The University of Prince Edward Island and Holland College have teamed up again this year to host Labour Market Expo 2005, a career fair that gives youth an opportunity to get the latest information on career trends, employment opportunities, and educational choices. The Expo will take place at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at UPEI on March 16-17, from 1:00 p.m. - 5:00 p.m. on both days.

Labour Market Expo 2005 is funded by the Canada/Prince Edward Island Labour Market Development Agreement. In partnership with UPEI and Holland College, this event is being hosted to help students and graduates who are looking for employment, as well as career, entrepreneurial, and labour market information. Youth have the opportunity to meet with employers to find out career trends and future job possibilities. Students will have an opportunity to network with exhibitors in their fields of interest and find out about educational options that are available to them.

The Expo provides employers with a unique approach to recruit full-time, part-time and summer employees. It provides access to students and youth with various educational backgrounds. The exhibitors can also network with colleagues and exchange ideas.

Labour Market Expo is free of charge to exhibitors and to anyone who attends. Free transportation will be provided on both March 16 and 17. A bus will be departing Holland College, Summerside at 12:00 pm to the Prince Edward Hotel and returning at 3:30 pm. A van will depart from the Souris Holland College Centre at 12:00 pm to the Prince Edward Hotel and return at 3:00pm, and a shuttle bus will run between the Atlantic Hospitality Institute and Holland College Charlottetown Centre to the UPEI Sports Centre from 1:00pm until 4:30pm. In addition, free parking is available in the MacLauchlan Arena parking lot at UPEI.

Individuals or institutions interested in taking part in this event should contact Stephanie Mossman at 902-566-0792 or by email smossman@upei.ca, or visit www.upei.ca/lme

John Ibbitson, one of Canada's foremost writers on political affairs, will give a public lecture at UPEI on March 30 entitled, "Regional Challenges in a Six-City Canada." Ibbitson has been a political columnist for The Globe and Mail since 1999. He is recognized for setting the standard for political analysis across the country.

Ibbitson joined The Globe and Mail after a decade of writing on municipal and provincial issues for Southam newspapers. He has been a columnist for The Citizen and The National Post. Since August 2002 he has been the Washington Bureau Chief for The Globe and Mail. He is also the acclaimed author of two books on Ontario politics: Promised Land: Inside the Mike Harris Revolution (1997, Prentice Hall) and Loyal No More: Ontario's Struggle for a Separate Destiny (HarperCollins 2001.) John Ibbitson's newest political work, to be published this year, focuses on what the next Canada is going to look like, and how we are going to get there.

The "Regional Challenges in a Six-City Canada" lecture takes place on Wednesday, March 30, 7:00 to 9:00 pm in Lecture Theatre A at the Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI. There is no charge and everyone is welcome. For further information call 566-0307.

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) of the University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) has, again, received Full Accreditation status. The American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education (AVMA-COE) recently voted unanimously to give AVC the highly-esteemed seven years of Full Accreditation. The College has been fully successful in each of their reviews since it was first eligible for accreditation in 1990 with the graduation of their first class of veterinarians.

"Attaining the maximum accreditation of seven years is a testament to the excellence of AVC's programs and people. UPEI's Veterinary College is on par with the best Vet Schools in the world," says Wade MacLauchlan, President of UPEI.

Part of the accreditation process included a visit by a team made up representatives from the AVMA, Canadian Veterinary Medical Association, COE , PEI Veterinary Medical Association, and two guest observers. Visiting last September, the team verified the College's self study report by visiting physical facilities including the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, and interviewing faculty, students, College and UPEI administrators.

"Full Accreditation fuels our international reputation. It helps us to continue to recruit and retain top quality people. The review recognized the quality of our faculty, staff and students, and their ability to work together," says Dr. Tim Ogilvie, Dean of AVC. He says the strength of the College is due in part to the respect and support AVC receives from UPEI and the larger Island and regional communities. "They are absolutely essential to our success."

The AVMA-COE is the accrediting body for veterinary colleges in North America, and have accredited educational veterinary institutions in Europe as well as Australia, and New Zealand. The youngest of Canada's four veterinary colleges, AVC provides undergraduate, graduate, and continuing education in the field of veterinary medicine; conducts research to promote animal health, productivity and welfare, and to protect human and environmental health; and provides services for the management of the health and well-being of animals.

AVC has two Canada Research Chairs, in clinical pharmacogenetics and shellfish, a privately-funded Research Chair in animal welfare, and an industry-funded Research Chair in swine health. The College is also home to the Lobster Science Centre, Centre for Aquatic Health Sciences, Population Health Research Group and Atlantic Centre for Comparative Biomedical Research. AVC has established the only North American OIE Reference Lab for Infectious Salmon Anaemia and is the regional node of the Canadian Cooperative Wildlife Health Centre, with responsibility for monitoring the West Nile virus. The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre continues to provide funding for projects that contribute to animal health and welfare.

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.