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The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ will confer honorary degrees on historian and academic Michael Bliss; business person, politician and administrator Frank Zakem, and lawyer Derek Key during Convocation on Saturday, May 12.

Senate approved the honorary graduands at a meeting earlier this year in accordance with University policy that states honorary doctorates of laws will be presented to individuals who display the highest levels of achievement in public and community service.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Chancellor Bill Andrew said, 'We are thrilled to honour these distinguished individuals who have contributed so much to the communities in which they live, work, and serve. ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ convocations are very special celebrations of achievement, and as our graduates begin to imagine how their education will lead to their own success, they will be inspired by the stories of how Michael Bliss, Frank Zakem, and Derek Key have made their mark on the world.'

Dr. Michael Bliss, CM held the elite title of University Professor when he retired in 2006 after 38 years at the University of Toronto. Formally University Professor Emeritus, he continues to write and lecture to audiences throughout North America and Europe and has recently (2011) published a memoir, Writing History: A Professor's Life. He specializes in the history of medicine and the history of Canada. His fourteen books, have received numerous honours, including all the major prizes awarded by the Canadian Historical Association, two City of Toronto Book Awards, three Jason Hannah Medals for medical history from the Royal Society of Canada, the Welch Medal of the American Association for the History of Medicine, and the National Business Book Award. Professor Bliss was appointed a Member of the Order of Canada in 1999 and elected a Fellow of the Royal Society of Canada in 1984. The Royal Society has awarded him its Tyrrell Medal 'for outstanding work in the history of Canada' and the American Osler Society has given him its Lifetime Achievement Award. At the time of his retirement, Canada's national news magazine, Maclean's (June 5, 2006) referred to Bliss as 'perhaps Canada's greatest living historian.' Also known as the 'leading public intellectual' in Canada, Michael Bliss has been awarded honorary degrees from McGill University, McMaster University, the University of British Columbia, the University of Toronto, and the Medical College of Wisconsin, and is an Honorary Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and Surgeons of Canada.

Frank Zakem received his education at Prince of Wales College and St. Dunstan's University earning Bachelor of Commerce, Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Education degrees. He also spent two years at the Grand Seminary of Montreal and completed the Management Development Program for College Administrators at Trent University. Zakem was involved in many organizations including the Boy Scouts movement and Basilica Youth Club, as well as very active in his family business and has shared these experiences in several successful books. After years of working in the family food and real estate business, Zakem spent 26 years in administration and served for ten years as Principal of Holland College. For six years, he was seconded to work in various jobs in the office of Premier Joseph Ghiz. A well-known municipal politician, Zakem served fourteen years as a councillor, deputy mayor and mayor of Charlottetown. As Mayor (1975-77), Zakem promoted a set of Heritage Guidelines for the promotion and development of the cultural legacy of the city, and oversaw the creation of the Charlottetown Development Corporation. Much of the revitalization we see in the city today can be traced to Zakem's initiatives. In the 1990s, Mr. Zakem served as Director of the Federation of PEI Municipalities. Through his many contributions to community, Frank Zakem has demonstrated a deep commitment to serve the people and the province of Prince Edward Island. Zakem was a recipient of the Order of PEI in 2009, and was honoured as Founder of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ in 2011.

Derek D. Key, CM, QC was born and raised in Summerside and is a proud graduate of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and Dalhousie University. Together with his wife Nancy, Key is a founding partner in the law firm, Key McKnight & Maynard. Key's influence can be seen and felt across his community. He is past president of both the Greater Summerside Chamber of Commerce and of the Summerside Rotary Club. His fundraising efforts were instrumental in conversion of the City's old train station into a new Public Library. He also helped establish a 50-acre park within the boundaries of the City of Summerside. Key played an important role in the Community Connections campaign that built and equipped a new resource centre for the mentally and physically challenged and as well helped raise $13.6 million for the Prince County Hospital Foundation. The Paul Harris fellowship, the highest honour Rotarians bestow, is one of his many awards for community service. Key, a Member of the Order of Canada, was also honoured with Summerside's Citizen of the Year award for 1998, Mayor's Medal of Honour in 2003 and the Order of PEI in 2005. Derek Key's contribution to building our Island community is reflected in his clear commitment to public service, to the practice of law, to his friends and family and those in need.

The convocation ceremonies will take place in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre at 10 am and 2:30 pm. Chancellor Andrew will confer an honorary degree on Bliss (who will deliver the address) at the morning convocation while Key will address graduates and receive his degree, as will Zakem, at the afternoon ceremony. For complete convocation information, click to visit the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Convocation 2012 webpage.

