Shannon Atkins, head coach of the UPEI Women's Rugby team, is thrilled to announce that Payson Saunders, from Truro, Nova Scotia, is coming to the University of Prince Edward Island this fall.

Saunders, captain with the Nova Scotia high school championship team, Cobequid Education Centre (CEC), scored over 50 points in the high school season, and was named the team's most valuable player. She was also named the winner of the Bob Piers Bowl Award for promoting rugby in the Truro area which is based on commitment, having the heart of a champion, hard work, and grace in winning or losing. It was one of the major awards given by CEC during their athletics awards night.

Payson commented, 'It was a very tough and overwhelming decision when choosing where to go to university, but the welcoming nature of the UPEI coaching staff and players made the choice clear. I can't wait to be a part of a team that's full of potential. I hope for a successful year with UPEI.' Saunders will begin the political studies program in the faculty of arts in September.

Besides playing for her high school rugby team, Saunders plays for the Truro Saints, the Nova Scotia provincial under-18 team, and was invited to Team Canada tryouts this past spring. Saunders was also invited by Saint Mary's, Acadia, and York universities to join their squads.

Head coach Shannon Atkins said, 'It is very exciting to have Payson joining us because she is the most sought-after junior player in NS. We have a very young, developing team and I look forward to big things this fall from her and the other first-year players.'

The Panthers will begin training on August 27 with their first game on September 10 when they host Saint Mary's University at 2:00 pm. Season seats are now on sale for $10 by contacting UPEI Athletics and Recreation at (902) 566-0432.

The Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing (AIRS) Research Team will host its third annual AIRS SingingWorkshop on the University of Prince Edward Island campus and at the Confederation Centre of the Arts from July 21 to 22, 2011.

The workshop's title, 'With Voices-We Unite,' sums up the purpose of the event-to cover a variety of topics interconnected within singing. The three themes of AIRS will be highlighted: how singing develops in every person; how singing is taught-its technical aspects and how we can use singing to teach; and how singing impacts on well-being, including its ability to promote cultural and intergenerational understanding. The AIRS team will share the exciting research it is conducting with the regional community that promotes dialogue between the university and community, and celebrates the act of singing in the young and old, amateur and professional, individual and group, and the cultural dimension.

The public is invited to the event that begins with a master vocal class and concert on Thursday, and a full-day workshop on Friday, featuring interactive demonstrations from the region's renowned experts in the field of research, singing, education, health-care, music therapy and sound yoga. This year, the workshop's keynote speaker is vocal coach and musical director, Jeffrey Huard. Toronto-based, Huard is considered one of the best and was the musical director for many theatre productions including Mirvish Productions' The Sound of Music as well as CBC's Triple Sensation, along with numerous Broadway productions and national and international tours.

Below is the program:

Thursday, July 21, 2011-1:30-4:30 pm
Master Vocal Class with Jeffery Huard
Studio 2, Confederation Centre of the Arts - RSVP required

Thursday, July 21, 2011-7:00 pm
AIRS Evening Concert featuring a wide array of award winning performers
Art Gallery - Confederation Centre of the Arts

Friday, July 22, 2011-9 am-5 pm
3rd Annual AIRS Education Workshop
Keynote Address: Jeffrey Huard
Dr. Steel Recital Hall, University of Prince Edward Island

For more information and to RSVP, please contact Kristin MacDonald at kristindmacdonald@gmail.com or call the AIRS Lab at (902) 566-6023.

About Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing (AIRS)

AIRS is a seven-year major research initiative aiming to understand individual, cultural, and universal influences on singing and the influences of singing on individuals and societies. It entails cooperation with over 70 researchers representing every province in Canada and 15 other countries on 6 continents; individuals share their knowledge and expertise from numerous perspectives, including psychology, musicology, music therapy, education, folklore and medicine.

Maria Scichilone commits to soccer Program

The UPEI Women's Soccer Panthers have made a huge splash in their recruiting efforts by adding former national team stand-out Maria Scichilone, from Rothesay, New Brunswick, to the team.

