The 10th biennial international conference on the life and writings of Lucy Maud (L.M.) Montgomery will be hosted by the University of Prince Edward Island's L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI) on June 20-24. This year's theme-cultural memory- will be celebrated by an exciting group of scholars, including presenters from seven countries.

Among them will be a new presenter to the conference, Vappu Kannas, a doctoral student from Finland and a young LMMI scholar. 'There aren't many well-written books that depict the development of young women in depth, or of female communities and relationships in a general sense,' says Kannas. 'That, I think, explains why Montgomery's books appeal to women-and men-from around the world.'

Montgomery's heroines are also a central appeal to Kannas. 'You can't help being drawn to them. Annoying as they may be, they are never dull. Or, as Montgomery puts it when depicting Emily in Emily's Quest, ‘Many people liked her, many disliked her. No one was ever wholly indifferent to her.''

Another new presenter will be Poushali Bradury of India, who thinks Montgomery has 'the ability, like the very best authors, to transport her readers from across the world to an imagined space.' Bradury mentions that there are plenty of Montgomery fans in India. 'I'm particularly intrigued by the vivid characters, both the joys and deep sorrows that can beset these characters are also major points of continued fascination.'

One of the keynote speakers, Diane Tye from Memorial University of Newfoundland, is not new to scholarship, but is bringing a fresh eye to Montgomery's work from her well-known research in folklore. With a focus on Atlantic Canadian folklore, and on girls and women, Tye has 'published on subjects from bachelorette parties to Christmas mummering, contemporary legend and cultural understandings of regionally iconic foods like molasses and home-baked bread.' Her talk on 'folklore as memory' will shed light on local tradition and Montgomery's writing.

The diverse conference panels will feature new ideas about Montgomery, and home and cultural landscape; narrative and storytelling; folklore, reading, and remembering; memory, and masculinity, and cross-cultural memory.

Since 1993, the L.M. Montgomery Institute's conferences have drawn scholars across a wide range of academic disciplines and research interests, and have been foundational to international scholarship on Montgomery and Canadian culture, 'islandness,' conflict, landscapes, nature, the idea of the classic. This year's conference hopes to continue to refresh literary studies, to illuminate Montgomery's life, and to write with new and young scholars.

For more information, or to purchase session passes, visit http://www.lmmontgomery.ca/conference2012 or contact conference co-chairs, Simon Lloyd (902) 566-0536 slloyd@upei.ca, or Jean Mitchell (902) 566-0381 mjmitchell@upei.ca.

The University of Prince Edward Island today honoured its fourth, and first female president, Dr. Elizabeth ‘Betsy' Epperly, Professor Emerita, by dedicating Epperly Plaza- located at the south entrance to the Robertson Library-in her name. Dr. Epperly served as president from 1995-98.

Dr. Epperly's commitment to UPEI dates back to when she was a student-the first to register at the newly created University of Prince Edward Island in 1969. Originally from the United States, Epperly moved to Canada because of her love of the writing of PEI's own Lucy Maud Montgomery.

'On behalf of the students, staff, and faculty of UPEI, I thank Dr. Epperly for her years of service to the University,' said UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor, Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'They, along with visitors to campus, will now have a record-through this lovely plaza-of the mark she has made at UPEI.'

June 20 is a special day for Epperly, not only because of her plaza dedication, but because it is also the day on which Lucy Maud Montgomery received her first copy of Anne of Green Gables from her publisher in 1908. Canada Post also chose June 20, in 2008, to launch a commemorative 'Anne' stamp in Cavendish, PEI.

Epperly is the author of many books and dozens of articles, and has curated four Montgomery exhibitions. Founder and first chair of the L.M. Montgomery Institute (LMMI), she serves on the board of the Anne of Green Gables Licensing Authority and the International Advisory Board of the LMMI.

Epperly still spends a great deal of time devoted to her research on Montgomery. 'Even though I can't always be here on the Island, when Lucy Maud Montgomery is the inspiration, you're always home. You're always on Prince Edward Island.'

Plantings around the Epperly Plaza reflect Betsy's lifelong passion, as they include flora that appear in Montgomery's writings, such as: lilacs, roses, lilies, and silken poppies.

