UPEI will build new Canadian Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation in St. Peter's Bay
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Winter 2020
CANADIAN CENTRE
for Climate Cha nge
and Adaptation
UPEI will build new Canadian Centre
for Climate Change and Adaptation
in St. Peter’s Bay
page 16
Inside
Celebrating 50 Years of UPEI page 6
Lifelong Learning—Dr. Olive Bryanton page 20
INSPIRE! Campaign tops goal page 29
CLASS OF 2019 CONGRATULATIONS! On behalf of the 25,000+ alumni of Prince of Wales College, Saint Dunstan’s University, and the University of Prince Edward Island, the UPEI Alumni Association is proud to welcome members of the Class of 2019 to our supportive global network.
In this issue...
FEATURES
2 Message from the President
3 Convocation
4 AVC White Coat Ceremony
5 UPEI hosts HIH Princess Takamado
6 Celebrating 50 years of UPEI
8 Library at the heart of UPEI
10 UPEI hosts 2019 U SPORTS Women’s Championship
11 World’s case study elite converge at UPEI
12 AVC faculty member named 3M Teaching Fellow
13 UPEI participates in Vanier Institute conference
14 UPEI Health and Wellness Centre: More than a health centre
15 Alumna profile: Thespian Brittany Banks
16 UPEI establishes Canadian Centre for Climate Change
and Adaptation
17 New student housing announced for UPEI
18 Student profiles
20 Learning—A lifelong journey for Dr. Olive Bryanton
22 Plenty of highs and lows for UPEI Panthers in 2018–19
24 From UPEI to the NBA: A conversation with Scott Morrison
25 People, Excellence, Impact
29 The INSPIRE! Campaign tops goal
ON OUR COVER
PhD student Stephanie Arnold, centre, stands with Andy MacDonald, left,
and Luke Meloche, right, both drone pilots and research assistants with the
UPEI Climate Lab. As part of her research, Arnold is providing precision
agriculture data from the air, thanks to the UPEI Climate Lab’s fleet of drones,
so that Island farmers can make evidence-based decisions.
UPEI Magazine is published by the University of Prince Edward Island and is coordinated
and produced by the Department of Marketing and Communications.
Contributors: Dave Atkinson, Anna MacDonald, Everton McLean, and Nicole Phillips
Photographers: Mike Needham and Janessa Hogan
Graphic Design: Lisa Bulman Taylor
Thank you to all others who contributed photos.
All correspondence:
Department of Marketing and Communications
University of Prince Edward Island
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(902) 566-0530 to arrange for pick- Publications Mail Agreement No. 40065165
up or delivery. Yearbooks are free to page 1 Winter 2020 | upei.ca
all graduates.
Message from
the President
2019 was an amazing year for the University of Prince
Edward Island. We continue to have so much to celebrate!
Our University continues to grow and thrive, building our
capacity to offer our students a high-quality experiential
educational experience. At 4,926, our student population is
the largest it has ever been—an increase of 5.5 per cent
over 2018. Of that number, 1,423 are international students
from 93 countries around the world—an increase of 18.3 per
cent over last year. UPEI’s popularity at home and abroad
bears testament to our strong reputation as an institution
of higher learning.
With this increase in students comes a challenge—where are they going to live? Knowing that housing is
very scarce, we worked hard to find a solution. In September, we announced construction of a new 277-bed
residence that will increase our housing capacity to 15 per cent of the student body. The new residence
will be more than a place for students to study, socialize, and sleep. It will include 22,000 square feet for
lecture halls and multi-purpose space—additions that will enhance the educational experience for students
and staff alike, and attract conferences and major events to Prince Edward Island. We are grateful to the
Government of PEI for working with us to make this new facility a reality, and we look forward to its opening
in 2022.
Our students are our future leaders, and it is incumbent upon us to prepare them with the knowledge
and skills they need to work toward solutions for major issues affecting our world, like climate change. Last
summer, I was proud to participate in the announcement of the UPEI Canadian Centre for Climate Change
and Adaptation, which will be built at St. Peter’s Bay in eastern PEI. The Centre will be a destination for world-
class research and learning, incorporating a collaborative, multi-disciplinary model that will allow students,
postdoctoral fellows, and faculty to work with industry, community, and government partners on solutions
to this very serious problem. It will house state-of-the-art research centres, including our internationally
renowned UPEI Climate Lab, and support our Bachelor of Science in Applied Climate Change and Adaptation,
and proposed master’s program in climate change and adaptation. We thank the Governments of Canada
and PEI for their investment in this very important project.
With projects like these—they are just two examples—you can see why I am so excited about UPEI, the work
we do here, and our future. I know that there are many more great advancements to come.
While celebrating our present and looking eagerly toward a bright future, we are not neglecting our past.
During our 50th anniversary year as PEI’s university, we acknowledged and paid tribute to our two founding
institutions: Saint Dunstan’s University and Prince of Wales College. They laid a strong foundation for the
development and advancement of post-secondary education on Prince Edward Island. We, the faculty,
students, and staff at UPEI, are proud to build on that foundation.
Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz
President and Vice-Chancellor
Winter 2020 | upei.ca page 2
UPEI
Convocation 2019
The campus of the University Doctor of Laws degrees: Roger
of Prince Edward Island was W. Warren, Albert P. Fogarty, and
abuzz with energy last spring the Honourable Diane Campbell.
as staff, students, faculty, family, Dr. Debbie MacLellan, professor L-R: The Honourable Antoinette Perry
graduates, and friends celebrated of applied human sciences and and Stephanie Cairns
Convocation 2019. The University former dean of science who
conferred degrees, diplomas, and retired in 2018 from UPEI, was
certificates to over 900 graduates awarded with the distinction
in the 2018–2019 academic year. “professor emerita.”
For the first time, UPEI added The Friday valedictorian was
a third Convocation ceremony Marie Antoinette Pangan
to accommodate the growing (Bachelor of Science – Nursing)
number of graduates and limited while Halen Sky (Bachelor
seating capacity in the UPEI of Business Administration)
addressed the Saturday morning Friday Valedictorian—Marie Antoinette Pangan
Chi-Wan Young Sports Centre.
