UPEI was one of 78 colleges and universities across Canada celebrating National Co-operative Education Week from March 21-25. A highlight of the week was the selection of Co-op Students of the Year, one in Computer Science and one in Business. The University has announced that Lindy Bryanton and Anne Shaw are this year's award winners.

Lindy Bryanton comes from Kensington. She studied civil engineering at McGill University before joining the Co-op Education Program at UPEI where she is an honours student in Computer Science. She has completed four work terms with companies such as Deltaware in Charlottetown and Gognos Inc., a data access and modeling company in Ottawa.

"Lindy is a great ambassador for our Co-operative Education Program," says Wayne Cutcliffe, Associate Professor of Computer Science and Information Technology. "She excels academically, in her computer science studies, as well as in the workplace. Her enthusiasm is infectious, even when handling heavy workloads. These qualities are recognized by her Co-op employers who speak very highly of her accomplishments, and how easily she integrates with their employees."

Anne Shaw is an honours Business Administration student from Bloomfield. She has completed her Co-op work terms in the Rebates Division of the Canada Revenue Agency where she was commended for her high level of integrity, cooperation, and professionalism. The fact that she is fluently bilingual was also a strong asset. "Anne is a very deserving student and we congratulate her on her achievements," says Business Co-op Coordinator, Don MacCormac. "This award exemplifies the high quality of work our Co-op students are capable of conducting during their work terms."

Co-operative education is proving itself as a valuable tool for employers looking for bright, enthusiastic students who will meet their future staffing needs. A recent study of students and employers by the University of Victoria revealed that approximately 60 per cent of graduating Co-op students will accept a position with an employer with whom they completed a Co-op work term.

"Co-operative Education has a proven track record in Canada and internationally," says Canadian Association for Co-operative Education (CAFCE) President, Sonya Horsburgh. "Co-operative education programs provide students with alternating study and paid work semesters, allowing them to accumulate experience in the workplace while obtaining their education. Through their Co-op work terms, students become aware of the range of new qualifications today's workplace requires, can develop their innate potential, and will acquire essential employability skills."

A study conducted by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission has found that students who graduate with the Co-op option are more successful in securing employment in their fields, and they do so more quickly than other students. Co-op graduates have less student debt, and they are paid at a higher level. UPEI now offers Co-operative education programs in Computer Science, Business, and Physics. Co-op students have successfully completed work terms with a range of PEI businesses and government departments. In addition, they have taken advantage of work term opportunities in other parts of Canada, as well as in international locations such as Scotland, Ireland, and New Zealand.

When the annual UPEI donor report is published in April it will provide details of more than 40 new student scholarships, bursaries, and awards created by supporters of the Building a Legacy Campaign. Generous families, individuals, and organizations have given close to $1 million to the University to assist academically gifted students and those who are in financial need.

In addition to these new awards, a growing number of existing scholarships are being strengthened and increased through the commitment of donors from all walks of life. The Rhynes family of Charlottetown recently did just that. The family has endowed the Susanah "Irene" Rhynes Memorial Scholarship. Established in memory of Irene Rhynes by her nephew, and UPEI alumnus, John R. Rhynes, it is open to full-time BA students who have an interest in history, poetry, or international studies. Thanks to additional support from John and his parents, Alex and Agnes Rhynes, UPEI has been able to increase the award to at least $1,000 per year, and ensure that it will be available to deserving students in perpetuity.

"When families come together to honour a loved one, UPEI takes the time to work through their options to Build a Legacy that will do justice to the memory and life's work of the person they are honouring. The Rhynes family is doing a wonderful service to the community by teaching the next generation about giving," says Kevin Lewis, Chief Development Officer at UPEI.

Irene Rhynes was born in Frenchfort in 1924. A serious illness prevented her from pursuing her own formal schooling but she greatly valued university education and was delighted when her niece and nephew graduated from UPEI. She passed away in January, 1989 at the age of 64. The Irene Rhynes Memorial Award established by her family will be granted every year at the Deans' Honours and Awards Ceremony.

A team of students from the UPEI School of Business has carried off second prize in EXCALIBUR, the Canadian University Tournament in Human Resources. Students from 17 universities competed over two days recently to determine the top three teams in Canada. Conducted by the Human Resource Association of Quebec, EXCALIBUR, evaluates the students' knowledge of HR concepts, as well as their ability to present before a panel of executives and professors.

