Kelsea MacNeil – PresidentOccupation: Director Communications & Stakeholder Relations for Membertou Development Corporation
Program of Study: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from CBU in 2011
Education Masters of Public Relations from Mount Saint Vincent University in 2013
What do you love about Cape Breton University & your time spent here?: CBU offered a one-of-a-kind education experience, in that, I felt I was able to flourish during my time at the university due to its small class sizes, engaged professors, and the supportive campus environment. An honourable mention to the Pit, which also hosted fun times during my years studying at CBU.
Childhood Dream Job: Anchoring the nightly news like Steve Murphy on CTV news. “I later discovered Barbara Walters and was inspired by her rise to the top as one of the first women to ever take leadership roles in news.
Favourite 90’s Jam: Mmmbop by Hanson (1997) (Without a doubt)
Personal Motto: Be the change you wish to see in the world or if it doesn’t challenge you, it won’t change you
Ideal Late-night Snack: Salt & Vinegar Chips!
Michelle Aucoin – Vice-PresidentOccupation: Owner and Director of LearnAbility Cape Breton.
Program of Study: Bachelor of Arts Honours, Double Major Communication and English – Valedictorian CBU Class of 1994
Master of Arts in Education – Athabasca University in 2005
What do you love about Cape Breton University & your time spent here?: “I had an amazing experience at CBU (former UCCB in my day). I had great fun with a wonderful group of friends, work experiences, and a solid education. I think it gave me the confidence and ‘think outside of the box’ mindset to start and run my own business. Now my son attends CBU and I want him to enjoy it as much as I did.
Childhood Dream Job: Performer, it didn’t pan out, but music is a big part of our family.
Personal Anthem: Anything Duran Duran
Personal Motto: “If ‘Plan A’ didn’t work, the alphabet has 25 more letters.”
Ideal Late-night snack: A hot dog in front of Smooth Hermans in 1991 (& then Jaspers for coffee after, of course)!
Bernard Curry – TreasurerOccupation: Chartered Accountant at Hunston Kachafanas CPA Inc.
Program of Study: Bachelor of Business Administration Major Accounting from CBU in 2011+ MBA Community Economic Development from CBU in 2014
Additional Education: Chartered Professional Accountant (CPA) as of February 2017
Currently Enrolled in a 3-year CPA Canada In-Depth Tax Program
What do you love about CBU? “I love the diversity of CBU. I loved the smaller class sizes and the ability to develop a deeper connection and relationships with fellow students and professors. Staying at home (saving money) while attending a world class institution was amazing.”
Childhood Dream Job: Orthodontist
Personal Anthem: God’s Country by Blake Shelton. “Anything Country that gives me a connection to Howie Center (Where I was raised and currently live) and CB in general is right up my alley!!”
Three words that best describe B. Curry: Honest, Loyal and Hard working.
Ideal late-night snack: Chicken wings
Brittany Erickson – SecretaryOccupation: Marketing Manager at Membertou Corporate Division
Program of Study: Bachelor of Arts in Political Science Major from CBU in 2011
MBA in Community Economic Development from CBU in 2013
What do you love about CBU? I’ve spent a decade at Cape Breton University, between my degrees, years of working on campus, and now volunteering, and one thing remains the same – the people who make up the institution truly are the best. I have made life long friendships at CBU, that I am so grateful for.
Childhood Dream Job: When I was young, I wanted to be an artist, and actually loved when my pieces would be on display at my school art shows that took place at Cape Breton University. My favourite things to draw and paint were Winnie the Pooh, and Beanie Babies.
Personal Anthem: Paw Patrol theme song thanks to my 4 year old
Favourite 90s Jam: Saturday Night by Whigfield
Personal Motto: Comparison is the thief of joy.
Ideal late-night snack: Chips – any shape, and size, any flavour. My one true weakness!
Scott Thomas (Past-President)Occupation: Human Rights Officer at Cape Breton University
Program of Study:
What do you love about Cape Breton University & your time spent here? “Cape Breton University has always been a place to call home. Relationships that started as a student continue today. Everyone from your professor to the cafeteria staff were there to offer encouragement. Cape Breton University has been a part of me since day and I am so grateful to have made the choice to come to CBU.”
Childhood Dream Job: To be a race car driver, but I knew that wasn’t going to work out. I always wanted to be a teacher to help people, especially those who were struggling.
Personal Anthem: Wagon Wheel
Favourite 90s Jam: In late 90s it was defiantly a little Smash Mouth …” ALL STAR”
Personal Motto: “Always do what you’re afraid to do.”
Three words that best describe you: Carefree, Passionate, advocate
Ideal Late-night Snack: Peanut Butter Anything
Childhood Nickname: ScottyT
Jennifer BillardOccupation: Student Life and Community Engagement Coordinator at Cape Breton University
Program of Study: Bachelor of Arts Major Philosophy from CBU, 2001. Bachelor of Journalism from University of King’s College, 2002
What do you love about Cape Breton University & your time spent here?: “CBU was comfortable and I quickly realized that was where I belonged, and that feeling has never left me.”
