UPEI recognizes the life-changing impact our donors and supporters have in the lives of our students!

Graduate student Tayah Sommer completed a Master's in Biology at UPEI in the Faculty of Science and is entering the Medical Doctor program in fall 2026 at UPEI. In her gracious thank you letter to Marylou Hughes, Tayah wrote:

"I am so thankful for the Marylou Hughes Scholarship to support my medical school education and my future as a physician. I am very honoured to be the recipient of this award. My master’s research focused on understanding the molecular pathways in breast cancer. This research solidified my passion for health and working with patients. It has always been my dream to attend medical school and become a family physician so I can work closely with families to support their health and well-being. Being accepted to the UPEI-Memorial University program 2026 is truly a dream come true.

I cannot express my gratitude enough for having been awarded this scholarship. Attending medical school comes with many sacrifices, including financial debt. This scholarship has helped alleviate financial stress and will allow me to dedicate more time to my education and clinical skills. I am beyond excited to begin my journey to becoming a physician.

Thanks again for your generosity in funding my education. This would not be possible without generous donors like you. Thank you for enabling me to pursue my dreams!"

Taya credits her graduate supervisor, Dr. Pat Murphy, as one of her greatest inspirations. "He has been very supportive and has taught me a lot about the importance of research and hard work. He is a great supervisor who ensures his students learn and excel in the lab while also maintaining a work-life balance. I wouldn’t be where I am today with my education if it weren’t for his continual support and motivation."

In addition to her studies, Tayah volunteered at Gifts from the Heart, a nonprofit that provides essential items and support to residents of PEI; she volunteered at the Queen Elizabeth Hospital information desk; she served as a graduate laboratory instructor at UPEI, teaching two lab sections; and, she helped out as a substitute teacher with the PEI Public Schools Branch.

The Marylou Hughes Scholarship

Marylou Hughes has made her mark in many ways on the University of Prince Edward Island. An active alumna, volunteer, donor, and UPEI honorary degree recipient. Marylou's presence is strongly felt across campus. As one of the first mature females to graduate from UPEI with a Bachelor of Science degree, Marylou worked diligently to maintain her status not only on the Dean's List, but as a leader and mentor in her class. She served on the UPEI Alumni Association Board of Directors and represented the Association on the UPEI Senate. 

Marylou went on to a profession in audiology and continues to contribute to the Island community. In addition to her professional life, Marylou loves music, reunions and all things related to her alma mater. It is in her consistent spirit of giving that Marylou established this scholarship at the University of Prince Edward Island. 

We are eternally grateful to Marylou for her continued support of UPEI students, she is truly an inspiration.

For more information about supporting UPEI students, please contact the Department of Development and Alumni Engagement:

Kathy Weatherbie
Senior Development and Donor Relations Officer
krweatherbie@upei.ca
902-894-2865