President's Message: Season's Greetings
Below is a message from President Abd-El-Aziz that was issued to the campus community.
Dear members of the University community,
With the first semester already behind us and winter on our doorstep, we can now reflect on the past year and prepare to usher in 2016.
I hope that the entire campus community had a wonderful first half of the academic year, full of personal and professional advancement. I am confident that everyone is looking forward to a well-deserved break.
Looking back, our first semester was a successful one. Our students, faculty, and staff were recognized for their academic, athletic, and community achievements. We saw improved first-year retention rates; growth in international, domestic, and graduate student enrolment; and even a new program approved. While these are great gains to be celebrated, we are always striving to do better. I look forward to continuing these efforts in the New Year and beyond.
Every year, the pace of life in general seems to increase. We communicate faster, witness incredible technological advances, and continue pursuing success in everything we do. The holidays are a window to pause, even if briefly, and relax. We have had some moments to gather as colleagues at various socials on campus throughout December, and now it is time to enjoy time with family and friends.
Whether you are here on the Island or travelling elsewhere, let us not forget those less fortunate this holiday season. Find a moment to give back to your community and assist those who might need it. I thank everyone who contributed to our collection at the President’s Holiday Social for the UPEI Food Bank, and applaud those who volunteered at various “study relief breaks” across campus or at the Chaplaincy Centre's Annual Chili Lunch where over 800 students were served a warm meal.
I wish everyone a peaceful and joyous holiday season, and I hope to see you at our annual New Year’s Day Levee to kick off a prosperous, healthy, and happy 2016.
Let’s continue working together, to advance our shared objectives and support student success.
Merry Christmas, Happy Hanukkah, Joyous Kwanzaa, Blessed Eid, Happy Holidays, Happy New Year—Season’s Greetings!
Best wishes,
Alaa
Dr. Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz
President and Vice-Chancellor
University of Prince Edward Island
