Cape Breton University will celebrate the success of nearly 400 graduates on Wednesday, November 6, at 11:00am at Centre 200 during the Fall Convocation Ceremony.
“On behalf of the faculty, staff, Board of Governors and myself, we are honoured to be celebrating such a big milestone in the lives of nearly 400 tremendously dedicated and hard-working students from around the world,” says President and Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall. “They have faced many trials and tribulations yet have still come out on top. Each and every one of them should be proud of what they have accomplished.”
The graduating class, made up of students from 32 different programs, will receive their degrees, diplomas and certificates from President and Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall and Chancellor, Annette Verschuren. As always, students were given the option of requesting their parchments in a variety of languages, including French, Gaelic and Mi’kmaq.
Benjamin Smith will serve as class valedictorian, graduating with a Bachelor of Arts, Community Studies. “Moving back to Nova Scotia after growing up on the Caribbean Island of Curaçao allowed me to reconnect with my family roots and immerse myself in Cape Breton culture,” Benjamin says. “Choosing to attend CBU has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made and I’m thankful for the many opportunities CBU has provided me while pursuing a dual degree. The CBU community is remarkable, and I will always appreciate the support, education and work experience I’ve received.”
Cape Breton University will also confer an honorary doctorate on an individual who came to Cape Breton in 1973 and has made a significant impact on the Island ever since. Music educator and musical director, Mrs. Barbara Stetter, will receive a Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, for her impact and contributions on her students and the creative arts community in Cape Breton.
This year’s ceremony will feature performances from local artists Lucy and Stewart MacNeil, Heritage Drummers, an African Drumming group and Indigenous Drummer, Graham Marshall. All members of the community are invited to Centre 200 to celebrate the graduating class; tickets are not required.
The ceremony will also be live-streamed at cbu.ca/convocation