The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain announces significant gift to UPEI

The Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain was at the University of Prince Edward Island today to announce a $3-million gift. UPEI is recognizing this generous gift from Margaret and the late Wallace McCain through the naming of the Margaret and Wallace McCain Chair in Human Development and Health.

The inaugural Chair in Human Development and Health, Dr. William Montelpare, will direct his research toward issues in public health and exercise science, with specific focus on injury prevention in sport and recreational pursuits, including concussions as well as promoting daily quality physical activity, balanced energy consumption, and tobacco exposure avoidance.

'Wallace was proud to have made this donation and I am proud to be here today to announce it,' said McCain. 'I have had the privilege of meeting Dr. Montelpare, and I share the University's confidence in his research and teaching in the field of human development, which I know will benefit not only UPEI, but all those who live in this wonderful province.'

'I am thankful for the opportunity to take up this position as the Margaret and Wallace McCain Chair in Human Development and Health,' said Montelpare. 'This is an exciting time of research momentum at UPEI, and I'm proud to be a part of it.'

The McCains' gift supports human development and health research, a component of the University's research cluster. This support recognizes the growth and innovation that UPEI stands for, and the contribution to research and excellence that has become synonymous with UPEI.

'I am delighted to be a part of this special announcement and on behalf of the University, I am thankful to Mrs. McCain and her late husband Wallace for their generous gift to support UPEI research,' said UPEI President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'Through this donation and the creation of this new research chair, the McCain family continues to invest in young children and their families which will have an impact on PEI and well beyond Island shores.'

A portion of the gift is in the form of a planned gift. Margaret and Wallace McCain join over 70 members of the UPEI Visionary Society (for planned giving) and are part of the UPEI Lifetime Honour Roll which recognizes donors with cumulative giving over $1 million.

Learn more about UPEI's Visionary Society (for planned giving) here

Read more about Dr. Montelpare's research here