'It's exciting to watch the women's World Cup on television, knowing that Maria trained and played with the likes of Christine Sinclair and Kara Lang (now retired). She has a skill set that is exceptional, and a wonderful soccer pedigree-she will entertain Island fans to be sure,' said Panthers head coach, Michael Redmond.

Maria has been on UPEI's radar for several years and it was the approach by the UPEI players and staff that has brought her to the Island. 'It is an honour and privilege to come to UPEI. I was attracted by UPEI's academic and athletic standards and by a program that strives for success on and off the field,' said Scichilone.

Scichilone will be reunited with goalkeeper Chanelle Roy at UPEI as they played together on the New Brunswick Canada Games team. 'I am looking forward to renewing friendships and meeting my new teammates and classmates at UPEI,' added Scichilone. 'I will draw on my experience with the national team program to provide leadership and a positive attitude. I am coming to UPEI to help the team win championships at both the AUS and CIS levels.'

The UPEI Women's Soccer program will have a very competitive training camp with no less than 14 rookies in attendance. 'It is our goal to have a competition for every position, and because we came up short last year, it means all players will have to perform well to earn a spot,' explained assistant coach Clarence Frizzell.

The Panthers open their regular season at Dalhousie and Saint Mary's universities on September 10 and 11, respectively.

June 30 marks the final day as UPEI president and vice-chancellor for Wade MacLauchlan, after 12 years of dedicated service. The students, faculty, staff, alumni, and entire UPEI community wish him all the best as he embarks on the next phase of his life.

Under President MacLauchlan's leadership, the University demonstrated its capacity to employ brains, ambition, and talent - enhanced by education - to challenge ourselves, to aim for the 'next level up,' and to succeed against standards of competitive excellence.

We thank Wade for instilling in all of us, raised expectations.

To read the retrospective by Marian Bruce about President MacLauchlan's tenure at UPEI, click here.

To read President MacLauchlan's June 22nd newsletter, 'Raised Expectations,' click here.

His Excellency the Right Honourable David Johnston, Governor General of Canada, announced 50 new appointments to the Order of Canada on June 30, including Vera Dewar of Stratford, PEI and Frederick E. Hyndman of Charlottetown, PEI, who are both highly regarded members of the UPEI family. Both were made members of the Order, and will be invited to accept their insignia at a ceremony to be held at a later date.

Vera Dewar was appointed 'for her contributions in the advancement of nursing education in her province'. After she graduated from the PEI Hospital School of Nursing in 1956, she obtained a Diploma in Teaching and Supervision in Schools of Nursing from Dalhousie University in 1958, received a Bachelor of Nursing degree from Dalhousie University in 1967, and was granted an Honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UPEI in 2003.Dr. Vera Dewar, shown here at the campaign launch for the School of Nursing and Family and Nutritional Sciences building, is one of the newest members of the Order of Canada.

Dr. Dewar was one of the pioneers who advocated for university-level education for nurses, and her efforts contributed to the opening of the UPEI School of Nursing in 1992. To this day, she is called on for advice, and to speak to students and faculty. She recently made a major gift of $300,000 to the new building, currently under construction, that will house the UPEI School of Nursing and Department of Family and Nutritional Sciences, and continues to support nursing education through the Dr. Vera E. Dewar Learning Resource Centre, and the Dr. Vera Elizabeth Dewar Graduate Nursing Scholarship.

Frederick E. Hyndman, chair of the UPEI Board of Governors since 2006, was cited 'for his contributions as a volunteer and community leader locally, provincially and nationally.' He is managing director and CEO of Hyndman and Company Ltd., a firm established in Charlottetown in 1872 by his great-grandfather. He has been a director of the Bank of Canada and a member of its executive committee, a director of Canadian Blood Services, and is currently director of Northumberland Ferries Ltd., Padinox Inc., the Insurance Broker's Association of P.E.I., Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, and a fellow of the Insurance Institute of Canada. He and his wife, Shirley, are significant supporters of the University in all facets, but their quiet and generous contributions to a wide variety of public causes, including education, heritage, the arts, churches, health, numerous other community endeavours are plentiful and widely unknown.

