Media Releases

��ϳԹ��business student wins Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies

Melanie Taylor — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 12:56:08 -0300

Luciana Quiroa Paredes, a third-year Bachelor of Business Administration student at the ��ϳԹ�� (UPEI), has won a prestigious 2025 Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies valued at $45,000.

The Frank H. Sobey Awards for Excellence in Business Studies are awarded each year to up to eight undergraduate business students attending an Atlantic Canadian university who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in business and dedication to extracurricular, community, and entrepreneurial activities.

As a student far from home, Paredes chose to attend ��ϳԹ��for its small class sizes and welcoming atmosphere. In turn, she wants to give back to others.

One of the many student societies Paredes joined was the Relay for Life, a fundraiser in support of the Canadian Cancer Society.

Having witnessed her uncle and grandfather battle the disease at home in Peru, she is keenly aware of the impact a cancer diagnosis can have on a patient and their family. She plans to start a project titled “Reborn,” which will combine her education, entrepreneurial spirit, and sense of social responsibility.

“Reborn is a not-for-profit organization that will provide holistic, psychological support and address aesthetic concerns with implants, wigs, or scalp treatments,” said Paredes.

This experience, along with a recent internship with the PEI Department of Health and Wellness, have inspired Paredes to pursue a Master of Health Administration. Winning the Frank H. Sobey Award will allow her to stay in Atlantic Canada to continue her education.

Paredes is an engaged and giving student, joining Access for All, a project to improve accessibility on campus. She is also a member of Enactus, holds a campus job, is editor-in-chief of the Nexus yearbook, and is the founder and president of the ��ϳԹ��Latin Society.

“I wanted to foster culture around campus and share it with people,” she said. “It also gives a sense of home for those of us who are international students.”

Dr. Tarek Mady, dean of the McDougall Faculty of Business at UPEI, congratulated Paredes on this huge accomplishment.

“We are incredibly proud of the strong track record our business students have established with this prestigious award, and Luciana is a wonderful example of the talent, dedication, and leadership we aim to cultivate at the McDougall Faculty of Business,” said Mady. “Her achievement reflects the exceptional calibre of students we are fortunate to support, and we hope it inspires other business students to pursue the Frank H. Sobey Awards and similar honours that recognize academic excellence, community engagement, and leadership potential.”

Click here to watch a video about Paredes.

Institute of Island Studies hosts lecture on economic development in Magdalen Islands

Anna MacDonald — Wed, 02 Apr 2025 09:22:53 -0300

Economic and community development professional Audrey Keating will give a lecture titled “The Magdalen Islands: A Living Lab for Territorial Innovation” on Tuesday, April 15, at 7 pm in the Faculty Lounge (Room 201), SDU Main Building, UPEI.

Part of the ��ϳԹ��Institute of Island Studies’ 2025 Island Lecture Series, the lecture is free and open to everyone.

Keating will talk about how the Magdalen Islands are leveraging its unique environment to foster economic development opportunities.

“Just a ferry ride away, the Magdalen Islands are emerging as a dynamic testing ground for innovation,” she said. “We will explore how the region attracts businesses and startups eager to validate their solutions—from ocean tech to age tech—in real-world conditions.”

Keating is currently Commissioner for Business Development and Partnerships at La Vague, an innovation and development corporation leading the Magdalen Islands’ investment attraction strategy. Previously at the Community Economic Development and Employability Corporation, she fostered partnerships across public, private, and civil sectors to support English-speaking communities in Québec. She holds an honours degree in international studies and a certificate in modern languages from Bishop's University. Passionate about collaboration, she engages with diverse organizations to drive economic growth and strengthen community well-being.

Thirteen ��ϳԹ��co-operative education programs receive national accreditation

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 11:54:05 -0300

The ��ϳԹ�� Co-operative Education Program is pleased to announce that 13 Co-operative Education bachelor programs at ��ϳԹ��have been accredited by Co-operative Education and Work-Integrated Learning Canada (CEWIL Canada) for six years, ending December 2030.

The following programs have received accreditation:

Faculty of Science: Actuarial Science
Faculty of Science: Biology
Faculty of Science: Computer Science
Faculty of Science: Environmental Studies
Faculty of Science: Physics
Faculty of Arts: Economics
Faculty of Business: Specializations
- Accounting
- Entrepreneurship
- Finance
- International Business
- Marketing
- Organizational Management
- Tourism and Hospitality

“Co-operative Education has been a long-standing component of many programs at ��ϳԹ��and has expanded considerably over the past few years. The new accreditation marks first time accreditation for our Actuarial Science, Biology, Environment Studies, and Economics programs and speaks to the quality of programming offered at the University. This milestone could not have been achieved without the commitment of the Co-op Office staff, Academic Directors and all our employer partners,” said Megan MacLean, Interim Associate Vice-President, Students.

In a letter that accompanied news of the accreditation, Claudia Sperling, Chair, CEWIL Canada Accreditation Council, and on behalf of the CEWIL Canada Board of Directors, thanked ��ϳԹ��for its on-going leadership in Canadian co-operative education and adherence to the CEWIL Canada criteria and standards of quality. The chair also acknowledged and thanked ��ϳԹ��for submissions of data to CEWIL Canada’s National Stats Database. The data has been integral in advocacy work at both the federal and provincial levels.

The accreditation review team, composed of Christine Dodds from Capilano University, Sarah Maunder from College of the North Atlantic and Chair, Shawn Read from Thompson Rivers University thanked ��ϳԹ��for preparing a comprehensive and detailed application package. The review team was impressed with many practices, including that the ��ϳԹ��Co-op team demonstrates strong collaboration with faculty members, engaging in regular consultations with Academic Directors and Advisors to ensure alignment and integration; and for its flexibility in reflective assignments, allowing students to tailor their learning experiences during their work terms.

“This recent accreditation of 13 co-op education programs at ��ϳԹ��is a mark of excellence for their high-quality standards,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President Academic and Research at UPEI. “Many thanks to Megan MacLean and the Co-op Education team for preparing a comprehensive application for accreditation and their dedication to exceptional learning opportunities for students through co-op education.”

The Co-operative Education Office recently celebrated their annual awards with students, faculty, and community employers, closing out national Co-op and Work-integrated Learning month. Those interested in learning more about hiring Co-op students are encouraged to reach out to the Co-op Office.

��ϳԹ��Asian Studies hosts seminar by Dr. Jin Y. Park on April 3

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:29:02 -0300

The ��ϳԹ��Department of Asian Studies is presenting a seminar titled “Contemporary Buddhism: A Guide to Good Life” by Dr. Jin Y. Park, chair and professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion, American University, Washington D.C., on April 3.

The lecture will take place from 2:15–4:00 pm, in the Faculty Lounge (Room 201), SDU Main Building, UPEI. It is part of the Asian Studies International Seminar: Korean Studies Speaker Series 2025.

Dr. Park is the author, co-editor, or translator of over 10 scholarly books (since 2006). She has published 60 articles and presented about 200 keynote speeches, invited lectures, and conference papers in modern Korean (East Asian) Buddhism, women and Buddhist philosophy, and postmodernity and deconstructionism.

The lecture is endorsed by the ��ϳԹ��departments of History, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Korean Studies International Speaker Series is funded by Dr. Edward Chung’s Korean Studies Seed Program grant (AKS-2022-INC-2230004) at UPEI, thanks to the Korean Studies Promotion Service (KSPS), the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS), Ministry of Education, Government of South Korea.

��ϳԹ��acknowledges the assistance of Canada’s tri-council of federal granting agencies—Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC), the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), and the Canadian Institutes of Health Research (CIHR)—through its Research Support Fund, which helps fund services and infrastructure that support research activities at the University. In 2024–2025, UPEI’s RSF allocation is $1,041,691.

��ϳԹ��awards 2025 internal research grants to faculty members

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 01 Apr 2025 10:07:30 -0300

��ϳԹ��has awarded internal research grants totaling $83,964 in 2025 to 12 faculty members. Five faculty members received internal research grants (IRG); six received Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Explore research grants (SERG); and one received a Lévesque human health internal research grant.

“Congratulations to all faculty members who received these research grants,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, ��ϳԹ��Vice-President, Academic and Research. “Research at ��ϳԹ��is making important advances in knowledge that contribute in meaningful ways to society. This impactful research and scholarly work by faculty members at ��ϳԹ��is addressing both local and global challenges.”

Recipients of the IRG awards are as follows:

Dr. Gaoliang Fang, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering: “A Low-Cost Switched Reluctance Electric Drive System with a Reduced Number of Current Sensors”
Dr. Pouya Faroughi, Faculty of Science (School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences): “Advanced Statistical Methods for Correcting Measurement Errors and Misclassification in Covariates”
Dr. Suzanne Gray, Faculty of Science (Biology): “Finding Shells on the Beach: Visual Sensitivity and Shell Choice of Hermit Crabs on PEI’s Colourful Beaches"
Dr. Emma Ladouceur, Faculty of Science (Biology): “Orchid Population Distribution, Change, and Restoration on Prince Edward Island”
Dr. Stevan Springer, Faculty of Science (Biology): “Measuring the Mutational Extent of a Magnetic Protein Phenotype”

The SERG recipients are as follows:

Dr. Thomas Larkin, Faculty of Arts (History): “Mapping Historic Hong Kong”
Dr. Nicholas Mercer, Faculty of Science (Environmental Sciences): “Assessing Water, Energy, and Food Security on the Port au Port Peninsula, Newfoundland: A Two-Eyed Seeing Approach”
Dr. Jean Mitchell, Faculty of Arts (Sociology and Anthropology): “Researching Climate Change and Urbanization in Vanuatu”
Dr. Sebastien Parker, Faculty of Arts (Political Science): “Information Networks and Environmental Policy Responses: A Comparative Study of Net-Zero Implementation in PEI Communities”
Dr. Marie Pascal, Faculty of Arts (Modern Languages): “L'abjection sublime-Volume 1”
Dr. Magdalena von Eccher, Faculty of Arts (Music): “Fantasie–A Solo Recording Project–Magdalena von Eccher, Piano”

The Lévesque research grant recipient is Dr. Joel Ross, Faculty of Science (Biology), for a project titled “Human Stem Cell-derived Neurons to Test Regulatory Functions of the Newly Evolved LINC00473 Gene.”

The IRG program supports research projects across a broad range of fields at UPEI. Through this internal funding program, researchers provide excellent student training opportunities and often develop new collaborations with other disciplines. The SERG program supports research pursuits in the social sciences and humanities.

The Fondation J.-Louis Lévesque, a generous supporter of health research at universities and institutes across the country, supports the Lévesque human health internal research grant. J.-Louis Lévesque graduated from Saint Dunstan’s University (SDU)—one of UPEI’s founding institutions—in 1934; he was awarded an honorary doctor of laws degree by SDU in 1964.

Lauren Rainford and Kamari Scott named ��ϳԹ��Athletes of the Year

Ron Annear — Sat, 29 Mar 2025 09:00:36 -0300

UPEI’s Department of Athletics and Recreation celebrated the 2024–25 season at the annual ��ϳԹ��Panther Celebration – Athletic Awards Gala on Friday, March 28, recognizing outstanding student-athletes who have excelled in sport, the classroom, and the community.

This year, the ��ϳԹ��Alumni Association’s Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year award went to Lauren Rainford, ��ϳԹ��Women’s Basketball. The Male Athlete of the Year winner was Kamari Scott, ��ϳԹ��Men’s Basketball.

The event, held at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, included student-athletes, coaches, and team staff from both varsity and club sport programs along with members of the University community. UPEI’s varsity program includes Women’s Field Hockey, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Rugby, Men’s Hockey, Women’s Hockey, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Track and Field, and Women’s Track and Field. ��ϳԹ��club sport teams include Men’s Rugby, Men’s Lacrosse, Ringette, Ultimate, Equestrian, Cricket, and Cheer.

“We take great pride in the achievements of our student-athletes this season, and we are excited to watch them continue to develop and realize their full potential at UPEI,” said Jane Vessey Director of ��ϳԹ��Athletics and Recreation. “As our senior student-athletes move on to new chapters, we wish them the best in all their future endeavours and look forward to seeing the impact they will make beyond university.”

The W.A. Ledwell Award is presented annually to a student who has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability in the intercollegiate program, academic excellence, and the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and citizenship. This year’s recipient was Kamari Scott, ��ϳԹ��Men’s Basketball.

The Gordon and Muriel Bennett Award is presented to a male or female student athlete who, over four years, has best combined athletic achievement and academic excellence. This year’s winner was Bianca Boutilier, ��ϳԹ��Women’s Track and Field.

The James Bayer Memorial Scholarship Award was established in 1985 and is awarded annually to an outstanding student-athlete in Atlantic University Sport for excellence in academics, athletics, leadership, sportsmanship, and citizenship. The recipient is selected from nominees submitted by each AUS-member university. This year’s nominee from ��ϳԹ��was Kamari Scott, ��ϳԹ��Men’s Basketball.

In addition to the overall awards, varsity and competitive club team awards were also presented. These included the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Rookie of the Year, J.T. “Mickey” Place, and Principles of Panther Pride awards.

The J.T. “Mickey” Place Awards are presented by the ��ϳԹ��Student Union to varsity team student-athletes who contributed to student leadership on their team and on campus. Each coach presents the Principles of Panther Pride Coaches Award to the student-athlete on their team, who best exemplifies purpose, preparation, respect for people, positivity, professionalism, presence, passion, and perseverance.

