Over $3 million raised for UPEI’s Alexander Bradshaw Campbell Entrance Scholarships

A group of dedicated volunteers, led by UPEI Chancellor Catherine Callbeck and businessman and philanthropist John Bragg, has raised over $3 million to fund the Alexander Bradshaw Campbell Entrance Scholarships for PEI high school graduates entering their first year at UPEI.

The scholarships were created to honour the Honourable Alex Campbell, premier of Prince Edward Island from 1966 to 1978, and the driving force behind the creation of the University of Prince Edward Island in 1969. The group raised the funds in three years, and the first scholarships were awarded to first-year students in the fall of 2020.

“Our initial plan was to raise $1 million,” said Callbeck at a celebratory event held on the campus recently, “and I am pleased to report that we have exceeded this goal by raising over $3 million. By the beginning of the 2022–2023 academic year, the University will have granted nearly 150 Alexander Bradshaw Campbell Entrance Scholarships since 2020.”

Callbeck said that Campbell was a visionary of his time, noting that he was “the man who got me into politics.”

“The Campbell government introduced the Comprehensive Development Plan ...... a 15-year federal provincial agreement that became the boldest and most ambitious effort ever undertaken to strengthen the economy, make the province more self-reliant, and improve the quality of life for all Islanders. One of his crowning achievements was the creation of the University of Prince Edward Island.”

Bragg noted that Campbell’s leadership resulted in a postsecondary institution that has grown beyond all expectations and withstood the test of time.

“Of all of your [Campbell’s] accomplishments, none exceeds the founding of this University,” he said. “The benefits it leaves on generations of students, especially those from PEI, will be to your credit forever. And for this, we are truly thankful.”

Callbeck and Bragg thanked the donors who contributed to the scholarships and the members of the working group—Fred Hyndman, Judy Bragg, Joe Spriet, Jo-Anne Schurman, Don McDougall, Anne Smith, and staff of the UPEI Development and Engagement department—for their work to raise the funds.

Dr. Greg Keefe, interim president and vice-chancellor of UPEI, also thanked the working group and the donors for their support.

“These entrance awards are pivotal in helping the University to reduce the barriers for Prince Edward Island high school students who have high academic standing, wish to pursue a post-secondary education, and are in need of financial support,” he said.

Noah Poirier, a third-year student in actuarial science, and Sydney Powers, who is studying for her Bachelor of Science in psychology degree, expressed their gratitude for the support they received through the scholarships.

Poirier said that receiving an Alexander Bradshaw Campbell Entrance Scholarship in his first year meant that he could focus on building his university career instead of worrying about his finances. 

“Being a recipient of this scholarship influenced my university experience in a positive way. It has allowed me to reach my full potential and set myself up for success.” 

Powers noted that the scholarships are a wonderful help to students with living expenses, but they do more than that.

“Scholarships like these give students confidence in their work,” she said. “When you receive a scholarship…you know that your hard work is recognized, and you are reassured that it does pay off in the end.”

The guest of honour, Alex Campbell, concluded the event, praising the working group and the donors for their contributions to the scholarship fund. 

“The benefits of the scholarships are far-reaching as hundreds and, in time, thousands of recipients will take up their studies at the University of Prince Edward Island and one day take their place in our community. As donors, you have given the gift that keeps on giving. In doing so, you not only have honoured my name and legacy, but more importantly, you have provided each recipient a passport to their dreams, to their aspirations, and to their career options, and for that, I say to you, ‘thank you, thank you, thank you.’”