Dorothy Cullen Memorial Award

The Dorothy Cullen Memorial Award is presented annually to a returning student majoring in English who clearly demonstrates a love of reading and books. The award is recommended by the English Department at the University of Prince Edward Island. This memorial award honors Dorothy Cullen, who was born in Sherwood, Prince Edward Island in 1915 and served as Chief Librarian at the Prince Edward Island Library from 1956-1971. Dorothy devoted her career to promoting literacy and ensuring Island children had access to books through initiatives like the Bookmobiles. She received an honorary Doctor of Laws degree from UPEI in 1971, just days before her death from cancer. Her family created this award to continue her legacy of inspiring a love of books and reading, with the first recipient in 1973 being Elizabeth Rollins Epperly, who later became UPEI's first female President.