Team Award Winners for 2024–2025

Varsity

Women’s Field Hockey: Livi Lawlor (MVP), Katie-Grace Noye (Rookie of the Year), Maria McLane (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Julie Hall (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Soccer: Riad Jaha (MVP), Jahmal Boursiquot (Rookie of the Year), Isaac Wolters (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Will Campbell (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Soccer: Claudia Mazzei (MVP), Juliette Bader (Rookie of the Year), Lydia Hamill (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Madi Fisher (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Rugby: Emma MacLean (MVP), Rowan Gallagher (Rookie of the Year), Mia Fradsham (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Abbey Morice (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Hockey: Kaleb Pearson (MVP), Bobby Orr (Rookie of the Year), Cade Kowalski (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Ben McFarlane (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Hockey: Chloe McCabe (MVP), Renée Chapman (Rookie of the Year), Sarah Forsythe (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Kaiya Maracle (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Basketball: Kamari Scott (MVP and J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), Hugo Bermejo (Rookie of the Year), and Sam Chisholm (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Basketball: Lauren Rainford (MVP), Naki Alonzo (Rookie of the Year), Karla Benitez (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Devon Lawlor (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Cross Country (men): Jack Roberts (MVP)

Cross Country (women): Katie Richard (MVP), Stefania Angona (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Grace Richard (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Track and Field (men): Daniel Onunwor (MVP), Avery Baker (Rookie of the Year), and Colin Blanchard (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award)

Track and Field (women): Helena Ikpotokin (MVP), Sophie Crabbe (Rookie of the Year), and Bianca Boutilier (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Club

Men’s Rugby: Noah Poirier (MVP and J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), William Kent (Rookie of the Year), and Ben Bassett (Warhorse Award)

Men’s Lacrosse: Top Senior – Conor McInnis (MVP), Top Freshman – Ethan Reeves (Rookie of the Year), Reece Packman (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Kelton Trainor (James Thomson Memorial Award).

Ultimate: Brian MacDonald and Sophie Hayes (MVPs), Tyson Laybolt and Sinead Riordon (Rookies of the Year), Maddy Cronin (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Hicham Barouti and Kenzie Schwartz (Spirit of the Game Players)

Equestrian: Jordyn Jackson (MVP), Gabriel Bruce (Rookie of the Year), Lacey White (Sportsmanship and J.T. “Mickey” Place Awards), and Avea Stiles (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Cricket: Muhammad Mudassar Maqsood (MVP), Muhammad Saifullah (Best Bowler), and Muhammad Maaz (Best All-Rounder)

Cheer: Callum Machum (MVP), Karolina Jaeger (Rookie of the Year), Chloe Betts (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Alex Zakem (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

��ϳԹ��Student Union President George Jiang, far right, presented J.T. "Mickey" Place Awards to ��ϳԹ��club team members Lacey White (Equestrian), Chloe Betts (Cheer), Maddy Cronin (Ultimate), Reece Packman (Men's Lacrosse), and Noah Poirier (Men's Rugby).

About the ��ϳԹ��Athletes of the Year

LAUREN RAINFORD
Lauren Rainford’s stellar career with ��ϳԹ��Women’s Basketball culminated in being named UPEI’s Female Athlete of the Year. In 2024–25, she led the Panthers in scoring (18.6 points per game, seventh in U SPORTS), assists (2.2), steals (1.7), and blocks (0.8), earning her fourth AUS all-star selection and third first-team nod.

She guided ��ϳԹ��to a 14-6 regular season record (third in the conference) and an AUS final appearance. On February 15 against the Memorial Sea-Hawks, Rainford etched her name into the program's history books, becoming the Panthers' all-time leading regular season scorer. She surpassed the legendary Jenna Mae Ellsworth's record of 1,380 points on a free throw with 3:52 remaining in the third quarter of that evening's contest, cementing her status as one of UPEI's all-time greats. She finished her career with 1,422 points.

KAMARI SCOTT
For the second consecutive year, Kamari Scott has been named UPEI’s Male Athlete of the Year, capping off a legendary career with the Panthers. In his final season, Scott led ��ϳԹ��to its first Atlantic University Sport (AUS) championship in 22 years, delivering a heroic 24-point performance in a stunning comeback win over the St. FX X-Men. His clutch play earned him tournament MVP honours and secured the Panthers a spot at the U SPORTS Final 8, where they upset host UBC Thunderbirds and finished fourth—marking a new program best.

Scott was a force throughout the season, averaging 14.1 points, 6.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.6 steals per game. His leadership and impact on both ends of the court defined his tenure, leaving an indelible mark on ��ϳԹ��basketball history.

Beyond his on-court success, Scott was recognized nationally as the U SPORTS Ken Shields Award winner—a testament to his leadership, humility, and unwavering commitment to giving back. Over six years, he proudly represented ��ϳԹ��at the highest level, inspiring those around him and becoming a fan favorite. His impact on and off the court has touched countless lives across PEI, solidifying his legacy as one of the greatest to wear a Panthers jersey.

Go Panthers Go!

CWHC-Atlantic Region honoured with PEI Heritage Recognition Award

Apryl Munro — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 15:15:49 -0300

The Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative-Atlantic Region (CWHC-Atlantic Region), based at the Atlantic Veterinary College, ��ϳԹ��, has been honoured with a Heritage Recognition Award from the PEI Museum and Heritage Foundation.

The annual PEI Heritage Awards celebrate individuals and organizations that have made outstanding contributions to preserving and promoting the province’s heritage, including both human and natural history. The award was presented to members of the CWHC-Atlantic Region by the Honourable Dr. Wassim Salamoun, Lieutenant Governor of PEI, at a ceremony held in Charlottetown on March 23.

The CWHC-Atlantic Region was recognized for its dedication to protecting and documenting wildlife health, an essential part of the Island’s environmental and cultural heritage.

"It was an honour to be included in such a deserving group of recipients,” said Dr. Megan Jones, regional director of the CWHC-Atlantic Region. “I particularly appreciate that our work to understand and track wildlife health was recognized for its contribution to the natural heritage of the Island. That’s the big picture, and it’s why we do what we do—to help preserve and protect our environment."

“Congratulations to the CWHC-Atlantic Region team on this well-deserved recognition,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College. “Your work continues to have a lasting impact on wildlife conservation and heritage preservation in Prince Edward Island.”

AVC alumnus appointed dean of Sri Lanka’s veterinary school

Apryl Munro — Thu, 27 Mar 2025 14:49:26 -0300

Congratulations to Dr. Anil Kalupahana who has been appointed dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine and Animal Science, University of Peradeniya, in Sri Lanka for a three-year term effective November 1, 2024.

Dr. Kalupahana earned his PhD in Pathology and Microbiology from AVC, where he was co-supervised by Dr. Fred Kibenge and Dr. Scott McBurney. He successfully defended his thesis, “Characterization of orthoreoviruses isolated from American crow (Corvus brachyrhynchos) winter mortality events in eastern Canada,” in July 2017. He was awarded his degree at Convocation in the spring of 2018.

During his studies, he received the AVC Department of Pathology and Microbiology Graduate Student Scholarship in 2009-2010 and the Dr. Douglas W. Ehresmann Graduate Award for outstanding research in virology in 2013 and 2017.

Following his doctoral studies, he returned to Sri Lanka as a lecturer in veterinary virology at the University of Peradeniya, later advancing to senior lecturer grade 1.

In 2019, Dr. Kalupahana was unanimously elected head of the Department of Veterinary Pathobiology, a position he held for two consecutive terms until his recent appointment as dean. The Department of Veterinary Pathobiology is responsible for teaching veterinary bacteriology and mycology, virology, parasitology, pathology, and immunology to second-year veterinary students.

Dr. Kalupahana’s achievements highlight the global impact of AVC’s graduate programs. His leadership at Sri Lanka’s only veterinary school is a testament to his dedication to veterinary education and research.

“We are proud to celebrate an AVC alumnus reaching the highest position in veterinary education in Sri Lanka,” said Dr. Fred Kibenge of his former student.

Congratulations, Dr. Kalupahana!

Fair Treatment Policy Redevelopment: Information and Feedback Sessions for Policy Development

Nicole Phillips — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 14:54:30 -0300

The following message was also distributed by email to students, staff, and faculty on March 26, 2025.

Dear ��ϳԹ��Community,

The Fair Treatment Policy Redevelopment (FTPR) Committee was formed as part of the Action Plan commitment to

replace the Fair Treatment Policy, and
finalize revisions to the Sexual Violence Policy.

The FTPR Committee has been meeting regularly and gathering feedback to develop a new Harassment and Discrimination Policy and to update the Sexual Violence Policy. Since January, Committee members have been connecting with members of the community, an online feedback form has been distributed, and, most recently, the Committee held an information session on March 3.

On behalf of the Committee, I invite faculty, staff, and students to attend one of two FTPR Information/Feedback Sessions where campus community members can provide feedback and ask questions about the draft versions of the Harassment and Discrimination Policy and the Sexual Violence Policy. Please note: Both sessions have the same content but are being held on different days to help accommodate schedules and maximize opportunities to provide input.

FTPR Information/Feedback Session #1
Thursday, April 3, 2025
1:30–2:30 pm
Kelley Memorial Building, Room 237 (KMB237)

For those who are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams link.

FTPR Information/Feedback Session #2
Monday, April 7, 2025
9:30–10:30 am
Kelley Memorial Building, Room 237 (KMB237)

For those who are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams link.

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

��ϳԹ��

902-566-0400 president@upei.ca

��ϳԹ��Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering holds annual student awards

Melanie Taylor — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:12:18 -0300

The ��ϳԹ��Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) Student Awards ceremony was held on March 4, 2025. This annual event celebrated the accomplishments of the students and the generosity of the donors who support them.

The awards recognize sustainability, academic success, and leadership and include entrance awards from the beginning of the year as well as fall and winter awards. Students who are on the Dean’s list were also celebrated.

The following is a list of awards and winners:

Andrew Renewable Scholarship in Engineering: Eliass Katmouz
Engineers PEI Entrance Award: Gabrielle Mhlaba and Hunter MacDonald
Engineers PEI “Glenda MacKinnon-Peters” Scholarship: Leah MacPhail
Engineers PEI “Father Charlie MacDonald” Scholarship: Ethan Reeves
Engineers PEI Scholarship for First-Year Achievement: Syed Ali
Engineers PEI “Richard George Matheson Memorial” Engineering Scholarship: Ethan Nabuurs
Engineers PEI “Norman F. Stewart” Engineering Scholarship: Nick Blanchard
Engineers PEI “Laurie A. Coles” Engineering Scholarship: Emma Ledgerwood
Alan Moore Memorial Award in Engineering: Deborah Areoye
Coles Associates Limited Award in Engineering: Kelenna Udo
Ernest and Bernice Smith Award in Engineering: Syed Ali
PEI Road Builders and Heavy Construction Association “Frank W. Curtis” Memorial Scholarship: Brian MacDonald
��ϳԹ��Administration and Finance Award in Engineering: Spencer Blacquiere
Strait Crossing Bridge Limited Engineering Awards: Clara Grant and Brian MacDonald
John William Godin, P. Eng., Scholarship: Temiloluwa Shokunbi and Lilly O’Rielly
Allan Curran Engineering Award: Ethan Drake
DeLory Scholarship in Engineering: Zac Mella
Frank Callaghan Memorial Engineering Award: Kelenna Udo
Jiin Yu Julia Hsiao Memorial Award: Myah Van’t Veld
Maritime Electric Engineering Scholarship: Temiloluwa Shokunbi
Parks and People Association Scholarships: Elliott Fraser, Abby Chapman, Lilly O’Rielly, Ellen Fraser, Myah Van’t Veld
PEI Advisory Council on the Status of Women Engineering Bursary: Kaitlyn Smith
Robertson Accessibility Award: Lilly O’Rielly
Easton Scholarship: Trent Quinn

Dr. Libby Osgood, associate professor in the FSDE, noted that three sets of siblings in the FSDE program were present for the ceremony, and four of the six siblings received awards. Each pair is from a different country.

“This stands out to me because I believe it shows the families of students coming to pursue sustainable design engineering at UPEI,” she said. “It speaks to the fact that our program must be doing well for younger siblings to want to join. Also, after the event, one of our generous donors increased their award for next year, so that’s really encouraging as well.”

One of the sibling pairs is Elliott and Ellen Fraser from Stratford, PEI, have been students of the FSDE for the past five and three years respectively. They each won a Parks and People Association Scholarship Award.

“I'm happy to receive this award, and proud to be a ��ϳԹ��engineering student,” said Elliott, noting that he will miss the tight-knit FSDE community when he graduates. “These awards support hard working students and so, thank you to all the donors.”

Ellen said she was grateful to receive an award this year, and it was especially meaningful to receive the same award as her brother.

“The ��ϳԹ��engineering community is filled with driven students who greatly benefit from the support of awards,” she added, adding her thanks to the donors.

Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre to host webinar series

Apryl Munro — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 10:03:18 -0300

The Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre (SJDAWC) at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), ��ϳԹ�� (UPEI), is pleased to announce its 2025 Webinar Series, featuring expert discussions about animal welfare in small mammals kept as pets.

The series will take place on April 15, 22, and 29 from 4 to 5 pm ADT, and will feature three distinguished speakers addressing key animal welfare issues in small companion mammals such as rodents and rabbits.

Webinar schedule and speakers:

April 15: Small rodents, big need: Understanding rodent behaviour to enhance animal welfare

Dr. Lee Niel, Associate Professor, Department of Population Medicine at the Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph

April 22: Setting rabbits and your clients up for success: Key elements of rabbit behaviour and welfare

Dr. Carol Tinga, Postdoctoral Scholar, Department of Population Medicine, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph. The key elements she will discuss will be rabbit behaviour and welfare.

April 29: Rabbits, guinea pigs, and hamsters under primary veterinary care: Revealing the VetCompass perspective on demography and common disorders

Dr. Dan O’Neill, Associate Professor, Companion Animal Epidemiology, Royal Veterinary College

Registration is required. The cost is $50 per webinar or $120 for all three (HST will be added when registering). The webinars are free for students.

The webinars are designed for the veterinary community, though members of the public can choose to attend. Participating veterinarians and veterinary technicians will earn one hour of Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) credit per webinar (RACE-program number: 20-1286545).

For more information or to register, go to https://awc.upei.ca/webinars/

Curtis Lauzon named head coach of ��ϳԹ��Women’s Rugby Panthers

Ron Annear — Wed, 26 Mar 2025 09:08:20 -0300

The ��ϳԹ�� is pleased to announce Curtis Lauzon as the new head coach of the ��ϳԹ��Women’s Rugby team.

Lauzon brings a wealth of experience at the provincial and national levels. From Bracebridge, Ontario, he currently serves as assistant coach for the U18 Women’s Canada East team and head coach for Team NB Rugby 7s. His previous roles include technical director for Rugby New Brunswick, where he spearheaded rugby development across the province, and head coach positions with the NB Spruce Academy and St. Thomas University Men’s Rugby. He has also contributed to high-performance programs as an assistant coach for the Rugby Canada U18 Men’s and Women’s teams and the Atlantic Selects/Privateers.

