Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues–October 2025, Issue 1
We are thrilled by the incredible response to our Recognizing Remarkable Colleagues program! The month of October saw another 47 incredible submissions, each one highlighting the generosity, dedication, and positivity that make our University such a special place. In just over two months, we have received a total of 107 submissions.
Because of this tremendous response, we will continue to share submissions through the upcoming issues of Campus Connector. Read the first set of submissions for October (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 November 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 about the program including links to past issues and details on how to make a submission, please click here.
Accessibility Services, Student Affairs
Please recognize the amazing work that everyone in the Accessibility Services unit does: from the admin to the manager, to the exam coordinators, to the learning strategists, to the adaptive technologists! They do such important and necessary work in assisting and advocating for students with visible/invisible and permanent or temporary disabilities. They also are getting busier and helping more students, but do not have the staffing or resources that they require. They do such amazing work with how little they have. They all care deeply about assisting students, and that shows in all they do each day.
Jen Alabiso, Registrar’s Office (two submissions!)
Jen joined UPEI as the Manager of Admissions not that long ago and has already covered significant ground in updating many processes, with an eye to efficiency, transparency, and EDI principles. She is a remarkable leader and manager who supports her team and others around her. She constantly checks to see how other staff are doing and shows a great deal of kindness and compassion. I’m so happy to have Jen as part of the UPEI team!
I want to take a moment to recognize Jen for her incredible dedication and the positive impact she’s making on campus. Jen is exceptionally smart and has been working tirelessly to streamline the admissions process, making it easier and more efficient for everyone—students and staff alike. She is deeply student-centred and brings an impressive depth of knowledge about how to make the student journey the best it can be. Beyond her expertise, Jen is genuinely warm, fun to be around, and brings a sense of joy to every interaction. UPEI is truly lucky to have her.
Jessica Bard, Learner Wellbeing and Success (LWS) Office, Faculty of Medicine
As the LWS Office’s Event Coordinator, Jessica is passionate about her job. And that passion shines through in everything she does. She is always prepared and organized, doing it all with a smile. The Faculty of Medicine is so lucky to have Jessica who cares thoroughly about her work and brings a positive presence to the office.
Melissa Bender, PsyD Program, Faculty of Arts
Melissa is very dedicated to the PsyD Program at UPEI. She works extremely hard to balance clinic-focused work as well as academic-based work. The PsyD Program and PTC are unique places to work. She always strives to support not only fellow staff members, but faculty and students to the highest standard she can. She is kind, caring, hardworking, and has the best sense of humour! Melissa is truly a staff member who deserves to be recognized for her remarkable role within the program.
Shawn Bernardi, School of Mathematical and Computational Sciences, Faculty of Science
Shawn goes above and beyond the call of duty to keep Cass Science Hall clean. This is a man who takes his work seriously. More than once, I’ve found myself saying: “Thank you, Shawn, for the offer, but I really don’t think my office floor needs another waxing.” And Shawn’s diligence is by no means limited to floor waxing. He does a phenomenal job. Respect.
Inara Bhalesha, Student Culture and Community Standards, Student Affairs
I would like to recognize Inara Bhalesha for her outstanding contributions to our Fall Open House event. Although this event does not fall within her official responsibilities as Student Engagement Officer, Inara has gone above and beyond to ensure its success. When planning challenges arose, she stepped in with initiative, creativity, and remarkable organization. She recruited and coordinated volunteers, developed schedules and communications, created volunteer guides and campus tour scripts, and even prepared printed maps, schedules, and welcome bags—ensuring every detail was thoughtfully managed. Her dedication, kindness, and student-focused approach have made a tremendous impact on the coordination of this year’s event. Quite simply, we could not have done it without her. Inara exemplifies reliability, leadership, and teamwork, and I am truly grateful to have her as a colleague on the UPEI team.
Dr. Susan Brown, History and Classics, Faculty of Arts
Dr. Brown teaches in a way that feels more like storytelling than lecturing. She never just reads off slides; she brings history to life, recalling names, events, and dates right off the top of her head. Her passion for teaching made me fall in love with Irish history. She’s also incredibly supportive outside the classroom. Even during a hectic semester, she went out of her way to teach me a directed studies course so I could stay on track to graduate. I think she’s a star!
Katelyn Browne, Robertson Library
Semester after semester, librarian Katelyn Brown provides exceptional support to the 1030 instructional team as we seek to help first-year students gain the skills they need for university. Katelyn creates a site of curated materials for assignments, runs multiple library sessions and custom tutorials, and encourages students to reach out to her for support. Her positive and open approach is greatly appreciated by instructors and students alike and is a model of dedication and expertise. Katelyn really does go above and beyond and has become an integral part of our success as teachers. – The UPEI 1030 Teaching Team (Alaina, Brenton, Callum, Christina, Jill, and Mark)
Dr. Gabriela Arias de Sanchez, Faculty of Education
I feel incredibly lucky to have had Dr. Gabriela Arias de Sanchez as my postdoc supervisor. From the very beginning, she created a space that was safe, respectful, and full of trust. I never felt micromanaged. Instead, I was given the freedom to explore ideas, take risks, and grow into my own way of working. What stood out most was her quiet steadiness. She always showed up with calmness, care, and kindness, especially during moments of uncertainty. I knew I could count on her support, not just as a researcher but as a whole person navigating life and work. That kind of mentorship is rare, and I will carry it with me for a long time. I’m so grateful for everything she offered—not just the guidance but the way she made me feel seen and encouraged. It truly made all the difference in this chapter of my life. – Ling Li
Colin Campbell, Psychology Training Clinic (PTC), Faculty of Arts
Colin is a Clinical Supervisor at the PTC within the PsyD Program. Every day, Colin shows empathy and caring for his fellow colleagues, faculty, and students at the PTC. PsyD is a busy and intense program. Colin always makes time to connect and address any ideas, processes, issues, or concerns with all students, staff, and faculty. He brings a bit of light to the end of each week by providing an email with various events, important holidays/national days, addressing the students’ accomplishments from the week, as well as other fun information! As a Clinical Supervisor, he helps teach and provides guidance to those completing the PsyD Program. Colin’s kindness is at the front of all his interactions with students, staff, and faculty.
Jess Cameron, Experiential Education
Jess is a bright light on campus; they are always positive and helpful in every interaction, and I can’t think of anyone better for a role in community and industry outreach for UPEI. Jess recognizes the impact of a collaborative and inclusive approach to everything they ask of our team, and they’re an important part of UPEI’s exceptional Experiential Education department.
Dr. Anne Marie Carey, Atlantic Veterinary College
Dr. Anne Marie Carey is an outstanding leader at the AVC, consistently going above and beyond to understand and respond to student needs. Her compassionate and proactive approach has created an environment where all students feel supported, valued, and heard. Dr. Carey has been especially instrumental in advocating for and addressing the concerns of students with disabilities, ensuring that their voices are recognized and their learning needs are met with care and diligence. Her dedication to fostering equity and inclusion will have a lasting positive impact on the AVC community, setting a remarkable standard for student support and engagement.
