UPEI celebrates its heritage and evolution on Founders’ Day September 26
As part of its annual Homecoming Week, the University of Prince Edward Island will host its ninth annual Founders’ Day ceremonies on Friday, September 26, focusing on the heritage and evolution of the historic campus and some of the people who have played key roles in that process.
“Founders’ Day is a great opportunity for alumni and the general public to see the many wonderful enhancements that we have made to our beautiful campus,” says UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. “We encourage everyone to join in our Founders’ Day celebrations and to take part in our full slate of exciting and fun-filled Homecoming Weekend activities.”
The celebration begins at 1 p.m. with the dedication of three new plazas that have been created in the newly refurbished Main Quadrangle to promote social interaction. The plazas will be named in honour of the first three presidents of the university: Dr. Ronald J. Baker, Dr. Peter M. Meincke and the late Dr. C.W.J. Eliot.
In keeping with the historic architecture of the Quadrangle, the pathways have been rebuilt with cobblestone-style pavers, and new heritage-style light fixtures and benches have been added. The Quad is more user-friendly, welcoming, and safe for the campus community and for visitors.
At 3 p.m. two former UPEI staff members will be honoured as Founders of UPEI during a ceremony on the front steps of historic Main Building. They are Gilbert “Buddy” Quinn, who co-ordinated the work of UPEI’s Physical Plant and was later UPEI’s purchasing agent until his retirement in 1994, and Sheila Winters, the “go to” person in the Physical Plant who retired in 1998.
During the ceremony, the late Dr. Dennis Howell, former dean of the Ontario Veterinary College, will be honoured posthumously with a 2008 Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award. Jean MacDonald, Dr. Howell’s long-time administrative assistant, will also receive a Green Hat award. This prestigious award was established in 2000 to pay tribute to individuals who have had a significant and positive impact on the Atlantic Veterinary College and veterinary medicine in Atlantic Canada.
The Rev. Gail Hopkirk (UPEI’81) will give the invocation, and UPEI Chaplain Father Charlie Cheverie will be the guest speaker. Music will be provided by the Charlottetown Rural Jazz Ensemble. A reception will follow in the Schurman Market Square in the recently named Don and Marion McDougall Hall. Everyone is invited to attend.
In case of inclement weather, the plaza dedications and the Founders’ Day ceremony will be held in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall.
Founders’ Day serves to build a sense of UPEI heritage and traditions, acknowledge as Founders people who have contributed in an exceptional way to the University, and inculcate a sense of UPEI heritage and community among incoming and returning students.