A certified World Rugby Level 3 coach with specialized training in mental performance, Lauzon has an advanced diploma in sports management from Humber College and multiple coaching certifications through World Rugby and the National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP). His leadership at Rugby NB helped establish high-performance pathways, allowing more athletes to compete at regional and national levels.

“One of my core values in coaching is connection,” he said. “I’ve been fortunate to work in high-performance settings, but those are often short-term experiences. Coaching in U SPORTS provides a unique opportunity to develop athletes over multiple years and immerse myself in the team’s culture throughout an entire season.”

Lauzon is eager to work with the Panthers and sees tremendous potential in the program.

“I’m extremely excited. This team has a strong leadership core, and I want to help them continue to grow. There are also several talented players ready to make an impact in the AUS, and I look forward to supporting them on that journey.”

Having played and coached at various levels, Lauzon understands the importance of both team dynamics and individual growth.

“I believe these university years can be some of the most rewarding in an athlete’s career. My goal is to create an environment where the players not only develop as athletes but also enjoy every moment of their journey.”

The ��ϳԹ��Athletics and Recreation department is excited to begin this new chapter with Lauzon at the helm.

“We are thrilled to welcome Curtis Lauzon as the new head coach of our women’s rugby team. With his World Rugby Level 3 certification and expertise in mental performance coaching, Curtis brings a wealth of knowledge and a fresh perspective to our program,” said Jane Vessey, Director, Athletics and Recreation. “His experience with Rugby Canada and Rugby New Brunswick highlights his commitment to athlete development at all levels, and we are confident that his leadership will significantly contribute to the continued success of ��ϳԹ��Women’s Rugby and the broader athletics department.”

��ϳԹ��launches new Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation as part of the Cleantech Academy

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:33:32 -0300

The ��ϳԹ�� officially launched its new Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation (MCLT) program on March 24 in Georgetown, PEI.

Approved earlier in March by the University’s Senate and in January by the Maritime Provinces Higher Education Commission, the 16-month professional master’s degree combines environmental science and technology with a study of cleantech policy, regulations, equity, business, and Indigenous ways of knowing. Applications are now being accepted for the MCLT program.

Dr. Wendy Rodgers, President and Vice-Chancellor, announced the program at an event hosted by the Cleantech Academy, a partnership between the Government of PEI, Holland College, and the University that aims to deliver unique interdisciplinary programming to train the next generation of leaders and innovators who will contribute to the growing cleantech sector.

Dr. Wendy Rodgers, ��ϳԹ��President and Vice-Chancellor

“The University is dedicated to sustainability in all of its work and is committed to delivering education across PEI that is relevant to Islanders, to Canada, and beyond,” said Dr. Rodgers. “That is why the Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation is such an exciting initiative. The program is not only innovative in its topic area, but also in the partnerships that are supporting it.”

This is the first time at ��ϳԹ��that six faculties, the Robertson Library, and the Teaching and Learning Centre worked together to develop a graduate program—making it truly interdisciplinary—while the collaboration with Cleantech Academy partners also fits with the University’s mission to conduct research.

“With our partner Holland College, we have created a pathway from their post-graduate certificate through to UPEI’s undergraduate programs and this master’s program, allowing learners to work in a variety of fields, continue on as researchers at the PhD level, or become professors,” Dr. Rodgers added. “I thank all of those who were involved in the development of the MCLT, which will support the development of cleantech leaders who will contribute to discovery, offering innovative and creative solutions to support a sustainable future.”

The announcement also included remarks from Cory Deagle, Member of the Legislature for Montague-Kilmuir, representing the Hon. Gilles Arsenault, Minister of Environment, Energy, and Climate Action; Debbie Johnston, Mayor of Three Rivers; Dr. Sandy MacDonald, President of Holland College; and Sandra Moore, Director of the Cleantech Academy and Innovation Centre.

“As an Islander, I am proud to be a part of the launch of the Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation, the first program of its kind in Atlantic Canada,” said MLA Cory Deagle. “Earning a degree in this field equips graduates with the skills and knowledge to drive sustainable innovations, which are so important to our communities and country. The PEI government remains committed to investing in partnerships, education, and innovation that supports and prepares the next generation of leaders to advance net-zero solutions.”

After the announcement, Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, Associate Vice-President of Research and Dean of Graduate Studies at UPEI, moderated a panel discussion titled “From Vision to Action: The Future of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation.”

Panelists, who were all members of the working group that designed the MCLT program, engaged in insightful discussions on their vision for cleantech innovation and education on PEI. The panel included ��ϳԹ��faculty members Dr. Laurie Brinklow, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Arts, Institute of Island Studies; Dr. Pamela Courtney-Hall, Associate Professor, Faculty of Arts, Philosophy; Dr. Nick Mercer, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Science, Environmental Studies, and Faculty of Arts, Institute of Island Studies; Dr. Sébastien Parker, Lecturer, Faculty of Arts, Political Science/Sociology; Dr. Kuljeet Grewal, Assistant Professor, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering and Faculty of Science, School of Climate Change and Adaptation; and Dr. Tina Saksida, Associate Dean, Graduate Programs and Research, McDougall Faculty of Business. 

The MCLT program includes entrepreneurship and leadership courses that culminate with a capstone project where student teams work alongside partners to solve real-world sustainability challenges. While the program will begin in September 2025 and be delivered at either UPEI’s Charlottetown or St. Peter’s Bay campus, it will eventually be housed at the Cleantech Learning and Innovation Centre, which is currently under construction in Georgetown. 

To learn more or to apply, visit upei.ca/cleantech

��ϳԹ��hosts space-related public lecture by Dr. Hilding Neilson on April 2

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 11:29:37 -0300

Dr. Hilding Neilson, assistant professor, Department of Physics and Physical Oceanography, Memorial University, will give a public lecture titled “Space is Part of the Land: Moving from Colonialism and Space Exploitation to Indigenous Models of Operating in Space,” on Wednesday, April 2, from 4:00 to 5:00 pm, Kelley Memorial Building 237, UPEI.

The lecture is presented by the ��ϳԹ��Department of Physics, in collaboration with the Chairs of Inclusion in Science and Engineering (CISE) as part of CISE's Spark Lecture Series.

“The colonization of outer space arguably began with the writings of Von Braun in the 1950s and his manual for sending people to Mars as a new land to conquer,” said Neilsen. “That colonialism was not novel but follows the same history of European powers colonizing the Americans and other parts of the world, and the same recent history of nations and consortiums developing telescopes on Indigenous lands. In the future, as private actors develop a new space industry, we will see the export of this colonialism to space, to the moon, and one day even to Mars. We are already seeing this today with the development of satellite constellations, some of which are visible by the unaided eye and with the multinational Artemis Accords for lunar exploration.”

In his talk, Neilson will review the relationship between astronomy, outer space, and colonization in the past, present, and future, and discuss different ways to relate to outer space and space exploration through the lens of Indigenous methods and knowledges.

All are welcome to attend.

��ϳԹ��presents Theology on Tap on April 7

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 10:10:24 -0300

The ��ϳԹ��Department of Religious Studies will present Theology on Tap on April 7, 2025, at 7:00 pm, at the Salvador Dali Cafe, The Arts Hotel, 155 Kent Street, Charlottetown.

Dr. Callum Beck, a sessional lecturer at UPEI, will give a presentation titled “Riots, Civil Disobedience, and Protests: Theological and Practical Reflections on the Belfast (1847) and Orange Day (1877) Riots.”

He will contrast how the governing authorities handled the Belfast Riot—the Island’s worst—with how they dealt with the Orange Day riot 30 years later. Following a brief summary of each riot and the government’s response to them, he will give examples of civil disobedience in the past 200 years to see what lessons political leaders today can draw from these two riots.

The audience will then have the opportunity to discuss among themselves the question of the night: “How should the government respond to protests, civil disobedience, and riots?” Dr. Beck will then take questions from the audience.

Dr. Beck recently published a book, The Belfast Riot of 1847, which will be available for purchase at the event. All are welcome to attend and participate in this discussion.

��ϳԹ��Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering students achieve success at national competition

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 25 Mar 2025 09:29:02 -0300

��ϳԹ��Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) students competed at the Canadian Engineering Competition (CEC) 2025 held at Dalhousie University, Halifax, Nova Scotia, on March 16.

With their major victories at the Atlantic Engineering Competition earlier this year, the ��ϳԹ��FSDE secured half of the national competition’s spots. Among the 16 qualifying teams at CEC 2025, eight teams consisting of 30 representatives from ��ϳԹ��FSDE took part in the competition.

��ϳԹ��engineering students achieved notable success at the national competition with their first-ever awards in two categories. Earning first place in the communications category were Spencer Blacquiere and Maddy Cronin; and garnering third place in consulting were Emma Ledgerwood, Deanna Malone, Clara Grant, and Khiym MacEwen.

Maddy Cronin and Spencer Blacquiere

Tin Nguyen, FSDE Success Centre Coordinator, said collaboration with industry and continuous curriculum improvements equip engineering graduates with the practical experience employers seek, and ��ϳԹ��remains a leading destination for aspiring engineers looking to stand out in their careers.

“Our students’ achievements at CEC 2025 highlight FSDE’s hands-on, design-focused education and the strong support system that prepares them to excel on the national stage,” said Nguyen. “The invaluable feedback students received from industry and academia at our internal qualifiers competition and ongoing supports from the Engineering Success Centre set them apart at competitions. We encourage any student interested in designing and problem-solving to come join us.”

Since its inception in 1985, the Canadian Engineering Competition has been an annual celebration of engineering excellence, bringing together Canada’s best engineering students to tackle real-world challenges. The event brings together over 200 students for a weekend of competition and networking with some of the top engineering companies in the country.

President's Town Hall: It's easy "Bein' Green"!

Nicole Phillips — Wed, 19 Mar 2025 11:03:15 -0300

The following message was also emailed to students, staff, and faculty on March 19, 2025.

Dear ��ϳԹ��Community,

You may recall that I sent a message in December to “save the dates” for several town halls during the 2025 winter semester.

The third in this series of town halls will be held on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, and represents a departure from our more recent events. For this town hall, we have invited students to bring forward their ideas for actions that ��ϳԹ��and its community members can take quickly and easily to enhance our environmental sustainability and reduce negative environmental impact on the University campus.

Students will provide very brief presentations on what actions could be taken from their points of view. The audience will be able to commit to their own personal green-enhancing activities too!

It’s easy “Bein’ green!”
Thursday, March 26, 2025
11:00 am–12:00 pm
Amphitheatre, Performing Arts Centre and Residence building (PAC121S)

If you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams Town Hall link.

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

��ϳԹ��

902-566-0400 president@upei.ca

��ϳԹ��Asian Studies hosts seminars on March 27 and April 3

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 12:49:18 -0300

The ��ϳԹ��Department of Asian Studies is presenting two seminars, one on March 27 and the other on April 3.

On March 27, Dr. Richard Kim, associate professor, Department of Philosophy, Loyola University, Chicago, will give a lecture titled “The Contemporary Significance of Confucianism: A Guide to Wellbeing and Good Life” from 2:15–4:00 pm, in the Faculty Lounge (Room 201), SDU Main Building, UPEI. The lecture is part of the Asian Studies International Seminar: Confucian Studies Speaker Series 2025.

Dr. Kim specializes in comparative ethics, Confucian philosophy, and moral psychology. He has recently published a monograph, Confucianism and the Philosophy of Well-Being (Routledge), as well as many journal and book chapter articles. He has presented numerous conference papers in his areas of expertise. He is currently preparing a major book manuscript, Ritual and Human Flourishing in Confucianism (under contract with Cambridge University Press). Along with Justin Tiwald, professor of philosophy, University of Hong Kong, he is the co-host of This is The Way, a podcast on Chinese philosophy.

On April 3, Dr. Jin Y. Park, chair and professor, Department of Philosophy and Religion, American University, Washington D.C., will give a lecture titled “Contemporary Buddhism: A Guide to Good Life” from 2:15–4:00 pm, in the Faculty Lounge (Room 201), SDU Main Building, UPEI. This lecture is part of the Asian Studies International Seminar: Korean Studies Speaker Series 2025.

Dr. Park is the author, (co-)editor, or translator of over 10 scholarly books (since 2006). She has published 60 articles and presented about 200 keynote speeches, invited lectures, and conference papers in modern Korean (East Asian) Buddhism, women and Buddhist philosophy, and postmodernity and deconstructionism.

Both lectures are endorsed by the ��ϳԹ��departments of History, Modern Languages, Philosophy, Political Science, and Religious Studies. Everyone is welcome to attend.

The Confucian Studies International Speaker Series is funded by Dr. Edward Chung’s International Lab Program for Korean Studies grant at ��ϳԹ��(AKS-2022-LAB-2230002), and the Korean Studies International Speaker Series by his Korean Studies Seed Program grant (AKS-2022-INC-2230004), thanks to the Korean Studies Promotion Service, the Academy of Korean Studies, Ministry of Education, Government of South Korea.

Atlantic Veterinary College unveils new Foreign Animal Disease Testing Laboratory

Apryl Munro — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:42:20 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the ��ϳԹ�� (UPEI) has completed construction of its new Foreign Animal Disease (FAD) Testing Laboratory, a state-of-the-art facility that will be instrumental in monitoring infectious diseases in the Atlantic provinces.

The first of its kind on PEI, the $1.9-million FAD laboratory strengthens biosecurity measures and ensures faster diagnostic capabilities for diseases such as African swine fever, classical swine fever, foot-and-mouth disease, avian paramyxovirus 1, and highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) in domestic birds and other animal species. The Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) contributed $1.3 million in funding, and AVC invested an additional $600,000 for the cost of remodeling the suite to a suitable level of security.

“This new facility enhances our ability to safeguard animal health and protect the region’s livestock and poultry industries,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College. “We are grateful for ACOA’s support in advancing our diagnostic capabilities, which will allow us to provide essential testing right here on Prince Edward Island.”

“This facility allows us to be ahead of the emerging threats to our animal, environmental, and human health,” said Dr. Carmencita Yason, clinical virologist at the AVC. “By strengthening our diagnostic infrastructure at the AVC, we can better serve the veterinary community, farmers, and food animal industries that rely on fast and accurate disease detection of foreign animal diseases.”

