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The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Wind Symphony will perform its final recital of the academic year - Freebirds - on Thursday, March 31 at 7:30 pm at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Dr. Steel Recital Hall to a sellout crowd. This has been a particularly successful year for the Wind Symphony with highly acclaimed performances of Angels in the Architecture, the release of its O Canada CD for Island public schools in February, and the receipt of the 2011 Music PEI Award for Best Classical Recording in January.

Two of Canada's finest clarinetists - Jana Starling, assistant professor at Arizona State University, and Wesley Ferriera, lecturer at Mount Allison University - will be featured in this recital performing Freebirds, a double concerto, by the American composer Scott McAllister. This happens to be one of several clarinet works of McAllister's which are somewhat jazz and rock-inspired. Freebirds takes its title and inspiration from the album by the iconic southern rock band, Lynyrd Skynyrd. A driving, ecstatic showpiece, the work begins with a cadenza-like passage for the soloists, takes the listener through some high beautiful lyrical passages and ends in a virtuosic cadenza. This piece grabs hold of the listener and never lets go.

This recital will also feature other contemporary works for the modern wind band by Canadian, English, American and Mexican composers. Frenergy, by Canadian composer John Estacio, gets its title from an amalgamation of the words 'frenetic' and 'energy'. The tempo for this short concert opener is brisk and the pacing of melodic ideas is frantic as befitting the title. John Mackey, an American, wrote a march titled Xerxes. Marches are prevalent in the wind band medium, typically cheerful and, in many cases, patriotic. Xerxes breaks this definition in that, like the nasty Persian ruler of the same name from 500 BC, it is angry. The dissonant harmonies, wide-skipping melodies, percussion colours, and soloistic passages make for an engaging listen. ‘The Courtly Dances' by English composer Benjamin Britten are written in Renaissance style. Taken from Brittten's opera Gloriana, these dances represent those typically found throughout the courts of sixteenth century Europe.

The Wind Symphony will have its first sojourn into the music of Mexico with its rendition of Danzón No. 2 by Arturo Márquez. This contemporary Mexican music expresses and reflects on a dance style called danzón, which has its origins in Cuba but is a very important part of the folklore of the Mexican state of Veracruz. Influenced by the habanera and tango, listeners will be enthralled by the infectious, sexy salsa rhythms.

This recital will be the final Wind Symphony performance for three of its graduating students - Troy Martin, clarinet; Thayne Campbell, bass trombone; and, Miranda Godkin, trumpet. All three have made significant contributions to the Music Department, and the Wind Symphony in particular, throughout their undergraduate careers.

This recital has generated much interest and was sold out as of mid-March.

High school students are raring to study at the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ according to current application statistics-confirming the importance students place on a post-secondary education offered by the Island's only university.

As of March 29, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ had received 4.3 percent more applications from Canadian high school students, and 7 per cent more applications from PEI high school students, compared with the same date last year. In total, of 15 public and private schools on PEI, 735 Island high school students-versus 687 last year-have already applied to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Vice-President Academic Jim Randall says, 'We have been following recent reports that indicate university enrolment in Canada has reached record levels and are encouraged that students are continuing to look to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ to meet their post-secondary education goals. We now need to keep working to make ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ the university of choice for these applicants. I am confident that the growing reputation of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, both in terms of quality of instruction and greatly expanded program choices, will continue to make the difference for these students.'

Even more significant than provincial applications are those coming out of Ontario showing that 33% more high school students have applied to study at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ as compared with last year. This follows a rising trend in Ontario-in a report released in January by the Ontario Universities Application Centre, it indicated a 2.2 per cent increase in Ontario university applications, even after the double cohort years when there were Ontario high school graduates from both grades 12 and 13.

'Although the number of high school graduates in PEI is expected to drop in the coming years, experts predict overall enrolment numbers to continue to rise across the country as students of all ages recognize the numerous career and social benefits a university degree offers,' Randall added. 'With the rise in applications, especially from PEI and Ontario, we are focusing recruitment and conversion efforts to continue this trend into future years for ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ.'

