Media Releases

69��ýextends condolences to family and friends of Amber Jadis

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 12:22:29 -0300

The 69��ý extends condolences to the family and friends of Amber Jadis upon her passing on October 10, 2024.

An electrical engineer, Ms. Jadis completed her engineering diploma at 69��ýin 2001 and graduated from the University with her Master of Business Administration in 2011. She was a champion for science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) education.

In 2014, she launched Bricks 4 Kidz and, with early support from Maritime Electric, the Architect Association of PEI and Rotary, travelled across PEI providing students with interactive STEM activities. In 2018, due to growing interest from parents and teachers, she founded STEAM PEI in her home community of Abegweit Mi’kmaw Nation.

Ms. Jadis inspired thousands of young Islanders through her actions and her work life to promote science, technology, engineering, arts and math. She was committed to making sure students had access to science and was a strong voice for educational reform. She fostered partnerships with more than 40 science, government, and community organizations in PEI and across Canada, and she developed lasting friendships with educators in the provincial education department, Island schools and at 69��ýand Holland College. 69��ýserved as a venue for STEAM camps over several years, with faculty, staff, and students participating in their delivery.

Ms. Jadis received multiple awards including the 2023 Queen’s Jubilee Medal; the Charlottetown Chamber of Commerce 2018 People’s Choice for Community Impact award; and the 2015 69��ýInspiring Young Alumni Award.

Read the full obituary for Ms. Jadis here.

69��ýPanthers this Week (October 14-20)

Ron Annear — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:53:43 -0300

The 69��ýPanthers are looking forward to a full week of competition at home and away.

Wednesday, October 16
AWAY
6:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Rugby Panthers play an AUS semifinal game against the Acadia University Axewomen in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Friday, October 18
AT HOME
7:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Hockey Panthers host the Dalhousie University Tigers at MacLauchlan Arena.

AWAY:
5:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Soccer Panthers play the Acadia University Axewomen in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.
7:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers play the St. Francis Xavier University X-Men in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.
7:15 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Soccer Panthers play the Acadia University Axemen in Wolfville, Nova Scotia.

Saturday, October 19
AT HOME:
7:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Hockey Panthers host the Saint Mary’s University Huskies at MacLauchlan Arena.

Atlantic Universities Field Hockey (AUFH) Championship Tournament hosted by UPEI:
12:30 pm: Game 1—Saint Mary’s University (5) plays University of New Brunswick (4).
2:00 pm: Game 2—Mount Allison University (6) plays St. Francis Xavier University (3).
4:00 pm: Game 3 (semi-final)—Winner of Game 1 plays 69��ý(1).
5:30 pm: Game 4 (semi-final)— Winner of Game 2 plays Dalhousie University (2).

AWAY:
5:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Soccer Panthers play the Dalhousie University Tigers in Halifax, Nova Scotia.
7:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers play the Dalhousie University Tigers in Halifax, Nova Scotia
7:15 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Soccer Panthers play the Dalhousie University Tigers in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Sunday, October 20
AT HOME:
AUFH Championship Tournament
9:00 am: Game 5 (placement game)—Loser of Game 1 plays loser of Game 2.
11:00 am: Game 6 (bronze medal game)—Loser of Game 3 plays loser of Game 4.
1:30 pm: Game 7 (gold medal game)—Winner of Game 3 plays winner of Game 4.

Ticketing
Season and game tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca. Championship passes for the U SPORTS Women’s Rugby Championship, hosted by the 69��ýWomen’s Rugby Panthers, can also be purchased at panthertickets.ca. Get ready for an unforgettable week of high-level rugby action from October 30 to November 3 as the nation’s best teams battle it out for glory!

Gold Rush
69��ýPanthers Gold Rush can be played through a new app—69��ýPanther Recreation—found on Apple and Android, or via upei.goldrush.causable.io.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

Emily Duffy and Kyree Thompson named 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 10:46:22 -0300

Every week, 69��ýAthletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week for October 7–13, 2024, are Emily Duffy (women’s rugby) and Kyree Thompson (men’s basketball).

Duffy, a fifth-year prop and kinesiology student from Saint John, New Brunswick, had a breakout game in regular season finale, scoring three tries in a 47-26 win over the Saint Mary's University Huskies on October 11.

“Emily had her most dominant performance of the season, scoring three tries along with 20 ball carries,” said head coach James Voye. “She looked very powerful in her runs, was a threat each time she had the ball, and is in all-star form heading into the semifinal.”

Thompson, an arts student from North Preston, Nova Scotia, was named the MVP of the St. Francis Xavier University Coach K Invitational last weekend. The third-year guard averaged 23.0 points on 14-25 shooting (6-11 from three), 2.0 rebounds, and 1.5 steals.

“In both games we played last weekend, Kyree came off the bench and made an immediate impact. He is performing extremely well on both sides of the ball and single-handedly kept us in the game Saturday night against St. FX,” said head coach Darrell Glenn.

Go Panthers Go!

Book by Bren Simmers nominated for 2024 Governor General Literary Award for Poetry

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 15 Oct 2024 09:53:32 -0300

A book of poetry, titled The Work, by Bren Simmers, managing editor of the Institute of Island Studies’ Island Studies Press, has been nominated for the 2024 Governor General’s Literary Award for Poetry.

The poems in the book deal with the work of love and loss, and learning to carry grief. Simmers writes of churning in an accumulation of losses—the sudden death of her father, the descent of her mother into dementia, her sister-in-law’s terminal illness—and of the work of slowly making wholeness out of brokenness. Her writing fosters a vulnerability and wit that sidestep easier tropes, a reminder that healing often comes through saying “Hello” and “Yes”; a realization that “all this noticing/was love.”

“I am thrilled to be a finalist for the Governor General’s Literary Award for Poetry,” said Simmers. “It is an honour to recognized by my peers in this way. I am grateful that this book with its themes of grief and loss will connect with a wider audience.”

Simmers is the author of four books: If, When (2021), Pivot Point (2019), Night Gears (2010), and Hastings-Sunrise (2015), which was a finalist for the City of Vancouver Book Award. Her work has won the CBC Poetry Prize, The Malahat Review Long Poem Prize, and the Arc Poem of the Year Award. She lives on Epekwitk/Prince Edward Island.

Established in 1936, the Governor General’s Literary Awards celebrate literature and inspire people to read books by creators from Canada. Each year, the awards recognize the most notable English-language and French-language books in seven categories: fiction, non-fiction, poetry, drama, young people’s literature (test), young people’s literature (illustrated books), and translation. The winning books in all categories will be announced on November 13.

Congratulations, Bren, and good luck!

The Institute of Island Studies is a research, education, and public policy institute based at the 69��ý in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. The work of the Institute focuses on the culture, environment, and economy of small islands, with an emphasis on Prince Edward Island. The Island Studies Press (ISP) is the publishing arm of Island Studies at the 69��ý. ISP produces scholarly books for a popular audience as well as poetry, literary non-fiction, and drama, dealing with aspects of the culture and environment of Prince Edward Island and beyond.

Island Lecture Series and book launch at 69��ýon October 22

Anna MacDonald — Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:52:32 -0300

Finding Home at the Harbour, a collection of illustrated essays by Barbara Palmer Rousseau, will be launched at the Institute of the Island Studies’ Island Lecture Series on October 22, from 7:00–8:30 pm, in the Faculty Lounge, SDU Main Building (Room 201), 69��ý.

Weaving natural history with her own story and illustrations, Rousseau highlights the resilience of the Island and its inhabitants to ongoing environmental change in this collection, published by Island Studies Press.

A frequent summer visitor to PEI, she moved from Ontario to the Island in 2020 to attend school after a 30-year career in the software development industry in Ottawa. At her cottage in St. Peters Harbour on the northeast shore, she learned the seasonal rhythms of spring peepers and barefoot beach walks, fall hurricanes and winter freeze-up. Her creativity returned as she began to sketch her fox family neighbours, the nearby dunes, and the sand-locked lighthouse. Her essays reflect on the fluid nature of the shore and tell a story of adaptation and hope.

Rousseau is currently completing a Master of Arts in Island Studies (MAIS) degree at UPEI, studying the environmental history of the north shore dunes and the resulting implications for the future of the Island.

The event is free, and all are welcome. Books will be available for purchase. For more information, contact Bren Simmers at Island Studies Press, 902-566-0386 or ispstaff@upei.ca.

UPEI’s McDougall Faculty of Business wins award at Atlantic Schools of Business Conference

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:28:10 -0300

The 69��ýMcDougall Faculty of Business received the 2024 Best Overall Performance Award during the Atlantic Schools of Business Conference (ASBC) on September 21 at Saint Mary’s University (SMU), Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The award recognizes an institution who has the best ratio of work accepted for presentation at the conference compared to the total number of full-time faculty members employed in the respective unit.

Some of the projects presented at the conference include:

Board Gender Diversity and Corporate Spinoff Incompletion—Azadeh Babaghaderi, University of Windsor, and Sam Kolahgar, UPEI
Christmas Decorations in October? How Time Style Affects Consumers’ Reactions to Holiday Salience—Suzanne Rath, UPEI
Exploring Management Education in the Atlantic Canadian Region: Challenges and Opportunities for the Future—Nicholous Deal, Mount Saint Vincent University (MSVU) (organizer) with panelists Susan Graham, UPEI; Ellen Shaffner, MSVU; Kristin Williams, Acadia University and University of Eastern Finland; Mary Beth Doucette, Cape Breton University; Wendy Carroll, SMU; and Shamsud Chowdhury, Dalhousie University
Donor’s Name Fund to Support Women in Business—Susan Graham, UPEI, and Amy MacFarlane, UPEI
Remote Work and Employee Withdrawal Cognitions During the Late Days of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Exploring the Dual Roles of Job Satisfaction and Psychological Strain [Best paper nominee]—Scott A. Cassidy, UPEI, and Hannah E. Bertrand, UPEI
Development of a Pan-University Entrepreneurship Centre at UPEI—Reuben Domike, Amy Andrews, Jeremy Heartz, Megan MacLean, Tarek Mady, and Dr. Greg Naterer, all of UPEI
Preliminary Categories of Reactions to Personality Feedback Interventions [Best paper nominee]—R. Blake Jelley, UPEI, and Henriette Lundgren, University of Georgia
I Stumbled Upon Stemble: Using AI to Provide Real-Time Feedback in a Marketing Cases Class—Susan C. Graham, UPEI, and Jason Pearson, UPEI

The ASBC is one of Canada’s longest running academic conferences focusing on business studies. The annual conference attracts approximately 100 delegates from professional studies programs across the region and beyond including deans, faculty, and students.

Dr. Wendy Rodgers to be installed as UPEI's seventh president on October 11

Nicole Phillips — Tue, 08 Oct 2024 08:56:19 -0300

The Board of Governors invites all members of the 69��ýcommunity to the installation of Dr. Wendy Rodgers as the seventh President and Vice-Chancellor of the 69��ý.

The Honourable Diane Griffin will preside over the ceremony that will take place on Friday, October 11, 2024, at 1:30 pm in the amphitheatre of the Performing Arts Centre (enter upstairs via PAC 216-217S). A reception will take place following the ceremony in the Greg and Debbie Keefe Foyer.

Faculty members are also invited to be part of the Academic Procession and wear their academic regalia. The procession will assemble in Bill and Denise Andrew Hall 142 at 12:45-1:00 pm. If faculty members don't own academic regalia, there will be a limited supply of black gowns available. Those who wish to participate are asked to email rsvp@upei.ca, and use the subject line: Academic Procession.

All are welcome!

69��ýPanthers this Week (October 7–13)

Ron Annear — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:15:32 -0300

The 69��ýPanthers are looking forward to a full week of competition at home and away.

Wednesday, October 9
AT HOME
7:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers host the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus at Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown.

Friday, October 11
AT HOME
7:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Hockey Panthers host the Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues at MacLauchlan Arena for their season home opener.

AWAY:
7:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Rugby Panthers play the Saint Mary’s University Huskies in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Saturday, October 12
AT HOME:
7:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers host the University of New Brunswick Reds at MacLauchlan Arena.

AWAY:
7:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Hockey Panthers play the University of New Brunswick Reds in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Gold Rush
69��ýPanthers Gold Rush can be played through a new app—69��ýPanther Recreation—found on Apple and Android, or via upei.goldrush.causable.io.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

AVC Open House draws 1,500 visitors for a fun-filled day of learning and exploration

Apryl Munro — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:13:46 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC) at the 69��ý (UPEI) hosted its Open House on September 28, offering guests a day full of activities, learning, and fun. With a crowd of 1,500 visitors, the event was a huge success, showcasing the world of veterinary medicine to people of all ages.

