One way that the University of Prince Edward Island honours its rich heritage and traditions is acknowledging people who have contributed to it in an exceptional way, naming them ‘founders.' Recognizing founders is an opportunity to welcome members of the UPEI community to campus and at the same time honour those who have made contributions over the years.

The 2011 founders are Mr. Frank Zakem, Dr. Margaret Munro, and Mr. Mel Gallant, recipient of the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award, which pays tribute to individuals who have had a significant and positive impact on the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC).

To view video interviews with the 2011 Founders, click here.

This year marked the twelfth annual recognition of founders at UPEI, and this special tribute took place during the installation ceremony of Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz as UPEI's sixth president and vice-chancellor on September 24.

President Abd-El-Aziz said, 'I am so honoured to have my installation included with the recognition of our Founders, Dr. Munro, Mr. Zakem, and Mr. Gallant. Allowing me to pay tribute to them along with their family, friends, and colleagues will be a significant mark on my memories of this day.'
Dr. Munro was involved with the creation of the UPEI School of Nursing beginning in 1990 when she was seconded from the Faculty of Nursing at the University of Calgary to develop the nursing program at UPEI. In 1991, Munro was invited to become the founding dean of UPEI's new school and remained in that position until July 1997 when she retired.

UPEI nursing student Karen Biggar counts Munro as one of her mentors. She said, 'Dr. Munro admits her fondest memories from her time as dean included getting to know the students and mentoring them. Her views on learning continue today, placing high value in education. Throughout almost forty years of teaching nursing, Dr. Margaret Munro has always been an advocate for students, encouraging them to be critical thinkers and thoughtful practitioners.'

Zakem's life has always been about service, as evidenced by his long career in post-secondary education, including serving as principal at Holland College's Charlottetown campus, teaching select classes at St. Dunstan's University, helping with the organization of SDU Class of 1954 Reunions, his high-profile tenure as Charlottetown city councilor and mayor, and his long involvement with a host of charitable organizations.

UPEI business student Emma McPhail met with Zakem earlier in September, and said in the citation she prepared from that meeting, 'For Frank Zakem, such involvements are as natural as breathing. There are three types of people, Frank is fond of saying, ‘Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and those who don't know what happened.' Mr. Frank Zakem rightly categorizes himself in category number one. This penchant for ‘making things happen' has earned him our recognition today as a ‘Founder' of UPEI.'

Gallant made his mark ‘managing the funds' at the Atlantic Veterinary College in Charlottetown, becoming the longest serving employee. He balanced the books on an annual operating budget that grew from about $1 million to roughly $30 million today, as well as putting pencil to paper for initial construction of the AVC facility tagged at $38.4 million and current expansion expected to run to $32 million. He was there 'from the ground up' and well-respected not only for his management skills but for his ability to deal well with people and his great pride for the College.

AVC student Sadie Griffin added, 'He joined AVC in 1984-shortly after construction of the College began-as assistant to the founding dean, Dr. Reg Thomson, and retired in 2007 as Assistant Dean, Administration and Finance. During his tenure at the College, he took great pride in AVC, a feeling he retains to this day. He continues to be a very strong advocate for the College, its people, and its growth and service to the Atlantic region and beyond.'

More about the Founders

Dr. Margaret F. Munro received her basic nursing preparation in Peterborough, Ontario, and has devoted all of her professional career to nursing education. Throughout almost forty years of teaching nursing she has always been an advocate for students, and has given leadership to several innovative projects in nursing education across Canada and in England, promoting meaningful and non-traditional learning opportunities.

It was through Munro's vision that the curriculum of the UPEI School of Nursing was the first in Canada to be developed based directly on the principles of primary health care. She led the work with her faculty team developing the PEI Conceptual Model for Nursing: A Nursing Prospective of Primary Health Care. Dr. Munro's ground work paved the way for a school rich in leadership, research, and partnership. Her vast knowledge in evaluation methods continues to benefit the faculty and students by way of annual course review and course evaluation.
Dr. Munro also wrote the book Forward in Faith: Establishing the School of Nursing at the University of Prince Edward Island telling the story of the School's beginnings and is a strong supporter of numerous awards and scholarships in support of UPEI Nursing students.