On Wednesday night, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Athletics and Recreation celebrated their 43rd year by recognizing their student athletes at the annual ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Panthers Athletic Awards ceremony held in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. The Alumni Athletes of the Year Awards went to swimmer Janet Gamble and men's basketball star Manock Lual.

Gamble being out of the CIS for some time, came into the 2011-12 season with high expectations for herself, and she did not disappoint. Winning four AUS medals, breaking numerous ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ and AUS records, and making the 'A' finals at the CIS Championships in times faster than she swam during her Olympic career.

Manock Lual had an outstanding career with the basketball Panthers. He ended the season as the second top scorer for the team, and fifth overall top scorer of the AUS league. He currently sits 16th in the AUS history books for scoring, and topped off the season strong, being named an AUS 1st team All Star.

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Rookie of the Year awards went to hockey rookies Laura Bradley and Mavric Parks.

The J.T Mickey Place Awards were also presented this evening to student athletes who have made a contribution to student leadership on their team and on campus. John Thomas 'Mickey' Place was connected not only with Athletics at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, but with all aspects of campus life. He believed in fair play and that through respect for one's opponent, an athlete could gain the ultimate respect for themselves. This award is provided by the Student Union in his memory. The winners from each team include:

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Business 391 students finished the semester on a strong note, as their Strategic Management course provided them with the opportunity to analyze a privately owned and operated waste management company interested in pursuing coffee pellet and bio-solid products.

Each year, ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Business 391: Strategic Management course provides its students with opportunities to analyze real companies and to develop strategic plans for the company's future. This semester, Dr. Juergen Krause, associate professor and director of ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Centre for Health and Biotech Management Research, approached Maritime Waste Services (MWS).

'We are thrilled to be able to provide our students with yet another opportunity to work for a PEI business sponsor, like Maritime Waste Services,' said Krause. 'Not only does it provide our students with the opportunity to apply their learned knowledge in a practical setting, but it also supports local businesses, and allows them to see first-hand how our students can offer invaluable advice.'

Three teams were selected from the class to present their projects to the client on April 5. Chosen based on their scores on a previous class case, 'Querdenker-The Global Consultants,' 'nGage Consulting Group,' and 'MJ Consulting' delivered their plan to three representatives from Maritime Waste Services.

Kirk MacKinnon, Phil O'Halloran, and Adam Doiron from Maritime Waste Services judged the student presentations and their strategies. MacKinnon was impressed by the research put into the projects, 'All three groups demonstrated that through hard work, comes great results. The groups had done their homework and were passionate during their presentations.' MacKinnon was happy that Maritime Waste Services was able to provide this real-life opportunity to the students. 'This wasn't just an opportunity for the students; we were also able to gain fresh perspectives and strategic advice from them which will go a long way.'

After a difficult deliberation, the judges dubbed 'MJ Consulting' the winners and Maritime Waste Services presented them with a $1,000 cash prize. Team members Jamie Currie, Jamie Lawlor, JP Paquette, Michelle Ward, and Mark Wilson recommended MWS focus on establishing relationships with local buyers who are willing to purchase the coffee pellets, and to connect with local golf courses and landscaping companies in regards to their fertilizer pellets. The team also advised MWS to advertise the products to educate the public that their products are made with 100% recycled products, which supports a 'Green Movement.' The team also came up with a catchy new name for the business initiative, the 'Pellet King' along with a company logo.

'We would like to thank MWS and the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ School of Business for giving MJ Consulting the opportunity to work with a local business,' said winning team member, Michelle Ward. 'Giving us the chance to develop a future strategic plan for a real company allowed us to apply what we learned in the classroom to a real business opportunity.' Ward completed the rest of her Bachelor of Business Administration courses this week and said the win was a great way to end her undergraduate years.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Jackie Skinner was a 2012 National Nicol Entrepreneurial Award Finalist and she took part in the recent National Nicol Award Competition and Gala Dinner held in Ottawa. Skinner's business was one of six showcased at the Nicol National finals in front of a panel distinguished judges.

Skinner's business, Chapter 13 Designs will take unsold designer clothing that currently ends up in land fill and use it as the raw material to create new timeless and unique fashion creations. Using a network of design school graduates, this previously discarded material will be transformed into fashion garments to be sold both online and in boutique fashion stores.

The judges commented that this year's competition entries were the highest that have seen since the competition started over 8 years ago. After a full day of judging where the finalists were interrogated about their plans, the national winner, UNB's TotalPave was announced at a Gala awards dinner.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit and 25-Year Service Awards were presented to ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ staff members at a celebratory ceremony on April 5 in the W.A. Murphy Student Centre. The awards recognized the outstanding employee performance and dedication to students and our community-on-campus, provincially and globally.

