Ten UPEI students will have the learning experience of a lifetime in Italy, thanks to the Saint Dunstan's University (SDU) Board of Governors.

From May 6-27, the students will participate in a course, “Rome: Christianity and Culture,” in Rome itself. Planned and organized through the Saint Dunstan’s Institute of Christianity and Culture, the course will be led by Dr. Robert Dennis, SDU Visiting Scholar, and Dr. Joe Velaidum, associate professor of religious studies. The students will be based in Rome, but they will have the opportunity to visit Pompeii, Assisi, Florence, and Siena.

“The course has tremendous depth and breadth: among its priorities is the historical development of Christianity as it emerged into Roman society and culture”, says Dennis. “We will examine history, art, and philosophy from early Christianity through contemporary times in the age of Francis.”

A rigorous vetting process was undertaken to select the ten students who are benefiting from what could be considered as a $5,000 scholarship. “Each participant is impressive. Four of the students also hold prestigious SDU Scholarships, and all ten of them have significant academic achievement in the Catholic Studies program,” notes Dennis. “They come from diverse courses of study including Arts, Business, and Science.”

The Saint Dunstan’s Institute of Christianity and Culture will cover the cost of flights, insurance, on-the-ground transportation, accommodations, guided tours, and entrance fees at historical and cultural sites. Students are expected to cover the cost of their own meals and to pay for the course and textbooks.

“For the last few months, we’ve been meeting as a group in preparation for the trip. It’s pretty incredible,” says third-year student Lorelei Kenny. “If we were in PEI, we’d have to cover those costs anyway. So there really isn’t any extra cost for the student, but there will be so many extra benefits when it comes to taking this class.”

The main textbook, created specifically for this class, is an e-text designed for the 21st-century learner. It includes all of the required readings, along with maps, logistical information, and short videos that cover all of the relevant historical background information for the course. The other required text is Roman Walks, which will allow students to “wander and wonder” in the Eternal City during self-guided learning time.

“UPEI has made a strong commitment to experiential learning in its strategic and academic plans,” says Dr. Robert Gilmour, Vice-President Academic and Research. “Saint Dunstan’s University, one of UPEI’s founding institutions, was also committed to developing a strong community of fellowship and scholarship since its beginning in 1855. UPEI’s students and academic community are all the better—and stronger—thanks to the SDU Board of Governors’ continued contributions and support.”

On May 10, UofPEI Snapchat followers can take in some of the daily sites and scenes in Italy as students use the account to share the trip from their perspective.

In the fall of 2015, the SDU Board of Governors contributed a $1 million leadership gift to UPEI’s Inspire campaign, with $400,000 and $100,000 dedicated to engineering and athletics respectively, two of the campaign priorities. The remaining $500,000 was used to create the Saint Dunstan’s University Institute of Christianity and Culture, which prioritizes the University’s commitment to experiential and global learning. 

Rural tourism will be the subject of a public symposium on Wednesday, May 24, from 7:00 pm to 9:00 pm in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, room 242 of UPEI’s Don and Marion McDougall Hall. All are welcome.

“Tourism, Place and Identity: Rural Tourism in Iceland and Prince Edward Island” will feature Ms. Gudrun Gunnarsdottir of the Tourism Research Centre in Akureyri, Iceland. She will be joined by a panel of PEI tourism authorities and practitioners.

Recent years have seen a dramatic increase in the number of tourists visiting Iceland. Tourism density in this island nation now rivals that of Prince Edward Island. The nature of the tourism industry is broadly similar in both islands—generally seasonal, with a heavy stress on cultural and environmental resources. Also, in both islands there has been a concerted effort by policy-makers to utilize tourism as a community-development tool for rural areas. This has met with mixed success and has raised a whole new set of issues. There is benefit for both islands to share experiences, insights, and possible solutions.