Mr. Frank Zakem was born on August 30, 1931, the fourth of six children born to Albert and Ann (Marji) Zakem, of Charlottetown. He attended Prince of Wales College for grades eleven, twelve, and university freshman year; SDU to complete his university studies, and from there received a BComm in 1954, a BA in 1955, and a BEd in 1968.

After studying theology at the Grand Seminary in Montreal, Zakem returned to PEI in 1956 and worked in the family business until 1970. Following this, he spent 26 years in administration, serving for ten years as Principal at Holland College. He was seconded to Premier Joseph Ghiz's office, and worked in various departments in government.

Zakem's involvement in city and provincial affairs reflects his ongoing commitment to his province and country. Spanning the years from his return to PEI to the present, he has served his community well: city councilor; mayor; and member of Charlottetown's Finance Committee, provincial task forces (health care, provincial assessment), Steering Committee on Municipal Reform, and numerous other provincial and municipal committees. He continues to be involved in community affairs, and has contributed significantly to the Canadian Mental Health Association, Boy Scouts of Canada, and numerous other organizations and committees. Frank travelled widely across Canada, particularly in his connection with Multicultural and Intercultural Affairs, and Canada World Youth.

During his term as mayor, Zakem oversaw the creation of the Charlottetown Development Corporation, which resulted in major developments of the waterfront and downtown Charlottetown areas. He marks this high in importance of his achievements during his term as mayor.

Zakem's contribution has been recognized and, among others, he has been awarded a certificate for involvement and contribution in municipal training, the Boy Scouts Medal of Merit, and the Paul Harris Fellowship Award. He was a founding member and charter president of the Hillsborough Rotary Club.

Zakem is married to Janet (Kousaie) and they have four sons: Steven, Kenneth, Bruce, and Albert.

Mr. Mel Gallant (recipient of the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award) is the longest serving employee of the Atlantic Veterinary College; however, the native of Summerside and third of nine children took an interesting career path to eventually land at AVC.

He went to boarding school in Edmundston, NB, at age 16, where he learned French-the native tongue of his Acadian parents, Ted and Julia Gallant, from Egmont Bay. He then moved to Montreal and took a job with Gulf Canada after earning his MBA at McGill University in Montreal. He held three different positions over a four-year period with Gulf Canada.

Gallant then went into business in Montreal with a partner who had been teaching photography-a passion and talent he developed as an adult. But Gallant longed to return to PEI and did so in 1980. In 1984, he was hired as assistant to the dean of AVC, becoming assistant dean for administration and finance in the mid-90s. Gallant was accustomed to managing large sums on a daily basis-in his almost 25 years at AVC, he managed $800 million of the college's funds.

Colleagues speak highly of Gallant's work not only for his management skills, but also in his ability to deal well with people. He is credited with playing a key role in the leadership of the AVC, working side-by-side with the college's former deans: Dr. Reg Thomson, Dr. Brian Hill, Dr. Larry Heider, and Dr. Tim Ogilvie, to establish a veterinary college that has gained an international reputation in only 20 years.

The City of Charlottetown and the PEI Writers' Guild are pleased to offer the Pen & Inkling festival to celebrate the literary arts on Prince Edward Island and throughout Canada.

Two of the festival's guests are made possible through partnerships with UPEI. Co-presented by UPEI's English Department, Wayne Johnston will read at the Confederation Centre on Tuesday, September 27 at 7:30 pm.

Celebrated Native playwright, film maker, comedian, and novelist Drew Hayden Taylor of Curve-Lake First Nations will be the festival's guest of honour. He will deliver an entertaining, educational, and laughter-filled presentation at UPEI on September 30, as well as to schools and the general public. Taylor's recent novel 'Motorcycles and Sweetgrass' was shortlisted for the 2010 Governor General's Award.

The UPEI presentation takes place Friday, September 30 from 12:00 pm - 1:30 pm at the Faculty Lounge, Main Building and is supported in part by the Webster Centre and Mawi'Omi Centre.

For more information on Taylor's presentation at UPEI, contact Sherri Russell, Aboriginal Academic Advisor, (902) 620-5125.

ProfitLearn PEI, in association with the RCMP, is hosting a forum called 'Fraud Prevention: Tips, Trends & Tactics' on Thursday, October 6 from 8:30 am-12:30 pm at the Confederation Centre of the Arts.

