��ϳԹ� - Big Futures Start Here!

��ϳԹ� Convocation 2026 honours determination and accomplishment

melanderson — Fri, 15 May 2026 17:20:14 +0000

��ϳԹ� Convocation 2026 honours determination and accomplishment melanderson Fri, 05/15/2026 - 14:20

The ��ϳԹ� was filled with excitement and celebration this past week as more than 1,300 members of the Class of 2026 crossed the stage to receive their undergraduate and graduate degrees.

The Convocation ceremonies took place in the ��ϳԹ� Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre on May 12 for graduates of the faculties of Nursing and Veterinary Medicine (Atlantic Veterinary College); May 13 for the McDougall Faculty of Business and Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering; May 14 for the faculties of Arts and Education; and May 15 for the Faculty of Science.

In her remarks to the graduates, Hon. Diane Griffin, ��ϳԹ� Chancellor, who presided over the ceremonies, acknowledged that the graduates embarked on their education journey during some of the most turbulent years in recent history.

“With geo-political upheaval around the globe, climate change impacting so many facets of society, the advent and growth of new technology like AI…here you are, after weathering so much uncertainty, and you are graduating from ��ϳԹ�. You have persevered through the disruption, and you made it,” said Griffin. “You have all had people who helped you achieve your goal of being at this Convocation today, whether they be parents, professors or other mentors, but it is your own effort that got you across the finish line. This enables you to join our ��ϳԹ� alumni who now exceed over 30,000 graduates of this University.”

Receiving honorary degrees during Convocation Week were Mark Arendz, one of Canada’s most accomplished Paralympic athletes, community leader, and youth sports advocate; Ron Keefe, lawyer, entrepreneur, mentor, and philanthropist; Hazel Robinson, teacher, community leader, volunteer, philanthropist, and proud ��ϳԹ� alumna; and the Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, one of Canada’s longest serving federal politicians and passionate driver of economic and community development on PEI.

Conferred with the title of Professor Emeritus on May 12 were Dr. Michael Cockram and Dr. Gregory Keefe, retired Faculty of Veterinary Medicine professors; and on May 14, Dr. Richard Lemm and Dr. Henry Srebrnik, retired Faculty of Arts professors. On May 15, Faculty of Science professor Dr. H. Carolyn Peach Brown, who will retire later this year, was granted the designation of Professor Emerita.

The valedictorians were Andrew Clow, Faculty of Nursing (May 12); Luciana Quiroa Parades, McDougall Faculty of Business (May 13); Grace McQuaid, Faculty of Arts (May 14); and Songobele Mulenga, Faculty of Science (May 15).

Each of the four valedictorians spoke about the challenges, growth and resilience that shaped the graduates’ journeys at ��ϳԹ�. They expressed deep gratitude for professors, friends, and family support systems, and celebrated perseverance, discipline, and the quiet determination that carried students through the difficult moments that eventually led them to success.

During the May 13 ceremony, valedictorian Luciana Quiroa Parades, McDougall Faculty of Business, reminded fellow graduates that determination and commitment brought them to graduation.

“What carried us through was not luck. It was discipline. It was choosing, on the hard days, to keep going. To continue, when giving up would have been so much easier. That kind of quiet, steady perseverance—the kind that nobody sees but you—is not a small thing. It is everything,” she said. “My fellow graduates, what a privilege it has been to walk this road beside you. We came as strangers from different corners of the world—from small towns and big cities, from islands and mountains. We arrived speaking different languages, carrying different traditions, holding different dreams. And we leave as something far more meaningful than strangers. We leave as proof that it is possible. Congratulations, Class of 2026!”

Among numerous highlights during Convocation 2026, 20 students across various faculties and programs graduated with a minor in Indigenous Studies—the largest number to do so since the minor was first offered in 2022.

During the Convocation ceremony on May 13, Dr. Hassan Afzaal, Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering, was awarded the Governor General Medal (Graduate) and the Faculty of Graduate Studies Award of Distinction as well as his doctoral degree. Bachelor of Science with Honours graduate Alexander Trainor was awarded the Governor General’s Medal (Undergraduate) on May 15. Click here to see the complete list of prizes awarded during Convocation Week.

��ϳԹ� to confer four honorary degrees during Convocation 2026

melanderson — Mon, 04 May 2026 15:21:09 +0000

��ϳԹ� to confer four honorary degrees during Convocation 2026 melanderson Mon, 05/04/2026 - 12:21

Four outstanding leaders will be conferred with honorary Doctor of Laws degrees, and four graduates will deliver valedictory addresses during four Convocation ceremonies at the ��ϳԹ�, May 12–15. Each ceremony will begin at 10:00 am in the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre on the ��ϳԹ� campus. Over 1,300 students comprise the Class of 2026.

This year’s honorary degree recipients are Mark Arendz, celebrated Paralympian and inspirational role model; Ron Keefe, successful lawyer, and business leader and mentor; Hazel Matchett Robinson, community leader, volunteer, and philanthropist; and the Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, PC, farmer, dedicated Member of Parliament and federal cabinet minister, and community changemaker.