Prior to joining the Board of Governors, he led UPEI's Building a Legacy Campaign as campaign chair and a leading donor. In raising almost $53 million, the Campaign set new standards for community philanthropy on Prince Edward Island. Hyndman's contributions to post-secondary education go back to his role as a member of the University/College Planning Committee in 1968-69 that led to the creation of UPEI and Holland College. Hyndman also served for four years as a member of the founding Board of Governors of Holland College.

From his early days, Fred Hyndman has been a passionate promoter of community heritage. He was a commissioner for the 1973 Centennial of Prince Edward Island's entry into Confederation and was chair of the sub-committee that acquired and restored Beaconsfield, as the headquarters of the Prince Edward Island Heritage Foundation. Hyndman went on to serve for twelve years as a director and governor of the Fathers of Confederation Building Trust (i.e., the Confederation Centre of the Arts), and is a leading donor to the Confederation Centre's Art Gallery. He also served as a director of the Charlottetown Area Development Corporation, including serving for seven years as Chair of the Board.

The Order of Canada, one of Canada's highest civilian honours, was established in 1967, during Canada's centennial year, to recognize a lifetime of outstanding achievement, dedication to community and service to the nation. Over the last 40 years, more than 5,000 people from all sectors of society have been invested into the Order, including outgoing UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan, CM, who was appointed in 2008.

The University of Prince Edward Island community is set to officially welcome Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz on July 4, 2011 when he will begin his responsibilities as UPEI's sixth president and vice-chancellor. The formal installation ceremony will take place during the fall semester.

'I am delighted to become part of the UPEI family. I have always held a high regard for institutions of higher education that cultivate an integrated teaching and research environment and those that are strongly tied to both the local and the global community. UPEI is an institution that excels in these areas,' said Dr. Abd-El-Aziz. 'My first priority will be to embrace the University's culture and the island community. I will spend time with faculty, staff, students and members of the PEI community to realize key issues of importance from their perspectives.'

The new president has visited campus several times over the past six months, including attending the annual UPEI New Year's Levee and a number of UPEI meetings. Dr. Abd-El-Aziz has purchased a home outside Cornwall where he will live with his wife, Valerie, and youngest son, Kareem. His oldest son, Ahmad, will commence studies abroad in September.

Fred Hyndman, Chair of the UPEI Board of Governors, said, 'Dr. Abd-El-Aziz is a talented academic and a successful university administrator. His considerable accomplishments and qualifications, his infectious enthusiasm, and his collaborative experience in developing scholarship are all qualities that are essential for UPEI's continued positive development. We welcome him and his family to UPEI.'

Dr. Abd-El-Aziz received his BSc and MSc degrees from Ain Shams University in Cairo, Egypt, and his PhD from the University of Saskatchewan. After an NSERC postdoctoral fellowship at the University of Toronto, he joined the chemistry department of the University of Winnipeg, becoming a full professor in 1997. He served as Dean of Science, Associate Vice-President of Research and Graduate Studies, and Vice-President, Research, International & External Affairs.

Most recently, Dr. Abd-El-Aziz was provost of the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus in Kelowna, which he joined in 2006. As provost, he provided leadership and direction in the areas of strategic planning, program development, and resource management. His responsibilities also encompassed the Okanagan campus' academic and research mandates.

The family of H. Wade MacLauchlan has made a leadership gift to the University of Prince Edward Island to create a major program of awards for student writing. The gift is to honour MacLauchlan's twelve years of service as UPEI president and to recognize the importance of effective writing as a foundational skill for academic success and lifelong learning. The MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing will be the largest such student-oriented program in Canada, distributing more than $30,000 annually in awards.

On behalf of the family, Mrs. Marjorie MacLauchlan said, 'We are proud of what UPEI has achieved over the past twelve years, and to honour Wade's part in that success. We are especially pleased to encourage the writing skills of UPEI students and graduates through this gift.'

UPEI President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz expressed appreciation to the MacLauchlan family for their generosity, saying, 'The MacLauchlan family has a remarkable history of leadership giving at UPEI and we are extremely grateful for this further, significant gift that supports the development of such an important skill as writing in our students. This donation will enrich the exceptional quality of education that we offer to our students and lead to their lifelong success.'

