UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
UPEI Co-operative Education program announces award winners for 2024

Each year, the UPEI Co-operative Education Program recognizes its exceptional students and employers with the UPEI Co-op Awards. The winners of the 2024 awards were Rosie Legault, UPEI Science Co-op Student of the Year; Carol Edzeame, UPEI Arts Co-op Student of the Year; Diya Bubna, UPEI Business Co-op Student of the Year; and MRSB Group, Co-op Employer of the Year.

Winners of the 2024 UPEI Co-op Student Awards: Diya Bubna, UPEI Business Co-op Student of the Year; Rosie Legault, UPEI Science Co-op Student of the Year; and Carol Edzeame, UPEI Arts Co-op Student of the Year. 

The awards were presented on March 26, 2025, at Schurman Market Square, Don and Marion McDougall Hall, with fellow students, faculty deans, and community members in attendance for the celebration. National Co-op and Work-integrated Learning Month and the recent national accreditation of the UPEI program were also recognized.

Legault was nominated by Jason Coughlin from Raspberry Point Oysters and Brenna Farren from COWS Inc. Both supervisors recognized Legault's problem-solving capabilities and noted her adaptability and willingness to learn.

Edzaeme was nominated by the Government of PEI Municipal Affairs Division. Her manager Erin Kielly noted that throughout her co-op work term, Edzeame consistently sought additional responsibilities and thrived with a full workload.

"We had complete confidence in her ability to manage her tasks independently, knowing that she was always putting forth her best effort," said Kielly. "Her attention to detail and willingness to take on any project, regardless of complexity, left us genuinely impressed."

Bubna was nominated for her work with the UPEI Office of Recruitment and First-Year Advisement. Her supervisor Inara Bhalesha noted that Bubna's dedication to making processes and tasks innovative, adept, and progressive was a great addition to the team. She also contributed significant work during the co-op term and was applauded for all her accomplishments.

UPEI Co-op Business student Jacob Carver nominated MSRB Group for Co-op Employer of the Year.

Jacob Carver, UPEI Business Co-op student (right), presents the 2024 Co-op Employer of the Year Award to Matthew MacInnis (left) who accepted on behalf of MRSB Group.

"MRSB's commitment to mentorship, skill development, giving back to the community, and fostering a positive work culture has made a forever-lasting impact on my growth academically, professionally, and personally," said Carver. "Lastly, their dedication to providing all students with meaningful learning opportunities sets a standard of excellence in co-op education, making them a truly deserving recipient of this award."

The Co-op office is grateful to work with many outstanding students and employers and is always open to making new connections. For more information about the program, visit upei.ca/co-op or upei.ca/hire-co-op.