Cape Breton University Announces Inaugural Nancy Dingwall Award for Impact to Mitchell Mersereau

CBU is proud to announce Mitchell Mersereau, a standout athlete from the Men’s Basketball Team, has been awarded the inaugural Nancy Dingwall Award for Impact.

Established by her family, this new award was created to honour the legacy of Nancy Dingwall, a long-time CBU physiotherapist and community leader. Nancy’s impact extended far beyond her 33 years as a physiotherapist at CBU. She was a constant presence at athletic events and a champion of community causes, deeply touching the lives of everyone she encountered.

The Nancy Dingwall Award for Impact award recipient is chosen by a selection committee, based on nominations from CBU coaches and recognizes student-athletes who not only excel in their sport but also embody Nancy’s core values of compassion, fierceness, strength, and pride.

Mitchell Mersereau was chosen for this award due to his exceptional embodiment of the values Nancy held dear—family, education, humility, and a deep love for CBU. In his time with the Men’s Basketball Team, Mitchell has demonstrated a sense of family both on and off the court. He is known for his humility and willingness to support his teammates, characteristics that closely align with Nancy’s own spirit of generosity.

The award was presented during a special ceremony at the Sullivan Field House, with Nancy’s family on hand to present the honour. Surrounded by current and former Caper athletes who came together to celebrate Nancy’s legacy, Mitchell was recognized for his dedication and impact. As part of this honour, he will also receive a $5,000 prize.

Leigh Anne Dingwall, Nancy’s daughter, shared, “Seeing this award go to someone like Mitchell is incredibly heartwarming. My mother believed so deeply in the power of kindness, compassion, and community and Mitchell exemplifies all of those values. I know she would be so proud of him, and I’m honored to see her legacy live on through this award.”

“It’s a tremendous honour to be recognized with the Nancy Dingwall Award for Impact,” said Mitchell. “Nancy’s contributions to this university and the Cape Breton community are inspiring, and I’m deeply committed to honouring her legacy through all my future endeavours. Receiving this award motivates me to follow her example of service, leadership, and kindness in everything I do.”

The award was presented as part of CAPERS Weekend, celebrating CBU’s 50th Anniversary and bringing together past and present members of the Caper community.