The University of Prince Edward Island officially launched its transformative friend- and fund-raising campaign today with some help from Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors. The INSPIRE! Campaign was unveiled with a focus on ensuring that UPEI achieves its vision and continues to build on an impressive legacy of accomplishment. A $1 million leadership gift on behalf of Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors was announced today as part of the campaign kick-off. The fund-raising campaign launch was part of the university’s annual Founders Day, which acknowledges people who have contributed in an exceptional way to UPEI’s rich history and bright future. The INSPIRE! Campaign has a goal of $50 million.

Aimed at supporting a number of priorities that advance UPEI’s ability to support students in achieving their full potential, The INSPIRE! Campaign will transform the UPEI student experience, expand programming, and showcase expertise. The INSPIRE! Campaign fund-raising priorities align with the UPEI strategic plan and include engineering, veterinary medicine, athletics, and experiential and global learning. While there is a strong focus on infrastructure for engineering and veterinary medicine, the campaign is very comprehensive with a strong focus on students in all its faculties and schools.

“At its heart, The INSPIRE! Campaign at the University of Prince Edward Island is about creating opportunities for people—and especially for students.” said President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz. “With leadership and support like that shown by Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors, UPEI will continue to evolve and deliver the exceptional learning experiences and opportunities that prepare our students for success.”

“Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors congratulates the University of Prince Edward Island on the inauguration of its INSPIRE! Campaign and wishes them success in accomplishing their ambitious and very worthwhile objectives.” said Saint Dunstan’s University Board of Governors President Philip Macdonald. “We are pleased to provide this leadership gift, which will contribute to enhanced educational opportunities and facilities for the students of UPEI.”

The community leadership for The INSPIRE! Campaign is being provided by Gordon MacKay. Gordon has held many roles in the University environment including student, varsity athlete, booster club participant, donor, and member of the Board of Governors. As chair of this important UPEI initiative, Gordon will work with his vice-chairs Mr. Blair MacLauchlan, Ms. Donna Hassard, Mr. Ray Keenan, Mr. John Horrelt, and, as well as an extended team of community-minded volunteers to advance the goals of the campaign.

“The success of UPEI and the achievements of its graduates contribute significantly to the social, economic, and cultural advancement of communities here at home and far beyond our shores.” said Gordon MacKay, Chair of The INSPIRE! Campaign. “I am delighted to serve as chair of The INSPIRE! Campaign in support of our important goals.”

Although today marks the official launch of The INSPIRE! Campaign more than half of the $50 million target has been raised. The campaign effort is expected to continue until 2018. Those interested in learning more about The INSPIRE! Campaign can visit the campaign website at www.upei.ca/inspire or email the Office of Development and Alumni Engagement at inspire@upei.ca

About UPEI

Located in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, the University of Prince Edward Island is proud of its long history of academic excellence, research innovation, community engagement, and service.

Consistently ranked as one of Canada's top primarily undergraduate universities, and home to a talented community of educators and researchers including six 3M Teaching Award Winners and 14 funded research chairs, UPEI offers a wide range of programs and degrees to 4,400 undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral students from over 60 countries.

UPEI drives progress in our province, region, and world by fulfilling its educational mission and embracing opportunities to invest in the success of our students, University, and community.

About The INSPIRE Campaign!

THE INSPIRE! Campaign! is a friend and fund-raising program that will advance UPEI’s outstanding ability to educate our students to fulfill critical roles here at home and around the globe.

Fund-raising priorities include engineering, experiential and global learning, athletics, and veterinary medicine. The campaign is focused on improving student experiences and outcomes through expanded academic programming, opportunities for international exposure and community engagement, and state-of-the-art equipment and facilities.

With this support, UPEI and its talented faculty and staff will ensure our graduates, and the communities they serve, are positioned for success.  THE INSPIRE! CAMPAIGN has a $50 million goal. More than half of this amount has already been raised.

