Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues – August 2025, Issue 3
With the tremendous response to the Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues program, we have been sharing the submissions for August on the website and in several issues of Campus Connector. Read the third and final set of submissions (organized in alphabetical order) below.
Thank you to everyone who took the time to celebrate your colleagues through heartfelt submissions—each one highlighting the generosity, dedication, and positivity that make our University such a special place. 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.
Katie Morriscey, Registrar's Office
Katie is one of the few who truly goes above and beyond to ensure that students receive the best possible service in the Registrar’s Office. She is always quick to assist students, staff, and faculty in a timely and thoughtful manner. Katie is one of the kindest colleagues I’ve had the pleasure of working with—honest, professional, and deeply dedicated to supporting students. She embodies the culture and expectations UPEI strives for: empathy, knowledge, and commitment. Katie is not only compassionate with students but also highly knowledgeable about UPEI’s codes, policies, and practices, ensuring her work is always aligned with institutional standards. She is a strong advocate for both students and staff, and a true example of the values UPEI represents.
Sonia O'Connor, Faculty of Medicine
Sonia is the first person you see when you walk into the Faculty of Medicine office at Belvedere, and she is the most positive and hopeful introduction to our team that anyone could ask for. She always offers a smile and a listening ear to everyone, even while juggling dozens of things at once. Be it helping team members navigate software and technology, figuring out administrative procedures, or orienting new employees, Sonia can be found in every part of our operations, helping others with compassion and patience. Five minutes with her are enough to chase away the Monday morning blues. Even while keeping our team organized, on track and up to date on our work, she also considers self-improvement and development to be as important as meeting deadlines. She can be counted on to have an article, podcast, or book to recommend to those who ask—and none of her suggestions have ever led us astray. Sonia is a community-builder, a hard worker, a brilliant conversationalist, and an incredible friend to those lucky enough to know her. She inspires us every day with her kindness and work ethic, and we recognize every day we are lucky to have her.
Stephanie Palmer, Research Services
She is always available to answer questions and is supportive, no matter how many times I need to ask the same thing. She is a gem; we are lucky to have her here!
Candice Perry, Sexual Violence Response Navigator at SVPRO
Since 2022, Candice has provided sensitive, compassionate, trauma-informed support to students, staff, and faculty who have experienced sexual violence and gender-based violence. Her client-centered approach encourages and empowers survivors as they make decisions about their next steps, and her dedication is inspiring. As well as going above and beyond for the campus community, Candice is also a strong supporter of her team, sharing her knowledge and making folks laugh with her quick sense of humour. Candice is definitely a remarkable colleague and a fantastic person.
Chris Power, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences; Associate Dean, Graduate Studies and Research (Faculty of Science)
Chris consistently goes above and beyond for his students and colleagues. He steps in wherever he is needed, taking on multiple full-time roles simultaneously to ensure there is adequate support for students, staff, and faculty colleagues. He is caring and conscientious in his teaching, research, and service. He leads by example in accessibility; his work has tangibly raised our bar for inclusive practice. In addition to his international research impact, he has spearheaded local research groups and outreach. His work opens doors, builds capacity, and showcases UPEI at its best. Thoughtful, forward-thinking, and unfailingly collegial, Chris is exactly the kind of colleague who makes our campus shine.
Paul Sheridan, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences
Paul brings a lot of positive energy to our school. He is a hardworking professor who is always willing to help anyone who asks, and he makes himself consistently available in his office. He is modest, approachable, and actively works to build strong social relationships within the school.
Erica Stanley, Registrar’s Office
She has dedicated over a decade to supporting international students. Throughout her career, she has helped thousands, not just with immigration matters, but also with their personal concerns and doubts. Thanks to her care and commitment, our office truly feels like a second home for international students in PEI. I consider her both a mentor and a friend. She has patiently guided me through complex cases, shared her professional knowledge, and given me the confidence to handle student matters with care. I’m especially grateful for how she supported me during my move from Saskatchewan to PEI, making what could have been a daunting transition feel smooth and welcoming. - Sarah Cheng
Tyler Stapleton, Marketing and Communications
As UPEI’s Web Writer and Content Architect, Ty has been instrumental in shaping the University’s online presence and advancing its reputation. His expertise in content architecture, messaging clarity, and student-focused design has directly supported multiple years of double-digit growth in recruitment leads, a remarkable achievement that has elevated UPEI’s ability to connect with future students. Tyler goes well beyond his job description, always offering thoughtful guidance, creative solutions, and exceptional service to faculty, staff, and students alike. Even with limited resources, he finds ways to solve complex challenges, demonstrating both innovation and an unwavering commitment to the University’s mission. What truly sets Tyler apart is not only his technical excellence but his passion for collaboration and his genuine care for the campus community. He is professional, resourceful, and dependable, with a quick wit and attention to detail that inspire confidence in all who work with him. Through leadership changes and shifting priorities, Tyler has remained a steady force, consistently delivering results that strengthen UPEI’s web presence while fostering trust and respect across departments. His dedication, creativity, and tireless service exemplify the very best of UPEI, making him an outstanding candidate for this recognition. – Emi Abou Wafia
Jane Vessey, Athletics and Recreation
Our team has hosted some amazing events on a national stage. We have been able to engage and support our campus and community all under the leadership of Jane. Varsity and club programs have grown and developed as well; for example, increases in our coaching staff, number of championship banners, and AUS/U SPORTS student-athlete and hosting awards. Jane has a very complex portfolio, and is responsive to her team, the student-athletes, supporters, alumni, the campus, the community and the governing bodies of varsity sport (AUS and U SPORTS). - Koren Glenn
Isaac Williams, ITSS
Isaac did a great job of making the recent joint Senate and Board of Governors meeting more accessible for those in the room and online by having microphones in the room for speakers to use. All of us in the room and online could hear what was being said!
