Former UPEI President honoured with Diamond Jubilee Medal

Dr. Peter Meincke, former UPEI president from 1978-1985, was recently among the first 60 recipients recognized with a Queen Elizabeth II Diamond Jubilee Medal during the inaugural presentation ceremony on February 6, at Rideau Hall, in Ottawa.

Recipients of this prestigious award are said to have made Canada a better place, and have called on others to also act out of goodwill. The commemorative medal will be presented to 60,000 deserving Canadians throughout the year, to celebrate their significant contributions and success, as well as to recognize them for their dedication and service to our country.

Meincke was recognized specifically for his 'commitment and expertise in promoting the technological innovations necessary for sustainable development worldwide.'

During Meincke's time at UPEI, he took it upon himself to increase awareness and understanding of the crucial role that technology plays in our daily lives, and to discover how society can best encourage these innovations, which are necessary for sustainable development. Specifically, in 1992, Meincke created the Small Islands Information Network for UPEI's Institute of Island Studies, to provide an opportunity for small islands to build a viral infrastructure to support their sustainable development.

The awards presentation marked the 60th anniversary of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II's accession to the Throne as Queen of Canada.