“We are excited to recognize each of these honorary graduands for their achievements and accomplishments, and to celebrate the significant impact they have made in their respective fields and to their communities,” said Dr. Wendy Rodgers, ��ϳԹ�’s President and Vice-Chancellor. “��ϳԹ� congratulates these remarkable leaders, who will be receiving the University’s highest honour—not only because they bring distinction to our University, but also because they represent our values and provide inspiration to our graduates.”

On May 12, Mark Arendz, will be presented with an honorary degree, and Andrew Clow, Bachelor of Science in Nursing, will give the valedictory address to the graduates of the faculties of Nursing and Veterinary Medicine.

On May 13, Ron Keefe will receive an honorary degree, and Luciana Quiroa Paredes, Bachelor of Business Administration, will speak to the graduates of the McDougall Faculty of Business and the Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering.

On May 14, Hazel Matchett Robinson will be awarded an honorary degree, and Grace McQuaid, Bachelor of Arts, will address the graduates of the faculties of Arts, Education, and Graduate Studies.

On May 15, the Hon. Lawrence MacAulay, PC, will be conferred an honorary degree, and Songobele Mulenga, Bachelor of Science, will give the valedictory address to graduates of the Faculty of Science.

Due to safety regulations, seating at the Convocation ceremonies is limited to guests with invitations, which must be presented at the door. Guests are asked to arrive early to ensure everyone is seated at least 15 minutes before the ceremony start time as there will be no admittance once the academic procession enters the Sports Centre.

Parking is available within a five- to ten-minute walk of the Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre. Please refer to the campus map for the location of general parking areas on campus. There are several accessible parking spots, designated by the International Symbol of Access (wheelchair), located in front of the Sports Centre and the W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

Convocation ceremonies will be livestreamed at upei.ca/live.

About the Honorary Graduands

Mark Arendz
Mark Arendz lost his left arm in a farming accident at seven years old. Rather than allowing this life-altering event to limit his aspirations, he transformed adversity into purpose, rising to become one of the most successful Paralympic winter athletes in Canadian history. Over the course of four Paralympic Games, he earned 12 medals in biathlon. His record-setting performance at the 2018 Paralympic Winter Games, where he won six medals, stands as a testament to sustained excellence at the highest level of international competition. In the recent IBU World Cup season, he claimed gold medals in all three of his events as he prepared for his fifth Paralympic Games, where he won a silver and bronze medal. This remarkable achievement reflects not only elite performance, but also longevity, adaptability, and an enduring pursuit of personal and professional growth. While his athletic contributions have been widely recognized, his greatest legacy may be the inspiration and support he provides to young people and individuals with disabilities.

Ron Keefe
As a partner with Stewart McKelvey, Ron Keefe was a key architect of the merger which formed Atlantic Canada’s largest law firm. In 2004, he left the law firm to become CEO of Diagnostic Chemicals Limited, leading global operations and negotiating the successful transition to Genzyme/Sekisui. Also in 2004, he became CEO of BioVectra Inc, and, over the next decade, oversaw ten-fold revenue growth and an expansion from <100 to 300+ employees. He also guided the successful sale and post-acquisition growth of the company, positioning BioVectra as a leading contract development and manufacturing organization in North America. After leaving BioVectra in 2016, he became president of Regis Duffy BioScience Fund Inc., which leads investment initiatives in bioscience ventures. He is a founding partner of Island Capital Partners GP Inc., a venture capital fund investing in innovative Atlantic Canadian start-ups. He has also found time to mentor entrepreneurs and serve on many boards, both corporate and volunteer.

Hazel Matchett Robinson, CM
Music educator Hazel Matchett Robinson has demonstrated a remarkable commitment to building stronger communities, supporting numerous endeavours in education, health care, and the arts. Her ongoing volunteerism, mentoring, service efforts, and philanthropy are hallmarked by her ability to see the larger picture—she works to anchor change that makes a lasting difference, benefiting generations of community members, including PEI’s newest residents and refugees. As a graduate of ��ϳԹ�, she is a proud alumna. In addition to being a donor, she has been an active volunteer of ��ϳԹ�-led seniors’ fitness, music, and cancer-related research projects. She has generously donated her L.M. Montgomery – Anne of Green Gables book collection to the ��ϳԹ� Robertson Library. Recognized as a pillar of her community, along with her late husband, John Robinson, they pioneered innovative practices on their fifth-generation family farm, promoting environmental, financial and social sustainability in Island agriculture and forestry.

The Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, PC
Lawrence MacAulay has had an unparalleled journey serving his community, province, and country over his remarkable lifetime: from achieving success as a farmer in eastern Prince Edward Island to getting elected to Canada’s House of Commons in 1988 and winning eleven straight federal elections, becoming Prince Edward Island’s longest serving Member of Parliament in 2014, and then surpassing that milestone by another eleven impressive years. He has served in the federal Cabinets of two Prime Ministers over four different decades, while always maintaining incredibly strong ties to his constituents and his broader community. He was instrumental in bringing economic development to the Island over his career, including playing a pivotal role in championing ��ϳԹ�’s Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation. He will go down in history as one of Prince Edward Island’s most iconic, hard-working, dedicated, and transformational politicians, always focused on making his province and his community a better place to live.

