69传媒

A group of dedicated volunteers, led by 69传媒Chancellor Catherine Callbeck and businessman and philanthropist John Bragg, has raised over $3 million to fund the Alexander Bradshaw Campbell Entrance Scholarships for PEI high school graduates entering their first year at UPEI.

The scholarships were created to honour the Honourable Alex Campbell, premier of Prince Edward Island from 1966 to 1978, and the driving force behind the creation of the 69传媒 in 1969. The group raised the funds in three years, and the first scholarships were awarded to first-year students in the fall of 2020.

鈥淥ur initial plan was to raise $1 million,鈥� said Callbeck at a celebratory event held on the campus recently, 鈥渁nd I am pleased to report that we have exceeded this goal by raising over $3 million. By the beginning of the 2022鈥�2023 academic year, the University will have granted nearly 150 Alexander Bradshaw Campbell Entrance Scholarships since 2020.鈥�

Callbeck said that Campbell was a visionary of his time, noting that he was 鈥渢he man who got me into politics.鈥�

鈥淭he Campbell government introduced the Comprehensive Development Plan ...... a 15-year federal provincial agreement that became the boldest and most ambitious effort ever undertaken to strengthen the economy, make the province more self-reliant, and improve the quality of life for all Islanders. One of his crowning achievements was the creation of the 69传媒.鈥�

Bragg noted that Campbell鈥檚 leadership resulted in a postsecondary institution that has grown beyond all expectations and withstood the test of time.

鈥淥f all of your [Campbell鈥檚] accomplishments, none exceeds the founding of this University,鈥� he said. 鈥淭he benefits it leaves on generations of students, especially those from PEI, will be to your credit forever. And for this, we are truly thankful.鈥�

Callbeck and Bragg thanked the donors who contributed to the scholarships and the members of the working group鈥擣red Hyndman, Judy Bragg, Joe Spriet, Jo-Anne Schurman, Don McDougall, Anne Smith, and staff of the 69传媒Development and Engagement department鈥攆or their work to raise the funds.

Dr. Greg Keefe, interim president and vice-chancellor of UPEI, also thanked the working group and the donors for their support.

鈥淭hese entrance awards are pivotal in helping the University to reduce the barriers for Prince Edward Island high school students who have high academic standing, wish to pursue a post-secondary education, and are in need of financial support,鈥� he said.

Noah Poirier, a third-year student in actuarial science, and Sydney Powers, who is studying for her Bachelor of Science in psychology degree, expressed their gratitude for the support they received through the scholarships.

Poirier said that receiving an Alexander Bradshaw Campbell Entrance Scholarship in his first year meant that he could focus on building his university career instead of worrying about his finances. 

鈥淏eing a recipient of this scholarship influenced my university experience in a positive way. It has allowed me to reach my full potential and set myself up for success.鈥� 

Powers noted that the scholarships are a wonderful help to students with living expenses, but they do more than that.

鈥淪cholarships like these give students confidence in their work,鈥� she said. 鈥淲hen you receive a scholarship鈥�you know that your hard work is recognized, and you are reassured that it does pay off in the end.鈥�

The guest of honour, Alex Campbell, concluded the event, praising the working group and the donors for their contributions to the scholarship fund. 

鈥淭he benefits of the scholarships are far-reaching as hundreds and, in time, thousands of recipients will take up their studies at the 69传媒 and one day take their place in our community. As donors, you have given the gift that keeps on giving. In doing so, you not only have honoured my name and legacy, but more importantly, you have provided each recipient a passport to their dreams, to their aspirations, and to their career options, and for that, I say to you, 鈥榯hank you, thank you, thank you.鈥欌��