The additional ceremony took ceremony and Hannah Creaser
place on Friday, May 10, at 1:30 (Bachelor of Science Honours
pm, along with ceremonies on – Foods and Nutrition) the
Saturday, May 11, at 10:00 am Saturday afternoon ceremony.
and at 2:30 pm. The Governor General’s academic
The 2019 cohort included degrees medals were presented by the
from all eight faculties at UPEI. Honourable Antoinette Perry,
Proving that learning can happen lieutenant governor of Prince
at any age was Dr. Olive Bryanton, Edward Island. The Governor Saturday morning Valedictorian—Halen Sky
who was awarded her PhD from General’s Gold Medal (graduate
the UPEI Faculty of Education at level) was awarded to Dr. Dennis
the age of 82. Makau (Doctor of Philosophy –
Faculty of Veterinary Medicine). The
UPEI Chancellor Catherine
Governor General’s Silver Medal
Callbeck led the ceremonies;
(undergraduate level) was awarded
President and Vice-Chancellor
to Stephanie Cairns (Bachelor of
Alaa Abd-El-Aziz addressed the
Science Honours – Mathematics).
Class of 2019 as a newly minted
group of global citizens. A number of other academic and
Saturday afternoon Valedictorian—Hannah Creaser
student prizes were presented at
Three outstanding individuals
the Senior Class Awards Ceremony
were conferred with honorary
on Thursday, May 9.
L-R:
Roger W. Warren,
the Honourable
Diane Campbell, L-R: Professor Emerita Debbie MacLellan and UPEI
Albert P. Fogarty Chancellor Catherine Callbeck
page 3 Winter 2020 | upei.ca
AVC WHITE COAT CEREMONY and AWARDS PRESENTATION
AVC Class of 2019
AVC’s Class of 2019 celebrated their entry into the
profession of veterinary medicine on Friday, May 10. The
graduates were presented with their Doctor of Veterinary
Medicine degrees at a UPEI Convocation ceremony in the
afternoon—the first of three ceremonies held during that
weekend. Later that day, they were presented with white lab
coats, symbolizing their transition from students to veterinary
professionals, at AVC’s 2019 White Coat Ceremony and
Awards Presentation. The event included the presentation of
student and faculty awards.
During the Convocation ceremony, the Honourable Antoinette
Perry, lieutenant governor of Prince Edward Island, presented
Dr. Brian Blanchard with the R.G. Thomson Academic
Achievement Medal, given to the AVC graduate with the
highest cumulative grade average over the four-year program
The Honourable Antoinette Perry (left) presented Dr. in both pre-clinical and clinical disciplines.
Brian Blanchard (right) with the R.G. Thomson Academic
Achievement Medal
Winter 2020 | upei.ca
For a complete list of 2017 graduates, visit
upei.ca/programsandcourses/convocation/past-graduate-lists
UPEI hosts Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado of Japan
The UPEI community was proud from Vivian Macdonald and Kate L.M. Montgomery and the Matter
to host Her Imperial Highness Macdonald, granddaughter-in- of Nature(s), co-edited by UPEI’s
Princess Takamado of Japan law and granddaughter of L.M. Dr. Jean Mitchell; Imagining
on August 28 when she visited Montgomery respectively. That gift Anne: The Island Scrapbooks of
Prince Edward Island during a was a platter from the Canadian- L.M. Montgomery, compiled and
tour of Canada to mark 90 years built ship, Marco Polo, known in edited by Dr. Elizabeth Epperly,
of formal diplomatic relations its day as “the fastest ship in the a past-president of UPEI and
between the two countries. world.” When the ship ran aground founder of the LMMI; and a
Her Imperial Highness Princess off the coast of PEI in 1883, the children’s book, Summer in the
Takamado’s connection with UPEI captain stayed with Montgomery’s Land of Anne, authored by Dr.
goes back to 2004. That year she grandparents, Alexander and Lucy Epperly, and illustrated by her
was granted an honorary Doctor Macneill, in Cavendish for a time. sister, Carolyn Epperly.
of Law degree from the University When he left, he presented her Mie and Eri Muraoka, the
at a special convocation. At that grandmother with the platter and granddaughters of Hanako
time, she was appointed honorary a pewter tankard. Then eight years Muraoka who translated the
international patron of the L.M. old, Montgomery witnessed the novel into the Japanese language
Montgomery Institute (LMMI) at shipwreck; at age 15, she wrote in 1952, donated a copy of
UPEI; she graciously renewed her a prize-winning essay about it, the original translation to the
appointment during her visit this published in the Montreal Gazette LMMI and presented it to the
summer. in 1891. princess. The princess also spoke
On this occasion, Princess During the reception, the with undergraduate students
Takamado was welcomed at a Honourable Catherine Callbeck, from Tsukuba University and
very well-attended reception in chancellor of UPEI, presented Meiji Gakuin University, here on
the Robertson Library, where Princess Takamado with recent exchange for the fall semester,
the LMMI is housed. On behalf publications on behalf of the and representatives from the UPEI
of the LMMI, she accepted a gift University, including Japanese Student Society.
page 5 Winter 2020 | upei.ca
Winter 2020 | upei.ca page 8
Celebrating
50 years of UPEI
The University of Prince Edward Island is
celebrating 50 years as PEI’s only university!
Our party started on January 1 at from Development and Alumni 2019, featuring well-known
our annual New Year’s Levee, Engagement, visited chapters alumni performers Meaghan
where many well-wishers in Ottawa, Toronto, Hong Kong, Blanchard, Rachel Beck, The Rude
exchanged greetings with and Moncton. Mechanicals, and Lenny Gallant,
University leaders, students, who received an honorary degree
Last summer, we showed
faculty, and staff, despite a from the University in 2015.
our pride in our University by
snowstorm that shut down most
participating in major festival Other events included Founders
of Prince Edward Island.
parades across PEI, including Day, our donor picnic, AVC
Following this event was the Tyne Valley, Georgetown, St. Open House, Distinguished
Robertson Library’s Franklin Peter’s Bay, Summerside, and Inspiring Alumni Awards,
Pigot Lecture Series. Dr. Edward and Charlottetown. Our float the Alumni Speaker Series, and
MacDonald, professor of depicted our iconic quadrangle numerous sports events.
history, gave the first lecture and historic SDU Main Building.
in March, with a presentation Those looking for a keepsake
The campus itself was a busy of the 50th celebration are in
titled “The School of Experience:
place, with celebratory events luck. The UPEI Student Union
A Patchwork Quilt of Informal
during Reunion Weekend, July published a special yearbook,
Island Education, 1825–1965.”