Small businesses and not-for profit groups are encouraged to attend this half-day session that will assist owner-managers to minimize the risk of becoming victims of internal crime, and increase their understanding of appropriate internal protection practices to have in place.

ProfitLearn connected with two certified fraud examiners, Corporal Troy MacLean, 'L' Division Commercial Crime with the RCMP in Charlottetown and Mary H. Best, a chartered accountant with Arsenault, Best, Cameron, Ellis to assist in developing and delivering the content for the morning.
The RCMP has arranged for Inspector Kerry Petryshyn from Ottawa, to deliver the morning's keynote address. Petryshyn is currently working in the Commercial Crime Branch at the RCMP National Headquarters and is responsible for National Policy related to Major Frauds and Bankruptcy.
Through a panel of experts from law enforcement and professional organizations (accounting, law, human resources and insurance) the session will provide advice on how to minimize the risk of internal crime in organizations large or small.

'Over the past five years there have a considerable number of suspected fraud cases investigated on PEI by police,' says Corporal MacLean. 'And these are only the cases that are brought to the attention of police. In reality, many cases of fraud go unreported.' He adds, 'The best way to address fraud is to set up controls that will prevent attempts in the first place.'

The cost to attend the forum is $25 per person (including GST) and includes all materials and refreshments. Seats are limited. Online registration is available by visiting http://profitlearn.upei.ca.

ProfitLearn PEI, a provider of business learning for owner managers across Prince Edward Island, is supported through a partnership with the Atlantic Canada Opportunity Agency (ACOA), Innovation PEI and the University of Prince Edward Island. For more information, contact Marg Weeks at 1-800-270-4795.

The UPEI men's hockey team will take on StFX at the Cavendish Farms Wellness Centre in exhibition play, Saturday, October 8, at 3:00 pm. The pre-season game represents one of the few times the Panthers have played a home game off-campus and the first time playing in the new Montague facility.

Proceeds from the game will support the Montague Volunteer Fire Brigade (MVFB)'s multiyear commitment of raising a total of $30,000 towards the wellness centre's capital campaign. In addition to firefighters and local businesses selling tickets, MFVB approached the Montague Minor Hockey Association to help with the sales effort. A third of the value of tickets-either purchased by players at registration or resold-will be contributed back to the association.

'We have used casino nights and a firefighters' ball in the past to raise funds,' said Jeff Nelson, member of the fire department's fundraising committee. 'Partnering with UPEI to bring their 'show' to eastern PEI as well as Montague Minor Hockey, while raising some dollars towards our pledge, was a great opportunity that we couldn't pass up on. We are depending on the community to support our cause and invite them to come out and enjoy some of PEI's best hockey.'

"The opportunity for UPEI men's hockey to play an AUS men's hockey exhibition game in Montague is very exciting,' added Ron Annear, director of UPEI Athletics and Recreation. 'We've always had wonderful support from the Kings County area and it's truly an honour for Panther Hockey to make its debut at the new wellness centre. Eastern PEI residents will see a very highly skilled and fast level of hockey with both team rosters comprised of CHL/MHL graduates along with many NHL draft picks."

After coming off a string of exhibition game wins against St. Thomas, Dalhousie, McGill, and Carleton, the Panthers hope to add another game to their pre-season ‘win' column against their Antigonish rivals. With their only loss coming from a Université de Moncton Blue Eagles match-up on October 2, UPEI head coach Forbes MacPherson said, 'We have to bring our A-game early every night, and we're excited to get another opportunity to do so before the regular season starts. We've learned that we need to start putting pressure as soon as the puck drops-so Kings County fans will definitely be in for some fast-paced hockey when we take on the X-Men.'

There has been a groundswell of local corporate support for the Montague game, including that from presenting sponsor MRSB. MRSB partner, Everett Roche, a UPEI graduate who grew up in Cardigan and lives in the Montague area, will be dropping the ceremonial puck.

The Panthers' regular season begins with home games at MacLauchlan Arena, October 14 and 15, against the Saint Mary's Huskies and StFX X-Men, respectively.