��ϳԹ� Message: Board of Governors approves balanced 2026–2027 Operating Budget

nphillips — Thu, 09 Apr 2026 18:21:47 +0000

��ϳԹ� Message: Board of Governors approves balanced 2026–2027 Operating Budget nphillips Thu, 04/09/2026 - 15:21

Dear ��ϳԹ� Community,

On March 31, 2026, the ��ϳԹ� Board of Governors approved the 2026–2027 Operating Budget, fee schedule, and capital budget. The planning process started in October 2025 and included consultation with University leaders (i.e., Deans and Directors) and account authorities across campus.

��ϳԹ� has a long record of balanced budgets, and the 2026–2027 Operating Budget is no exception. However, while the budget is balanced, it reflects the second of at least four years of continued recalibration caused by lower international student enrolment and our collective efforts to address the significant, but normal, inflationary cost pressures that all post-secondary institutions in Canada face.

We have managed to achieve a balanced budget by managing costs as well as reflecting increased revenue from our government partners; tuition and fees; and ancillary revenues. In this context, the University continues to explore and budget incremental revenues and cost recoveries. We also continue to challenge traditional service models hoping to enhance the student and employee experience and reduce costs wherever possible.

The main operating budget remains aligned with University values, supporting Making Our World a Better Place: ��ϳԹ� Strategic Plan 2025–2030 and our ��ϳԹ� Action Plan. While clearly focused on constraint and restraint, the 2026–2027 Operating Budget also includes targeted investments in several key strategic priorities. These include strategic enrolment management, expanded investment in the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development, and support for faculties seeking to develop or expand ��ϳԹ�’s online course offerings.

��ϳԹ�’s 2026–2027 Operating Budget totals $231.5 million across three budget packages, which are treated independently and for which each has its own special funding model:

Atlantic Veterinary College at $59.6M
Faculty of Medicine at $26.6M
Main operating budget at $145.3M

As of October 1, 2025, the official enrolment was 5,503 students, including 1,630 international students. This represented a 2.9% decrease compared to the 2024 count. With federal policy decisions related to international students still impacting ��ϳԹ� (as with all post-secondary institutions across Canada), the 2026–2027 Operating Budget reflects an overall enrolment decrease of 4.8% from enrolment in fall 2025.

��ϳԹ� will increase tuition by 6.5% and international fees by 7.5%. The equivalent of 1.0% of the increase in international fees will be deployed toward increased emergency bursaries for international students. The Atlantic Veterinary College will increase tuition and unsubsidized fees by 4.0%. Medical learners studying at the Faculty of Medicine Regional Campus at ��ϳԹ� are subject to tuition rates set by Memorial University of Newfoundland. Those tuition rates are not yet known for 2026–27.

Despite the increases, ��ϳԹ�’s undergraduate annual tuition for domestic students remains one of the lowest in the Maritime Provinces. Island students also benefit from the George Coles Student Bursary, which significantly offsets the tuition costs experienced by students attending ��ϳԹ� in the amount of $3,500 annually to a maximum of $14,000 over four years.

This budget is not without risk. As in previous years, ��ϳԹ� must await final enrolment figures for 2026–27—particularly as they relate to international student enrolment—and assess how our strategic enrolment management efforts are affecting ��ϳԹ�’s student attraction and retention rates before we can confirm our current assumptions.

In addition, the 2026–2027 Operating Budget has been approved prior to the Government of Prince Edward Island’s announcement of annual operating and restricted grant funding for the 2026–27 fiscal year and beyond. ��ϳԹ� will adjust, as required, to the resulting financial realities as those details become known.

Of course, our facilities are aging. We begin to see signs that some of our infrastructure is reaching a critical point. Investment will need to be made to sustain our campus as a healthy, safe environment worthy of the student experience toward which we strive.

��ϳԹ� remains confident that it can, and will, navigate this risk. We will, as the provincial university, address the challenges presented in 2026–2027 and ready ourselves for more adjustments so that we can stabilize—and then strategically grow—to support our students, employees, and communities.

We thank the University leadership, and our broader community and partners for ongoing support in our efforts to enhance our student experience, our campus culture, and our academic and financial sustainability.

Sincerely,

Wendy Rodgers, PhD
President and Vice-Chancellor

Tim J. Walker
Vice-President Administration and Finance

2026–27 OPERATING BUDGET HIGHLIGHTS

Operating budget – $231.5M, reflecting an increase of 3.8% ($8.5M) compared to 2025–2026 Operating Budget (restated)
Budgeted salary and benefits – $154.9M, reflecting an increase of 5.2% ($7.5M) compared to the 2025–2026 Operating Budget (restated)
Unrestricted operating grant (Main budget) provided by Government of PEI – $49.9M, reflecting an increase of 3.5% ($1.7M) compared to 2025–2026 Operating Budget (restated)
Faculty of Medicine Operating Grant – $26.0M, reflecting an increase of 15.6% ($3.4M) compared to the 2025–2026 Operating Budget (restated)
Annual Undergraduate Domestic Tuition – $8,130, among the lowest undergraduate tuition rates in the Maritimes

��ϳԹ� celebrates outstanding student-athletes at Awards Gala

nphillips — Mon, 30 Mar 2026 14:00:34 +0000

��ϳԹ� celebrates outstanding student-athletes at Awards Gala nphillips Mon, 03/30/2026 - 11:00

Outstanding student-athletes were recognized by the ��ϳԹ� Department of Athletics and Recreation at its Panther Celebration–Athletics Awards Gala on Friday, March 27, for their excellence in sport, in the classroom, and in the community during the 2025–26 season. The annual event, held at the Rodd Charlottetown Hotel, included student-athletes, coaches, and team staff from both varsity and club sport programs.