24–27, and Homecoming 2019, looking back at classes from
That was followed by PEI
September 25–28. 1969 to the present. The
historian and folklorist John
Cousins who gave a talk During Reunion Weekend, the Robertson Library will soon
called “Stand for Your Lessons: University community paid unveil a series of videos
Educational Change and Cultural tribute to the Honourable Alex B. called “50 Years, 50 Voices,”
Reaction.” Historian Georges Campbell, former premier of PEI, featuring faculty, students, and
Arsenault presented the third by unveiling a new terrace near staff reflecting on their time
lecture of the series in May the W.A. Murphy Student Centre at the University. As well, a
with a talk titled “Société Saint- and announcing the creation of commemorative publication
Thomas d’Aquin and French an endowment fund for entrance highlighting UPEI’s 50th
Education on the Island.” scholarships in his name. It was anniversary will be inserted in
Campbell’s bold vision for post- The Guardian and Journal-Pioneer
Our celebration extended in early 2020.
secondary education on PEI that
across Canada and to parts of
led to the formation of UPEI 50
the globe with events at our 10 For a full list of celebratory
years ago.
alumni chapters. UPEI President events and activities, please visit
and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd- UPEI hosted an amazing upei.ca/50
El-Aziz, accompanied by staff concert during Homecoming
page 7 Winter 2020 | upei.ca
Library at the heart
of UPEI’s last 50 years
and its future
have the best possible access
Renewal project will improve the to the academic resources they
Robertson Library as an asset for need. But where decades ago we
had a card catalogue, today we
UPEI community have a variety of discovery layers.
And we now offer tools that allow
“It’s not an accident the library previous library—had been them to create, collaborate, and
was one of the first major capital standing for less than ten share their work with the world—
construction projects after UPEI years,” said Simon Lloyd, UPEI’s from a digital collection, to an
came into being,” said University archivist and special collections online collaboration space, to the
Librarian Donald Moses, sitting at librarian. “But it paid off in printing of monographs.”
his desk in the Robertson Library. spades. The Robertson Library
A broad window overlooks a has consistently punched above The Robertson Library was
courtyard where students come its weight as a library for an at the forefront of the open-
and go. institution of this size.” access and open-source
movements. Islandora, the
“It was a huge priority for our first The role of the library may not open-source software created
president, Ron Baker, because have changed much in that time, by the library, has spawned a
he knew the library is the heart but the tools it uses certainly vibrant international community,
of any university. It was true 50 have. which continues to develop and
years ago, and it’s true today.” improve it. The library hosts two
“In a way, the library does what scholarly journal publications, the
“It was a bold move because the it has always done,” said Moses. Journal of L.M. Montgomery Studies
Kelley Memorial Building—the “We ensure faculty and students and the Island Studies Journal—
both of which are open source.
Winter 2020 | upei.ca page 8years,” said Lloyd, picking up because we have the resources.
“The seeds of the library’s the thread. “The conference is We have them because we built
success were planted international in scope but locally them ourselves.”
early on,” explained delivered. We were contacted
Lloyd. “The PEI after the last conference by a Even as the University celebrates
Collection was established in scholar in Nebraska who was its history, Moses and Lloyd are
1971 by then-university librarian looking for material which looking forward. The Robertson
Frank Pigot. Nearly 50 years doesn’t exist elsewhere. And we Library was awarded a CANARIE
later, it’s as relevant as ever. The were able to provide her with grant to develop the next version
library is hosting a lecture series, book chapters and texts from of Islandora. Fundraising is also
named after Frank Pigot, in KindredSpaces she couldn’t have underway for renovations that
honour of UPEI’s 50th anniversary, found anywhere else.” will transform the building for
and each speaker has cited the the future.
importance of this collection The Robertson Library is able to
to their research. That’s provide these services by design. “It just further entrenches the
extraordinary.” Moses grinned as he recalled Robertson Library as the heart
former university librarian Mark of the University,” said Moses. “If
“We’re the only university library Leggott’s rule: “We eat our own graduates remember the library
in this entire province, which dog food.” for the hundreds of hours they
means we hold a special niche spent here studying for an exam
as a source for both seeking “It just means if we create a
or preparing a paper, I think
knowledge and for archiving our tool, we use it ourselves in the
that’s great. But I also hope
history,” said Moses. “We’re also library,” he said. “We use the
they remember the expertise
just successful because of the software we develop. We utilize
we provided. I hope they
awesome relationships we have the digitization lab we built. We
remember the tools we created
with the community.” organize and share information
to make their jobs easier and
on the platforms we built. And
more exciting. And I hope they
“I look at the L.M. Montgomery now we host content for our
remember the people.”
conference we host every two colleagues around the region
page 9 Winter 2020 | upei.caUPEI hosts
Canada’s best at the 2019 U SPORTS Women’s Hockey
It was a bittersweet ending to
her university hockey career
Championship
for Emma Weatherbie, a fifth-
year forward and captain of the
UPEI Women’s Hockey team
from Frenchfort, PEI. In March
2019, she was diagnosed with
a pulmonary embolism, a few
days before UPEI was set to
host the U SPORTS Women’s
Hockey Championship.
