UPEI hosts ‘Vocal Mosaic of AIRS’ community event, August 12
UPEI's Dr. Steel Recital Hall will be the venue for the ‘Vocal Mosaic of AIRS', a community event from 9:00 am to 9:00 pm on August 12 featuring workshops, demonstrations, guest speakers, and an evening concert.
Chaired by Dr. Annabel Cohen, a leading researcher in the field of auditory perception and music cognition with the UPEI Department of Psychology, the day-long event is designed to share with the community the exciting research that AIRS - Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing - is conducting and to discuss and celebrate the act and art of singing. The idea of a ‘vocal mosaic' symbolizes the variety of topics interconnected with song.
'Singing connects people,' says Cohen, herself an Associate of the Royal Conservatory of Toronto (ARCT). 'We are so fortunate that UPEI is at the hub of a large research enterprise aiming to examine singing in all its dimensions. The AIRS workshop provides the opportunity to share our growing knowledge with the community.'
Keynote speaker is AIRS collaborator, Psyche Loui, PhD, a cognitive scientist and instructor in the Department of Neurology at Harvard University and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center. She will present a talk on her research regarding brain mechanisms underlying vocal pitch production, as well as the role of melodic intonation therapy in rehabilitation of stroke victims.
Event topics centre on three main themes: the development of singing, teaching singing and using singing to teach, and singing and well being. Presentations include musical theatre for seniors, sound yoga, Celtic singing, and many others. Hands-on workshops will include ‘Four Basic Steps to Singing' by Sung-Ha Shin-Bouey, UPEI Associate Professor of Music, and a tour of the AIRS research facilities.
The concert portion begins at 7:00 pm and will showcase the ‘vocal mosaic' of AIRS. A variety of performers of different singing styles will be featured, including Island vocalists Teresa Doyle, Colette Cheverie, and Meaghan Blanchard; Halifax native and classical performer Jennifer Farrell; AIRS post-doctoral fellow at UPEI, Anick Lamarche; and young Riley Sorensen.
For information about registration and details of the workshop, please email airs@upei.ca or visit www.airsplace.ca.
The workshop is held in association with the Laboratory for Interdisciplinary Research in Culture, Multimedia, Technology and Cognition in Education (CMTC-E), under the auspices of the UPEI Faculty of Arts, and is supported by the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada.
About AIRS (Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing)
AIRS is an international collaboration of more than 70 scholars integrating new multidisciplinary knowledge about singing from the perspectives of psychology, music, linguistics, sociology, anthropology, and education, assisted by computer science and audio engineering. AIRS addresses the following three main themes from the perspective of individual, cultural, and universal influences: Singing and Well-being, Education, and Development of Singing. The team's novel use of a digital library aims to revolutionize research in singing by enabling the depositing and sharing of audiovisual information via the internet. The research provides resources and best practices for teaching singing across cultures and generations, and a means for enhancing quality of life through improved intercultural and intergenerational understanding.
Interested in continuing your education?
The Centre for Life-Long Learning at UPEI is your first point of contact as an adult learner. Offering dynamic academic and student support, flexible programming to fit your schedule, and small class sizes, the Centre will help you with all your education and training needs.
For the second year, The Centre has released an insert in The Guardian for adults who are considering coming back to school. An electronic version of the insert is available here.
You will find information on what programming and services are available, information on courses taking place at convenient times, and professional development opportunities for adult learners.
If you would like to speak with someone regarding coming to UPEI, please contact the Centre at 566 0336 or email lifelong@upei.ca.
Vitarelli to play fifth year for hockey Panthers
UPEI men's hockey forward Cory Vitarelli will be returning for a fifth season says head coach Forbie MacPherson.
'As a coaching staff, we are very excited that Cory Vitarelli has decided to return for his fifth year of eligibility,' MacPherson said. 'We believe that having Cory back, somewhat unexpected, would be the equivalent to securing a blue-chip recruit.'