��ϳԹ�’s varsity program includes Women’s Field Hockey, Men’s Soccer, Women’s Soccer, Women’s Rugby, Men’s Hockey, Women’s Hockey, Men’s Basketball, Women’s Basketball, Men’s Cross Country, Women’s Cross Country, Men’s Track and Field, Women’s Track and Field, Men’s Curling, and Women’s Curling. ��ϳԹ� club sport teams include Men’s Rugby, Men’s Lacrosse, Ringette, Ultimate, Equestrian, Men’s Baseball, Flag Football, and Cheer.

“Dedication, perseverance, teamwork, and leadership are all qualities embodied by our student-athlete award winners,” said Jane Vessey, ��ϳԹ�’s Director of Athletics and Recreation. “From standout performances to the quiet contributions behind the scenes, I am so proud of their achievements in their respective sports, and for their success in academics and in the community. Thank you, student-athletes, coaches, and team and department staff, for a fantastic year of ‘Panther Sport.’ Let’s continue to support each other and make next season even better. Congratulations!”

The ��ϳԹ� Alumni Association’s Outstanding Female Athlete of the Year award went to Kayla Batchilder, ��ϳԹ� Women’s Field Hockey. The Male Athlete of the Year winner was Kyree Thompson, ��ϳԹ� Men’s Basketball.

The W.A. Ledwell Award is presented annually to a student who has demonstrated outstanding athletic ability in the intercollegiate program, academic excellence, and the qualities of leadership, sportsmanship, and citizenship. This year’s recipient was Grace Lancaster, ��ϳԹ� Women’s Basketball.

The Gordon and Muriel Bennett Award is presented to a male or female student athlete who, over four years, has best combined athletic achievement and academic excellence. This year’s winner was Devon Lawlor, ��ϳԹ� Women’s Basketball.

The Lone Oak Unsung Hero Award, a new award this year to recognize a student-athlete whose impact goes far beyond the scoresheet and who embodies toughness, selflessness, and an unwavering commitment to their team, was presented to Sam Chisholm, ��ϳԹ� Men’s Basketball.

Varsity and competitive club team awards were also presented. These included the Most Valuable Player (MVP), Rookie of the Year, J.T. “Mickey” Place, and Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award.

The J.T. “Mickey” Place Awards are presented by the ��ϳԹ� Student Union to varsity team student-athletes who contributed to student leadership on their team and on campus. Each coach presents the Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award to the student-athlete on their team, who best exemplifies purpose, preparation, respect for people, positivity, professionalism, presence, passion, and perseverance.

Team Award Winners for 2025–2026

Varsity

Women’s Field Hockey: Kayla Batchilder and Livi Lawlor (MVP), Bria Matthews (Rookie of the Year), Kali Smith (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Charlotte Thompson (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Soccer: Jahmal Boursiquot (MVP), Isaac Sommerville (Rookie of the Year), Kyle St. Jean (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Will Campbell (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Soccer: Olivia James (MVP), Sophie Gallant (Rookie of the Year), Kate Campbell (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Lydia Hamill (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Rugby: Emma MacLean (MVP), Robyn Moffat (Rookie of the Year), Sarah Bain (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Jasmine Mohtadi (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Hockey: Jakob Robillard (MVP), Donovan Arsenault and Colby Huggan (Rookie of the Year), Joe Ranger (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Josh Smith (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Hockey: Kierra St. Peter (MVP), Kali MacDonald (Rookie of the Year), Erin Cabaday (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Sarah Fraser (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Basketball: Kyree Thompson (MVP), Matthew Carmichael (Rookie of the Year), Owen Smith (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Sam Chisholm (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Women’s Basketball: Grace Lancaster (MVP), Ingrid Khuong (Rookie of the Year), Lily Vrugteman (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Sydney Lawlor (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Cross Country (men): Joel Gallant (MVP), Luc Doucette (Rookie of the Year), and Jack Roberts (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Cross Country (women): Stefania Angona (MVP and J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Sarah Irwin (Rookie of the Year)

Track and Field (men): Scott Davis (MVP) and Colin Blanchard (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Track and Field (women): Lilly MacVicar (MVP and Rookie of the Year), Bianca Boutilier (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award)

Men’s Curling: Jack MacFadyen (MVP)

Women’s Curling: Rachel MacLean (MVP), Ella Lenentine (Rookie)

