The Atlantic Veterinary College is offering its annual AVC Summer Academy program from August 4–9, 2019. This academically based program is open to high school graduates accepted to a university, undergraduate students, and university graduates who are interested in pursuing an education in veterinary medicine. During the week, participants will get a hands-on overview of each year of the four-year veterinary curriculum taught at AVC. They will attend classes and labs, and participate in a field trip.

The deadline to apply is May 24. For more information, please visit www.upei.ca/avc/summer-programs/academy

UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz returned to Canada today after a three-day visit to Hong Kong.

As part of UPEI’s 50th Anniversary celebrations, President Abd-El-Aziz attended a UPEI Alumni and Friends–Hong Kong Chapter event on Monday, March 25.  The well-attended event included UPEI alumni from a variety of graduating classes.

The next day, he delivered a presentation to the Canadian Chamber of Commerce in Hong Kong on how UPEI is a leader in providing global and experiential learning opportunities to students that allow them to fulfil their potential and contribute to society. The Chamber organization is one of the largest and most influential international chambers in the Asia-Pacific region and serves members from not only Canada but also other foreign jurisdictions based in Hong Kong. Its services include advocacy engagement, business promotion, business matching, learning and training seminars, site visits, and delegation visits.

The President capped his Hong Kong visit by speaking to a grade 11-science class at the Delia School of Canada, one of Hong Kong’s leading private international schools. The School features a technology emphasis and follows curriculum accredited by the Ministry of Education of Ontario, Canada and the Education Bureau, Hong Kong.  Delia enrols students from over 50 countries and maintains an annual enrolment of over 1000 students, providing quality early learning, elementary and secondary education to students from Pre–Grade 1 to Grade 12. 

President Abd-El-Aziz said, “I was so excited to speak to these prospective students about UPEI’s applied programs because we share a mission with their current school: to guide students in becoming global citizens, and our leaders of tomorrow.”

By: Dr. John VanLeeuwen, Professor of Epidemiology and Ruminant Health Management, Atlantic Veterinary College

On January 25, 2019, in partnership with Farmers Helping Farmers of PEI, the “Canadian vet team” left for Kenya with suitcases and boxes full of veterinary medicine. The team consisted of me and three senior AVC students Jolene Vermeulen, Samantha Pomroy, and Katie Gottleib. Prior to leaving, a number of veterinary pharmaceutical companies donated products for the project. These products allowed us to provide suitable treatments for the animals that we encountered. Thank you, Bimeda, Boehringer, Elanco, Merck, and Vetoquinol.

During the three-week trip, almost 150 animals were examined for various health or productivity issues, and over 600 cattle from over 250 farms were dewormed. And over 1,000 farmers attended nine seminars on prevention and treatment of various conditions, and ways to provide better nutritional management and cow comfort for better milk production. The “walk-in clinic” in the Mbaaria Market area near Kiirua was another highlight, with all members of the team processing hundreds of cattle for deworming.

In terms of long-term sustainability of the efforts, six Kenyan veterinary students joined our team and gained an enormous amount of practical experience in the field on technical skills, clinical reasoning, problem work-ups, and decision-making that will benefit them greatly as they enter their veterinary careers. We also worked with animal health personnel who received continuing education in the areas served by the Buuri Dairy Farmers Co-op, Naari Dairy Farmers Co-op Society, Ngusishi Dairy Farmers Co-op, Ex-Lewa Dairy Co-op, Kiamaruga Dairy Group, Lunuru Dairy Co-op, and Wakulima Dairy Ltd. While in Kenya, the progress and activities for the two Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship programs funded in 2014 and 2017 were also assessed, and knowledge translation activities for the research results were continued with the dairy farmers.

The farmers showed a very strong desire for veterinary services and extension in these areas. The major health problems observed included infectious diseases such as East Coast Fever, anaplasmosis, and lumpy skin disease; parasite infestations; udder infections; and insufficient nutrition, leading to low milk production, poor reproduction, and inadequate growth.

The Canadian and Kenyan (“Kenyadians”) veterinary students learned a lot from each other and from the Kenyan animal health technicians and veterinarians about life in Kenya, and the great challenges of international development work, self-sustainability, veterinary medicine, and producing and marketing milk in poor, remote areas of the country. It was very encouraging to see significant improvements in farm management and production among farms visited during previous trips. The Kenyan farmers and animal health professionals were all very appreciative of our efforts.

