ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ

The Senate and Board of Governors of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ have both unanimously adopted a common position regarding proposed changes to post-secondary education in the province of Prince Edward Island.

The Board of Governors met Thursday evening for its regularly scheduled meeting and unanimously passed the following resolution:

'Be it resolved that the Board of Governors strongly urges the Minister to allow sufficient time for consultation to take place with all stakeholders before making any changes to the University Act or introducing a Degree Granting Act.'

'The Board of Governors is deeply concerned that amendments proposed to section 38 of the Act have not been thoroughly considered as to their effect on the university's independence,' said Mr. Frederick E. Hyndman, Chairman of the Board. 'We seek time for consultation and careful study.'

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Senate, meeting Friday afternoon for a special sitting, endorsed a similar statement.

'Be it resolved that Senate strongly urges the Minister to allow sufficient time for consultation with all stakeholders before making any changes to the University Act or introducing a Degree Granting Act.'

The statements echo sentiment being expressed by several groups, including the Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU), the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Association, the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Student Union, and countless individuals.

Find background on this story, and read what Islanders are saying about these proposed changes at

PDF link:

The McCain Foundation has donated $1 million to the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ (ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ) in support of the Atlantic Veterinary College's (AVC) expansion program.

With this leadership gift, The McCain Foundation is supporting state-of-the-art learning and educational facilities through The McCain Foundation Learning Commons at AVC-the most recent addition within AVC's $45 million expansion project.

'The McCain Foundation has a remarkable history of leadership giving that strengthens communities, notably in Atlantic Canada,' says H. Wade MacLauchlan, President of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. 'We are extremely grateful to The McCain Foundation for this generous gift to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ in support of AVC's expansion project. This donation supports a community of learning at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and AVC, and enriches the exceptional quality of education that we offer to our students.'

"The McCain Foundation is pleased to support the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and our Atlantic region's school of veterinary medicine, the Atlantic Veterinary College, through this donation," said Kathryn McCain, Chair of The McCain Foundation. "The work of the Atlantic Veterinary College at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ impacts our society in significant ways through contributions to animal health, human health, food safety and public health. We are fortunate to have this outstanding resource in Atlantic Canada and are very proud to demonstrate our support for its growth."

The McCain Foundation Learning Commons at AVC enhances the quality of learning and educational experiences of students through resources such as additional classroom space, seminar rooms, teaching equipment, a veterinary resource room and much-needed study space. The heart of The McCain Foundation Learning Commons-a floor-to-ceiling glass atrium-is a gathering point for students and the community.

'Through the generosity of The McCain Foundation, we are able to provide our students with an environment that challenges and excites them, and prepares them to be lifelong learners and leaders in their profession and in their communities,' says Dr. Don Reynolds, Dean of AVC. 'For this outstanding contribution to teaching and learning, I sincerely thank The McCain Foundation.'

Established in 1986 as the veterinary college serving Atlantic Canada, the Atlantic Veterinary College is committed to improving the health and well-being of animals and humans through excellence in education, discovery, professional practice and dedicated service to the four Atlantic provinces. AVC is an active industry partner, providing the world-class research and services needed to grow the Atlantic region. AVC aims to raise $8.5 million by June 2011 in partnership with Atlantic Canadian leaders to fully fund its capital expansion program.

The philanthropic arm of McCain Foods Limited, The McCain Foundation was established to assist charitable organizations within Canada. The Foundation continues the giving tradition of the McCain family with particular emphasis on the communities in which McCain Foods has operations, and on the organizations and institutions that support these communities and their citizens.

From Friday, November 12, until Monday, November 22, the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Association undertook to engage alumni and friends of the University to support its call for public consultation on proposed changes to the University Act on Prince Edward Island. The level and quality of engagement that resulted was both overwhelming and reassuring to the Association and the University in general.

You are encouraged to read through the letters of support that can be found at . The involvement of our alumni and friends clearly indicates that ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ continues to be the university on Prince Edward Island, and that our far-reaching University community remains aware of and involved in the life of our institution. Knowing that the level of engagement remains so high has bolstered the Alumni Association to continue to reach out to alumni, hear their concerns and opinions, and present them to the best of their ability in the University and across PEI.

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Association thanks everyone who took the time to become informed about the issue, lend their support, and demonstrate their commitment to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and its place on Prince Edward Island. The result of this initiative will provide motivation now and into the future to work enthusiastically on the part of the 20,000 graduates of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, SDU, and PWC.

Frederick E. Hyndman, Chair of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Board of Governors, announced today that Dr. Alaa S. Abd-El-Aziz has been selected as President-designate of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.

'The presidential search committee unanimously recommended Dr. Abd-El-Aziz to the Board of Governors and I am delighted that the board has supported that recommendation,' said Hyndman. '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 ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's continued positive development.'

Dr. Abd-El-Aziz is the Provost of the University of British Columbia's Okanagan campus in Kelowna, which he joined in 2006. As Provost, he provides leadership and direction in the areas of planning, policy development, and resource management. His responsibilities also encompass the Okanagan campus' academic and research mandates. Throughout his administrative career, he has remained actively engaged as a chemistry professor and has made significant contributions to research and teaching in his field.