��ϳԹ� Student Union Vice-President Finance and Administration Kushi Damry, far right, presented J.T. "Mickey" Place Awards to ��ϳԹ� club team members Kelton Trainor (Men's Lacrosse), Forest McPhee (Ultimate), Alex Hache (Men’s Baseball), Meghan Fox (Equestrian)

Club

Men’s Rugby: Yinghao Long (MVP), Charles Ross (Rookie of the Year), Devan Gormley (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Camden Hutchison (Warhorse Award)

Men’s Lacrosse: Ethan Reeves (MVP), Quintin Beck (Rookie of the Year), Kelton Trainor (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), Reece Packman (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award), and Logan Boyce (James Thomson Memorial Award)

Ultimate: Sinéad Riordon and Benjamin Galloway (MVPs); Owen Gillespie, Shunta Kojima, and Abbi Holmes (Rookies of the Year); Forest McPhee (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award); and Naomi Haig and Jack Kouwenberg (Spirit of the Game Players)

Equestrian: Jordan Luddington (MVP), Lorena Burrell (Rookie of the Year), Meghan Fox (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Regan Matchem (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Ringette: Jamie MacAulay (MVP), Addi Chaisson (Rookie of the Year), and Tori Chapman (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

Men’s Baseball: Duncan Picketts (MVP), Brandon Murray (Rookie of the Year), Alex Hache (J.T. “Mickey” Place Award), and Sam Worth (Principles of Panther Pride Coach’s Award)

About the ��ϳԹ� Athletes of the Year

Kayla Batchilder

Kayla Batchilder’s dominant season with ��ϳԹ� Field Hockey earned her ��ϳԹ�’s Female Athlete of the Year honours. In her third year, the dynamic forward led the Atlantic University Field Hockey (AUFH) league with 20 goals, showcasing her elite finishing ability and consistency as one of the most dangerous attackers in the conference.

An AUFH MVP, all-star, and U SPORTS All-Canadian, Batchilder was the driving force behind ��ϳԹ�’s continued success. She powered the Panthers to a fourth consecutive AUFH championship and delivered a historic performance on the national stage—scoring all of ��ϳԹ�’s goals at the Field Hockey Canada U SPORTS Invitational Championship to help secure a bronze medal on home turf.

Kyree Thompson

Kyree Thompson’s standout fourth season with ��ϳԹ� Men’s Basketball earned him ��ϳԹ�’s Male Athlete of the Year honours. The dynamic guard put together a career-best campaign, averaging 16.7 points per game, along with 4.6 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 1.8 steals, establishing himself as one of the conference’s most complete two-way players.

An AUS first team all-star, Thompson was instrumental in leading the Panthers back to the AUS final. He delivered in the biggest moments, helping power ��ϳԹ� to a statement semifinal upset over the St. Francis Xavier X-Men to punch their ticket to the championship game. For his efforts, he was named an AUS tournament all-star.

Go Panthers Go!

��ϳԹ� Faculty of Graduate Studies hosts 3 Minute Thesis competition on March 20

amacdonald — Tue, 17 Mar 2026 13:55:35 +0000

��ϳԹ� Faculty of Graduate Studies hosts 3 Minute Thesis competition on March 20 amacdonald Tue, 03/17/2026 - 10:55

The ��ϳԹ� Faculty of Graduate Studies will host the annual ��ϳԹ� 3MT™ (3 Minute Thesis) competition on Friday, March 20, 2026, from 4:00–6:00 pm at the Fox & Crow, W.A. Murphy Student Centre.

The 3MT™ competition challenges thesis-based master’s and doctoral students to explain their research project to a non-specialist audience in just three minutes. This year’s competition features competitors from a wide range of disciplines including Education, Nursing, Science, Sustainable Design Engineering, and Veterinary Medicine.

Topics will include simulating an emergency department, mapping wildlife risk and exposure in British Columbia, fighting crop disease without synthetic pesticides, the hidden costs of a solar future, and more.

Members of the public are welcome to attend to learn more about the impactful research ��ϳԹ� graduate students are doing. The top three competitors will win cash prizes, and the first-place winner will represent ��ϳԹ� at the regional competition, which will be held at Saint Mary’s University on June 5.

Abby Chapman receives prestigious international award for research in Biomedical Engineering

melanderson — Fri, 06 Mar 2026 17:34:14 +0000

Abby Chapman receives prestigious international award for research in Biomedical Engineering melanderson Fri, 03/06/2026 - 13:34

Abby Chapman, a fourth-year ��ϳԹ� Faculty of Sustainable Design Engineering (FSDE) student, recently received an Optica Women Scholar 2026 award. This international award is given to 20 women students, based on merit, to empower the next generation of women leaders in optics and photonics. In addition to grant funding, scholars gain access to a global network of mentors and supporting companies.

Chapman is the only Canadian in this year’s cohort to receive this prestigious award—an exceptional achievement at her stage of study, particularly as she was competing against undergraduate and master’s students on an international level. Over the past year, she conducted research in Biomedical Engineering under the supervision of Dr. Sundeep Singh, assistant professor of engineering, and Dr. Bill Whelan, professor of physics. Her dedication, professionalism, and perseverance have been instrumental in earning this distinguished recognition.