The hallways of AVC buzzed with excitement as visitors got an exclusive, behind-the-scenes look at the College, guided by doctor of veterinary medicine (DVM) students. Youngsters lined up for the popular Teddy Bear Clinic, where students gave their stuffed animals thorough check-ups and patched up any injuries. Children also had the opportunity to adopt adorable balloon animals and meet a wide range of real-life creatures—from exotic pets to farm animals from Lexie’s Hobby Farm.

A highlight of the event was the dog show, featuring students’ talented dogs who won prizes supplied by Ren’s Pets. The dogs were awarded prizes like “Best Trick,” “Waggiest Tail,” and “Best Dressed,” to name a few, with winners determined by audience applause.

“We were really happy to see the community come out to support this event, which means so much to the students,” said Julia Skinner, a third-year veterinary student and lead organizer of the Open House. “This event is entirely student-led, and I’m really proud of my classmates for planning a day that was not only fun but also educational for the future veterinary students in the crowd.”

In addition to family-friendly activities, the Open House also provided valuable information for those considering a career in veterinary medicine. Faculty, staff, and students were on hand to answer questions on topics ranging from life as a veterinary student to the latest in veterinary technology. Visitors also attended an admissions presentation that offered insights into the application process for AVC's DVM program.

The 2024 AVC Open House was a day to remember, hopefully inspiring the next generation of veterinarians.

Kaiya Maracle and Jack Roberts named 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 16:02:38 -0300

Every week, 69��ýAthletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week for September 30–October 6, 2024, are Kaiya Maracle (women’s hockey) and Jack Roberts (men’s cross country).

Maracle, a fourth-year arts student-athlete from Toronto, Ontario, netted two goals and added an assist in a 6-1 win over the Mount Allison University Mounties in Sackville, New Brunswick, on October 5.

“Kaiya was critical to our success last weekend,“ said head coach Sean Fisher. “She was skating and checking well, did a great job in the kill, chipped in with some timely goals, and brought energy to the bench. I’m very happy she is being recognized for her efforts.”

Roberts, a fourth-year arts student-athlete and Charlottetown native, was UPEI’s top runner and 14th overall with a time of 27:56 at the Moncton Invitational hosted by the Université de Monctonon October 5.

“Jack continues to lead the team this season with strong performances,” said head coach Mike Peterson. “He’s training very hard with the intention of peaking at the AUS Championships. The staff is very proud of his hard work.”

Go Panthers Go!

69��ýnursing professor leads study on accessibility of gender-affirming health care on PEI/Epekwitk

Anna MacDonald — Mon, 07 Oct 2024 10:37:19 -0300

Dr. Margie Burns, an assistant professor in the 69��ýFaculty of Nursing, is leading a research study about the experiences of Two-Spirit, transgender, gender-diverse, and non-binary (2STGD+) people seeking and accessing gender-affirming health care on PEI/Epekwitk.

Burns has received a Partnership Engage Grant of $24,959 from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council for the study.

“Transgender, gender-diverse, and Two-Spirit people are an equity-seeking group who have unique healthcare needs,” she said. “Those needs relate to gender-affirming care that supports individuals in expressing their authentic gender identity socially and/or medically through hormone therapy, non-surgical medical procedures, and/ or surgery. Despite efforts in Canada to legislate equal rights for those who are 2SLGBTQIA+, 2STGD+ people continue to experience inequities in adequate care, and many face significant delays in accessing life-saving, gender-affirming care.”

A 2018 research study by Dana Manzer, University of New Brunswick, has shown that there is a significant gap in the education of health-care providers about trans-specific needs, she said, which undermines the ability of practitioners to provide appropriate and culturally sensitive care for this population.

Burns’s study aims to increase the knowledge health-care providers have of the unique trans-specific needs of 2STGD+ people, the barriers they face, and the experiences they have had when seeking and accessing gender-affirming health care on PEI, and to explore those experiences in greater depth.

“With the rise in transphobic discrimination and evidence supporting the need for culturally competent, equitable, and accessible health care for 2STGD+ people, it is essential that their experiences in seeking and receiving gender-affirming care are acknowledged and understood, and that health-care providers provide culturally competent care to improve wellness for this population and their families.”

This study will explore the experiences of 2STGD+ people living on PEI/Epekwitk relating to gender-affirming care. The first phase will involve 10 to 50 people who are 16 years and older; do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth; and are living on PEI at the time of the study. These individuals who chose to take part in this phase will be asked to complete an online survey. This survey will include an invitation for participants 18 years of age and over to provide their contact information if they are open to taking part in phase two.

In phase two, up to ten participants will be involved. They must be 18 years and older; do not identify with the sex they were assigned at birth; are living on PEI/Epekwitk at the time of the study; and have accessed or tried to access gender-affirming health care on PEI/Epekwitk on or after July 2022.

The project was developed in partnership with the PEI Transgender Network. People who are interested in participating in the study may send an email to GACstudy2024@gmail.com.

-30-

69��ýacknowledges 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.

SEASON PREVIEW: 69��ýWomen’s Hockey Panthers set for 2024-25 resurgence

Ron Annear — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 12:21:29 -0300

As the 69��ýWomen’s Hockey Panthers head into the 2024–25 season, they are driven and determined to reclaim their playoff spot and show that they are a force to be reckoned in Atlantic University Sport (AUS).

After missing the playoffs for the first time since 2015–16, the team is out to prove that last season was nothing more than a blip on the radar and that they are motivated to flip the script.

“At our core, we’re a resilient bunch,” said head coach Sean Fisher. “I think you’ll see a very motivated team this year.”

Last season’s eight one-goal losses showed just how close the Panthers were to turning the tide in their favour. If they can convert those close calls into victories this year, the Panthers are poised to take a big leap forward.

“We played in a lot of close games that, with a break or two, could have gone our way and put us in the post season,” said newly named captain Chloe McCabe.

With a clean slate and renewed focus, McCabe believes the team has what it takes to make a serious playoff run.

“We have a great group and a deep lineup. We’re confident we’re going to be a team that will be tough to compete against,” she said. “We took advantage of the time we had in training camp and are eager to start the season with momentum.”

At the forefront of the success plan is the Panthers’ defence, which will be one of their strengths this season. With a wealth of quality depth at his disposal, Fisher is confident in his blue line’s ability to skate, defend, and transition the puck up the ice with precision. Leading the charge are third-year player Orianna MacNeil and sophomore Anjali Simms, both of whom play a solid two-way game that should benefit the team at both ends.

69��ýwill be in good hands on the goaltending front with the tandem of Sarah Forsythe and Erin Cabaday. Both goaltenders have proven they can handle the pressures of starting in the AUS, and their steady play between the pipes will be crucial in keeping the Panthers in tight games.

Offensively, the Panthers know they will have to grind out goals. They will be looking to score by getting players to the net, fighting for rebounds, and putting pucks into high-danger areas.

The veteran forwards will be the key to unlocking the team’s offensive potential. With a collective effort, they aim to break down opposing defences and capitalize on second-chance opportunities.

Hoping to bolster the Panthers’ lineup is the 2024 rookie class, a group that has the potential to make an immediate impact. Forwards Julia Cey and Renée Chapman are dynamic talents, capable of finding the back of the net and driving the offence. On the defensive end, Sadie Brown and Jessica Mercer are mature beyond their years and prepared to help in any situation.

With a deep defensive corps, reliable goaltending, and a gritty approach to scoring, the Panthers are determined to turn the page on last season and prove they are ready to some make noise in the AUS.

69��ýannounces recipients of the 2024 Distinguished and Inspiring Young Alumni Awards

Melanie Taylor — Thu, 03 Oct 2024 11:49:32 -0300

The 69��ý held a celebration on September 26, 2024, at Alumni Hall to recognize the recipients of the 2024 Distinguished Alumni Awards and the 2024 Inspiring Young Alumni Awards.

The Distinguished Alumni Award is presented to one or more 69��ýalumni for their outstanding contributions to knowledge, the arts, the community, the university, or humanity. The criteria for these awards are based on UPEI’s motto: faith, knowledge, service. The two recipients for 2024 are Bernadine Chapman, BA 1986, and the Honourable Alonzo Wright, BA 1989.

The Inspiring Young Alumni Award was established in 2011 to honour alumni under the age of 40 who have shown outstanding determination in achieving success at a young age. The three recipients for 2024 are Ellen Dixon, BSc 2012; James Muhato, BBA 2013; and Jonah Tendepi Chininga, BBA 2018.

Bernadine Chapman, BA 1986:
Bernadine Chapman is a retired Royal Canadian Mounted Police officer who spent 33 years with the national police force. She was the first woman to be named commanding officer of National Division and retired after reaching the rank of Assistant Commissioner. In 2022, she began a second career as a registered psychotherapist who specializes in helping first responders and other people deal with the impact of trauma.

Honourable Alonzo Wright, BA 1989:
The Honourable Alonzo Wright is a Nova Scotia Provincial Court judge who was named to the bench following a 25-year career as a crown prosecutor. He was the first African Nova Scotian to be appointed director of the Serious Incident Response Team and has spent decades mentoring youth in Halifax’s North End. An alumnus of 69��ýMen’s Basketball, Alonzo was MVP of one of the greatest Panther teams in the history of the program.

Ellen Dixon, BSc 2012:
Ellen Dixon is a sports physiotherapist with certifications in vestibular rehabilitation, custom orthotic therapy, and concussion therapy. She is a former four-time 69��ýAcademic All-Canadian field hockey player, has competed at the amateur disc golf world championships, and is the first woman from PEI to officiate a Maritime Junior Hockey League game.

James Muhato, BBA 2013, and Jonah Tendepi Chininga, BBA 2018:
James Muhato, Community Success Lead, and Jonah Tendepi Chininga, Chief Executive Officer, are co-founders of Woveo, an award-winning financial technology startup that enables financial inclusion for underrepresented and minority groups in Canada. Woveo has raised more than $3.8 million in pre-seed and seed funding and serves more than 500 communities nationwide.

“On behalf of the University, I applaud this year’s incredible group of alumni who bring tremendous distinction to their alma mater, exemplify our values, and represent the life-changing impact of a 69��ýeducation,” said Dr. Wendy Rodgers, president and vice-chancellor of UPEI. “Their collective accomplishments serve as a source of motivation for our current students, showing them that they too can reach their full potential.”

SEASON PREVIEW: 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers ready to roar into new season

Ron Annear — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:44:15 -0300

There is a palpable buzz surrounding the 69��ýPanthers men’s hockey team as they enter the 2024–25 season, and it’s easy to understand why.

Last year, the Panthers were in the midst of a rebuild, and expectations were modest. However, the team defied those expectations, as key veterans rose to stardom and a wave of promising rookies developed into core roster pieces. With the return of those young standouts and some intriguing new additions, the Panthers are primed to continue their upward trajectory.

“We’re all very excited to start the year and see what we can accomplish with a more experienced group,” said assistant captain Kaleb Pearson. “The culture we have built the last couple of years has been huge for our team, and it will only get better.”

One of the biggest strengths of this year’s squad is its depth. Head coach Forbes MacPherson has built a roster filled with quality players capable of contributing in all situations. The team can roll out four lines with confidence, and each line has the potential to make an impact. That kind of depth will be crucial in a league as competitive as Atlantic University Sport (AUS).

“We have guys buying into their roles, taking pride in them, and excelling at them. It’s going to make for some tough lineup decisions every night, but that’s a good problem to have,” MacPherson said. “We’re in a position now where we can handle injuries, suspensions, or illness and still maintain a high level of play.”

The forward group is especially strong and should be a source of firepower for the Panthers throughout the season. Leading the way is Pearson, an all-star last season who broke out with a team-leading 18 goals. Pearson’s leadership and scoring touch will be pivotal once again, but he will not have to shoulder the load alone.

Sophomores Noah Sedore, Elias Cohen, Ben McFarlane, and Josh Currie were all impressive in their rookie campaigns, combining for 39 goals and 84 points in just 30 games. With a year of AUS experience under their belts, these young forwards are expected to take another step forward and become even more dangerous in the offensive zone. Alongside them are gritty, hard-working players like Cade Kowalski, Keiran Gallant, and Patrick LeBlanc who excel at doing the little things that do not always show up on the scoresheet but help the team win.

Adding even more excitement to the forward group are rookie standouts Robert Orr and Brett Bressette. Orr, a dynamic scorer with the Acadie-Bathurst Titan, and Bressette, a steady threat with the Erie Otters, were major acquisitions who will push for spots in the lineup and should contribute right away.

