The University of Prince Edward Island congratulates Chief Brian Francis of Rocky Point, PEI, on being appointed to the Senate of Canada. He is filling a PEI seat that has been vacant since the Honourable Libbe Hubley retired from the Senate in September 2017 and will be sworn in on Tuesday, October 16 in Ottawa.

A graduate of UPEI’s Certificate in Conflict Resolution Studies program, Senator-Elect Francis holds a Bachelor of Social Work from Dalhousie University and most recently served more than 11 years as Chief of the Abegweit First Nation. He is a formal signatory to the Canada–Prince Edward Island–Mi’kmaq Partnership, and is an executive member of the Fathers of Confederation Building Trust.

“I was so excited to hear that Chief Francis was recommended for appointment to the Senate of Canada, and, on behalf of the University of Prince Edward Island, I extend my sincere congratulations to this great leader,” said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor. “This is wonderful and historic news for Indigenous Peoples, Prince Edward Islanders, and Canadians, and I am honoured to count him as a colleague and advisor.”

In 2016, Chief Francis was recognized by the University of Prince Edward Island as a Founder on behalf of the Indigenous Peoples of Prince Edward Island. He also serves on the President’s Indigenous Advisory Council.

Congratulations, Chief Francis!
 

The next writer in the Winter’s Tales Author Reading Series is a bright new star in Canada’s literary sky. A multi-talented artist, Christine Higdon is a graphic designer and rug hooker, as well as writer and editor. She will give a public reading from her debut novel, The Very Marrow of Our Bones, on Tuesday, October 30, at 7:30 pm in the Faculty Lounge of UPEI’s SDU Main Building.

Higdon describes herself as “A sister. A mother. A feminist. Daughter of a Newfoundlander and a British Columbian, I grew up surveying the world from the tops of trees near the Fraser River Delta. I learned design from my mother’s clothesline and my father’s garden. Winnie-the-Pooh and Stuart Little made me want to write.”

Now living in Mimico, near Toronto, she reconnects with her Atlantic Ocean heritage by visiting Nova Scotia. “When I am not writing, designing, or editing...I hook rugs, worry about the bees, and long for either ocean.” Speaking of what formed her, she says, “The Pacific Ocean taught me reverence. A nation of dedicated women and men taught me about social justice.”

As The Very Marrow of Our Bones opens in November 1967, two women, Bette Parson and Alice McFee, vanish without a trace from a working-class town on the Fraser River. Even the egg seller, Doris Tenpenny, whom everyone tells their secrets, hears nothing. Ten-year-old Lulu Parsons finds a note her mother left her father on the kitchen table. Lulu tells no one and buries the note in the woods. For the next forty years Lulu chooses solitude and detachment. But as novelist William Faulkner said, “The past is never dead. It’s not even past.” At age fifty, joined with Doris Tenpenny by odd circumstances, Lulu faces more than her own secret.

Higdon’s reading, with a reception and book signing, is sponsored by the UPEI Dean of Arts and Department of English, with generous support from The Canada Council for the Arts.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The UPEI Board of Governors approved several major policies at its October 4, 2018 meeting.

In a message issued to students, faculty, and staff, Vice-President Administration and Finance Jackie Podger wrote,  “I sincerely thank the many faculty, staff, and students who contributed to the development of, or revisions to, these important policies.”

One of the new policies is the Alcohol and Drug Policy, which was developed in concert with revisions to the former Tobacco-Free Policy, now called the Smoke-Free Campus Policy.  Both are based on the University’s commitment to providing a safe, healthy workplace and learning environment for members of the campus community and visitors. They incorporate language to reflect the legalization of cannabis in Canada.

Another new policy is the Service Animal Policy. The policy was created to provide guidelines around the growing presence of service animals on University-owned or operated premises. The policy states that the UPEI encourages the full participation of campus community members in all aspects of university life and strives to ensure fair and consistent treatment and access.

As a result of a partnership with the UPEI Student Union, UPEI established the Cross-Campus Sexual Violence Prevention and Response Task Force in 2017 to build on previous protocols and develop a formal, stand-alone policy on sexual violence prevention and response. The Sexual Violence Policy is now in place and UPEI has hired its first Sexual Violence Response and Education Coordinator, Eileen Conboy. Her office is located on the third floor of Kelley Memorial Building and she can be reached at 902-620-5090 and econboy@upei.ca.

