Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues – August 2025, Issue 1

We are thrilled by the incredible response to the launch of Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues! In less than two weeks, we received over 30 heartfelt submissions—each one highlighting the generosity, dedication, and positivity that make our University such a special place.  

Because of this tremendous response, we will be sharing the submissions across the next three issues of Campus Connector. Read the first set of submissions (organized in alphabetical order) below.

Thank you to everyone who took the time to share your stories and celebrate your colleagues. It is inspiring to see our community come together to shine a spotlight on the people who go above and beyond every day.

Submissions for next month are now open! Share your note of recognition by the last Friday of the month, and let’s continue celebrating the amazing colleagues who make our campus shine. For more details on the program, including how to make a submission, please click here.

Suzette Acorn, Atlantic Veterinary College

Suzette has been a beacon of support for everyone in the department of biomedical sciences. She is always extremely helpful and cares about everyone. For example, my mother and mother-in-law recently passed away. Not only did Suzette take the time to figure out what bereavement time I would have (with two burials out of province, a tragic accident, and the deaths) with my part time work—no easy feat—she also represented the department in purchasing flowers, cards, and organizing people in the department to drive one hour away to come to my mother's visitation. That's compassion in action. Suzette has the remarkable ability to cultivate community. Our department would not be the same without her. She has won similar awards multiple years in a row for a very good reason! I highly recommend Suzette be recognized for her outstanding contributions to the UPEI community.  

Thomas Becker, Athletics and Recreation  

Thomas Becker is being recognized for his outstanding work as UPEI Athletics’ Sports Information Officer. Through creative storytelling, high-quality content, and consistent coverage, he has elevated the profile of UPEI’s varsity teams and student-athletes on local, regional, and national stages. His efforts have strengthened fan engagement, enhanced sponsor visibility, and showcased the achievements of Panthers Athletics in a professional and impactful way. - Bruce Donaldson

Dr. Andrea Bourque, Diagnostic Services, Atlantic Veterinary College  

Andrea is a delight to work with, and I know for a fact that this is her overall reputation. She always has a pleasant demeanour, always super funny, lighthearted and the room lights up when she enters. I admire her positive impact on our workplace, her professionalism and dedication to clients. I know she could be going through a tough time or having a bad day, and one would never know it.  I strive to be more like her. She's always been this way, and I think it needs official recognition ;) Thanks for considering!  - Darlene Jones

Colin Bowley, Marketing and Communications  

Colin Bowley is a cornerstone of UPEI’s success, leading transformative initiatives such as the Brand Resource Hub and Digital Asset Management Platform, which have significantly improved brand consistency and operational efficiency across campus. His meticulous planning, attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to timelines make him indispensable. Colin demonstrates exceptional project management skills, consistently delivering high-quality results under pressure while juggling multiple high-profile initiatives. From major events like U Sports and Convocation to critical projects such as Faculty accreditation reports, alumni campaigns, and complex marketing deliverables like the UPEI Viewbook, Colin ensures every task is completed on time and to the highest standard. His work touches nearly every department on campus, reflecting his collaborative spirit and ability to unite diverse perspectives. Known for his adaptability and responsiveness, Colin handles shifting priorities with ease while keeping long-term goals in focus. He fosters an inclusive, supportive work environment and recently enhanced team efficiency by sharing his expertise through an Asana tutorial. His dedication to continuous improvement and innovation sets a standard of excellence that inspires trust and confidence across the University. As Kathy Weatherbie, Senior Development and Donor Relations Officer, affirms: “Colin’s unwavering support has been transformative for our department. His quick responses, thoughtful advice, and attention to detail exemplify service excellence. I am thrilled to nominate him for this well-deserved recognition.” In sum, Colin’s leadership, collaboration, and consistent excellence have left a lasting impact on UPEI, making him an outstanding candidate for recognition as a remarkable colleague. – Emi Abou Wafia  

Dr. Anne Marie Carey, Atlantic Veterinary College

I don't think it's known the impact Dr. Carey has on the students at the AVC. From being there for them when they need to talk, to finding solutions to their concerns, to empowering them every time she sees them, and that's just the front facing stuff. Behind-the-scenes, she works tirelessly for them. She ensures they get the externships and works to get them across the finish line if they're struggling. She advocates on their behalf to ensure they have study permits and information they need if they're traveling for externships. Her impact creates lasting change at the AVC. When a trans student spoke to her about the lack of gender-neutral change rooms and washrooms, she worked to establish some within the building. When a student has to drop out because of personal issues or grades, she never closes the door on them. She keeps it open and encourages them to try again. More often than not, they come back, fueled with the desire to do well because Dr. Carey believed in them. She works hard and puts in more hours than seems humanly possible, but for this recognition, it's her impact that deserves a special call out, because those things she does for each individual student often go unnoticed, but they are important.  

Dr. Mitchell Carr, Atlantic Veterinary College

I am recognizing this person because he has been over and beyond in his help with the Community Practice team. He has an attitude that is always "how can I help" and does not differentiate between roles and is just a person you can work with and count on to support you during stressful work days. He is also very genuine, straightforward, and compassionate with all his clients and co-workers. There is so much for me to learn from him as I work with him more.  

Lisa Coady, Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development  

Lisa is the administrative assistant for the Office of Continuing Education and Professional Development (OCEPD), and she is truly the glue that keeps our Office together. Not only does she handle all administrative tasks (registrations, printing, invoicing, bookings internal documentation, et cetera) will ease and efficiency, she is a friendly and helpful face when participants need any assistance at one of our courses, she is beloved by facilitators that work with her, and she keeps the whole building (UPEI Alumni Hall) smiling with her infectious laugh and positive attitude. Administrative assistants often don't get the recognition they deserve, unfortunately. However, Lisa deserves all the plaudits she receives, and she truly is an integral part of the OCEPD team.

Laura De Villiers, Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Atlantic Veterinary College  

Consistently works to better systems and processes for the overall organization. Strong advocate for patient and staff personal wellbeing. Genuinely cares while also being highly efficient and capable. Laura is a pleasure to work with!  

Bruce Donaldson, Athletics and Recreation

Bruce is an amazing person.  Our department is surviving partly due to his hard work and dedication to improving our programs (i.e., varsity, club), our facilities, our connection on campus, in the community, in our region and on a national stage. He was recognized in May 2024 as Volunteer of the Year by Event Atlantic, but our university and community should be recognizing him for all that he has done and is continuing to do for our department, our campus, our community and our Province. – Koren Glenn

Richelle Greathouse, International Relations Office (Two submissions!)

She is not only my supervisor but also someone I deeply admire. She is incredibly hardworking and has been a tremendous support in my personal and professional growth. Even after ten years of working with students, her passion and empathy for international students remain as strong as ever. Moving from Saskatchewan to PEI for this job was a big decision, but Richelle is one of the key reasons I feel it was worth it. - Sarah Cheng

Richelle is an example of dedication and lifelong learning.  She is always on top of all the immigration changes and keeps our students well-informed of what they need to do to be successful in their journey as international students.  Richelle is always rolling out new initiatives and ways of doing things to improve our reach to students.  Not to mention, she is a great team lead to Sarah and I. - Erica Stanley