In an earlier interview on Sport (AUS), Réseau du sport while the convenor of the event
CBC Radio’s Island Morning, étudiant de Québec (RSEQ), Ontario on behalf of UPEI was Chris
Weatherbie had said, “It’s pretty University Athletics (OUA), and Huggan, director of athletics
surreal to get to play my last Canada West (CW). and recreation. The committee
game in the rink I grew up secured many local sponsors, and
playing in.” She just didn’t know In 2018, UPEI won the rights to both the Government of Prince
at the time that her last game host the U SPORTS Women’s Edward Island and the City of
had already taken place during Hockey Championship for both Charlottetown were partners.
the regular season. Although 2019 and 2020. While 2019
she couldn’t compete on the marked the first time the national The 2019 event was a huge
ice during the championship, women’s hockey tournament success! The UPEI Panthers gave
she still led and rallied her had been held in Charlottetown, their best effort on home ice but
teammates, inspiring them to UPEI has a proven track record fell to the Manitoba Bison in the
play their hearts out. in successfully hosting three U consolation round semi-final. The
SPORTS national championships: Guelph Gryphons took home the
Coach Bruce Donaldson said, men’s soccer in 2005 and 2014, championship with a win against
“Her leadership on the ice, her and women’s soccer in 2010. the McGill Martlets.
leadership on the bench, her
leadership off the ice was As host, UPEI was one of the The Panthers will have a shot
invaluable.” two AUS teams participating again next year when UPEI hosts
in the championship. The the 2020 championship March
From March 14–17, the top eight organizing committee for the 12–15 at the MacLauchlan Arena.
university women’s hockey teams 2019 championship included Visit the UPEI Panthers website
in the country came to UPEI to vie members of the community and gopanthergo.ca for details!
for the championship. Two teams University staff. The honorary
represented each conference
across Canada: Atlantic University
Winter 2020 | upei.ca page 10
co-chairs were Kathleen Casey,
Della Sweet, and Lorna O’Donnell, Go Panthers Go!World’s case study elite converge at
UPEI for NIBS 2019
Students from 16 of the world’s
top international business
schools converged on UPEI
in February 2019 for the 24th
Network of International
Business Schools (NIBS)
Worldwide Case Competition
Championship. Over a week of
intense competition, students
drew on every ounce of skill,
training, and teamwork they had
to prove they are the best of the
best.
Following a qualifying round that
took place in November 2018,
the top 16 teams advanced to UPEI’s NIBS team: Olivia Lantz, Hani Mayaleh, Alec Brown, and Taylor Meek
the championship round at UPEI. (Louise Vessey, Light and Vision Photography)
Teams competed in a series of
head-to-head matches, with as
little as three hours between the
time they received their cases
and the moment they presented
their solutions to expert judges.
UPEI’s NIBS team, made up of
Faculty of Business students
Hani Mayaleh, Taylor Meek, Alec
Brown, and Olivia Lantz, gave
a spectacular effort, but the
championship this time went to
worthy competitors from the
University of Guelph-Humber.
“NIBS was perhaps the most
challenging week of my
university career, but also the
most rewarding in terms of the
international friendships that
were made and the learning
experiences,” said Mayaleh, a
native of Syria in his fourth
year of the BBA program, who
is specializing in finance and
accounting.
Winter 2020 | upei.caAVC faculty member named
2019 3M National Teaching Fellow
Dr. Sue Dawson, professor of AVC and a 3M National Teaching Dawson has influenced teachers
anatomy at the Atlantic Veterinary Fellow himself. In his nomination at UPEI and other institutions
College (AVC), loves what she does, letter, Côté wrote that Dawson through presentation of her
and it shows! believes in allowing students to work on teaching and learning
develop their own aptitudes and at 14 regional, national, and
“I have the best job ever,” she said
skills within a framework she international pedagogical
with a smile.
provides as their professor rather conferences; creation of a
Earlier this year, Dawson was than prescribing the path they mentorship platform for new
named a 2019 3M National follow. She empowers students faculty across UPEI; and peer
Teaching Fellow by the Society to drive their own education, review of manuscripts submitted
for Teaching and Learning in providing guidance when needed. for publication in the Journal of
Higher Education (STLHE) and 3M Veterinary Medical Education. She
Canada, joining six others at PEI’s “… Sue is a deeply respected, has won numerous teaching and
only university. The STLHE and 3M outstanding teacher of veterinary educational leadership awards.
Canada began the 3M National anatomy. However, it is Sue’s
When asked what drives her to
Teaching Fellowship program courageous and innovative work
excel in teaching, Dawson said
in 1986 to recognize university outside the anatomy classroom
her students are her primary
and college faculty in Canada that explains her outsize impact
motivation.
who have made exceptional on UPEI’s Faculty of Veterinary
contributions to teaching and Medicine—the Atlantic Veterinary “Learning is uncomfortable,” she
learning in post-secondary College—the broader UPEI said, “and helping students get
education. There are now over community, and the world at large.” beyond that discomfort to that
300 3M National Teaching Fellows ‘Ah ha!’ moment—when they
at more than 80 Canadian post- She is well known for innovation realize that a difficult concept
secondary institutions. New and leadership in the classroom is within their grasp—is the
fellows continue to support and beyond. In 1997 she ultimate reward.”
teaching and learning at their own helped lead the creation and
implementation of a course She emphasized the importance
institutions and through larger,
called “Veterinary Integration of working with good colleagues.
collaborative initiatives supported
by the Council of 3M Fellows and of Structure and Function” at “Teaching happens in
the STLHE. AVC; this case-based learning collaboration—at the level of
approach is now the norm in individual courses and of the
”This award speaks to the culture most veterinary colleges. She overall program. Some of the
of teaching that we have at UPEI,” uses innovative methods and best things I’ve done have been
she said. “I have joined a cohort tools to teach her students and working with my colleagues as a
of six teaching fellows at UPEI; has championed the importance team. It’s incredibly rewarding.”
for an institution of this size, it of teaching communication,
is remarkable. They have done ethics, interpersonal skills, and Along with Dawson and Côté, the
much to shape the culture of wellness in veterinary education. 3M National Teaching Fellows at
teaching on campus, and I have She is AVC’s inaugural director UPEI are Dr. Shannon Murray, Dr.
benefitted from that.” of instructional design and Brent MacLaine, and Dr. Phillip
teaching innovation, and an ex- Smith, Faculty of Arts; Dr. Brian
Dawson was nominated for the officio member of the College’s Wagner, Faculty of Science; and Dr.
prestigious award by Dr. Étienne curriculum committee. Fiona Walton, Faculty of Education.