The UPEI Sports Hall of Fame committee has announced that it will induct men's basketball standout Curtis Robinson on Thursday, October 13, 2011 during the UPEI Sport Legacy Dinner.

Curtis Robinson was a five-year member (1991-1996) with the UPEI men's basketball team. A team leader who captured not only UPEI awards but AUAA and CIAU awards throughout his Panther career, he was named the AUAA Most Valuable Player, UPEI Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year, and a CIAU All-Canadian.

Robinson is only one of three UPEI Panthers to be named a BLG Award Nominee for the awards (formerly the Howard Mackie Awards) presented annually to the CIS Male and Female Athletes of the year. Now living in the Bahamas, Robinson will be in Charlottetown to accept his honour in person.

The 2011 induction will form part of the second annual ‘sport legacy' event where Academic All-Canadians from the last varsity season and named financial award winners are also celebrated. Tickets for this year's event, taking place in McMillan Hall located in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre (reception, 6:30 pm; dinner, 7:00 pm), are available for purchase by the general public for $75 each by contacting UPEI Athletics and Recreation at 902-566-0432.

The UPEI Sports Hall of Fame was founded in 2001 to recognize individuals who have made significant contributions to the athletic programs at the University of Prince Edward Island, St. Dunstan's University, or Prince of Wales College. Each year, individual athletes, teams, and builders are inducted to honour their contributions towards the University's athletic success or community leadership. Anyone with an interest in UPEI, SDU, or PWC athletics is invited to submit nominations.

For more information, please contact Lynn Boudreau at (902) 566-0991 or lboudreau@upei.ca.

Molly Peacock, internationally-acclaimed poet, anthologist, and author of the best-selling memoir Paradise, Piece by Piece, will read and discuss her work on Monday, October 17, at 7:30 p.m. in the UPEI Faculty Lounge, Main Building. A reception and book signing will follow. Admission is free.

Peacock has published six books of poetry, in the United States, England, and Canada, and her poems have appeared in such distinguished publications as The New Yorker, The Nation, The New Republic, The Paris Review, and The Best of the Best American Poetry. She is also the author of How To Read A Poem and Start A Poetry Circle, editor of a collection of creative non-fiction, The Private I: Privacy in a Public World, and co-editor of Poetry in Motion: One Hundred Poems from the Subways and Buses.

Paradise, Piece by Piece has been one of the most popular memoirs in North America since its publication in 1998. Her newest book, The Paper Garden: Mrs. Delany Begins Her Life's Work at 72, lovingly tells the remarkable story of British artist Mary Granville Pendarves Delany (1700-1788), who became famous for her exquisitely detailed, botanically precise flower collages set against dramatic black backgrounds.

She has received awards from the Woodrow Wilson Foundation, the National Endowment for the Arts, and the New York State Council on the Arts. She was Poet-in-Residence at the American Poets' Corner (Cathedral Church of St. John the Divine, New York) and former President of the Poetry Society of America. Peacock also wrote and performed a one-woman monologue in poems, The Shimmering Verge, produced by Femme Fatale Productions, in theatres throughout North America. Born and raised in New York state, she is now a dual Canadian-American citizen and lives in Toronto.

Her reading is part of The Winter's Tales Author Series sponsored by the UPEI English Department, with generous support from The Canada Council for the Arts.

For further information, please contact Tracy Johnston at 566-0389.

The second annual ‘Sport Legacy Celebration' took place Thursday at the University of Prince Edward Island honouring Panther Sport - past, present, and future. Former UPEI basketball Panther, Curtis Robinson (1991-96) was inducted into the UPEI Sports Hall of Fame while Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS) Academic All-Canadians from the last varsity season and named financial award winners for this year were also celebrated.

UPEI Athletics and Recreation Director Ron Annear welcomed approximately 150 student-athletes, coaches, donors, sponsors, family, and friends to McMillan Hall at the W.A. Murphy Student Centre for the dinner event.

'This is an evening to honour and celebrate Panther Sport, and the legacies it creates,' said Annear. 'UPEI works hard to create an environment that allows students to be successful academically, athletically, and socially, providing memories and impacts that last a lifetime.' Annear also thanked the many award donors and event sponsors.