UPEI team members Sherilyn Acorn, Cornwall, Patrick Crossman, Summerside, and Stefanie Moore, Crapaud, each won $750 for their efforts. Daniel Perry, Stratford, was spare and will be a member of next year's team.

"They were up against students from the larger universities in Canada, such as, Ryerson, McGill, and Alberta which offer extensive studies in Human Resource Management, said Professor Don MacCormac who coached the team. To come in second among such competition reflects positively on our students and the education they receive at UPEI. This experience will further develop their confidence, and prepare them for a rewarding career."

"I am very proud to have been on the UPEI team; the three of us each have our strong points and we fed off each other in the true definition and spirit of a solid team," says Patrick Crossman.

In timed exercises, the team solved problems in case studies of firms with HR issues. This year the major case was based on PEI and#150; the Transcontinental plant in Borden.

"I am thrilled to congratulate, once more, a student team from the School of Business on achieving this highly-regarded prize in such a competitive national tournament, states Roberta MacDonald, Dean of the School of Business. These students showcase themselves, the School, and UPEI on the national stage."

Teams from the School of Business have participated in six EXCALIBUR competitions, and have been winners on three of those occasions, carrying off first place in 2000 and in 2002, and second place this year.

"We are very pleased that UPEI continues to develop Human Resources specialists for the future," says Wayne McMillan, president of HRA and a corporate sponsor of the UPEI team.

Island high school students entering the Bachelor of Arts program at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) this fall will have access to a new award. Through an endowment of $50,000, this perpetual award has been created as a tribute to the memory of Doris MacPherson Caseley, formerly of Kelvin Grove.

Her family believes that assisting someone to obtain an education is an ideal way to honour their mother who always stressed its importance. She inherited the high value she placed on education from her paternal grandmother, a school teacher in the 1880s when rural female teachers were a rarity. Doris MacPherson Caseley passed away in August 2004.

"Creating an award in our mother's name recognizes her beautiful character and her conviction that young people should be encouraged to reach their full potential," says Doris MacPherson Caseley's daughter, Sheila Caseley.

Dr. Richard Kurial, Dean of Arts at UPEI, is delighted with the new scholarship. "To have a legacy that captures and expresses a life-long commitment to learning, and the joys inherent therein, is truly a great gift. We at UPEI are very grateful for this wonderful scholarship."

The first Doris MacPherson Caseley Memorial Scholarship of $2,500 will be awarded in June 2005 to a PEI high school student entering the Bachelor of Arts program at UPEI with sound academic standing and financial need. Applications are available through guidance counsellors or the UPEI Registrar's Office at 566-0358. The deadline is April 30, 2005.

Future scientists and innovators will once again exhibit their skills and knowledge Thursday, April 7, bringing the best of PEI school science to the 30th Annual PEI Science Fair in Charlottetown.

The PEI Science Fair draws students from across the Island, all eager to present their projects, experiments and innovations to judges and the public. Up to 240 projects will be on display throughout the main gymnasium floor of the UPEI Sports Centre.

Science Fair judges will be looking for originality, creativity, and most importantly, scientific thought. The PEI Science Fair awards numerous prizes donated by its many sponsors. Selected projects from the intermediate and senior divisions will be entered in the nationwide competition to be held May 15 to 22, 2005 in Vancouver, British Columbia.

The PEI Science Fair is sponsored by the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), PEI Department of Education, Development and Technology PEI, the PEI School Boards and the PEI Association of Professional Engineers as well as its many award sponsors. Local Government dignitaries, as well as chief officers from our sponsors will visit the Fair during the day.

The event is the volunteer effort of hundreds of people including teachers, parents, students, judges, mentors, the organizing committee members and sponsors. The Fair will be open to the public at 11 a.m. The Awards Ceremony will begin in the gymnasium at 4:00 p.m.

For further information on the CWSF, visit http://www.cwsf2005.ca For more information on the day's events, please visit the PEI Science Fair website at http://www.scifair.upei.ca

The Harvey Moore Wildlife Fund has awarded its latest scholarships, bringing its total to over 75, since being established in 1961. The scholarships are aimed at students at the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) who have a strong wildlife conservation focus in their programs. These awards honour Harvey Moore, a naturalist from Milltown Cross, PEI who is best known for his bird sanctuary, privately established in 1956.