I look forward to returning in 2020 to continue to partner with the dairy groups as they work toward self-sufficiency. Thank you again to all our supporters for their assistance in making this possible. Special thanks to the following who donated cash to support the students (in no particular order): Drs. Amanda Alexandre, Mark Verschoor, Susan Purdy, Andrea Dube, Sharon Helymck, and Lise Chiasson, and Fundy Veterinarians, Ross Veterinary Services, Douglas Animal Hospital, Shediac Veterinary Hospital, and Cornwall Veterinary Clinic. Asante sana!

Dr. Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island, and professor of chemistry, was recently named a Fellow of the prestigious Royal Society of Chemistry (RSC), a professional association in the United Kingdom with the goal of “advancing the chemical sciences.”

Formed in 1980 from the amalgamation of the Chemical Society, the Royal Institute of Chemistry, the Faraday Society, and the Society for Analytical Chemistry, the RSC has a Royal Charter and the dual role of learned society and professional body. The designation “FRSC” is given to a group of elected Fellows of the society who have made major contributions to chemistry and other interface disciplines.

Congratulations, President Abd-El-Aziz!

Join Senator Peter Harder on Wednesday, March 27 at 2:00 pm in the Faculty Lounge, SDU Main Building for a public lecture on the importance of Canada’s chamber of “second sober thought”, especially to smaller provinces. He will elaborate on how the new independent system actually enhances the voices of the smaller provinces, as well as those of minority groups and Indigenous Canadians. He will also discuss the need for a Senate committee to keep a close eye on Senate expenses in the wake of the spending difficulties of the last Parliament.

Senator Harder entered the Upper Chamber in April 2016, as the first Independent Senator appointed under a new non-partisan selection process that invites all eligible Canadians to submit applications. He arrived in the Senate with nearly 30 years of experience in the federal public service, and a decade serving as a volunteer in various organizations and as a member of several boards of directors.

In the Senate, Senator Harder is tasked with both shepherding government legislation through the Upper Chamber and leading efforts on reform towards a more independent, accountable and transparent institution.

The Senator’s visit to Charlottetown is day two of a two-day trip in Atlantic Canada. Earlier on Wednesday, he will visit a local school where students will sing O Canada in Mi’kmaq. Senator Harder meets later in the day with the Mi’kmaq Confederacy of PEI.

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 following message was distributed earlier today to faculty, staff, and students.

Message from the President and Vice-Chancellor

Dear members of the University Community,

Yesterday, we observed the International Day for the Elimination of Racial Discrimination, which has taken place annually on March 21 since being proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly in 1966. It is poignant to mark this day as the global community still reels from the tragic acts of terrorism that took place at two mosques in Christchurch, New Zealand one week ago.

Respect, collegiality, and inclusivity are the values that form our foundation at UPEI, and in our province and country, and it makes the horrific events in Quebec City, Pittsburgh, and now Christchurch, unfathomable. Our thoughts and prayers are with the families and friends of those killed and all victims of these horrific attacks.

We are blessed that our University and Island communities embrace diversity and welcome students, faculty, and staff from around the globe. This inclusivity enriches our campus and we are stronger because of it.

Earlier this week, I was so proud when our students, staff, and faculty came together to host a vigil in honour of the New Zealand victims. I encourage you to also attend the vigil that the Muslim Society of PEI is holding on Saturday, March 23 at 11 am at the Cenotaph in Charlottetown (corner of Grafton and Great George streets). All are invited and encouraged to attend in solidarity as a way to show their support. 

Last Saturday, I had asked that the flags in front of Kelley Memorial Building be lowered to half-mast for several days in memory of the victims. The flags will remain lowered until Saturday, March 23 in respect of the vigil being held that day.

Best wishes,

Dr. Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz
President and Vice-Chancellor
 

On March 27 and 28, 2019, the University of Prince Edward Island is hosting an event called “Think BIG! Exploring Issues and Opportunities to Promote Family Well-being on Prince Edward Island” in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre’s McMillan Hall.

This event is part of the Vanier Institute of the Family’s pan-Canadian Families in Canada Conference 2019 (#FAM2019) that is taking place in Ottawa and simultaneously at seven co-hosting university partners across the country. 

At UPEI, panelists are exploring six themes: early childhood development—the first five years; the importance of strong families in the development of youth; evolution in forms of families; changes in family structures; the impact of socioeconomic and cultural changes on families; and challenges facing family members when a family ends or experiences significant loss. In addition, participants will gain understanding of issues impacting families in Canada from a national perspective by viewing the national conference via livestream.

On March 27, the conference featured panels that explored issues and opportunities facing families today. In the afternoon, participants watched the opening keynote and panel of the national conference via livestreaming. The day wrapped up with a reception in McMillan Hall.

Today the conference resumed with panels throughout the morning. Again in the afternoon, participants will be able to view the closing panel and conference summary of the national conference via livestreaming. The local event will wrap up with a roundtable discussion from 3:45 to 4:30 pm.

