Good News Week at UPEI!

The University of Prince Edward Island announced an abundance of good news during the week of April 22–26 about several initiatives that will have transformational impacts on our students and the broader community!

Catherine Callbeck Centre for Entrepreneurship opens thanks to $2.25-million gift from the River Philip Foundation

Named in honour of UPEI’s former chancellor, the Centre was officially opened on Monday, April 22. The innovation hub was made possible through a $2.25 million gift from the River Philip Foundation, contributions of $372,000 each from the Atlantic Canada Opportunities Agency and Innovation PEI, and a $100,000 donation from the Credit Unions of PEI. It will offer unique learning opportunities and programs that support student entrepreneurship across campus.

Atlantic Veterinary College launches phase two of the veterinary teaching hospital expansion project

With generous contributions from many donors and leadership gifts from the Rathlyn Foundation, Dr. Martha Sweeting, and Dr. Rosemary Henderson, Phase 1 was successfully completed in 2023, reaching its $4 million target. The gifts contributed by the Rathlyn Foundation, Dr. Sweeting, and Dr. Henderson are also supporting Phase 2 of the expansion project, along with other private sector donors. To date, $1.1 million of the $6 million goal for the second phase has been raised.

Don and Marion McDougall donate additional $3 million to business faculty, which will now be known as the McDougall Faculty of Business

UPEI honoured Dr. Don and Mrs. Marion McDougall at a historic event on Wednesday, April 24, for their continued and long-time support, at which it was announced they will donate a further $3 million to the University. After contributing $2 million for the construction of Don and Marion McDougall Hall in 2008, their latest leadership gift will support the business faculty, which will now be known as the “McDougall Faculty of Business,” marking the first time UPEI has recognized a donor gift by naming a faculty.

Faculty of Medicine kicks off $10-million campaign to support construction of state-of-the-art campus and community facility

With $1 million from many donors already raised, the $10-million fund and friend-raising campaign will support the University’s contribution to the ongoing construction of the $91 million state-of-the-art building on the UPEI campus. One donor is Charlottetown-born-and-raised transplant and oncology surgeon Dr. Ajay Sahajpal who is a UPEI alumnus living and practicing in the US. He hopes Islanders can support this initiative in whatever ways they can to help ensure access to health care for all.

UPEI launches $15-million fundraising campaign to revitalize the Robertson Library

In the lead-up to its 50th anniversary, the Robertson Library will undertake a major revitalization project to become a more inclusive space that facilitates learning, teaching, and research, and welcomes and supports all learners. Generous donors have already contributed $600,000 to the campaign, including two $100,000 leadership gifts, one from Grant Thornton and the other from the UPEI Alumni Association.

Thank you!

Thank you to our many generous donors! If you want to get involved by donating to a campaign fund—gifts at all levels are welcome—visit our website at upei.ca/friends

Anyone interested in supporting UPEI initiatives may contact Myrtle Jenkins-Smith, Executive Director, Department of Development and Alumni Engagement, at 902-626-8551 or mjenkinssmith@upei.ca.

Learn more about UPEI’s Good News Week at upei.ca/communications/news