UPEI President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz said, 'Athletics are important to our University as it develops pride in our athletes who represent UPEI, as well as in our other students. I am so proud that we are honouring our past athletic achievements tonight, but I also congratulate our current students who are achieving success in their sport and academically. We are recognizing a record number of CIS Academic All-Canadians tonight-54-it is wonderful that so many students come to UPEI to play, have fun, and, at the same time, excel in their studies.'

In addition to the recognition of the Academic All-Canadians (student-athletes who have maintained a grade point average of 80 per cent over the previous year), and the presentation of many annual scholarships, new 'Alumni Engagement Awards' were given out. These awards were created from proceeds generated at the Alumni Golf Tournament held in July and presented to UPEI student-athletes in each varsity sport who furthered public and alumni interest in their respective teams.

Annear then described the concept for a proposed UPEI Sport Hall of Fame installation in the lobby at the CARI Complex, indicating that it would visually and interactively honour achievements of Panther athletes from the past, including this year's inductee.

Robinson was introduced and inducted into the hall by Brett Wood, a former Panther and UPEI men's basketball assistant coach, who said, 'Curtis Robinson is an honourable and generous man who would help anyone, and who still works tirelessly for UPEI men's basketball, recruiting new and supporting current players.'

Robinson then stepped to the podium to accept his honour, thanking his friends, family, and former teammates-many, including his wife and parents, who were in the audience. He made particular mention of former UPEI Athletic Director Barb Mullaly, and his mentor, former men's basketball coach George Morrison, who both served in their positions when Robinson played at UPEI and supported him throughout his standout career.

'It is always great to come back to campus to see that former Panther athletes, who played when I did, are still heavily involved in the varsity programs,' said Robinson. 'I hope that many of you here tonight stay involved after your playing days are over. I also thank the many donors and sponsors who help our athletes have the special opportunity that I did-to come here, to UPEI, to play sports.'

Robinson, who now lives in the Bahamas, captured numerous awards during his Panther career, including AUAA Most Valuable Player (twice) and UPEI Outstanding Male Athlete of the Year(twice), and was a two-time CIAU 1st Team All-Canadian. He still holds the AUS record for Most Points Scored for an Individual, Career (regular season), scoring 2,069 points in 100 games over five years.

2010-11 CIS Academic All-Canadians at UPEI

Women's Basketball
Nadine Chomyc, Julia McKenna, Kelcy McNally, Marie-Christine Parent

Men's Basketball
Nick Kaminsky

Field Hockey
Michelle Clow, Ellen Dixon, Leanne Doiron, Lydia Ellis, Kathryn Hay, Marina MacAulay, Lacey MacLauchlan, Jenna MacLellan, Erica Ross, Kristy Wu

Men's Hockey
Jared Gomes, Jordon Knox, Kris MacDonald, Graham McNabb, Jhase Sniderman, Thomas Styncl, Thomas Waugh

Women's Hockey
Amanda Armstrong, Kristy Dobson, Christina Kelly, Kristin Nash, Bailey Toupin

Rugby
Hannah Austin, Juliet Bernard, Isabelle D'Amour, Rachel Earl, Megan Larkin, Ashley Macintyre, Shannon Moore, Sumara Profit, Kaitlyn Richard

Men's Soccer
Daniel Hill, Conor McAleer, Jared Murphy, Colby O'Donnell

Women's Soccer
Andrea Archibald, Kayla Balderston, Chelsie McInnis, Carolyn McKenna, Katie O'Brien, Hannah Roche, Tessa Roche, Allyson Seviour, Sara Stewart, Kalie Symington, Lynn Symington

Swimming
Eric Beaton, Mikhala Brinklow-McKnight, Kaylynne Parkes.

UPEI Donor-supported Athletic Award and Scholarship Recipients

The Kyle and Kody Men's Hockey Award - Matt Maione
Presented to a student-athlete in the UPEI Men's Hockey program who displays leadership qualities and a positive attitude.

The Dennis Clough Men's Hockey Scholarship - Spencer Metcalfe
Presented to a returning UPEI men's varsity hockey player who has demonstrated tremendous character and leadership qualities through his dedicated effort and positive attitude in the classroom, in the community, and on the ice.

The Neil and Lila MacLeod Memorial Scholarship - Janet Gamble (swimming)
Presented to a full-time UPEI student in his/her second year who has demonstrated academic achievement and participates in a varsity athletic program.

