On April 28, university researchers and community members from an innovative project that aims to improve the health of children and youth in six rural communities will meet at UPEI to share the results of their work. For the past three years, they have been taking part in a research program entitled "Engaging the Community: Knowledge Translation as Transformation in the Lives and Children and Youth in Rural Prince Edward Island."

The six communities taking part are Souris, Montague, Rustico, Kensington, Lennox Island and O'Leary. The symposium is an exciting opportunity for the participants to share their experiences in the project. People from government and other agencies who are stakeholders in the issues being addressed will also take part.

Knowledge translation is the sharing of knowledge with decision-makers and program planners. Several steps are involved: collaboration with community members, information gathering, sharing research on issues raised by the community, and the development of initiatives to address issues important to the community. Essential to Engaging the Community has been the active involvement of parents, youth, and service providers.

Funded by the Canadian Institutes of Health Research, the Engaging the Community project is led by Dr. Vianne Timmons and involves members of the UPEI Children's Health Applied Research Team (CHART): Barb Campbell, Dr. Kimberley Critchley, Dr. Alexander McAuley, Dr. Jennifer Taylor and Dr. Fiona Walton.

For more information about the Engaging the Community project, visit campus.upei.ca/engaging or call Jane MacDonald, Research Coordinator at 566-6009, jmacdonald@upei.ca.

Federal-provincial agreements signed today will allow international students to work off-campus while they are studying in Canada. Education Minister Mildred Dover advised that a new agreement signed today between Citizenship and Immigration Canada, the government of Prince Edward Island and post-secondary institutions, will allow eligible foreign students at UPEI, Holland College and Sociand#233;tand#233; and#201;ducative to work off campus for up to 20 hours per week during the school year and full-time during study breaks, as well as two years following graduation.

The agreement is effective immediately and students can apply for a permit right away. Minister Dover advised that the agreement will make it easier for students to gain valuable work experience and to earn extra income while studying. "It will help students who have come a long way from home to pay for their education and to engage further in our communities," she said. "It will be more attractive for international students to study in Canada. By enabling students to work in Canada for up to two years after graduation, we can increase our access to a pool of highly skilled young workers who have been educated in Canada."

Brian McMillan, Holland College president advised that colleges have long advocated for these measures to support international students. "The opportunity for our international students to work off-campus while they complete their education and training enriches their post-secondary learning experience, while at the same time providing a positive learning experience for those Islanders and Canadians who work with them," said Dr. McMillan.

Approximately 150 international students from 48 different countries currently at UPEI would be eligible to apply for this opportunity. "UPEI welcomes this new agreement to allow our international students to participate in the community and economy of PEI," says UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. "Working off-campus will allow these students to gain a deeper understanding of PEI society and help them cover the costs of their education at the same time. We encourage employers to consider the significant contributions that students from other countries can make to our workforce."

Declining population figures are affecting enrolment at universities and colleges in the region. Attracting more international students is a priority to help ensure future sustainability.

For more information please contact Student Services at 566-0488.

The University of Prince Edward Island celebrated three of its top Co-op students at this year's Co-op Student of the Year awards presentations on Thursday, April 27 in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. Every year, they are awarded to a Co-op student in each of Business Administration, Computer Science, and Physics based on employer recommendations.

The recipient of the award for Business Co-op Student of the Year was Brad Colwill, nominated by Wayne Beaton from the chartered accountant firm of Beaton, Fitzpatrick, and Murray. He won the award because of his professional abilities, congenial personality and strong work ethic, combined with the enthusiasm of his employer.

"Brad has the personality to fit with co-workers as well as the professionalism to deal with clients and he possesses an eagerness to listen and learn," said Wayne Beaton in his nomination application.

Yan Jiang, Computer Science Co-op Student of the Year, was nominated by her supervisors within the IT Security Section of Veterans Affairs Canada for her accomplishments in analyzing email for the purpose of identifying and blocking spam email. She has completed her final year at UPEI and will receive her Bachelor of Science degree, Majoring in Computer Science with Co-operative Education. Besides her three work terms with Veterans Affairs Canada, she also completed a four-month work term with the Canada Revenue Agency in Summerside.

In Physics, the Co-op Student of the Year honour was awarded to Evan O'Connor, a fourth-year student in a combined Honours Physics and Co-op program. He worked at the Dominion Radio Astrophysical Observatory at the NRC Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics in Penticton, BC. His supervisor, Dr. Sean Dougherty, was very impressed with his work and felt the nomination was well deserved. O'Connor was studying the structure and dynamics of colliding-wind binary star systems and plans to return to Penticton for another work term in January 2007.