The Presidential Recognition Awards of Merit for ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Staff were awarded to eight ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ employees in each of the seven categories. Below is a list and description of the seven award categories, along with this year's recipients:

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Campus Spirit will be presented to a ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ employee who has fostered a sense of excitement on campus and promoted fellowship, goodwill, and belonging within the University community, by supporting and promoting ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. This year's recipient is Jason Singleton

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Exemplary Service will be presented to a ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ employee who has demonstrated outstanding service and/or who has made significant contributions to the university community beyond that normally expected for his/her position. This year's recipients are Joan-Anne Gosbee and Roger Cook

The Presidential Recognition Healthy Workplace Award of Merit recognizes and celebrates an individual or department that incorporates aspects of health and wellness in their daily workplace activities, beyond that normally expected. This year's recipient is Monique Hebert

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Community Service recognizes and honours an employee who demonstrates the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's commitment to community service through volunteer work, both on and/or off campus. This year's recipient is Denise Bustard

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Sustainability will be presented to a ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ employee who has contributed to promoting the environmental, social and/or economic sustainability of the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ. This year's recipient is Donald Large

The Presidential Recognition Award of Merit for Creativity is presented to a ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ employee who has demonstrated outstanding creativity and/or who has made significant creative contributions to the University community beyond that normally expected for his/her position. This year's recipient is Lisa Stapleton

25 Year Service Watches & Certificates were also awarded at the Presidential Awards ceremony. This is an incredible staff achievement that is recognized by certificates and 25 Year Service watches. The University recognized the following for their commitment and valued dedication:

Dennis Olexson, Melita MacDougall, Catherine Toombs, Carol D. Heartz, Pamela McGuigan, Ramona A. Taylor, Sharon Gormley, Yogi M. J. Fell, Orysia Dawydiak, Blaine R MacLean, Bruce Ferguson, D. Brian Andrews, Ben Chaisson, Mike Hogan.

The ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Board of Governors recently accepted the recommendation of the review committee for the Dean of Science to extend the decanal appointment of the current Dean, Dr. Christian Lacroix, for a three-year term effective July 1, 2012 through June 30, 2015.

Dr. Lacroix has been Dean since 2006 and a full-time faculty member in the Department of Biology since August 1, 1990. He was granted tenure and promoted to Associate Professor in July 1995 and became full professor in 2003. His field of specialty is developmental plant morphology and he currently teaches plant science-related courses as well as Global Issues.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Vice-President Academic Dr. Jim Randall said, 'I am very pleased that the University is renewing Dr. Lacroix's appointment as Dean of Science. The Faculty of Science, under Christian's leadership, has grown tremendously, both in terms of numbers of students and the range of specialized undergraduate and graduate programs offered. I am pleased that Christian is going to be able to continue to lead faculty, staff, and students in the Faculty of Science in the upcoming years.'

Dr. Lacroix added, 'I look forward to working with a dedicated team of individuals over the next few years. Our goal is to develop a variety of program options for our students to attract the very best from the Island and beyond.'

During his time at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, Dr. Lacroix has served as Chair of the Biology Department and as a member of numerous university committees including Senior Management Group, Academic Review and Planning, Senate, Internationalization, and Professor Emeritus Evaluation, to name a few. As well, he has acted as ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's university representative and scholarship liaison officer with the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC) and is the editor of Botany, a leading monthly international journal in biology.

Dr. Lacroix was born and raised in eastern Ontario, and he attended McGill for both his bachelor's and master's of science degrees before receiving his PhD in botany from the University of Guelph.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Engineering students will display their designs and network with industry professionals at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Engineering Design Expo on Thursday, April 19.

As part of their engineering design class in the three-year engineering diploma program at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ, students formed into groups and were partnered with various mentor organizations. These organizations had real-life engineering challenges for which the students designed creative and innovative solutions. The design expo and judging will take place from 12:00-4:00 pm followed by an Engineers PEI reception and awards ceremony. The Engineers PEI Design Team Awards and individual Engineering department awards will be presented including the Noel MacAleer Award.

The WSRG released their findings on PEI's labour market on April 12 at a presentation attended by the Minister of Innovation and Advanced Learning Allen Roach and ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz.

The research, commissioned by Skills PEI, involved a survey of over 600 Island businesses, and established baseline labour market supply and demand information, and identified requirements for planning that will be used to determine a future skills model for PEI.