Côté, professor of cardiology at
Winter 2020 | upei.caUPEI participates in
Vanier Institute of the
Family’s Families in
Canada Conference 2019
On March 27 and 28, 2019, UPEI hosted
an event called “Think BIG! Exploring
Issues and Opportunities to Promote
Family Well-being on Prince Edward
Island” in the W.A. Murphy Student
Centre’s McMillan Hall.
This event was part of the Vanier Institute
of the Family’s pan-Canadian Families in
Canada Conference 2019, held in Ottawa
and simultaneously at seven university
partners across the country. UPEI was
one of those university partners.
At the UPEI event, panelists explored six
themes: early childhood development-
the first five years; the importance of
strong families in the development of
youth; evolution in forms of families;
changes in family structures; the impact
of socioeconomic and cultural changes
on families; and challenges facing
family members when a family ends or
experiences significant loss. Participants
also gained understanding of issues
impacting families in Canada from a
national perspective by viewing the
national conference via a livestream.
A unique aspect of the UPEI event was
a post-symposium on March 29 about
grandparents raising their grandchildren.
The Families in Canada Conference
2019 brought together people and
organizations in multiple disciplines
and fields to work toward formation
of resource networks and knowledge,
I have the best collaborate to share research and
cross-cultural insights on families in
job ever Canada, and create and cultivate a family
well-being index, family researchers’
network, social policy monitor, and
more. The conference was funded in part
by the Government of Canada’s social
development partnerships program.
page 13 Winter 2020 | upei.caMore than a health centre
UPEI Health and Wellness Centre expands
focus to wellness and health promotion
The UPEI Health and Wellness The health centre has also Barrett noted that part of this
Centre is on a mission to improve added more services from health-care model includes a
the overall well-being of students, specialists, particularly in strong commitment from clients
faculty, staff, and their families mental health. A psychiatrist is to take ownership of their own
through enhanced services and now available for students bi- health.
a renewed focus on wellness and weekly, and a pediatrician with a
health promotion. specialty in adult ADHD is taking “We’re here to guide you, provide
appointments monthly. you with the tools you need, and
Over the past year, the health help get you on the right path
centre has made multiple The health centre is co-located to health. But our patients also
changes to improve access to its with the clinical services need to take responsibility for
services and, in turn, the health component of the University’s their own health and pursue
of the UPEI community. The clinic new Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) healthy living and healthy choices
was expanded to provide year- program in the W.A. Murphy if they are going to truly reap the
round service, five days a week, to Student Centre. The clinic benefits of their relationship with
faculty, staff, and their families as physician or nurse practitioner the health centre.”
well as students. Staffing the clinic can refer clients who need a
is a team that includes a doctor, psychologist to this service, which Barrett said that the health
a nurse practitioner, a registered is staffed by PsyD students and centre is working towards
nurse, a licensed practical nurse, licensed psychologists who also achieving accreditation through
and two receptionists. teach in the program. Accreditation Canada, a national
organization that works with
New services include In switching to a more patients, policy makers, and the
immunizations, tuberculosis preventative and health public to improve the quality of
testing, mass flu clinics, health promotion-based model, the health and social services. She
promotion, and cryotherapy centre has also worked on several and her team are also completing
(wart treatment). health campaigns, including a strategic plan to guide the
efforts to increase sun safety centre forward. As the clinic
“The expansion has provided on campus, promote hepatitis grows, she hopes to implement
our clients with access to health screening, HPV clinics, cancer electronic medical records, which
care services that they may not screening, and hypertension should help manage patient
have had before,” said director awareness. The centre even information and provide better
Marilyn Barrett. “For students, the offered a biometrics clinic with a statistics for planning.
services allow them to get the care variety of tests and checks that
they need from a physician right clients can use to better gauge
on campus. Meanwhile, faculty, their health and make changes.
staff, and their families who may
not have had a primary care “It all comes down to helping
practitioner or timely access to people protect their health by
one, as well as students, can see preventing illness and injury and,
the nurse practitioner for episodic when that isn’t possible, getting
care, or on a continuing care basis.” treatment as early as possible,”
said Barrett.
Marilyn Barrett, director of UPEI’s Health
Winter 2020 | upei.ca page 14 and Wellness Centre‘UPEI was so
important in making
me who I am’
Thespian Brittany Banks cites University
as a crucial part of her career
“My earliest memories of theatre typical at all. There are a handful Despite her history with The
are on the mainstage of the of schools in the Toronto area Festival, including performing at
Homburg Theatre,” said Brittany you tend to expect people to the 2010 Vancouver Olympics
Banks. “I was seven years old rhyme off. But I went to UPEI. I’m as a member of the Young
and a Child of Avonlea. Anne of proud of that! I majored in vocal Company, Banks had to audition
Green Gables—The Musical™ was music and minored in theatre.” the same as everyone else. And
my very first show. It feels really when she received the call, she
natural to be home.” Banks knew she wanted a career was elated.
in musical theatre. She specifically
Banks came home to that same chose UPEI because she needed “I’m so grateful for the
stage—and that same show— to work on her singing. opportunity,” she said. “It was
at the Confederation Centre a happy surprise. It’s such a
of the Arts in the summer of “I’m forever grateful to Professor busy season. We go from show
2018 in the role of Josie Pye. It Sung Ha Shin-Bouey in music and to show. I got to do some
was a sensational season to Dr. Greg Doran in theatre studies. choreography and flex some of
be a company member of The They adapted to my interests, so my creative muscles.”
