Our past. Our story. Our future.

Ta’n wejitaiek, a’tukwaqnminal, elmi’ knikminen.

50 Years

Cape Breton University’s 50th Anniversary celebration as an independent post-secondary institution with an autonomous Board of Governors begins in January 2024. Join us in celebrating our golden anniversary through exciting events, activities and special projects throughout the year.

Whether you graduated from one of our predecessor institutions, in CBU’s early years or are part of the CBU community today, we look forward to you joining us for this year-long celebration of remarkable milestones, shared memories and stories.

Our Story

Our roots grew from humble beginnings, a story of dedication and perseverance. The College of Cape Breton including Xavier Junior College, Xavier College, the Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology and the University College of Cape Breton set the stage for the CBU we know and love today.

Over the past 50 years, our story has continued to develop and grow. It is our people, our cultures and our strong sense of community that make Cape Breton University what it is today. As we celebrate our 50th Anniversary in 2024, we’re looking to highlight even more CBU stories. So whether your story is from 1974 or 2023, we want to hear from you. If you have a story to share from the past 50 years, please share your recommendations or submit your story for consideration.

Projects and Initiatives

Questions?

If you have questions about the celebration or want to be part of the planning, please contact 50anniversary@cbu.ca.

Check out 50th Anniversary photo gallery

The History of CBU

1974-2024

From our humble beginnings as Xavier Junior College to our 23 years as UCCB, follow along on our journey to becoming Cape Breton University.

View CBU's Timeline

50th News & Stories

A Heartfelt Thank You to Our Community

June 28, 2024

Cape Breton University Celebrating 50 Years of Excellence On this date, June 28, 1974, the College of Cape Breton (CCB)…

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From The First Class to CBU Faculty: Meet Blair MacNeil P. Eng.

June 24, 2024

As a student enrolled in the first class of the College of Cape Breton (CCB), Blair MacNeil was among the…

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The Eagar Brothers and The Tradition to Celebrate Simple Things in Life

June 7, 2024

In 1999, the Eagar brothers – Jeff, Chris and Steve – embarked on their first trip to India. Little did…

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Celebrating More Than 50 Years of Student Leadership: Meet Rick McCarthy

May 27, 2024

Rick McCarthy, a former executive member of the Cape Breton University Students’ Union (CBUSU), is spearheading a heartfelt initiative to…

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Seeing the World Through the Student’s Eyes: Meet Dr. Dannie Brown

May 8, 2024

Dr. Dannie Brown arrived in Cape Breton in August 2009 for what he thought would be just a one-year contract;…

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Gaelic Roots: John Howieson’s Semester Abroad at CBU

May 8, 2024

Far from the shores of Nova Scotia, John Howieson, known as Iain in Gaelic, travelled a long way from Scotland…

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TEDx Cape Breton University Celebrates 50 Years of ‘Perseverance’

May 3, 2024

On April 30, 2024, TEDxCape Breton University: Perseverance unfolded as a celebration of resilience and the power of perseverance, marking…

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Celebrate Multiculturalism and Diversity: Meet Shivangi Upadhyaya

March 20, 2024

As someone who values diversity and takes pride in learning and sharing various cultures, Shivangi Upadhyaya is a perfect fit…

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Overcoming Challenges and Finding a Voice: Meet Gordon Alley-Young

March 11, 2024

As we celebrate the 50th Anniversary of Cape Breton University (CBU), we reflect on the remarkable journey that has shaped…

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