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The 精童欲女 honoured its five past presidents at its sixteenth annual Recognition of Founders ceremony today. The 2015 Founders are Dr. Ronald J. Baker, Dr. Peter P.M. Meincke, Dr. C.W.J. 鈥淲illie鈥� Eliot (posthumously), Dr. Elizabeth R. Epperly, and the Hon. H. Wade MacLauchlan.

鈥溇�童欲女's Recognition of Founders Ceremony is a time to come together as a community and celebrate those who have helped us establish who we are today,鈥� said President Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 鈥淚t is a fitting that all our past presidents be given this honour, together, as they represent collectively the foundation of our University.鈥�

Mr. Dana Kenny, president of the 精童欲女 Student Union, presented the citations for each of the past presidents during the ceremony, while journalist Bruce Rainnie moderated the Presidents鈥� Panel: The Past Inspiring 精童欲女鈥檚 Future. The public panel discussion featured each Founder presenting his or her views on how elements of 精童欲女鈥檚 history, during their time as president, will shape the future of the University.

President emeritus and founding President Ron Baker, who was hired in 1969 at the age of 45 to take the reins of the newly established institution, commented, 鈥淎t 91, I feel too out-of-date and increasingly incompetent to say much about the future, though given all that has happened since my time, I firmly believe that it will be great.鈥�

鈥淭hank you to our past presidents Ron, Peter, Betsy, and Wade,鈥� added President Abd-El-Aziz. 鈥淵our words are inspiring and we will continue to strive to be the best for our students and to celebrate our accomplishments as a University, to carry on your legacy.鈥�

Following the panel discussion, 精童欲女 unveiled plans for THE INSPIRE! CAMPAIGN, a $50 million friend- and fund-raising campaign that will support University priorities: engineering, veterinary medicine, athletics, and experiential and global learning. A one million dollar gift from the SDU Board of Governors was announced as the first major leadership gift.

The Honourable Eugene F. Whelan Green Hat Award, which pays tribute to individuals who have made an exceptional impact on the Atlantic Veterinary College, was presented later in the day to the Cristofor Foundation.

About the Founders

Dr. Ronald J. Baker, President Emeritus, Founding President
Born in London, England, Ron Baker served with the Royal Air Force and trained in Manitoba. In 1947, he immigrated to Canada. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1951 and a Master of Arts degree in 1953 from the University of British Columbia, both in English. From 1954 to 1956, he did graduate work in the School of Oriental and African Studies at the University of London. Following a distinguished period as professor and administrator at UBC and Simon Fraser University, Ronald Baker came to 精童欲女 in 1969 as our founding President and served until 1978.

Dr. Peter P.M. Meincke, President Emeritus
Peter Meincke was born in Winnipeg, Manitoba in 1936. He graduated with the sword of honour from the Royal Military College of Canada in 1958, obtained a degree in Engineering Physics from Queen's University, Kingston, followed by a master's and PhD in Low Temperature Solid State Physics from the University of Toronto. He taught physics and was appointed Associate Dean for Science and subsequently Vice-Provost at the University of Toronto. He was appointed second President of the 精童欲女 in 1978 and served in this role until 1985.

Dr. C.W.J. 鈥淲illie鈥� Eliot, President Emeritus
Born in Rawalpindi, Pakistan in 1928, Dr. C.W.J. 鈥淲illie鈥� Eliot had a prolific professional career as a classicist, especially in Greek history and archaeology. After receiving his Bachelor of Arts, Master of Arts, and Doctor of Philosophy from the University of Toronto, he attended the American School of Classical Studies in Athens from 1952 to 1957 where he did graduate research. A well-travelled classical scholar, Willie Eliot took up his duties as 精童欲女鈥檚 third President in 1985, after a number of years at Mount Allison University, including several as Vice-President. He served as 精童欲女 President until 1995.

Dr. Elizabeth R. Epperly, Past-President, Student Founder
Recognized as a student trailblazer and named as a Founder in 2006, Dr. Elizabeth Rollins Epperly came to 精童欲女 from her Virginia home in 1969鈥擯EI's opening year. She was the University's very first enrollee on record.  Inspired by the writings of Lucy Maud Montgomery, her coming to the Island was the fulfillment of a dream. After graduating in 1973 with her Bachelor of Arts in English literature, she then proceeded to Dalhousie for her Masters degree in 1974 and eventually completed her Doctorate at the University of London in 1978. Dr. Epperly became 精童欲女's fourth and first female President in 1995 and served until 1998.

