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University extends condolences on the passing of Dr. James ā€œJimā€ MacAulay

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photo of man in academic regalia surrounded by his family
Dr. James "Jim" MacAulay in 2014, after receiving his honorary doctor of laws degree from UPEI, surrounded by his family (L toR), Marion, Andy, wife Lauretta, Mary Catherine, and Ronnie.

Dr. Greg Keefe, UPEIā€™s interim president and vice-chancellor, issued a message today to faculty and staff on the passing of Dr. James ā€œJimā€ MacAulay, a 69“«Ć½honorary degree recipient, proponent of higher education and life-long learning, and proud Saint Dunstanā€™s University alumnus (SDU ā€™62). Dr. MacAulay passed away on Friday, July 21, 2023, after a brief illness in Souris, PEI.

Dr. MacAulay received his honorary Doctor of Laws degree in 2014, and participated faithfully after that in the academic procession at 69“«Ć½convocations. He also led the organization of his SDU Class of 1962 reunions and annual breakfast, and was a regular attendee of SDUā€™s all-year activities every summer. 

President Keefe recognized Dr. MacAulay as a pillar in his communityā€”whether it was his SDU alumni community; his home community of St. Peterā€™s Bay; the community of Morell where he taught and served as vice-principal and principal; the community of PEI public school educators; or his faith community of St. Peterā€™s Roman Catholic Church. Dr. MacAulay received the Order of PEI for his outstanding community contributions in 2017.

ā€œA visionary, mentor, advocate, and educator, who was widely known for his organizational skills and his ability to ā€˜get things doneā€™, Jim was a catalyst for many grassroots initiatives and the development of numerous projects, including UPEIā€™s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation,ā€ said President Keefe. 

ā€œOn behalf of the University, I offer my sincere condolences to Jimā€™s wife Lauretta, their four children, and extended family members and hope that they are comforted, knowing that his legacy will live on in so many communities on Prince Edward Island and at UPEI.ā€ 

The flags on campus have been lowered to half-mast in his memory. Read the for full funeral arrangements.

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Nicole Phillips
Director of Communications and University Relations
Marketing and Communications
902-566-0947

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