Vagabond Productions is back in action, and it is offering a Valentine’s Day gift to its audience: a free show. Yes, you read it correctly: admission will not be charged for Vagabond’s production of “The Path of True Love,” February 10 to 13. Many of you will now be wondering about the catch. According to Greg Doran, coordinator of Theatre Studies and director of the show, there isn’t one, really. “I decided to forego charging admission this year because the show is going to be more experimental in its presentation than past shows.” Doran went on to explain that to buffer the experimentation, he chose a traditional comedy. “Granted, the tradition is from the 17th century, but it involves a lot of funny physical comedy. Consider the show a romantic comedy for smart people. The show is in the form of the commedia dell’ arte, which is...

Forgiveness and revenge. Each of us has, in the past, had to choose between one or the other. Choose forgiveness, and we face the possibility of appearing weak. Seek revenge, and we come across as mean and spiteful. UPEI psychology professor Stacey MacKinnon will talk about forgiveness and revenge on Tuesday, February 9, at this month’s Research on Tap. The discussion begins at 7 p.m. in Mavor’s Bar at the Confederation Centre of the Arts. MacKinnon is an assistant professor of social psychology whose research areas include trust, risk, forgiveness and revenge. At Research on Tap, she’ll discuss "Revenge and Forgiveness: Deciding whether or not to, how to, and how it's going to feel afterward." She will illustrate why a blanket policy of forgiveness might not be a good idea, and she will delve into the dark satisfaction we seek when we carry out revenge....

UPEI alumnus Dr. Greg Fleming will talk about his work as a veterinarian with Disney’s Animal Kingdom on Tuesday, February 9, at 7:30 p.m., at UPEI. The second in the UPEI Student Union’s new inspiring speakers series, Fleming’s presentation will take place in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium (Room 242), McDougall Hall. A reception will follow in Schurman Market Square, also in McDougall Hall. Everyone is welcome. A 1998 graduate of the Atlantic Veterinary College, Fleming is a veterinarian for Animal Programs for Disney’s Animal Kingdom and the Living Seas at EPCOT. Disney's Animal Kingdom houses more than 1,700 animals from 250 countries, making it the largest animal-themed park in the world. Prior to veterinary school, Fleming’s interest in conservation led him to complete a diploma in endangered species management from the Jersey Wildlife Preservation...

From February 8 to 12, the University of Prince Edward Island will celebrate International Development Week, a national event held annually to increase Canadians’ awareness of their country’s role in international development and to educate them about life in developing countries. UPEI has chosen the development of closer relationships between cultures as the theme for its celebration. “We chose this theme because it corresponds to one of the United Nations’ observances for 2010, and it speaks to the fact that Canada embraces different cultures,” says Dr. Christian Lacroix, chair of UPEI’s International Development Week Committee. “It encourages people to celebrate their differences and share them.” Keynote speaker Chris Eaton, executive director of the World University Service Canada (WUSC), will address the coming or bringing together of...

The faculty and staff of the University of Prince Edward Island are saddened to learn of the death on January 20, 2010, of Dr. Frances M. Frazer, a long-time faculty member at UPEI and wife of Dr. Ronald Baker, UPEI’s first president. Dr. Frazer taught in the UPEI English department from 1969 to 1992, serving as Chair from 1988 to 1991. She was acting Dean of Arts from 1989 to 1990. She also taught at the University of British Columbia, the University of Alberta, and Simon Fraser University. She is remembered as a fine scholar and a role model for students, especially women. Long-time friend and colleague Michael Hennessey remembers Dr. Frazer with respect and affection. “Fran was an excellent teacher, demanding but fair, who sought to instill a love of literature in her students. As a result, many of her students went on to graduate studies. She enjoyed life, liked a...

Students in the University of Prince Edward Island’s executive-style Master of Business Administration program will explore the topic of local food during a public event in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, McDougall Hall, on Saturday, February 6. At 9:30 a.m., a panel of experts will present a local food challenge to the MBA students, who will be asked to come up with solutions, using the analytical and creative skills they have developed in their marketing management course. Audience members will also have the opportunity to share their perceptions about local food. Members of the panel are Tim Carroll, associate professor at the UPEI School of Business; Phil Ferraro, Institute of Bioregional Studies; and Rob Paterson, The Renewal Consulting Group Inc. Ian Petrie, well-known as a CBC journalist who covered the agriculture industry for many years, will interview the panelists and...