The laboratory will be operational once it has been inspected by the Canadian Food Inspection Agency to certify the biocontainment required for FAD testing and been accredited as a Canadian Animal Surveillance Network (CAHSN) laboratory. The inspection is expected to be completed by May. The final phase of the lab requires purchasing dedicated equipment for foreign animal disease testing. Once the lab is functioning, veterinarians in PEI and the Atlantic region can refer cases requiring foreign animal disease testing to the AVC. During the initial stage of an FAD outbreak, the lab will send samples for confirmatory testing to the National Centre for Foreign Animal Disease laboratory in Winnipeg. After confirming diagnosis, the FAD lab at AVC will continue to do the surveillance testing.

��ϳԹ��Nursing Student Society holds teddy bear clinic for children in Campus Kids Daycare

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:20:57 -0300

Children in the Campus Kids Daycare Centre’s kindergarten class took their beloved stuffed toys to a teddy bear clinic hosted by the ��ϳԹ��Nursing Student Society on March 17 in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

Much to the children’s delight, the students showed them how to check their teddies’ hearts, blood pressure, and oxygen levels. The students also x-rayed and treated “broken” and “sprained” limbs and tails, treated sore tummies, and made all the toys—and their young owners—feel better.

The students held the clinic to help the children become familiar with medical equipment and procedures, and to introduce them to basic health promotion topics such as proper handwashing and the importance of vaccinations.

In addition to being fun, teddy bear clinics play a very important role in reducing anxiety and stress related to the health-care setting,” said student Emily Thistle, the lead organizer for the clinic. “By using learning through play, teddy bear clinics allow children to familiarize themselves with medical equipment and procedures, which can help them understand what to expect during a real doctor visit.”

The nursing students who participated in the clinic included Clare Bowie, Hannah MacDonald, Destiny Arsenault, Sarah Gard, and Andrew Clow as well as Thistle.

��ϳԹ��research project transforms into a social enterprise with real-world impact

Melanie Taylor — Mon, 17 Mar 2025 09:41:33 -0300

Entrepreneur Daniel Ohaegbu arrived on Prince Edward Island in 2014 as an international student from Nigeria. He graduated from ��ϳԹ��in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science (BSc) degree and again in 2019 with a BSc with Honours in Psychology.

When working on his honours thesis, he delved into the experiences of international students at Canadian post-secondary institutions, focusing specifically on how Black African men thrive despite systemic challenges and racism. The interviews he conducted opened his eyes to the interwoven struggles and resilience within his community, but they also ignited a spark in him—an entrepreneurial drive to create change. This journey of discovery laid the foundation for his work in the not-for-profit sector and ultimately inspired the creation of WorkSource Alliance.

A forward-thinking not-for-profit organization, WorkSource Alliance, formerly the Atlantic Student Development Alliance, is dedicated to facilitating meaningful work connections and promoting inclusive organizational practices for international students and graduates. The goal is to empower talented individuals to overcome systemic barriers and unlock their potential in the workforce.

Through tailored programs, recruitment initiatives, and equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) support, WorkSource Alliance empowers a diverse pool of talented international students and graduates to thrive in both short- and long-term employment opportunities in Atlantic Canada. The organization’s approach is based on research and evidence to help companies become more inclusive and provide equal opportunities to everyone.

“The candid conversations I had with other international students revealed the complex, often invisible barriers we face,” said Ohaegbu, co-founder and executive director of WorkSource Alliance. “Witnessing how our experiences were both shared and uniquely challenging made it clear that there was a critical need for an organization that could bridge the gap between talent and opportunity. These moments of clarity and connection were the catalysts that pushed me to transform a research project into a social enterprise with a real-world impact.”

Taking WorkSource Alliance from a concept to reality began with a good team and an understanding of the problem they were trying to solve. This meant talking to many people and conducting market research to understand the challenge better. Ohaegbu said it was not as straightforward as simply drafting a plan and doing research. He and his teammates had to decide to leave the paperwork behind and start executing the plan. This gave them momentum as they were building on all their mistakes, failures, and successes.

Ohaegbu credits his thesis supervisor and mentor at UPEI, Dr. Colleen MacQuarrie, for her support and for challenging him to create and walk his own path as a social enterprise leader. He said his co-founders Jonah Chininga, Dante Bazard, Khadija Usman, and Elizabeth Iwunwa have a strong belief in the mission of WorkSource Alliance.

One of the biggest challenges Ohaegbu has faced as an entrepreneur is navigating the complexities of regulatory frameworks and the bureaucratic hurdles inherent in starting a social enterprise. Understanding the multifaceted needs of international students and employers is also challenging, requiring perseverance and adaptability to convince corporate partners of the mutual benefits of a more inclusive workforce. Ohaegbu and his team overcame these challenges by being flexible, listening intently to their stakeholders, and continuously refining their approach based on real feedback.

Scaling WorkSource Alliance has been a phased process—focusing on robust partnerships, expanding reach, and continuously refining service offerings. With over 1000 users on their platform, the team facilitates over 200 job connections each year, serves over 400 organizations across PEI, and establishes meaningful, long-term relationships with industry partners. In August 2024, they rebranded from “Atlantic Student Development Alliance” to “WorkSource Alliance” and expanded operations to Nova Scotia. Every step forward has been driven by their commitment to impact and innovation.

Ohaegbu said technology is a cornerstone of their growth strategy.

“We’ve been able to streamline talent recruitment and improve our connectivity between our users and potential employers. Our tools help facilitate robust outreach and also provide real-time data to help us monitor our impact and adapt our strategies accordingly. Digital expansion remains a priority for us, and we’re continuously exploring innovative ways to use technology to serve our community better.”

Possessing an entrepreneurial mindset is also key to growth and success, he said. Resilience, adaptability, faith, courage, confidence, empathy, and authenticity are good qualities to have while embracing failure as a learning opportunity and maintaining a clear vision in the face of uncertainty.

When challenges arise, Ohaegbu said, physical exercise such as running provides the space to clear his mind and reflect on the organization’s mission. This simple practice, combined with the support of his network and the inspiring impact their work has on communities, keeps him motivated and focused on the bigger picture.

Keeping up to date with industry trends is also very important to his business. He does this through a combination of conversations with experts, attending events, leveraging insights from the feedback received from users and clients, watching the news and YouTube, reading relevant articles, and relying on the insights of his proactive team members.

Looking back, Ohaegbu said, he wouldn’t change a thing.

“Every challenge, every failure, and every small victory has played a crucial role in shaping the path we’re on today. To other young entrepreneurs just getting started, I tell them they don’t need to have all the pieces together. Just start. Embrace the journey, learn from every misstep, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help. Every experience, good or bad, is a stepping stone toward success.”

He measures success in his entrepreneurial, not-for-profit, and social enterprise journey through a dual lens—externally by tracking the tangible impact on the communities they serve and internally by fostering a thriving organizational culture.

Externally, they look at specific key performance indicators such as the number of international students connected with meaningful work opportunities through their programs, feedback from employer partners, and overall reach and engagement. These metrics tell them how effectively they’re breaking down barriers and making a real-world impact.

“Internally, success is seen in the strength of our team, the innovation we nurture, and the resilience of our organizational culture,” said Ohaegbu. “When our team is aligned, motivated, and continuously learning, it creates a sustainable foundation that drives our mission forward.”

As for future plans, digital expansion is one of the organization’s major priorities. WorkSource Alliance is working to make talent recruitment and retention even more accessible for their employer partners through innovative digital solutions. The greatest opportunities in the sector lie in harnessing the potential of people and adapting to technological advancements, especially in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI). There is an opportunity to innovate how they connect talent with employers, address workforce challenges, and create more inclusive and dynamic work environments.

“I’m excited to share that we have some groundbreaking projects in the pipeline this year. We will share more updates as we continue to evolve and expand our impact.”

In April of 2024, ��ϳԹ��officially opened the Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship (CCCE), its student entrepreneurship centre, in the Robertson Library. Named in honour of UPEI’s Chancellor Emerita Catherine Callbeck, the CCCE was made possible through gifts and contributions from the River Philip Foundation, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency, Innovation PEI, and the Credit Unions of PEI. The CCCE supports student entrepreneurship with programming, events, guest speakers, and other collaborative projects with community partners. To learn more about what the CCCE has to offer, visit its website.

AVC veterinary team makes impact in Kenya

Apryl Munro — Fri, 14 Mar 2025 16:12:09 -0300

In January 2025, the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) dairy veterinary team completed another successful trip to Meru County, Kenya, as part of the long-standing partnership with Farmers Helping Farmers (FHF), the ��ϳԹ�� (UPEI), and Alinea International.

Led by Dr. John VanLeeuwen, professor of epidemiology and ruminant health management, the team included fourth-year AVC students Carolanne Martel, Jill Lawless, Amy Stoyles, and Brianna Forbes, who were enrolled in the “International Smallholder Livestock Health Management in Kenya Rotation”. Assisting them were Dr. Martha Mellish, an ambulatory equine professor at AVC, along with AVC graduate Dr. Anya Floyd, and Dr. Victoria Bowes, a poultry pathologist from British Columbia. They also worked on their own Kenyan projects—Drs Mellish and Floyd on donkey welfare and Dr. Bowes on poultry production.

Equipped with veterinary medicine and supplies donated by pharmaceutical companies, the team conducted three walk-in clinics for cattle that are not zero-grazed in Naari, Nkando, and Mbaaria. Over 800 cattle were treated with dewormers, and more than 150 animals from over 100 farms were examined for various health concerns.

The AVC team treated another 20 sick animals for various problems, including East Coast Fever, anaplasmosis, parasite infestations, and udder infections, which, along with inadequate nutrition, led to low milk production, poor reproduction, and inadequate growth. Interesting cases included a difficult calf birth, skin hypersensitization, rain scald, eye trauma, teat laceration, and goat pneumonia.

They also provided hands-on training through the Dairy Club Training Program, educating over 175 Kenyan farmers on One Health; zoonotic disease diagnosis, treatment, and prevention; antimicrobial resistance; and aflatoxin management. These training sessions were part of the Gender Responsive One Health project, aiming to improve both animal and human health.

The dairy vet team also worked with Kenyan animal health professionals, including Dr. Remmy Mugambi, Tornado Vet Clinic, Meru; Dr. Fredrick Obonyo, Meru University of Science and Technology; Grace Mutare, Joy Wangari, Rodney Gichohi, and Eric Gitonga, senior veterinary students from Nairobi University; and local veterinary technicians. The Kenyan group provided their expertise when examining sick animals, shared their perspectives during training sessions, and learned from our “best management practices” training messages for farmers and from our systematic approaches to working up cases, diagnosing and treating ailments, and providing health management advice.

Members of the AVC team also visited a livestock market, agrovet shops, and a university in Meru County to explore options for collaborating on outreach, training, and research activities related to the Gender Responsive One Health project.

Thank you to all our supporters for their assistance in making our work possible, leading to improved dairy cattle health and productivity, and community health and self-sufficiency, achieved in an environmentally and socially responsible manner. Special thanks to FHF for its support, especially Kenyan staff members Leah Kariuku and Stephen Chandi; Ken and Teresa Mellish; and Colleen Walton. Also, thanks to Global Affairs Canada for funding some of the activities, and the many veterinarians who donated funds to help cover some of the student expenses. Planning has already begun for the next trip to Kenya in May 2025 when a ��ϳԹ��team will start some research projects funded by the Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Scholarship Program.

It's easy "Bein' Green"! Calling all students for your sustainability ideas!

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 12:50:32 -0300

Calling all students!

Dr. Wendy Rodgers, ��ϳԹ��President and Vice-Chancellor, invites you to submit your ideas for actions that ��ϳԹ��and its community members can take quickly and easily to enhance our environmental sustainability and reduce negative environmental impact on the University campus.

Students whose ideas are selected will have the opportunity to deliver a brief presentation (two-three minutes) at the upcoming President's Town Hall: It's Easy Bein' Green on Wednesday, March 26, 2025, at 11 am. Students will also be featured in an article in the Campus Connector e-newsletter and on social media. The audience will select their favourite pitches and be asked to commit to their own personal green-enhancing activities too!

Students who wish to participate are asked to email their ideas to Nicole Phillips, ��ϳԹ��Communications, at nphillips@upei.ca no later than Friday, March 21 at 5:00 pm.

��ϳԹ��Men’s Basketball Panthers look to upset host UBC as Final 8 tips off Thursday

Ron Annear — Thu, 13 Mar 2025 08:38:38 -0300

Riding the wave of a historic comeback, the ��ϳԹ��Men’s Basketball Panthers come into the Indochino U SPORTS Final 8 Championship fresh off their first Atlantic University Sport (AUS) title in 22 years.

Facing a 24-point deficit in the AUS championship game on March 2, the Panthers roared all the way back—showcasing the resilience and grit they’ll need against the host UBC Thunderbirds in Thursday’s quarter-final at midnight (ADT). The game will be played at the Doug Mitchell Thunderbird Sports Centre in Vancouver, British Columbia and is available to watch on CBC Gem.

��ϳԹ��faces a tough challenge against third-seed UBC, the Canada West silver medalists. The Thunderbirds feature a high-powered offence led by dynamic guard Adam Olsen, who averaged 16.4 points per game on an efficient 45.9 per cent shooting, including 38.5 per cent from beyond the arc. Adding to their scoring depth is veteran forward Fareed Shittu who contributed 10.9 points per game.

However, UPEI’s dynamic backcourt duo of Kamari Scott and Kyree Thompson has the firepower to match UBC’s offensive leaders. The pair combined for 28.3 points per game this season, and their play will be crucial in determining whether the Panthers can advance to the semifinals.

“We’re grateful for this opportunity. It’s now setting in that we have a chance to play for a national championship in Vancouver, which is surreal,” Scott said. “We’re facing teams we’ve never played before, which makes this an exciting challenge. Representing ��ϳԹ��on the national stage means everything, and we’re not taking it for granted. Last year, we would’ve been watching this tournament from home, so we’re going to embrace every moment and give it 100 per cent.”

The biggest challenge UBC presents is its size. With two towering 6-foot-10 forwards in Nikola Guzina and Victor Radocaj, the Thunderbirds dominate the paint and score efficiently. Guzina averaged 12.8 points per game on 56.5 per cent shooting, while Radocaj added 9.9 points per contest on a blistering 65.5 per cent shooting from the field.