UPEI Board-approved policies can be viewed at upei.ca/policy

Dr. David Mowat will present a public lecture at UPEI in advance of his keynote presentation at the 2018 PEI Health Promotion Conference. The lecture will be held at 7:00 pm on Monday, October 22 in UPEI Health Sciences Building (Room #104). The lecture is free and is presented by the UPEI Faculty of Nursing, in partnership with the PEI Department of Health and Wellness Chief Public Health Office. All are welcome!

Childhood and youth is a time for growth and development; it is also when the foundation is laid for health later in life. Dr. Mowat will look at some of the health challenges facing families and will argue society needs to move “upstream” in preventing disease. Only action on how we live, work, and play has the potential to impact the prevalence of many diseases at the population level. Dr. Mowat will provide practical examples, including healthy eating and physical activity interventions.

Dr. David Mowat is a public health physician whose career has spanned positions at the local, provincial, and national levels. He has a particular interest in the prevention of chronic disease through action at the population level, especially policy change and developing healthy environments, including the built environment.

In Ontario, Dr. Mowat served as Medical Officer of Health for Peel Region and for Kingston and area and served two terms as Chief Medical Officer of Health. He was also Deputy Chief Public Health Officer at the Public Health Agency of Canada and has worked for the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador for the Canadian Partnership against Cancer.

Dr. Mowat received his medical training at the University of Edinburgh and a Master’s degree in public health from the University of California at Berkeley. He is also a fellow in public health and preventive medicine of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Dr. Mowat is now engaged part-time in consulting and teaching.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

The next concert in the UPEI Department of Music Recital Series will feature mezzo soprano Julie Nesrallah, accompanied by Robert Kortgaard on piano. The performance is Thursday, November 1 at 7:30 pm in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall of UPEI’s Steel Building. Tickets are $30 for adults, $20 for students and are available at https://www.brownpapertickets.com/profile/573446, by calling (902)-566-0507 or emailing music@upei.ca.

Julie Nesrallah is a sensational singer, actress, and broadcaster captivating audiences with her engaging personality and her rich, expressive voice. She is regularly engaged by leading opera companies, symphonies, festivals, and chamber music ensembles across North America and around the world.

Nesrallah is a proud recipient of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee Medal for her cultural contribution to Canada as a singer and as the host of CBC Radio 2’s national classical music program Tempo.

She sang God Save the Queen in the presence of the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge during Canada Day festivities in Ottawa on Parliament Hill in a performance that was viewed by millions of people around the world, and has graced the stage of Kurt Weill Hall at Carnegie Hall with classical harpist and Juno nominee, Caroline Léonardelli.

Nesrallah is the executive producer and star of Carmen on Tap, a company she created that performs Georges Bizet’s opera Carmen as dinner theatre. Carmen on Tap has thrilled audiences at the Stratford Music Festival, the Prince Edward County Music Festival, the Hamilton Arts Crawl, the Ottawa International Music Festival, Lula Lounge in Toronto, and the Velvet Room in Ottawa.

She has made several recordings, including Elements Eternal with Canada’s illustrious Gryphon Trio, Noël Nouvelet and Sospiro with Caroline Léonardelli.

Pianist Robert Kortgaard was born in Regina, Saskatchewan and grew up in Calgary, Alberta. He completed his Bachelor and Master’s degrees at the Juilliard School in New York City. As a recipient of arts awards from the Canada Council, he furthered his musical studies in Italy and England. Kortgaard has performed as a soloist with major Canadian orchestras and has given recitals throughout Canada and the United States, as well as in England, Finland, Portugal, Italy, Indonesia, the Czech Republic, China and Japan.

He is a favourite collaborator of many of Canada’s finest instrumental soloists, vocalists, and chamber groups. His performances are frequently heard on CBC Radio, and he has recorded for the Centrediscs, Marquis Classics/EMI, CBC Records, Teldec and ATMA Classique labels.

Kortgaard is artistic director of the Indian River Festival on Prince Edward Island (nominated “Event of the Year” by the East Coast Music Awards), and the Leith Summer Music Festival in Ontario. He was musician-in-residence at the University of New Brunswick from 1993–1998, and has given piano master classes at universities and festivals in Canada, Indonesia, and China, also serving as an adjudicator at many national music competitions. He has performed with sopranos Isabel Bayrakdarian, Sumi Jo, Jane Archibald, Adrianne Pieczonka and Erin Wall, mezzo soprano Susan Platts, violinist Joshua Bell, and with prima ballerina Veronica Tennant on a production entitled Invitation to the Dance. He has recorded French and German Cabaret programmes with mezzo-soprano Jean Stilwell for CBC Records.

