Parabolic Sand Dunes Award

The Parabolic Sand Dunes Award is granted each year to a returning student in undergraduate studies majoring in Environmental Studies at UPEI. The successful recipient will have a demonstrated knowledge and appreciation for the impact that climate change is having on Prince Edward Island and beyond. This award was established by the Sanderson family to honor their parents, Cyril and Daisy Sanderson, who raised three sons on a family farm in Greenwich, Prince Edward Island, which comprised one of North America's rarest sand dune formations—the internationally recognized Greenwich parabolic sand dunes. Each of the sons was brought up with a healthy respect for the farming and agriculture industry while appreciating the importance and delicate nature of ensuring that endangered areas such as the parabolic sand dunes were respected and protected. The Sanderson parents were keenly aware of the significance of a post-secondary education, and their sons—J. Brian Sanderson (BSc. '71), Kevin Sanderson (BSc. '75), and Dana Sanderson (BBA '84)—are all alumni of the University of Prince Edward Island. They have established this award to support UPEI students who will continue the important work of protecting the environment.