The UPEI Board of Governors is pleased to announce that Donald Moses has been appointed to the position of University Librarian, effective immediately.

Mr. Moses served as Interim University Librarian from February 2016 to the time of his appointment. He has been a valued member of the UPEI Robertson Library’s staff since 2008, having served as Project Librarian-Island Lives, Collections/eResources Librarian, Digital Initiatives and Systems Librarian, and Digital Initiatives Librarian. Prior to coming to UPEI, he was a member of the library staff at Holland College.

“Mr. Moses has made a tremendous contribution to UPEI’s teaching and learning environment as well as to the community at large with his innovative leadership and willingness to share his knowledge,” said Dr. Kathy Gottschall-Pass, Interim Vice-President Academic and Research for UPEI. “I look forward to continuing to work with him and the entire Robertson Library staff as we move forward to grow and improve our campus library for the benefit of our students.”

Mr. Moses has a Master of Library and Information Science degree from the University of Western Ontario (now Western University), and a Bachelor of Arts degree in history from UPEI. He has an extensive scholarship record, including several peer-reviewed publications, and numerous conference papers and presentations, and he has led software development projects for UPEI and the community. He has given numerous workshops and tutorials in PEI, New York, and Italy. He has received several awards for his contributions, including a UPEI Presidential Award of Merit for Professional Practice in 2012 and a CACUL Innovation Achievement Award from the Canadian Library Association in 2010.

He is also active in numerous professional organizations and shares his knowledge with the broader community, having given presentations to organizations such as Seniors College, the PEI Community Museum Association, and the PEI Genealogical Society.

Students in the University of Prince Edward Island’s inaugural one-year Master in Global Affairs (MGA) program held a conference on refugee resettlement on April 23, 2019, at the Council of Europe (CoE) in Strasbourg, France, in collaboration with the European Student Thinktank.

The students began their studies at UPEI last September, took classes at Universidad Rey Juan Carlos in Madrid earlier this year, and were in Strasbourg this spring. UPEI and Universidad Rey Juan Carlos are offering the program jointly.

The conference was introduced by guest speakers Dr. Juan Ignacio Iquino Lafuente, Deputy of the Permanent Representation of Spain to the CoE, and Dr. Javier Ramos López, Rector of Universidad Rey Juan Carlos.

MGA students Claire Byrne and Michael Pass moderated the discussion and introduced the panelists. Local business owner Clémence Collomb-Gros talked about her experience participating in the Strasbourg edition of the Refugee Food Festival through her restaurant, Le Botanist, while Jocelyn Dougan, RN, who is also a student in the MGA program, discussed refugees and mental health in Canada. Carlota Núñez Strutt, the MGA’s Coordinator of Relations with International Organizations and former president of the European Student Thinktank, gave concluding remarks.

After a brief break, participants and MGA students split into two groups and held working group discussions that included topics such as human rights and resettlement, and the role of policy-makers, international organizations, NGOs, and communities in resettlement. The conclusions were presented to the rest of the participants and will soon be published.

“Through the MGA program, our students are tackling some of the most pressing issues facing our world today,” said Dr. Doreley Coll, UPEI program coordinator. “Their experiences will equip them to be leaders in finding solutions to global challenges.”

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.

UPEI Panther Soccer is hosting its annual Alumni and Friends Breakfast Saturday, June 1 at 10:00 am in McMillan Hall of the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

All are invited to meet current student athletes and alumni and to hear about the 2019–2020 season. Tickets are $10. For more information, or to purchase tickets, contact Koren at kglenn@upei.ca.

Go Panthers Go!

After a ten-month recovery from injury, a bald eagle was released by the AVC Wildlife Service on May 17, 2019, at the Eagle’s View Golf Course in Murray River, PEI.

The mature female eagle was found in MacLure’s Pond near the golf course on July 12, 2018, with fishing line wrapped around her right foot and left wing. She was rescued from the water by Fish and Wildlife staff and brought to the AVC Wildlife Service.

A physical examination revealed that her left elbow was swollen, and she had a full tissue tear in the web of her right wing. The wound was sutured by Dr. Dave McRuer, wildlife health specialist; for several weeks following, wound care was provided and the wing bandaged. On the first day without a bandage, the wound opened along the suture line and needed to be repaired again. This meant another round of bandage changes and physiotherapy every three days to keep her wing mobile. Additionally, Dr. Art Ortenburger, Associate Professor, Large Animal Surgery and Integrative Medicine, provided cold-laser therapy sessions to promote wound healing. Finally, after weeks of bandage changes and wound care, the eagle was placed in an outdoor enclosure to slowly exercise her wing.