'People want to be proud of the University and feel that it is a beautiful place,' said Epperly. 'I'm so thrilled that UPEI continues to beautify this campus, it's just gorgeous.'

The dedication ceremony featured a fanfare, 'Epperly Salute,' composed by retired UPEI music professor, Bert Tersteeg; special remarks by master of ceremonies and librarian Simon Lloyd, President and Vice-Chancellor Abd-El-Aziz, and Epperly herself; and the unveiling of the plaque, which is mounted on granite, near the library entrance.

To honour the presidents of the University, space has been allocated within the campus plan to create plazas conducive to the enjoyment of the University grounds. Three plazas were unveiled in 2008 honouring UPEI's first three presidents Drs. Ronald J. Baker, Peter P. M. Meincke, and C.W.J. Eliot.

The Advancing Interdisciplinary Research in Singing project (AIRS) will hold its fourth annual regional workshops June 25 and 26 in UPEI's Don and Marion McDougall Hall, Room 246, from 9:00 am-5:00 pm.

AIRS is an exciting seven-year research project funded by the Social Sciences and Humanities Council of Canada. More than 70 researchers from around the world contribute to the project's three focus areas: the development of singing ability, singing and learning, and the enhancement of health and well-being through singing. The research aims to provide resources and best practices for teaching and encouraging singing across cultures and generations, and a means for enhancing quality of life through improved intercultural and intergenerational understanding.

Tuesday's workshop features research presentations by recent honours graduates Erica Ross and Denise Beaton; UPEI faculty members such as Dr. Martha Gabriel and Dr. Godfrey Baldacchino, Canada Research Chair in Island Studies; as well as a keynote presentation by Dr. Steven Brown, Director of the NeuroArts Lab in the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience & Behaviour at McMaster University. Dr. Brown's presentation is entitled: 'Neuroimaging of Pitch Production.'

The event begins Monday, June 25, with a small, expert workshop focused on the resilience of song. A full-day workshop Tuesday, open to the public, highlights research presentations on singing and development, education, and health care, and interactive hands-on demonstrations of research in singing in the UPEI AIRS research space.

The workshop also features presentations by AIRS partners, including Music PEI, Culture PEI, the PEI Alzheimer's Society, and Young at Heart Musical Theatre. Cameo appearances include the AIRS UPEI Multicultural Song Circle and the Grace Christian School (His Girls) among other performers throughout the day.

'Singing is a natural human ability and AIRS is discovering how it can best be exploited to the benefit of individuals, government, and society. We are so fortunate that UPEI is at the hub of this large research enterprise aiming to examine singing in all its dimensions,' said Dr. Annabel Cohen, Professor of Psychology and Director of the AIRS project. 'This AIRS workshop provides the opportunity to share our growing knowledge with the community. We also welcome the insights that community members bring and the important problems to which they direct our attention.'

Members of the public are encouraged to register for the workshop by contacting Ross Dwyer at rdwyer@upei.ca. For more information, visit the AIRS website, http://www.airsplace.ca/. All are welcome!

UPEI clarinetist and professor Karem J. Simon, in collaboration with percussionist Krista Carruthers, will present multiple performances of 'Cadenzas' by Canadian composer Alexina Louie on Sunday, July 1, beginning at 2:30 pm. In a departure from typical recital protocol, 'Cadenzas' will be performed three times, in three separate campus venues.

The recital will begin in the Dr. Steel Recital Hall, and then proceed to McMillan Hall in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre at approximately 3:15 pm, and conclude in Schurman Market Square in Don and Marion McDougall Hall at 3:55 pm. A celebration of Canadian music, this recital is part of the 'Clarinet Spectrum: A Study of Sound and Blend in Space Series.'

The concept for this initiative reflects Dr. Simon's interest in finding ways for audiences to become more aware of and engaged with contemporary music. 'By hearing a piece multiple times, the listener develops expectations, and begins to make connections between the diverse elements of the work. Moreover, by changing venues, the distinctive acoustics of each hall provides a unique perception of color and blend,' says Simon.

