The University of Prince Edward Island honoured three individuals last week who have contributed to the University in an exceptional way. Over 100 people attended the 13th annual Recognition of Founders ceremony to show their respect and appreciation and to honour UPEI's rich heritage and traditions.
The 2012 founders are Ms. Heather Love, Mr. Don MacCormac, and Dr. Lawrence (Larry) Heider, recipient of The Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award, which pays tribute to individuals who have had a significant and positive impact on the Atlantic Veterinary College.
'The Recognition of Founders ceremony is one of the most exciting events at our institution where we take time to honour tradition by recognizing the pioneers who have helped shape the University,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'Our founders are those who have contributed to UPEI, 'daring to dream' each in their own way, offering their wisdom and experience so that we can be prepared for the future.'
An academic procession opened the ceremony and was led by mace bearer Kate VanGerven, UPEI Student Union president. UPEI Board of Governors chair Tom Cullen acted as the master of ceremonies, while University chaplain Sister Sue Kidd provided the invocation, with Abd-El-Aziz delivering the welcoming remarks. Citations were read for Love, MacCormac, and Heider by VanGerven, Christie Love, a business co-op student, and Dr. Tim Ogilvie, respectively. A reception followed the award presentations in W.A. Murphy Student Centre's McMillan Hall.
About the Founders
Ms. Heather Love is originally from Newfoundland but moved to Prince Edward Island with her family as a teenager. Heather attended UPEI where she received her Bachelor of Business Administration.
In 1982, she took on the role of general manager at UPEI's Student Union, a position she held for 30 years. One of her fondest memories of UPEI was in 2002, when the W.A. Murphy Student Centre opened its doors. Heather remembers the close to 15 years of planning and development involved in making the building a reality. She was committed to developing a sense of community for students at UPEI, outside of the classroom, and aimed to foster a community connection for students.
Mr. Don MacCormac a native of Albany, PEI, is a Certified Human Resource Professional (CHRP), and holds an MBA from Queen's University, and a Bachelor of Commerce from St. Dunstan's University. He began his career at UPEI as a sessional instructor in 1973, and in 1994, joined the faculty at the School of Business on a full-time basis. Don established UPEI's Co-operative Education program and the joint certificate in Human Resource Management, which set a precedent for articulation agreements in Atlantic Canada. Don retired from the University in 2010.
Don has vast experience in both the public and private sectors, including executive experience in policy development, program management, human resource management, labour relations, and training. He was chair of the PEI Civil Service Commission for 12 years, served as an arbitrator and consultant, and chaired a ministerial review committee on PEI occupational health and safety.
Dr. Lawrence Heider was dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College from 1991-98, and during his tenure, led the AVC and UPEI into significant growth and change through the establishment of a PhD program. In 1998, Larry was appointed acting president of the University. During his year-long term, he was instrumental in having the provincial University Act changed to expand graduate studies at UPEI.
After retiring from UPEI in 1999, he served as executive director of the American Association of Veterinary Medical Colleges from 2002 to 2007, and in 2010, was presented with a prestigious award for leadership in public policy for advancing veterinary medical education.
Dr. Heider is a dedicated supported of UPEI and the AVC-his son and daughter-in-law both received their veterinary medicine education at AVC and graduated in 1999. He is passionate about veterinary medicine and education, and continues to show his commitment through the annual Dr. Lawrence E. Heider Leadership Award.
To view video interviews with the 2012 Founders, click here.
