Charlottetown - The Board of Governors of St. Dunstan's University (SDU), one of the University of Prince Edward Island's two founding institutions, has strengthened its longstanding commitment to enable PEI students to explore catholic beliefs and teachings within a rigorous academic environment. The SDU Board will contribute approximately $1.37 million over the next five years to the new Centre for Christianity and Culture recently established at UPEI, and to assist more Island students to pursue their post-secondary education.

The announcement was made recently by George Morrison, Chair of the SDU Board, as St. Dunstan's alumni prepared to attend their 21st annual homecoming celebrations at UPEI.

"The mandate of the SDU Board is to support and promote Roman Catholic Higher Education in its various forms. We are extremely pleased to be able to bring this mandate to a new level through the cooperation that we have received from UPEI , in particular Dr. Velaidum and the Centre for Christianity and Culture," said Morrison

The Centre for Christianity and Culture is a research and study centre focusing on Christianity's impact and perspective on the intellectual and cultural life of Western civilization. The Centre coordinates various academic and community initiatives including: a new minor degree in Catholic Studies beginning at UPEI in September; a Christianity and Culture minor proposed for 2006; lectures, public discussions, and conferences on science and religion, ethics, politics, and current events.

"The Centre for Christianity and Culture is a significant event for both UPEI and the wider PEI community. Christianity continues to shape not only world politics and economics, but also the intellectual and cultural life of our society, and the personal lives of over 2 billion people," said Joe Velaidum, Founding Director of the Centre. "UPEI is now poised to be a significant international centre for the study of this global religion on world events, intellectual thought and the way people actually live."

For many years the SDU Board has supported bursaries for deserving Catholic students to attend any post-secondary institution in Canada. Beginning this year, it will fund up to three new $5000 scholarships for full-time students entering UPEI. They will be renewable for up to three years. The Board will also introduce up to three additional $5000 scholarships annually, to a maximum of 12 across four years of study. The new scholarships will be made available to PEI high school graduates, with a grade average of over 85%, who are active in their church and who are participating in the new Catholic Studies minor program.

"This donation from the St. Dunstan's University Board constitutes a most significant investment in post-secondary education in Prince Edward Island. In building a legacy of education and cultural identity for our province today, every dollar counts, and support of this magnitude counts for a lot," said UPEI Dean of Arts, Richard Kurial.

The new SDU scholarships are adjudicated by a special committee of the SDU Board. They will begin in September. More information is available by contacting the Board office at 629-1599. Information about the Centre for Christianity and Culture is available at 566-0444 or jvelaidum@upei.ca.

The Atlantic Canada Network on Bioactive Compounds (ACNBC), a regional coalition based within the Faculty of Science at UPEI, hosted an information workshop on the health benefits of natural products on August 22 in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre, UPEI campus. It was sponsored by the Natural Health Products Directorate, a division of Health Canada.

The purpose of this one-day event was to create an opportunity for health practitioners to discuss natural health products, their uses, and the scope of the research being carried out in our region. The morning focussed on presentations from manufacturers and researchers who are currently involved in projects aimed at discovering and commercializing the health benefits of these products.

One of the participants was Dr. Carolanne Nelson from the Department of Family and Nutritional Sciences at UPEI, who is one of the key collaborators in ACNBC research projects. ACNBC specifically investigates wild blueberries and rosehips, both of which grow throughout Atlantic Canada.

There is increasing recognition that natural health products may play a role in disease prevention and treatment. More and more people are choosing to use these products as part of their daily health regime. Current research is investigating why and how natural remedies appear to be helpful. For example, one of the projects that ACNBC researchers have targeted is the effect of blueberries in improving cardio-vascular disease.

Other visiting speakers included Dr. Jeffrey Zidichouski from the NRC Institute of Nutrisciences and Health, and Connie Kehler, Executive Director of the Canadian Herb, Spice, and Natural Products Coalition based in Saskatchewan. Annette Daley, Director of the Health Products and Food Branch of Health Canada spoke about the regulations in Canada pertaining to natural health products.

The afternoon consisted of informal discussions about the continuing need for information on natural health products and how that information can be accessed. Dr. Roger Gordon, Chair of ACNBC, welcomed the opportunity to establish a dialogue among the key members of the natural products field. "Consumers and health practitioners are demanding more information that has scientific rigour to substantiate health claims. The objective of this workshop was to further the discussion in our region"

More information about ACBNC can be found on their website at www.upei.ca/acnbc.

