January Welcome Day is a new event for all students beginning classes in the winter semester. On January 5, new students are invited to the UPEI campus for a welcome and orientation, advisement, campus tours, and a free lunch! January Welcome Day takes place from 9:00 am-3:00 pm with sessions delivered by the UPEI Student Union, The Writing Centre, Pathways to Academic Success (PAS) and Transitions programs, Accessibility Services, and many more! The day's full schedule includes:

• 9:00-11:00 am: International Student Welcome, Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall
• 11:00-11:20: Session 1 Welcome to UPEI
• 11:20-11:40: Session 2 Your Student Union
• 11:40 am-12:00 pm: Session 3 upei.ca and Moodle 'how tos'
• 12:00-1:00: Free lunch, Wanda Wyatt Dining Hall
• 1:00-2:00: Campus tour, beginning at Wanda Wyatt Dining Hall
• 2:00-2:20: Session 4 The Writing Centre and Pathways to Academic Success
• 2:20-2:40: Session 5 Transitions Program and Accessibility Services
• 2:40-3:00: Session 6 Q&A

On Friday, January 4, the UPEI men's hockey team takes on Dalhousie University at 7:00 pm at the MacLauchlan Arena. The special night-dubbed 'Drew Power Night'-will include a moment of silence prior to the game to honour the former Panther who passed away recently and 'DP14' T-shirts will be on sale for $20 with all proceeds going to the Power family. The men's hockey team will also be recognizing Power with a display located outside their dressing room.

On Saturday night, January 5, the UPEI men's team takes to the ice again as they host Acadia University at 7:00 pm at the MacLauchlan Arena. As a bonus, local band Vintage will perform in the CARI complex lobby from 6:30-7:10 pm and again between 7:30-8:10 pm. This initiative is supported by the Registrar's Office, Student Affairs, and UPEI Athletics & Recreation. A cash bar will be located in the lobby for ticket holders aged 19 and older.

'A Panther hockey doubleheader is a great way for fans to see the men's and women's hockey teams in action,' said Ron Annear, director of UPEI Athletics & Recreation. 'We invite all UPEI students, staff, faculty, and community members to join us this weekend to kick-start the second half of the season where we'll begin the drive to the AUS Championship.'

Tickets can be purchased at the box office one hour before game time.

As part of the UPEI Music Department Recital Series, the Toronto-based jazz trio Myriad will perform at Dr. Steel Recital Hall on Tuesday, January 22 at 7:30 pm.

Myriad was an 'accident.' Chris Donnelly (piano), Daniel Fortin (bass), and Ernesto Cervini (drums) had never played together until a few substitutions and a twist of fate put them on stage together for the first time in late 2010. Since then, the trio has been making music in every jazz club in the greater Toronto area.

The band is a true collective. Each member acts simultaneously as a leader and a sideman. They play mostly original music that features different aspects of jazz improvisation, ensemble playing, and contemporary composition. Myriad is modern jazz, meets classical, meets pop, meets Oscar Peterson.

Donnelly represents a new generation of jazz pianists, composers, and improvisers dedicated to creating programs that are engaging, entertaining, and educating. He is continually praised for his virtuosic performances, musicality, versatility, and ability to captivate audiences.

Fortin was born and raised in Peterborough, Ontario. He graduated from the University of Toronto's Jazz Performance Program in 2007. Since moving to Toronto, Dan has been an active member of the city's music scene, playing with the likes of Mike Ruby, David Occhipinti, Dave Restivo, Barry Romberg, Harley Card, Chris Donnelly, and many others.

Cervini is making a name for himself as a consummate bandleader and in-demand sideman, repeatedly praised for his deeply musical, infectiously energetic talents. 'Time Out New York' encapsulated Cervini as 'a buoyant drummer as well as a sharp composer and bandleader,' while the jazz bible, 'Downbeat' described his fluid style as one that 'exemplifies ‘float like a butterfly, sting like a bee'.'

Myriad will be touring Canada to celebrate the release of their debut album with Alma Records.

A one-semester pass ($84 for adults; $56 for students/seniors) is available and provides access to seven recitals this winter at a 20% discount.

The UPEI women's basketball team will host the Saint Mary's University Huskies on Saturday, January 12 at 4:00 pm at the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre.

The Panthers are excited to host their annual 'Shoot for the Cure' event where fans can purchase pink hair flairs in the lobby from OT Hair Cutters for $10 and pink baked goods through a fundraising bake sale. UPEI pink print T-shirts can be purchased in advance for $12 through the UPEI Bookstore or by contacting lboudreau@upei.ca.