Alexina Louie is among Canada's most highly respected composers. Completed in 1987, 'Cadenzas' is a four-movement work, seventeen minutes in duration that exploits the technical and expressive components of each instrument. As its title suggests, the music sounds improvisatory. In combining the clarinet with percussion-vibraphone, marimba, orchestral bells-novel colors are created. This music is an engaging tour de force that is accessible for both novice and seasoned concert goers. As the drama of the music unfolds, the listener will experience a wide range of emotions and moods.

Each presentation of 'Cadenzas' will be unique. The first will follow typical recital protocol. With McMillan Hall, the second venue, the space will be as dark as possible for the presentation of this music as a pagan ritual. For the final rendition in Schurman Market Square, in Don and Marion McDougall Hall, the audience will be placed between the performers and a limited number of scores will be available for audience members to follow. All are welcome to attend!

Ryan Gallant, UPEI Student Union president from 2005-2007, was recently valedictorian at McGill University in Montreal, Quebec. Gallant graduated from McGill in June 2012 with a Bachelor of Common Law and Bachelor of Civil Law (LLB and BCL).

Gallant's speech was delivered in both English and French, and it highlighted the student population's diversity, universal memories, ups and downs, and the support system behind each graduate.

'Thankfully, not one of us got where we are today alone. Behind each graduate is a person or people who have at different times given us the sufficient support and encouragement we needed to get through law school, or just through the day,' said Gallant. 'Whoever these important people were and are for you, I would like each graduate to take a moment to hold them in your mind, and to give them a much-deserved thank you and round of applause.'

Gallant reminded his fellow graduates of their hard work, but also of reality. 'In whatever capacity you decide to apply your gifts and skills, don't expect-and indeed, don't hope-that everything will be easy. Struggle is at the base of all growth, all progress, and all worthwhile changes and beginnings.'

Gallant credits much of his leadership experience to his time at UPEI. 'My undergraduate experience at UPEI-both in and out of the classroom-provided me with a great base for my academic career, and with the tools and confidence I needed to develop as a student, a leader, and as an individual.'

During his time at UPEI, Gallant was an active volunteer in several groups including New Student Orientation, the Chaplaincy Centre Advisory Committee, and the Grad Executive. He also worked on campus while he was a student, at the First Year Advisement Centre, and for the student newspaper, The Cadre, as a reporter and editor, and as president of the Student Union.

Since graduating from UPEI, Gallant has remained involved with the University through volunteer work with the Student Union, working as activity coordinator for the Explore Program for the past five summers, and co-hosting Wade MacLauchlan's 'Raised Expectations' celebration and fundraising dinner for student awards held in recognition of MacLauchlan's completion of 12 years of service as UPEI's fifth president and vice-chancellor.

Gallant's future plans include working in law enforcement, or practicing law here on Prince Edward Island.

UPEI's varsity soccer and hockey teams are excited to announce that five-foot-ten Islander Cole MacMillan has committed to attend UPEI in September. MacMillan will join the soccer and hockey Panthers in the fall.

Head coach of the men's soccer team, Lewis Page, coached MacMillan on the 2009 Canada Games team and knows him well. 'What makes him a great athlete is his competitiveness and his work ethic. He is a great team leader who sets an example for his teammates both on and off the field. These qualities translate to any sport-whether it be in hockey or soccer,' says Page. 'From a soccer perspective, we're excited to have Cole in our program, he is a superb defender and an excellent passer. This will give our back lineup a new look this season.'

Forbes MacPherson, head coach of the UPEI men's hockey team agrees. 'Cole has the rare ability to make an impact as a two-sport athlete at UPEI. As far as hockey is concerned, he will bring a physical play and work ethic that will make our team harder to play against. He plays a style of hockey that makes it extremely uncomfortable for opponents, while also providing opportunities for him offensively.'

MacMillan is looking forward to the fall, 'I'm very excited to have the opportunity to play both hockey and soccer at UPEI, and also fortunate to be able to play here on the Island. Both are great programs with lots of Island support, and I'm just looking to earn my spot, and hopefully help improve both programs, and keep them moving in the right direction,' says MacMillan. 'It will be a very busy next few years, but I'm looking forward to the challenges it's going to bring.'

