UPEI Founder Dennis Clough passes away

The University of Prince Edward Island extends heartfelt condolences to the family, friends, and former colleagues of Dennis Clough, a former UPEI leader, dedicated community builder, and UPEI Founder who passed away on August 16, 2026.

Clough graduated as valedictorian of the Saint Dunstan’s University Class of 1961 before earning his Chartered Accountant designation. He returned to SDU as Finance Director in 1967 and played a vital role in the 1969 amalgamation that created UPEI. Dennis served as UPEI’s Comptroller and Chief Financial Officer for three decades until his retirement in 1997. In recognition of his enduring contributions, he was named a UPEI Founder during the 2007 Founder's Day Ceremony.

Beyond his executive leadership, Clough was a true builder in the campus community; in particular, he was a long-time supporter of the Department of Athletics and Recreation and UPEI Men’s Hockey. He established the Dennis Clough Award in Men's Hockey to support full-time varsity student-athletes who demonstrate strong leadership and academic standing, endowing the fund in 2018 to ensure its impact in perpetuity.

His commitment to community extended beyond UPEI as a pillar of the Sherwood, Morell, and Lakeside Beach areas. Clough led the creation of the Cody Banks Arena, co-founded the annual "Early Bird" minor hockey tournament, coached peewee hockey for 20 years, and served as president of the Morell Credit Union, Morell Co-op, and Morell and Area Development Corporation.

Flags across campus will fly at half-mast in his memory.

Read the obituary here.