CBU Student Bertram Bernard is Heading to Harvard

Cape Breton University student Bertram Bernard is heading to Harvard! The hardworking Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development student from Eskasoni, Nova Scotia has been accepted into the Executive Business Program offered by Harvard Business School. During the four-day program, Bertram will join other elite students and learn using the Harvard Business School case study method, which includes interactive lectures and small study groups focused on the sharing of innovative ideas.

“It feels amazing and validating that my hard work throughout the BBA and MBA in CED program at CBU is paying off,” says Bertram. “Many Indigenous people don’t have the opportunity to represent their communities in such a huge way. I am so excited for this experience.”

Bertram will be the second person from Eskasoni who has had the opportunity to attend Harvard. The first was Dr. Murdena Marshall, an Elder who graduated from the Master of Education Degree program. Bertram says he is honoured to follow in her footsteps and can’t wait to attend this amazing program in May.

When he broke the news on Facebook, Bertram received more than 400 likes and comments as his community excitedly congratulated him on being accepted to the prestigious program. Eager to return that love and support, Bertram says he will use the skills he develops at the Executive Program to benefit his community in the future. Community has always been important to Bertram; it is part of the reason he chose to come to CBU and study close to home.

“I don’t see why I should have to travel so far for an education,” says Bertram, who completed his BBA in 2018 and is currently wrapping up his MBA. “CBU is affordable, welcoming to Indigenous students and the MBA in CED program here is incredibly unique.” Bertram is confident that the knowledge he has acquired throughout his time at CBU will aid him in helping his community to prosper.

Bertram encourages other CBU students to put themselves out there and participate in educational experiences whenever possible. “You don’t know what opportunities you may be missing out on if you don’t push yourself,” he says. Bertram would like to thank his parents, siblings, professors and fellow students who have inspired him to believe in himself throughout his educational journey.

Congratulations Bertram! We can’t wait to hear about your experiences at Harvard.

Click here to learn more about the MBA in CED program at CBU.