Defensively, 69��ýaims for improvement after finishing in the middle of the pack in goals allowed last season. The Panthers’ blue line is anchored by captain Kurtis Henry, whose leadership and physical presence will be critical. Sophomores Cole Larkin and Cameron Morton showed promise in their first seasons and are expected to elevate their games even further. Veterans like Alexandre De Gagné and Logan Kelly-Murphy bring stability and experience, while newcomers Zach Biggar and Derek Pys could also play key roles.

The biggest question mark for 69��ýheading into the season is in goal. The departure of all-star netminder Jonah Capriotti leaves big skates to fill, both on and off the ice. Capriotti was instrumental in establishing the positive culture the Panthers now thrive on. In his absence, the team will look to the sophomore tandem of Joe Ranger and Jakob Robillard. Ranger showed flashes of brilliance last season, while Robillard battled through injuries. With a year of experience under their belts, both goaltenders must rise to the occasion and provide steady play between the pipes.

While there’s a lot of optimism and anticipation surrounding the Panthers, MacPherson is quick to keep things in perspective. The team still finished with a sub-.500 record last season, and while they’ve made significant strides, there’s still work to be done. The goal this season is clear: to improve upon last year’s results and make a deep playoff run.

“We’re a small school, but our goal is to punch above our weight, get into the playoffs, and hopefully make some noise while we’re there.”

Seventeen 69��ýresearchers represented in prestigious Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% of Scientists list

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 12:20:23 -0300

Elsevier, in collaboration with Stanford University, has unveiled its latest compilation of the world’s most influential and top-cited scientists (top 2%), offering a comprehensive view of academic impact across disciplines. The Stanford/Elsevier Top 2% of Scientists List—which includes 17 69��ýresearchers—provides a nuanced picture of scholarly influence, measuring both career-long achievements and single-year impacts and is intended to address the misuse of citation metrics.

“Congratulations to my colleagues for their achievements and commitment to research,” said Dr. Wendy Rodgers, 69��ýPresident and Vice-Chancellor. “Seeing this number of 69��ýscholars on this prestigious list is a source of pride as it reaffirms our identity as an institution that makes a positive impact on society through research and scholarly work.”

The publicly accessible database was updated in August 2024 with information from Scopus, a large, multidisciplinary database of peer-reviewed literature including scientific journals, books, and conference proceedings.

The study’s methodology categorizes researchers into 22 broad fields and 174 sub-fields, with percentile rankings for those boasting at least five publications. The selection is based on the top 100,000 scientists by the “index c-score” (a comprehensive gauge factoring in the total number of citations received for papers where the scientist is the single, first, or last author, emphasizing the impact of their published work) or a percentile rank of 2% or above in the sub-field.

UPEI’s 17 researchers who are on the Top 2% of Scientists List in either the career- and single-year impact category (or both) include:

Career (11)

Ian Gardner: https://islandscholar.ca/people/iagardner
Greg Naterer: https://islandscholar.ca/people/gnaterer
Ian Dohoo: https://islandscholar.ca/people/dohoo
Greg Keefe: https://islandscholar.ca/people/gkeefe
Robert Gilmour
Fred Kibenge: https://islandscholar.ca/people/kibenge
Suzanne Kresta: https://islandscholar.ca/people/skresta
Mark Fast: https://islandscholar.ca/people/mfast
Gary Conboy: https://islandscholar.ca/people/conboy
David Speare: https://islandscholar.ca/people/speare
Kevin Smith

Single Year (13)

Greg Naterer: https://islandscholar.ca/people/gnaterer
Khabat Khosravi
Travis Saunders: https://islandscholar.ca/people/trsaunders
Greg Keefe: https://islandscholar.ca/people/gkeefe
Ian Dohoo: https://islandscholar.ca/people/dohoo
Ian Gardner: https://islandscholar.ca/people/iagardner
Yulin Hu: https://islandscholar.ca/people/yulinhu
Fred Kibenge: https://islandscholar.ca/people/kibenge
Aitazaz Farooque: https://islandscholar.ca/people/afarooque
Mark Fast: https://islandscholar.ca/people/mfast
Gary Conboy: https://islandscholar.ca/people/conboy
Katy Proudfoot: https://islandscholar.ca/people/kproudfoot
Jason Stull: https://islandscholar.ca/people/jstull

69��ýPanthers this Week (September 30–October 6)

Ron Annear — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 11:59:22 -0300

The 69��ýPanthers are looking forward to a full week of competition at home and away.

Wednesday, October 2
AT HOME
7:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers play their home opener against the Saint Mary’s University Huskies at Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown.

Friday, October 4
AT HOME
7:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers host the Acadia University Axemen at Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown.

AWAY:
7:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Hockey Panthers play their season opener against the St. Thomas University Tommies in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Saturday, October 5
AT HOME:
1:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Soccer Panthers host the Dalhousie University Tigers on the 69��ýArtificial Turf Field.

3:15 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Soccer Panthers host the Dalhousie University Tigers on the 69��ýArtificial Turf Field.

During both games, 69��ýAthletics and Recreation will recognize various special occasions:

Senior Day to recognize senior players
50th anniversary of the 69��ýMen’s Soccer Program
35th anniversary of the 69��ýWomen’s Soccer Program
20th anniversary of the AUS Women’s Soccer Championship
10th anniversary of the U SPORTS Men’s Soccer Bronze Medal
These are the final home games for head coach Lewis Page and men’s assistant coach Bruce Norton.

AWAY:
12:00 and 1:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s and Women’s Cross-Country Panthers compete in the Moncton Invitational at Université de Moncton.

2:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Rugby Panthers play the Acadia University Axewomen in Wolfville, Nova Scotia. The Panthers lost the first game to Acadia 19-12.

The 69��ýWomen’s Field Hockey Panthers play a tournament at Saint Mary’s University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Game times are 2:40 pm against the Acadia University Axewomen, and 6:00 pm against the Saint Mary’s University Huskies.

7:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Hockey Panthers play the Mount Allison University Mounties in Sackville, New Brunswick.

Sunday, October 6
AWAY:
1:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Soccer Panthers play the Saint Mary’s University Huskies in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

3:15 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Soccer Panthers play the Saint Mary’s University Huskies in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

The 69��ýWomen’s Field Hockey Panthers play a tournament at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Game times are 9:10 am against the Dalhousie University Tigers and 12:40 pm against the St. Francis Xavier University X-Women.

Gold Rush
69��ýPanthers Gold Rush can be played through a new app—69��ýPanther Recreation—found on Apple and Android, or via upei.goldrush.causable.io. The jackpot is currently over $20,000.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

Kayla Batchilder and Jahmal Boursiquot named 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:54:46 -0300

Every week, 69��ýAthletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week for September 23–29, 2024, are Kayla Batchilder (women’s field hockey) and Jahmal Boursiquot (men’s soccer).

Batchilder had a phenomenal tournament at University of New Brunswick over the weekend. The second-year forward and kinesiology student from Charlottetown, PEI, scored eight goals in four games as the Panthers finished with a 3-0-1 record.

“Kayla was integral in our success this weekend, scoring 8 of our 13 goals. She has an ability to create chances and is incredible at putting the ball in the net,” said head coach Lacey MacLauchlan.

Boursiquot, a first-year striker and business student from Ottawa, Ontario, scored both 69��ýgoals in a 2-1 win over Acadia University on September 29.

“Jahmal is proving just how dangerous he can be,” said head coach Lewis Page. “His finishing against Acadia was clinical, and his relentless work ethic set a standard for his teammates to follow.”

Go Panthers Go!

69��ýprofessor emeritus Karem Simon to conduct Nova Sinfonia on October 7 in Halifax

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 01 Oct 2024 10:10:16 -0300

Dr. Karem J. Simon, professor emeritus of music at UPEI, will conduct Nova Sinfonia in performance on Monday, October 7, 2024, at 7:30 pm at St. Andrew’s United Church in Halifax, Nova Scotia.

Nova Sinfonia includes many of the finest professional orchestral musicians in the Halifax municipality. The concert is titled French Love & Desire and features famous works from the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, including Roman Carnival Overture by Hector Berlioz, Carmen Suite No. 2 by Georges Bizet, Pelléas and Mélisande by Gabriel Fauré, and Bolero by Maurice Ravel.

During his career at the University, Dr. Simon established the 69��ýWind Symphony as one of the premier university wind bands in Canada. Capacity audiences, innovative programming, guest conductors, outstanding faculty and student soloists, annual tours throughout the Maritimes, and 22 albums were hallmarks of this ensemble.

Conducting engagements with The PEI Symphony Orchestra, the National Youth Band of Canada, and a variety of provincial honour bands highlight Dr. Simon’s career. He is known as a passionate and sensitive musician who inspires players and musicians of diverse backgrounds. His philosophies and methodologies have been forged through his 42 years of public school and university teaching and synthesized through his experiences and studies with some of the leading wind band conductors, including John Paynter, Eugene Corporon, Dale Lonis, Michael Haithcock, and Craig Kirchoff.

In addition to this performance with Nova Sinfonia, Dr. Simon will lead the PEI Provincial Senior High School Honour Band on November 16 at the 69��ýPerforming Arts Centre.

Tickets for the Nova Sinfonia concert are $20 for adults and $10 for students and can be purchased at novasinfonia.ca.

The 69��ýDepartment of Music stages public performances throughout the year. For more information, visit the 69��ýMusic Department Recital Series web page.

Defenceman Derek Pys joins 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers

Ron Annear — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:33:41 -0300

Derek Pys’ hockey journey has been challenging, but the ups and downs he has faced have shaped him into the player he is today—a mentally tough and focused defenceman, now set to make his mark with the 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers.

The 22-year-old from Ayr, Ontario, developed as a reliable defenceman in the Cambridge Redhawks system, eventually earning the captain’s “C” at the start of the 2021–22 Greater Ontario Junior Hockey League (GOJHL) season. That year, he put up an impressive nine goals and 32 assists across 40 games before guiding the team to a Cherry Cup—awarded to the Midwestern champions (the GOJHL has since realigned to two conferences), a high point in his young career.

The following year, he joined the Sherwood Park Crusaders of the Alberta Junior Hockey League (AJHL) where his hockey journey took a dramatic turn. In his third game, he suffered a broken wrist, cutting his season in half. In his eighth game back, he showed why he was a coveted talent by committing to the University of Alaska Fairbanks—a NCAA Division I program—for the 2023–24 season.

However, Pys’ transition to Alaska was not as seamless as he hoped when he didn’t get the ice time he expected, appearing in only four games.

“I never really got the chance to play, which took a toll on me mentally,” Pys said. “But through these experiences, I became a better leader, and it taught me how to be resilient and mentally strong.”

His perseverance through adversity did not go unnoticed by the Panthers, who were drawn to his mental toughness and his ability to overcome difficult circumstances. Once he entered the transfer portal, the Panthers pounced at the opportunity to acquire him.

"Ben McFarlane [one of three assistant captains] and Forbes MacPherson [head coach] told me about the culture and aspirations of their team, and it seemed like the perfect place for me to grow and compete at a high level.”

Pys is ready to make an impact on the Panthers’ blue line. His skating is his biggest asset, and he believes his speed and offensive upside can help the team right away.

“I think I’ll benefit the back end by adding more speed,” Pys says. “I intend to stand out by being consistent in all areas of the ice.”

It is clear that Pys is ready for the next chapter in his hockey career, and the Panthers are eager to welcome him. As 69��ýcontinues to strengthen its defence, Pys could be the missing piece that helps push the team toward greater success in 2024–25.

Atlantic Veterinary College hosts dean of Kasetsart University for collaborative visit

Apryl Munro — Fri, 27 Sep 2024 08:23:27 -0300

The Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), 69��ý (UPEI), was honoured to welcome Dr. Khongsak Thiangtum, dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at Kasetsart University, Thailand, for a visit focused on strengthening international collaboration in veterinary education and research.

During his time at the AVC, Dr. Khongsak met with Dean Dominique Griffon to discuss their shared values in veterinary medicine, research, and education. The two deans explored potential areas for future collaboration between the College and Kasetsart University, underscoring the importance of global partnerships in advancing veterinary knowledge and practice.

Dr. Khongsak also had the opportunity to meet with key members of the AVC community, where he learned about the innovative work being done in different areas such as aquaculture, small and large animal medicine, and diagnostics. His visit included joining students on an aquaculture round and offered him insight into AVC’s unique research in aquatic animal health, which aligns with Thailand’s own expertise in this field.

