Bill and Denise Andrew continue their support of UPEI

University of Prince Edward Island Chancellor Bill Andrew and his wife, Denise (Klarenbach) Andrew, visited campus June 20 to announce their donation of $750,000 for the UPEI School of Nursing/Family and Nutritional Sciences building capital campaign and to meet with students, faculty, and staff who have benefitted from their generosity to UPEI.

In appreciation of this new and generous gift commitment from the Andrews, the University will name the atrium within its new School of Nursing the 'Denise (Klarenbach) Andrew Atrium.'

This two-storey space will serve as the main entrance to the School of Nursing and Department of Family and Nutritional Sciences where it will be a prime gathering space for students to mingle and study. The Denise (Klarenbach) Andrew Atrium will also display a portrait by nursing alumna, humanitarian, and artist, Laura Archer, and become a site for community events and exhibitions.

'Through the Andrews' gift to the School of Nursing and Family and Nutritional Sciences capital campaign, we are able to provide our students and faculty with a first-class teaching and learning environment that prepares them for professional careers and challenges them to be lifelong learners, excellent researchers, and leaders in their communities,' said UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. 'For this outstanding contribution and the numerous ways they have supported UPEI so generously, we sincerely thank Denise and Bill.'

The Andrews are great believers in young people and see significant benefit in providing them with the means to better their lives. They have contributed to numerous UPEI initiatives including scholarships, capital, research, programming, teaching equipment, and athletics, with their philanthropic commitment to the University totaling more than $3 million.

'Both Denise and I are happy to be a modest part of the progress at UPEI through our ability to contribute to ongoing programs, scholarships, and capital,' said Chancellor Andrew. 'I have seen so many positive changes since I first set foot on campus in 1969 and, while the historical feel has been preserved and the same spirit is evident, our facilities are so improved- allowing for better learning and teaching.'

Andrew added, 'The most important institution is a provincial university, and it is an honour for Denise and me to help UPEI's fundamental programs through capital gifts including this one to the School of Nursing and Family and Nutritional Sciences campaign.'

Bill Andrew is the chief executive officer of Penn West Petroleum Ltd. in Calgary. He received his diploma in engineering from UPEI in 1973 and became Chancellor of the University in 2005. Denise Andrew has been a constant supporter in this role, and takes an avid interest in the activities and success of UPEI.

After the informal reception with the campus community-including students and faculty who will use the new facility-the Andrews toured the building which is still under construction. Completion is expected by the end of this year.