Charlottetown Festival. The I could apply classical techniques
Festival workshopped two new to musical theatre.” Through it all, Banks remembers
musicals and staged hit after hit, her formative years at university.
including Jesus Christ Superstar After graduating in 2012, she
and, of course, Anne™. started a two-year musical “UPEI was so important in making
theatre program at Randolph me who I am. My critical eye
“It’s a lot of work. I think I’m in the College in Toronto. She left early comes from UPEI. My view of the
best shape of my life,” she said to work as choreographer at the world comes from UPEI. That
with a laugh. “Jumping rope in National Arts Centre in Ottawa. psych 101 course—I think about
period clothes certainly helps.” And from there, her career it every day,” she jokes.
took off. She has starred in
Banks, by any measure, is a productions across the country Banks returned to PEI last summer
success in the musical theatre and now calls Toronto home. for a second season with The
world, and she credits much of Charlottetown Festival. She was
that to her education at UPEI. “I think, on PEI, we maybe take The thrilled to play Josie Pye in Anne™
Charlottetown Festival for granted, once more, perform in Mamma
“I love when people ask me where but it really is the dream for many Mia and The Hamlet Rock Musical,
I went to school. My journey isn’t performers across the country.” and choreograph Atlantic Blue.
page 15 Winter 2020 | upei.caUPEI finds ‘perfect setting’ to establish the Canadian
Centre for Climate Change and Adaptation
UPEI Climate Lab director Adam Fenech to lead research and academic programming
“I remember the first time I visited The centre was a long time in St. Peter’s Bay. The facility
Greenwich in the Prince Edward coming, and Fenech was will house state-of-the-art
Island National Park,” said Dr. there from the beginning. He research centres, including the
Adam Fenech, director of the remembers taking a call several internationally recognized UPEI
UPEI Climate Lab and interim years ago from Karen Jans, field Climate Lab. It will also serve as
associate dean of science for unit superintendent of the a living laboratory that allows
climate change and adaptation. PEI National Park. “She saw for unlimited access to nearby
“It’s a stunning place, and is there was an opportunity for wetlands, forests, and coastal
home to multiple protected collaboration between the park habitats directly affected by
ecosystems. You really couldn’t and the University, and of course climate change.
have a more perfect setting to she was 100 per cent correct.”
study and learn about the impact “The centre has three main
of climate change.” It was an idea that wouldn’t go pillars,” explained Fenech. “First,
away. As Fenech worked on his the school. UPEI offers the only
groundbreaking and headline- Bachelor of Science degree in
grabbing research examining Applied Climate Change and
climate change and coastal Adaptation in the world. Students
erosion on Prince Edward will spend the last two years
Island, plans kept moving ahead of their degree studying at the
Photo credit: Wendy Malley Photography
for collaboration with Parks centre in St. Peter’s. We’ll also be
Canada. President Abd-El-Aziz adding graduate-level programs.”
and Fenech were establishing
relationships and getting more “Second,” continued Fenech, “it’s
people on board for the idea of a a professional training centre.
national centre that would make There’s great demand from all
an impact at home and around sectors for training in climate
the world. change and adaptation, from
government, to contractors, to
Last July, Fenech was in the “It was a nice feeling,” said Fenech, educators. We’ll be developing
front row of a community hall “knowing I had the support of the and delivering training programs
in St. Peter’s Bay, PEI, as Dr. University. This wasn’t an easy at the centre.”
Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, president process, but I always knew, in
and vice-chancellor of UPEI; the back of my mind, we’d make “And finally, there’s research. UPEI
the Honourable Dennis it happen. There was just too is already on the front edge of
King, premier of PEI; and the much excitement. I’d walk into research in these areas, but we’ll
Honourable Lawrence MacAulay, someone’s office in Ottawa, and be diving even deeper in the
minister of veterans affairs they’d say ‘why haven’t we built areas of costal integrity, food
and member of parliament this yet?’” safety and sustainability, and
for Cardigan, announced the animal and human health.”
Canadian Centre for Climate The project consists of a 45,000
square-foot research facility The first cohort of students in
Change and Adaptation.
the bachelor’s program will begin
Winter 2020 | upei.ca page 16Dr. Alaa Abd-El-Aziz, UPEI president and vice-chancellor; the
Honourable Dennis King, premier of PEI; and Emma Drake,
president of the UPEI Student Union
New student housing for
the UPEI campus
A new residence building that will create dedicated
their third year in September 2020—a full year before year-round housing for post-secondary students
the centre will be finished. was announced for the University of Prince Edward
“They won’t be missing out, believe me,” said Fenech Island campus by Premier Dennis King and UPEI
with a laugh. “We’ll be working out of the national park’s President and Vice-Chancellor Alaa Abd-El-Aziz on
interpretive centre in Greenwich. It’s a spectacular September 6, 2019.
facility. I’m really excited about this. We’re designing
an experiential delivery method of teaching. Those With 277 new beds, the new residence will alleviate
students are going to be in the field; they’re going to pressure on the current housing market, improve
be monitoring real environments; they’re going to be the student experience, and increase the University’s
flying drones; and they’ll be working with cutting-edge housing capacity from 9.4 per cent to 15 per cent of
technology. And, even better, they’ll be working in the the current student body.
park with Parks Canada staff.”
“With UPEI’s record growth in the number of
Students will also do two placements with Parks students, and many of these students interested
Canada, learning, working, and studying at parks in experiencing on-campus residence life, we have
across the country. seen increased demand for our existing residences,”
Dr. Adam Fenech has worked extensively in climate change since 1988, said President Abd-El-Aziz. “The new residence
including as a member of the United Nation’s Intergovernmental Panel on facility will also feature a number of classrooms
Climate Change. In addition to his duties at UPEI where he leads the UPEI
to alleviate some of the pressure on our academic
School of Climate Change and Adaptation and the UPEI Climate Lab, Fenech
teaches at the University of Toronto and the Smithsonian Institution and space. We are extremely grateful and excited to
lectures regularly at universities across Canada and around the world. work with the Government of PEI to offer new
housing options for our students that will help us
achieve our vision of a vibrant, sustainable University
CANADIAN CENTRE community.”
for Climate Cha nge
and Adaptation
The new housing facility will also include 22,000
square feet for lecture halls and multi-purpose
Top Five Facts space, including a theatre.
1. UPEI and the governments of Canada and Prince Edward Island are each “Students are facing the same housing challenges as
investing over $4.8 million in this project through the New Building Canada many Islanders,” said Premier King. “This is a good
Fund – Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component.Total budget is
expected to come in at $18.5 million. step forward to help students focus on what matters
most to them. The stability of knowing they have a
2. Construction of the 45,000 square-foot facility will begin in early 2020 and
be completed by September 2021. place to call home all year long will positively add to
3. The Centre will feature a residence component for students and visiting their student experience and academic success.”
faculty and researchers.