In October, she was taken to Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre, Brookfield, Nova Scotia, for further rehabilitation and flight practice, where she started flying laps in the Centre’s large oval flight cage. A headstrong and feisty eagle, she dominated the other eagles in the flyway.

After being released from her crate on Friday, the eagle flew off into the distance. About 20 minutes later, she reappeared, circling high above the people who had gathered for her release. They recognized her from her missing primary feathers. It was a magical moment!

A graduate research project at the University of Prince Edward Island’s Faculty of Nursing is seeking participants for a study about postpartum depression. The project will interview fathers whose partners experienced postpartum depression. It is hoped that the knowledge gained will help the researcher and others to better understand the fathers’ experience and determine ways to best help future fathers.

The project is seeking up to eight fathers who are at least 18 years of age and are currently living (or previously lived) with a female partner who was diagnosed with postpartum depression after a typical (no trauma) birth.

Participants will be interviewed for approximately one hour about their experiences. All identities will be kept confidential.

This project is led by Juliana Barry, a master of nursing student under the supervision of Dr. Gloria McInnis-Perry, Dr. Janet Bryanton, and Dr. Janis MacLellan-Peters. For more information or to participate, contact Juliana Barry at jubarry@upei.ca or (902) 326-1568 by phone or text.

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 Faculty of Graduate Studies will be holding its annual UPEI Graduate Studies and Research Conference from Wednesday, May 15 to Friday, May 17, 2019, inclusive.

Undergraduate and graduate students, researchers, and faculty are encouraged to attend the three-day event that celebrates the accomplishments of UPEI’s graduate students and their research efforts. Over the course of the conference, graduate students from multiple faculties will present their research.

The conference kicks off Wednesday morning with an opening ceremony and the 2019 Outstanding Graduate Student Mentorship Lecture in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, Don and Marion McDougall Hall. Dr. Tim Goddard, a professor in UPEI’s Faculty of Education, will present “Mentoring for mutual reward: The Reciprocity of relationships.”

Most activities will occur in McDougall Hall, in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium and Schurman Market Square.

The R.G. Thomson Lecture will be delivered Thursday, May 16 at 3:15 pm. Dr. Scott Weese, a professor at the University of Guelph’s Ontario Veterinary College, will present “An unintended path through emerging infectious diseases.”

The 2019 Zoetis Award Research Excellence Lecture entitled “Tracing superbugs. Can we estimate the risks?” will be presented by Dr. Javier Sanchez, a professor of health management at UPEI’s Atlantic Veterinary College on Friday, May 17 at 8:30 am.

There is no cost to register and a full conference schedule and abstracts for the presentations are available at the conference website. All are 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 campus of the University of Prince Edward Island was abuzz with energy the last two days as staff, students, faculty, family, graduates, and friends celebrated Convocation 2019. The university conferred degrees, diplomas, and certificates to approximately 900 graduates in the 2018–2019 academic year.

The 2019 cohort included degrees from all eight faculties at UPEI. Proving that learning can happen at any age is Dr. Olive Bryanton, who was awarded her PhD from the UPEI Faculty of Education at the age of 82.

For the first time, UPEI celebrated convocation over three ceremonies held in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, Friday at 1:30 pm, Saturday at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm.

UPEI Chancellor Catherine Callbeck led the ceremonies; President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz addressed the Class of 2019 as a freshly minted group of global citizens.

“How does that happen? One way is that UPEI continues to be successful in attracting students from around the globe. This allows students from PEI and the rest of Canada to gain perspective by studying with classmates who come from over 80 countries, and make up 26 per cent of our student body,” he said. “Our students are energized through these connections, and then it inspires them to participate in international education and exchange opportunities offered by UPEI. As an international student myself, who came to Canada over 34 years ago, I am passionate about how this connectivity leads to globalization. I can assure you that these multi-cultural connections enhance understanding, inclusiveness, and respect.”

The University also conferred honorary Doctor of Laws degrees on three recipients, including Mr. Roger W. Warren (Friday afternoon); Mr. Albert P. Fogarty (Saturday morning); and the Honourable Diane Campbell (Saturday afternoon).