This Monday, April 4th, the Faculty of Science will hold its annual Graduate Studies Day at the K.C. Irving Chemistry Centre, room 104.

Beginning at 10:00 am, opening remarks by ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ President Wade MacLauchlan, AVP Graduate Studies Dr. Brian Wagner and Dean of Science Dr. Christian Lacroix will set the stage for a day-long event that showcases the best of graduate student research in the Faculty of Science.

Dr. Sunny Hartwig, assistant professor at the Atlantic Veterinary College, will deliver the keynote address 'Understanding kidney stem cells and disease' followed by five student oral presentations and a poster presentation session on topics ranging from insect ecology to applied optics.

For a list of titles and abstracts, . To see the promotional flyer, .

Graduate Research Day for the was held on March 10. Upcoming graduate research events include:

• Education, April 27, Rodd Royalty Hotel, Charlottetown
• Atlantic Veterinary College, May 12-13, AVC Lecture Theatre
• Graduate Research Recognition Day, May 25, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ

Sharon MacLeod, brand-building director for Unilever Canada and the creative expert behind the Dove Canada brand will be the guest speaker at the fourth instalment of the ‘Spotlight on Student Engagement Series.' The event will take place on Tuesday, April 5, 2:30 pm in AVC Lecture Theatre A.

In her presentation entitled, The Way a Woman Leads, MacLeod will share how Dove challenged conventions with the ‘Campaign for Real Beauty' and helps girls reach their full potential through the Dove self-esteem fund. She will share her experience as a marketer, leader, and businesswoman.

MacLeod is best known for her expertise in consumer behaviour and her creativity. A true visionary in her field, MacLeod challenges traditional marketing and business practices, believing that professionals like her can extend the power of brands to positively impact the lives of women everywhere.

But the story doesn't end there - in fact, MacLeod's passion for helping women overcome obstacles, be proud of who they are, and aspire for something greater in their own lives started at a very early age.

Having lost her mother as a young child and growing up in a small town with three older brothers, MacLeod worked hard to follow her own path. She became the first person in her family to graduate from university, earned a Master of Science in Consumer Studies, and went on to teach the subject at Wilfred Laurier University.

Her work with Unilever has been recognized by consumers and industry peers alike. Accolades include two Grand Prix awards at Cannes Advertising awards for Dove's digital film Evolution and the title of ‘Brand of the Decade' for Dove by Strategy Magazine.

Today, as the director for Dove, Skin Care and Household Cleaning in Canada, MacLeod continues to blaze new trails and educate and inspire women.

For more details about the Student Engagement Speaker Series, please . Everyone is welcome.

Valerie Compton, born and raised on PEI, has recently published her first book, Tide Road, a historical novel set on the Island. She will give a public reading on Monday, April 11, at 7:30 pm, in the Faculty Lounge, Main Building at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. A book signing and reception will follow. Her reading is sponsored by the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ English Department.

Sonia, the main character of Tide Road, is a widowed farm wife and former lighthouse keeper. When her daughter Stella disappears, leaving her toddler and husband behind, Sonia faces the possibility that her daughter may not have slipped through the ice. She may have been pushed. Sonia's past, a flotsam of lost dreams, bruised hopes, and buried love, wells up to meet her. Confronted with her own history of choices and failures, Sonia is compelled to revise her perception of her daughter's life and dramatically change the way she lives her own.

Through Sonia's memories, struggles, and transformation, Compton vividly re-creates a half-century of authentic Island life. Her characters vibrate with the reality of human experience. Compton is a strong new voice of the Island, joining J.J. Steinfeld, Michael Hennessey, Elaine Hammond, David Helwig, Hugh MacDonald, Orysia Dawydiak, Margie Carmichael, Steven Mayoff, and others imaginatively evoking Prince Edward Island in their fiction.