The Honourable Keith Ashfield, Minister of National Revenue, Minister of the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency (ACOA) and Minister for the Atlantic Gateway, announced funding on January 26 for seven research and development projects on Prince Edward Island – three of which are innovative projects of UPEI researchers. “This is an exciting day for UPEI,” said Dr. Katherine Schultz, UPEI’s Vice President of Research and Development. “This funding affirms ACOA’s commitment for fostering R&D in Atlantic Canada. It also builds on UPEI’s growing reputation for research excellence – excellence that nurtures ideas into action.” One of those projects, Discovery Space, created by University Librarian Mark Leggott, works to advance Canada’s cyber infrastructure and to transform the way innovative research is conducted. The...

The UPEI Graduate Students’ Association (GSA) is seeking the help of the entire campus community to raise $10,000 for Haiti relief by Friday, January 29. To make a pledge or donation, please contact Ben Perry, GSA VP Finance. The GSA began their fundraising on January 16, and with ten dozen cookies donated by Buns n' Things Bakery and the support of the UPEI Athletic Department, they kicked off the “Ten Dozen Cookies to $10,000 Haiti Relief Effort” at the Panthers’ basketball games. With the assistance of Haitian-born Prince Edward Islander Ephetas Norman, and Panther basketball fans, they raised $764 on that day alone. The grad students added $525 of their own funds and challenged the rest of the campus to support this very important effort. By placing donation tins around campus and getting other groups involved, from student societies and administration, the...

The UPEI Music Department Recital Series will present the 2010 Music Performance Competition Finals Concert at the Dr. Steel Recital Hall, UPEI, on Thursday, January 28, at 7:30 p.m. Admission is $8.00 ($5.00 for students and seniors). Tickets will be available at the door. The concert will feature the six finalists chosen by a panel of seven Music Department faculty members at the preliminary round of the competition, held on Tuesday, January 19. This year’s competition category was music composed between 1950 and the present day. The finalists are Sara Arsenault, clarinet, a fifth-year Bachelor of Music Education major; Nathan Keoughan, bass, a fourth-year Bachelor of Music major; Echo Lau, piano, a first-year Bachelor of Music major; Kelly Leighton, mezzo-soprano, a third-year Bachelor of Music major; Troy Martin, clarinet, a fourth-year Bachelor of Music major; and Nicole...

Members and research partners of the Atlantic Veterinary College’s (AVC) globally-recognized Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research (CVER) gathered at AVC today to celebrate a year marked with success.   The Centre for Veterinary Epidemiological Research at the Atlantic Veterinary College is one of the world’s leading centres for animal health epidemiological research--the study of disease in animal populations. The centre, which has close to 50 members and 30 graduate students, focuses on advancing and safe-guarding health through expertise in production of high quality and safe food, disease surveillance, detecting emerging and zoonotic diseases, animal welfare, evaluating diagnostic tests, and determining the efficacy of new treatments.    “People sometimes ask why this field of study is so important,” says Dr. Ian Dohoo, Director of the...

UPEI students Ashley Jadis, Emily Ferguson, and Amanda Malley are the first recipients of the new John J. Sark Memorial Scholarships. The provincial government established the scholarship program in September 2009 in honour of distinguished Mi’kmaq Islander John James Sark.   Sark received his post-secondary education at St. Dunstan’s College, and was the Island’s first Mi’kmaq teacher.    Three $1,000 scholarships are to be awarded every year to Aboriginal students at UPEI who have demonstrated their contribution to their First Nations, Inuit, or Métis community, a commitment to their field of study, and a strong academic performance.    Ashley Jadis of the Abegweit First Nations Band in Scotchfort, P.E.I., is a fourth-year nursing student who is president of the Aboriginal Student Association at UPEI. Emily Ferguson of the Swan...