About SDU

The St. Dunstan's University Board of Governors, to the extent possible, strives to foster Christian educational ideals exemplified in the motto of St. Dunstan's University, Ex eodem fonte fides et scientia (From the Same Source Comes Faith and Knowledge).

Saint Dunstan’s University (SDU) was a thriving, active, and accomplished post-secondary institution. In addition to its strong athletic program, SDU also introduced the Engineering diploma program (which today has grown into the UPEI Sustainable Design Engineering degree program) and opened its doors and welcomed many international students who still speak of their fondness and respect for their beloved alma mater.

Saint Dunstan’s University closed its campus in 1969. Since that time, the SDU Board of Governors has been very supportive towards UPEI, contributing approximately $5,000,000 both directly and indirectly through scholarships, awards, bursaries, capital campaign contributions, and the Catholic Studies program.

The SDU Board of Governors continues its mission in an effort to foster a culture of spiritually and intellectually informed Catholic citizens who live their faith in the wider society with integrity, compassion, and understanding.  

UPEI Athletics and Recreation highlights the hard work and dedication of two student athletes every seven days with the Subway Athletes of the Week. This week, we honour Emily Keen from the women’s rugby team and Dut Dut from the men’s basketball team. UPEI Athletes of the week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who:  Emily Keen, Women’s Rugby; and Dut Dut, Men’s Basketball

What: UPEI Panther Athletes of the Week

When: Week of October 5-11

Where: University of Prince Edward Island

Why: Keen is a third-year Bachelor of Science student from Marshfield, PE. She continued her strong, dependable play for the Panthers during Saturday’s 42-17 loss to Acadia. The coaching staff asked team captain Keen to push herself further, carry the ball more, and to go into contact. It paid off. Keen scored her first try. Keen is a skilled player who always works hard, leads by example, controls the game offensively, and was the Panthers best tackler on the field. 

Dut Dut, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student from Ottawa, ON, had a great weekend. During the team’s 2 wins 1 loss record at the John Dore Classic at Concordia, Dut scored 55 points, including 22 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 steals in the championship game. Dut was selected to the Tournament All-Star Team.

About UPEI Athletics and Recreation

• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place and UPEI Turf
• Home of Panther Sports Medicine
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

The Mickey Place Memorial Basketball Tournament, presented by Rodd Hotels & Resorts, begins on Friday, October 16. Eight basketball teams from across Canada and the United States will compete in this annual three-day event.

UPEI men’s basketball team will tip-off against the University of New Brunswick, University of Maine Fort Kent, and Holland College, while the women’s team will take on the University of Ottawa, Acadia, and Bishops.

“We are very excited to kick off our 2015-16 season by hosting the Mickey Place Memorial Tournament,” said UPEI Athletic Director Chris Huggan. “We welcome teams and invite basketball fans to come out and watch AUS and CIS championship contenders, both our Men’s and Women’s teams look forward to an early test. This will be a wonderful weekend of basketball action!”

The tournament is named after John Thomas “Mickey” Place, a long-time friend of Panther Sport, a former UPEI student union employee, and a UPEI honorary degree recipient. UPEI is also excited to welcome Rodd Hotels & Resorts as presenting sponsor.

Tournament admission per day is $10 Adult, $6 for a non-UPEI student, and free for PEI Students K-12.  A tournament pass is $20. The full tournament schedule follows:

Friday, October 16, 2015                                                                      

3:00 pm                 (M)           HC vs UPEI

For full tournament information, check out www.gopanthergo.ca.

The UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week for the week of October 12-18 are Marie-Soleil Deschenes, Women’s Hockey, and Mason Wilgosh, Men’s Hockey. UPEI Athletics and Recreation showcases these talented athletes to recognize their hard work and dedication to their respective sports. UPEI Athletes of the Week are also nominated to Atlantic University Sport and Canadian Interuniversity Sport for possible recognition in the region and/or country.