“I believe that we are here to fulfill our dreams,” said Friday valedictorian Marie Antoinette Pangan (Bachelor of Science – Nursing). “We are here because we wanted to prove something. We are the nurses who take care of people, the veterinarians who help animals and the graduate students doing their research. We are all here because this is what we love to do. We are also here because we want positive changes in our lives and the lives of others.”

“To the mature students, it takes guts to come back and take ahold of what you want to do with your life. I hope all of us can be as brave as you, I’m proud of you,” said Halen Sky (Bachelor of Business Administration), valedictorian for the Saturday morning ceremony. “To the students that struggled with their identity, whether it be accepting yourself or others accepting you, I’m proud of you. To the students who lost someone, that kind of event puts our lives on pause. It is incredibly easy to fall behind when grieving. I’m proud of you and I’m sure they are too.”

Hannah Creaser (Bachelor of Science Honours – Foods and Nutrition) addressed the Saturday afternoon ceremony. “Today we close this chapter in our story. We are entering the world with more knowledge than we had before starting our university careers. Do not let your learning stop here. Stay curious, inquisitive, critical. Hopefully it will lead us to exciting, challenging, and adventurous careers.”

UPEI held its annual Senior Class Awards at a ceremony on Thursday, 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 Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island. The Governor General’s Gold Medal (graduate level) was awarded to Dennis Makau (Doctor of Philosophy – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine). The Governor General’s Silver Medal (undergraduate level) was awarded to Stephanie Cairns (Bachelor of Science Honours – Mathematics).

Congratulations to all the graduates!

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.

Her Honour, The Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, recently hosted a luncheon at Government House in celebration of the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program and the University of Prince Edward Island’s Queen Elizabeth Scholars. In attendance were veterinary, and food and nutrition students from UPEI who participated in the program, and UPEI graduate students from Kenya, along with University supervisors and administrators. During the event, the students shared comments about their experiences through the scholarship program. For more information about their experiences in Canada and Kenya, see http://fhf.upei.ca/wordpress/

Shown above are:

(Front row) Carolyn Francis, Faculty of Education; Hannah Hone, DVM student; Her Honour, The Honourable Antoinette Perry; Chantal Doyle and Ashley Kroyer, DVM students; Daniel Wambua Muasya and Sarah Muthee, UPEI graduate students from Kenya; (Centre row) Dr. Charlene VanLeeuwen, Applied Human Sciences; Julia Heckbert and Madi Brauer, foods and nutrition students; Dr. Jennifer Taylor, Applied Human Sciences; Lee Wesselius, DVM student;  (Back row) Dr. John VanLeeuwen, AVC; Ken Mellish, Farmers Helping Farmers; Dr. Greg Keefe, Dean of AVC; Teresa Mellish, Farmers Helping Farmers; Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI; Dr. Nola Etkin, Interim Dean of Science.

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

This year, the University of Prince Edward Island will hold three Convocation ceremonies: Friday, May 10 at 1:30 pm, and Saturday, May 11 at 10:00 am and 2:30 pm. Each ceremony will be held in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at the University of Prince Edward Island, 550 University Avenue in Charlottetown. Each ceremony is preceded by a procession of graduates across campus.

UPEI will confer degrees on approximately 900 graduates this year, including Mr. Roger W. Warren (Friday afternoon); Mr. Albert P. Fogarty (Saturday morning); and the Honourable Diane Campbell (Saturday afternoon), who will receive honorary Doctor of Laws degrees. Each will address their respective ceremony. Honorary degree recipient as well as valedictorian speeches will be available and can be sent out under embargo upon request. Bios of the recipients can be found here.