“It was a great opportunity to exchange ideas and explore avenues for future collaboration,” said Dr. Griffon. “Both AVC and Kasetsart University are deeply committed to advancing veterinary science and providing our students with quality education that prepares them for the global challenges of animal health.”

Dr. Khongsak left the Island on Wednesday, continuing his Canadian visit with a tour of the Ontario Veterinary College where he will further engage with colleagues to expand Kasetsart University’s international collaborations in veterinary education.

Educating more RNs at 69��ýto support the healthcare system

Melanie Taylor — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:37:52 -0300

The following news release was originally distributed by the Government of Prince Edward Island on September 26, 2024.

Student enrolment continues to grow in the 69��ý (UPEI) Faculty of Nursing through a collaborative partnership with the province to help address nursing shortages in the healthcare system.

"There is a need to educate, recruit, and retain an increased number of nursing graduates to practice in the PEI health care system due to nation-wide nursing shortages. We continue to provide support to 69��ýto ensure they have seats to educate our future nurses,” said Health and Wellness Minister Mark McLane.

Since 2021, the annual nursing seat capacity in the 69��ýFaculty of Nursing has increased 23 per cent from 80 to 98 seats through government support. These additional 18 nursing seats were achieved by increasing the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BScN) seat capacity from 64 to 70 per year, and the Accelerated BScN seat capacity from 16 to 28 per year. This represents a combined increase of 48 seats for the duration of both programs—four years for the BScN and two years for the Accelerated BScN.

“Providing access to high-calibre nursing education is absolutely a critical component to a sustainable healthcare system. We appreciate that the Government has taken action to create more opportunities to train nurses at UPEI, and to retain our graduates on the Island,” said Dr. Wendy Rodgers, President and Vice-Chancellor, 69��ý. “These investments will help address nursing shortages in communities across the province.”

TRC Mawi’omi at 69��ýpostponed due to weather

Anna MacDonald — Thu, 26 Sep 2024 15:32:00 -0300

Due to the rain expected Friday, September 27, the TRC Mawi’omi, which was scheduled for the afternoon to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is postponed. The event will be rescheduled on a date in October. The new date will be communicated to the campus community when it has been determined.

One aspect of the Mawi’omi that will take place tomorrow afternoon is the tying of orange ribbons to the fence on the University Avenue side of the campus. Members of the campus community may pick up orange ribbons to tie on the fence, as well as smaller orange ribbons to wear, in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre, from noon to 1:30 pm.

Other related Reconciliation events on campus will continue as planned. The Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights’ compelling educational display, “Yes, Here Too: Prince Edward Island’s Indian Day Schools and Residential Schools in Canada’s Maritimes,” can be viewed in the Kelley Memorial Building, Rooms 115 to 118, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm on September 27—the last day for the display

As well, the Robertson Library is hosting an educational display that will focus on Truth and Reconciliation regarding residential schools, which will transition to a celebration of Mi'kmaq History Month in October, particularly the history and culture of Epekwitk.

In the broader PEI community, there will be an official ceremony of the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation on Monday, September 30, at 11:30 am in front of the Shaw Building located at 95 Rochford Street in Charlottetown. Mi’kmaq leadership, alongside Premier Dennis King, will come together to observe a solemn moment of silence and reflection at noon. During this time, the flags at the provincial building will be lowered as a mark of respect. 69��ýwill also lower flags to half-mast on September 30.

On October 1, the Mi'kmaq Confederacy of PEI will host a Treaty Day Mawi’omi at the Eastlink Centre in Charlottetown from noon to 5:00 pm, which will include traditional dancing, drumming, and singing, and Mi’kmaw artisans and vendors. This free event is led by the First Nations, coordinated by L’nuey, and hosted by the Epekwitk Assembly of Councils. All are welcome.

Please note: The National Residential School Crisis Line offers emotional support and crisis referral services for residential school Survivors and their families. The toll-free crisis line number is 1-866-925-4419. It is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

UPEI’s Dr. Jo-Ann MacDonald receives teaching and educational leadership award

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 15:01:10 -0300

Dr. Jo-Ann MacDonald, a professor in the Faculty of Nursing at the 69��ý, was presented with the Association of Atlantic Universities’ (AAU) 2024 Anne Marie MacKinnon Educational Leadership Award at the AAU’s fall meeting held at 69��ýon September 19.

One of three AAU regional awards for excellence in teaching and educational leadership, the Anne Marie MacKinnon Educational Leadership Award recognizes an individual who significantly influences teaching practice and the quality and breadth of student learning experiences beyond their own teaching assignment and context. Dr. MacDonald was nominated for the award by Dr. Christina Murray, dean of the 69��ýFaculty of Nursing, with letters of support from faculty members Lindsey Smith, Pat MacPhail-Darrach, and Ashton Dougan.

Dr. Rob Summerby-Murray, president of Saint Mary’s University and chair of the AAU, said, “The AAU Teaching Awards program represents core values of our universities: student success, innovation, and leadership. Those honoured today are true innovators in the classroom, the laboratory, and community. Their commitment to great teaching is testimony to the high quality of student experience offered by Atlantic universities that inspires our students to become the next generation of scholars and community leaders.”

The other AAU teaching award recipients are Dr. Andrea Morash, Department of Biology, Mount Allison University, and Dr. Janna Rosales, Faculty of Engineering and Applied Science, Memorial University.

“Dr. MacDonald is an esteemed faculty member recognized locally, regionally, and nationally for her expansive contribution to the advancement of nursing education and nursing leadership. Throughout her career, she has been an educational mentor and an inspirational role model of excellence to the hundreds of student nurses who have learned with her, and colleagues who have had the opportunity to teach, co-develop, or revise undergraduate and graduate nursing curriculum with her,” said Dr. Murray in her nomination letter.

The citation read for Dr. MacDonald at the awards presentation said in part that enacting a culture of caring is the foundation of her approach to educational leadership. She embraces the moral obligation to act ethically, through a lens of social justice, yet keeps caring top of mind when planning curricula, developing courses and learning experiences, and collaborating with colleagues nation-wide in establishing national accreditation standards and in her day-to-day interactions. She possesses the incredible gift to respectfully listen in ways that those with varied perspectives feel heard and know their ideas have been equally considered. Her work to incorporate the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action into nursing curricula is one example of this.

Since 2002, she has been a pivotal member of the 69��ýFaculty of Nursing, leading all aspects of accreditation. She was the chair of the faculty’s accreditation committee in 2018 and is again leading the committee in the work that must be completed over the 2024–2025 academic year to prepare for the next Canadian Association of Schools of Nursing (CASN) Accreditation site visit in March 2025. Most recently, she was elected the Atlantic regional representative on the CASN National Accreditation Review Board. This was the first time that a faculty member from 69��ýhas been voted into this esteemed position.

“Dr. MacDonald’s election shows a resounding degree of confidence among Canadian nursing educators in her expertise in advancing nursing education considering ever evolving accreditation standards and entry to practice competencies,” said Dr. Murray. “Dr. Jo-Ann MacDonald is one of the most impactful nurse educators and nurse leaders in Canada today. She is most deserving of the Anne Marie MacKinnon Educational Leadership Award.”

Dr. Wendy Rodgers, president and vice-chancellor of UPEI, congratulated Dr. MacDonald on her award.

“Dr. MacDonald epitomizes the spirit of this significant AAU accolade,” said Dr. Rodgers. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated sustained leadership in teaching and learning that has innovated pedagogy and curricula in nursing. It is fitting that she be recognized for her commitment to educational leadership. Congratulations, Dr. MacDonald!”

69��ýmarks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:51:15 -0300

UPDATE, SEPTEMBER 26: Due to the rain expected Friday, September 27, the TRC Mawi’omi, which was scheduled for the afternoon to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, is postponed. The event will be rescheduled on a date in October. The new date will be communicated to the campus community when it has been determined.

September 30 is the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, also referred to as Orange Shirt Day—a day to “honour Survivors, their families, and communities, and ensure that public commemoration of the history and legacy of residential schools remains a vital component of the reconciliation process.” (Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada).

At UPEI, we have a responsibility to support and advance Truth and Reconciliation (TRC) on September 30 and throughout the year. As such, we will mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with events on campus this week.

On September 27, there will be a TRC Mawi’omi in the Quadrangle close to the tipi, from 12:30 to approximately 3:30 pm. Student lead Kallie Drummond will open the Mawi’omi with introductions. Doris Googoo, Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies, will give the Seven Sacred Teachings in Mi’kmaq and English. Dr. Wendy Rodgers, 69��ýPresident and Vice-Chancellor, and Dr. Judy Clark, Elder-in-Residence, will give remarks.

The Grand Entry will follow at 1:00 pm when all dancers and others will be welcomed into the circle. The host drum will be the LoneCry Singers; the head female dancer will be Kelly Sark; and the head male dancer will be Michael Julian. Indigenous artisans will display their beading, basket weaving, and quill work. There will also be a table with medicines, waltes, and cake.

All members of the campus community are welcome to attend and are encouraged to wear orange shirts. Orange ribbons will be available to tie on the fence close to University Avenue, and smaller ribbons to pin on shirts.

The TRC Mawi’omi is hosted by the 69��ýFaculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies; Department of Student Affairs; and Student Union.

During the week (September 23 to 27), the Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights will host an educational display titled “Yes, Here Too: Prince Edward Island’s Indian Day Schools and Residential Schools in Canada’s Maritimes” in the Kelley Memorial Building, Rooms 115 to 118, from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm.

The display is dedicated to exploring the profound and shameful history of Indian Day Schools and Residential Schools in Canada’s Maritimes. It aims to illuminate the experiences of Indigenous children and families who endured these institutions and to foster a deeper understanding of their generational impact. It is a crucial step toward acknowledging and understanding the complexities of colonization. Visitors of all backgrounds are encouraged to attend, reflect, and engage in meaningful dialogue about reconciliation and the ongoing journey toward justice and healing. Please note that subject matter and supplemental conversation include abuse, violence, assault, death, abduction, racism, sexism, classism, and cultural genocide. Conversation may also include suicide, substance use, and police brutality. The contents of this activity are based on real events in Canadian history and may be emotionally and intellectually challenging to engage with.

On September 26, the 69��ýTeaching and Learning Centre is offering a Lunch and Learn called “Spilling the Tea on Treaties and How are We Integrating Indigenous Knowledge?” at noon in the Robertson Library Annex, Room 230. The session will be led by Heathyr Francis, Department of Biology. Discussion will be centred around two of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada: Calls to Action:

45)iii) Renew or establish relationships based on principles of mutual recognition, mutual respect, and shared responsibility for maintaining those relationships into the future
62)ii) Provide the necessary funding to post-secondary institutions to educate teachers on how to integrate Indigenous knowledge and teaching methods into classrooms.

Rowan Gallagher and Jahmal Boursiquot named 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 11:40:09 -0300

Every week, 69��ýAthletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week for September 16–22, 2024, are Rowan Gallagher (women’s rugby) and Jahmal Boursiquot (men’s soccer).

A first-year fullback and science student from Halifax, Nova Scotia, Gallagher has been one of the best rookies this season. She broke through with two tries in the Panthers’ 73-5 win over the Saint Mary's University Huskies on September 21.

“Rowan was pure class against Saint Mary’s, delivering an exceptional performance that showcased her speed and finishing ability,” said head coach James Voye.

Boursiquot, a first-year striker and business student from Ottawa, Ontario, broke a deadlock with a game-winning goal in the 54th minute of the Panthers’ 1-0 victory over the Mount Allison University Mounties on September 22.

“Jahmal was a relentless threat in the games the team played last weekend against UNB and Mount Allison, consistently creating opportunities on offence,” said head coach Lewis Page. “His efforts paid off with a well-deserved winning goal against Mount Allison on Sunday.”

Go Panthers Go!

2024 Mickey Place Memorial Basketball Tournament takes place September 27 to 29

Ron Annear — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 10:33:28 -0300

The 69��ýmen’s and women’s basketball teams are ready to roll at the annual Mickey Place Memorial Basketball Tournament! The tournament features nine teams from across Canada and runs from Friday, September 27, to Sunday, September 29.

The women’s pool includes Université Laval, Carleton University, Acadia University and UPEI. The men’s pool includes Université Laval, University of Guelph, Dalhousie University, University of New Brunswick and UPEI.

The tournament is named after John Thomas “Mickey” Place, a long-time friend of Panther Sport, a former 69��ýStudent Union employee, and a 69��ýhonorary degree recipient.