The Peterborough, Ontario native came to UPEI in 2006 from the Toronto St. Michaels Majors of the Ontario Hockey League. In his four seasons with the Panthers, Vitarelli has 48 goals and 35 assists in 87 games. Last season in 19 games, he had 13 goals and six assists - including a four-goal game against Dalhousie. Three of his goals were game winners for the 15-11-2 Panthers.
'I am excited to be playing one more year at UPEI and I am expecting big things this year,' Vitarelli said. 'We went on a bit of a winning streak late last season (seven games) and realized our potential. It feels like we have some unfinished business and there is an opportunity to win a championship under Forbie,' he said.
Vitarelli is an accomplished lacrosse player and is currently in the Major Series Lacrosse play-offs with his hometown Peterborough Lakers.
'Cory can be one of the most dangerous offensive players in this league. He has a natural ability to put the puck in the net. The fact that he has decided to play out his remaining year of eligibility, makes a tremendous statement to his commitment to this program,' MacPherson said.
UPEI's home opener this season is October 15 when they host UNB.
UPEI licenses new technology to PEI bioscience company
The University of Prince Edward Island (UPEI) today signed a licensing agreement with PEI bioscience company Nautilus Biosciences Canada Inc. for UPEI-developed technology to extract anti-inflammatory agents from sea coral. The deal has the potential to create millions of dollars in benefits to the University, and Nautilus Biosciences Inc.
'This is a truly exciting day for us at UPEI,' says Dr. Katherine Schultz, UPEI's Vice-President of Research and Development. 'This agreement allows UPEI and Nautilus to share in revenue generated by this ground-breaking technology. It is an exciting partnership for us, and one I am sure will benefit Nautilus, the University, and the Island's future prosperity.'
Today's agreement is UPEI's first-ever licensing agreement with an outside body. It licenses patented technology created in the lab of Dr. Russell Kerr, Professor of Chemistry at UPEI, and Canada Research Chair in Marine Natural Products to Nautilus Biosciences Canada Inc. - a company of which Dr. Kerr is CEO.
'For many years, certain species of sea coral and sponges were known to contain compounds with anti-inflammatory properties,' says Dr. Kerr. 'We were able to determine that the compounds actually exist in the bacterium growing on the corals. This discovery allows us to ferment the bacterium in a lab, and produce the anti-inflammatory compounds in larger quantities without having to go back to the sea to harvest more material.'
The compounds, known as pseudopterosins, have immediate applications in skin creams and other cosmetics, but have potential to be useful in prescription and over-the-counter medications. Nautilus Biosciences will use Dr. Kerr's technology to increase production to a commercially viable level.
Today's agreement was facilitated and negotiated by Three Oaks Innovations, Inc. - the independent spin-off company of the university with the mandate of assisting university-created technologies and innovations make their way into real-world business applications.
'Three Oaks has worked hard to make this deal happen. We are excited to have been a part of initiating the process and coordinating the follow-through that led to this deal,' says Sophie Theriault, Director of Technology Transfer and Commercialization Coordination at Three Oaks Innovations. 'This is technology that will have a real impact on the economy of Prince Edward Island. UPEI, through commercialization partnerships such as this one, is a key player in the province's economic development and sustainability. The potential of this agreement is really limitless.'
Dr. Kerr's lab employs 26 people, and Nautilus employs another six.
Kelowna Rockets goaltender Mark Guggenberger joins hockey Panthers
The goaltender who led the Kelowna Rockets to a Western Hockey League (WHL) title and the championship game of the 2009 Memorial Cup will be playing for the UPEI men's hockey team this fall.
Forbes (Forbie) MacPherson, head coach for the hockey Panthers said, 'Mark Guggenberger comes to our program with a wealth of experience and a proven track record, which includes a WHL championship on his resume.'
Guggenberger played three seasons in the Western Hockey League beginning with the Swift Current Broncos in 2007-08. He was traded to Kelowna in early 2009 and led the Rockets to the WHL title and into the championship game of the 2009 Memorial Cup tournament only to lose 4-1 to the Taylor Hall-led Windsor Spitfires.