Most recently, in the 2011-12 season, MacMillan played in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League for the Chicoutimi Saguenéens, and in the Junior A hockey club for the Amherst Ramblers. Currently, MacMillan is playing on the PEIFC soccer team which plays in the PEI and New Brunswick Premier Leagues.

MacMillan comes from a family of hockey greats. He is the son of former NHL'er Bob MacMillan, who played for 11 seasons from 1974-75 until 1984-85. Cole is also the nephew of former NHL'er Bill MacMillan. Cole's older brother Logan currently plays for the Abbotsford Heat of the American Hockey League, and was selected as the first-round pick of the Anaheim Ducks in the 2007 NHL entry draft.

Season tickets for all Panther sports teams are now on sale, with the soccer Panthers home opener set for September 8 and the men's hockey hitting the ice for regular season on October 12.

UPEI's International Relations Office was approved as a new member of the Atlantic Council for International Cooperation (ACIC) during its annual general meeting and symposium from June 13-15. The annual event was hosted by the Coady Institute at St. Francis Xavier University in Antigonish, Nova Scotia, and it provided an opportunity for the ACIC to select new members, including UPEI.

The International Relations Office of UPEI is committed to collaborating with organizations that work in the international development field. By joining ACIC, the office is expanding UPEI's commitment of collaboration and partnership in the region, and around the world.

Two individual board members from PEI were also acclaimed-both with UPEI connections-Leo Cheverie, Librarian Technician, and Digafie Debalke, Project Officer in UPEI's International Relations Office. Cheverie, also involved in the Canadian Union of Public Employees (CUPE) as the PEI representative, returns to ACIC as co-chair; while Debalke joins the board for the first time, as ACIC member-at-large.

Debalke believes the ACIC is an important organization in Atlantic Canada, one that is committed to advancing mutual collaboration and partnership with communities and international development organizations in Canada and beyond.

'The challenges facing ACIC and other international development organizations are numerous, and I am looking forward to serving the organization to the best of my abilities to address these challenges,' says Debalke. 'And in doing so, I hope to strengthen our vision for international cooperation.'

The ACIC has over 70 members located in Atlantic Canada, and is actively involved in a variety of activities, including public engagement, international internship placements, capacity-building efforts, and networking.

More about the ACIC

The University of Prince Edward Island's Board of Governors recently accepted the recommendation of the search committee for Dean of the School of Nursing. Dr. Rosemary Herbert, Associate Professor and coordinator of UPEI's Master of Nursing program, will begin her appointment immediately.

'I am pleased to announce Rosemary's appointment to the position of Dean of the School of Nursing. Rosemary brings with her an extensive academic background and leadership experience that will prove valuable in moving forward the many initiatives in the School of Nursing,' said Dr. Jim Randall, chair of the search committee.

'I would also like to extend my appreciation to everyone who participated in this search, including the Search Committee, the candidates and all those who submitted comments and input as part of the process. This truly was a community endeavor,' he added.

Dr. Herbert said, 'I am delighted to serve as Dean of Nursing. I love interacting with students and am excited about working on our many projects and programs with our strong team of faculty and staff at the School of Nursing, and continuing the great tradition, on PEI and at UPEI, of developing leaders in our profession.'

Rosemary has a strong history of academic and administrative achievement at UPEI,' said President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 'I look forward to her success, and the continuing success of the School of Nursing under her guidance.'

Dr. Herbert is not entirely new to the position, having served as Dean of the School of Nursing from 2000-2003. Herbert was also the interim Vice-President Academic Development in 2006 and again from 2008-2010. During her time as V-P Academic Development, Dr. Herbert especially enjoyed her mentorship role with both students and colleagues, and found supporting new teaching initiatives and teaching workshops both interesting and rewarding.

A researcher in tobacco control, she is a long-time, active member of the PEI Tobacco Reduction Alliance and sits on the board of the Canadian Cancer Society (PEI Division). Dr. Herbert recently completed a six-year term on the board of the CHANCES Family Resource Centre and currently serves with Farmers Helping Farmers and on the UPEI Future Directions Steering Committee.