Dr. Barbara Campbell, director of the Webster Centre for Teaching and Learning, which houses the UPEI Writing Centre and other academic support programs, said, 'We at UPEI recognize the need to enhance the writing ability of our students, to enable them to compete and excel.'

Campbell added, 'This generous gift from the MacLauchlan family in Wade's name encourages student writing throughout our programs, and will provide incentives for effective writing as the foundation of teaching and learning.'

Beginning in the fall of 2012, there will be 60 MacLauchlan Prizes for Effective Writing awarded to students who have demonstrated writing achievement in a variety of formats, in their academic programs and in community-oriented work, as well as to UPEI faculty or staff members for leadership and innovation in writing instruction and program development.

UPEI's Vice-President Academic Jim Randall said, 'Writing is often such a natural extension to our lives, we may not realize the tremendous role that this form of communication plays in our personal and professional growth. Moreover, success as a knowledge-based society depends on a population that is able to communicate effectively. By celebrating writing excellence, these awards send a powerful signal to our students and our province regarding the collective importance of writing.

The MacLauchlan family has made previous contributions to the Harry W. MacLauchlan Scholarships in Entrepreneurial Leadership, MacLauchlan Arena, Robertson Library, athletic scholarships, and student prizes in mathematics and entrepreneurship. Wade MacLauchlan completed his tenure as UPEI's fifth president and vice-chancellor on June 30, 2011.

Gary Bradshaw, vice-president, finance and facilities at the University of Prince Edward Island, has been named associate vice-president at the Grenfell Campus of Memorial University of Newfoundland, announced UPEI President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

'Gary is returning to Memorial after completing nine successful years at UPEI. The Grenfell position offers him a great opportunity to apply his proven skill set at a respected post-secondary institution in his home province,' Abd-El-Aziz said. 'UPEI is grateful for Gary's significant contributions to our campus, and we know that he will continue to be a valued colleague and ambassador for the University of Prince Edward Island.'

During his tenure at UPEI, Bradshaw oversaw tremendous growth in the physical infrastructure of the campus, managing the planning and development of approximately $120 million in capital expansion and renewal. As UPEI's lead on the budget process, he also guided the University to nine consecutive years of balanced budgets.

Bradshaw is a director with Interuniversity Services Inc. and Capital Area Recreation Inc. and immediate past-president of the Canadian Association of University Business Managers (CAUBO). Born and raised in Newfoundland, Bradshaw's mother, partner Gerilyn, one of his daughters, and other members of his family reside in the province.

'I certainly have mixed feelings about leaving the UPEI family and I will regret missing the opportunity to work with Alaa, our new president,' said Bradshaw. 'However, the prospect of returning to the other ‘island' and joining the Grenfell and Memorial University team in such a pivotal role is one that excites me, and brings me closer to my family.'

Bradshaw will assume his responsibilities at Grenfell on September 1, 2011. Information about the process to find his replacement at UPEI will be released shortly; Phil Hooper, executive director of finance and comptroller, will serve as acting vice-president, finance and facilities during the interim.

Link to Memorial University of Newfoundland news release.

The Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education (CCAE) has awarded three silver medals to the University of Prince Edward Island through its annual Prix d'Excellence awards program. The awards were presented to UPEI at the recent CCAE national conference in Quebec City, where former UPEI President Wade MacLauchlan spoke to delegates on the ‘Value of Brand for Universities,' and participated in an executive leadership panel discussion.

UPEI was awarded second place for ‘Best New Idea: Creativity on a Shoestring' for its ‘Win with UPEI' contest; ‘Best Annual Fund Initiative' for the UPEI Annual Fund Campaign; and ‘Best Community Outreach' for the Atlantic Veterinary College's Community Workshop Series.

Glenda Clements, director of UPEI Integrated Communications, said, 'UPEI staff, across the entire campus, understand the importance of creatively and professionally supporting our students and faculty as we advance the profile and outreach of the University. It's an honour for UPEI to be recognized among its peer institutions for such important initiatives.'

The ‘Best New Idea: Creativity on a Shoestring' category recognizes innovative solutions or new and imaginative ideas that are modest in cost and make the work of professionals in alumni, development, public affairs or student recruitment offices easier or more effective. Clements' department was recognized in this category for creating the ‘Win with UPEI' contest in 2010 in an effort to best use limited advertising dollars to highlight UPEI's numerous achievements and the wide variety of UPEI student involvement in community projects within PEI, nationally, and internationally.