Ceremony details

Valedictorians:

Friday Afternoon Convocation: Marie Antoinette Pangan (Nursing)
Saturday Morning Convocation: Halen Sky (Bachelor of Business Administration)
Saturday Afternoon Convocation: Hannah Creaser (Bachelor of Science–Honours, Foods and Nutrition)

Macebearers:

Friday Afternoon Convocation: Molly Mills (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine)
Saturday Morning Convocation: William McGuigan (Bachelor of Business Administration)
Saturday Afternoon Convocation: Taya Nabuurs (Political Science)

Invocation: Sister Susan Kidd, UPEI Chaplain

At the Friday, 1:30 pm ceremony, the following will be conferred: Bachelor of Science in Nursing, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Applied Health Services Research, Master of Arts, Master of Business Administration, Master of Education, Master of Nursing, Master of Science – Faculty of Science, Master of Science – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Master of Science – Sustainable Design Engineering, Master of Veterinary Science, Doctor of Philosophy – Faculty of Education, Doctor of Philosophy – Faculty of Science, Doctor of Philosophy – Faculty of Veterinary Medicine

At the Saturday, 10:00 am ceremony, the following will be conferred: Accounting Certificate, Business Certificate, Public Administration Certificate, Engineering Diploma, 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—Human Resource Development, Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Education—français langue seconde, Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Design Engineering

At the Saturday, 2:30 pm ceremony, the following will be conferred: Bachelor of Applied Arts in Journalism, Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Arts—Honours, Bachelor of Integrated Studies, Bachelor of Music, Bachelor of Music Education, 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, Bachelor of Science in Biotechnology, Bachelor of Science in Paramedicine

Parking is available in lots A, B, C, D, and E. Due to limited seating capacity, guests must have an invitation in order to attend. Guests may enter through the front doors of the Sports Centre or MacLauchlan Arena. Those who do not have an invitation may watch the live broadcast on Eastlink Community Television in McMillan Hall at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre, where receptions will be held immediately following each ceremony.

For more information, visit upei.ca/convocation.

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.

UPEI’s annual Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit and 25-Year Service Awards were presented to faculty and staff at a ceremony on April 30, 2019. The awards, created by President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, recognize outstanding performance and dedication to students and our community on-campus, provincially, and globally.

Receiving Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit for Faculty, Librarians, Clinical Veterinary Professionals, and Clinical Nursing Instructors were the following:
• Scholarly Endeavours: Dr. Gilbert Germain, Political Science; Dr. Shafiqul Islam, Mathematical and Computational Sciences
• Service: Dr. Derek Lawther, Physics
• Combined Achievement: Dr. Aitazaz Farooque, Sustainable Design Engineering

Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit for Staff were presented in the following categories:
• Support of Student Success: Grace McCourt, Executive MBA program; Nicole Wadden Garland, Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning
• Volunteer and Community Service: Kylah Hennessey, Office of Skills Learning and Development
• Exemplary Service: Terrie Hardwick, Biology; Megan MacLean, Office of Skills Learning and Development

Receiving 25-year Service Awards were Dr. Shelley Burton, Pathology and Microbiology; Dr. Annabel Cohen, Music; Darrin Costain, Facilities Management; Dr. Anthony Couture, Philosophy; Dr. Dave Groman, Diagnostic Services; Terrie Hardwick, Biology; Kathleen Jones, Diagnostic Services; Dr. Gordon MacDonald, Mathematical and Computational Sciences; Dr. Sandra McConkey, Biomedical Sciences/Pathology and Microbiology; and Dr. Jennifer Taylor, Applied Human Sciences.

During the event, Emma Drake, president of the UPEI Student Union, presented Dr. Ann Braithwaite, Diversity and Social Justice Studies, with the UPEISU’s Faculty of the Year Award and Ashley Clark, Education, with its Staff of the Year Award.

On April 24, the UPEI Faculty Association recognized the achievements of its members at its annual faculty recognition night:
• Hessian Award for Excellence in Teaching: Dr. David Hickey, English; Dr. Jennifer Taylor, Applied Human Sciences
• Hessian Award for Excellence in Teaching (sessional): Dr. Charlene VanLeeuwen, Applied Human Sciences
• Merit Awards for Outstanding Service: Dr. Ann Braithwaite, Diversity and Social Justice Studies; Dr. Shannon Murray, English
• Merit Awards for Scholarly Achievement: Dr. Bishnu Acharya, Engineering; Dr. Collins Kamunde, Biomedical Sciences.

Recognized as retirees were Dr. Mian Ali, Economics; Dr. Tim Goddard, Education; Debra Good, Business; Dr. Stephen Howard, Mathematical and Computational Sciences; Dr. Gregory Irvine, Music; Dr. James Kemp, Biology; Dr. P. Jeffrey Lewis, Pathology and Microbiology; Dr. Geoffrey Lindsay, English; and Dr. David Seeler, Companion Animals.

Congratulations, everyone!