Cape Breton University Celebrates the Class of 2018!

On Friday, May 11, 2018, Cape Breton University celebrated the accomplishments of our talented graduates at the annual President’s Dinner. Graduates, family members and friends, faculty, staff, Chancellor, Annette Verschuren, and President & Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall, gathered together at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre for a night of celebration and congratulations. More than 40 graduates were awarded for their success and accomplishments!
Matthew Clarke was awarded the Governor General’s Gold Medal for achieving the highest academic standing in a graduate program. Matthew, who graduated with a Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development, was joined by his father, brother and wife who travelled from Kingston, Ontario to see the award being presented. “Having my family there, along with my valued colleagues and professors meant a lot to me. I really enjoyed the time that I spent in the MBA in CED program at CBU, and winning the Governor General’s Gold Medal made it a very rewarding finish,” says Matthew.
Erika Armoa Martinez, a Bachelor of Business Administration student from Paraguay, took home the Governor General’s Silver Medal for her high academic standing throughout her program. Erika says she is honoured to have been given the award, and that it reflects the support and encouragement she has received throughout her degree. “I was blessed with the opportunity to develop close relationships with amazing professors throughout my academic career who have helped me become the person I am today,” says Erika.  
The Mary MacNeil Charitable Award which celebrates a student who demonstrates compassion and care through work in the community, was awarded to Eli Quirk, who has eagerly supported the growth of the CBU community over the past six years.
Our CBU Silver Medals for outstanding academic achievement were awarded to Brianna Grace McNutt, Shawn Maloney, Ashley Anthony, Megan Smith, Rebecca Hanna, Craig Peters, Trevor Axworthy, Abdulwahab Albagdadi, MD Ahiduzzaman Sharker, Hongjian Chen, Vincent Andrea, Matthew MacNeil and Allison MacDonald.
Rebecca (Becky) Hanna also took home the Connor Timmons Memorial Scholarship and Trophy for her dedication to CBU athletics, as well as her academic excellence and community involvement.
The Glenda Smith Memorial Trophy was awarded to our 2018 Spring Valedictorian, Emma Flynn, whose outstanding record in leadership, scholarship and character made her a well-deserving recipient.
Bachelor of Science Honours student Stacey Lee, who has dedicated herself to involvement on campus, was awarded the Allister McIntyre Memorial Trophy and Scholarship.
The Murdena Marshall Science Award for a graduating Mi’kmaw student from a Natural Science or Natural Science related program was awarded to Shae Hannah Denny.I feel very honoured to have been awarded the Murdena Marshall Science Award. “I’ve had an amazing experience here at CBU. I hope I’ve inspired other Mi’kmaq students to pursue a path in science,” says Shae.
Nursing graduate Emily MacLeod was awarded the Ian Burrows Memorial Award for her dedication and commitment to the nursing profession along with her strength and determination. “It was so rewarding to be recognized for overcoming what I have during my degree, and I am extremely proud to be honouring Ian Burrows,” says Emily.
To see the full list of our 2018 award winners, visit: www.cbu.ca/about-cbu/convocation/presidents-dinner-awards
We are so proud of each one of these students who have inspired and astonished us throughout their time at CBU. As they become members of the CBU Alumni family, we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next!