For ��ϳԹ��to neutralize this advantage, 6-foot-7 forward Daniel Gonzalez Longarela will play a critical role. He averaged 9.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game during the regular season and stepped up big during the AUS Championships with two double-double performances. His defensive presence in the post will be key to slowing down UBC’s big men.

“They’re big, and they have people who can really shoot,” said Panthers head coach Darrell Glenn. “They execute their stuff well and will present challenges in the low post with their size.”

One factor working in the Panthers’ favour is their tenacious defence. ��ϳԹ��ranked eighth in U SPORTS in scoring defence, allowing just 70 points per game—well below UBC’s explosive 87-point average—highlighting the two teams’ contrasting styles of play.

“Our message is simple: be true to who we are,” Glenn added. “As we’ve done all season, we’ll make defence the cornerstone of our preparation and identity.”

With their trademark grit, stifling defence, and never-say-die attitude, the Panthers are primed to embrace the challenge ahead. An upset would send shockwaves across PEI, but win or lose, ��ϳԹ��is determined to leave everything on the court. All that’s left now is tip-off in Vancouver.

Institute of Island Studies hosts Island Lecture Series presentation on March 18

Anna MacDonald — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 14:14:40 -0300

The Institute of Island Studies, ��ϳԹ��, will present a talk by Heidi Haering on Tuesday, March 18, at 7 pm in the Faculty Lounge, SDU Main Building 201.

Haering’s presentation is part of the 2025 Island Lecture Series hosted by the Institute.

Drawing on anthropological fieldwork for her master’s thesis, Haering will talk about the struggle to define the “family farm” in PEI and how this ambiguity helps or hinders the work of farmers, agribusiness, and government. She will discuss how participant definitions of the “family farm” contrasted with how they farmed and were sometimes at odds with their ideals. She will also shed light on the possible reasons that agribusiness and governments look to the pastoral romanticism of “family farm.”

A resident of Charlottetown, Haering recently completed her MA in Anthropology at Memorial University. Her thesis is entitled “Three keywords in the campaign against farmland consolidation and the loss of small farms through the lens of the Prince Edward Island Chapter of the National Farmers Union.”

All are welcome to this free lecture.

UPEI's Asian Studies and Centre for Korean Studies to host speech contest on March 21

Anna MacDonald — Mon, 10 Mar 2025 11:04:44 -0300

��ϳԹ��students who speak beginner-level Korean are invited to participate in a Korean speech contest on March 21, from 10:00 am to 12:00 pm, in the Faculty Lounge, SDU Main Building 201. The first prize is a $700 scholarship; second, $500; and third, $300.

The contest will be hosted by the Department of Asian Studies and the Centre for Korean Studies. Refreshments will be provided. ��ϳԹ��students who are not participating in the contest are welcome to attend as audience members.

Students who wish to participate should email Dr. Somi Lee, Korean Studies, at somlee@upei.ca, for an application form and details about guidelines and criteria. They must submit applications and drafts of speeches to Dr. Lee by March 14, cc'ing Dr. Edward Chung, Asian Studies and Korean Studies project director, at chung@upei.ca. Speeches should be four to five minutes long.

This event is funded by Dr. Chung’s international Seed Program for Korean Studies project grant (AKS-2022-INC-2230004) at UPEI, thanks to Korean Studies Promotion Service (KSPS), the Academy of Korean Studies (AKS), the Ministry of Education, Government of South Korea.

Highlighting the interprofessional event: Sim FUNdamentals Facilitator program video creation

Heather Howatt — Fri, 07 Mar 2025 10:53:56 -0400

Earlier this year, the ��ϳԹ��Clinical Learning and Simulation Centre (CLSC), in collaboration with the ��ϳԹ��faculties of Medicine and Nursing, hosted an engaging interprofessional event to produce video content for the Sim FUNdamentals Facilitator program.

This innovative program is designed to train facilitators in simulation pedagogy, bringing together a diverse group of health-care professionals, educators, and simulation experts. The event embodied the core principles of interprofessional education and teamwork.

The primary objective was to create high-quality, engaging video content that captures the essence of best practices within simulation. These videos will serve as essential training resources for facilitators, providing foundational knowledge and practical insights into the effective application of simulation in their educational practices. The footage emphasizes key components such as scenario development, debriefing techniques, and the integration of simulation pedagogy. The Sim FUNdamentals Facilitator program will feature authentic simulation scenarios that showcase best practices in simulation facilitation, debriefing, interprofessional communication, and crisis management.

This event showcased the power of interprofessional practice, involving physicians, nurses, paramedics, and respiratory therapists. Each participant played a critical role in ensuring the authenticity and educational value of the content produced. Participants provided hands-on facilitation training, where they were recorded demonstrating effective instructional techniques, providing future learners with clear examples to follow. The event also promoted interprofessional collaboration, facilitating a rich exchange of knowledge and skills among participants and emphasising the critical role of teamwork in health-care education.

The video footage captured during this event will form a cornerstone of the Sim FUNdamentals Facilitator program, enhancing its accessibility and impact. By creating visually compelling and pedagogically sound materials, the CLSC is poised to elevate the standard of simulation facilitation training. Furthermore, the event highlighted the value of interprofessional collaboration in achieving educational excellence.

The Sim FUNdamentals Facilitator program will be available to health-care students and practitioners across the University and Prince Edward Island.

The CLSC acknowledged that the basis for the Sim FUNdamentals Facilitator program was obtained with permission from the University of Saskatchewan College of Medicine.

The CLSC extended heartfelt thanks to all the volunteers who dedicated their time on a Saturday to make this event a success. Their contributions are invaluable to the advancement of healthcare education.

Celebrate ��ϳԹ��Basketball’s Success! Special Panther Pride event, March 7

Nicole Phillips — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 22:22:35 -0400

UPEI’s Office of Student Culture and Community Standards is calling all Panthers, including students, staff, and faculty members, to celebrate the ��ϳԹ��Women's Basketball and ��ϳԹ��Men's Basketball teams’ success at the recent Atlantic University Sports (AUS) Championship, on Friday, March 7, 2025, at the The Fox & Crow from 4:00–6:00 pm.

All are welcome to join us at The Fox & Crow, Friday, March 7, from 4:00–6:00 pm! Go Panthers Go!

The event will also provide an opportunity to congratulate the ��ϳԹ��Men's Basketball team—AUS champions—and wish them luck as they head to Vancouver to represent the conference at the U SPORTS national championship next week.

You can watch AUS championship highlights on the big screen and play some interactive games for a chance to win ��ϳԹ��merchandise! Snacks will be provided at the event; however, you can also purchase your own food and beverage from The Fox & Crow’s menu.

Let’s celebrate our Panther Pride!

PS You can also cheer on the ��ϳԹ��Men’s Basketball team on Monday morning, March 10, as they depart for the U SPORTS championship. The Panther bus will leave from the front entrance of the ��ϳԹ��Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at 8:30 am.

��ϳԹ��psychology professor profiled during Psychology Month

Anna MacDonald — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 12:43:09 -0400

Psychology Month is celebrated every February to highlight the contributions of Canadian psychologists and to show Canadians how psychology works to help.

In 2025 the theme for Psychology Month was women in science. Last month, the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) highlighted the work of 34 remarkable scientists, one of whom was Dr. Jessica Strong, an assistant professor of psychology and a licensed and board-certified clinical geropsychologist.

Click here to see the CPA’s profile about Dr. Strong.

��ϳԹ��student-athletes make their mark! Go Panthers Go!

Ron Annear — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 11:52:04 -0400

Panther Sport makes a tremendous, positive impact on the campus and across the province. ��ϳԹ��student-athletes are great ambassadors and role models as they excel not only on the court, on the pitch, or in the rink, but also in the classroom and in the community. ��ϳԹ��is Panther proud of its student-athletes’ efforts to juggle their academic, athletic, and personal goals, often overcoming challenges and adversity to achieve success. The University community acknowledges all Panther student-athletes as well as the faculty and staff across campus who support them.

While not all Panther teams advanced to their respective championships this year, they all competed with passion and represented the University with integrity. As the University sports calendar and winter sports season quickly come to a close, here are a few major accomplishments.

��ϳԹ��Women’s Rugby hosted and competed at the successful U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship on home turf, October 30–November 3.
��ϳԹ��Field Hockey captured their third straight Atlantic University Field Hockey Championship, qualifying them to compete at the U SPORTS Field Hockey Canada National Championship at York University, October 31–November 3, 2024.
��ϳԹ��Track and Field sprinter Helena Ikpotokin won a gold medal in the 300m and a silver medal in the 60 m, and high jumper Alaere Peterside a gold medal with a 1.71m jump at the recent AUS Track and Field Championships in Saint John, NB. Both will represent ��ϳԹ��this weekend when they compete at the U SPORTS Track and Field Championships at the University of Windsor, March 6–8.
And what amazing results for the ��ϳԹ��Panthers at the AUS Basketball Championships this past weekend in Halifax with both the women’s and men’s teams reaching their respective finals—the first time ��ϳԹ��has accomplished this feat since the eighties.
The ��ϳԹ��Women’s Basketball team had a thrilling down-to-the-wire quarter-final game on Friday, beating the University of New Brunswick Reds 75-73, advancing them to the semi-final against Acadia on Saturday, which they also won, catapulting them to the final on Sunday. While the outcome was a second-place finish against the number one-seeded Saint Mary’s team, the entire team demonstrated grit and determination.
On the men’s side, the second-seeded ��ϳԹ��Men’s Basketball team had a bye into the semi-final on Saturday, March 1, when they faced Cape Breton University. The game was close, but the Panthers held on to beat the Capers to advance to the final against the number one-seeded St. Francis Xavier X-Men on Sunday. The men’s final was another exciting demonstration of perseverance as they trailed 16 points at half-time. Never backing down, the Panthers clawed their way back to an awe-inspiring finish, beating St. FX 84-79 to win UPEI’s first AUS men’s basketball championship title in 22 years. Read more about the men’s rally in this article by ��ϳԹ��Athletics and Recreation’s Thomas Becker. ��ϳԹ��Men’s Basketball will now head to the 2025 U SPORTS Women’s and Men’s Final 8 Basketball Championships, hosted by the University of British Columbia March 13–16 in Vancouver.

All are welcome to the “Celebrate Panther Pride” event to congratulate members of the ��ϳԹ��women and men’s basketball teams for their AUS success this Friday, March 7, from 4–6 pm at The Fox & Crow in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. It will also be a chance to wish the men’s team good luck at the nationals!

The entire University community congratulates all ��ϳԹ��Panther student-athletes for their accomplishments in 2024–2025. Go Panthers Go!

P.S. Both the U SPORTS track and field and basketball championships will be broadcast on one of the following CBC Sports digital platforms: CBC Gem, CBCSports.ca, CBC Sports YouTube, or the CBC Sports App. View the streaming schedule at https://www.cbc.ca/sports/streaming-schedule

Panthers on the prowl: UPEI’s Peterside and Ikpotokin chase greatness in U SPORTS track and field

Ron Annear — Thu, 06 Mar 2025 10:06:49 -0400

With the 2025 Biosteel U SPORTS Track and Field Championships set to take place March 6–8, at the University of Windsor, Windsor, Ontario, ��ϳԹ��student-athletes Alaere Peterside and Helena Ikpotokin are ready to showcase their talents on the national stage.

Both athletes punched their tickets to the championship by winning gold at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Championships last weekend. Peterside claimed the high jump title with a 1.71m leap, while Ikpotokin dominated the 300-metre dash with a time of 39.83 seconds.

Peterside already qualified for nationals earlier in the season with a 1.72m jump, a mark that tied her for third in the country. The fourth-year high jumper has been a force in AUS competition and is eager to take her performance to the next level.

“Every ounce of effort I’ve poured into my technique, stamina, and strength this season will be on full display for the nation to witness,” said Peterside. “Every jump is another opportunity to better myself, and all I can ask is for my next jump to be higher than my last.”

Jumping coach Nelson Kwok has high praise for her growth and performance.

“Alaere dominated AUS high jump last year and has only improved since. She’s hit the U SPORTS national standard three times this season and sits third in the country,” Kwok said. “The competition is incredibly tight, with just six centimetres separating the top 13 athletes. It’s anyone’s guess who takes home a medal, but we know Alaere will give it her best.”

On the track, Ikpotokin has been building toward this competition all season, and her gold medal performance at AUS has given her even more confidence. Her 39.83 time ranks 22nd nationally, but she has her sights set on something greater.

“This season has been building up to something special, and I’m determined to make my first U SPORTS championship one to remember,” Ikpotokin said. “That 27-year-old provincial record of 39.53 seconds has been on my radar all season. Knowing that my coaches, family, and teammates are behind me gives me the confidence to perform at my very best.”

Associate head coach Damon MacDonald believes Ikpotokin is peaking at the perfect time.

“She’s very detail-oriented, and her preparation has her in the best shape possible. She hasn’t been tested in a 300-metre race at this level yet, but she has a history of rising to the occasion,” MacDonald said. “The goal is to qualify for the final and run a personal best. Once you’re in the final, anything can happen.”

With the championship fast approaching, both Peterside and Ikpotokin are primed for their biggest challenges yet. As they step onto the national stage, they do so, knowing they carry the pride of ��ϳԹ��with them.

Schedule:
Friday, March 8, 2025
6:55 pm AST: Women’s 300m Prelims
8:55 pm AST: Women’s 300m Final (if qualified)

Saturday, March 9, 2025
3:30 pm AST: Women’s High Jump Final

Fans can watch the events live on CBC Gem or follow along at https://live.windsortiming.com/meets/44613.

New e-book "Time Flies, Online Edition" explores changes to PEI landscapes

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:37:03 -0400

A new e-book, Time Flies, Online Edition: A Story Map Companion to Time Flies: A History of Prince Edward Island from the Air, has been published by Dr. Joshua MacFadyen, Canada Research Chair in Geospatial Humanities at UPEI, and Bailey Clark, research assistant at MacFadyen’s GeoREACH Lab and Masters of Arts in Island Studies student.

Time Flies, Online Edition is a web-based story map companion to MacFadyen’s 2023 book, Time Flies: A History of Prince Edward Island from the Air, which documents changes in numerous urban, rural, and coastal areas at over 50 locations on Prince Edward Island from 1935 to 2020.

