UPEI expresses condolences on the passing of UPEI BEd student Cheryl Young
The entire UPEI community was saddened to learn of the passing of UPEI Bachelor of Education student on January 6, 2021.
Cheryl was accepted in the BEd program along with two of her children, Gabriel and Aysha. Her two other children, Amahri and Ahnais, are also students at UPEI.
In a message to students, staff, and faculty, President Abd-El-Aziz said, 鈥淥ur hearts break for Cheryl鈥檚 family and friends. This tragedy is all the more difficult as she was so proud to be attending UPEI at the same time as her children, and we had hoped to celebrate this amazing story at Convocation. Please keep them close to your hearts and prayers.鈥�
Dr. Ron MacDonald, Dean of Education, said, 鈥淐heryl was so excited to be earning her Education degree. She had entered the program later in life, which is a testament to her dedication and passion to teaching. She told me 鈥榟ow difficult it was to put into words the feeling of absolute joy鈥�, knowing that all four of her children were attending UPEI together. We will all miss her dearly.鈥�
In an email sent to Dr. MacDonald shortly after Young was accepted, she wrote, 鈥淲e are a very close family and always support each other. I remain grateful, appreciative and pumped to further my studies in the BEd program. Education is the key to the future!鈥�
The flags are flying at half-mast in Cheryl鈥檚 memory. For students needing support, please contact our counsellors at UPEI Student Affairs by email at studentserv@upei.ca.