4. The land where the facility will be built was donated by UPEI alumni and The $60-million infrastructure project is expected
friends, and is located on Route 2 in St. Peter’s Bay, just east of the bridge. to be completed by 2022 in advance of the Canada
5. The Centre will be home to the largest collection of research drones at a Games being hosted on PEI in 2023.
Canadian university.
page 17 Winter
Winter2020
2020| upei.ca
| upei.castudent profiles
Making UPEI a home far away from home
Elmira Moghimi is a fourth-year Moghimi said her professors in “As the president of UPEI
sociology student with a minor the Faculty of Arts always assist Iranian Society, I am getting the
in applied communication, students both in the classroom members ready to take on more
leadership, and culture. and during their office hours. responsibilities and become
Moghimi’s first bachelor’s degree more involved in our campus
was in mass communication “In my opinion, the UPEI campus life,” she said. “I have learned
specializing in marketing and has a supportive and diverse to share power among the
advertising in Malaysia. environment. Indeed, along members and trust their abilities
with academic excellence, in order to play a significant role
Coming from Iran to study ‘community’ and ‘caring’ are two in their student life.”
at UPEI, Moghimi has other principles at UPEI,” she
accomplished her academic said. “Since I have been here Moghimi said she is enjoying
goals and become actively as an international student, I her life as an international
engaged in campus life. have never felt homesick, as student on Prince Edward
She says UPEI is an excellent fit our campus offers various Island.
for her. activities, and it hosts many
social gatherings for us. It is a “I believe in my university. The
“There are a couple of reasons wonderful opportunity to meet University of Prince Edward
that I chose to study at UPEI. new people, make friends, and Island is my second home.”
I love to live and study in a learn about different cultures.”
place where people do care
about each other, and they Moghimi has had the
are warm and close. Living on opportunity to advance her
this beautiful and peaceful leadership and organizational UPEI is an institution
Island allows us to experience skills while studying at UPEI. built on stories of student
new things that we might She is president of the
success. Read and watch
not in our home countries,” UPEI Iranian Society, which
videos about other UPEI
she said. “Moreover, I found increased its numbers from
the UPEI staff professional, fewer than 10 members to 35 students and their post-
friendly, and supportive.” in the 2018–19 academic year. secondary journey at
upei.ca/communications/
spotlight.
Winter 2020 | upei.ca page 18
Winter 2020 | upei.caGood things grow: Through the eyes
Collaboration creates a of a former
unique learning environment Cadre editor
“When I first arrived at UPEI, “If I was just on an engineering
UPEI is a big enough place that
I was purely an engineer,” team, it would be a simple
it’s hard for any one person
said Tartela Alkayyali, a design project,” she said. “But
to see the whole picture. As
master’s student in UPEI’s I needed to understand how
former editor-in-chief of The
Faculty of Sustainable bacteria grow. I needed to
Cadre, UPEI’s student newspaper,
Design Engineering. “I’m now experience microbiology lab
Allison O’Brien might have had
completely at home in a protocol. The collaboration
the best view of anyone.
microbiology lab. It wouldn’t made this possible.” Her work
have happened without resulted in multiple articles in “It’s a funny job,” said O’Brien.
the collaboration between high-calibre academic journals. “You’re constantly looking for
engineering and chemistry.” stories, so you start looking in
Alkayyali also found a home in places you wouldn’t normally.
Alkayyali came to UPEI from UPEI’s growing community of You see things going on you
the United Arab Emirates, graduate students. She served didn’t know were happening.”
where she completed her as the international student O’Brien, who graduated in May
undergraduate degree at the representative on UPEI’s 2019 with a Bachelor of Arts
American University of Sharjah. Graduate Students’ Association, degree, never had much reason to
At UPEI, she became a member which gave her an opportunity take a look at the exciting research
of a unique collaboration to meet and work with students in engineering, or the struggles of
between the labs of Dr. Ali outside of her discipline. low-income students in the midst
Ahmadi (engineering) and Dr. of the Charlottetown housing
Russell Kerr (chemistry). As “What a group of amazing, crisis, or the day-to-day lives of
Dr. Kerr’s team seeks novel hard-working people,” said international students on campus.
chemical compounds from Alkayyali about her fellow But she did, and her view of UPEI
natural sources, they need graduate students. “I’m the kind changed because of it.
technology to isolate, preserve, of person who doesn’t want
“UPEI is a different place than
and grow these compounds to be involved in academics
when I started six years ago,” she
in their natural environments. only. Through the association,
said. “We’re bigger in so many
That’s where Alkayyali’s work I’ve made good friends, and
ways. It was huge for the staff at
came in. we made real differences for
the paper to put ourselves out
the graduate community on-
there every day. It was hard, but
campus.”
it felt good too.”
page 19 Winter 2020 | upei.caLearning—A lifelong journey
for Dr. Olive Bryanton
Dr. Olive Bryanton, well-known Island advocate
for senior citizens, believes that people can do
anything they want if they have the desire and the
drive, no matter what age they are. And she lives
up to her words!
On Friday, May 10, 2019, Bryanton, age 82, was
presented with her Doctor of Philosophy (PhD)
degree at the first of three UPEI Convocation
ceremonies held that weekend, making her the
oldest person to ever receive a PhD from the
University.
Learning has been a lifelong adventure for Bryanton.
She grew up in rural PEI, graduated from high
school (grade 10 at that time), married at 19, and
had five children. After several years as a stay-at-
home mother, she worked in retail and then went
back to school to become a licensed practical nurse.
She started out in obstetrics but soon turned her
attention to the needs of older people.
In the late 1970s, she owned and operated a small
community care facility. But furthering her education
was always on her mind, so in 1980 she was
accepted at UPEI. While working toward her degree,
she continued to operate her business until 1983
when she sold it. In 1984 she graduated—at the age
of 47—with a Bachelor of Arts degree, majoring in
sociology and minoring in Canadian studies. While
a student, she established MAPUS, an association
specifically for mature and part-time students.