If you are a cat owner or thinking of getting a cat, this session is for you! Dr. Peter Foley, Assistant Professor in AVC’s Department of Companion Animals, will share his knowledge of and interest in cats on Tuesday, January 26, from 7-8:30 pm in Lecture Room A, Atlantic Veterinary College.   Dr. Foley will talk about understanding our feline friends and the choices we have to make for their lives--spaying/neutering, declawing, living indoors or outdoors, and vaccinating. Common problems such as litterbox woes, hairballs, infectious diseases, parasites, and other medical issues will also be discussed.     Admission is free, and refreshments will be served. Donations to the Animal Allies of AVC will be gratefully accepted. For information, call (902) 566-0589. Part of the AVC Community Workshop Series 

Recent PhD graduate, teacher and author Scott MacMillan will give a public lecture called Meaning and Work: Blue Pill or Red Pill? An Existential Approach to Work on Wednesday, January 20, at UPEI.   Dr. MacMillan's presentation will take place from 7-8:30 p.m., in the Alex H. MacKinnon Auditorium, Don and Marion McDougall Hall. All are welcome to attend this free event.   Have you ever felt that you were living the wrong life, especially when it comes to your work? Despite significant societal improvements such as increased technology, medical breakthroughs, and greater longevity, life for many people is one of continual worry and anxiety. One of the major sources of discontent can be our work life; the choices we make about work and the subsequent experiences we have in the workplace. Dr. MacMillan will explore these issues and also share his PhD thesis research on work as...

Island author and UPEI professor Richard Lemm will give a presentation on Tuesday, January 26 (Australia Day!), at 7:30 p.m., about his recent stay in Tasmania as writer-in-residence. His talk will take place in the UPEI Faculty Lounge, Main Building. Admission is free.   Lemm's presentation will include a slideshow and poems he wrote while in Tasmania. His residency was part of the annual PEI-Tasmania writer-in-residence exchange. The writer-in-residence exchange is sponsored, on P.E.I., by the UPEI Dean of Arts and Department of English, the PEI Writers’ Guild, and the Institute of Island Studies. The Tasmanian Writers’ Centre is the counterpart down under, with additional support for Dr. Lemm’s residency from the Lord Mayor of Hobart, the Canada Council for the Arts, and the P.E.I. Council of the Arts. 

Guest artist Laurie Brinklow will read her poetry at the red earth women presents reading series on Thursday, January 14, in the Main Building Faculty Lounge at UPEI. The doors open at 7 p.m. Sign-up for open mic begins at 7:30 p.m.   Laurie is a writer and editor, and publisher of Charlottetown’s Acorn Press, which she started in 1993. Her poetry has won the Atlantic Poetry Prize, and was published in the chapbook, Scars (Saturday Morning Chapbooks). She was a co-founder of the Island Literary Awards in 1988, was the founding president of the PEI Writers’ Guild in 1989, and received the Award for Distinguished Contribution to the Literary Arts in PEI in 2002. She currently works full-time as publications co-ordinator at UPEI.   For more information, visit red earth women presents

UPEI celebrates its second annual Diversity Week from January 18 to 22, and everyone is invited to take in the events. All events are open to the public and are free of charge.  Diversity Week is a commitment to recognizing and appreciating the variety of characteristics—both visible and invisible—that make individuals unique, in an atmosphere that promotes inclusion and celebrates individual and collective achievement, says Ruth Freeman, equity outreach coordinator at UPEI.  The celebration kicks off with an opening ceremony at noon on Monday, January 18, in McMillan Hall, W. A. Murphy Student Centre. The ceremony will include drumming, a blessing by a Mi’kmaq elder, welcoming remarks by UPEI’s Academic VP Rosemary Herbert, and cake and hot chocolate. At 7 p.m. in McMillan Hall, a panel, moderated by religious studies professor Peter Koritansky, will...

The PEI Business Women’s Association (PEIBWA) will kick-start 2010 by hosting a workshop to assist business owners to optimize their companies’ financial performance. PEIBWA is partnering with ProfitLearn PEI to offer a workshop called “Financial Statement Analysis for Small Business.” The session will strengthen the ability of the small business community to understand and apply business financial statements. This will be held on Tuesday, January 19, at the Best Western Charlottetown, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. The workshop will also be held at the Alberton Business Centre on January 21, from 1:30-4:30 p.m. PEIBWA executive director Melody Beck says, "Understanding how to use the information in financial statements will assist business owners in the proper management of their businesses and increase their chances of success." Trainer Lloyd Compton, CA, from...

The Tourism Research Centre at U.P.E.I. has released a report profiling visitors by the type of accommodation used in P.E.I.   Based on results from the 2007/2008 exit survey, the report profiles visitors by seven accommodation types including hotel, motel, resort; inn, B&B, tourist home; cottage or cabin; camping or trailer park; homes of friends or relatives; other; and a combination of two or more kinds of accommodation.   Twenty-eight per cent of travel parties stayed in a hotel, motel or resort, making this the most popular accommodation type among visitors to P.E.I. Of all groups, these visitors reported the second highest spending per person per night ($109.73). However, spending on a per-party per-visit basis was $775.91, the mid-range of spending among the groups included in the survey. This lower total spending was due to these visitors’ short stays in P.E....