Co-operative Education offers students combined academic studies with practical work experience. About 160 students are enrolled in the Co-operative Education Program at UPEI. Students have the opportunity to work in PEI, across Canada, and in international placements. For information about the Co-op Education program contact co-op@upei.ca.

The federal government announced the latest round of Canada Research Chair appointments today in Quebec City and the list included a Tier 1 Chair in Marine Natural Products Chemistry for the University of Prince Edward Island.

Dr. Russell Kerr from the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at Florida Atlantic University will join the UPEI Faculty of Science on August 1. The long-term objective of Dr. Kerr's natural products research will be to aid in the development of new therapeutic drugs from a variety of marine life without damaging fragile marine environments.

"Dr. Kerr is an international research leader in the area of marine natural products. His experience and expertise in research and development will be a great addition to PEI's bioscience strengths. UPEI is very pleased that Dr. Kerr is joining us as our first Tier 1 Canada Research Chair," says Dr. Katherine Schultz, Vice President of Research and Development at UPEI.

The Canada Research Chairs Program is designed to attract the best talent from Canada and around the world, helping universities achieve research excellence in natural sciences and engineering, health sciences, and social sciences and humanities.

Norman Webster, former Chancellor of the University of Prince Edward Island, will be honoured during the 2006 Convocation ceremonies to take place on May 13. In recognition of his outstanding service from 1996 to 2005, and his ongoing commitment to the University, he will be receive the distinguished title of Chancellor Emeritus.

"UPEI uses the title of Chancellor Emeritus to honour people who have served our University and to acknowledge their support. Norman Webster has exemplified this role in an extraordinary way," says Regis Duffy, Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors.

"It is fitting for the University to honour Norman Webster as Chancellor Emertius, given his exceptional commitment and service," says President Wade MacLauchlan. "As Chancellor, he worked steadily and generously to promote and support UPEI, including through the Webster Smart Campus Fund and the establishment of the Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning."

Norman Webster is President of the R. Howard Webster Foundation of Montreal. He has had a distinguished career in journalism, including terms as editor-in-chief of The Globe and Mail and The Montreal Gazette. As a journalist for The Globe and Mail, he was a correspondent in Peking, London, Ottawa, and Quebec. He won two national newspaper awards for coverage of China's "ping-pong diplomacy" and for editorial writing. A graduate of Bishop's University, Webster was the recipient of a Rhodes scholarship to St. John's College at Oxford. He was born in Summerside, PEI and grew up in Sherbrooke, Quebec. He and his wife Pat Webster now make their home in Montreal.

The University of Prince Edward Island is pleased to announce that it will confer five honorary degrees at two 2006 Convocations to take place on Saturday, May 13. The honorary graduates will be Elaine Campbell, Suzanne Land#233;vesque, David W. Rodd, Joseph Fenwick (Fen) Watkin, and Patterson (Pat) Webster. Pat Webster will deliver Convocation address in the morning and Elaine Campbell will deliver the afternoon address.

"Our 2006 recipients are excellent role models for our graduates. By honouring the outstanding achievements of these five individuals, and their connections to Prince Edward Island and UPEI, we honour our entire community," says UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan.

Elaine Campbell, lyricist and mother of five, is an exemplary artist and arts patron. Her first glimpse of PEI was from the air while serving with the Royal Canadian Air Force during World War Two. In 1965, she returned as one of the lyricists to attend the world premiere of "Anne of Green Gables, the Musical" written by Donald Harron, with music composed by Norman Campbell. This production has played every summer for forty years on the Confederation Centre stage, has toured across Canada many times, and played in London, New York, and Tokyo. Elaine Campbell has written lyrics for three other musicals as well, which represents one of the highest accomplishments among musical theatre writers in Canada. She was also a writer and lyricist for The Karen Kane Superspecial, Christmas at Rideau Hall, and two royal galas. As Chair of the Coordinated Arts Services in Toronto, she founded an archive program for the five major performing arts groups in Ontario and she served for many years on the board of the National Ballet of Canada. She is a graduate of the University of British Columbia.

Suzanne Land#233;vesque has been President of the Fondation J.-Louis Land#233;vesque since 1982. In honour of her parents, the Foundation has established ten Jeanne and J.-Louis Land#233;vesque research chairs in medicine and bursary funds at universities in Quand#233;bec, and a chair in business management at Universitand#233; de Moncton. At UPEI, a $1.5 million gift from the Foundation has supported two research professorships in Nutrisciences and Health. This combines with earlier gifts providing matching funds for CFI grants, and with support from the Land#233;vesque family going back to the construction of the Alumni Gym in 1950. Suzanne Land#233;vesque has served on the boards of governors at Lakefield College School in Ontario and at Universitand#233; de Moncton, among others. She is governor emeritus at Universitand#233; de Montrand#233;al. In 1998, she was granted an Honorary Doctorate in Humanities from Universitand#233; de Moncton. She was awarded the Order of Canada in 2004. Her father, the late J.-Louis Land#233;vesque, was a graduate of St. Dunstan's University. He completed his BA studies in 1934, and was granted an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree by SDU in 1964.