Compton now lives in Halifax, where she writes and teaches fiction writing. Her stories have appeared in numerous literary journals, and her articles and reviews have appeared in The Globe and Mail, The National Post, Gourmet Magazine, The Ottawa Citizen, and Quill & Quire.

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Board of Governors recently approved the human resources committee's recommendations for dean of Arts, dean of Business, and the dean of Nursing.

Dr. Don Desserud is the next dean of the Faculty of Arts. Desserud is currently a full professor in Political Science at UNB Saint John, the director of the Urban and Community Studies Institute, and also served as associate dean of Graduate Studies. He will join ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ on July 1, 2011.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Vice-President Academic, Dr. Jim Randall said, 'Dr. Desserud brings to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ considerable experience in academic administration as well as a passion for the Arts. Given Don's many public roles in the community, he also presents a strong voice for the role of the Arts in our broader society.'

Alan Duncan will begin his appointment as dean of the School of Business also on July 1, 2011. Duncan is currently an assistant professor in the School Alan Duncan is the new dean at the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ School of Business, effective July 1.of Business at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and the director of International Relations for the School. He brings to the position a significant record of senior management experience and success in the business community.

'In addition to a growing understanding of a university setting, Alan brings to the position of dean a wealth of experience as a senior business leader in Canada and overseas,' said Randall. 'In the short period of time that Alan has been with the School of Business at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, he has already made an impact on the lives of students, on the development of relationships within the local community and on the realization of the university's international objectives.'

Dr. Kim Critchley, current dean of Nursing, was renewed for a second appointment. Dr. Critchley has been dean since 2005, was acting dean in 2004, and joined ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ as a professor of Nursing in 1996.

Dr. Kim Critchley has been re-appointed dean of Nursing.Randall commented, 'It gives me great pleasure to know that we are able to renew Dr. Critchley's appointment as dean of Nursing. During the time she has led the School, it has expanded tremendously, both in terms of numbers of students serving PEI, the number of specialized programs, and the School's relationship with the broader Island health community. I am pleased that Kim is going to be able to continue to lead the School of Nursing as it moves into a new building and begins to provide graduate level education.'

About Dr. Don Desserud

Don Desserud is currently the director of the Urban and Community Studies Institute as well as professor of Political Science at the University of New Brunswick in Saint John. He has also served as associate dean of Graduate Studies and as chair of the Department of History and Politics.

Originally from Bathurst, New Brunswick, Don has a BA and MA from Dalhousie University, and a PhD in Political Science from the University of Western Ontario. He also has an MA in English and Creative Writing from UNB. Don's research interests include parliaments and legislative assemblies. He frequently comments on political issues on local and national media.

He and his partner Robin are very excited about the prospect of moving to Charlottetown. Describing ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ as an excellent university situated in a gem of a city, Don is also looking forward to working with ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's faculty, staff, and students.

About Alan Duncan

Alan Duncan is currently assistant professor at the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ School of Business.

A chartered accountant with over 25 years' experience in the international financial services and pensions industries, Alan was a senior executive with companies in Canada and abroad where he focused on establishing new businesses in new and expanding markets.

Since joining the faculty at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, Alan has been instrumental in forming links with other schools of business as well as with accounting organizations like CMA, which recently granted accreditation to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. He looks forward to continue to work with faculty, staff, and students in his new role.

About Dr. Kim Critchley

Dr. Kim Critchley is the dean of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ School of Nursing.

Born and raised on Cape Breton Island, and after nursing and teaching for several years in Alberta and British Columbia, Kim joined the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ faculty in 1996. She has a BSc Nursing from St. Francis Xavier University, a master of Nursing from the University of Calgary, and her PhD from the University of Helsinki in Finland.