The Urban McInnis Memorial Award - Terrence Brown and Julia McKenna
Presented to an Island student on each of the UPEI women's and men's basketball teams, entering third year, who has made significant academic progress.

The Harry and Marjorie MacLauchlan Scholarship - Matt Boyle and Travis MacIsaac
Presented to two full-time students who are members of a UPEI intercollegiate hockey team, in strong academic standing, with preference given to players from PEI.

The Gerry Gillis Memorial Scholarship - Sumara Profit (rugby)
Presented to a returning Academic All-Canadian athlete participating in Panther sports who contributes superior athletic sportsmanship combined with high academic achievement.

The Grant Thornton 'Harry MacLauchlan' Scholarship - Chad Locke
Presented to a student on a UPEI intercollegiate hockey team in good academic standing who has been voted by teammates and coaches as contributing most to team spirit through hard work and dedication.

The Michael and Jennifer (Johnston) Moore Mentor/Mentee Fellowship Program for UPEI Basketball - Julie McKenna and Ollen Smith
Presented to two UPEI varsity basketball athletes - a mentor who has displayed strong skills in balancing academics and athletics, and a mentee who wishes to benefit from working closely with the mentor to develop similar skills that will enhance his/her athletic and academic experience.

The Keefe Family Hockey Scholarship - Jhase Sniderman
Presented to a returning Academic All-Canadian athlete on the UPEI Men's Hockey team. The recipient will contribute superior athletic sportsmanship combined with high academic achievement.

Carr Stevenson & MacKay Gift - Katie Moore
Presented to a full-time student on the Panther Women's Basketball team who has demonstrated strong academic standing.

The Andrews Hockey School Scholarship - Mike MacIsaac
Presented to a full-time UPEI student who is a member of a UPEI hockey team and has completed training in an Andrews Hockey Growth Program.

The Colin F. MacDonald Scholarship- Jaclyn Sanderson
Presented to a high school student entering UPEI who will be a member of the Panther Women's Field Hockey Team, and preferably entering the School of Business.

Alumni Engagement Awards -Given to UPEI student-athletes who demonstrate an interest in furthering public and alumni interest in their respective teams through an ongoing commitment to their sport and the promotion thereof to the larger community. Recipients must be entering a year of study beyond their first and be in good academic standing. Women's Soccer - Allyson Seviour; Men's Soccer - Logan Dawson; Women's Rugby - Bailey Harper; Field Hockey - Leanne Doiron; Women's Hockey - Jaimelynn Donaldson; Men's Hockey - Dylan Quaile; Women's Basketball - Julia McKenna; Men's Basketball - John Cooper; Swimming - Sydney Morley.

The University of Prince Edward Island is offering a free, five-week course called ‘Experience U' to introduce students to the university experience - and to answer some of the questions often asked by new students.

Designed to be a primer that will give students an overview of university and a context for the preparations and decisions they will need to make, the course is offered over a MOOC (massive open online course) platform and starts Wednesday, October 19. Students can sign up at http://xpu.ca/join.

Hon. Doug Currie, minister of Education and Early Childhood Development, heard about the web-based offering, appropriately, over Twitter, and was quick to endorse the idea, 'It is so important engage our youth in the way they like to connect. Experience U is a fantastic initiative from UPEI to provide students with some of the basic information they need- especially those who might be the first ones in their family to consider university-over a technologically current platform.' After learning more about the program, Minister Currie has arranged for information to be sent to high school principals and guidance counsellors so they will encourage their students to register for the course.

For each week of the course, there is an introductory video that gives an overview of the topics to be covered, a live online event that features discussions with current university students and professors, and an assignment that will engage participants. The course is approximately a 10-15 hour commitment (2-3 hours a week) over five weeks, ending Sunday, November 20.

Themes over the five weeks include: week 1, what's a student; week 2, what's a professor; week 3, what's a syllabus; week 4, what's research; and week 5, how do I succeed at university?

Dave Cormier, manager of Web Communications and Innovations at UPEI, who is leading the delivery of the course, said, 'Not only does Experience U give an overview to prospective university students, it also provides a glimpse of how university courses may be delivered in the future. The course uses new ways of connecting online as the method by which to actually deliver the learning.'