Who:  Marie-Soleil Deschenes, Women’s Hockey; and Mason Wilgosh, Men’s Hockey

What: UPEI Panther Subway Athletes of the Week

When: Week of October 12-18, 2015

Where: University of Prince Edward Island

Why:  Deschenes, a fourth-year Bachelor of Science student from Ile-Perrot, Quebec, backstopped the Panthers to a 2-0 start on the weekend. During the 4-1 win over St. FX and 2-0 shutout over Mt. A, Deschenes stopped 46 of 47 shots for a save percentage of .979.

Wilgosh, a fourth-year Bachelor of Arts student from Winnipeg, Manitoba, enjoyed a strong weekend for the Panthers. Team captain Wilgosh led the way offensively during Friday’s 4-1 win over Dalhousie, scoring a hat trick. He continued his strong play during the Panthers 5-3 win over St. FX on Saturday night.

About UPEI Athletics and Recreation

• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place and UPEI Turf
• Home of Panther Sports Medicine
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas

UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz issued the following statement today about Ralph Manning, chief physiotherapist for the University's varsity athletics teams, who passed away earlier today in hospital after suffering a heart attack last Thursday:

"Our University has lost a great friend and champion.

Shortly after arriving at UPEI, I had the pleasure of meeting Ralph and over the years enjoyed our conversations. He was a very committed and dedicated individual and put UPEI and its student-athletes first, offering professional and kind service. Even when he wasn’t officially “on duty”, Ralph was either at the rink, on the pitch, at the field, or at the gym cheering on our Panthers.

On behalf of the entire UPEI community, I pass on my most sincere sympathies to Ralph’s wife, Tara, his extended family, friends, and colleagues—and to our student-athletes who felt his impact and received his care."

The UPEI Women’s Hockey game scheduled for tonight at MacLauchlan Arena versus UdeM has been cancelled and flags will be lowered to half mast in memory of Manning. UPEI Student Affairs will be offering walk-in counselling appointments all day Thursday and Friday to support student-athletes who are dealing with this tremendous loss. Appointments can also be made by calling 902-566-0488.

The UPEI Women’s Hockey game scheduled for October 21 at MacLauchlan Arena versus Université de Moncton has been cancelled due to the passing of Ralph Manning earlier today.

Ralph Manning was owner of Panther Sports Physiotherapy and was chief physiotherapist for UPEI’s varsity athletics teams. He was very well known in Island community for his warm good-natured personality and dedication to providing quality physical therapy. The University has issued an official statement on upei.ca.

Flags on campus will be lowered to half mast in memory of Manning.

UPEI’s Executive MBA program is excited to officially launch the EMBA Book Club.

Indigo! has graciously offered to partner by providing a meeting space at their Charlottetown store location. The first meeting will be on October 27th at 7 pm at Indigo! The first book is Give and Take by Adam Grant, published by Penguin Books.

All are welcome. We encourage everyone to get involved and bring a friend.

The EMBA Book Club’s books are selected by faculty at the UPEI School of Business. Sessions will be moderated by a School of Business faculty member.

This is a great way to get or stay connected with the UPEI School of Business and to support continuous learning.

For more information, contact Susan Graham, scgraham@upei.ca. For a complete list of meeting dates and book titles, visit the EMBA website. 

Dear Colleagues:

As a follow-up to my September 29^th message, I’d like to provide an update on UPEI’s enrolment and course registration for fall 2015. UPEI’s enrolment results for 2015-16 tell an interesting story. Over the past year, UPEI succeeded in increasing application numbers and conversion rates, and significantly improved first year retention. UPEI also achieved growth in international student enrolment by 9%, domestic enrolment (students from outside PEI) by 3%, and graduate student numbers by 15%.  

The Association of Atlantic Universities (AAU) released data today from its 2015-2016 Survey of Enrolments. In relation to the other 15 universities in Atlantic Canada, UPEI placed sixth in respect to maintaining enrolment, with a 2 percent decline in the overall student body.  This places UPEI slightly above the Maritime average and just slightly below the Atlantic average for enrolment change as compared to 2014.