'Forbie called me and I hadn't been thinking about playing university hockey,' the 6'3', 208-lb goaltender said. 'But the more I thought about it, I saw it as a good option for now and down the road. I don't know a lot about the CIS other than having a few friends playing at schools like Manitoba and U of A,' he added.
Earlier this summer, UPEI goaltender Wayne Savage left UPEI to pursue a professional career. That void is now filled according to MacPherson. 'Quality goaltending is the backbone of any successful program. We believe that by having Mark, along with Jhase Sniderman, our goaltending is in very capable hands.'
Guggenberger, who is from Richfield, Minnesota, was injured for a large part of last season. 'I sat out the first half with a sports hernia and didn't skate for seven months. It was hard to restart things halfway through the season but we finished on a high and made it to the second round of the play-offs with a young team. I really look forward to going to UPEI and hopefully win a national championship,' Guggenberger said.
-30-
Contact:
Forbes (Forbie) MacPherson
Head Coach, Men's Hockey
University of Prince Edward Island
T (902) 388-0169
New University Preparation Certificate for adult learners to be delivered in O’Leary and Charlottetown
The University of Prince Edward Island is launching a new University Preparation Certificate for Adult Learners this October. The program is designed to help adult learners explore their interest in university studies and provide them with skills and strategies for a successful transition to post-secondary learning.
'The Centre for Life-Long Learning is pleased to be partnering with the Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning on offering this new program. There is overwhelming evidence that, within industrialized countries, there is a growing demand for workers with higher skills and education to fill job needs. We feel it is important to offer this program at the local community level to eliminate travel time as a barrier to participants,' says Jeanette MacAulay, director of the Centre for Life-Long Learning.
Targeting adults who have been out of school for some time or graduates of upgrading programs, the program will offer critical-thinking and writing skills, test-taking strategies, goal-setting, and research skills, among others.
'At the Webster Centre, we recognize that everyone learns differently and those who may not have been ready to enter university out of high school may be ready to, after some experience in the workforce. We want to help those who may have an interest in entering university by making it the most positive experience possible,' says Dr. Barbara Campbell, director of the Webster Centre.
Learners will meet over six consecutive Saturday mornings from 10:00am - 12:00pm. The program will begin on October 2, 2010 in O'Leary, and on January 22, 2011 in Charlottetown. The cost for the full program is $50 and registration is limited to 20 participants per location.
'We are excited that this new program is coming to West Prince. It is providing an opportunity for West Prince residents to receive training close to home, and build their confidence and skill level to be successful in whatever their educational dreams may be,' says Sharon Horne, executive director, Rural Community Learning Inc.
All are welcome to attend an information session on September 1 from 6:00 - 7:00pm at the Future Tech West Centre in O'Leary. An information session for the Charlottetown offering will be held at a later date.
The project is funded, in whole or part, through the Canada-PEI Labour Market Development Agreement and/or the Labour Market Agreement.
For more information contact the Centre for Life-Long Learning at 902-566-0336, email lifelong@upei.ca or click here.
Manley, Emerson among notable public sector leaders attending Palmer Conference at UPEI
The first annual Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership began Thursday, August 26 at UPEI with a bevy of leaders in attendance from Canada's public and private sectors including Kevin Lynch, former clerk of the Privy Council, who is this year's conference chair.
John Manley, former deputy prime minister and chief executive officer, Canadian Council of Chief Executives, will deliver the opening keynote address and former federal cabinet minister David Emerson will be the luncheon speaker.
Taking place over August 26-27, this invitational, national conference brings together a diverse group of leaders from across Canada to address issues of high priority to the public sector. The theme for the 2010 Palmer Conference is Public Servants and Their Relationships with Politicians and the Media.
'The Palmer Conference is an historic endeavour, addressing public service leadership at a time of significant renewal,' says UPEI president, Wade MacLauchlan. 'We are proud to have such a distinguished group here on PEI and at UPEI.'