Twenty-five years ago on January 12, 1988, the University of Prince Edward Island registered its website through the .CA registry. University officials at the time knew they were among the first few to apply, but had no idea they registered the first-ever .CA domain name.

The director of UPEI's first computer centre (later known as the computer services department), Jim Hancock, was listed as the university's administrative contact on the original application.

'It's hard for young people today to imagine a time without the Internet,' says Hancock. 'UPEI was one of 10 Canadian universities that brought the Internet to Canada.' He remembers representing UPEI at a meeting in Victoria, BC and one of the other university delegates saying that it was like building the first railroad across Canada-this time an electronic railroad which would link our country in a way never imagined.

'We had no idea where this Internet 'thing' would lead, but it has changed our world profoundly. In being the first .CA domain, it clearly shows that our University has had, and will continue to have, a very important role to play not only in PEI, but in Canada,' adds Hancock.

David Cairns, retired senior technology advisor at UPEI was the technology contact on the .CA domain application and recalls the outstanding cooperation between the original institutions registered and the people 'behind the dream.'

'It allowed UPEI and the Island to access a bigger world beyond our own; we were able to communicate with peers from across the globe,' says Cairns. 'It was a time of network expansion on-campus as well. In 1990, we installed one of the first fibre-optic computer networks in Canada and we've been updating and improving our internal and external networks ever since.'

A celebration on May 14, 2012 marked the official delegation of the .CA domain by Jon Postel, operator of Internet Assigned Numbers Authority (IANA) to John Demco from the University of British Columbia. Demco and a group of volunteers ran the registry until 2000 when the newly incorporated Canadian Internet Registration Authority (CIRA) took over the responsibility.

'Having a .CA is like having a Canadian flag on your digital backpack,' says Byron Holland, president and CEO of CIRA. 'As the first to register a .CA, UPEI holds a unique role in the development of .CA. It is online pioneers like UPEI that helped shape the Canadian Internet landscape through .CA, and we would like to congratulate them on reaching the 25-year milestone.'

Swimmers from six Atlantic Canadian universities will compete in over 23 events at UPEI during the 2013 Subway AUS Swimming Championship, February 8-10. This is UPEI's second time as event host; the first time was in 2010. The swim heats will run each day beginning at 10:00 am with daily finals starting at 6:00 pm.

'Hosting the championship for the second time is a huge thrill for our swim team,' said UPEI Panthers swimming head coach William Calhoun. 'Swimmers from other teams are looking forward to competing in our pool-the fastest in the conference. I expect this event will bring a record-breaking weekend and numerous new CIS qualifiers.'

In conjunction with the swim meet, UPEI's swim team will host a fundraising event on Thursday, February 7 at the Rodd Royalty Hotel with a reception beginning at 6:00 pm and a dinner to follow at 6:45. Pierre Lafontaine, Swimming Canada CEO and national team coach, will be the guest speaker. A live and silent auction will also be held during the event.

'I'm personally very excited to have Pierre as our event's guest speaker,' added Calhoun. 'He's an electrifying speaker who sends everyone away feeling motivated and prepared for challenges to come.'

Tickets for the fundraising event can be purchased for $60, and 2013 Subway AUS Swimming Championship tickets can also be purchased for $15 for the weekend, or $10 per day. For more information, or to purchase tickets, please contact swimming@upei.ca.

Join us Wednesday, January 16 for a celebration of the culture of writing and publishing from UPEI's Faculty of Arts. We'll launch eight new books by six author/editors that were published in 2012. The event begins at 4:30 pm in the Faculty Lounge of UPEI's Main Building. Books will be available for sale and for signing.

The University of Prince Edward Island announced today that seasoned sport promoter Bill Schurman will become its new Director of Athletics and Recreation, effective February 4.

Schurman most recently has been General Manager of the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce and Management Consultant for the Summerside Storm professional basketball team, but is best known for having worked with the Moncton Wildcats and Lewiston MAINEiacs of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League and for his tenure with the City of Summerside as Director of Community Services and Public Relations (1994-2002) and Director of Recreation and Parks (1981-89). Schurman replaces Ron Annear who served as athletics director for the last eight years.

'UPEI is excited to welcome Bill to campus at a time where both the varsity program and recreation and wellness initiatives are well poised to move to the next level. We are confident that Bill has the right blend of vision and experience in sport administration to drive Panther Sport to new heights,' said Vice-President Administration and Finance Jackie Podger. 'We sincerely thank Ron for his leadership and are pleased that he will remain with the Department and continue to play a significant role.'