Like the book version, the e-book uses historical aerial photography and maps, accompanied by analysis, to explore the transformation over the same time period of more than 10 new sites on PEI—from Freeland in West Prince County to Crapaud and Victoria in South Queens County to Dundas Farms, a large western-style ranch in Kings County.

“These sites are both community histories and examples of the dramatic transformations of Island life and land use in the 20th century,” said MacFadyen. “The site histories in Time Flies, Online Edition include many hidden stories of PEI, such as the Micmac Indian Village (in the language of the 1960s) in Kuntal Kwesawe’kl (Rocky Point), a Mi'kmaq camp in Telisipk (Crapaud), and Dundas Farms. With tools like the photos and historical web maps offered in the online edition, we can explore these spaces over time in greater detail.”

History looks different from the air, he said.

“From the early 1920s,” said MacFadyen, “Canada was a leader in aerial photography, with many large surveys conducted by the Department of the Interior, the Dominion Forest Service, provincial agencies, and private companies. In 1935, Prince Edward Island became the first province to have a complete aerial survey, and it was surveyed regularly in each subsequent decade.”

Aerial photography became even more important during and after the Second World War. The number of aerial photographs taken increased exponentially in the mid-twentieth century, and the National Air Photo Library now houses over six million of these documents.

Islanders also became increasingly interested in and familiar with aerial views of their province.

“In 1955, Sister Margaret Marie, a student at Saint Dunstan’s University [a predecessor to UPEI], braved the stormy skies and took her first flight, recording the experience and her unique ‘aerial view’ for the student body in SDU’s Red and White magazine,” said MacFadyen. “Seventy years later, through Time Flies, Online Edition, the community can explore similar aerial views of the entire Island, take a deep dive into community histories, and learn about the larger changes that Islanders like Sister Margaret experienced throughout the twentieth century. By understanding how the Island has changed over time, for better or worse, we can make informed decisions about the future transformation of the province.”

For more information about the book and e-book, please visit www.upei.ca/timeflies.

Deborah Aboagye and Kamari Scott named ��ϳԹ��Source for Sports Panther Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Tue, 04 Mar 2025 10:15:09 -0400

Every week, ��ϳԹ��Athletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The ��ϳԹ��Source for Sports Panther Athletes of the Week for February 24 to March 2, 2025, are Deborah Aboagye (women’s basketball) and Kamari Scott (men’s basketball).

Aboagye is a fifth-year master of business administration student from Montreal, Quebec. She delivered a standout performance during the AUS women’s basketball championship in Halifax last weekend, making a significant impact on both ends of the court. Over three games, she averaged 8.0 points, but in the final two matchups, she elevated her game, posting 10.5 points on an efficient 55.6 per cent shooting, along with 6.0 rebounds and 2.0 blocks per contest.

“Deborah had a great weekend in her final run with the Panthers,” said head coach Matt Gamblin. “She hit the game winning basket in the quarter-finals and then followed that with a strong semifinal. Deb also led the squad in scoring in the AUS final and was named a tournament all-star. I’m proud of her effort over the past two years and happy she closed her career on such a strong note.”

Scott, a fifth-year business student from Malton, Ontario, fulfilled his promise to bring an AUS championship back to UPEI, delivering a standout performance when it mattered most. The veteran guard was sensational throughout the AUS men’s basketball championship in Halifax last weekend where he earned tournament MVP status, averaging 20.5 points on 48.3 per cent shooting while pulling down 8.0 rebounds across two games. In the championship showdown against the St. Francis Xavier X-Men on March 2, he led a remarkable comeback, scoring a team-high 24 points. His eight points in the third quarter proved pivotal, igniting UPEI’s rally and setting the stage for a dramatic and unforgettable finish.

“Kamari was not going to let us lose the game—he scored back-to-back baskets to help us go on a 12-0 run that completely turned the game around,” said head coach Darrell Glenn.

Go Panthers Go!

Belief: The fuel behind UPEI’s thrilling championship comeback

Ron Annear — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 13:55:45 -0400

Belief is a powerful word—especially when a team fully embraces everything it stands for.

For the ��ϳԹ��Panthers, that word echoed through the locker room at halftime of Sunday's championship thriller. Down 16 points to the St. FX X-Men, the Panthers were on the ropes, their Atlantic University Sport (AUS) title hopes slipping away. At one point late in the second quarter, they trailed by as much as 24, as St. FX looked poised to run away with the championship.

"Things didn't go our way in the first half. I saw guys hanging their heads, feeling sorry for themselves. We lost our identity a bit," said head coach Darrell Glenn. "I challenged them to believe—believe in themselves and in us."

That speech clearly hit home. The Panthers stormed back in the second half, outscoring St. FX 56-35 to complete an unforgettable comeback and capture their first AUS championship in 22 years. The final score: 84-79.

A CAPTAIN'S LEGACY

In the week leading up to the championship, Kamari Scott—the team's captain and emotional leader—knew this was his final shot at AUS glory, and he left everything on the court. He finished with a team-high 24 points and seven rebounds, but it was his inspired play in the third quarter that ignited the rally. He opened the frame with two layups to spark a 12-0 run, cutting the deficit to 44-40. Scott had eight points in the quarter and injected life into the Panthers.

"This one feels incredible. We knew it was going to be a dogfight, and at halftime, we were down big. But I told the guys we have to believe. Lock in, dig deep, and leave it all out there. And that's what we did."

For Scott, the win carried extra weight. Two years ago, he was part of the Panthers team that suffered a crushing 50-point defeat to St. FX in the championship game—a memory that never left him.

"This one is for all my guys, past and present," he said. "We came up short before, but I told these guys—this is my third time here, and third time's a charm."

By the end of the third quarter, St. FX still held a 58-54 lead, setting the stage for an improbable finish.

CLOSING THE GAP, SEIZING THE MOMENT

St. FX star DJ Jackson, who scored a game-high 33 points, extended the lead to 66-56 with 8:09 remaining. Jackson attempted 30 shots to get those 33 points—a testament to the relentless defence of Sam Chisholm, who made him work for every basket.

Despite the double-digit deficit, the momentum had clearly shifted, and ��ϳԹ��wasn't about to let this opportunity slip away. The Panthers responded with a 9-0 run, inching within a single point. After a Jackson jumper, rookie point guard Tarrence Booker converted back-to-back layups to pull ��ϳԹ��ahead 69-68.

From there, the teams traded baskets until Kyree Thompson delivered two clutch shots—a deep three-pointer and a smooth midrange fadeaway—that gave the Panthers a four-point cushion. Thompson finished with 20 points, four steals, and three assists.

Scott then sealed the win from the free throw line, sinking five of six in the closing moments.

After the game, Thompson reflected on the rollercoaster of emotions.

"We just had to stick together. We've faced challenges before, and we've had our share of ups and downs, but one thing about us—we're resilient. No matter what, we always fight as one."

GONZALEZ LONGARELA: AN ANCHOR IN THE PAINT

Centre Daniel Gonzalez Longarela was also pivotal in the fourth quarter, scoring eight of his 18 points. He also added 13 rebounds for a double-double, four steals, and a block.

Gonzalez Longarela joined ��ϳԹ��two years ago in search of a bigger role, and it's a decision he's never looked back on. Since then, he has firmly established himself as one of the most dominant low-post forces in the AUS.

"When I finished my bachelor's degree and was looking for a school to do my master's, I had some good options," he said. "But after a phone call with Coach Glenn, I knew right away where I wanted to go. I hadn't even heard of PEI before, but I was determined to come here. The way I approach the game aligns perfectly with Coach Glenn's values—we put the team first and focus on defence. He's built a winning culture here, and I'll always be grateful for the trust he's placed in me."

HISTORY MADE

The Panthers' comeback will be remembered as one of the greatest moments in program history. With belief as their foundation, they overcame adversity, defied the odds, and brought an AUS championship back to ��ϳԹ��for the first time in 22 years.

And as Scott and his teammates walked off the court, the trophy in one hand and the banner in the other, he knew—they hadn't just won a championship. They had written themselves into ��ϳԹ��history.

Nordic Ambassadors visit ��ϳԹ��on February 25

Melanie Taylor — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:29:41 -0400

Nordic Heads of Missions representing Norway, Finland, Sweden, Denmark, and Iceland visited ��ϳԹ��on Tuesday, February 25.

The Nordic Heads of Missions were H.E. Hlynur Guðjónsson, Ambassador of Iceland; H.E. Signe Burgstaller, Ambassador of Sweden; H.E. Nikolaj Harris, Ambassador of Denmark; H.E. Hanna-Leena Korteniemi, Ambassador of Finland; and Mr. Trygve Bendiksby, Chargé d’Affaires Norway.

The Heads of Missions have been working to expand the visibility of Nordic nations in Canada and to encourage closer partnerships on various fronts, including at the federal and provincial levels. As part of this initiative, the Nordic embassies arrange joint visits across Canada. These visits normally include meetings with the provincial governments, trade counterparts, and events or meetings together with universities.

Dr. Laurie Brinklow, Coordinator of the Master of Arts in Island Studies program at UPEI and Chair of the Institute of Island Studies Executive Committee, is Iceland’s Honorary Consul to Prince Edward Island. She led the Nordic team’s visit to the ��ϳԹ��campus, which included a tour of Diagnostic Services at the Atlantic Veterinary College, which does aquaculture work with Nordic countries, and meetings with Dr. Wendy Rodgers, ��ϳԹ��President and Vice-Chancellor; Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President, Academic and Research; Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, Associate Vice-President Research and Dean of Graduate Studies; and Dr. Sharon Myers, Dean of Arts. They also enjoyed lunch with three exchange students attending ��ϳԹ��from Sweden and Finland, and two ��ϳԹ��students who are going to study in Norway next year.

The Heads of Missions, faculty members, and students also took part in an engaging and well-attended panel discussion titled Climate change and transatlantic security across the Global North. Participants learned about some of the wide-ranging impacts of climate change, clean technology, transatlantic security, peacekeeping, democratic transition, and other global issues important to the Nordic countries.

“I was excited to be part of the team welcoming this delegation of five Nordic ambassadors to campus. ��ϳԹ��and Island Studies have had long-standing relationships with the Nordic countries through research projects, aquaculture knowledge mobilization, student mobility, and University of the Arctic initiatives,” said Brinklow. “This visit was a wonderful way to strengthen and build on those friendships. In today’s political climate, it’s more important than ever to be part of the conversation around global security, opening up the North, climate change and sea-level rise, and their impacts on Prince Edward Island and other islands.”

While on PEI, the Nordic team spent time at Government House and met with Premier Rob Lantz and several members of his cabinet on February 24. After their visit to UPEI, the group travelled to New Brunswick to continue their mission.

��ϳԹ��Theatre Studies’ Vagabond Productions presents two one-act plays March 12 to 15

Anna MacDonald — Mon, 03 Mar 2025 10:22:37 -0400

��ϳԹ��Theatre Studies’ Vagabond Productions is presenting . . . destroyed surely: An Evening of Plays by John Millington Synge, from March 12 to 15 inclusive in the ��ϳԹ��Performing Arts Centre’s amphitheatre. The doors open at 7 pm for a 7:30 pm start.

Vagabond is presenting both Riders to the Sea and In the Shadow of the Glen. The productions will take full advantage of the new performance space in the Performing Arts Centre.

“We are building a substantial set, and we will be going with period costumes,” said director Greg Doran, professor and coordinator of theatre studies at UPEI. “We want to showcase what the students are capable of when properly supported, and we have never really done realism before.”

He went on to say that he hopes the plays will resonate with Island audiences.

“Riders to the Sea deals with the dangers and consequences for families who make their living on the ocean. In the Shadow of the Glen deals with the effects of isolation on the lives of rural families. While the plays are tonally very different, they are both focused on family relationships, and how they can become frayed under stress.”

Doran said that the choice of plays was also influenced by producing Synge, an Irish playwright, around St. Patrick’s Day. He noted that the plays deal with mature themes, so they might not be appropriate for a younger audience.

There will be a talk-back with the company after the March 14 performance. Admission is pay-what-you-can at the door.

For more information, contact Dr. Doran at gdoran@upei.ca or 902-566-6013. Follow Vagabond Productions on Instagram at theatreatupei_vagabond.

��ϳԹ��Strategic Planning Process Update - February 2025

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 15:54:37 -0400

Since September 2024, the ��ϳԹ��strategic planning process has focused on information gathering through consultations with campus and community members. At the end of January 2025, more than 500 community members participated in strategic planning surveys, discussions, and workshops. Below is an update of further progress through to February 2025.

 September 2024

Survey opened to faculty, staff, and students to identify University priorities and opportunities
Consultations held with staff, students, and faculty  on university culture, priorities, and opportunities
University Strategic Plan Steering Committee membership confirmed and meetings  initiated

 October 2024

Consultations held with ��ϳԹ��staff, faculty, and undergraduate students

 November 2024

 Consultations held with:

��ϳԹ��graduate students
��ϳԹ��senior leadership
��ϳԹ��Student Union
Summerside City Council
Charlottetown City Council
Greater Charlottetown area community members
PEI community and sector partner organizations

(Note: Invitations were extended to additional communities and councils; however, some consultations did not take place due to scheduling challenges, while others had low turnout.)

 January 2025

Interactive President’s Town Hall  on the strategic plan development process held for faculty, staff, and students
Strategic planning workshops conducted with the ��ϳԹ��Board of Governors, ��ϳԹ��Senate, ��ϳԹ��Senior Leadership Group, and the University Strategic Plan Steering Committee

February 2025 and onwards

In early February, Dr. Jessica Riddell, author of Hope Circuits: Rewiring Universities and Other Organizations for Human Flourishing, visited ��ϳԹ��to discuss the state of post-secondary education in Canada and the idea of embedding a culture of hope at UPEI. This presentation added value to the planning process through thoughtful discussion on timely, relevant challenges within the higher learning sector and building sustainable futures.

The University Strategic Plan Steering Committee continues its work to review and validate what was heard during consultations and to identify any gaps in information.

Following this phase, a draft framework for the strategic plan will be shared on the ��ϳԹ��website for community reflection and feedback. Feedback will be used to further inform the development of the 2025-2030 strategic plan.