This year's three recipients, awarded a total of $1600, are Biology students who are investigating aspects of the local ecology, with a focus on wildlife conservation. Honours student Royce Steeves is studying a rare type of flower, called the St. Lawrence aster, found along the North Shore of PEI. Karen Johnson is studying habitat and movement patterns of the red fox. Carrie Jardin is assessing the toxicity of PEI stream sediments, particularly those with documented fish kills. Both Karen and Carrie are currently working on their Masters of Science in Biology.

Applications for the 2005-2006 scholarships are currently being accepted. Further information may be obtained by contacting the Biology department at UPEI or the trustees of the PEI Wildlife Federation Fund. For a complete listing of scholarships, bursaries and awards go to http://www.upei.ca/registrar/#importantinformation

President Wade MacLauchlan, on behalf of the Board of Governors of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI), is pleased to announce the extended appointment of Dr. Tim Ogilvie as Dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC).

The Board approved the unanimous recommendation of the Dean's Search Committee to extend the appointment of Dr. Ogilvie for another three years. Dean of AVC for the last six years, this appointment is effective immediately.

"We had strong endorsement from all quarters to extend Dr. Ogilvie's appointment," says President MacLauchlan. "His intimate knowledge of AVC and commitment to excellence enhances the regional and international work of the College. I look forward to continuing to work closely with Dr. Ogilvie in the continued development of AVC, notably in our efforts to encourage private donors to support a major expansion of the College."

Joining UPEI in 1985, Dr. Ogilvie is the College's third Dean and has been extensively involved with AVC since its establishmentand#151;he was among the first faculty members to be hired by the College. Previous to being Dean, he served as acting dean and from 1990-98 and led the College's Department of Health Management as Chair.

Prior to joining AVC, Dr. Ogilvie was Director of the Animal Industry Services Branch of the PEI Department of Agriculture and Forestry. He also worked in the early 70's as a veterinarian in the Kensington area, where he still resides with his wife, Lola. They have two sons, Thomas and Adam.

Dr. Ogilvie received his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Master of Science degrees from the University of Guelph and is a board-certified Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine and is past President of the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association (1991-92).

"I sincerely appreciate the opportunity to continue serving UPEI as Dean of AVC," says Dr. Ogilvie. "Since admitting our first class of veterinary students in '86, AVC has experienced remarkable success and growth. Now we are preparing to build on our success in education, research, and service."

AVC is gearing up to break ground this Fall for an expansion and renovation project that will take $32 million and two years to complete. An $18 million federal commitment will fund part of the expansion project with the matching funds to be raised from the AVC portion of the UPEI Building a Legacy Campaign. Sticking to an aggressive time line, AVC will finalize construction documentation from now until the end of May. Construction highlights include; a new four-level 57,000 square-foot research complex, an expansion of the aquatic area, a learning commons, an expansion and update of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, as well as various upgrades to labs and services.

The provincial government's recent announcement of a $500,000 fund to assist and encourage research and development in the province has been well received by the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI). The University's emphasis on new knowledge development, and on partnerships with the private sector, has increased substantially in recent years. The new fund has the potential to provide a valuable boost to that work.

"I would like to congratulate the government for introducing this fund to encourage research that will lead to the development of new products and new economic growth," says Dr. Katherine Schultz, Vice-President of Research Development. "This initiative demonstrates the province's support for the development a knowledge-based future for Prince Edward Island. It is a commitment that we definitely share at UPEI."

Research income at UPEI has increased dramatically over the past five years. Last year, external research dollars on campus totalled $9 million, more than three times the $2.5 million earned in 1998. Income jumped by 29.1%, from 2002 to 2003 alone. In a recent survey of 50 universities from across the country, conducted by Research Infosource Inc., UPEI ranked third among primarily undergraduate universities in Canada. The rankings were based on financial indicators such as total sponsored research income, research income per full-time faculty position, and research income per full-time graduate student.

The new provincial research and development fund will give special consideration to projects in key economic sectors: Life Sciences/Biotechnology, Information Technology, Advanced Manufacturing and Processing, Environmental Technologies and Aerospace.

A special program introduced at UPEI two years ago to enhance first-year accomplishment is proving popular with students who have taken a break from their formal education as well as those whose high school grades did not reflect their true academic potential.

The Transition Program strengthens writing, research, reading, study and computer skills; provides academic and personal support; and helps to ensure that new students benefit from all of the valuable services and activities available to them on campus. It was designed to meet the needs of mature students who need to rebuild their confidence and study skills; students from various cultures who are interested in transition support; graduates of upgrading programs wanting to take their education to a higher level; and students with a brief previous experience of university who want to return and ensure success.

