CBU to Celebrate Great Leadership with Honorary Degrees

Cape Breton University will proudly celebrate the achievements of three Canadian leaders with Honorary Degrees at the 2018 Fall Convocation on Saturday, November 3, in Membertou, N.S.
Cape Breton University will confer the degree Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on a woman who has dedicated her life to advocating for the rights of Mi’kmaw people and helping preserve the culture within her community of Eskasoni and beyond, Thunder Woman, Lotti Johnson. As well, CBU will confer the degree Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on a man who has worked diligently and has had an immense impact on the Cape Breton and Nova Scotia economy, businessman Mr. Jim Kehoe. CBU will also confer the degree Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, on a man who has devoted his career to the betterment of the judicial system in the Province and in Canada and the people it serves, The Honourable Michael MacDonald, Chief Justice of Nova Scotia.
“I am delighted that Cape Breton University will recognize Ms. Johnson, Mr. Kehoe and Chief Justice MacDonald with Honorary Degrees at this year’s convocation ceremony,” says David C. Dingwall, President & Vice-Chancellor, Cape Breton University. “These three individuals are outstanding leaders in their fields and are demonstrating to our CBU students that hard work, dedication and perseverance are characteristics needed to excel after university as they get ready to take the next steps in their lives.”
Ms. Lottie Johnson is a leader in her community of Eskasoni and has dedicated her life to the betterment of the people in her community, and for all Mi’kmaw people through her work on the Shubenacadie Indian Residential School Association and the Truth and Reconciliation Commission.
“To receive an honorary doctorate from Cape Breton University is a great honour for me,” says Ms Johnson. “To be recognized for the work that myself, and so many others have fought so hard for is truly humbling. I hope to continue this work and this new connection to Cape Breton University is only going to help continue these efforts.”
Mr. Jim Kehoe is an accomplished businessman and has had an immense impact on the Cape Breton economy. Jim owns and operates several companies and organization across Cape Breton and Nova Scotia. Jim has been a leader in the Business community for more than 40 years.
“I want the new CBU graduates to know that when you work hard enough, open your eyes wide to the opportunities that are around you, and find your passion, you will accomplish great things,” says Mr. Kehoe. “Take CBU as an example. A dedicated group lobbied for the institution because we knew that the opportunity was there, we were passionate in education for the people of Cape Breton and we saw our vision grow into one of Atlantic Canada’s leading post-secondary educational institutions.”
The Honourable Michael MacDonald was appointed a Justice of the Supreme Court of Nova Scotia in 1995 and the Associate Chief Justice three years later. He became the 22^nd Chief Justice of Nova Scotia and the Chief Justice of the Nova Scotia Court of Appeal in 2004. A member of the Canadian Judicial Council for 20 years, he has chaired several of its committees, most recently the Judicial Conduct Committee. Chief Justice MacDonald led the creation of the Nova Scotia Access to Justice Coordinating Committee, a group of legal professionals working to make this province a national leader in access to justice.
“When appointed to a leadership role, it is crucial that you continue to better the system and society. This is why our work in inclusion and access to justice is so important,” says Chief Justice MacDonald. “I want to encourage graduates to advocate for those who may not have a voice with the goal of bettering society for everyone.”
Fall Convocation will take place on Saturday, November 3, 2018, beginning at 2:00 p.m. at the Membertou Trade and Convention Centre. The ceremony will also be live streamed for those who cannot attend in person, visit www.cbu.ca for more details.