Discussions on UPEI’s strategic priorities and direction will continue with Faculties and units across campus on an ongoing basis.

Nominations open for AVC’s Green Hat Award

Apryl Munro — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:50:45 -0400

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the ��ϳԹ�� (UPEI) is now accepting nominations for the 2025 Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award.

Established in 2000, the award recognizes individuals who have played a direct role in the growth of the AVC and who have supported the College’s vision, reputation, and continued success. It is the greatest honour bestowed by the AVC. The award is named for the Honourable Eugene F. Whelan, Minister of Agriculture for Canada (1972–79 and 1980–84), who played a central role in the development and establishment of the Atlantic Veterinary College.

The 2025 Green Hat Award will be presented on May 12, 2025, during the AVC Graduation Award Ceremony at UPEI’s Performing Arts Centre.

Anyone may submit a nomination. This award primarily acknowledges external stakeholders; however, retired faculty and staff members of AVC may be eligible for this award. Active faculty and staff members are not considered eligible. Completed nominations must be received by March 31, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

For more information about this award, past award winners, and the terms of reference, or to download a nomination form, please visit /avc/about/awards-and-honours.

The nomination form and letter of support (nomination package) can be mailed to

Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award
c/o Dean’s Office
Atlantic Veterinary College
550 University Avenue
Charlottetown, PEI C1A 4P3

Or email the full nomination package to avcspecialevents@upei.ca

From AVC to Disney: Dr. Dan Fredholm’s Magical Journey to Zoo Medicine

Apryl Munro — Fri, 28 Feb 2025 08:28:33 -0400

When Dr. Dan Fredholm first entered the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the ��ϳԹ�� (UPEI) in 2009, he envisioned a future as a small animal veterinarian. Like any great Disney story, destiny had other plans. Today, he is a respected specialist, board-certified by the American College of Zoological Medicine, and clinical veterinarian with Disney’s Animals, Science, and Environment.

Growing up in New York, USA, Dr. Fredholm initially set his sights on becoming a medical doctor in human health, but a chance summer job as an assistant at a local veterinary clinic made him reconsider. He enrolled at the AVC in 2005 to begin the journey toward small animal veterinary medicine.

“Looking back, I never would have guessed I’d end up here,” he shared. “But every experience, every opportunity led me to exactly where I needed to be.”

Dr. Fredholm fondly remembers his time on Prince Edward Island, and credits AVC for shaping his career. One of his most formative experiences was participating in the Chinook Project, which provides veterinary care to remote northern communities.

“That experience opened my eyes to the impact we can have beyond the clinic,” he recalled.

After he graduated from AVC in 2009, life threw a curveball.

“I applied to over 20 internships. I ranked Colorado [State University]’s zoo medicine internship first, and their small animal rotating internship second. When I matched with CSU, I initially assumed it was for the small animal position, and was very happy. It took a little while to notice that I’d actually matched with the zoo, exotics, and wildlife internship. Once I realized that, I was overjoyed!”

It was an unexpected plot twist that set the course for a wild career.

Now, at Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Dr. Fredholm makes magic with an incredible array of animals—from elephants and giraffes to birds and reptiles. And his work extends beyond the parks. Disney collaborates internationally with numerous conservation initiatives that protect wildlife, both on land and in the sea. Recently, during unusually cold temperatures in Florida, cold-stunned green sea turtles washed ashore, needing aid. The Disney Animal Health team stepped in to help the gentle giants recover.

“Every day can be different in this field— from doing a CT scan on a gorilla, to working on the hoof health of a wildebeest. It’s such an interesting and rewarding field,” he said.

His story serves as an inspiration to future veterinarians, reminding them that sometimes the most magical adventures begin when you step off the path you thought you were meant to follow.

Message from the President: Join Us! Employee Engagement Survey Results Overview

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:53:55 -0400

The following message was emailed to staff and faculty on February 26, 2025.

Dear ��ϳԹ��Community,

Thank you once again for sharing your valuable insights in the employee engagement survey conducted from November 4 to November 22, 2024. Your feedback is shaping the future of our workplace!

We are pleased to invite you to a presentation where we will share an overview of key findings and next steps. This is an opportunity to hear what we learned and engage in a conversation about how we can continue to grow together.

Wednesday, March 5, 2025
2:30 pm–3:30 pm
Amphitheatre, Performing Arts Centre and Residence building (PAC121S)

If you are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this  Teams link.

Your voice matters, and we look forward to discussing these insights with you. We hope to see you there.

Your Voice, Our Future

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

��ϳԹ��

902-566-0400 president@upei.ca

A celebration of the literary achievements of Deirdre Kessler

Melanie Taylor — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 11:00:44 -0400

A celebration of author Deirdre Kessler’s contributions to the PEI literary community will take place on Thursday, March 20, at 7:00 pm in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, UPEI. The evening will be co-hosted by Dr. Richard Lemm, ��ϳԹ��professor and Island author, and Dr. Laurie Brinklow, coordinator of the Master of Arts in Island Studies program at UPEI. It will include short readings of Kessler’s work by other Island writers, students, and friends.

Kessler has had a pronounced influence on the Island’s culture and literary scene as an author, educator, and advocate for Lucy Maud Montgomery’s writing. She is a former Poet Laureate of Prince Edward Island, a novelist, children’s author, non-fiction writer, and occasional radio broadcaster. For many years, she has been a sessional professor with the ��ϳԹ��Department of English, teaching children’s literature, creative writing, and a course on L.M. Montgomery. She has supported other writers as a workshop facilitator, book editor, and teacher. She has also been involved in the L.M. Montgomery Institute from its early days and is on the editorial board of the Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies.

As the author of more than two dozen books, Kessler offers readers a diverse range of worlds to immerse themselves in. In her latest book, Darwin’s Hornpipe, a sailor accused of mutiny is thrown overboard near the Galapagos and must not only survive but go on to seek justice for his friend. Her brilliant memoir, Mother Country, examines what is home and family. In the Maritime classic children’s book Lobster in My Pocket, a lonely girl meets a talking lobster. A cat sets out to see the whole wide world in Adventures of an Island Cat named Brupp. Her poetry collection Afternoon Horses is filled with a sense of wonder, the beauty of nature, and the joys and sorrows of family life. With such a deep range of work to celebrate, the literary event will have something for new and old fans alike.

All are welcome to attend this free event sponsored by Bookmark, Charlottetown’s locally owned, independent bookstore, and the ��ϳԹ��Department of English. For more information, please contact Heather Doran at heather@bookmarkreads.ca or 902-566-4888.

��ϳԹ��presents Research on Tap on March 11

Anna MacDonald — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 10:13:06 -0400

��ϳԹ��will host Research on Tap on Tuesday, March 11, at 6:00 pm, at the Upstreet Brewery Taproom, 41 Allen St., Charlottetown, PEI.

Dr. Nebojsa Kujundzic, a professor in the ��ϳԹ��Department of Philosophy, will give a presentation titled “The Puzzle of Existence and Reality.”

“The relationship between existence and reality is complex, as some things exist without being real, while others are real without existing physically,” he said. “Language and technology further blur this distinction, especially with virtual reality and social media. For instance, Facebook pages of the deceased exist digitally but hold reality only through the emotions of those who remember them.”

Research on Tap is a discussion series featuring ��ϳԹ��researchers and is open to students, faculty, staff, and the general public. There is no charge to attend. All are welcome to attend.

��ϳԹ��Panthers set for championship glory

Ron Annear — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:18:08 -0400

The ��ϳԹ��Men’s and Women’s Basketball Panthers will play in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Basketball Championship this weekend at the Scotiabank Centre, 1800 Argyle Street, Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The ��ϳԹ��Men’s Basketball Panthers worked tirelessly throughout the regular season to secure a second-place finish and a first-round championship bye, accomplishing the feat in their final regular season game with a dominant 20-point victory over the Cape Breton University Capers. Their efforts earned them a 12-8 record and a direct ticket to the semifinals on Saturday, March 1, where they will face either the sixth-seeded Saint Mary's Huskies or the third-seeded Capers at 8:30 pm.

The Panthers have been led by fifth-year veteran Kamari Scott, who finished in the top 10 in the conference in scoring with an average of 14.1 points per game. Third-year guard Kyree Thompson emerged as a crucial contributor in the latter half of the season, finishing eighth in the conference with 14.2 points per game. His resurgence, combined with the dominant defensive presence of Daniel Gonzalez Longarela (9.3 points, 10.1 rebounds), the veteran leadership of Sam Chisholm (10.1 points), and the growing confidence of rookie Hugo Bermejo (7.1 points, 3.4 assists), has the Panthers well-equipped to make a deep run. With a balanced attack and a determined squad, ��ϳԹ��has all the tools needed to capture their first championship title since the 2002–2003 season.

CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

The ��ϳԹ��Women’s Basketball Panthers face a tougher road to the championship, needing to win three games in three days to claim the title. Their journey begins on Friday, February 28, at 6:30 pm against the University of New Brunswick Reds, a team they defeated twice during the regular season. A victory would propel them into the Saturday, March 1 semifinals, where they would face the Acadia University Axewomen—one of their most familiar playoff rivals during head coach Matt Gamblin’s tenure. The two squads split their four meetings during the regular season, setting the stage for what promises to be another intense battle.

The Panthers’ success has been driven by a trio of veteran stars who powered them to an impressive 14-6 record. Leading the charge is Lauren Rainford, who averaged 18.6 points per game, ranking seventh in the nation. ��ϳԹ��also boasts the sharpshooting prowess of Devon Lawlor, who drained 42 three-pointers at an efficient 39.3% clip—good for fifth in U SPORTS. Additionally, Grace Lancaster had a breakout season, posting a career-high 12.3 points per game. Her two-way impact will be crucial, as opponents will undoubtedly focus on containing Rainford’s offensive production.

CHAMPIONSHIP SCHEDULE

Get your championship tickets!
Be part of the action and support the ��ϳԹ��Panthers on their championship journey! A limited number of fan section floor seats (75 per game) are available during championship weekend.

How to purchase:

Call Panther Central at 902-566-0368.
Visit Panther Central in person to buy your E-TICKET.

Ticket prices:
$12 per ��ϳԹ��game (follow the same purchase process for each game). *If the women’s team advances to Saturday, March 1, the $12 ticket grants access to both ��ϳԹ��games that day.

Panther fans are encouraged to help cheer on the ��ϳԹ��Women’s and Men’s Basketball Panthers this weekend in Halifax! Fans are invited to gather pre- or post-games at the Orso Pub and Grill (located close to Scotiabank Centre at 1859 Brunswick Street). Wear your green and white, and ask about food and drink specials arranged for ��ϳԹ��alumni and friends.

Panther cheer gear will be available at the alumni table in the concourse of the Scotiabank Centre before each game.

Go Panthers Go!

��ϳԹ��post-doctoral fellow awarded Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 11:10:14 -0400

Dr. Ling Li, a post-doctoral fellow in the ��ϳԹ��Faculty of Education, was awarded a Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship for a study to evaluate the “Pyramid to Retention: Supporting Educators to Enhance Social and Emotional Competencies in Infants and Young Children” in the early learning and child-care sector on PEI.

“The pyramid model is a US-originated framework which is well structured and research-based. It is like a roadmap for helping young children develop healthy social and emotional skills,” said Li, who is conducting the study under the supervision of Dr. Gabriela Arias de Sánchez, assistant professor of education at UPEI. “Think of it as a four-layer pyramid: At the bottom, we focus on building warm, nurturing relationships between educators and children. The next layer creates supportive learning environments. The third layer provides specific teaching strategies for social-emotional skills, and the top layer offers intensive, individualized support for children who need extra help.”

The model, in the PEI project, is currently used by participating early childhood educators, who work with infants and young children up to age five, she added.

Currently, 18 early childhood educators, from across the province, including both urban and rural areas, covering both English and French-speaking communities, are involved. A group of 10 educational coaches, mentors, and consultants are working with the educators during the project.

“We’ve seen major government investments in early learning and childcare,” she said, “and this project was one of those investments. It provided comprehensive training for early childhood educators in supporting children’s social and emotional development.”

Li said that the project will continue with funding from Mitacs.

“What makes our project unique is that we’re adapting an evidence-based model for PEI’s specific needs. PEI is one of the leading provinces in Canada with this innovative approach, and our experience could help guide other provinces.”

In partnership with the Early Childhood Development Association of PEI, the project will provide an innovative evidence-based professional development program that encompasses a comprehensive framework, consistent guidance, and practical strategies to enhance young children’s socio-emotional learning.

Specific goals include evaluating how effective the pyramid model is in PEI’s early learning settings and using the data to improve and facilitate the program’s progress; helping children develop strong social and emotional skills during their crucial early years; and supporting early childhood educators by providing them with effective tools and training.

“We're not just implementing the program,” said Li. “We’re carefully evaluating how it works in our local context and making adjustments to ensure that it best serves PEI’s children and educators. This makes our project a potential model for the rest of Canada.”

Early social and emotional skills are like building blocks for life, she said. When children learn these skills early on, they develop better self-awareness and regulation, form healthier relationships, perform better in school, and have better mental health outcomes later in life.

The project recognizes and builds upon the existing strengths of PEI’s early childhood educators, who are doing remarkable work in supporting children’s development, she said, and it helps to retain them, strengthening the Island’s early years system by developing evidence-based, locally adapted approaches.

This study has been supported by the Early Childhood Development Association of PEI from the beginning and, more recently, by Mitacs through the prestigious Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship Program.

Helena Ikpotokin and Kamari Scott named ��ϳԹ��Panther Source for Sports Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 10:48:42 -0400

Every week, ��ϳԹ��Athletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The ��ϳԹ��Panther Source for Sports Athletes of the Week for February 17–23, 2025, are Helena Ikpotokin (women’s track and field) and Kamari Scott (men’s basketball).

Ikpotokin is a third-year science student from Dublin, Ireland. She shone at the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) Championships in Saint John, New Brunswick, this past weekend, bringing home two medals. The sprinter kicked off her impressive performance on February 21 with a victory in the women’s 300m, securing gold with a time of 39.83 seconds. The following day, she sprinted to a silver medal in the women’s 60m dash, clocking in at a blazing 7.90 seconds.

