CBU’s Historical Timeline

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Xavier Junior College
1951

Our story begins as Xavier Junior College (XJC, later Xavier College) under St. Francis Xavier University (StFX) as a satellite campus to handle the rapid population growth in Industrial Cape Breton.

The College originally occupied the renovated Lyceum on George Street, and its inaugural classes began on September 17, 1951. Initial enrollment was 60 full-time and 85 part-time students, and the staff consisted of eight educators.

As student numbers continued to grow and there was a desire to expand programs for Cape Bretoners, the Arts building opened in 1960, followed by the Science building in 1966. Although there were no residences, XJC provided students with an opportunity to join clubs and participate in sports. It held several dances and a winter carnival each year.

In subsequent years, space challenges led to the use of portable classrooms behind the Arts and Science buildings. This period was marked by protests advocating for education expansion in Cape Breton and feelings that XJC needed to transition away from StFX and become an independent university.

 

Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology
1968

In November 1968, the Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology (NSEIT) opened on the Sydney-Glace Bay Highway to offer technological education for Cape Breton.

In its inaugural year, NSEIT enrolled 80 students, with the potential for growth to accommodate almost 900 students. NSEIT’s programs focused on Trades, Business and Engineering, awarding diplomas upon successfully completing 2-year programs.

NSEIT had a campus that provided the full student experience, from graduation balls and concerts to winter carnivals. Sports teams included a men’s hockey team, a men’s soccer team, a women’s basketball team and hosted men’s basketball tournaments. A variety of clubs, such as judo and photography, as well as student committees, contributed to the rich student experience.

 

College of Cape Breton
1974

On June 28, 1974, the College of Cape Breton (CCB) was established, combining the Sydney Campus of StFX (Xavier College) and NSEIT into a single post-secondary institution under an autonomous Board of Governors.

CCB was envisioned as a unique institution that could bring together academic and technological thought. It was able to create new programs as long as they did not compete with an existing program offered in Nova Scotia. As a result, CCB introduced its Bachelor of Arts in Community Studies (BACS) in 1975.

Initially, Arts and Science courses remained in XJC buildings, while Technology and Trades occupied the NSEIT building. An addition was built to the NSEIT building to accommodate both program types and a fieldhouse for sports activities. The opening ceremony for the Campus Centre was on June 19, 1980.

CCB spent the first decade defining its image. The Coat of Arms was adopted on October 27, 1977, and the motto “Theid Dichioll Air Thoisead,” a Gaelic idiom meaning “Perseverance Will Triumph,” was adopted on April 25, 1980. The mascot Chiever the Beaver was introduced on November 25, 1981.

 

University College of Cape Breton
1982

On June 26, 1982, CCB became the University College of Cape Breton (UCCB) – the first university college of its kind in Canada – when it was granted university status. In 1985, UCCB introduced a full-time Bachelor of Arts program, followed by the conferral of the first Bachelor of Science degrees in 1988. As the University grew, more students attended from outside of Cape Breton Island.

UCCB was awarded the bid to host the 1987 Jeux Canada Winter Games, leading to the opening of the Canada Games Complex. The growing demand for on-campus accommodations prompted UCCB to open its first student residence, the MacDonald Residence, on September 14, 1991. A second residence was added in 2004.

Expansion efforts also included the opening of the Student, Culture and Heritage Centre which houses the Art Gallery, the Beaton Institute and the Mi’kmaq Cultural Centre (now The Sister Dorothy Moore L’nu Resource Centre) in 1997. The Early Childhood Education Centre (CBU Daycare) was opened in 1998.

The 1990s marked a period of identity evolution for UCCB, including renaming the Boardmore Theatre in honour of Liz and Harry Boardmore, the appointment of a chancellor in 1994, an embellishment of the Coat of Arms in 1995 and the adoption of ‘Rise Again’ by Leon Dubinsky as the University anthem in 1999.

 

Cape Breton University
2005

On May 19, 2005, UCCB was renamed Cape Breton University (CBU).

CBU embarked on a series of expansion projects to accommodate the increasing student population, including constructing two additional student residences. The campus expanded with the addition of the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment in 2010 and the Shannon School of Business in 2011.

Programs previously offered in partnership with other universities were approved for independent delivery. CBU began offering the Bachelor of Education, with an option in Aboriginal Education, in 2009, and the Bachelor of Science, Nursing in 2010.

In 2018, CBU inducted its first Hall of Fame honourees, Carl “Bucky” Buchanan and the 1977-78 Hockey team. As part of this recognition, the University unveiled the new Dr. Carl “Bucky” Buchanan Capers Hall of Fame on March 3, 2023.

CBU also announced significant infrastructure projects, including the Centre for Discovery and Innovation and the renovation of the Canada Games Complex to incorporate the Nancy Dingwall Health and Counselling Centre. Additionally, in partnership with Dalhousie University, CBU established the Cape Breton Medical Campus, which is set to open in 2025.

CBU proudly celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. The celebration is about reflecting on the past and also telling the shared stories of our past, present and future while looking toward bright years ahead. Throughout this anniversary year, CBU features a series of signature events and special initiatives.

To stay up to date on the 50th anniversary celebration, visit CBU.ca/50.