“The local basketball community is going to be treated to a fantastic lineup of games to kick off a fresh year of U SPORTS basketball,” said Matt Gamblin, head coach of the 69��ýWomen’s Basketball team. “This is as good a tourney as anywhere in the country, featuring two great teams—the Laval Rouge et Or, the national semi-finalists last season, and the Carleton Ravens, the back-to-back national champions.”

All games will be played in the 69��ýChi-Wan Young Sports Centre. The full tournament schedule can be found at gopanthersgo.ca. Tickets are $20 for a day pass, $10 for non-69��ýstudents, and free for 69��ýstudents. An adult tournament pass is $50 and $20 for non-69��ýstudents (season ticket holders receive 50% off on the tournament pass). Tickets can be purchased online at panthertickets.ca or in person at game time.

“For the first time in the history of the Mickey Place tournament the two national defending championship teams will play on PEI soil,” said Darrell Glenn, head coach of the 69��ýMen’s Basketball team. “We are very excited to be hosting this event, and we look forward to seeing our fans back in the gym.”

In other Panther action this weekend, the 69��ýMen's Hockey Panthers will face the Acadia University Axemen in an exhibition game at 6:00 pm on Friday, September 27, at the Eliyah Wellness Centre in Rustico, PEI. Also in pre-season action on Friday, the 69��ýWomen's Hockey Panthers will take on the Saint Mary’s University Huskies at 7:00 pm at the Pownal Sports Centre in Alexandra, PEI. They will play an exhibition game against Université de Moncton Aigles Bleues at 7:00 pm on Saturday, September 28, at the Eastlink Centre, Charlottetown.

The 69��ýWomen’s Rugby Panthers will host the St. Francis Xavier X-Women at 2:00 pm on Saturday, September 28, at MacAdam Field, 69��ýAlumni Canada Games Place. St. FX won the first match-up of the season 34-28.

The 69��ýwomen’s field hockey team will be on the road to a tournament at University of New Brunswick in Fredericton, NB. They will be up against the Acadia University Axewomen at 3:20 pm and the Saint Mary’s University Huskies at 9:10 pm on Saturday, September 28. They also will play the Dalhousie University Tigers at 9:40 am and the St. Francis Xavier X-Women at 1:10 pm on Sunday, September 29.

The 69��ýwomen's and men's soccer teams will be at home against Acadia University on Sunday, September 29. The women’s team will play at 1:00 pm and the men’s team at 3:15 pm on the 69��ýArtificial Turf Field.

Ticketing
Season and game tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca.

Gold Rush
69��ýPanthers Gold Rush can be played through our app—69��ýPanther Recreation—found on Apple and Android, or via upei.goldrush.causable.io. This week’s jackpot is over $16,000.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

Go Panthers Go!

69��ýPanthers add firepower in forward Robert Orr

Ron Annear — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 09:34:45 -0300

The 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers just kicked their game into high gear with the addition of Robert Orr, a high-octane forward with a knack for lighting up the scoreboard.

As the Panthers gear up for another season, Orr's arrival marks yet another infusion of young talent that promises to bring offensive firepower.

Standing at five-foot-11, Orr joins the Panthers’ lineup following an impressive career in the Quebec Maritimes Junior Hockey League (QMJHL), where he established himself as a consistent point producer. In 233 games with the Halifax Mooseheads, Gatineau Olympiques, and Acadie-Bathurst Titan, the 21-year-old amassed 78 goals and 121 assists for an impressive 0.85 points per game average. His final season in the QMJHL was particularly noteworthy, as he erupted for 24 goals and 58 assists in just 64 games. His playoff performance was equally remarkable, adding four goals and seven assists in eight games.

One of the key factors behind Orr's recent success was his relaxed approach to the game. By focusing on enjoying the game rather than worrying about outside distractions, he found a new level of performance, which he plans to bring to the Panthers.

“I stopped putting pressure on myself, which helped a lot in my success,” said the Montréal, Quebec native. “I worked with my coaches and focused a lot on myself and my game to improve every day.”

Head coach Forbes MacPherson is thrilled to have Orr on board and sees him as a potential top-six forward who can make an immediate impact. His ability to skate with speed and control, combined with his vision and poise with the puck, make him an asset in all situations on the ice.

“We’re very excited to add Bobby to our program,” MacPherson said. “He can play in all situations, and he has the potential to be an impact forward in our league. We’re excited about what he brings to the table.”

Already brimming with young talent, the Panthers are even more ready to take on the season with Orr in the mix. His ability to generate offence and his versatility on the ice will undoubtedly be key factors as the team looks to build on their recent success and make a deep playoff run.

That youthful energy is one of the reasons why Orr committed to UPEI.

“I’m very excited to join this team. We’re a young group with lots of talent, and I think we’ll surprise a lot of people this year and in years to come,” Orr said. “I think I’ll fit in very well because this team plays fast and relentlessly, and I try to model my game after those things."

With Orr’s addition, the 69��ýPanthers have positioned themselves as a team to watch, not only this season but also for years to come. And if his past performances are any indication, Panthers fans have every reason to be optimistic in 2024–25.

Atlantic Veterinary College to hold open house on September 28

Apryl Munro — Tue, 24 Sep 2024 08:39:51 -0300

Mark your calendars for the 34th annual Open House at the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), 69��ý (UPEI), on Saturday, September 28, from 10 am to 2 pm.

A part of UPEI’s Homecoming Weekend, the AVC Open House provides a rare opportunity to explore the captivating world of veterinary medicine. This free, family-friendly event will feature tours of select areas within the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, offering guests an inside look at the College’s state-of-the-art facilities.

Visitors will have the chance to meet various animals, participate in interactive displays, and discover more about student clubs dedicated to animal care and welfare. They can also connect with veterinary students, faculty, and staff to learn more about their work and learning experiences. Children are encouraged to bring their beloved stuffed animals for a check-up at the ever-popular Teddy Bear Clinic, get temporary animal tattoos, and stay for the fun-filled dog show!

“The AVC Open House is a wonderful opportunity for the public to experience the exciting work we do,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, dean of the AVC. “It’s also a chance to meet our future veterinarians and hear their inspiring stories about entering the field.”

Organized by students in the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine program, this event is one of the largest and most popular open houses in Atlantic Canada, drawing thousands of visitors each year since its launch in 1990.

Event Details:

AVC Open House

Saturday, September 28, 2024

10 am–2 pm

Atlantic Veterinary College, UPEI

Please note: While we love animals at AVC, we kindly ask that you leave your pets at home to ensure the safety and comfort of all attendees.

Call for Expressions of Interest: University Strategic Plan Steering Committee Membership

Nicole Phillips — Mon, 23 Sep 2024 15:59:25 -0300

The following message was also emailed directly to students, staff, and faculty on September 23, 2024.

Dear University Community,

As we move into fall, we are eager to begin the process of rolling out a series of conversations and consultations to engage with University constituency groups on the development of UPEI’s 2025–2030 strategic plan.

An important step in this process is the development of the University Strategic Plan Steering Committee. This committee will play an important role in guiding the development of the strategic plan.

As co-chairs of the Steering Committee, Suzanne Kresta (Dean, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering) and I are looking forward to bringing 69��ýrepresentatives together for the purpose of forming a strong direction for our University. Our goal is to achieve a level of inclusion and diversity within the Steering Committee membership that reflects UPEI’s community.

The Terms of Reference for the University Strategic Plan Steering Committee outline the mandate and membership structure.

We invite University members interested in serving on the Steering Committee to put their names forward through a Call for Expressions of Interest. If you would like to nominate a colleague to serve on the Steering Committee, you can also do this through the same form.

The call will be open until Tuesday, October 1. Once submissions are received, Dean Kresta and I will select members from the process. Efforts will be made to ensure a balance of representation and as much diversity as possible.

Consultation engagements will take place on and off campus with various community groups throughout the strategic planning process over the coming months. All University members will have the opportunity to provide input and feedback as we work together to build a roadmap for the future.

Thank you for your interest and continued commitment to UPEI, our colleagues, and students.

Yours truly,

Dr. Wendy Rodgers, President and Vice-Chancellor
Dr. Suzanne Kresta, Dean, 69��ýFaculty of Sustainable Design Engineering
Co-Chairs, University Strategic Plan Steering Committee 

Public meeting about Georgetown net zero assessment project on September 25

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 14:58:51 -0300

The 69��ýFaculty of Sustainable Design Engineering—Future Urban and Energy Lab for Sustainability (FUEL-S) and the PEI Energy Corporation will host a public town hall meeting on Wednesday, September 25, 2024, from 6 to 8 pm, at the Georgetown Inn to discuss the progress of the ongoing Georgetown net zero assessment project.

During the meeting, the summary of the almost year-long work will be presented and reviewed, and upcoming initiatives discussed, said Dr. Kuljeet Grewal, principal investigator and founder of the FUEL-S lab, and an assistant professor in the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering.

“This is a chance for community members to ask questions, share suggestions, and help shape Georgetown’s future as we move toward sustainability and resilience,” he said.

Announced on October 6, 2023, the Georgetown net zero assessment project is a first step towards an ambitious initiative aimed at becoming the first net-zero community in Prince Edward Island. It involves a series of strategies and measures to evaluate energy consumption, increase energy efficiency, and promote the use of renewable energy sources going forward. This project aligns with the province’s commitment to environmental stewardship and has the potential to improve quality of life, enhance the local economy, and secure a sustainable future for generations to come.

For more information, contact Dr. Grewal at kgrewal@upei.ca.

69��ýdean receives award from Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians

Heather Howatt — Fri, 20 Sep 2024 13:24:47 -0300

Dr. Preston Smith, dean of the 69��ýJoint Medical Doctor program, has been awarded the Dr. Michael Krochak Award for Contributions to Family Medicine by the Saskatchewan College of Family Physicians.

This award is intended to recognize individuals (physician or non-physician) or groups, college members and non-members, who have significantly contributed to family medicine in Saskatchewan through clinical research, education, or administrative activities.

“I want to express my sincere gratitude to the SCFP for the Dr. Michael Krochak Award for Contributions to Family Medicine in the Province of Saskatchewan,” said Dr. Smith. “I am very honoured by this award. My time as dean of the College of Medicine (COM) at the University of Saskatchewan will always be some of the best years of my career, and the opportunity to lead the COM and see it flourish as we supported the talent, expertise and energy that was always present was a true privilege.”

Saskatchewan’s provincial chapter of the College of Family Physicians (SCFP) represents over 1,400 family physician members, while the College of Family Physicians of Canada (CFPC) represents more than 43,000 members nationwide. The CFPC is the professional organization responsible for establishing standards for the training and certification of family physicians and accrediting postgraduate family medicine training in Canada’s 17 medical schools. The College provides quality services, supports family medicine teaching and research, and advocates on behalf of family physicians and the specialty of family medicine.

SEASON PREVIEW: Panthers hunt for third consecutive AUFH title, ready for national stage

Ron Annear — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 11:00:01 -0300

For the past two seasons, the 69��ýPanthers have dominated Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH), claiming back-to-back titles and cementing themselves as the team to beat.

This year, the stakes are higher than ever as the Panthers look to defend their crown but also compete in the U SPORTS National Invitational Championship, hosted by Ontario University Athletics this fall, for the first time since 2015.

Last season, the Panthers finished atop the standings with a stellar 10-2-0 record, edging out the Dalhousie University Tigers, who finished with a strong 9-1-2 mark. The two teams met in a fiercely contested final, where 69��ýemerged victorious 1-0.

“We’re working hard to defend our title this year, and it’s going to take a full team effort,” said head coach Lacey MacLauchlan. “Our primary goal is to win, and the team recognizes our daily actions in training sessions and our everyday decisions drive our success.”

For the 2024 season, many of the core players who led the team to success last year have returned. Despite losing some key players, the Panthers remain the title favourites and are confident they have the depth and emerging talent to continue their offensive dominance.

One of the defining characteristics of this 69��ýsquad is their speed, both with and without the ball. Their quick movement and precise passing have been a hallmark of their style for years, and they’ve been working hard to maintain that level of play.

At the forefront of the Panthers’ attack is Kayla Batchilder, who took the league by storm last year as a rookie, finishing as the league’s top scorer with 10 goals. With her ability to find the back of the net and create scoring chances, Batchilder is expected to be a focal point in the Panthers’ offensive schemes. Fourth-year veterans Jenaya Ross and Maria McLane also bring stability and experience to the forward line, providing leadership and consistency that will be crucial as the team prepares for more challenging competition. One of the most exciting additions to the team is rookie forward Carly Acorn, who turned heads at the high school level and is expected to contribute right away.