His CD with soprano Wendy Nielsen was nominated for both Juno and East Coast Music Awards. Kortgaard tours with flutist Susan Hoeppner, cabaret artist Patricia O’Callaghan. baritone Brett Polegato, mezzo soprano Julie Nesrallah, renowned music theatre actress/singer Rebecca Caine and with piano duo partner Peter Tiefenbach. A CD of the music of Olivier Messiaen, recorded with soprano Suzie LeBlanc, was released on the ATMA Classiques label and has received an Opus Award for best recording of 20th century music.

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

UPEI’s School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences sent a team of 29 students and six faculty members to the 2018 Conference for Mathematics, Statistics and Computer Science. The conference was held this past weekend in Moncton and was sponsored by Science Atlantic, the Atlantic Association for Research in the Mathematical Sciences (AARMS), and l'Université de Moncton.

UPEI’s team competed in a number of categories, performing very well against its Atlantic Canadian competition. Chao Qian and Ben Wang won second prize in the Mathematics Problem Solving Contest. Ali Raisolsadat took second prize in the Statistics Presentation category. Stephanie Cairns won first place in the Computer Science Presentation category.

“We are very proud of our student speakers and competitors,” said Dr. Shannon Fitzpatrick, interim associate dean of UPEI’s School of Mathematical and Computational Science. “Their success is result of their hard work and willingness to challenge themselves. We are also grateful for our funding from TD Bank, which supports student experiential learning through conference participation.”

Congratulations!

The University of Prince Edward Island prides itself on people, excellence, and impact and is committed to assisting students reach their full potential in both the classroom and community. With roots stemming from two founding institutions—Prince of Wales College and Saint Dunstan’s University—UPEI has a reputation for academic excellence, research innovation, and creating positive impacts locally, nationally, and internationally. UPEI is the only degree granting institution in the province and is proud to be a key contributor to the growth and prosperity of Prince Edward Island.

Before an audience of over 100 people, two juvenile eagles stretched their wings and flew off into the sky at the Macphail Woods Ecological Forestry Project on Saturday, October 13, in Orwell, P.E.I. Prior to the release of the eagles, Mi’kmaq Elder Junior Peter-Paul led a smudging and drumming ceremony.

After they were found unable to fend for themselves, both juvenile eagles received primary veterinary treatment at the AVC Wildlife Service and then were sent to the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in Nova Scotia for rehabilitation

One eagle was found in a field in Orwell on June 19, unable to fly. The young eagle possibly left the nest early because of strong winds. Students and staff built a nest in the flight cage where the bird spent its first few weeks, eating and recovering from its ordeal. Eventually it left the nest and explored the perches in the enclosure. After a month, it was transported to Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre to interact with other eagles and gain flight muscle strength in the “Big Jeezley,” the centre’s huge oval flight cage.

The other eagle was found on July 24 in North Bedeque, Prince County, with a stick protruding from either side of one of its wings. The stick was removed by Dr. Peter Moak, small animal surgeon at AVC, and the bird was treated with antibiotics and pain medication. It is thought that the eagle was probably still learning how to fly when it had a mishap, resulting in the stick being driven into its wing. After receiving medical care at AVC for a month, it also was taken to the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre where it continued its rehabilitation.

In releasing these two eagles, the AVC Wildlife Service paid tribute to the late Dr. Helene Van Doninck, AVC Class of 1991. During her veterinary career, she dedicated her life to caring for injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife. She and her husband, Murdo Messer, established the Cobequid Wildlife Rehabilitation Centre in 2001. In addition to her remarkable record as a veterinarian, Dr. Van Doninck passed on her knowledge and expertise in the care of wildlife to AVC students. In April, she was presented with AVC’s Award of Excellence in Veterinary Medicine and Animal Care, and in July with the Canadian Veterinary Medical Association’s Humane Award for her dedication to caring for wildlife.

Click here to read CBC's coverage and here to read The Guardian's story.

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes student athletes for their achievements and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Jolena Gillard and Simon Hofley, the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for October 15–21.

