UNIVERSITY OF PRINCE EDWARD ISLAND
UPEI announces Dr. Etienne Côté Endowed Chair in Veterinary Cardiology

The University of Prince Edward Island is celebrating a transformative investment in the future of veterinary medicine with the establishment of the Dr. Etienne Côté Endowed Chair in Veterinary Cardiology at the Atlantic Veterinary College. Made possible through a $3 million gift from Sandra Irving, Sarah Irving, The Arthur and Sandra Irving Foundation, and the Arthur L. Irving Family Foundation, the endowed chair will advance excellence in clinical training, student learning, innovation, and compassionate care for animals and their families.

Over 80 people gathered on the UPEI campus to celebrate the new Dr. Etienne Côté Endowed Chair in Veterinary Cardiology. Special guests included from left to right, Dr. Wendy Rodgers, UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor; Sarah Irving; Sandra Irving; Dr. Cathy Adams, Irving family veterinarian; Dr. Etienne Côté, Professor of Veterinary Cardiology and inaugural chair; Dr. Dominique Griffon, Dean of Veterinary Medicine, AVC; and Danielle Harmon, fourth-year student, AVC (Class of 2027)

"We are grateful for this generosity to our University and AVC," said Dr. Wendy Rodgers, UPEI President and Vice-Chancellor. "It strengthens our ability to shape the future of veterinary medicine while building on the excellence that has long distinguished UPEI and AVC."

"With the establishment of this Chair, AVC enters a new chapter in its history, marked by an unprecedented recognition of the talent and dedication of our faculty," said Dr. Dominique Griffon, Dean of Veterinary Medicine at AVC. "The Chair honours Dr. Etienne Côté's remarkable accomplishments and leadership in veterinary cardiology and education, while reinforcing the College's commitment to advancing veterinary medicine and preparing future generations of veterinarians to meet the evolving needs of the animals and communities we serve."

Named in honour of Dr. Etienne Côté, Professor of Veterinary Cardiology, 3M National Teaching Fellow, and Fellow of the American College of Cardiology, the endowed chair recognizes a career defined by leadership and a deep commitment to advancing cardiological care. It will create opportunities that extend far beyond traditional academic support, helping AVC develop innovative programs that strengthen veterinary education while positioning UPEI as a global leader in veterinary cardiology.

The endowed chair reflects a long-standing commitment by Sandra, Sarah, and the late Arthur Irving, and their foundations to education and community impact.

"Arthur understood the powerful bond between people and animals and believed in supporting those who care for them," said Sandra Irving. "His trust in Dr. Etienne Côté's vision has led to the development of this chair at AVC, creating opportunities that will shape the future of veterinary medicine."

"Dr. Côté has dedicated his career to helping animals and mentoring future veterinary professionals," said Sarah Irving. "This chair honours that legacy while creating new possibilities for students, educators, and specialists. We believe the work that grows from this endowment will strengthen animal care and benefit communities for many years to come."

The vision will support groundbreaking initiatives that enhance both technical expertise and human connection in veterinary medicine, from training faculty to teach advanced clinical communication skills to establishing specialized cardiac imaging programs that attract veterinarians from around the world to PEI. 

"This endowment is about creating opportunities that simply would not exist otherwise," said Dr. Etienne Côté, inaugural holder of the chair. "At the heart of this chair is the vision to continue raising the standard of cardiological care for the animals and families who depend on us."