In the case of Experience U, students can choose to work in the online space if they like or they can put their work in their own space at their school or on the web.

UPEI Vice-President Academic Jim Randall added, 'At Experience U, students have the chance to work with professionals and peers in an online environment, but are responsible for their own work-which is likely the most important aspect of university life that new university students face. Students that take the Experience U course will be equipped with this skill before they head off to university.'

The Experience U project is supported by the Office of the Vice President Academic at UPEI through a Strategic Initiative Fund (SIF) that encourages creative student engagement ideas.

More information is available at http://xpu.ca.

Åsa Warnqvist, a post-doctoral scholar at Stockholm University, is the 2011 Visiting Scholar for the L.M. Montgomery Institute at the University of Prince Edward Island, announced institute chair, Mark Leggott.

'We are pleased to have Åsa join us as our Visiting Scholar,' said Leggott. 'It is encouraging to see the number of young, international researchers who continue to select Lucy Maud Montgomery as their subject of interest. We look forward to seeing what exciting initiatives Åsa will launch over the next year. Her work shows the influence of Montgomery on generations of Swedish readers.'

During her year-long position, Warnqvist will work on her present research project 'L.M. Montgomery in Sweden' which aims to investigate the importance of Montgomery's work, especially Anne of Green Gables, in her home country. She will work closely with the organizing committee of, and present her research, at the international L.M. Montgomery Conference which focuses on the theme of 'Montgomery and Cultural Memory', slated for June 2012. Warnqvist has already co-hosted a major international conference on Montgomery in Sweden in 2009.

Warnqvist notes, 'Anne of Green Gables was first translated and published in Sweden as Anne på Grönkulla in 1909, the year after its original publication, making it the very first foreign-language translation. The novel has celebrated a century of success in the Swedish publishing industry and has long been established as a classic.' It is now the only classic girl's story that continuously has been in print in Sweden for 100 years making it interesting to study within the fields of sociology of literature and gender studies.

'Some of the questions that inform my research on the success and impact of L.M. Montgomery's work in Sweden. What are the key factors in the novel's long-lasting fame in Sweden? How has Anne been regarded by publishers, critics, and readers during these one-hundred years? What impact has the story had on Swedish readers and writers during the twentieth century, and how do contemporary Swedish readers relate to the story of Anne?'

Warnqvist's project includes reception studies as well as book market studies and focuses on three different aspects: Montgomery's success in the Swedish book market, the reception of her work among Swedish readers and critics, and her influence on Swedish authors, above all Astrid Lindgren, author of international classic, Pippi Longstocking. One of the aims of her research trip to UPEI is to study the Swedish covers of Montgomery's novels in an international context and she will do so by drawing on the extensive Ryrie-Campbell collection of international editions in the Robertson Library's archives which continues to draw international attention.

Warnqvist arrived on Prince Edward Island on October 17.

Students in two EAP classes held a potluck lunch fundraiser last week to support their entries in this year's Wheel & Win event, taking place on October 20at 4:00 pm at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at UPEI.

Wheel & Win, formerly the Rick Hansen Wheelchair Challenge, is a fundraising team relay event for the Canadian Paraplegic Association (CPA) that raises awareness about people with disabilities.

Cathy Gillan, UPEI's EAP Coordinator and volunteer with CPA PEI, said, 'In addition to supporting this good cause, our goal is for students to learn valuable cultural lessons and feel engaged in their new community through this event. We want to value their participation and allow them to see themselves as leaders on campus - or as Rick Hansen would say, as "difference makers".

A difference maker herself, Gillan recently ran in the Rick Hansen 25th Anniversary Relay as UPEI's nominee. She encourages all members of the campus community to participate in the Wheel & Win event on October 20 and collect pledges, 'It would be wonderful to match or improve upon last year's amount raised.'

Teams of five are invited to register by visiting the CPA PEI website at cpapei.org, or on event day at 3:30 pm at the Sports Centre. Teams will compete against the clock and each other through an exciting obstacle course using a wheelchair. Click here for a registration/pledge sheet.

One hundred per cent of the money raised through this event will remain in PEI and used to assist people with spinal cord injuries and other mobility disabilities to purchase equipment that has no other funding source.