Gudrun Gunnarsdottir, presently director of the Icelandic Research Centre at the University of Akureyri in northern Iceland, is a graduate of the MBA in Tourism Management program at the University of Guelph. She is a specialist in rural tourism. From 2011 to 2014, she worked on a study, “The Entangled Web: Tourism, Place and Identity,” exploring how three small Icelandic communities have embraced the ever-increasing role of tourism.

Dr. Edward MacDonald is a professor of history at the University of Prince Edward Island. His research focuses on the social, cultural, and environmental history of Prince Edward Island. The best known of his seven books is If You’re Stronghearted: Prince Edward Island in the 20th Century (October 2000). He is co-editor of Time and a Place, an environmental history of Prince Edward Island, co-published by Island Studies Press and McGill-Queen’s University Press. His current research project is the history of Prince Edward Island tourism.

Bill Kendrick of Experience PEI will talk about an “Experiential Approach to Rural Tourism.” He notes that on the Island, there is substantial potential to generate revenue for rural communities by leveraging local expertise and engaging individuals who might not normally be in the tourism business. Experience PEI’s recent awards include the 2016 President’s Award from the Tourism Industry Association of PEI and the 2016 Hilton Worldwide Best Small/Medium-Sized Tourism Business in Canada Award from the Tourism Industry Association of Canada.

Ann Worth is Executive Director of Meetings and Conventions Prince Edward Island, a group mandated to develop and attract meetings and convention business for Prince Edward Island. She has actively worked in developing relationships in Iceland for PEI companies in multiple sectors including tourism. Destination research and company matchmaking in Iceland has provided some valuable business insights about how Prince Edward Island and Iceland can continue to build partnerships and collaboration.

Following the presentations, there will be ample time for discussion and questions from the floor.

Members of the public are cordially invited to attend, and admission is free.

This symposium is one of a series of symposia organized by the Institute of Island Studies as part of its mandate to encourage a deep knowledge, understanding, and expression of Prince Edward Island; to contribute to the formulation of public policy on Prince Edward Island; to serve as a bridge between the University and Island communities; and to undertake comparative studies of Prince Edward Island and other islands.

The symposium is sponsored by UPEI’s Institute of Island Studies, Office of the Vice-President Academic and Research, and the Rural Policy Learning Commons. For further information, please contact 902-894-2881 or iis@upei.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The May Island Studies Lecture will examine the economic success of Mauritius—a small island nation in the Indian Ocean. Ouma Cuniah, a native of Mauritius and a current Prince Edward Islander, will deliver the lecture Tuesday, May 16, at 7:00 pm in the Faculty Lounge of UPEI’s SDU Main Building.

Nobel prize-winning economist James Meade predicted a dismal future for Mauritius when he wrote in 1961, “It is going to be a great achievement if (the country) can find productive employment for its population without a serious reduction in the existing standard of living… (The) outlook for peaceful development is weak.”

Nearly fifty years post-independence, Mauritius ranked number one on the Global Peace Index as the most peaceful country in Sub-Saharan Africa. The country also recently ranked first in Africa on the Word Economic Freedom Index and is in the fifth position internationally, tying with Canada, Georgia, Ireland, and UAE.

Mauritius was successively colonized by the Dutch, French, and British. It became independent in 1968. With a population of nearly 1.3 million, the country derives its identity from a strong fabric of multiculturalism, multilingualism, and African, Asian, and European ethnicities. 

Cuniah will talk about the drivers behind the economic development of the country and draw comparisons and parallels with other islands sharing similar history, and with Prince Edward Island.

Cuniah has been working at UPEI since July 2015. She holds a master’s degree in commerce, and as a Chartered Certified Accountant has worked closely with the corporate sector in Mauritius and other neighbouring islands for nearly two decades.

Admission to the lecture is free and everyone is welcome to attend.

This is the final lecture for the academic year. Watch for another lecture about islands—near and far—starting in the fall. For more information, please contact Laurie at iis@upei.ca or (902) 894-2881.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The UPEI Women’s Hockey team announced today it has recruited Tyler Way. Way is a forward from London, Ontario, who played most recently with the Bluewater Jr. Hawks of the Provincial Women’s Hockey League (PWHL).

