Abd-El-Aziz installed as UPEI’s sixth president
‘Celebrate' was the theme all across the University of Prince Edward Island campus this weekend with a myriad of varsity games, open houses and community-partnered events, and certainly was the prevailing feeling at the installation of Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz where he became UPEI's sixth president and vice-chancellor.
Open to the public, the installation ceremony took place Saturday afternoon at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre and featured a perfect combination of pomp and ceremony along with spontaneity. Mace bearers, Brett Cheverie and Janessa Hogan, Class of 2015 and recipients of ‘The Most Spirited First Years Award' at New Student Orientation week, led the procession which included Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island, the Honourable Frank Lewis; UPEI faculty, staff, and students; honorary degree recipients; and representatives from universities across the country. Well-noted former Canadian politician, Dr. Lloyd Axworthy, president of the University of Winnipeg and Abd-El-Aziz' former colleague, was also in attendance.
Abd-El-Aziz was presented to the over 300 people attending by Board of Governors Chair Fred E. Hyndman and was led through his oath of office by Chancellor Bill Andrew. Andrew then gave the accomplished chemist and fellow of the Chemical Institute of Canada his robes of office.
In his first address as president, Abd-El-Aziz said, 'We have many strengths to build upon that I believe can shape our identity as a destination university: outstanding facilities and quality programs, an intimate teaching and learning environment that is strongly connected to local and global communities, research excellence, and a supportive community. We will become a destination university-a university of choice for Islanders, and people around the world. I am committed to making this happen!'
The ceremony featured music by the Confederation Centre Youth Chorus, directed by Donald Fraser; the UPEI Wind Symphony conducted by Dr. Karem Simon; and the UPEI Concert Choir, directed by Sung Ha Shin-Bouey.
Following the installation address, the UPEI Wind Symphony performed the fitting Gandalf, from Symphony No. 1 'Lord of the Rings.' This movement is a musical portrait of the noble wizard Gandalf, one of the principal characters of the trilogy. Next, UPEI Theatre Studies students were guided through a dramatic performance by Dr. Greg Doran called Convocation 2020, where they acted as graduates of the 2020 class and read, sequentially, what the valedictorian address might be nine years into the future.
After the performance, President Abd-El-Aziz did some impromptu musing of his own, spending a few moments as if it was 2020 and he was looking back in time. He then performed his first official duty-to recognize the 2011 Founders, Dr. Margaret Munro and Mr. Frank Zakem, and the recipient of the Atlantic Veterinary College's Honourable Eugene F. Whalen Green Hat Award, Mr. Mel Gallant.
The recognition of founders is one way that UPEI honours its rich heritage and traditions by acknowledging people who have contributed to it in an exceptional way. This year was the twelfth annual tribute to founders at UPEI with students Karen Biggar, Emma McPhail, and Sadie Griffin reading citations for each founder.
Abd-El-Aziz said, 'I am so honoured to have my installation included with the recognition of our Founders, Dr. Munro, Mr. Zakem, and Mr. Gallant. Allowing me to pay tribute to them will be the most significant mark on my memories of this day.'
An uplifting performance, which had people clapping along, followed from the UPEI Concert Choir who performed selections from Freedom Trilogy. The event was capped off with O Canada and a reception where President Abd-El-Aziz mingled with the audience.
Former UPEI professor Dr. Lawson Drake summed up the afternoon's festivities, 'The ceremony was a wonderful blend of formality and informality, and recognition of our past while looking ahead to the future. It was lovely to see past, present, and future students as part of the program. I look forward to writing former colleagues who couldn't attend today to let them know what a fantastic day it was for UPEI.''