“Helena showed that she’s a big-time performer who thrives in pressure situations. She has the work ethic and mindset that a champion needs, and she is just scratching the surface of what she’s capable of,” said associate head coach Damon MacDonald.

Scott, a fifth-year business student from Malton, Ontario, was instrumental in the Panthers’ February 22 victory over the Cape Breton University Capers, a crucial win that earned his team a valuable bye heading into the AUS Championships February 28 to March 2 in Halifax, Nova Scotia. He delivered a standout performance, racking up 16 points, nine rebounds, two assists, and a steal to help seal the victory.

“Kamari anchored us defensively in Saturday’s big win. We will need Kamari to continue to bring energy and leadership to our group next weekend if we are to succeed,” said head coach Darrell Glenn.

Go Panthers Go!

��ϳԹ��Faculty of IKERAS holds Sharing Our Stories and Apukna'jit Spirit Ceremony

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 09:11:47 -0400

The ��ϳԹ��Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS) held a Sharing Our Stories and Apukna'jit Spirit Ceremony, with four Knowledge Keepers from the community, on February 5 at Bill and Denise Andrew Hall, UPEI.

The ceremony was held in honour of Indigenous Storytelling Month and the mid-winter celebration of Apukna'jit. In Mi’kmaw culture, February 1 marks Apukna'jit, a time of year when the community would gather to share food to make it through the hardest month of the year. The tradition also involved offering food and tobacco to Apukna'jit, the winter spirit, in the hope of a light winter and an early spring.

Doris Googoo, a member of the IKERAS faculty, invited community Knowledge Keepers Keptin Jimmy Bernard, Barbara Jadis, Francis Jadis, and Stephenson Joe to participate. In attendance were IKERAS Dean Angelina Weenie, ��ϳԹ��Elder-in-Residence Judy Clark, IKERAS faculty and staff, students, and other community members.

The ceremony began with the creation of a spirit plate. After smudging took place, Elder Clark opened the ceremony in a talking circle and then explained the mid-winter celebration of Apukna'jit. Tobacco was offered to and accepted by each of the knowledge keepers.

Each knowledge keeper and elder shared their lived experiences in the talking circle. Sharing these experiences supports the Truth and Reconciliation Calls to Action by passing on stories and knowledges to others so that they will gain understanding of traditional ways of knowing and being.

After lunch, the talking circle was closed with an acknowledgement of those in attendance, and the ceremony was concluded with a wish to all for a safe journey home.

New book about the Belfast Riot of 1847 to be launched in March

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:56:41 -0400

A new book titled The Belfast Riot of 1847, written by Dr. Callum Beck, sessional lecturer at UPEI, and published by Island Studies Press, will be launched in March in Charlottetown and Summerside.

The Charlottetown launch will be held on March 5, 2025, at 7 pm, in the Faculty Lounge, SDU Main Building Room 201, UPEI, and the Summerside launch will be held on March 30, at 1 pm, at the Eptek Art and Culture Centre.

On March 1, 1847, Prince Edward Island experienced the second-worst election riot in Canadian history. During the Belfast Riot, about 200 Scottish Protestants and 300 Irish Catholics got into a brawl, resulting in at least three men dead and up to 100 others injured. This event set the stage for the hardening of the sectarian conflict between Protestants and Catholics on Prince Edward Island for the next 125 years. In The Belfast Riot of 1847, Beck examines the social and political conditions that led to the riot, introduces readers to the major players on both sides, provides a detailed account of its unfolding, and takes a nuanced look at who was to blame.

The Belfast Riot of 1847 was published with the support of a SSHRC Exchange Publication Award from the Office of the Vice-President, Academic and Research at UPEI.

Beck was born and raised in Charlottetown, PEI. He completed a BA in Philosophy at UPEI, a Master of Arts in Religion at Emmanuel School of Religion in Tennessee, and a PhD at Open University in the UK. He has served as a pastor and as a sessional faculty member at UPEI. He is married to Lorraine Beck, and they have three children and six grandchildren.

Both events are free, and all are welcome. Thanks to the Bookmark and the Eptek Centre, books will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Bren Simmers at Island Studies Press, 902-566-0386 or ispstaff@upei.ca.

��ϳԹ��presents Theology on Tap on March 4

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 08:52:02 -0400

The ��ϳԹ��Department of Religious Studies will present Theology on Tap on March 4, 2025, at 7:00 pm, at the Salvador Dali Cafe, The Arts Hotel, 155 Kent Street, Charlottetown.

Dr. Brenton Dickieson, a lecturer in the Faculty of Arts and a founding member of the Curiosity and Inquiry Research and Collaboration Lab, will give a presentation titled, “‘Because My Old Heart Would Burst’: A Settler’s Reflection on Indigenous Spaces in Octavia Butler and C.S. Lewis.”

"While Octavia E. Butler and C.S. Lewis are quite different in style and worldview, their fantasy and science fiction novels excel at showing the complex relationship between Indigenous folk and the powerful people who settle in their spaces,” said Dickieson. “With Butler’s and Lewis’ stories in mind, I will offer a theological reflection on my own experience of ‘home’ in Epekwitk.”

Participants can expect an engaging talk, excellent discussion, fellowship, and fun.

��ϳԹ��extends condolences on the passing of generous donor Lou MacEachern, LLD

Nicole Phillips — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 17:34:26 -0400

The ��ϳԹ��community was saddened to learn of the passing on February 20 of Dr. Lou MacEachern, a caring and passionate supporter of youth and post-secondary education as well as a generous donor to the University and many other charitable causes. Dr. MacEachern received an honorary degree from ��ϳԹ��in 2011.

A native of Hazel Grove, PEI, Dr. MacEachern was a well-known Calgary entrepreneur and contributor to community organizations. He was president and owner of Fortune Industries Ltd. and was involved in a number of publicly traded companies. He served three terms on UPEI’s Board of Governors from 2003–2009, was a founding member of the Global Associates of the former ��ϳԹ��School of Business (now McDougall Faculty of Business), and was a long-time board member of the Confederation Centre of the Arts. He was involved in numerous community organizations in Alberta, including the Calgary Rotary Club, The Duke of Edinburgh Awards, the William Booth Society, and the 1988 Calgary Olympics. He was a founding supporter of the Calgary Friends of ��ϳԹ��group that has raised funds to support Alberta and PEI students at ��ϳԹ��through scholarships.

��ϳԹ��recognized the long-standing support and leadership of Dr. MacEachern at a reception in 2011, naming a busy indoor concourse in Don and Marion McDougall Hall in his honour. Louis W. MacEachern Market Street is located along the full length of the building and connects students to lecture theatres, classrooms, and study/breakout rooms.

Dr. MacEachern studied at both Saint Dunstan’s University and Prince of Wales College. He is a graduate of Dalhousie University. He gave back so much to ��ϳԹ��because he realized the necessity of an education early in life and attributed much of his success as an entrepreneur to his investment in his own schooling.

In 2011, Dr. MacEachern said, “I moved to Calgary the first time in 1952 after I quit school in Grade 7 to work. I soon recognized that I needed to further my education and returned to the Island to do so. I am pleased to be able to support students who also realize that a university education is so valuable and will lead to their own success.”

��ϳԹ��extends sincere condolences to Dr. MacEachern’s family, friends, and colleagues.

Fair Treatment Policy Redevelopment Information Sharing Session

Nicole Phillips — Mon, 24 Feb 2025 16:17:52 -0400

The following message was also emailed to ��ϳԹ��students, faculty, and staff on February 24, 2025.

Dear ��ϳԹ��Community,

The Fair Treatment Policy Redevelopment (FTPR) Committee was formed as part of the Action Plan commitments to

replace the Fair Treatment Policy, and
finalize revisions to the Sexual Violence Policy.

The FTPR Committee is using a consultative process to gather input and has been meeting regularly.

On behalf of the Committee, I invite faculty, staff, and students to attend an FTPR Information Sharing Session where campus community members can

learn about the Committee and the work it is doing,
ask questions, and
provide feedback to the Committee on perspectives and/or ideas for the Harassment and Discrimination Policy and the Sexual Violence Policy.

FTPR Information Sharing Session
Monday, March 3, 2025
2:30–3:30 pm
Andrew Hall, Room 142 (AH142)

For those who are unable to attend in person, you are welcome to join us virtually at this Teams link.

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

��ϳԹ��

902-566-0400 president@upei.ca

Media Releases

���ϳԹ���business student wins Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies

Institute of Island Studies hosts lecture on economic development in Magdalen Islands

Thirteen ���ϳԹ���co-operative education programs receive national accreditation

���ϳԹ���Asian Studies hosts seminar by Dr. Jin Y. Park on April 3

���ϳԹ���awards 2025 internal research grants to faculty members

Lauren Rainford and Kamari Scott named ���ϳԹ���Athletes of the Year

Team Award Winners for 2024–2025

About the ���ϳԹ���Athletes of the Year

CWHC-Atlantic Region honoured with PEI Heritage Recognition Award

AVC alumnus appointed dean of Sri Lanka’s veterinary school

Fair Treatment Policy Redevelopment: Information and Feedback Sessions for Policy Development

���ϳԹ���Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering holds annual student awards

Sir James Dunn Animal Welfare Centre to host webinar series

Curtis Lauzon named head coach of ���ϳԹ���Women’s Rugby Panthers

���ϳԹ���launches new Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation as part of the Cleantech Academy

���ϳԹ���hosts space-related public lecture by Dr. Hilding Neilson on April 2

���ϳԹ���presents Theology on Tap on April 7

���ϳԹ���Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering students achieve success at national competition

President's Town Hall: It's easy "Bein' Green"!

���ϳԹ���Asian Studies hosts seminars on March 27 and April 3

Atlantic Veterinary College unveils new Foreign Animal Disease Testing Laboratory

���ϳԹ���Nursing Student Society holds teddy bear clinic for children in Campus Kids Daycare

���ϳԹ���research project transforms into a social enterprise with real-world impact

AVC veterinary team makes impact in Kenya

It's easy "Bein' Green"! Calling all students for your sustainability ideas!

���ϳԹ���Men’s Basketball Panthers look to upset host UBC as Final 8 tips off Thursday

Institute of Island Studies hosts Island Lecture Series presentation on March 18

UPEI's Asian Studies and Centre for Korean Studies to host speech contest on March 21

Highlighting the interprofessional event: Sim FUNdamentals Facilitator program video creation

Celebrate ���ϳԹ���Basketball’s Success! Special Panther Pride event, March 7

���ϳԹ���psychology professor profiled during Psychology Month

���ϳԹ���student-athletes make their mark! Go Panthers Go!

Panthers on the prowl: UPEI’s Peterside and Ikpotokin chase greatness in U SPORTS track and field

New e-book "Time Flies, Online Edition" explores changes to PEI landscapes

Deborah Aboagye and Kamari Scott named ���ϳԹ���Source for Sports Panther Athletes of the Week

Belief: The fuel behind UPEI’s thrilling championship comeback

Nordic Ambassadors visit ���ϳԹ���on February 25

���ϳԹ���Theatre Studies’ Vagabond Productions presents two one-act plays March 12 to 15

���ϳԹ���Strategic Planning Process Update - February 2025

Nominations open for AVC’s Green Hat Award

From AVC to Disney: Dr. Dan Fredholm’s Magical Journey to Zoo Medicine

Message from the President: Join Us! Employee Engagement Survey Results Overview

A celebration of the literary achievements of Deirdre Kessler

���ϳԹ���presents Research on Tap on March 11

���ϳԹ���Panthers set for championship glory

���ϳԹ���post-doctoral fellow awarded Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship

Helena Ikpotokin and Kamari Scott named ���ϳԹ���Panther Source for Sports Athletes of the Week

���ϳԹ���Faculty of IKERAS holds Sharing Our Stories and Apukna'jit Spirit Ceremony

New book about the Belfast Riot of 1847 to be launched in March

���ϳԹ���presents Theology on Tap on March 4

���ϳԹ���extends condolences on the passing of generous donor Lou MacEachern, LLD

Fair Treatment Policy Redevelopment Information Sharing Session

��ϳԹ��business student wins Frank H. Sobey Award for Excellence in Business Studies

Thirteen ��ϳԹ��co-operative education programs receive national accreditation

��ϳԹ��Asian Studies hosts seminar by Dr. Jin Y. Park on April 3

��ϳԹ��awards 2025 internal research grants to faculty members

Lauren Rainford and Kamari Scott named ��ϳԹ��Athletes of the Year

About the ��ϳԹ��Athletes of the Year

��ϳԹ��Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering holds annual student awards

Curtis Lauzon named head coach of ��ϳԹ��Women’s Rugby Panthers

��ϳԹ��launches new Master of Cleantech Leadership and Transformation as part of the Cleantech Academy

��ϳԹ��hosts space-related public lecture by Dr. Hilding Neilson on April 2

��ϳԹ��presents Theology on Tap on April 7

��ϳԹ��Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering students achieve success at national competition

��ϳԹ��Asian Studies hosts seminars on March 27 and April 3

��ϳԹ��Nursing Student Society holds teddy bear clinic for children in Campus Kids Daycare

��ϳԹ��research project transforms into a social enterprise with real-world impact

��ϳԹ��Men’s Basketball Panthers look to upset host UBC as Final 8 tips off Thursday

Celebrate ��ϳԹ��Basketball’s Success! Special Panther Pride event, March 7

��ϳԹ��psychology professor profiled during Psychology Month

��ϳԹ��student-athletes make their mark! Go Panthers Go!

Deborah Aboagye and Kamari Scott named ��ϳԹ��Source for Sports Panther Athletes of the Week

Nordic Ambassadors visit ��ϳԹ��on February 25

��ϳԹ��Theatre Studies’ Vagabond Productions presents two one-act plays March 12 to 15

��ϳԹ��Strategic Planning Process Update - February 2025

��ϳԹ��presents Research on Tap on March 11

��ϳԹ��Panthers set for championship glory

��ϳԹ��post-doctoral fellow awarded Mitacs Elevate Postdoctoral Fellowship

Helena Ikpotokin and Kamari Scott named ��ϳԹ��Panther Source for Sports Athletes of the Week

��ϳԹ��Faculty of IKERAS holds Sharing Our Stories and Apukna'jit Spirit Ceremony

��ϳԹ��presents Theology on Tap on March 4

��ϳԹ��extends condolences on the passing of generous donor Lou MacEachern, LLD