“Tyler will bring added speed to our line,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “She sees the ice well and has a strong ability to read and react to what is going on. Tyler has a strong defensive side to her game, but can also add to the offence when the opportunity arises. We look forward to seeing her in our line-up. She has a great work ethic and is very strong team player.

Way joined the London Devilettes hockey association at the age of eight, where she played for the next  eight season, winning multiple Provincial and Lower Lakes titles. She joined the Bluewater Jr. Hawks as a midget, where she played for the past two years. She was also captain of the St. Thomas Aquinas women’s varsity hockey team.

“Although UPEI is far from home, the minute I stepped foot on campus, it felt like home to me,” said Way. “UPEI is the perfect mix of athletics and academics, making it the ideal place to enjoy my love for hockey and the sciences. I am very excited to start my journey as a Panther!”

It’s Convocation Week at UPEI! Here are the details to help you find your way through our annual celebration of our graduating students.

The regular Convocation ceremonies are held indoors on Saturday, May 13, 2017, at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at the University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue in Charlottetown. The morning ceremony begins at 10:00 am; the afternoon ceremony begins at 2:30 pm. Each ceremony is preceded by a procession of graduates across campus. More than 900 graduates will make their way across the stage over the course of the day.

Due to safety regulations, seating is limited. All guests must present their invitations in order to be admitted to the Sports Centre.

There is plenty of parking within a five- to ten-minute walk of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Please refer to the campus map for the location of general parking areas on campus. Guests are asked to arrive early to ensure everyone is seated before graduates arrive in their procession (9:45 am and 2:15 pm). 

There are a number of accessible parking spots, designated by the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair symbol), situated in front of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre and the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

Overflow seating and a live broadcast are available at McMillan Hall in the W. A. Murphy Student Centre, or you can watch live on Eastlink TV and online at: upei.ca/live.

UPEI will confer honorary Doctor of Laws degrees upon Indigenous leader and Elder Ms. Judith Clark of York, PEI; business and community leader Mr. Stan MacPherson of Charlottetown; UPEI past-president and professor emeritus Dr. Elizabeth Epperly of Wolfville, Nova Scotia; and SDU alumnus and business owner Mr. Allan Curran of Bay Shore, New York. Biographies of each recipient can be found here. Mr. MacPherson will address the morning convocation. Dr. Epperly will speak to the afternoon graduates.

Ceremony details

Valedictorians:

Morning Convocation: Foyin Senbanjo (Business)

Afternoon Convocation: Leif Wilm (Mathematics)

Macebearers:

Morning Convocation: Mila Profit (Veterinary Medicine)

Afternoon Convocation: Emma McDermott (Biology)

Invocation: Sister Susan Kidd, UPEI Chaplain

*Honorary degree recipient and valedictorian speeches will be available, and can be sent out under embargo upon request.

At the 10:00 am ceremony, the following will be conferred: Accounting Certificate, Business Certificate, Public Administration Certificate, Inclusive Education Certificate, Public Administration Diploma, Engineering Diploma, Adult Education Certificate, Certificate in Educational Leadership in Nunavut, Bachelor of Business Studies, Bachelor of Business Administration, Bachelor of Business Administration—Co-operative Education, Bachelor of Business Administration—Honours, Bachelor of Business in Tourism & Hospitality, Bachelor of Education in Human Resource Development, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Education—français langue seconde, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Nursing, Master of Science—Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Veterinary Science, Doctor of Philosophy—Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Doctor of Philosophy—Faculty of Education.

At the 2:30 pm ceremony, the following will be conferred: Engineering diplomas, Bachelor of Integrated Studies, Bachelor of Applied Arts in Print Journalism, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts—Honours, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Child and Family Studies, Bachelor of Applied Science in Radiography, Bachelor of Wildlife Conservation, Bachelor of Environmental Studies, Bachelor of Science, Bachelor of Science—Co-operative Education, Bachelor of Science—Honours Co-operative Education, Bachelor of Science—Honours, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering, Master of Science—Faculty of Science, Master of Applied Health Services Research, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy—Faculty of Science. 