The Conference is intimate in scale, limited to approximately 75 delegates, to promote a high level of participation and interaction, and encourage the development of on-going networks and professional relationships. This event is designed to be a high-calibre public sector leadership development opportunity.
'It is fitting that this national conference, inspired by Jim Palmer, be held here in Charlottetown at UPEI,' adds Kevin Lynch, conference chair. 'The public service has played a vital role in the Canadian system since Confederation, providing impartial policy advice and skilled program administration, and the conference is about how we attract and retain young Canadians to it.'
'The assistance and dedication of a professional, capable public service committed to the public interest is helping to shape our country and position us for success in today's global economy,' says the Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway. 'Our Government, through the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA), is pleased to support events such as this conference because they provide an excellent opportunity for delegates to exchange information and engage in meaningful dialogue on current issues in the public service.'
'From health care to transportation to public safety, just about every aspect of our lives is enhanced by our dedicated public servants,' said Premier Robert Ghiz. 'That's why events like the Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership are so important. They provide an opportunity to discuss issues of great importance to those who will guide our public service into the future.'
The Palmer Conference is named in honour of James S. Palmer, CM, AOE, QC. James Palmer is a founding partner of the Calgary law firm Burnett Duckworth Palmer. The Palmer family has a long record of public service on PEI: Jim Palmer's direct ancestors include two PEI premiers, several judges, and a Father of Confederation. That commitment to public service and public policy is demonstrated through the James S. and Barbara A. Palmer Chair in Public Policy at the University of Calgary and now through the Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership.
NSO events on Saturday cancelled due to Earl
Given the tropical storm warnings in place for Charlottetown, new student orientation (NSO) events at UPEI on Saturday, September 4 have been cancelled. Where possible, NSO events that have been affected will be rescheduled throughout the week or later in the month.
NSO traditionally attracts upwards of 600 participants, many who commute to campus. In light of the impending weather, UPEI administration has made this decision due to concerns about students' travel safety and possible power outages while on campus, as well to avoid adding to the already-present anxiety that naturally comes for parents and first year students about starting university.
Residence move-in is also scheduled to begin on Saturday, September 4 from 9:00 am - 9:00pm. Students may choose, because of the storm, to arrive instead on Sunday,September 5 or Monday, September 6 from 9:00 am - 9:00 pm. If arriving after Monday, September 6, students are requested to go directly to Bernardine Hall for check-in information.
For more NSO information, click here.
UPEI Parking 101
Every September when fall semester begins, UPEI sees an influx of new students unsure of where to park on campus as well as returning students looking for places to store their vehicle while attending classes.
This year, students will be welcomed to the UPEI campus by clearly identifiable Security Services staff who will be stationed at the entrances of the various general parking lots and sporting 'parking assistance' t-shirts. Staff will also hand out an information card outlining parking information on Tuesday, September 7 and Wednesday, September 8.
For more information on parking at UPEI, click here.
UPEI Panther Sport season pass and packages now on sale
UPEI Panther Sport launched their 2010-2011 ticket sales campaign today for season passes and packages. Season passes are available for regular season games for Women's Rugby, Soccer, Basketball, Women's Hockey, and Men's Hockey.
Three packages-UPEI Panther Booster, Panther Package and Alumni Package-each feature a combination of home-game ticket sets and other items like Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre memberships and UPEI ‘swag'.
'The early sale of season passes and packages is vital for our ability to operate, and ultimately, to secure Panther Sport success,' said Ron Annear, Director of Athletics at UPEI. 'There is a great selection of options for Panther fans, and all of them feature exciting entertainment at a great value.'
Season home openers start next week with the Women's Rugby team hosting the Saint Mary's Huskies on September 11:
Women's Rugby - September 11
Soccer - September 18 (doubleheader)
Men's Hockey - October 15
Women's Hockey - October 16
Basketball - November 19 (doubleheader)
For more information, visit www.gopanthersgo.ca or call (902) 566-0432.