“Abby is one of the brightest minds in our undergraduate engineering program at ��ϳԹ�,” said Singh. “As her research supervisor and instructor, I have had the privilege of working closely with her and have consistently been impressed by her intellectual curiosity, exceptional motivation, and deep passion for translating engineering research into transformative advances in human health. I am immensely proud to see her recognized with this prestigious international honour. It is a testament to her academic excellence, research rigour, and emerging leadership in optics and photonics. I am confident that she will use this opportunity to further advance her research, spark innovation, and make a lasting impact in the field.”

Prior to attending ��ϳԹ�, Chapman, who grew up in Stratford, Prince Edward Island, graduated from Pearson College, a United World College on Vancouver Island, with an International Baccalaureate® (IB) Diploma. As a research assistant, she employs experimental and computational modelling techniques to study thermal therapies for cancer treatment. In her work, she has characterized the photothermal properties of polydopamine nanoparticles for enhanced photothermal therapy, including a case study of their use in treating squamous cell carcinoma.

Chapman is currently studying the effect of breast density and power delivery protocol on microwave ablation procedures for breast cancer treatment. Through the development of a patient-specific model derived from the magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of a breast cancer patient, she aims to advance personalized and precise cancer care. She hopes to pursue graduate studies in the field of biomedical optics after graduation. In her spare time, Abby is the co-president of ��ϳԹ�’s Ultimate (frisbee) team and rows with the PEI Rowing Club.

“I am incredibly grateful to be named one of the 2026 Optica Women Scholars, and I feel inspired to be joining such a wonderful community of women in optics and photonics,” said Chapman. “My research into improved thermal therapies for cancer treatment is incredibly fulfilling, and I hope to carry this passion forward once I graduate. I am especially thankful for my supervisors, Dr. Sundeep Singh and Dr. Bill Whelan, for their invaluable mentorship and for supporting my research endeavours. I am excited to continue my research and make meaningful contributions to the field of biomedical optics.”

Dr. Whelan congratulates Chapman on her recognition from Optica, the leading global society for optics and photonics research, and for her research contributions and overall success as a ��ϳԹ� engineering student.

Optics is the branch of physics that studies how light travels, interacts with materials, and is manipulated by instruments. Photonics is a branch of engineering that focuses on the creation, manipulation, and detection of light at the particle level, specifically through the use of light particles called photons.

��ϳԹ� creates new undergraduate program in Indigenous Studies

amacdonald — Tue, 03 Mar 2026 14:47:42 +0000

��ϳԹ� creates new undergraduate program in Indigenous Studies amacdonald Tue, 03/03/2026 - 10:47

The ��ϳԹ� has taken another step forward on its journey of reconciliation by creating a new undergraduate major in Indigenous Studies.

The major in Indigenous Studies, which will be offered by the Faculty of Indigenous Knowledge, Education, Research, and Applied Studies (IKERAS), will be launched at a public event on Wednesday, March 4, from 12:30 to 2:30 pm, in Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, ��ϳԹ�. The celebration will feature traditional ceremonies led by emcees Bethany Paulisyn and Grace McQuaid, including an Honour Song performed by Elder Dr. Judy Clark, ��ϳԹ�’s Elder in Residence; Elder Thirly Levi; IKERAS senior lecturer Doris Googoo; and IKERAS administrative assistant Alicia Muttart, as well as the Seven Sacred Teachings in Mi’kmaq shared by Googoo.

The major, which will begin in the Fall 2026 semester, will focus on land-based education and traditional in-person learning. Students will gain new knowledge and proficiency in addressing Indigenization, decolonization, and reconciliation. Those who complete the program will graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in Indigenous Studies.

“The new major will respond to the need for learners to understand the diverse cultures and societies of Indigenous peoples, their histories, languages, and cultures,” said Dr. Greg Naterer, Vice-President, Academic and Research. “We are proud to expand our academic offerings in Indigenous education, which further support the Truth and Reconciliation Commission’s Call to Action #63: ‘Building student capacity for intercultural understanding, empathy, and mutual respect.’”

This new undergraduate program is the University’s latest initiative to provide a supportive environment to Indigenous students and to others who are interested in Indigenous Studies. Currently, students in the University’s arts, business, and science faculties are able to take a minor in Indigenous Studies.

“I am very proud that we are now offering an Indigenous Studies major as well as the minor program already in place,” said Dr. Angelina Weenie, Dean of the Faculty of IKERAS. “The new major offers students the opportunity to broaden their knowledge of Indigenous people on Turtle Island. It is a significant advancement in Indigenous education at ��ϳԹ�—and for the still young Faculty of IKERAS.”

Some of the other ongoing reconciliation initiatives at ��ϳԹ� include the presentation of keepsake stoles to Indigenous graduates at Convocation; placement of a traditional tipi on the campus grounds; provision of academic support to Indigenous students through Accessibility Services; inclusion of land acknowledgments on ��ϳԹ�’s web pages; and placement of Indigenous posters and artwork throughout campus buildings.