Her clinical areas of expertise are emergency and critical care nursing. Primary health care, cardiovascular rehabilitation, aboriginal and international children's health are her research areas of interest. Kim also serves as the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ principal for the Atlantic Regional Training Centre that offers a master in Applied Health Services Research among four Atlantic universities.

Kim has played a key role in establishing the accelerated bachelor of Nursing and master of Nursing programs, and in securing a new facility for the School of Nursing, now under construction. She looks forward to beginning her new appointment as the School moves into its new building and into expanded programming.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ President Wade MacLauchlan says today's provincial budget, that includes a 3 per cent increase to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's operating grant, will help to address cost pressures, plus growth in enrolments and research.

'ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ appreciates the increase in support from government,' MacLauchlan said. 'Today's provincial budget affirms the University's role and mandate, and we look forward to delivering on those expectations.'

He added, 'Today's announcement now permits us to move forward with developing the University's budget which will be presented to the Board in early May. It still involves continuing belt-tightening for the University, which we accept in challenging fiscal times.'

To view the 2011/12 provincial budget on the Government of PEI website, .

Four ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ mathematics students finished in the top 25 per cent in the 71st annual William Lowell Putnam Mathematical Competition to earn ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ its first-ever ranking.

Sam Arnold, Stephen Chandler, Jiaxin Cui, and Spencer Matheson participated in the December 4th contest, the most prestigious mathematics competition for undergraduate students in North America. This year, a total of 4,296 students from 546 institutions took part. The contest is written in two, three-hour sessions, each consisting of six very challenging math problems.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ has participated in the yearly competition for the last 15 years. Dr. David Horrocks, associate professor of Mathematics at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, said, 'I'm delighted to report that this year's results are our best ever. Jiaxin and Spencer had identical scores which placed them in the top 40 per cent and Sam placed in the top 5 per cent!'

Sam's result, which is the best ever by a ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ student, will make him this year's recipient of the Icosahedron Prize. In addition to a monetary prize, Sam will have his name engraved on the icosahedron-shaped trophy which is presented annually to the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ student who attains the highest score on the Putnam. Sam Arnold, winner of the Icosahedron Prize.

Horrocks added that the students prepared for the competition by attending weekly training sessions as well as by taking a special topics course in mathematical problem solving that was offered in the fall of 2010.

'This is wonderful news and, on behalf of the campus, I extend my congratulations to the students,' said ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Vice-President Academic Jim Randall. 'This record result speaks to the students' excellent math skills and abilities as well as the quality mentoring that they are receiving from faculty.'

The Atlantic Canada Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society recently awarded scholarships to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ students, Graham McNabb and Travis Bertram. Based on academic performance, the scholarships are awarded to those who plan to write the CFA Level I exam in the current calendar year.

McNabb and Bertram are both enrolled in the Business Administration program at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. While McNabb will graduate in May, Bertram graduated in 2008 but returned this year to take a full load of accounting courses. There are only a total of ten of these prestigious recognitions given out in the Atlantic region.

'We are thrilled for Travis and Graham,' said Dr. Roberta MacDonald, dean of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ School of Business. 'Both students have a strong work ethic and will no doubt succeed in the CFA program after their ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ graduation. It is also wonderful to see the Society supporting future students.'

Bertram, McNabb, and the other eight winners will be acknowledged at the Society's Annual Forecast Dinner in Halifax, April 20.

'It is always a great honour to have academic achievement recognized,' said Travis Bertram. 'Both Graham and I know that our previous coursework at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ will offer a solid foundation as we work towards our CFA designation.'

The CFA program is a globally recognized, graduate-level curriculum that provides a strong foundation of the real-world investment analysis and portfolio management skills, and practical knowledge needed in today's investment industry. It emphasizes high ethical and professional standards and develops the broad range of skills needed for a career in the investment profession. The program is organized into three levels, each culminating in a six-hour exam. The three exams are one component in earning the CFA charter. There are currently more than 90,000 CFA charter holders working in over 135 countries around the world.