$50,000 in new scholarships awarded to UPEI graduate students
Four UPEI graduate students have each received a Dr. J. Regis Duffy Graduate Scholarship in Science, valued at $12,500. The new scholarships have been established by scientist and entrepreneur, Dr. J. Regis Duffy, who has a long-time connection to UPEI as an alumnus, faculty member, and former chair of the Board of Governors.
'The establishment of this prestigious new graduate scholarship through Dr. Duffy's generosity makes a significant contribution to the support and recognition of graduate students at UPEI, and will have a positive impact on the recruitment and funding of graduate students in the Faculties of Science and Veterinary Medicine,' says Dr. Brian Wagner, Assistant VP of Graduate Studies at UPEI.
The scholarship winners are Michelle MacPhee, Master of Science in the Department of Biomedical Sciences; Adam Proud, Master of Science in the Department of Chemistry; Mark Robbins, who is entering the Master of Science program in the Department of Biology; and Tyler Pickering, Master of Science in the Department of Biology.
Beginning this year, and continuing for a four-year period, four Dr. J. Regis Duffy Graduate Scholarships in Science will be awarded to graduate students who have demonstrated excellence and are pursuing an MVSc, MSc, or PhD in any area of science at UPEI. They will be selected based on academic record, professional contributions, and demonstrated ability in their area of study.
Dr. Regis Duffy's connections to UPEI date back more than 60 years. He earned a BA from St. Dunstan's University in 1953. After graduating with a PhD in chemistry from Fordham University in 1962, he joined the chemistry department at SDU. In 1969, he became the first Dean of Science at the newly-formed UPEI. He later established Diagnostic Chemicals Ltd., a major manufacturer of fine research chemicals, enzymes, and analytical systems for blood analysis, and Biovectra Inc., which manufactures and markets more than 400 products for the biopharmaceutical and nutraceutical industries.
In addition to supporting UPEI through his considerable philanthropic commitment, Dr. Duffy chaired the UPEI Board of Governors for 10 years, retiring in 2006. He was awarded the title of Chair Emeritus in 2007.