Dr. Wendy Carroll, principal researcher, presented the findings to an audience that included survey respondents and government and industry sector representatives. One key finding was that 60% of Island employers reported difficulty recruiting qualified candidates, and due to this recruitment difficulty, 670 jobs went unfilled. These study results reveal that the primary reasons for recruitment difficulties include a deficiency in experience, specific skills, and education/training qualifications.

At the end of the research presentation, Minister Roach gave closing remarks, commenting on the importance of gathering information on the PEI labour market, and how Island businesses were economy drivers, and that government's role was to support their efforts in employing Islanders. Along this vein, he then announced that the Government of Prince Edward Island would be launching a new employment-opportunity initiative in an effort to attract and retain post secondary institution-educated graduates. For full details, read the Government of Prince Edward Island

The Honourable Gail Shea, Minister of National Revenue, and Gerald Keddy, Parliamentary Secretary for International Trade, the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and for the Atlantic Gateway, today announced funding for the Atlantic Veterinary College (AVC), ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ to purchase new state-of-the-art equipment.

'Canada's long-term economic competitiveness in this emerging knowledge economy demands globally competitive businesses that innovate and create high-quality jobs,' said Minister Shea. 'Investments such as this one keep our region's economy strong, create high-quality jobs on the Island and ensure that PEI is a premier destination for the world's brightest minds.'

AVC has purchased a new state-of-the-art CT scanner, which will give the College additional research capabilities in the areas of dairy health, arthritis, bone grafting, orthopedic transplants and stem-cell healing in both large and small animals. This equipment will also allow for additional research in neurodegenerative diseases that can impact animal and human health.

'The work being carried out at the Atlantic Veterinary College with leading-edge, and state-of-the-art equipment is an essential element in this work,' said Parliamentary Secretary Keddy. 'The Atlantic Veterinary College is well known for its many outstanding research teams who are dedicated and passionate. In its pursuit of finding innovative ways to ensure optimal health for its clients, AVC is also creating a real competitive advantage within the global market. The whole Atlantic Canada region benefits from the work done here.'

The Government of Canada, through ACOA, has invested $392,864 to help with the purchase of the new state-of the-art equipment. AVC has invested an additional $130,954.

'As the only full-service veterinary hospital in Atlantic Canada, we take great pride in providing the best care possible to our clients and their animals," said Dr. Donald L. Reynolds, Dean of AVC.

'This CT-scanner will greatly increase our capacity to diagnose and treat medical conditions affecting large and small animals, and it will be an important tool in the education of our students and the work of our researchers. On behalf of AVC, I thank the Government of Canada for its ongoing support of our work.'

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ Master of Education student Lech Krzywonos was recently awarded the 2012 Gary Filan Excellence in Leadership Award and Scholarship at the Chair Academy's 21st Annual International Leadership Conference that took place on March 26-29 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Krzywonos was nominated by his academic facilitators for outstanding participation in a foundation Academy, as well as his contribution to the overall Academy experience. Not only was Krzywonos recognized at the conference's awards ceremony, but he also received a scholarship to attend an Advanced Leadership Academy to further his leadership education.

ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Interim Dean of Education Miles Turnbull mentioned that it came as no surprise when Krzywonos was recognized for his outstanding leadership at this prestigious international conference. 'Professors and colleagues who worked with Lech during his MEd program at ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ were all impressed with, and touched by, Lech's intellect, gentle yet creative leadership style, and his humble approach to life and his colleagues. I expect to hear much more about Lech's future career and leadership growth,' said Turnbull.

Krzywonos is currently the Academic Chair of the School of Access at the Nova Scotia Community College in Truro, Nova Scotia and will graduate from the ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ MEd program this spring. 'It was truly humbling to be named as the recipient of this award among an international conglomerate of the best leaders in our college and university systems. This recognition is a reflection of the exceptional individuals who support me every day. My family, NSCC colleagues, the Chair Academy cohort and facilitators, and ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's MEd colleagues and staff have all allowed me to make mistakes and learn each and every day, and through this, are helping to shape my leadership journey. I combined the Chair Academy experience as a credit towards my MEd. It's a feather in the cap for ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ to have supported such a collaboration that promotes partnership, flexibility, and creativity. '

The Chair Academy based in Mesa, Arizona is dedicated to delivering exemplary leadership development. The Academy has offered world-class, competency-based, leadership development programs for college and university leaders at the organizational, state, regional, national, and international level since 1992. The Annual International Leadership Conference attracts leaders from around the world to experience distinguished keynote speakers and presentations.

More about ÐãÉ«¶ÌÊÓƵ's Master of Education in Leadership program