In the midfield, the Panthers are in good hands with returning all-stars Livi Lawlor and Kali Smith. Both players have a high work rate and are equally effective on both ends of the field, making them key to UPEI’s ability to control possession and dictate the pace of the game. Their ability to seamlessly transition from defence to attack will be pivotal as the Panthers look to control the midfield once again.

On the defensive end, the Panthers boast a strong mix of veterans and promising newcomers. Charlotte Thompson, who played a crucial role in the centre defence position last season, returns to anchor the backline. Joining her are defenders Ella Hennessey, Ella MacDougall, and Katie-Grace Noye, all of whom were part of a defensive unit that allowed just six goals in 2023. Rookie defender Sophie Crabbe is another player to watch, as she has shown the potential to make an immediate impact. Goalkeeper Julie Hall replaces Dakota Patter in net and will be the last line of defence.

“We know it will be a challenging season, but the competition drives this group. We’re ready to surprise a lot of people,” Smith said. “I’m optimistic about what this group will achieve, but most importantly, I’m grateful that this is the group with which I am ending my 69��ýfield hockey career.”

Message from the President: Fireside Chat on September 23

Nicole Phillips — Thu, 19 Sep 2024 09:45:03 -0300

The following message was also emailed to 69��ýstudents, faculty, and staff on September 19, 2024.

Dear 69��ýCommunity,

It has been an exciting time on the 69��ýcampus with the beginning of the Fall Semester—there is a “change in the air” as we settle into our routines. The New Student Orientation and Welcome Back to Campus events were extremely successful and I thank all those who were involved in ensuring we are all off to a great start.

Upon arrival at UPEI, the Board and I agreed to a list of goal and priorities for my first year. 69��ýBoard of Governors Chair Shannon MacDonald and I invite you to a Fireside Chat on Monday, September 23 at 10 am in the amphitheatre in the Performing Arts Centre (PAC 121S) where we will outline and discuss my goals and priorities as President and Vice-Chancellor. For those of you who wish to participate virtually, please join us at this Teams link. I look forward to exploring these opportunities with the 69��ýcommunity.

In the coming days and weeks, there will be several occasions to further connect with each other—to celebrate our present and to share ideas about the University’s future. 69��ýHomecoming takes place September 23–29, including social, varsity, and alumni events. There will also be a number of strategic planning consultations next week and into October (more information to come later today). I encourage you to participate!

While there is so much positive energy on campus, we also know that some members of our diverse and global campus community are experiencing hardship. We are all aware of several political conflicts and wars around the world. Members of our 69��ýcommunity come from these countries and/or have family and friends in those regions. They may be anxious and worried about their loved ones, as well as the socio-political causes and outcomes of these conflicts. In addition to the international conflicts, recently there have been numerous tragically violent events in our region and across the country. These events are stressful. Students, staff, and faculty do not have to handle these difficult situations by themselves. 69��ýis a supportive community––let's keep an eye out for each other and build networks of support. The University offers support to all its members.

For a list of supports, visit the Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights web site to access the “Find Supports and Services” web pages.

Students may also contact the Department of Student Affairs at  studentserv@upei.ca, or the International Student Office at irostu@upei.ca.

Staff and Faculty may access the Employee Family Assistance Program at 1-844-880-9142 or visit the Human Resources page on myUPEI to access information about resources and benefits.

Thank you for taking care of one another. I hope to see you at our upcoming community events.

With best wishes,

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

69��ý

902-566-0400 president@upei.ca

69��ýPhilosophy Reading Group to meet on September 25

Anna MacDonald — Wed, 18 Sep 2024 10:30:03 -0300

The 69��ýPhilosophy Reading Group, facilitated by Dr. Max Schaefer, sessional instructor, Faculty of Arts, will hold its first meeting of the 2024–2025 academic year on Wednesday, September 25, from 7:00–8:00 pm, at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre, 97 Queen Street.

At this meeting, the group will discuss a reading from Gernot Böhme’s The Aesthetics of Atmospheres. A theory of atmospheres first began to take shape in psychiatrist Hubertus Tellenbach’s study and treatment of certain mental disorders and has been a growing movement in philosophy in recent years. To date, atmospheres have been studied in relation to a variety of fields, including psychopathology, politics, advertising, architecture, and urban studies.

The group meets once a month at the Charlottetown Library Learning Centre and is regularly attended by students and faculty across a range of disciplines. In the past, participants have discussed works from philosophers such as Alain Badiou, Alva Noë, Giorgio Agamben, Julie Reshe, and Byung-Chul Han, among others.

If you are interested in attending this upcoming meeting or any in the future, please contact Dr. Schaefer at mschaefer@upei.ca for more information.

69��ýFaculty of IKERAS celebrates another historic milestone

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 14:34:49 -0300

The 69��ýFaculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS) recently hosted its first-ever Indigenous traditional knowledge sharing and learning day, Mawi-lukutimk, which means “gathering and working together.” The event took place on September 3, two years after the Faculty of IKERAS began delivering UPEI’s mandated IKE 1040: Indigenous Teachings course and offering a Minor in Indigenous Studies. It is considered a historic milestone by everyone involved.

Following the honouring of the seven sacred teachings in Mi’kmaw with Doris Googoo, IKERAS Mi’kmaq language instructor and the creator and organizer of the event, the honour song was sung by Lenox Evans, a Grade 12 student at Grace Christian School, and Alicia Muttart, IKERAS administrative assistant. Opening remarks were given by 69��ýPresident and Vice-Chancellor Wendy Rodgers and IKERAS Dean Angelina Weenie. Participants included students, faculty, staff, local Indigenous Epekwitk (PEI) leaders, community elders, and knowledge keepers.

The day featured four special guest presenters from Unama'ki (Cape Breton, Nova Scotia). Alwyn Jeddor presented on the Mi’kmaw language and Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey (MK) resources; Terry Denny on land-based traditional teachings; Mary Louise Bernard on traditional ceremonies; and Anne Marie Marchand on sacred teachings of spirit names and spiritual cleansing.

“The teachings were rich, relational, and moving,” said Googoo. “This was an important step in bringing Indigenous knowledge to the forefront in the work that the IKERAS faculty does. The ancestors were telling me the time was right, and with such a successful gathering, next year will be even bigger and better.”

Dr. Weenie, who joined the Faculty of IKERAS in July of this year, was pleased to see this foundation of the faculty brought to life at this early stage in its development.

“Our teachers are in the community, and we need them to be part of all that we do,” she said. “We hope to continue offering more events like this. We can learn more from the Indigenous communities we serve.”

“It is fitting this year, as the University as a whole works together to change its culture, that this Mawi-lukutimk occurred,” added Dr. Weenie. “The 69��ýFaculty of IKERAS looks forward to introducing more traditional and scholarly Indigenous knowledges that will contribute to 69��ýbecoming all that it can be as an inclusive, safe, and vibrant place of learning.”

69��ýPanthers this Week (September 16–22)

Ron Annear — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 11:12:47 -0300

The 69��ýPanthers are looking forward to a full weekend of competition at home and away.

Friday, September 20
AT HOME
7:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Hockey Panthers play their first exhibition game of the season against the Mount Allison University Mounties at MacLauchlan Arena.

AWAY:
7:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers play an exhibition game against the St. Francis Xavier University X-Men in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Saturday, September 21
AT HOME
2:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Rugby Panthers host the Saint Mary’s University Huskies at MacAdam Field (69��ýAlumni Canada Games Place). Alysha Corrigan, 2024 Paris Olympics women’s rugby silver medallist and former 69��ýstudent-athlete, will be recognized during the game.

AWAY:
12:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Cross Country Panthers are competing at the St. Francis Xavier University Invitational in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

1:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Cross Country Panthers are competing at the St. Francis Xavier University Invitational in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

1:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Soccer Panthers play the University of New Brunswick Reds in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

3:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Soccer Panthers play the University of New Brunswick Reds in Fredericton, New Brunswick.

Sunday, September 22
AT HOME:
5:00 and 6:30 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Field Hockey Panthers play two home games against the Mount Allison University Mounties at the Terry Fox Sports Complex in Cornwall, PEI.

AWAY:
1:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Soccer Panthers play the Mount Allison University Mounties in Sackville, New Brunswick.

3:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Soccer Panthers play the Mount Allison University Mounties in Sackville, New Brunswick.

Ticketing
Season and game tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

Ria Johnston and Isaac Wolters named 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 10:04:52 -0300

Every week, 69��ýAthletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week for September 9–15, 2024, are Ria Johnston (women’s rugby) and Isaac Wolters (men’s soccer).

Johnston made an immediate impact in her first game back from injury. In the 18th minute of Sunday’s game against the St. Francis Xavier University X-Women, the third-year centre and science student from Charlottetown, PEI, sprinted about 70 metres to record her first try of the season.

“Ria was the spark we needed injected into our lineup,” said head coach James Voye. “She immediately made an impact on both attack and defence and was a threat to score each time she touched the ball. She proved why she should be a candidate for league MVP.”

In a home game against St. Francis Xavier University on September 15, Wolters, a fourth-year goalkeeper and science student from Springvale, PEI, recorded five saves, including two big diving stops in the second half to preserve the 1-1 draw against St. FX.

“Isaac was outstanding against the X-Men who are ranked #6 in the country,” said head coach Lewis Page. “He stood his ground all game long and made several pivotal saves to preserve the result for us.”

Go Panthers Go!

69��ýpresents Research on Tap on October 2

Anna MacDonald — Tue, 17 Sep 2024 09:46:40 -0300

The 69��ý will host Research on Tap with a presentation titled “Render unto Caesar: Catholics and the Alt-Right” on Wednesday, October 2, at 6 pm, at the Upstreet Brewery Taproom, 41 Allen St., Charlottetown, PEI.

Dr. Ariana Patey, assistant professor, Department of Religious Studies, Faculty of Arts, is the guest speaker for the event.

“The Internet has facilitated the creation of an Alt-Right movement that includes Catholics,” she said. “This talk explores the ways in which such groups understand and use Catholicism (and the Internet) to attract followers to extremist and white supremacist movements.”

Dr. Patey’s presentation was originally scheduled for last March but had to be postponed at that time because of inclement weather. Research on Tap is a discussion series featuring 69��ýresearchers and is open to students, faculty, staff, and the general public. There is no charge to attend. All are welcome.

Grand Re-opening of Samuel's Café

Melanie Taylor — Fri, 13 Sep 2024 14:15:10 -0300

69��ýAncillary Services is happy to announce the grand re-opening of Samuel's Café, brought to you by Dana Hospitality! On Wednesday, September 18, there will be a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:00 am followed by free samples of the new Starbucks coffee and mini muffins and cake to satisfy your sweet tooth.

Members of the 69��ýcampus community are invited to arrive early to enjoy these delicious treats and beverages while supplies last. Don’t miss this opportunity to enjoy some great coffee, tasty snacks, and reconnect with others in the newly refreshed Samuel's Café. Mark your calendars and join in for a fun start to the day!

For updated hours for Samuel's Café and our other food service outlets, visit Where to Eat on Campus.

Move-In Day on the 69��ýcampus a positive experience thanks to many

Melanie Taylor — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:49:01 -0300

69��ýstudents living in residence received a warm welcome from 69��ýstaff and fellow students on Friday, August 30. To make move-in day go as smoothly as possible for everyone, many campus partners gave of their time and expertise to make the day a great experience for UPEI’s new and returning residence students.

“As we know, this day doesn’t happen without a lot of prep work,” said Kelton Thomason, Manager, Residence and Housing Operations, who oversees the Residence Life program. “It has been incredible to have support from everyone working hard across the 69��ýcampus. We are super proud of our campus partners and know that our work and move-in day couldn’t happen without them.”

Thomason thanks the following 69��ýdepartments for their assistance and support:

Office of Student Affairs
Department of Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights
Facilities Management
Security Services
69��ýHealth and Wellness Centre
Marketing and Communications
IT Systems and Services
69��ýStudent Union
69��ýPanther student-athletes
Ancillary Services

Residence Life Advisors (RLAs) are also a key group who help make the transition to living in residence a positive one. In the weeks leading up to move-in day and New Student Orientation (NSO) Week, RLAs, who are 69��ýstudents in their senior years of study, participated in an orientation/training program to help them in their roles as peer-supporters, advisors, activity planners, administrators, and educators to maintain residence community standards. They work together with Residence Life staff and other campus community members to create an educational environment in residence that is conducive to both living and learning.

A key activity planned by RLAs for residence students during NSO week was the “Festival of Lounges” on August 30. During the evening event, RLAs set up a number of fun activities in different lounges and locations on campus to encourage new residence students to meet and interact with each other.

