Louis W. MacEachern Market Street recognizes UPEI supporter

UPEI recognized the long-standing support and leadership of Lou MacEachern at a reception today, naming a busy indoor thoroughfare at Don and Marion McDougall Hall in his honour.

Louis W. MacEachern Market Street is located along the full length of the building and connects students to lecture theatres, classrooms and study / breakout rooms in the modern complex that hosts School of Business programming along with a multitude of University events.

MacEachern was born in Hazel Grove, PEI and studied at both St. Dunstan's University and Prince of Wales College, UPEI predecessor institutions. He is also a graduate of Dalhousie University. Part of the reason for giving back so much to UPEI is because he realized the necessity of an education early in life and attributes much of his success as an entrepreneur to his investment in his own schooling.

'I moved to Calgary the first time in 1952 after I quit school in Grade 7 to work,' said MacEachern. 'I soon recognized that I needed to further my education and returned to the Island to do so. I am pleased to be able support students who also realize that a university education is so valuable and will lead to their own success.'

Students, staff and faculty, alumni, and members of the Board of Governors joined Mr. MacEachern to celebrate his contributions to the University.

Alicia Bremner, a Lou MacEachern Bursary Recipient (2005) and a current member of the UPEI Board of Governors, said, 'This bursary not only helped me financially, but it gave me a sense of duty because not only was I working to earn my business degree for myself, but also for Mr. MacEachern as he believed in me.'

'You not only help shape the University of Prince Edward Island, but also those who carry its valuable education beyond this campus,' Bremner added. 'On behalf of all the students you have helped, Mr. MacEachern, a heartfelt thank you.'

MacEachern's contributions have been both financial and service-oriented - he served three terms on the UPEI Board of Governors from 2003-2009 and is a leading supporter of the Calgary Friends of UPEI Fund that assists students from Alberta and PEI attend UPEI. One of the scholarships the fund offers is named in honour of Lou MacEachern.

UPEI President, Wade MacLauchlan, and Dean of Business, Dr. Roberta MacDonald, helped unveil a plaque dedicating Louis W. MacEachern Market Street and thanked MacEachern for his support throughout the years.