The Hewitt Foundation donates $1 million to support ��ϳԹ�’s Faculty of Medicine

apmunro — Tue, 10 Feb 2026 12:51:05 +0000

The Hewitt Foundation donates $1 million to support ��ϳԹ�’s Faculty of Medicine apmunro Tue, 02/10/2026 - 08:51

The ��ϳԹ� (��ϳԹ�) is proud to announce a major gift of $1 million from the Hewitt Foundation in support of the University’s Faculty of Medicine.

This gift will help advance key priorities within ��ϳԹ�’s Faculty of Medicine, including enhancing learner experiences, supporting innovative teaching and simulation-based education, and strengthening community-based medical training opportunities on Prince Edward Island.

“We are deeply grateful to the Hewitt Foundation for this transformative investment,” said Dr. Wendy Rodgers, ��ϳԹ� President and Vice-Chancellor. “It strengthens our ability to educate all the various health learners here at ��ϳԹ� and helps to advance our shared goal of addressing the province’s long-term health-care needs.”

“This contribution of funds from the Hewitt Foundation is more than a financial commitment,” said Dr. Preston Smith, Dean of the ��ϳԹ� Faculty of Medicine. “It represents a belief in the future physicians who plan to serve Prince Edward Island and a commitment to helping them succeed in their training and beyond.”

The Hewitt Foundation is a private Canadian foundation rooted in a long-standing family legacy of giving back to the communities that helped make Hewitt Equipment Limited successful for over 65 years. Established after the sale of the operating company by Jim Hewitt, Chairman—who was recently named to the Order of Canada for his leadership in business and philanthropy, the Foundation has supported initiatives in health and education across Eastern Canada since 2017.

“The Hewitt Foundation is proud to make a $1 million investment in ��ϳԹ�’s Faculty of Medicine,” said Kim Anderson, CEO of the Hewitt Foundation. “This gift reflects our belief that strong, community-focused medical education is essential to improving health outcomes for Islanders and strengthening the health-care system across Canada. By supporting the education of future physicians, we are investing in a healthier, more resilient future.”

��ϳԹ�’s Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences Centre officially opened in the fall of 2025, welcoming its inaugural class of 20 learners, all from Prince Edward Island, as part of the regional campus of Memorial University’s Faculty of Medicine. At the same time, ��ϳԹ� and Memorial University are pursuing accreditation for a joint Doctor of Medicine degree, which will be the first partnership of its kind in Canada.

��ϳԹ� Action Plan and Reconciliation Update

nphillips — Mon, 05 Jan 2026 20:15:58 +0000

��ϳԹ� Action Plan and Reconciliation Update nphillips Mon, 01/05/2026 - 16:15

The following message and response was also emailed to faculty, staff, and students on January 5, 2026.

Message from Chair of the ��ϳԹ� Board of Governors: ��ϳԹ� Action Plan and Reconciliation Update

As we begin the new year, I’m writing to share an update and a brief reflection about our reconciliation work with Dr. Wendy Carroll and Ms. Erin Casey, while also looking ahead to the year before us.

In July 2023, we began a reconciliation process with Erin and Wendy, the women who brought forward allegations against the former president in 2012. The University released Erin and Wendy from their Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) in June 2023. However, the agreement was tri-partite, and they remained bound by an NDA with the former president. We came to understand the importance of obtaining a full release—both for Erin and Wendy’s healing and for the process of reconciliation—after they read victim impact statements to the Board of Governors in November 2023. We then became committed to helping them to achieve full release and regain their voices.

We would like to share with the campus community that, after a taxing and emotional two-year process through which we remained committed to our goal, Erin and Wendy are fully released from their NDA as of December 29, 2025. This is a significant accomplishment and represents a successful reconciliation process, with considerable dialogue, solution-oriented approaches, and collaboration. This process required trust, courage, and transparency from us all. And we are—rightly—proud that the process resulted in this outcome.

Our reconciliation with Erin and Wendy has been one of many steps to help remediate wrongs of the past. And, with their full release, the University no longer holds any NDA contracts, fulfilling our commitment to past survivors.

We apologize to Erin and Wendy for the wrongs done to them in 2012 and 2013, as well as subsequent wrongs that resulted from inappropriate comments, wrongful information, or exclusionary behaviour, and the limits imposed on them by the NDA that prevented them from telling their own truth. Welcoming them back to our community and having their support on many of our current initiatives has been of great benefit and value to the University. I thank them wholeheartedly for their patience with me and their learnings shared with me over the past two and a half years.

Among the many areas in which Erin and Wendy have contributed time and support to the Board during this reconciliation process has been advising on the needed revisions to the Fair Treatment Policy and its replacement with a contemporary Discrimination and Harassment Policy—along with revisions to the Sexual Violence Policy.

We have acknowledged through the sharing of their experiences, and the experiences of others who have been survivors of abuse, that the Fair Treatment Policy is lacking. We have been directed by this policy for over 20 years, despite countless efforts to have it revised. For the sake of our community’s safety, I do sincerely aspire to have 2026 be the year that the University community comes together and finally makes an important step towards safety, together, by repealing this policy and instating the two much stronger replacement policies. This remains a top priority of the Board of Governors.