David W. Rodd was born in 1940. From his early days, he assisted his parents in the operation of the family tourist business that they started from two cabins in Winsloe, PEI in 1935. He graduated from Mount Allison University in 1962 with a Bachelor of Arts degree and returned to the family business in 1966. Under his leadership, it has grown into the largest privately-owned hotel chain in Atlantic Canada. David Rodd has dedicated much of his life to being a leader in the development of the hospitality industry in PEI and throughout Atlantic Canada. At peak season, Rodd Hotels and Resorts employ 1000 people at 11 properties. He has been active in community organizations, including serving as Chair of the Heart Fund Campaign for the PEI Division of the Canadian Heart Foundation, as a board member of the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society, and Honorary Chair of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He has been President of the PEI Tourist Association and a director of the Tourist Industry Association of Canada.

Joseph Fenwick (Fen) Watkin was born in Toronto; his grandfather, Frederick Henry Knight was born in Charlottetown. Watkin is a virtuoso pianist and a highly accomplished arranger, conductor and musical director who has been involved in more than 200 original Canadian productions. The Toronto Symphony, CBC variety shows and community theatre projects have all benefited from his talents. He served the Charlottetown Festival for 40 years; 12 years as Associate Music Director and 28 years as Music Director. He worked for 26 years as Music Director for Kitchener-Waterloo Musical Productions. He has been strongly supportive of musical, artistic, and theatrical initiatives in PEI, including recitals at St. Peter's Cathedral, UPEI, and Indian River Church. Recognizing the wealth of musical talent present in PEI, Fen Watkin worked to ensure that Islanders would have equal opportunity in employment with the Charlottetown Festival orchestra and cast. As a mentor and coach, he has inspired generations of amateur and professional performers. He was awarded the Order of Canada in 2005.

Patterson (Pat) Webster is a gifted advocate, organizer and enabler. She is an exemplary supporter of education and culture and has been entrusted with large fund-raising projects for educational institutions and ventures because she is persuasively passionate about learning. Pat Webster is the wife of Norman Webster, former Chancellor of UPEI. She was a gracious and powerful part of his highly successful chancellorship of the University and she has proved herself a shining advocate for Canadian university culture and work, literacy and language. She was founding President of Canadian Parents for French, for which she received France's Ordre National du Mand#233;rite, Chair of the Society for Educational Visits and Exchanges in Canada, a leading spirit of Montreal Blue Metropolis Literary Festival, a board member of the Stratford Festival, and has been active in many other community and philanthropic endeavours.

Honorary Degrees to be awarded to Suzanne Land#233;vesque and Patterson (Pat) Webster during the morning Convocation, and will be awarded to Elaine Campbell, David Rodd, and Joseph Fenwick Watkin at the afternoon Convocation.

A Nova Scotia family well known for its commitment to quality and integrity in business has created a new student scholarship at UPEI. A $100,000 endowment from the John and Judy Bragg Family Foundation will allow the University to award $2,500 every year to a student entering the Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality Degree program.

The two-year renewable award will be known as the David W. Rodd Scholarship in Tourism and Hospitality. It honours PEI businessman David W. Rodd who has dedicated much of his life to being a leader in the development of the hospitality industry in PEI and throughout Atlantic Canada. David Rodd will receive an honorary degree from UPEI on May 13.

"It is great that UPEI is recognizing David Rodd. David is a tremendous entrepreneur. He has provided exceptional leadership to the tourist industry of PEI, as well as being a community leader. On top of this, he has been a true friend to many," says John Bragg.

From his early days, David Rodd assisted his parents in the operation of the family tourist business that they started from two cabins in Winsloe, in 1935. He graduated from Mount Allison University in 1962 with a BA and returned to the family business in 1966. Under his leadership, it has grown into the largest privately-owned hotel chain in Atlantic Canada. At peak season, Rodd Hotels and Resorts employ 1000 people at 11 properties. Rodd has also been active in community organizations, including serving as chair of the Heart Fund Campaign for the PEI Division of the Canadian Heart Foundation, as a board member of the PEI Division of the Canadian Cancer Society, and honorary chair of Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He has been president of the PEI Tourist Association and a director of the Tourist Industry Association of Canada.

