UPEI honours 2022 Founders during ceremony on December 19
The University of Prince Edward Island held its 21st Recognition of Founders ceremony on Monday, December 19, 2022, in The McCain Foundation Learning Commons, Atlantic Veterinary College, to acknowledge those who have contributed to the University in a significant way.
Recognized as 2022 Founders during the ceremony were Dr. Douglas Dahn, professor of physics; Cathy Gillan, first alumni officer and founding director of UPEI’s work-integrated learning and experiential education initiative; and Dr. Timothy Ogilvie, professor emeritus and former dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College. All three have retired from the University.
After the official party entered the learning commons, music students Hannah Aitken and Sadie Ghiz sang O Canada. Sister Sue Kidd, University chaplain, delivered the invocation, and Dr. Greg Keefe, interim president and vice-chancellor, delivered welcome remarks. Adam MacKenzie, president of the UPEI Student Union, brought greetings from the organization. Dr. The citations were read by former colleagues of the recipients: Dr. William Whelan for Dr. Dahn, Megan MacLean for Cathy Gillian, and Dr. John VanLeeuwen for Dr. Ogilvie. A reception was held immediately following the ceremony.
About the Founders:
Dr. Douglas Dahn
From the time of his arrival at UPEI in 1990, Dr. Dahn played an instrumental role in creating a new era of education, research, and service at the University. Dr. Dahn was a faculty member in the Department of Physics until he retired in May 2022 after a 32-year career made notable by his contributions as an outstanding teacher, researcher, and colleague. His service contributions to UPEI include service on more than 30 department, faculty, and University level committees. Most notable among them is his 16 years of service on the UPEI Senate—half of his university career. Over his career, he served seven terms on the UPEI Senate, starting in 1991—only one year after he joined the University. He was instrumental in developing UPEI’s first physics honours and minor programs, and in the development of the articulated Bachelor of Applied Science degree in radiography. Dr. Dahn was the recipient of a Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Teaching in 2014 for restructuring first-year physics courses and developing a series of new first-year physics labs. Click here to read the complete citation.
Ms. Cathy Gillan
Ms. Gillan began her career at UPEI in the 1980s as the University’s first alumni officer and ended with her retirement in 2020 as the director of Work-Integrated Learning and the English Language Centre. Over the course of 30-plus years of service, Ms. Gillan’s leadership, focus on students, and eye for opportunity supported the building of UPEI’s reputation internationally and domestically, as well as students’ ability to achieve their goals. Recognizing that international students needed support to improve their English skills, she established the English Academic Preparation (EAP) program, which has been crucial to supporting international student growth at UPEI by allowing them to improve their English language skills before moving into their full-time studies here. She also led the establishment of the English Language Centre, the creation of the Buddy and Homestay programs, and the development of countless international partnerships and relationships that bring students to UPEI for customized English language programs. Click here to read the complete citation.
Dr. Timothy Ogilvie
Dr. Ogilvie is a highly regarded veterinarian, dedicated professor, innovative researcher, skilled administrator, and visionary leader. He joined the Atlantic Veterinary College as a founding faculty member in 1985 and served in several leadership roles. In 1999, he became the fourth dean of AVC and served in this role until 2008. Dr. Ogilvie accomplished much during his 30-year tenure at AVC, one of the greatest highlights of which was the creation of the Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp program. Since the program began in 1999, almost 4,500 junior high and high school campers—from Canada, the United States, and all over the world—have come to the Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp, eager to learn about veterinary medicine. Through the program, campers explore veterinary medicine with the guidance of AVC faculty, staff, students, and other experts. Dr. Ogilvie now is professor emeritus at AVC and continues to play a role in the vet camp program by participating in the opening ceremonies. Click here to read the complete citation.