A unique aspect of the UPEI event is a symposium on March 29 about grandparents raising their grandchildren. This event will take place in McMillan Hall from 9 am to 3 pm. Attendance at the symposium is included in the registration fee for the conference.

More than just a conference, the Families in Canada Conference 2019 brings together people and organizations in multiple disciplines and fields that will connect to form resource networks and knowledge, collaborate to share research and cross-cultural insights on families in Canada, and create and cultivate a Family Well-Being Index, Family Researchers Network, Social Policy Monitor, and more. The conference is funded in part by the Government of Canada’s Social Development Partnerships Program.

About the University of Prince Edward Island

As the province’s only university, the University of Prince Edward Island is committed to advancing family well-being, and is proud to be partnering with the Vanier Institute of the Family for this exciting conference. Through dynamic local programming and the national livestream, this event is exploring issues and opportunities facing families today.

In the latest title from Island Studies Press, poet Jane Ledwell explores the life of writer and activist Katherine Hughes. Return of the Wild Goose launches Thursday, April 4, at 7:00 pm in the Carriage House of Beaconsfield Historic House in Charlottetown. Ledwell will be joined by Irish concertina player Gormlaith Maynes, accompanied by Jesse Périard on guitar. All are welcome.

Set against the intimate relief of a PEI landscape, these poems are inspired by what is known—and unknown—about Hughes’ contradictory life as a Catholic teacher in Mohawk territory; a journalist working alongside Canada’s first-wave feminists and suffragettes; the first public archivist of Alberta; and finally, as a zealous propagandist for the Irish cause. This (auto)biographical dialogue between Ledwell and Hughes offers the reader a fierce remembrance of a PEI radical.

What made Hughes a trailblazer but not a feminist?  An archivist who kept so few records of her own? What made her overthrow ideas of empire for Irish republican nationalism? Return of the Wild Goose remembers (and maybe fights a bit) with a fascinating historical Prince Edward Island woman so that she won’t be forgotten.

Jane Ledwell is a writer and editor who lives in Charlottetown. She has published two previous collections of poetry, Last Tomato and Bird Calls: The Island Responds. She also co-author of Elaine Harrison: I Am an Island That Dreams and co-editor of two books of academic writing about L. M. Montgomery. Ledwell currently serves as executive director of the PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women.

Please join Island Studies Press and Jane Ledwell in celebrating this new book. For more information about the book or the launch, please contact Bren at ispstaff@upei.ca or call (902) 566-0386.

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 annual public reading by UPEI’s Creative Writing Master Class will take place on Friday, March 29 at 7:00 pm in the Carriage House of Beaconsfield Historic House, 2 Kent Street, Charlottetown.

The reading will showcase emerging and seasoned writers: Margie Carmichael, Shannon Courtney, Angela Deighan, Kandace Hagen, Rose Henbest, Robbi Henderson-Canning, Stephen Plouffe, Glenda Rodd, Carter Smith, and Monika Stewart.

These writers will take the audience to Euston Street in Charlottetown and the outback of Australia, to the realm of Faery and the New World experiences of Irish immigrants a century ago.

Their works will evoke transforming gender and sexual relationships, coming of age in the late 20^th and early 21^st centuries, the challenges to mental health in stressful contexts, and the stresses that humanity is inflicting on our environment.

The reading is sponsored by the UPEI English Department. Admission is free, and everyone is welcome.

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 University of Prince Edward Island expresses its condolences to the entire Muslim community on the senseless crimes of hate and violence that took place in Christchurch, New Zealand on Friday.

We share the shock, grief, and outrage felt around the world in the wake of this tragedy and condemn these acts that unfortunately happen far too often.

Our University celebrates and embraces diversity, one of our most intrinsic values. The campus is enriched by its inclusivity and we are stronger because of our differences. UPEI stands in solidarity with our PEI Muslim community, and, in particular, the UPEI Muslim Students Association, and send our thoughts and prayers to all those reeling from these despicable attacks on freedom of religion.

On Saturday, UPEI lowered the flags in front of Kelley Memorial Building to half-mast in honour of the victims.

UPEI’s highest priority is the well-being of students, faculty, and staff. Students needing support, please contact Treena Smith, Director of Student Affairs, at trlsmith@upei.ca or William McGuigan, UPEI Student Union President, at president@upeisu.ca.

For faculty and staff members who may require support, please contact Kathy Gottschall-Pass, Interim Vice-President Academic and Research, at kgottschall@upei.ca or Virginia Wickstrom, Manager, Human Resources at vwickstrom@upei.ca.