Wayne MacKinnon, a political studies lecturer at UPEI, has just released a book about the legacy of PEI's longest serving Premier. It was 40 years ago this fall that Alex B. Campbell, a young political rookie from Summerside, announced his intention to seek the leadership of the Liberal Party of Prince Edward Island. He was just 31 years old, and had been elected to the Legislature in a by-election six months earlier. Despite his young age and lack of political experience, he won the leadership and went on, the following year, to lead the party to victory in a general election.

Campbell led the province through major social and economic changes. Under his leadership, the 1960s and 70s became one of the liveliest political eras in the province's history. The book's title, Between Two Cultures, refers to the tumultuous changes taking place during that time. As stated in the prologue, it was both the end of an era and the beginning of an era. The last vestiges of the old order were being eroded, and the province faced a new and uncertain future with the inception of the Comprehensive Development Plan. Debates over the future of the family farm, industrial development, school consolidation, land use and public participation dominated the political agenda.

MacKinnon is the author of numerous publications, including The Life of the Party, a history of the Liberal Party of Prince Edward Island. Between Two Cultures was published by Tea Hill Press and is being distributed by Tangle Lane.

Dr. Vianne Timmons, Vice-President of Academic Development, is pleased to announce that Barb Campbell is the new Director of the Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning and the Faculty Development Office. Barb is an Assistant Professor in the School of Nursing. She was a nurse for 25 years before coming to UPEI in 1999. She has served as chair of the National Registered Nurses Exam, as a member of the Children's Health and Applied Research Team (CHART), and a member of the UPEI Honorary Degree and Hessian Award committees. Her areas of research are in knowledge translation, participatory action research, children's health, and immigrant health.

Over the past six years she has taught nursing courses in Ethics, Issues, Leadership, Population Health, and Advanced Practice. "Barb Campbell's teaching style, based on the Freirean principle of partnership, affirms the mutual and collaborative roles of teachers and learners. I am confident that she will be a great asset to the University in her new role," says Dr. Timmons.

Campbell aims to raise the profile of the Webster Centre by assisting faculty to become better teachers and students to become better learners. "Considering the costs involved for one to attend university, it is critical that we, as faculty, not only deliver a high standard of curriculum but that we do it with passion and commitment," she says.

Premier Pat Binns was on campus today for his annual participation in the kick-off of Shinerama. The Premier was joined by a large contingent of UPEI students in support of the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.

At the event, Binns praised the students who have committed time and effort to shining shoes for a donation for CF research. "Your participation demonstrates the commitment of each and every one of you to volunteer and help build a better future for those who are living with cystic fibrosis," said the Premier.

UPEI will join another 60 universities across Canada to support researchers who are targeting a cure for CF. The Premier noted that the UPEI community has always been a strong participant in the Shinerama campaign.

"The fight against cystic fibrosis depends upon public support to carry out its life-saving programs. The generosity of donors has enabled scientists to identify the gene that causes CF, to correct defective CF cells in laboratory dishes, and much more," said Premier Binns.

Shinerama makes a significant contribution to advancing the research agenda. However, as important is the campaign's ability to promote and increase awareness about cystic fibrosis is the opportunity it affords students to kick-off the school year with some fun and comradery.

In recognition the Premier mandated September 6, 2005 as Shinerama Day with a declaration.

The University of Prince Edward Island is rolling out the welcome mat for students who have been displaced by the devastation of Hurricane Katrina. "At this time of need we all have to help out in whatever ways we can," says UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. "These students have had their lives disrupted enough in the past week; we want to ensure that they don't lose their academic year too."

UPEI has made available an unlimited number of openings in its undergraduate and graduate programs for students who may wish to transfer. And while international student fees will still apply, the University is providing the Katrina-displaced students with access to a special bursary which can offset the cost of tuition. Students would also be eligible to apply for any of UPEI's existing scholarships and bursaries.

In order to accommodate students from the storm area, UPEI is holding open its late registration option to ensure that they are able to get into the classes they need. The University is also opening up its residences to students and families who have been displaced by the storm.