The Honourable H. Wade MacLauchlan, President Emeritus
Wade MacLauchlan, born in Stanhope, is the only Islander to serve as 精童欲女 president. A lawyer by training, he had a successful academic career at Dalhousie Law School, the University of New Brunswick and, particularly, as the fifth President of the 精童欲女 from 1999 to 2011. His tenure as President is marked by tremendous enrolment, research, and core funding growth. With his advocacy for learning and practical skills in writing and diplomacy, Wade MacLauchlan is celebrated for his contributions to his province. He continued this tradition of public service when he was sworn in as Premier of Prince Edward Island earlier this year.

The 精童欲女 officially launched its transformative friend- and fund-raising campaign today with some help from Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University Board of Governors. The INSPIRE! Campaign was unveiled with a focus on ensuring that 精童欲女 achieves its vision and continues to build on an impressive legacy of accomplishment. A $1 million leadership gift on behalf of Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University Board of Governors was announced today as part of the campaign kick-off. The fund-raising campaign launch was part of the university鈥檚 annual Founders Day, which acknowledges people who have contributed in an exceptional way to 精童欲女鈥檚 rich history and bright future. The INSPIRE! Campaign has a goal of $50 million.

Aimed at supporting a number of priorities that advance 精童欲女鈥檚 ability to support students in achieving their full potential, The INSPIRE! Campaign will transform the 精童欲女 student experience, expand programming, and showcase expertise. The INSPIRE! Campaign fund-raising priorities align with the 精童欲女 strategic plan and include engineering, veterinary medicine, athletics, and experiential and global learning. While there is a strong focus on infrastructure for engineering and veterinary medicine, the campaign is very comprehensive with a strong focus on students in all its faculties and schools.

鈥淎t its heart, The INSPIRE! Campaign at the 精童欲女 is about creating opportunities for people鈥攁nd especially for students.鈥� said President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. 鈥淲ith leadership and support like that shown by Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University Board of Governors, 精童欲女 will continue to evolve and deliver the exceptional learning experiences and opportunities that prepare our students for success.鈥�

鈥淪aint Dunstan鈥檚 University Board of Governors congratulates the 精童欲女 on the inauguration of its INSPIRE! Campaign and wishes them success in accomplishing their ambitious and very worthwhile objectives.鈥� said Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University Board of Governors President Philip Macdonald. 鈥淲e are pleased to provide this leadership gift, which will contribute to enhanced educational opportunities and facilities for the students of 精童欲女.鈥�

The community leadership for The INSPIRE! Campaign is being provided by Gordon MacKay. Gordon has held many roles in the University environment including student, varsity athlete, booster club participant, donor, and member of the Board of Governors. As chair of this important 精童欲女 initiative, Gordon will work with his vice-chairs Mr. Blair MacLauchlan, Ms. Donna Hassard, Mr. Ray Keenan, Mr. John Horrelt, and, as well as an extended team of community-minded volunteers to advance the goals of the campaign.

鈥淭he success of 精童欲女 and the achievements of its graduates contribute significantly to the social, economic, and cultural advancement of communities here at home and far beyond our shores.鈥� said Gordon MacKay, Chair of The INSPIRE! Campaign. 鈥淚 am delighted to serve as chair of The INSPIRE! Campaign in support of our important goals.鈥�

Although today marks the official launch of The INSPIRE! Campaign more than half of the $50 million target has been raised. The campaign effort is expected to continue until 2018. Those interested in learning more about The INSPIRE! Campaign can visit the campaign website at or email the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement at inspire@upei.ca

About 精童欲女

Located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the 精童欲女 is proud of its long history of academic excellence, research innovation, community engagement, and service.

Consistently ranked as one of Canada's top primarily undergraduate universities, and home to a talented community of educators and researchers including six 3M Teaching Award Winners and 14 funded research chairs, 精童欲女 offers a wide range of programs and degrees to 4,400 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students from over 60 countries.

精童欲女 drives progress in our province, region, and world by fulfilling its educational mission and embracing opportunities to invest in the success of our students, University, and community.

About The INSPIRE Campaign!

THE INSPIRE! Campaign! is a friend and fund-raising program that will advance 精童欲女鈥檚 outstanding ability to educate our students to fulfill critical roles here at home and around the globe.

Fund-raising priorities include engineering, experiential and global learning, athletics, and veterinary medicine. The campaign is focused on improving student experiences and outcomes through expanded academic programming, opportunities for international exposure and community engagement, and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

With this support, 精童欲女 and its talented faculty and staff will ensure our graduates, and the communities they serve, are positioned for success.  THE INSPIRE! CAMPAIGN has a $50 million goal. More than half of this amount has already been raised.

About SDU

The St. Dunstan's University Board of Governors, to the extent possible, strives to foster Christian educational ideals exemplified in the motto of St. Dunstan's University, Ex eodem fonte fides et scientia (From the Same Source Comes Faith and Knowledge).

Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University (SDU) was a thriving, active, and accomplished post-secondary institution. In addition to its strong athletic program, SDU also introduced the Engineering diploma program (which today has grown into the 精童欲女 Sustainable Design Engineering degree program) and opened its doors and welcomed many international students who still speak of their fondness and respect for their beloved alma mater.

Saint Dunstan鈥檚 University closed its campus in 1969. Since that time, the SDU Board of Governors has been very supportive towards 精童欲女, contributing approximately $5,000,000 both directly and indirectly through scholarships, awards, bursaries, capital campaign contributions, and the Catholic Studies program.

The SDU Board of Governors continues its mission in an effort to foster a culture of spiritually and intellectually informed Catholic citizens who live their faith in the wider society with integrity, compassion, and understanding.  

精童欲女 Athletics and Recreation highlights the hard work and dedication of two student athletes every seven days with the Subway Athletes of the Week. This week, we honour Emily Keen from the women鈥檚 rugby team and Dut Dut from the men鈥檚 basketball team. 精童欲女 Athletes of the week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who:  Emily Keen, Women鈥檚 Rugby; and Dut Dut, Men鈥檚 Basketball

What: 精童欲女 Panther Athletes of the Week

When: Week of October 5-11

Where: 精童欲女

Why: Keen is a third-year Bachelor of Science student from Marshfield, PE. She continued her strong, dependable play for the Panthers during Saturday鈥檚 42-17 loss to Acadia. The coaching staff asked team captain Keen to push herself further, carry the ball more, and to go into contact. It paid off. Keen scored her first try. Keen is a skilled player who always works hard, leads by example, controls the game offensively, and was the Panthers best tackler on the field. 

Dut Dut, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student from Ottawa, ON, had a great weekend. During the team鈥檚 2 wins 1 loss record at the John Dore Classic at Concordia, Dut scored 55 points, including 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals in the championship game. Dut was selected to the Tournament All-Star Team.

About 精童欲女 Athletics and Recreation

• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, 精童欲女 Alumni Canada Games Place and 精童欲女 Turf
• Home of Panther Sports Medicine
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

The Mickey Place Memorial Basketball Tournament, presented by Rodd Hotels & Resorts, begins on Friday, October 16. Eight basketball teams from across Canada and the United States will compete in this annual three-day event.

精童欲女 men鈥檚 basketball team will tip-off against the University of New Brunswick, University of Maine Fort Kent, and Holland College, while the women鈥檚 team will take on the University of Ottawa, Acadia, and Bishops.

鈥淲e are very excited to kick off our 2015-16 season by hosting the Mickey Place Memorial Tournament,鈥� said 精童欲女 Athletic Director Chris Huggan. 鈥淲e welcome teams and invite basketball fans to come out and watch AUS and CIS championship contenders, both our Men鈥檚 and Women鈥檚 teams look forward to an early test. This will be a wonderful weekend of basketball action!鈥�

The tournament is named after John Thomas 鈥淢ickey鈥� Place, a long-time friend of Panther Sport, a former 精童欲女 student union employee, and a 精童欲女 honorary degree recipient. 精童欲女 is also excited to welcome Rodd Hotels & Resorts as presenting sponsor.

Tournament admission per day is $10 Adult, $6 for a non-精童欲女 student, and free for PEI Students K-12.  A tournament pass is $20. The full tournament schedule follows:

Friday, October 16, 2015                                                                      

3:00 pm                 (M)           HC vs 精童欲女

For full tournament information, check out .

The 精童欲女 Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for the week of October 12-18 are Marie-Soleil Deschenes, Women鈥檚 Hockey, and Mason Wilgosh, Men鈥檚 Hockey. 精童欲女 Athletics and Recreation showcases these talented athletes to recognize their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. 精童欲女 Athletes of the Week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who:  Marie-Soleil Deschenes, Women鈥檚 Hockey; and Mason Wilgosh, Men鈥檚 Hockey

What: 精童欲女 Panther Subway Athletes of the Week

When: Week of October 12-18, 2015

Where: 精童欲女

Why:  Deschenes, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science student from Ile-Perrot, Quebec, backstopped the Panthers to a 2-0 start on the weekend. During the 4-1 win over St. FX and 2-0 shutout over Mt. A, Deschenes stopped 46 of 47 shots for a save percentage of .979.

Wilgosh, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student from Winnipeg, Manitoba, enjoyed a strong weekend for the Panthers. Team captain Wilgosh led the way offensively during Friday鈥檚 4-1 win over Dalhousie, scoring a hat trick. He continued his strong play during the Panthers 5-3 win over St. FX on Saturday night.