Schurman brings a wealth of knowledge in event and community development and management across several sectors and sports. He played an active role in the initial planning and the opening of Credit Union Place, in establishing Summerside's reputation as 'Canada's tournament town,' and for leading major events in New Brunswick and Prince Edward Island such as the Memorial Cup, International Hydroplane Regatta, and numerous national hockey, golf, and baseball championships.

'It is an honour and a privilege to have the opportunity to serve the UPEI community and to become a part of its rich athletic history. Throughout my career, I have been privileged to wear the logos representing many outstanding organizations committed to excellence. I will be excited to wear the Panther emblem and to continue the mission to be the very best,' said Schurman.

Panther Sport has a long tradition of achievement that began with its predecessor institutions, Saint Dunstan's University and Prince of Wales College, and that continues today. Award-winning coaches and tireless staff support student-athletes participating in nine varsity sport programs and who excel in athletics and academics. Last year, a record 57 UPEI student-athletes were named Academic All-Canadians by Canadian Interuniversity Sport (CIS).

UPEI Athletics and Recreation supports the University mission by providing leadership in the promotion and delivery of athletic excellence and of quality physical activity programs and University to meet its diverse physical activity needs, integral to the educational experience.

With first-rate sport and recreation facilities second-to-none, UPEI has hosted national, and regional events including several CIS national championships, the 2009 Canada Summer Games, a variety of Atlantic University Sport championships and is the province's most comprehensive community sport facility and destination.

The University of Prince Edward Island has learned that, for the first time, both male and female Subway Atlantic University Sport Athletes of the Week are UPEI Panthers - and both happen to be hockey goaltenders.

A news release issued today from AUS announced that Marie Soleil Deschenes, from the UPEI Women's Hockey team, and Wayne Savage, from the Men's Hockey team, are the top athletes in the AUS for the week ending January 13, 2013. Click here for the full AUS news release.

Deschenes is a first-year goalie from Ile-Perrot, Quebec, and had back-to-back road wins this past weekend as the defending AUS championPanthers improved to 10-6-1 on the season and moved to within one point of third place in the Atlantic conference standings.

Savage, a third-year goalie from St. Thomas, Ont., also led UPEI to a pair of wins this past weekend over CIS top 10-ranked teams as the Panthers won their fourth game in a row, improving to 10-9-1 on the season.

Each Subway Atlantic University Sport Athlete of the Week receives a $50.00 Subway Card and a framed certificate courtesy of Subway Restaurants and Atlantic University Sport.

The University of Prince Edward Island congratulates President Emeritus Wade MacLauchlan, CM, who was recognized this week by Canada's Public Policy Forum as one of three influential Atlantic Canadians.

Canada's Public Policy Forum's first Atlantic Dinner & Awards held on Thursday, January 17, in Halifax, Nova Scotia recognized MacLauchlan; the Honourable Margaret Norrie McCain, former Lieutenant-Governor of New Brunswick; and John Risley, President, Clearwater Seafoods for their inspirational work in improving government, business, and civil society in Canada.

MacLauchlan, who was UPEI's President and Vice-Chancellor from 1999-2011, was actively involved in provincial, regional, and national collaborations showing great leadership and passion, in addition to serving as the University's fifth president for 12 years.

'While at UPEI, Wade was dedicated to collaborating with other universities and partners in the region to cultivate integrated teaching and research, both locally and globally,' said Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor. 'Wade was also passionate about supporting our students in their pursuit of excellence and that continues to this day through his many endeavours. On behalf of the entire UPEI family, I congratulate Wade on this well-deserved and prestigious honour.'

Under MacLauchlan's leadership, UPEI embarked on a very successful ‘Building a Legacy' capital campaign, rose in Maclean's annual university rankings, and saw unprecedented growth in research funding. He was instrumental in developing partnerships such as with the National Research Council and in establishing events like the Palmer Conference on Public Sector Leadership to increase the debate and dialogue on topics important to Islanders and other Canadians.

Since 1987, the Forum has recognized leaders who have helped advance public policy and good governance in Canada. Each year, public servants, business leaders, elected representatives, and journalists are honoured at a Testimonial Dinner & Awards, Western Dinner, and Gordon Osbaldeston Lecture. The new Atlantic Dinner & Awards builds on this tradition.

The Honourable Robert Ghiz, Premier of Prince Edward Island, and the Honourable Darrell Dexter, Premier of Nova Scotia, delivered opening remarks at the Atlantic dinner and ceremony.