'I am delighted to become part of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ family. I have always held a high regard for education institutions that cultivate an integrated teaching and research environment and those that are strongly tied to both the local and the global community. ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ is an institution that excels in these areas,' said Dr. Abd-El-Aziz. 'I am looking forward to working with faculty, staff, students and the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ community in advancing the goals and mission of the institution and the province.'

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 completing 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.

The President-designate will visit the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ campus early in 2011. He is expected to assume his responsibilities as President and Vice-Chancellor of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ on July 1, 2011, replacing Wade MacLauchlan, CM who has led ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ for almost 12 years. The formal installation ceremony for Dr. Abd-El-Aziz will take place during the fall semester, 2011.

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Presidential Search Committee, led by Frederick Hyndman, selected Dr. Abd-El-Aziz after a 12-month search that involved extensive outreach to students, faculty, staff, alumni and the community.

For Dr. Abd-El-Aziz's biography and more information on the Presidential Search process, .

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Wind Symphony will perform its final recital of the Fall semester on Thursday, November 25 at 7:30 pm at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall.

Under the direction of Dr. Karem J. Simon, the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Wind Symphony has been acclaimed for its performance standard and programming. Recent performances in Montague, PEI, New Glasgow and Truro, NS were very favorably received.

The 52 members of this year's ensemble consists of 24 music majors, other ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ students, high school students, and community musicians. It is within its mission to give its audiences meaningful and personal experiences with quality wind music, in the widest possible range of musical style and expression.

Each year the Wind Symphony tours selected areas of the region to provide its membership with additional performance experiences and share its music with a wider audience. In 2001 the Wind Symphony was a featured guest performer at the Maritime Band Festival in Charlottetown. During the past twelve years the Wind Symphony has produced an annual compact disc featuring selected repertoire from each year's performances.

This Thursday's performance will feature an eclectic set of pieces designed to engage the audience and showcase the unique sounds of the wind band. Two of the principal works are Angels in the Architecture and Concertino for Four Percussion. Angels unfolds as a dramatic conflict between the two extremes of human existence - one divine, the other evil. Using a soprano soloist - unique for a wind band - the colors of the ensemble are exploited to represent the light and darkness of these opposing protagonists. The Concertino is a virtousic and expressive work, displaying the keyboard, membrane and auxiliary timbres of the percussion section. Percussionists Branden Kelly, Meghan Harris, Philip Krommer and Krista Carruthers will be featured. Other works by composers David Maslanka, Procession of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, Gordon Jacob, An Original Suite, and Leroy Anderson, The Rakes of Mallow, will be performed.

Dr. Simon is well known throughout Atlantic Canada for his roles as a clarinetist, conductor, adjudicator, and music educator. In 2007, he was selected to conduct the National Youth Band of Canada. Prior to his appointment to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, he taught public school instrumental music in Corner Brook, Newfoundland. During this performance, Dr. Simon will interact with the audience in order to heighten their engagement and enjoyment of the music.

The public is cordially invited to attend.

The PEI Association for Newcomers to Canada (PEIANC) and the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's and Women's Basketball Panthers have teamed up to host 'ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Culture Sharing Day' on Sunday, November 28. The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Men's and Women's Basketball teams will take on St. FX, and PEI newcomers will be there to cheer them on! Join the festivities when newcomers and Islanders come together to share their cultures and show their Panther Pride!

This event will feature two basketball games (the women at 2:00 pm and the men at 4:00 pm). Newcomers will extend greetings to the crowd in their native languages; the Korean Drum Band Ra On Je Na will provide half-time music, and information about the PEIANC Host Program and fun facts from around the world will be shared throughout the games.

Marilenne Urena with the PEIANC Host Program says, 'An event like this connects newcomers to the community, promotes cross-cultural sharing and allows Islanders to learn more about the amazing volunteer opportunities available at the PEIANC.'

The PEIANC would like to thank the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics Department for providing game passes, transportation, face paint and noise makers to all newcomers and PEIANC volunteers attending this event.

The PEIANC was incorporated in 1993 as non-profit charitable organization with a mandate to provide short-term settlement services and long-term inclusion and community integration programs for new immigrants in the province of PEI. The Association speaks publicly on immigrant issues and advocates on behalf of newcomers.

For more information, contact Rosalie Murphy at 628-6009 or rosalie@peianc.com.

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Association recently elected several new members to its Board of Directors, including President Perlene Morrison (BA '94), partner at law firm Stewart McKelvey. She replaces Betty Johnston (BA '87) who provided leadership to the Association over the past two years.

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Association is comprised of graduates of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, and seeks to facilitate and constantly improve relations amongst alumni of all ages and between alumni and the University.

The Association is gearing up for a very productive 2011, starting with its annual New Year's Levee on January 1, 2011 at Don and Marion McDougall Hall on the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ campus, through to Reunion Weekend in July, and Homecoming in September. The Board of Directors will focus its efforts on building partnerships with businesses that can serve alumni, building a 3-year strategic plan, and implementing programs and activities based on feedback received through a survey conducted earlier this year.