"We can re-configure our residence halls to accommodate additional students, and we also have access to several of townhouses at Brown's Court which would be suitable for families," says Director of Residence Services, Marc Braithwaite.

"We would be very pleased to have students from the New Orleans area join us here at UPEI," President MacLauchlan says. "It would be an excellent opportunity for us to show our legendary Island hospitality and to welcome students who would make a valuable contribution to the intellectual and cultural life of our campus."

President MacLauchlan added that UPEI would be pleased to consider partnering with interested community organizations who wish to assist hurricane-affected students to attend UPEI.

The students, faculty and staff at AVC have established a Hurricane Katrina Relief donations table in the lobby of AVC. To aid the humanitarian effort, donations are being accepted on behalf of the Red Cross. The School of Veterinary Medicine at Louisiana State University (LSU) has asked AVC to assist it in its efforts to provide relief and care to the many animals that are ill, injured or stranded. AVC Dean Dr. Tim Ogilvie has responded positively and AVC is accepting financial donations that will be sent to LSU. "Assisting with this worthy and pressing cause is well within the mandate for outreach in the interest of animal welfare that is the mission of the Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre," said Dr. Ogilvie.

Anyone can make a donation to either or both relief efforts by visiting AVC or by calling UPEI Advancement Services at (902) 566-0615 (Visa or Mastercard accepted.) UPEI will issue tax deductible receipts for all donations over $10 to support the animal relief effort. Humanitarian contributions will be payable to and processed by the Red Cross.

Anyone interested in more information on UPEI's efforts to assist students from the New Orleans area, or any organization interested in working in cooperation with UPEI, should contact the university communications office at 566-0760.

Founders' Day at the University of Prince Edward Island was a double celebration this year. In addition to honouring Jack Blanchard, Kay Martell, Georgina Mulligan, and Jim Rigney for their significant contributions to the development of UPEI and its founding institutions, the University announced that Chancellor William E. (Bill) Andrew and his wife, Denise Andrew, have donated $310,000 to the Building a Legacy Campaign. The gift is in addition to the Andrew family's commitment of $100,000 to the School of Business and PEI Centre for Enterprise and Entrepreneurship which was announced in May.

"UPEI is a great university and it deserves the support of everyone who recognizes that first-class education is the key to the future prosperity of PEI," said Chancellor Andrew. "This university is flourishing thanks to the commitment of hundreds of individuals, families, and corporations. As Chancellor I am committed to doing everything that I can to expand that support and to help UPEI to reach its goal of $50 million in private donations."

The $310,000 gift from the Andrews will be allocated as follows: $60,000 for Cass building renovations; $50,000 to create a graduate scholarship in the Masters of Arts in Island Studies (MAIS) program; $50,000 to the Music department for new instruments; $50,000 for the Faculty of Education to support international education and community development travel bursaries; $50,000 to the School of Nursing for school priorities; and $50,000 for women's athletics programs.

"We are immensely grateful to Bill and Denise Andrew for allocating their generous gift to priority areas where their support will have a significant impact on student learning and student services," said UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. "This contribution to the Building a Legacy campaign adds value to an array of essential programs, to the benefit of students and the entire University."

Bill Andrew grew up in PEI and now lives in Calgary. His family is well known in PEI and national harness racing circles. He is President and CEO of Penn West Energy Trust and is active in various community and philanthropic endeavours. He received his Diploma in Engineering from UPEI in 1973 and became Chancellor in March 2005. He is a contributing member of the Friends of UPEI group in Calgary, and he and his wife are members of the UPEI Visionary Society.

With a goal of $50 million, the Building a Legacy campaign represents the most ambitious financial campaign ever embarked upon by UPEI. Since it was launched in April 2003, over $30 million has been committed to the campaign. More information on Building a Legacy is available at http://www.upei.ca/legacy/

The University of Prince Edward Island has announced that former UPEI hockey Panther captain, Dylan Taylor, has been selected as the new head coach of the men's hockey team.

Taylor played for UPEI from 1997 to 2001 and was captain the last two seasons. He subsequently played for the Central Hockey League's Indianapolis Ice. Previous to playing for UPEI, he played in the Ontario Hockey League with the Kingston Frontenacs and the Oshawa Generals.

