UPEI's President Abd-El-Aziz receives Senate 150 Medal
The Honourable Brian Francis, Senator for Prince Edward Island, presented Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor, with the Senate of Canada Sesquicentennial Medal on April 26 at a ceremony hosted by the Honourable Antoinette Perry, Lieutenant Governor of Prince Edward Island at Government House. Senator Francis also presented medals to Shirley Affleck, Deana Beaton, Stephen Cousins, Lennie Gallant, Susan Keizer, James MacAulay, Tara MacLean, Kathy O’Rourke, Julie Pellissier-Lush, and Dr. D.I. Stewart.
Senator Francis said, “I am delighted to be able to recognize outstanding individuals who, through hard work and determination, have made a profound difference on the lives of others and in the community. Their contributions are a testament to the kindness and generosity that permeates in our province and country.”
The medals, which are struck by the Royal Canadian Mint, commemorate the first time senators came to Ottawa to sit in Parliament, on November 6, 1867. Each Senator was provided with 12 medals to award to individuals who have helped make their communities a better place to live. The medal features the Senate’s emblem on one side and the Senate Chamber, along with the recipient’s name, on the other.
President Abd-El-Aziz was nominated by Senator Francis on the recommendation of colleagues from UPEI. Since assuming his role in 2011, he has championed a highly collaborative strategic-planning process, guiding the University in the development of future-focused, industry- and community-linked programming that that teaches skills in increasingly experiential ways. President Abd-El-Aziz is committed to increasing the awareness and knowledge of the histories, cultures, and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples in Canada on campus, and continues to encourage initiatives on the journey into reconciliation.
Under the President’s leadership, UPEI’s student body has increased by 16 per cent between 2014 and 2019, and its number of international students has grown to 26 per cent of total enrolment. He has demonstrated that a UPEI education can be used as a model around the world, instilling the Canadian values of respect and equality in students, as they become global citizens.
Congratulations, President Abd-El-Aziz!
