Protocol Officer, UPEI
rjgass@upei.ca, (902) 566-0949

The University of Prince Edward Island would like to congratulate Dr. Ann Braithwaite, associate professor and coordinator of Diversity and Social Justice Studies on her recent recognition from the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU). Dr. Braithwaite was awarded the Anne Marie MacKinnon Educational Leadership Award for her demonstrated commitment to the improvement of university teaching.

Braithwaite joins Dr. Martin Kutnowski of St. Thomas University, and Dr. Peter MacIntyre of Cape Breton University as the 2014 AAU Teaching Award recipients. Only three award winners are chosen each year from the 16 universities represented by the AAU.

'On behalf of UPEI, I would like to extend congratulations to Ann on her recent AAU achievement,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'This award recognizes Ann's dedication and passion for teaching and learning and we couldn't be more proud.'

Braithwaite is also a recipient of the UPEI Hessian Award for Excellence in Teaching, the Jane Pottie Murray Award for Educational Leadership, and a Presidential Recognition of Merit Award.

The Faculty Development Office is delighted to see Dr. Braithwaite honoured in this way. Director of Faculty Development, Dr. Don Desserud, commented, 'Ann is a natural leader and a most deserving candidate.'

Congratulations, Ann!

The AAU represents the 16 universities in Atlantic Canada and the University of the West Indies. The AAU is an advocate for the important role Atlantic universities play in preparing future leaders of our communities, in path-breaking research and innovation and in contributing to the economic prosperity and quality of life of the Atlantic region.

The Japanese Student Services Organization (JASSO) offers scholarships to qualified international students who take part in an international short-term study. Nathan Donohue from UPEI, and Naoko Suzuki from the University of Tsukuba in Japan were two of this year's grateful recipients.

The JASSO scholarship offers both students approximately $8,500 Canadian for a 10-month stay abroad. Donohue departed for his stay in Japan in late June, while Suzuki arrived in Prince Edward Island in late August.

'I feel really grateful and excited to be a recipient of the JASSO scholarship this year,' said Donohue. 'I am extremely honoured and privileged to be chosen to receive this scholarship, and I plan on using it to experience as much as I can while in Japan. I would like to thank Professor Toru Yamada from the University of Tsukuba who nominated me for the scholarship. This scholarship allows me to experience more than would otherwise be possible.'

Donohue plans to enjoy the local foods in Japan, participate in as many sporting events as possible, including judo and rugby, and immerse himself in the Japanese culture.

Suzuki shares similar gratitude. 'I am very happy to receive this scholarship. It is a big support and will help me while studying at UPEI and living on the Island,' she said. 'Not only do I wish to concentrate on my own studies, I hope to play an integral part in making positive connections for future exchange students (of Tsukuba and UPEI).'

Receiving this generous JASSO scholarship is an amazing opportunity for both of these students,' said UPEI's International Partnerships Coordinator Sherilyn Acorn-LeClair. 'It is a prestigious award that provides opportunities that they may not otherwise have. We are thrilled to have Naoko on our UPEI campus and we look forward to hearing all about Nathan's adventures at the University of Tsukuba upon his return.'

UPEI and the University of Tsukuba have had an international exchange agreement in effect since the Fall of 2013. It will remain in effect for an initial five-year period. Students interested in learning more about this partnership and the opportunities available are asked to contact Sherilyn at (902) 894-2837 or sdacorn@upei.ca.

Naoko Suzuki, University of Tsukuba