"We are delighted to have this award recognizing business and community leadership established in honour of David Rodd," says UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. "We look forward to students being the beneficiaries of this scholarship, through which the Braggs demonstrate their well-known support for Maritime universities and their lifelong friendship with David Rodd."

The Bragg family is the majority shareholder in all companies operating under the EastLink name. EastLink provides communication services to business and residential customers across the Maritimes. The family also has interests in a variety of Maritime companies in a range of industries, including agri-products such as wild blueberries and frozen vegetables, real estate, and forestry.

The UPEI Bachelor of Business in Tourism and Hospitality degree program is a joint program with Holland College. The David W. Rodd Scholarship will be awarded to a student who has performed well academically in the first two years of the program, shows combined qualities of leadership and contribution to the community, and demonstrates capacity to enhance the tourism and hospitality industry. The first award will be made in September 2006.

Applications will be received through the UPEI Registrar's Office in May. The recipients will be determined by the UPEI Admissions, Scholarship, and Degree Committee, with input from the Dean of the School of Business.

Since 2001, the number of named scholarships, bursaries, awards, and prizes at UPEI has increased by almost 50 per cent and many other student awards have increased in value through the generous support of businesses, individuals, and families.

The University of Prince Edward Island held a special ceremony on Thursday, May 4 to celebrate the official reopening and rededication of the Duffy Science Centre. Since November 2004, the centre has undergone a complete $6.9 million renovation.

The Duffy Science Centre is home to the departments of Biology and Physics. The renovations have added first-class research laboratories as well as improved teaching facilities, including the 280-seat lecture theatre. The north lobby has been expanded, all windows have been replaced, and an elevator has been added for improved accessibility.

Honourable Mildred Dover, Minister of Education, opened the event. "The provincial government was pleased to contribute to the renovation. Up-to-date facilities are especially important to teaching and learning science where labs and technology are essential and learning is greatly enhanced by spaces to share ideas and collaborate," said Minister Dover.

"This is a splendid achievement, a complete renewal of our teaching and research facilities in Biology and Physics," said UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan. "With generous support from the Province and private donors, the new Duffy Science Centre will be a platform for success by UPEI students and staff for at least a generation."

The open-concept research laboratories group scientists with particular interests together in theme-orientated facilities including Aquatic Ecology, Cell Molecular Biology, Terrestrial Ecology, Computational Physics and Material Science. Improved classrooms and teaching laboratories, as well as computer access and study space provide both undergraduate and graduate students with new learning opportunities not present before the renovations.

"The original building needed substantial remodeling to meet the needs of faculty members with vibrant research programs and to provide students with a study environment that embodies opportunities to be part of the research endeavors. The new Duffy building does precisely that," said Dr. Roger Gordon, Dean of Science and host of the ceremony.

The celebration included acknowledgment of a special leadership gift of $500,000 made in December to the Building a Legacy Campaign by Mrs. Margaret Duffy, widow of Dr. St. Clair Duffy. Dr. Duffy was an alumnus of St. Dunstan's University and an honorary graduate of UPEI (SDU'20, LLD Hon 1963.) He made a substantial leadership gift to UPEI in 1963 to help construct the Duffy Science Building. His nephew, Dr. Regis Duffy, is the current Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors.

"My uncle, Dr. St. Clair Duffy, was very proud of his PEI background and his alma mater, St. Dunstan's University. He and Margaret retained a strong love and attachment to the land of his birth," said Dr. Duffy.

When the building officially opened in May 1967, Dr. St. Clair Duffy's gift was acknowledged by a special plaque. Dr. Regis and Mrs. Joan Duffy unveiled a new plaque on May 4, 2006 that rededicates the Duffy Science Centre to Mrs. Margaret Duffy and the late Dr. St. Clair Duffy.

The PEI chapter of Canadian Parents for French (CPF-PEI) has recognized the University of Prince Edward Island and l'Universitand#233; de Moncton for their support of linguistic duality and Canadian unity. Both universities are recipients of the Lieutenant Governor of PEI Leading the Community Award which was established in 2005 in the name of the Honourable J. Land#233;once Bernard to celebrate success, innovation, and contribution to our community.

UPEI and l'Universitand#233; de Moncton offer a joint Bachelor of Education in French Immersion, which is a two year post-degree program consisting of 20 three-hour credit courses in education, 10 of which are offered on the UPEI campus, and the remaining 10 at land#145;Universitand#233; de Moncton.

The University of Prince Edward Island held its 37th Convocation exercises on Saturday, May 13 in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Over 780 diplomas, certificates, undergraduate, graduate, and doctorate degrees were awarded during two ceremonies.