To make the transition to residence life a positive one, new students were also encouraged to go on a tour of campus, meet their “point people” and leaders, enjoy a “First Residence Supper” in the Wanda Wyatt Dining Hall, and take part in other NSO Week activities.

69��ýPanthers this Week (September 9–15)

Ron Annear — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 11:15:54 -0300

The 69��ýMen’s Hockey, Soccer, and Rugby Panthers are looking forward to a weekend of competition at home and away.

Friday, September 13
AT HOME
6:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers play their first exhibition game of the season against Université de Moncton Aigles Bleus at MacLauchlan Arena. Box office hours at MacLauchlan Arena this week are September 9, 10, and 11 from 2:00–5:00 pm.

Saturday, September 14
AT HOME
2:00 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Hockey Panthers play an exhibition game against the Dalhousie University Tigers at MacLauchlan Arena.

Sunday, September 16
AT HOME:
1:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Soccer Panthers host the St. Francis Xavier X-Women on the 69��ýArtificial Turf Field.

3:15 pm: The 69��ýMen’s Soccer Panthers host the St. Francis Xavier X-Men on the 69��ýArtificial Turf Field.

AWAY:
2:00 pm: The 69��ýWomen’s Rugby Panthers play the St. Francis Xavier X-Women in Antigonish, Nova Scotia.

Ticketing
Season and game tickets can be purchased at panthertickets.ca.

To view the full season schedule, visit gopanthersgo.ca.

Anna Harris and Jack Roberts named 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week

Ron Annear — Tue, 10 Sep 2024 10:36:54 -0300

Every week, 69��ýAthletics and Recreation recognizes student-athletes for their achievements and contributions to their respective sports. The 69��ýPanther Athletes of the Week for September 2-8, 2024, are Anna Harris (women’s cross country) and Jack Roberts (men’s cross country).

Harris had one of her strongest performances as a Panther at the Acadia University Invitational meet in Wolfville, Nova Scotia on September 7. The sophomore runner and Science student from Souris, PEI led the pack for most of the 8 km race before finishing fourth overall with a time of 31:56.

“We knew Anna was getting faster and trending toward this result, but to come in fourth as a sophomore is a tremendous accomplishment,” said head coach Mike Peterson.

A fourth-year Arts student from Charlottetown, Roberts had a strong run in his season debut at the Invitational, finishing as UPEI's top runner and 11th overall with a time of 27:56.

“This has been a long time coming for Jack,” said coach Peterson. “He has been working tirelessly for years, and it is great to see his hard work pay off.”

Go Panthers Go!

Island entrepreneur credits 69��ýwith helping him realize his dream

Melanie Taylor — Mon, 09 Sep 2024 13:21:46 -0300

Entrepreneur Matt Jelley graduated from 69��ýin 2024 with a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) degree, specializing in marketing. He is now the sole proprietor of Mobile Bicycle Services PEI, a unique door-to-door bike repair service, and credits his education and mentors throughout his time at 69��ýwith helping him realize his dream of becoming a business owner.

Jelley said he has always had an entrepreneurial spirit and started his first venture, a photography and video production business, when he was 12 years old through the Young Millionaires Program, a summer business program available to PEI youth that provides opportunity to explore entrepreneurship. His experience in the program sparked his continued interest in maintaining an entrepreneurial mindset and seeking unique opportunities.

While studying for his degree, he took the Business 3710 – Entrepreneurship and New Ventures course in his third year. The course inspired him to create a business plan for an idea that he had in mind for a long time. Dr. Reuben Domike, associate professor in the 69��ýMcDougall Faculty of Business, was also a key factor in helping his plan come to life. Jelley said Domike was a great person to turn to for advice, helped him with certain things in the business plan, and asked important questions that helped him think about every aspect of starting his company.

“Matt has done an excellent job of utilizing the resources available for entrepreneurial students at UPEI: coursework, mentoring, competitions, marketing, networking. As a result, he has been able to generate significant value in his early days as an entrepreneur,” said Domike. “I expect that Matt will be able to leverage his experience and early success to continue on his entrepreneurial journey in the upcoming decades.”

Winning $18,000 in prize money during the MacLauchlan Panther Pitch at 69��ýin March 2023 (a contest for students made possible through the Harry W. MacLauchlan Entrepreneurship Program) was also key for Jelley’s business to help it grow and expand its service offerings and reach.

Preparing for the contest helped Jelley transfer the ideas in his head to paper. Building the website for the business served as a “vision board” of the plan and helped him visualize what kind of company he was building. It was during the development of the website that Mobile Bicycle Services differentiated itself from its competitors by allowing customers to book their desired dates and times of tune-ups and servicing.

The core concept of Mobile Bicycle Services reflects its owner’s personal interests: to provide reliable, affordable, and dependable service for all cyclists while maintaining a 100 per cent carbon neutral business model by offsetting carbon emissions through environmental actions like tree planting. The truck he purchased for his business is a hybrid model to help cut down on carbon emissions while traveling from location to location.

The biggest challenge for Jelley when first starting his business was finding suppliers, since most of them required him to have a physical store front. Raphael Amoit-Savard, who owns Knead a Brake in Summerside, lent a helping hand and became a huge supporter of Jelley’s business, especially during the early days. Amoit-Savard was able to get Jelley connected with various suppliers and offered advice whenever needed. Business owner Paul Jenkins has also been a mentor to Jelley and a reliable source for help and information when he needs advice on almost anything.

“I think it’s important to be a risk taker when creating a business but not a reckless risk taker. In my mind there is a very big difference between the two, and sometimes the line between them is very thin,” said Jelley. “Having confidence in yourself is another important trait when it comes to being a successful entrepreneur.”

Jelley measures his success by the growth of his company, expansion of his network of suppliers, and the personal fulfillment he derives from providing valuable service.

“One of my favourite parts of owning and running this business is that I get to be a tourist on PEI. I get paid to explore this beautiful Island and meet all kinds of people—tourists and locals alike,” he said. “Every community has something special to offer, and that’s one of the perks of running a mobile business.”

While 69��ýhas played a significant role in providing the education and support that Jelley needed to get started as a young entrepreneur, he says he is excited to see what other business initiatives will grow from his alma mater now that the new Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship has been established in the University’s Robertson Library.

“I’m sure the entrepreneurship centre will be a great collaborative space for people to bounce ideas off one another and be able to come up with some great business concepts,” said Jelley.

On April 22, 2024, 69��ýlaunched its new student entrepreneurship centre at an official grand opening event. Named in honour of UPEI’s Chancellor Emerita Catherine Callbeck, the centre 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 centre aims to support student entrepreneurship with programming, events, guest speakers and other collaboration projects with community partners. To learn more about what the centre has on offer, visit their website.

Looking ahead to 2025, Mobile Bicycle Services aims to offer tip-to-tip, brewery, and mountain bike tours as well as accommodations for cyclists visiting PEI. Each tour will include shuttle transportation and optional add-ons such as bike rentals and personalized gear packages. Adventures will be designed with both seasoned cyclists and casual riders in mind.

To stay informed about upcoming tours, new services, and special offers, those interested can follow Mobile Bicycle Services on social media or visit the company’s website.

Message from the President: Welcome to the Fall Semester!

Nicole Phillips — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 14:03:47 -0300

The following message was also distributed to 69��ýstudents, faculty, and staff by email on September 9, 2024.

Dear 69��ýCommunity,

This week marks the beginning of the 2024 Fall Academic Semester at the 69��ý, and I am excited to welcome all students, from PEI, across Canada, and around the world.

Whether you are a new student, returning to continue your studies, a new or continuing member of our outstanding faculty and staff, I thank you for choosing UPEI.

It’s an exciting time at UPEI—we are in a period of renewal and we are all committed to creating a safe, welcoming environment and helping students, faculty, and staff reach their full potential. We continue to strive every day to create safe, inclusive spaces and offer innovative, learning opportunities for all members of our diverse campus community so everyone can thrive academically, socially, and culturally.

Everyone can participate in creating and maintaining a culture of trust, safety, and inclusion. We can listen with curiosity, make sure all voices are heard, welcome diverse points of view, and embrace opportunities to challenge our thinking and learn new things. We can help others do that too. We can check in with each other, do what we can to make sure there is a place to express and discuss difficult topics, to explore, and to create. Even those of us who have been in post-secondary, maybe at this post-secondary institution, for a long time, can seek new learning, ask questions and seek solutions that will move us all forward.

I recommend all students, staff, and faculty take advantage of the many opportunities that 69��ýhas to offer. The university experience will always be more than what happens in the classrooms, labs, theatres, and playing fields. Participating in extra-curricular activities, getting involved in student life, and cheering on our 69��ýPanthers are just a few of the great ways to have fun, make a difference, and build friendships that last a lifetime. We are all Panthers and we all contribute to Panther Pride.

A big thank you to our New Student Orientation (NSO), Residence Life, and Recruitment and First-Year Advisement teams who have done a tremendous job introducing new students to supports and services available at UPEI.

For students, especially new students, University is not a journey to take alone. 69��ýhas numerous departments and resources in place that are dedicated to your success. These include the 69��ýHealth and Wellness Centre; Robertson Library; Counselling Services, Accessibility Services, International Student Office, the Mawi’omi Indigenous Student Centre, the Chaplaincy Centre, the Campus Life program, Work-Integrated Learning, Career Services, EDI and Human Rights department, and more. I encourage students to reach out and explore the many different networks we have created to support your 69��ýexperience.

If you are looking for me, my office has moved to Kelley Memorial Building in the centre of campus. The rest of the President’s Office Team will be moving to KMB soon. I’m going to be out and about more on campus—so please say hi! I can also be emailed at president@upei.ca.

I look forward to collaborating with faculty and staff to ensure the success of our students.

I wish you all the very best for a successful fall semester and academic year!

With best wishes,

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)

President and Vice-Chancellor

Winners of 2024 69��ýStudent Program for Research Engagement and Excellence poster competition announced

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:41:59 -0300

Undergraduate and graduate students who participated in the 2024 69��ýStudent Program for Research Engagement and Excellence (SPREE) poster competition presented their posters on August 22 in McMillan Hall, W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

The participants in the 11-week program included 31 undergraduate and 29 graduate students from 16 programs. Of the 60, 36 chose to enter the optional poster competition.

In the undergraduate category, biology student Briana Creed won first place for her project, “Investigating Blueberry Phytochemical Protein Targets and Bioactivity.” Her supervisor was Dr. J. Patrick Murphy, assistant professor of biology.

Second place went to sustainable design engineering student Abby Chapman, for her project, “Evaluating the Resource Potential of Biomass to support PEI’s Net-Zero Goals.” Her supervisor was Dr. Stephanie Shaw, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering.

Biology student Payton Alexander won third place for “Testing the Effects of Polyamines on Cancer Cell Biology.” Dr. Murphy was her supervisor.

In the graduate category, first place went to Shelby Squires, MSc student in molecular and macromolecular sciences, for her project, “Modelling Neurodevelopment in a Dish to Study the Movement Disorder Gene Pde10a.” Her supervisor was Dr. Joel Ross, associate professor of biology.

Nauman Yaqoob, master of sustainable design engineering student, took second place with his project, “Topography-Driven Variability in Greenhouse Gas Emissions During Potato Growth Season.” He was supervised by Dr. Aitazaz Farooque, professor and associate dean of the 69��ýSchool of Climate Change and Adaptation.

Lauren Reid, MSc student in human biology, won third place with her project, “Use of In Vitro Models for The Study of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.” Her supervisor was Dr. Marva Sweeney-Nixon, professor of biology and associate vice-president of research and dean of graduate studies.

At the closing ceremony, Dr. Sweeney-Nixon congratulated all of the participants, noting that the SPREE program has great value for the students and the University.

“As UPEI’s Strategic Research Plan 2023–2028 states, ‘University research provides a unique learning experience for students. Research by faculty members adds a new element to their teaching and provides students with the most current and innovative thinking within their field of study,’” she said. “Through their involvement with faculty members and their research, student researchers gain first-hand experience with inquiry, engage in self-directed learning, and explore potential career pathways in research. This contributes to moving forward the University’s research agenda, developing talent for impactful research, and contributing to the experiential learning of our students.”

The SPREE program arose from the former Student Program for Undergraduate Research (SPUR), which was expanded this year to include graduate students and renamed to reflect that change. During the program, students participated in research skill-based workshops and attended presentations from 69��ýresearchers and others about their careers and research. They gained insights about research within UPEI, including learning about practical tools for designing, managing, conducting, and communicating the results of research projects. Their projects covered diverse topics, including biology, chemistry, education, English, environmental sciences, island studies, mathematical and computational sciences, psychology, and sustainable design engineering.