Making Convocation Day a memorable one for graduates and their family and friends is very important to UPEI, so we have provided several pages of information on the Convocation web page—what to expect, where to go, and what to do prior to, and during, Convocation.

UPEI Women’s Hockey coach Bruce Donaldson announced today Sophie Vandale will join the Panther squad. Vandale most recently played defence for the Winnipeg Avros Midget AAA team.

“Sophie comes from a great program in Winnipeg that has produced a number of strong CIS hockey players,” said Donaldson. “Her first pass is on the stick, and she does a great job reading the play. She enjoys the contact piece of the game and is not shy to stand in harm’s way. We’re lookking to Sophie to make an impact early in her CIS career.”

Vandale started playing organized hockey at the age of five. She played boy’s hockey in her early years, including two with the Shaftesbury Titans prep team.

“I am super excited about my opportunity to move east to play and study at the University of Prince Edward Island,” said Vandale. “I am obviously looking forward to meeting my teammates and being part of the Panther family. I am honoured to be wearing the school logo and can't wait to begin the new chapter in August.”

Vandale will study Kinesiology at UPEI.

The University of Prince Edward Island conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates to more than 950 graduates today as part of Convocation 2017. This year includes the first-ever cohort from the Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering from UPEI’s School of Sustainable Design Engineering. Convocation 2017 also saw UPEI’s first graduates with a Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology and a Bachelor of Environmental Studies.

The families and friends of the Class of 2017 gathered for two ceremonies today in UPEI’s Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, the first at 10:00 am, and the second at 2:30 pm.

UPEI Chancellor Don McDougall led both ceremonies; President and Vice-Chancellor Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz addressed both ceremonies. “Each of you will be moving on to your next journey at a time of great hope and possibility for Canada’s future,” said Dr. Abd-El-Aziz, reflecting on a cohort graduating in the 150^th anniversary of Canada. “I know you have bold ideas and aspirations for what Canada can be. And while you sit here today, you may have a very specific plan for what is to come next. However, the wonderful thing about this journey that we are all on is that through the various twists and turns of life, you may end up somewhere very different—and even better—than what you envision today.”

The University also conferred honorary Doctor of Laws degrees on four recipients: Judy Clark, an aboriginal leader, advocate, interpreter, and healer; Stan MacPherson, a chartered accountant, entrepreneur, and a leader in community and business; Allan Curran, an alumnus of SDU and prominent business owner; and Dr. Elizabeth “Betsy” Rollins Epperly, a world-renowned scholar, writer, and the first female president and vice-chancellor of UPEI.

“When you leave here today to celebrate with your family and friends, I hope you will also make a quiet commitment to yourself to never, ever stop learning,” said Mr. MacPherson in his address to the morning graduates. “Be committed to the relationships that matter in your lives and give back to the communities that need you. Be courageous in the face of adversity. Be gracious in the glow of success.”

“My University of Prince Edward Island has the communicating roots of an old-growth forest and the collaborative energy of a nest of stars,” said Dr. Epperly to the afternoon graduates. “I hope you realize today, feeling the collective energy of this room and of all those who celebrate with you, that an interdependent, mutually supportive, respectful community can be the founding model for all of your conscious relationships. Then, in your relational health, in your ability to build with others, may you become fully the stars you wished on and wish to be.”

“The best parts of the last few months or years have been the people we have come across here on campus and in the PEI community,” said morning valedictorian Foying Senbanjo from Lagos, Nigeria. “Look around you, or cast your mind back, to the wonderful friendships and relationships you’ve made.” Senbanjo graduated with her Bachelor of Business Administration—Co-operative Education.