"Our graduating students have worked hard to arrive at this day, and they have good reason to celebrate, along with their families, friends, and the many members of the UPEI family who have played an integral role in their growth and success," said President Wade MacLauchlan. "There is a very special sense of community between the graduating students and the many dedicated people who have worked with them, as teachers, advisors, mentors, supporters and friends to achieve this great moment in their lives."

The Marshal for both ceremonies was Marva Sweeney-Nixon. The Honorary Marshals in the morning were Gordon Ellis, PWC'69, and Bruce Garrity, SDU'66. The Mace Bearer was Mellissa Yuen, Class of 2006. In the afternoon, the Honorary Marshals were Arleen Harris, PWC'62, and Gordon Whitlock, SDU'66. The Mace Bearer was Shaun Coady, Class of 2006. The Governor General's Medals were awarded to Dianne McFarlane and Trenna Adams.

A record number of postgraduate degrees were conferred this year, reflecting the recent growth in master's programs at UPEI. Ryan Boulter of Victoria and Janice MacKendrick-Muir of Charlottetown were the first graduates of the new Master of Arts in Island Studies program, and Beverly Carol Gerg of Charlottetown received UPEI's first Master of Applied Health Services Research degree. Over 70 students graduated with a Master of Education, 19 of them from Alberta where the UPEI Faculty of Education has delivered innovative new distance programs. Another area that saw a significant increase was the Family and Nutritional Sciences undergraduate program. The number of graduates more than doubled this year.

The University conferred honorary degrees on five individuals whose exceptional professional and community achievements have made them inspiring role models for new graduates. They were: Alice Patterson (Pat) Webster, Suzanne Land#233;vesque, David Wallace Rodd, Joseph Fenwick (Fen) Watkin, and Elaine Campbell. Pat Webster, founding president of Canadian Parents for French, gave the morning convocation address. The afternoon address was delivered by Elaine Campbell, one of the co-creators of "Anne of Green Gables, the Musical."

Norman Webster, former UPEI Chancellor, was honoured during the ceremonies. In recognition of his outstanding service from 1996 to 2005, and his ongoing commitment to the University, he received the distinguished title of Chancellor Emeritus.

The valedictorian for the morning convocation was Cynthia Lynn Collins of Alaska who graduated as a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine. "In school, we have learned to compare ourselves rigorously to each other, to a bell curve, to a class average, to a national percentile. Today we graduate from this mentality," she told her fellow graduates. "Instead, we will be assessed by the words we choose and the actions we take. Whatever you perceive your achievements and abilities to be, there are people for which your encouragement, your acceptance, and your style of communication will be very valuable. The things you say and do are an important example. We are all leaders. Let's choose to encourage. Let's choose to accept. Let's choose to communicate. Today we leave as equals. Success is now a choice we make every day."

Arts graduate Peter Richard Fraser of Kilmuir, PEI gave the valedictory address at the afternoon ceremony. He challenged students to look inside themselves and ask how they can positively influence society.

"Your actions will help ensure that future generations also have the opportunity to benefit from the type of experience we have enjoyed at UPEI," he said. "Never forget that the most powerful form of human existence is not one that involves material possessions; it is living a life where you genuinely affect the lives of those you meet. Every day we create who we are by what we do, what we think and how we behave. Use the education UPEI has afforded you as the foundation from which you can continue to acquire the knowledge you need to live your best life."

Convocation day represented the end of an era for the Read family of New Haven whose members have been involved with UPEI for over 35 years. Mike Read, as Associate Registrar, has been a popular mentor to many generations of new students. After 25 years on staff, he is now retiring. Mike and his wife Ellen, both UPEI alumni, celebrated the graduation of their son Geordon who received his BBA and their son Tyler who received his BA in Political Studies. Their remaining son Brodie previously of graduated from UPEI in Religious Studies.

As always, it was a day filled with mixed emotions, as graduates celebrated their accomplishments, looked back at the challenges and joys they had experienced as students, and looked forward to their new lives ahead. Valedictorian Cynthia Collins expressed it this way:

"The rigors of our degrees and diplomas are behind us: all of the lectures, the endless hours of studying, and examination after examination. Now, it is our great privilege to begin pursuing rewarding careers," she said. "We all have abilities that we don't yet understand. Trust the choices you have made. Respect what you have accomplished. Be patient and work hard. We will get where we want to go. We will achieve the things we want to achieve. We have already started. To the University of Prince Edward Island, my classmates at the Atlantic Veterinary College, and to the entire Class of 2006: thank you and congratulations."