Any ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, SDU, or PWC alumni who wish to learn more about the activities of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Association Board of Directors, or would like to get involved as a volunteer during activities or on committees can get in touch with the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Office at alumni@upei.ca.

Besides Morrison (President) and Johnston (Past-President), other members of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Association Board of Directors include Mark O'Halloran (Vice-President), Bruce Davison (Secretary), Jeff Somers (Treasurer), Alicia Bremner, Trevor Lawson, Andrew MacPherson, Walter Bradley, William Stanish, Rob Livingstone (Student Union President), and Sjors Reijers (ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Office Representative).

Today, Premier Robert Ghiz announced that government will not be proceeding with changes to the University Act and new degree granting arrangements on PEI. The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ appreciates this decision and Premier Ghiz's leadership in finding a path forward, together with the underlying affirmation of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's role and mandate as our provincial university.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ commits, as it has done for 42 years, to provide excellence in educational programs, research, and service to PEI and the world, and to work with potential partners to pursue new opportunities consistent with the University's mandate and resources, as we endeavour to advance our home province and put ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and Prince Edward Island on the map, nationally and internationally.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ sincerely appreciates the groundswell of support from the community, as demonstrated by more than 1,300 citizens signing their names and making substantive comments to a letter penned by the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Alumni Association. In addition, there have been innumerable letters, emails, and private conversations, together with support from Senate, the Board of Governors, and ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ students, faculty, staff, graduates, Opposition Leader Olive Crane and MLAs from both parties and across PEI, and many individual Islanders. This resounding vote of confidence and pride in ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ is profoundly gratifying, and will fuel the ongoing achievements and successes of our provincial university.

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ congratulates Dr. Michael van den Heuvel on the renewal of his Tier 2 Canada Research Chair in Watershed Ecological Integrity.

"The Canada Research Chairs program is about research excellence and leadership,' said Dr. Christian Lacroix, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Dean of Science. 'Dr. van den Heuvel has excelled in both; I congratulate him on a well-deserved renewal."

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ first recruited Dr. van den Heuvel for this prestigious chair five years ago from New Zealand.

'It's an honour to be renewed, just as it was an honour to be named a chair in the first place,' said Dr. van den Heuvel. 'In my first five years, I think we contributed science towards generating some real environmental targets for the reduction of nitrate in our streams and estuaries. That information is informing policymakers today. The chair allowed me to expand to some other exciting areas as well, and I'm proud that this renewal will allow for me to expand in these directions.'

Dr. van den Heuvel is also working with an internationally recognized research team focussed on the reduction of endocrine disrupting compounds in pulp and paper effluents. Dr. van den Heuvel has recently shifted some of his research focus toward northern Alberta, where he's investigating the viability of man-made lakes to remediate waste from oil sands projects.

"Dr. van den Heuvel's research program has been a tremendous asset to the Department of Biology,' said Dr. Larry Hale, Chair of the Department of Biology. 'His record in training promising young scientists at all levels (undergraduate, masters, doctoral, post-doctoral) is one we are very proud of."

'Dr. van den Heuvel's research is making a real difference in the world,' said Dr. Katherine Schultz, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's vice-president of Research and Development, 'from northern Alberta, to the rivers and streams of Prince Edward Island. This is a perfect example of research making an impact on public policy leading to improved health of the environment.'

The Canada Research Chairs program was established ten years ago by the government of Canada to attract and retain some of the world's most accomplished and promising minds. Chairs aim to achieve research excellence in engineering and the natural sciences, health sciences, humanities, and social sciences. They improve our depth of knowledge and quality of life, strengthen Canada's international competitiveness, and help train the next generation of highly skilled people through student supervision, teaching, and the coordination of other researchers' work.

As part of , the Department of Computer Science & Information Technology at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ is running a video game development competition.

Aimed at PEI junior high and high school students who have gone the through the ‘GameForce program', the contest asks participants to create a game using Game Maker software. On Wednesday, December 1, a game concept will be unveiled and students will have until midnight December 8, 2010 to develop and submit their working video game entry.

The competition is open to junior high school or high school students in the PEI school system (including homeschoolers). Prizes will include a paid summer internship with a Charlottetown-based video game company, bursaries to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and Holland College, gaming consoles and computer equipment. A full prize list will be announced by December 1, 2010.

Entries will be judged by a panel including video game industry professionals and prizes will be awarded at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ on Saturday, December 11 at 12 noon in Cass Science Hall, Room 305. More information about the competition can be found at .

Posters advertising the competition have been sent to schools that participate in the GameForce program and announcements about the competition were made at the Impact Expo a couple of weeks ago. GameForce is a designer bootcamp coordinated by the Province of PEI that offers basic 2D game design courses at junior high schools and basic 3D at senior high schools.

For more information, call Dr. David LeBlanc, Department of Computer Science & Information Technology at (902) 566-0429.