Lief Wilm of Calgary, Alberta, addressed the afternoon ceremony. Of the challenges of the last four years, he said: “We could not have overcome these obstacles without the guidance from our mentors, support from family and friends, and the wisdom of our professors. I encourage everyone here to thank the people in your support system that got you where you are today.” Wilm graduated with his Bachelor of Science (honours) in Mathematics.

Chancellor McDougall conferred the title of Professor emeritus on Dr. Tim Ogilvie, a founding faculty member and a former dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College. UPEI’s first ever Librarian emerita title was bestowed, in absentia, to Betty Jeffery, long-time librarian at Robertson Library and past-president of the UPEI Faculty Association.

UPEI held its annual Senior Class Awards at a ceremony the day before, where a number of academic and student prizes were awarded. The complete list will be posted in the coming days at upei.ca/seniorclassawards. The Governor General’s academic medals were presented by the Honourable H. Frank Lewis, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. The Governor General’s Gold Medal (graduate level) was awarded to Robert Déziel (Doctor of Philosophy—Veterinary Medicine). The Governor General’s Silver Medal (undergraduate level) was awarded to Courtney Horrocks (Bachelor of Science—Mathematics).

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Last evening approximately forty UPEI alumni and friends gathered outside St. John’s for a Newfoundland and Labrador alumni chapter event.

Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, and Mr. Pat Sinnott, Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors, were on hand to greet guests at the Outer Cove home of Carolyn Dobbin Noseworthy, that overlooks Torbay. President Abd-El-Aziz also addressed the crowd and thanked chapter executive members Patricia Fowler and Justin Pater for their dedication to their alma mater.

There are currently more than 25,000 PWC (Prince of Wales College), SDU (Saint Dunstan's University), and UPEI graduates that span more than fifty countries around the world.

The Alumni and Friends chapter network is an important initiative to strengthen Panther Pride, and to nurture the bond between alumni and UPEI. If you would like to participate in chapter activities, or you are interested in launching a chapter in your area, please get in touch with the UPEI Alumni office by emailing alumni@upei.ca.
 

The University of Prince Edward Island’s President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, was named a Top 50 CEO by Atlantic Business Magazine at a formal red-carpet reception, dinner, and awards gala in St. John’s, NL last night.

Since 1999, Atlantic Business Magazine has dedicated one of its six issues per year to profiling Atlantic Canada’s 50 most accomplished business leaders. Nominees for the awards are judged according to their corporate, community, and industry involvement; their organization’s growth in recent years; and, their responses to various managerial challenges.

“I am very humbled to receive this honour from Atlantic Business Magazine,” said President Abd-El-Aziz. “While I am not an entrepreneur in the traditional sense, I do have entrepreneurial skills that I apply to my work as an administrator and researcher at UPEI.”

He added, “I love to pull together people with different skillsets to create a great team to accomplish a goal—whether it’s a fundraising target, constructing a new building, or creating a new program. It is immensely rewarding to see your collective vision become a reality and see the people you work with do well and feel good about their contributions and achievements. I am very proud to share this award with my colleagues at the University.”

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree-granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

National Police Week is being celebrated across Canada, May 15–21. The week began in 1970 as a way for police to connect with their communities and increase awareness about the services they provide.

UPEI’s Security Services team is recognized under the PEI Police Act as an official police agency. Among the team of 19 men and women, there are seven full-time police officers.

While community policing is at the heart of Police Week, it is present on campus year-round.

“Safety is our number one priority,” says Marc Pharand, manager of Security Services. “And when we engage with our community members, we have a greater ability to maintain a safe environment for all individuals across the UPEI campus.”

“Over the past year,” Pharand added, “We have been working diligently to improve our visibility and have more contact with the community through daily foot patrols, regular meeting with clients, and engaging with visitors. We are fortunate that UPEI community members are co-operative and care about safety.”

“The UPEI Security Services team is dedicated to ensuring the safety of the thousands of people who visit, study, and work at our University,” said President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “National Police Week is an opportunity to thank our UPEI campus police for their exceptional work, and I encourage the campus community to do just that.”