Jolena Gillard is a first-year Faculty of Arts student from Deer Lake, Newfoundland and a forward on the UPEI Women’s Hockey team. The Panthers had a terrific weekend, beating both Dalhousie University and Mount Allison University. Gillard scored twice on Friday night and assisted in another in their 5–1 win over Dalhousie. She scored again the next night in the Panthers 5–2 win over Mount Allison University. “Jolena is off to a great rookie start,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “This is a person who loves to play hockey and it shows in how she competes. She showed a great work ethic in both games this weekend and has a nice touch around the net. Our power play has been good in our first four games. Jolena parks herself in front, and it’s up to others to get the puck on net so she can do her thing.”

Simon Hofley is a third-year Business student from Ottawa, Ontario and a goalie on the UPEI Men’s Hockey team. Hofley backstopped the Panthers to two important road wins over the weekend when UPEI defeated Saint Mary’s University and Acadia University. “We had a very specific game plan for each game and our group was dialled in, but the backbone of any strategy is goaltending,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “Simon was very good all weekend, making big saves at critical times, and giving us the chance we needed to win two games on the road against two very good teams.”

Go Panthers Go!

UPEI Men’s and Women’s Soccer will honour their graduating seniors this weekend as the Panthers wind down the 2018 season. Both teams play their final games at home Friday night. The women host Saint Mary’s University at 5:00 pm.

“We need to continue our excellent home form and everyone has to come into this game with a positive mind set,” said coach Graeme McDonald. “We need to be creative in possession against a well organized SMU team.”

The men hosts Saint Mary’s later this evening at 7:15 pm.

“UPEI Men’s Soccer is looking to end the season strong and send our seniors out on a winning note,” said coach Lewis Page.

That same night, the Panther Men’s Hockey team plays host to Saint Mary’s University.

“Once again, this is another big weekend for us,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “It is crucial to pick up points at home. We know that we will have a couple of teams coming in very hungry, and we will have to be prepared and energized to continue to have some success.”

UPEI Women’s Hockey team gets its crack at Saint Mary’s Saturday at 2:00 pm.

“The team is looking forward to hosting the two-time defending AUS champion Huskies,” said coach Bruce Donaldson. “While their team looks a little different from the past two years, they are still one of the top teams in the league. They have strong goaltending, they play very physical, and they are strong on their sticks. Discipline will be key. It may come down to specialty teams. It should be another great game.”

Also Saturday at 2:00 pm, UPEI Men's Rugby will hit the pitch at MacAdam Field when they host Mount Allison in club play.

UPEI Men’s Hockey hits the ice again Saturday, hosting Acadia University. The puck drops at 7:00 pm.

Meanwhile, UPEI is also hosting the Atlantic University Field Hockey Championships this weekend. The Panthers are looking spectacular heading into this tournament, with an impressive unbeaten record this season, picking up nine wins, no losses, and one tie against defending champions Dalhousie.

“We’ll need a solid effort from everyone on the team,” said coach Lacey MacLauchlan. “To be successful, our defence needs to be tight, and we have to capitalize on our opportunities when they come.”

The Panthers play their first game of the tournament Saturday at noon against UNB Saint John. For a full preview, including a schedule for the weekend, see the tournament preview written by Thomas Becker.

Go Panthers Go!

Every week, UPEI Athletics and Recreation recognizes student athletes for their achievements and dedication to their respective sports. Congratulations to Alyssa Ferguson and Filip Rydstrom, the UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for October 22 to 28.

Alyssa Ferguson is a fourth-year business student from Murray River, PEI and a forward on the UPEI Field Hockey team. The Panthers won the Atlantic University Field Hockey Championship over the weekend. Ferguson was a big part of that win and was named an AUFH League All-Star. “Alyssa had a great weekend and great season for us,” said coach Lacey MacLauchlan. “She scored six goals this weekend, along with the winning goal in the championship game just two minutes into the game. She used her strength and speed to her advantage all weekend and was a scoring threat. She was also able to create many scoring opportunities and move the ball up the field well for her teammates.”

Filip Rydstrom is a second-year arts student from Stockholm, Sweden and a centre on the UPEI Men’s Hockey team. The Panthers lost their first game of the weekend to UNB, but came back in a big way for an 8–3 win over Acadian University. Rydstrom notched four goals and an assist against Acadia and was selected player of the game. “Filip has taken his game to a new level this year,” said coach Forbes MacPherson. “He has been a different and better player from day one. Saturday night, he was rewarded with a huge effort on the score sheet.”

Go Panthers Go!