Although some levelling-off in student enrolment has been anticipated, shrinking demographics within our Island K-12 schools are a growing cause of concern for UPEI and our entire province. Between September 2013 and September 2014 alone, the total Grade 12 enrolment within PEI high schools fell by approximately 4%. From a regional perspective it is forecast there will be 34,900 fewer people in the typical university age range (18-24 years) in PEI, Nova Scotia and New Brunswick between 2012 and 2025.  PEI will see a decline of approximately 20% for this age group in the time frame.

While we cannot control the demographics in our region, with the number of high school students on the Island declining, we can control our accessibility to university studies through new academic programming, enhanced scholarships and awards, more support for students as they transition into university life, guaranteed residence accommodation for first year students, and earlier registration options for students. The quality of the student experience at UPEI is second-to-none and I know that together we continue to strive for excellence.

2015/2016 UPEI enrolment, by the numbers:

Total:                                         4,317 (down 2.0%)
Undergraduate:                         3,869 (down 3.6%)
Graduate:                                  448 (up 15.2%)
International:                             748 (up 9.2%)

A full breakdown of enrolment numbers for universities across the Atlantic Provinces can be found at the AAU’s website.

Thank you

Alaa

UPEI Athletics & Recreation is ready for one of the biggest weekends of the varsity season. It’s a Panther-packed weekend! All of our teams will be on the ice, on the field, in the pool, or on the track.

Nine teams are in action throughout the weekend, playing 13 games. Swimming and cross country will compete in AUS Invitational events. In addition, UPEI Athletics is hosting the Mickey Place Memorial Basketball Tournament and the home openers of the women’s and men’s hockey teams.

“Since my arrival at UPEI almost a year ago, I have been extremely impressed by the effort and spirit of our student athletes, coaches and staff,” said Chris Huggan, UPEI Athletic Director. “Their energy combined with the university’s commitment and support to athletics and recreation has positioned us extremely well for long-term growth and success. This Panther-Packed weekend involves all of our teams and is one we have been looking forward to for a long time. We are excited about hosting and connecting with our alumni and fans as we showcase our student-athletes, teams and game day experience.”

Friday, October 16

5:00 pm (W) Soccer vs UdeM
6:00 pm (W) Basketball vs Bishops (Mickey Place Tournament)
7:00 pm (M) Hockey vs DAL (Home Opener)
7:15 pm (M) Soccer vs UdeM
8:00 pm (M) Basketball vs UNB (Mickey Place Tournament)

Saturday, October 17

2:00 pm (W) Rugby vs SMU (Senior's Day)
6:00 pm (W) Basketball vs Ottawa (Mickey Place Tournament)
7:00 pm (M) Hockey vs StFX
8:00 pm (M) Basketball vs UMFK (Mickey Place Tournament)

Sunday, October 18

1:00 pm (W) Basketball vs Acadia (Mickey Place Tournament)
3:00 pm (M) Basketball vs HC (Mickey Place Tournament)
6:00 pm (W) Hockey vs MtA (Home Opener)

For more information on the Panthers weekend schedule visit: gopanthersgo.ca.

For information on the Mickey Place Tournament visit: gopanthersgo.ca/mickey-place-memorial-basketball-tournament.

All AUS regular season are webcast and available at www.austv.ca.

Follow the games on Twitter at @upeipanthers and by using the following hashtags #pantherpackedweekend2015 and #gopanthersgo.

Check out our UPEI Athletics & Recreation Facebook page for updates through the weekend and watch for upeipanthers1 on Instagram.

About UPEI Athletics and Recreation

• Nine varsity sports and six club team programs
• Proud member of the AUS and CIS
• Athletic facilities include: Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre, UPEI Alumni Canada Games Place and UPEI Turf
• Home of Panther Sports Medicine
• Other facilities available to students and the community at large include: fitness centre, squash and racquetball courts, competition and leisure pool with hot tub, and two ice arenas