Taylor served as the assistant coach of the UPEI men's hockey team from 2002 to 2004 and was an assistant coach of the PEI Rocket last season. He is currently an assistant coach for Team Atlantic at the World Under-17 Championships.

Taylor graduated from UPEI with a Bachelor of Arts, as an academic all-Canadian, in 2001. He completed his Bachelor of Education at UPEI in the spring of 2004. He is currently teaching morning classes at East Wiltshire Junior High School. He and his wife Angie live in Charlottetown.

Taylor has acquired his Advanced Level in the National Coaching Certificate Program and recently spent professional development time at the Hockey Canada High Performance Seminar put on by Hockey Canada in June 2005. He is a certified Specialist in Sports Conditioning with the International Sports Sciences Association.

Taylor, whose position begins immediately, replaces Mike Kelly who recently accepted a position as the assistant coach for the American Hockey League's Manitoba Moose.

On Thursday, September 8, a new work reflecting on UPEI's founding and early development was launched, in conjunction with the 6th annual Founders' Day ceremony.

Utopian U: The Founding of the University of Prince Edward Island, 1968-1970 by Dr. Alan MacEachern is a 48-page booklet about UPEI's early beginnings, told in a lively style that is sure to inform and entertain.

"It is time, almost forty years after the establishment of the University of Prince Edward Island, to tell the story of its creation and early development," UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan says in the book's Foreword. "In Utopian U, Alan MacEachern provides a lucid and lively account of the events leading up to UPEI's creation, and of the multitude of steps required to make the new provincial university a reality," MacLauchlan added.

A native of Prince Edward Island, Dr. Alan MacEachern graduated from UPEI with a BA in History in 1988, and went on to do his MA and PhD at Queen's University in Kingston. Director of the Public History Program at the University of Western Ontario, Dr. MacEachern is especially interested in exploring the many ways history can be communicated. He is the author of The Institute of Man and Resources: An Environmental Fable (Island Studies Press) and Natural Selections: National Parks in Atlantic Canada, 1935-1970 (McGill-Queen's University Press). He is currently working on a history of the 1825 Miramichi Fire.

Founders' Day honours those who have made significant, long-term contributions to UPEI or its predecessor institutions. Jack Blanchard, Kay Martell, Georgina Mulligan, and Jim Rigney were honoured as Founders at this year's celebraton. Noted historian Catherine Hennessey was the guest speaker.

With a renewal of funding support from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), the University of Prince Edward Island's School of Business Administration will continue to deliver a successful international trade internship program.

"Small-and-medium-sized businesses in Atlantic Canada who are entering the export market or looking to diversify or grow their export markets must explore the export potential beyond our own borders," said ACOA Minister Joe McGuire. "Graduates from this internship program will gain the knowledge and skills necessary to benefit these businesses in their pursuit to succeed, compete and thrive in the global marketplace."

The program was established at UPEI in 2003 with the goal of helping participating companies to develop or enhance their exporting capabilities, to develop a solid working relationship between educational institutions and the private sector, and also to provide program participants with employment opportunities. The program's trade courses are made available through the nationally recognized Forum for International Trade Training (FITT).

"The FITT program has been an excellent addition to the UPEI School of Business offerings and its students have contributed positively to the PEI business community. Students have excelled in the program, with several students placing first in national exams. They have also taken their FITT international knowledge and skills into real life working experiences on the Island, helping to increase internationalization of the economy of PEI for today and the future," said Dr. Roberta MacDonald, Dean, UPEI School of Business Administration.

Since the inception of the program, three groups of students have taken part in the training. The first two groups, who began in April 2003 and September 2003, have completed their required courses. The third group is currently five-to-seven months into their internships, with placements at a variety of Island companies. The School of Business Administration will be seeking placements for the fourth group beginning in September.

The benefits and successes of the trade internship program are being realized and, in turn, there is a growing demand for the internationally recognized training. Companies interested in receiving more information on the availability of interns are asked to contact the UPEI School of Business Administration.

ACOA provided a $307,550 non-repayable contribution through the Atlantic Trade and Investment Partnership (ATIP) to UPEI's School of Business Administration to administer the International Trade Internship Program. ATIP is one of the four components under the new five-year $708-million dollar initiative, the Atlantic Investment Partnership and#150; The Second Wave.