Happy New Year to all,
Shannon

Shannon MacDonald, FCA, CPA, ICD.D (she/her)
Chair, ��ϳԹ� Board of Governors

Response to ��ϳԹ� Board Chair’s Message

As of the 29th of December 2025, we are no longer bound by the tripartite NDA that has silenced us for 12 long years. We are grateful to Ms. Shannon MacDonald, ��ϳԹ� Board Chair; Dr. Wendy Rodgers, ��ϳԹ� President and Vice-Chancellor; and the ��ϳԹ� Board of Governors for their work as part of our reconciliation process. We are now released not only by the University, but by the former president of ��ϳԹ�. This has been an exhausting, frustrating, and incredibly intense couple of years. We thank our supporters in PEI and elsewhere in the country who provided expertise and guidance. We cannot thank you enough.

This NDA and the events that led to it dramatically and negatively impacted our personal and professional lives, and we plan to use our voices and our experience to help reshape the public discourse around NDAs.

Our goal has always been to build understanding of the harms of NDAs, to dispel the myth that they benefit victims of sexual harassment and workplace misconduct, and to focus attention on the burden carried by other survivors who remain locked in historical NDAs. We can now pursue this goal freely.

We've heard over and over that being released from our NDA was impossible. Yet we persisted, and we've shown it can be done.

We wish the ��ϳԹ� community well as you continue to address the pain and injustice of the past and build a new future.

Erin & Wendy

Dr. Wendy Carroll and Ms. Erin Casey

Relevant Links

Response to Independent Review

��ϳԹ� Action Plan

Message from the President: Season's Greetings!

nphillips — Tue, 16 Dec 2025 15:41:04 +0000

Message from the President: Season's Greetings! nphillips Tue, 12/16/2025 - 11:41

The following message and video was also distributed to faculty, staff, and students on December 16, 2025.

Dear ��ϳԹ� Community,

We are coming to the end of 2025—filled with as much excitement and hope as when we entered it!

Best wishes to all who are preparing, studying for, writing, and grading exams! It’s a culmination of all your collective hard work throughout the term. Learning, knowledge seeking, and understanding are always collective activities—we must all participate and play our roles. Teachers must challenge students—and students must challenge teachers! Complex and vexing problems must challenge scholars and researchers, and scholars and researchers must challenge existing and traditional knowledge and understanding. We engage in this cycle so that, together, we can be better and do better.

This year we launched our new strategic plan: Making our world a better place. If we make ��ϳԹ� a better place, we make the world a better place. Our recent economic impact study showed that the University is an economic driver and a sound investment—both as an employer and through the purchasing power of our employees. Our graduates go on to accomplish great things in their employment and their communities. There is no question that ��ϳԹ� is essential to the prosperity of PEI and to the many other industries that comprise the provincial economy and knowledge sector.

As the year winds down and we welcome 2026, let’s reflect on the kind of world we want and the kind of ��ϳԹ� we aspire to create. In our Strategic Plan, we reaffirmed our core values: academic freedom; accountability and integrity; pursuit of excellence; equity, diversity, inclusion, and a sense of belonging; and reconciliation. As we undertake our annual planning, let’s keep these principles at the forefront. A key question we have posed to our community is, ‘what can we expect from ourselves and others to uphold our values?’ For all these core values, we identified behaviours such as kindness, respect, listening, courage, follow-through, making space for others, integrity, and taking responsibility. If each of us chooses to embody one way to live each value, we can begin shaping the culture we desire.

The holidays always offer opportunities to demonstrate kindness, compassion, giving, and receiving; qualities and behaviours we all strive to carry throughout the year. They also pose certain challenges and stresses. As we head toward the holiday break, we work so hard during the exam period (studying and marking and entering grades and supporting those doing the studying and marking). There is a lot of evidence that the holidays come with some added stresses and can exacerbate existing stresses. It’s a time to look out for each other and to check in with ourselves, making sure we are ok, coping, and engaging in healthy ways. Our recent feedback shows our community wants to be helpful, wants to listen, and wants everyone to reach their potential. It’s ok to ask and it’s ok to reach out. There are several resources available for those looking for more information or a bit of help. Visit the ��ϳԹ� Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Human Rights website to learn more about available supports and services.

Another exciting year awaits us! Let’s carry our momentum forward, foster it, and all work towards the future we want to be part of.

With very best wishes for a successful and constructive end to 2025 and an optimistic and prosperous 2026. (View the video message)

Wendy

Wendy M. Rodgers, PhD (she/her)
President and Vice-Chancellor

Relevant Links

Office of the President

Making our world a better place

���ϳԹ� - Big Futures Start Here!

���ϳԹ� Convocation 2026 honours determination and accomplishment

���ϳԹ� to confer four honorary degrees during Convocation 2026

���ϳԹ� Message: Board of Governors approves balanced 2026–2027 Operating Budget

���ϳԹ� celebrates outstanding student-athletes at Awards Gala

Team Award Winners for 2025–2026

About the ���ϳԹ� Athletes of the Year

���ϳԹ� Faculty of Graduate Studies hosts 3 Minute Thesis competition on March 20