"The transition program has helped me adjust to university life. I've learned skills and developed confidence that will accompany me in my university career," says Ashley Jadis, a mother of two, who is originally from Scotchfort and now lives in Charlottetown. Her goal at UPEI is to pursue a degree in Nursing.

Gita Giroux of Charlottetown had been in the workforce for five years before deciding to further her education. "I had not been in school for so long that going to university was a little intimidating. I wasn't sure if I could fit in academically or with my peers. I decided to take the Transition Program along with three other courses," she explains. "The program gave me one-on-one support and provided a comfortable atmosphere in an intimidating place. I am pursuing my career goal as a social worker, and will return to UPEI in September to continue my degree. I now feel confidence in my academic capabilities and I've made some great friends."

Karen Gillis of Eldon joined the Transition Program with the goal of obtaining a degree in Psychology and Creative Writing now that she has raised her two children. When she joined the program she had been out of the education system for 28 years.

"I had always wanted to go on to university after I finished college in 1979, but the timing never seemed to be right. When I was accepted into UPEI I worried that I was too old. I thought I'd forgotten more than I knew in the first place but I still wanted to try it. The Transition Program gave me a firm foundation to build my confidence so that I could still meet my educational goals which had been put on hold for so long," she says. "It helped me learn to read faster and more effectively, and to study and take notes better. It helped me update my computer skills. It even taught me how to write a resume, cover letter and make a learning portfolio; maybe one of the most important tools I'll have for obtaining employment."

Karen adds that what she liked best about the program was the diversity of students, backgrounds, and ages. "I learned so much from my classmates whether they were fresh out of high school, coming back after raising a family, or changing careers. We became a close group, sharing experiences and strategies for coping with our first year of university. As a result, I feel comfortable in knowing where to go for the support I need to be successful in reaching my goals."

Most participants take three credit courses and one Transition Program course per semester, and this classifies them as full-time students. The program is also open, on a part-time basis, to students taking one or two credit courses each semester. More information is available through the UPEI Centre for Life-long Learning at http://www.upei.ca/transition/. The Centre develops and delivers a broad range of continuing education courses, workshops, programs, summer institutes and other services to help meet the life-long learning needs of Islanders.

The PEI Healthy Eating Alliance, in conjunction with the Department of Family and Nutritional Sciences at UPEI, have developed a nutrition resource called the School Healthy Eating Toolkit. The toolkit, currently being distributed to all elementary schools across PEI, was designed to help schools as they implement new healthy eating policies. The Eastern School District has recently adopted such a policy to begin Fall 2005, with the Western and French (Commission scolaire de langue franand#231;aise) school boards expected to adopt their own in the near future.

The toolkit, which provides practical advice on such topics as healthy food choices at school, food safety, and healthy fund-raising activities, was developed as part of the "Healthy EATS (Eating at School)" project. Funding has been provided by the Public Health Agency of Canada, Canadian Diabetes Strategy which is aimed at developing effective diabetes prevention strategies. A group of 17 lead schools, representing all three school boards, helped develop this toolkit at local networking meetings held across the province. "Schools have been a major partner in developing nutrition polices over the past two years, and they have helped us put together this practical, accessible information which they told us was needed to implement these policies," said Wendy MacDonald, co-chair of the PEI Healthy Eating Alliance (HEA).

The PEI HEA was established in November, 2001. It consists of a diverse group of over 30 individuals and organizations working to improve children's eating habits and reduce the trend towards being overweight. In addition to the toolkit, the UPEI Foods and Nutrition students also designed a pilot peer education healthy eating module in cooperation with the PEI Department of Education. This unique initiative, overseen by registered dietitian Charmaine Campbell, sees grade 11 students assisting children in grades three and four. The series of lessons includes topics such as nutrition and the media, food labels, serving sizes, and food safety. A pilot of this program was run in a Charlottetown school this spring with great success.

It is estimated that children eat as much as 40 per cent of their daily food at school. Dr. Jennifer Taylor, spokesperson for the HEA and chair of the Family and Nutrition Sciences Department at UPEI, states, "Our research indicates that PEI children have poor eating habits which, combined with low activity levels, increases their risk of being overweight and Type 2 Diabetes. This toolkit will offer a starting point for schools to introduce healthy food choices. If we want our children to be healthy, and grow up to be healthy adults, it is critical that we work with schools and families to improve the school food environment."