‘Win with UPEI' handed out $10,000-originally slated to purchase advertising-in student bursaries by asking visitors to the contest website to vote on their favourite student community project, with faculties/programs receiving a percentage of bursary dollars based on the percentage of votes cast. A second component of the contest site allowed anyone with a connection to UPEI to enter a text, photo, or video story for a chance to win prizes.

The silver-medal-winning UPEI Annual Fund Campaign entry included a clear goal statement and evidence of effective planning, innovative ideas, and the initiative's success. During the 2009/10 campaign, new strategies were implemented resulting in an overall fund increase of 26 per cent, a 186 per cent increase in young alumni donors, 232 per cent more alumni making their first gift to UPEI over the previous year, and 78 per cent more reactivating their support after missing one or more years of giving.

Rose Barbour, information and annual fund coordinator for the Department of Advancement said, 'It is wonderful to be recognized with this prestigious honour after implementing new campaign strategies.' She added, 'One of these was to spend more time on training and educating our passionate student-employees on the importance of the Annual Fund and how, through the resources raised, it enhances overall student experience. This allowed them to relay that message properly to our alumni and definitely led to our success.'

The Atlantic Veterinary College's Community Workshop Series was awarded a silver medal for ‘Best Community Outreach Initiative.' By involving internal and external community members in the life and work of the institution, AVC continues to enhance the town-and-gown relationship. The series began in 2008, and features public presentations focusing on the health and well-being of animals. This year marked the third time in which AVC was recognized in this category, having won gold in 2008 and 2010 for the Dr. Tim Ogilvie AVC Vet Camp.

'We are very pleased to receive this prestigious honour,' says Dr. Don Reynolds, dean of the Atlantic Veterinary College. 'Awards such as this one are a testament to the knowledge and expertise that AVC brings to the Atlantic provinces as the veterinary school serving the region. Our dedicated experts provide members of the public with a unique opportunity to increase their knowledge about animal health and welfare through programs such as the Community Workshop Series.'

About the CCAE
The Canadian Council for the Advancement of Education is the professional association for educational advancement professionals. CCAE is the primary source of information, professional development, connection and support for advancement professionals working at universities, colleges, institutes, independent schools, and cégeps across the country.

The UPEI Women's Hockey program confirms that Hockey PEI's ‘Player of the Year,' Laura Bradley, will be lacing up her skates with the Panthers this September. Bradley recently graduated from Morell Regional High School and will study in the health field.

The daughter of Adrian and Rinnie Bradley of St. Teresa, Bradley started playing hockey at the age of six and, over the years, has played on both male and female teams.

Under the coaching of Craig Jenkins and Jill MacPhee this past season, Bradley further developed her offensive skills, enabling her to finish second in scoring in her final year of Midget hockey. Laura was chosen captain of the Kings County Kings and credits her teammates for having the determination and work ethic required to win the Island Midget AA League title, and go undefeated at the Atlantic Midget AA Championship.

During the Atlantics, Laura tied for the honour of top scorer, and was named tournament MVP. The win at the Atlantics earned the Kings a berth at the Nationals in St. Albert, Alberta. At this tournament, she earned three 'game star' awards and scored two goals. Her confident, defensive style, along with her play-to-win attitude, has contributed to her success.

Bradley looks forward to playing with the UPEI Women's Panther Hockey team this year, and can't wait to hit the ice, saying, 'I hope my hard work will pay off, that I will earn ice time, and make a difference for the team.'

Panthers coach, Bruce Donaldson, is very pleased that Laura has made the decision to attend, and play for UPEI. He adds, 'I watched Laura lead the Kings County Midget AA program all year, winning the Island Provincials, Atlantics, and competing well at the Esso Nationals out in Alberta. Laura has learned so much this past year and has used this as her motivation to demonstrate the amount of potential that she possesses. The coaching staff sees Laura as a big addition to the program.'

The UPEI Women's Hockey team opens its season at home on October 29 when they host Université de Moncton at 3:00 pm.