69��ýfaculty member named to RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists

Anna MacDonald — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 11:30:49 -0300

Dr. Aitazaz Farooque, Professor and Associate Dean of the 69��ýSchool of Climate Change and Adaptation, has been named one of 56 new Members of the prestigious Royal Society of Canada’s (RSC) College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

“The Royal Society of Canada is very proud to welcome today an imposing group of inspiring scholars, artists, and creators whose peers have recognized their exceptional contributions to the world of science and culture and to the well-being of Canada. The impact of their work will continue to be felt in the development of public policies for years to come, while contributing to the well-being of our society,” said Alain-G. Gagnon, FRSC, President of the RSC, in a news release issued on September 3.

Members of the RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists are mid-career leaders who bring a multigenerational capacity to address major challenges and seize new opportunities, including those in emerging fields.

“Election to the Royal Society of Canada is a testament to Dr. Farooque’s groundbreaking research in precision agriculture and his innovative use of technology to develop sustainable practices amidst the challenges of climate change. Dr. Farooque’s exceptional contributions embody the broad impact of research at UPEI,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, UPEI’s Vice-President Academic and Research. “On behalf of UPEI, I congratulate Dr. Farooque on this prestigious honour.”

Dr. Farooque’s research focuses on the fundamental understanding and development of state-of-the-art climate-smart technologies for the Atlantic Canadian agriculture industry. In addition to receiving various national, provincial, and university awards in recognition of his excellent contributions to research, teaching, and services, he was selected as one of the Top 125 researchers in Canada to receive the NSERC Discovery Accelerator Supplement Research Grant.

Dr. Farooque has garnered over $18 million in research funding from various provincial, federal, and industry funding agencies in Canada. Most recently, he was awarded a grant of $6.93 million through the NSERC-SSHRC Sustainable Agriculture Research Initiative (SARI) for a project to develop precision agriculture techniques to ensure food security and mitigate climate change. SARI is a joint initiative between the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC), in collaboration with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada (AAFC).

He supervises a large team of highly qualified personnel working on various aspects of research and development and has authored and co-authored over 150 peer-reviewed journal articles, eight book chapters, 90 conference proceedings, 85 industry presentations, and has presented over 50 keynote and invited talks at international conferences and professional events.

Dr. Farooque is a registered professional engineer in both PEI and Nova Scotia, and a professional agrologist registered in PEI. He is the Director of UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peter’s Bay, PEI.

Dr. Farooque is the fourth 69��ýfaculty member to be honoured by the RSC. In 2011, Dr. Ian Dowbiggin, Professor of History, Faculty of Arts, was named a Fellow of the Society’s Academy of the Arts and Humanities. In 2014 and 2022 respectively, Dr. Sunny Hartwig, Associate Professor of Biomedical Sciences, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, and Dr. Xander Wang, Professor, 69��ýSchool of Climate Change and Adaptation, were named members of the RSC’s College of New Scholars, Artists and Scientists.

The RSC will induct the 2024 Cohort of Fellows and College Members at a ceremony on November 8, 2024, in Vancouver, British Columbia.

SEASON PREVIEW: 69��ýCross Country Panthers eye breakthrough year

Ron Annear — Fri, 06 Sep 2024 10:54:49 -0300

The 69��ýCross Country Panthers are confident that 2024 could be their breakthrough year as they look to establish themselves among the top programs in the Atlantic University Sport (AUS) conference. They will compete at the Acadia University Invitational in Wolfville, Nova Scotia, on September 7 to kick off their season. The women’s team competes at 12:00 pm and the men’s at 1:00 pm.

“This looks like the season we’ve been waiting for since we rebooted the program in 2019,” said head coach Mike Peterson. “The AUS is deep, but we are at the point where we can compete and challenge for a medal.”

Women’s Team: Depth and star power

The women’s side boasts a talented core of runners, with four athletes consistently posting five-kilometre times in the 17-minute range—a testament of their strength and competitiveness. Leading the charge are two-time all-star Katie Richard, her twin sister Grace, Stefania Angona, and Anna Harris, all of whom have the potential to become AUS all-stars this season.

“The task now is keeping everyone healthy and getting a couple of our five through nine runners to close the gap and add depth to our roster,” Peterson said.

Once she has recovered from an injury, fourth-year runner Ella Jenkins will also figure into the equation, bringing valuable leadership to the squad by setting an example with her work ethic. Meanwhile, newcomer Lila Johnston has already shown promise as a rookie, while second-year runners Mariah Austen and Katie Gautreau have been impressive in workouts, pushing the team’s competitive edge even further.

“We’re confident in the training we put in this summer. Many of us increased our speed and significantly improved our personal bests,” said Grace Richard. “There’s no doubt in my mind that this is the year our team comes home with multiple all-stars and a podium finish at the AUS Championships.”

Men’s Team: Youthful balance and emerging leaders

On the men’s side, the Panthers are young but full of potential as they aim to build on last year’s sixth-place finish. Leading the charge is Jack Roberts, whose experience and consistency will be key throughout the season. However, sophomore Max MacIsaac is coming off a strong rookie campaign and is expected to challenge for the top spot on the roster.

Peterson has been impressed with the development of sophomores Baleyon Wolfe, Jacob Dalton, and Campbell Brown, while third-year runners Benji Dueck and Ryan MacDonald have risen as leaders. Meanwhile, senior Riley Fitzpatrick is rounding into form, motivating the team to push their limits as his 69��ýrunning career winds down.

“This season, we intend to close the gap on the top teams in the AUS,” Dueck said, “We’ve had a strong summer of training, and the focus is on a top four finish as we work toward becoming a podium team.”

Atlantic Veterinary College and the 69��ýmedical school announce joint faculty hire

Heather Howatt — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 16:02:26 -0300

The 69��ý is pleased to announce that Dr. Joseph Gordon has been appointed Professor of Comparative Medicine in the Department of Biomedical Sciences at the 69��ý (UPEI). This position is a joint hire between the Faculty of Medicine and the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC). Dr. Gordon will teach anatomy in the medical school and conduct his research at AVC.

Dr. Gordon brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to his new role. As a faculty member, he held the rank of associate professor at the University of Manitoba. He has over 12 years of experience teaching undergraduate and graduate students in various disciplines. His expertise spans programs such as nursing, kinesiology, biology, health sciences, and the physician assistant program, making him an ideal fit for the interdisciplinary nature of the new medical school teaching facility.

“We are thrilled to have Dr. Gordon as the on-site lead in our anatomy laboratories for the 69��ýregional medical school campus, working hand in hand with Memorial’s Faculty of Medicine team,” said Dr. Preston Smith, Dean of the 69��ýFaculty of Medicine Joint Doctor program. “As a regional campus, we are uniquely positioned to explore a shared faculty model maximizing synergies amongst other faculties across campus, which will create unique collaborative partnerships.”

Dr. Gordon has approximately $1,000,000 in active research funding and will significantly add to UPEI’s research portfolio. His research focuses on regulating mitochondrial function and metabolism during cardiac and skeletal muscle development and remodelling, including obesity, insulin resistance, and diabetic cardiomyopathy. His laboratory utilizes cellular, molecular, and multi-omics approaches in primary and immortalized cells, differentiated human-induced pluripotent stem cells, and conditional knockout mice. Dr. Gordon’s research program, which is funded through the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada, a New Frontiers Research Fund, the Heart and Stroke Foundation of Canada, and Diabetes Canada, holds great promise for advancing the understanding of these critical health issues.

“Dr. Gordon’s joint appointment is a tremendous opportunity for AVC and 69��ýto lead the way in One Health initiatives,” said Dr. Dominique Griffon, Dean of the AVC. “By sharing his knowledge across faculties, he will help to break down silos and foster a more integrated approach to health that benefits both our students and the broader community.”

Dr. Gordon’s passion for and years of experience in teaching and research make him a valuable addition to the 69��ýcommunity. He is also deeply committed to the success of the new medical school in collaboration with Memorial University. This fall, he will reach a significant milestone—25 years of experience teaching anatomy, physiology, pathophysiology, and pharmacology.

SDU Board of Governors makes significant donation to UPEI’s Robertson Library revitalization campaign

Anna MacDonald — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 15:14:59 -0300

The 69��ý is pleased to announce that the Saint Dunstan’s University (SDU) Board of Governors has donated $1,050,000 to the Robertson Library’s $15-million “Love Our Library” revitalization campaign.

In recognition of this generous donation, the high-traffic foyer within the Library will be named in honour of SDU, a predecessor to UPEI.

“The Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors is very pleased to be a major financial contributor to the 69��ýbuilding fund for the expansion and upgrade of the Robertson Library,” said chair Bob Pierce. “In supporting the revitalization of the Robertson Library, we recognize the essential role the facility plays in the education of 69��ýstudents.”

69��ýPresident and Vice-Chancellor Wendy Rodgers expressed the University’s appreciation to the SDU Board of Governors for its generous support of the project.

“We are very grateful to the SDU Board of Governors for this generous donation to our library campaign,” said Rodgers. “The Library is essential to the University, serving everyone—students, faculty, researchers, and the general public. Robertson Library has served our campus well over the years, and now, with support from SDU, we will transform it into an innovative and inclusive hub that will meet the needs of our campus and broader community well into the future.”

Rodgers also thanked the SDU board for its past support of UPEI, saying that its dedication to the University has helped students to excel in their academic and professional lives, providing them with the knowledge and skills they need to be leaders in their communities.

University Librarian Donald Moses echoed Rodgers’ appreciation to the SDU board.

“The Library and the SDU board have worked together to highlight the history and important contributions of SDU, its graduates, and its role as a founding institution of UPEI,” he said. “The SDU board’s investment in the Library further enhances their long-standing role as champions of education on Prince Edward Island. We are very grateful for their ongoing support.”

69��ýlaunched the Robertson Library revitalization campaign on April 26, 2024. Funds raised will be used to support teaching and learning by upgrading existing group and individual study spaces, renovating former storage space to create new study areas, reducing barriers, and creating a more inclusive and accessible environment for users within and beyond the campus community. The Archives and Special Collections area will be expanded and enhanced to preserve the valuable historical documents and artifacts housed within it.

Opened in 1975, the Robertson Library has served the campus community, the province, and a world-wide community of users for almost 50 years. Today, with access to over 1.6 million unique books, 130,000 journals, and 100,000 streaming media, the Library connects the campus to a world of information. The Library is a leader in software development and digitization, providing online access to unique digital collections including the Saint Dunstan’s University collection, “A Decade of Growth: 1954–1964.”

The Library also offers information literacy skills training and unique learning opportunities and provides support for Open Education Resources (OER), reducing barriers to learning and making education more affordable.
69��ýstands on the former campus of SDU, which was operated by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Charlottetown from 1855 to 1969. Since the creation of 69��ýin 1969, SDU has supported the University in numerous ways—from funding multiple student scholarships and awards, program and faculty support, and experiential learning to the Elder-in-Residence program, the food bank, and infrastructure projects such as the Performing Arts Centre and renovations to Main Building and the Dr. Steel Recital Hall. In recognition of SDU’s contributions, Main Building is named SDU Main Building, and the stage in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall is called the SDU Stage.

UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation to hold Open House on September 13

Anna MacDonald — Thu, 05 Sep 2024 12:14:46 -0300

UPEI’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation (CCCCA) in St. Peter’s Bay, PEI, will host a public Open House on September 13, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.

Members of the public are invited to tour the 45,000-square-foot facility, which houses the 69��ýSchool of Climate Change and Adaptation, the 69��ýClimate Lab, the 69��ýClimate Smart Lab, and state-of-the-art research centres of excellence, including the Centre of Excellence in Food Security and Sustainability.

During the event, students will be present to speak about their research on food security, coastal adaptation, and climate change. Researchers will demonstrate how they measure greenhouse gases in soil. And the drones in the CCCCA’s drone port will also be on display.

The CCCCA gives world-class researchers and graduate and undergraduate students access to nearby wetlands, forests, and coastal habitats directly affected by climate change. The facility provides access to high-quality datasets, multidisciplinary research teams, outstanding graduate and postdoctoral fellows, and engaged industry, community, and government partners. It also includes research, innovation, and collaboration space; apartments for senior students and visiting faculty; storage and repair space for equipment and UPEI’s fleet of drones—the largest in Canada; and common areas designed to encourage interaction and integration of research focus areas.

The Centre supports key learning programs, including UPEI’s Bachelor of Science in Applied Climate Change and Adaptation, which prepare students to continue the important work of mitigating the effects of climate change after graduation.