After working for St. John Ambulance for three years,
she began to work on issues facing seniors. Over
the years, she has led or been involved in many
projects related to the unique needs of seniors,
including the PEI Seniors Federation, Voice for Island
Seniors newspaper, Seniors College of PEI, and the
PEI Seniors Active Living Centre. She also worked for
the PEI Gerontology Association and the PEI Centre
on Health and Aging at UPEI. In May 2000, she
received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from
UPEI in recognition of her work on behalf of seniors.
Winter 2020 | upei.ca page 20While working at the PEI Centre inspired her to announce in late on her laurels. She is working
on Health and Aging, Bryanton 2017 an independence initiative with co-investigators Dr. Bill
embarked on a master’s degree, program to help seniors remain Montelpare, professor and
graduating in 2009. Her thesis in their own homes. Margaret and Wallace McCain
dealt with the challenges faced Chair in Human Development
by women over 70 years of age Bryanton is excited about the and Health at UPEI, and Dr. Janet
who lived in rural PEI and had outcome of her research—that MacIntyre, assistant professor,
to give up driving—a traumatic the women involved in the study Faculty of Nursing, focusing
experience for them. Her were as much supporters of their on a new patient-centered,
work illustrated the need for a families and communities as they community-based program,
transportation system for people were supported by them. “The developed and tested by
living in the Island’s countryside. women clearly demonstrated McMaster University, to improve
that older adults are contributors the delivery and outcomes of
In 2013 Bryanton already had to society rather than burdens, care for older adults with Type
two earned degrees and an which is often the perception.” 2 diabetes and other chronic
honorary degree, but she didn’t conditions.
stop there. At the age of 76, she Bryanton said that going back
decided to pursue a PhD, again to school is the best thing she
focusing on the needs of senior ever did. When asked if she
women living in rural PEI. This would do it over again, she said,
time her participants were ten “I really believe I would. I learned
women aged 85 and older. She so much, and it has opened so
wanted to know what helped many doors.”
and what hindered their ability to
“age in place.” She has been invited to
international conferences and
Using a research method called has met many experts who are
photovoice, Bryanton trained the doing research on aging. She
women to use digital cameras has been asked to contribute
to take pictures of things that to a book because of her
supported or limited their ability work with Age-Well, a national
to continue living in their location organization that aims to help
of choice. They could take as older Canadians maintain their
many photos as they wished, but independence, health, and
in the end, they were asked to quality of life through technology Bryanton is the subject of a
select the four pictures that best and services. Last summer she documentary entitled “Never
illustrated their reality of what mentored students in Age-Well’s Too Old”, which premiered
supported or limited their ability week-long summer institute on CBC Docs POV on August
to age in place. The participants as they looked for solutions to 22. The documentary features
presented their photos at an social isolation and loneliness Bryanton and some of the
open house event attended by among seniors. women who were part of her
family, friends, UPEI community research. It was directed by
members, and policymakers, She credited her supervising
Marcia Connolly and produced
including Tina Mundy, then- committee—“Team Olive”—and
by Dream Street Pictures of
minister of family and human her family for helping her succeed
Halifax, Nova Scotia. It can be
services with responsibility for in achieving her PhD. “They were
watched on CBC’s streaming
seniors. Mundy was impressed as invested as I was,” she said.
service, Gem, at gem.cbc.ca
by Bryanton’s research and
Even with this latest educational
the opportunity to talk with
success, Bryanton is not resting
the participants, which partly
page 21 Winter 2020 | upei.caPlenty of highs and lows Women’s Soccer faces
difficult 2019 season;
for the Panthers in 2018–19 Men’s Soccer returns to
By Thomas Becker Special to UPEI Magazine playoff action
Sport has a unique way of evoking an array of emotions, and it
was no different for the UPEI Panthers and their fans during the
2018-19 season and the 2019 fall season.
With a 3–9 record in the regular
season, the women’s soccer squad
struggled to gain traction and again
missed out on post-season play.
After a power outage hit the men’s
soccer team in 2018, the veteran-
Women’s Rugby inches closer to counterparts, laden squad redeemed themselves
and returned to post-season play
After a rebuilding year in 2018, the scare in the Axewomen tying late after cruising to victory over the
Panthers hit the pitch in 2019 with in the final game of the regular Mount Allison Mounties at the end
high hopes of better competing season, but they ended up losing of the 2019 regular season. Under
the guidance of head coach Lewis
with perennial powerhouse and the close battle 15–10, and finishing
Page, the Panthers left it all on the
conference rivals St. Francis with a 2–4 record. Fourth-year field at the AUS Championship in
Xavier X-Women and the Acadia Panther Frances MacWilliam, who Sydney, beating nationally ranked
Axewomen. With 2018 AUS Rookie plays front row/prop, and rookie UNB 2–1 in a thrilling quarterfinal
of the Year Brinten Comeau now winger Mackenzie match that went into overtime.
in her sophomore year, the UPEI Hale were both Despite best efforts, the men’s
squad succumbed 3–1 in semifinal
women kicked their 2019 season named to the
play to St. FX. UPEI fifth-year
off with an aggressive, but mindful, 2019 AUS midfielder Sam Smiley was named
style of play. Led by the strength of Women’s Rugby an AUS First-Team All-Star for his
their dominant scrums, UPEI put a All-Star team. stellar play.
Brinten Comeau
UPEI SPORTS
HALL OF FAME 50 YEARS 50 MEMBERS
UPEI Sports Hall of Fame inducts its 48th, 49th, and 50th members
Hall now boasts 50 members after 50 years of Panther Sport
The UPEI Sports Hall of Fame inducted three new members at its UPEI Sports Legacy Celebration
on November 14, 2019. Soccer great Tessa Roche, football star Vernon Pahl, and the title-winning
1984–85 UPEI Men’s Hockey team were the 48th, 49th, and 50th inductees, respectively, bringing the total
membership of the Hall of Fame to 50, in honour of the University’s 50th anniversary.
WinterWinter
2020 |2020
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