Dr. Preston Smith, Dean of the Faculty of Medicine, and Paul Young, Chief Operating Officer at UPEI Faculty of Medicine, have been named Paul Harris Fellows, one of the highest honours bestowed by Rotary International.

The awards were recently presented by Tom Wilkinson, the first President of the Rotary Club of Charlottetown Royalty, which was chartered in 1987. Named in honour of Rotary founder Paul Harris, the Paul Harris Fellowship recognises Rotarians and community leaders whose service and leadership exemplify Rotary’s guiding principle of Service Above Self. The designation is accompanied by a donation of $1,000 or more made in the recipient’s name to Rotary International’s Annual Program Fund, supporting humanitarian and community initiatives worldwide.

Paul Young was the initial hire for the medical school initiative and played a crucial role in steering the project through its earliest and most challenging stages. Wearing multiple hats, Young helped keep the work on track while adeptly adjusting to shifting circumstances, changing priorities, and the inevitable challenges of a project of this size.

Dr. Preston Smith’s return to Prince Edward Island has been equally transformative. Bringing extensive clinical and academic leadership experience, Dean Smith has played a key role in strengthening partnerships, engaging physicians, and providing the steady, diplomatic leadership necessary to advance the Faculty of Medicine’s vision. His leadership continues to influence both the faculty’s current accomplishments and its future program development.

“This recognition highlights the kind of leadership Rotary values — thoughtful, service-oriented, and deeply dedicated to community,” said Wilkinson. “Both Dean Smith and Paul Young exemplify those ideals through their work and their impact.”

We extend congratulations to Dean Preston Smith and Paul Young on this well-deserved recognition.