Herbert has been a faculty member of the UPEI School of Nursing since the School opened in 1992. She holds a Bachelor and Master of Nursing from Dalhousie University and a PhD from McGill University.

The University of Prince Edward Island announced today the appointment of Dr. Robert Hurta as the next Jeanne and J.-Louis Lévesque Research Professor in Nutrisciences and Health.

Dr. Hurta is a molecular/cellular biologist and an associate professor of biology at UPEI. His research focuses on investigating the possible health benefits of compounds found in plant and marine sources, and in particular, determining their possible roles in protecting us from, or preventing, cancer.

'There is a naturally occurring bioactive compound within the roots and bark of magnolia called magnolol which has been touted to have a number of health benefits. It has often been used in traditional Chinese and Japanese medicine,' said Dr. Hurta. 'My lab will investigate the effects of magnolol and its related compounds on the behaviour of breast and prostate cancer cells.'

This three-year professorship allows Dr. Hurta's lab to hire a graduate student to aid in his research, building the research capacity of the University and offering a unique training opportunity for students.

The Jeanne and J.-Louis Lévesque Research Professorship in Nutrisciences and Health is funded by a generous contribution by the Fondation J.-Louis Lévesque. Formed in 1961 by St. Dunstan's University alumnus J.-Louis Lévesque (BA'34, LLD'64), the foundation supports numerous teaching and research projects in regards to human health. UPEI is proud of its long-standing relationship with the foundation and its chair, Mme. Suzanne Lévesque, daughter of J.-Louis Lévesque.

'I want to congratulate Dr. Hurta on his new professorship; this demonstrates the excellence in research we have come to expect from his laboratory,' said Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, President and Vice-Chancellor of UPEI.

The Fondation J.-Louis Lévesque has supported research at the University of Prince Edward Island since 1999 with the purchase of a major piece of research equipment and the establishment of a Research Professorship in Respiratory Health. It also currently supports the Jeanne and J.-Louis Lévesque Research Chair in Nutrisciences and Health, held by Dr. Russ Kerr, and supports collaboration across the country.

UPEI's Institute of Island Studies (IIS), in collaboration with the Nova Scotia Agricultural College's Rural Research Centre (soon to be the Rural Research Centre of Dalhousie's Faculty of Agriculture), and the Tatamagouche Centre invite the public to a lecture and discussion by Alastair McIntosh, a leading figure in Scottish land reform, and a well-known writer and broadcaster.

Entitled 'Rekindling Community,' the presentation will deal with many issues of current concern on Prince Edward Island, as well as offer persons of Scottish descent an opportunity to reconnect with what is happening in their ancestral homeland.

McIntosh notes that all around the world, rural communities are facing huge challenges to their cohesion. Globalization has changed the economic basis of agriculture and natural resource extraction, while high levels of mobility, made possible by cheap oil, have created fluidity in the social structure. In Scotland, as on PEI, many communities are undergoing a fundamental re-evaluation of what it means to be a community, and how to increase their resilience and maintain a better quality of life.

'We are very lucky to have such a wonderful speaker here on the Island. It is a timely opportunity to consider how our small communities can survive in the face of government funding cuts, outmigration, climate changes and other forces,' notes IIS Director, Dr. Irene Novaczek. 'Alastair's lecture will explore some of these issues based on his work with land reform. His presentation will also touch on community regeneration and explore the spiritual underpinnings of community.'

Alastair McIntosh's book, Soil and Soul, has garnered some interesting responses. It has been described by George Monbiot as 'world-changing,' by the Bishop of Liverpool as 'life-changing,' by Starhawk as 'inspirational,' and by Thoom Yorke of Radiohead as 'truly mental!' His most recent edited book, Radical Human Ecology is co-authored with colleagues from the Department of Native Studies at the University of Wisconsin. He is a fellow of the Centre for Human Ecology, and visiting professor of human ecology at the University of Strathclyde.

The presentation and discussion will take place on Monday, July 16, in the Faculty Lounge at UPEI's Main Building at 7:00 pm. The event is free of charge and all are welcome to attend.