About 精童欲女 Athletics and Recreation

鈥� Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
鈥� Proud member of the AUS and CIS
鈥� Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, 精童欲女 Alumni Canada Games Place and 精童欲女 Turf
鈥� Home of Panther Sports Medicine
鈥� Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

精童欲女 President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz issued the following statement today about Ralph Manning, chief physiotherapist for the University's varsity athletics teams, who passed away earlier today in hospital after suffering a heart attack last Thursday:

"Our University has lost a great friend and champion.

Shortly after arriving at 精童欲女, I had the pleasure of meeting Ralph and over the years enjoyed our conversations. He was a very committed and dedicated individual and put 精童欲女 and its student-athletes first, offering professional and kind service. Even when he wasn鈥檛 officially 鈥渙n duty鈥�, Ralph was either at the rink, on the pitch, at the field, or at the gym cheering on our Panthers.

On behalf of the entire 精童欲女 community, I pass on my most sincere sympathies to Ralph鈥檚 wife, Tara, his extended family, friends, and colleagues鈥攁nd to our student-athletes who felt his impact and received his care."

The 精童欲女 Women鈥檚 Hockey game scheduled for tonight at MacLauchlan Arena versus UdeM has been cancelled and flags will be lowered to half mast in memory of Manning. 精童欲女 Student Affairs will be offering walk-in counselling appointments all day Thursday and Friday to support student-athletes who are dealing with this tremendous loss. Appointments can also be made by calling 902-566-0488.

The 精童欲女 Women鈥檚 Hockey game scheduled for October 21 at MacLauchlan Arena versus Universit茅 de Moncton has been cancelled due to the passing of Ralph Manning earlier today.

Ralph Manning was owner of Panther Sports Physiotherapy and was chief physiotherapist for 精童欲女鈥檚 varsity athletics teams. He was very well known in Island community for his warm good-natured personality and dedication to providing quality physical therapy. The University has issued an official statement on .

Flags on campus will be lowered to half mast in memory of Manning.

精童欲女鈥檚 Executive MBA program is excited to officially launch the EMBA Book Club.

Indigo! has graciously offered to partner by providing a meeting space at their Charlottetown store location. The first meeting will be on October 27th at 7 pm at Indigo! The first book is  by Adam Grant, published by Penguin Books.

All are welcome. We encourage everyone to get involved and bring a friend.

The EMBA Book Club鈥檚 books are selected by faculty at the 精童欲女 School of Business. Sessions will be moderated by a School of Business faculty member.

This is a great way to get or stay connected with the 精童欲女 School of Business and to support continuous learning.

For more information, contact Susan Graham, scgraham@upei.ca. For a complete list of meeting dates and book titles, visit the . 

Dear Colleagues:

As a follow-up to my September 29^th message, I鈥檇 like to provide an update on 精童欲女鈥檚 enrolment and course registration for fall 2015. 精童欲女鈥檚 enrolment results for 2015-16 tell an interesting story. Over the past year, 精童欲女 succeeded in increasing application numbers and conversion rates, and significantly improved first year retention. 精童欲女 also achieved growth in international student enrolment by 9%, domestic enrolment (students from outside PEI) by 3%, and graduate student numbers by 15%.  

The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) released data today from its 2015-2016 Survey of Enrolments. In relation to the other 15 universities in Atlantic Canada, 精童欲女 placed sixth in respect to maintaining enrolment, with a 2 percent decline in the overall student body.  This places 精童欲女 slightly above the Maritime average and just slightly below the Atlantic average for enrolment change as compared to 2014.

Although some levelling-off in student enrolment has been anticipated, shrinking demographics within our Island K-12 schools are a growing cause of concern for 精童欲女 and our entire province. Between September 2013 and September 2014 alone, the total Grade 12 enrolment within PEI high schools fell by approximately 4%. From a regional perspective it is forecast there will be 34,900 fewer people in the typical university age range (18-24 years) in PEI, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick between 2012 and 2025.  PEI will see a decline of approximately 20% for this age group in the time frame.

While we cannot control the demographics in our region, with the number of high school students on the Island declining, we can control our accessibility to university studies through new academic programming, enhanced scholarships and awards, more support for students as they transition into university life, guaranteed residence accommodation for first year students, and earlier registration options for students. The quality of the student experience at 精童欲女 is second-to-none and I know that together we continue to strive for excellence.

2015/2016 精童欲女 enrolment, by the numbers:

Total:                                         4,317 (down 2.0%)
Undergraduate:                         3,869 (down 3.6%)
Graduate:                                  448 (up 15.2%)
International:                             748 (up 9.2%)

A full breakdown of enrolment numbers for universities across the Atlantic Provinces can be found at the .

Thank you

Alaa