Steven Galloway, author of the international best-selling novel "The Cellist of Sarajevo," will give a public reading on Tuesday, January 19, at 7:30 p.m. in the Confederation Centre Art Gallery. His reading is part of the Winter’s Tales Authors Series sponsored by the UPEI English Department, with funding from the Canada Council for the Arts.   One day during the siege of Sarajevo, a mortar round lands in a breadline and kills 22 people as a cellist watches from his apartment window. He vows to sit in the crater left by the explosion and play Albinoni’s Adagio once a day for each of the 22 victims. “Arrow,” a gifted female sniper, is asked to protect him.   “Though the setting is the siege of Sarajevo in the 1990s,” writes Kahled Hosseini, author of The Kite Runner, “this gripping novel transcends time and place....a...

The University of Prince Edward Island has challenged students in residences at other post-secondary institutions in the Maritimes to an energy conservation competition. Holland College, St. Francis Xavier, Mount Allison, Dalhousie and the University of New Brunswick have all confirmed their participation. Students in more than 30 residences will take part.   “We’re delighted with the enthusiastic response to our challenge,” says David Taylor, manager of sustainability and energy management at UPEI. “The competition provides students with a real opportunity to reduce their energy consumption and minimize their personal impact on the environment.”   Each student residence will track its weekly electrical energy consumption and prepare a report. UPEI will use the reports to generate a summary for all participants and post the data on its...

Laura Archer, a nurse with the international humanitarian organization Doctors Without Borders/Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF), will be the first presenter in a new speakers' series that features three inspiring alumni of the University of Prince Edward Island. The series is organized by the UPEI Student Union.   Doctors Without Borders delivers emergency aid to people affected by armed conflict, natural or man-made disasters, epidemics, and exclusion from healthcare. Since 2006, Archer has helped to deliver medical programs in several African countries including the Central African Republic and Chad. She became a household name around the world in March 2009 when she was kidnapped, along with three other aid workers, while working in the Darfur region of Sudan. They were released after three days in captivity.   A native of Charlottetown, Archer graduated with...

Dr. Kim Critchley (left), UPEI Dean of Nursing, presents Leslie Warren, divisional nurse supervisor with the Office of the Attorney General, with the 2009 Bill and Denise Andrew Preceptor Scholarship for her longstanding work as a preceptor with nursing students. Fourth-year students work with preceptors to gain experience in community agencies across the province. Looking on is Simon Pickles who completed his five-month placement under Warren’s guidance at the Sleepy Hollow Correctional Centre, and Christine Murray, a member of the UPEI Nursing Faculty and advisor for the Nursing and Population Health course. Fifty-four nursing students recently completed their community placements in a wide variety of rural and urban settings.  

The UPEI Faculty of Arts will hold a public book launch to celebrate ten new books by UPEI faculty in the Main Building Faculty Lounge at UPEI on Thursday, January 7, from 4:30-6:30 p.m.    "Remote Control: Governance Lessons for and from Small, Insular, and Remote Regions" explores the question: how does one transform small size and relative isolation into a powerful combination for sustainable growth and prosperity? This collection fleshes out tools and strategies used by mid-level governance structures, and it emphasizes a proactive, creative and assertive approach to governance. The book is edited by Godfrey Baldacchino of Island Studies, Rob Greenwood and Lawrence Felt.   In "A Magnificent Gift Declined: The Dalton Sanatorium of Prince Edward Island 1913-1923," Leonard Cusack of the history department portrays provincial and federal...

Seven nurses from three Island hospitals graduated today from the first-ever critical care and emergency nursing program offered on Prince Edward Island.   The graduates just completed a 15-week critical care and emergency nursing pilot program at UPEI’s School of Nursing, which involved classroom study, lab simulation and clinical placements. The program manager is Judy Cotton, and the two nurse educators are Tanya Matthews and Mike Mac Donald.   “Through this program, practicing nurses on P.E.I. can develop their professional skills in the areas of critical care and emergency, which will ultimately improve patient care,” says Dr. Kim Critchley, Dean of Nursing. “By offering this first-ever educational opportunity here on P.E.I., we can recruit and retain qualified critical care and emergency nurses in the province.”   The graduates are...