Each day she is lucky to work with our future alumni who showcase the interesting ways the want to contribute to the world.- Past bio
Childhood Dream Job: As a child – vet, meteorologist.
Once I realized math and science weren’t for me – lawyer, government, or entertainment.
Favourite 90s Jam: Did they make music after the 90s? Like A Prayer by Madonna OR I`m Every Woman by Whitney Houston. I can rap the heck out of Shoop, too.
Personal Motto: You can do anything for 10 seconds. (Repeat as necessary.)
Ideal Late-night snack: CHEESE and bread and chocolate. Mostly cheese.
Donnie BurkeOccupation: Executive Director at Nova Scotia Lands Inc.
Program of Study: Diploma in Environmental Technology, CBU 1992
Bachelor of Technology Environmental Concentration from CBU in 1999
What do you love about CBU? The smaller classroom sizes and the quality of the education while able to live home. The comradery and sense of pride in being Capers.
Childhood Dream Job: Police Officer was always a favorite. I believe it was for the sense of doing right and helping others.
Favourite 90s jam: Where the streets have no names by U2
Personal Motto: Always strive to be honest and respectful
Ideal late-night snack: Eggrolls from the Peking
Occupation: Information and Resource Specialist, Nova Scotia Works
Program of Study: Bachelors of Health Sciences, Public Health, May 2017
What do you love about Cape Breton University & your time spent here?: Going to CBU was definitely one of the best decisions I made. I grew as a person and I learnt so much about myself. I really enjoyed the community at CBU, the friendships I formed and the professors I had. I really liked the multicultural aspects CBU offered and the opportunities to be involved in so much. The smaller class size also helped improve my confidence in the classroom and with my public speaking.
Childhood Dream Job: I always wanted to be a doctor since I was a little girl. Most specifically a Paediatrician because I was sick a lot as child and I really love children.
Personal Anthem: My anthem is anything Beyoncé… you name it!
Personal Motto: My personal motto is ‘if you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward”. -MLK, Jr.
Three words that best describe me: Sassy, Extra & Fun
Ideal Late-night snack: Popcorn
Childhood Nickname: Mama
Occupation: Councillor at Membertou First Nation
Program of Study: Bachelor of Arts Community Studies from CBU in 2019
What do you love about Cape Breton University & your time spent here?: The diversity, inclusiveness of every human being who walks through the doors, seen in things like the mix of languages in the Welcoming mural.
Personal Motto: The Creator gives you two ears and one mouth for a reason. The Creator is telling you, you have to listen twice as much as you speak.
What was your childhood nickname: Graham cracker, Graham wafer
Occupation: Retention Coordinator at New Dawn Enterprises
Program of Study: Bachelor of Business Administrations Marketing Concentration from CBU in 2011
What do you love about Cape Breton University & your time spent here?: I loved the class sizes and enjoyed my relationship with my Instructors.
Childhood Dream Job: Wanted to be a police officer, I enjoyed helping people especially those in need.
Favourite 90’s Jam: Keith Sweat – Twisted
Personal Motto: Patience hard work and determination.
Ideal Late-night Snack: Popcorn
Occupation: CBU Student Ambassador and Peer Success Coach; Full-time Student
Program of Study: Bachelor of Arts Major in Communication 2019 Graduate. I will graduate again in Spring 2020 with a Bachelor of Business Administration, major in Marketing.
What do you love about Cape Breton University & your time spent here?: I loved the various opportunities CBU presented to me throughout my years of study. I was constantly getting involved with student life and various campus jobs. By getting involved, I met so many amazing people and truly made the most of my time at CBU.
Childhood Dream Job: As a child, I had a variety of dream jobs which ranged from becoming a fashion designer to a special effect’s makeup artist. Even to this day I am unsure of what I want to pursue; however, I do know I want a job where I can show my creativity and love for design.
Personal Anthem: There are so many songs that I love so it’s difficult to pick a favorite. To list a few: Waterfalls by TLC, Sweet Child O’ Mine by Guns and Roses and Celebrity Status by Marianas Trench.
Three words that best describe you: Creative, kind and honest.
Ideal Late-night Snack: Salt & Vinegar Chips or popcorn
Occupation: CAO, Municipality of the County of Inverness
Program of Study: Bachelor of Business Administration from CBU in 1995. Bachelor of Arts Community Studies from CBU in 1996
What do you love about Cape Breton University & your time spent here?: The life long friends that were made during my time at CBU.
Childhood Dream Job: NHL Hockey Player, because I loved playing Hockey
Personal Anthem: Anything by the Tragically Hip
Personal Motto: Work Hard
Ideal Late-night snack: Popcorn
Occupation: Vice President Marketing and Communications CBU Student Union.
Program of Study: Currently Enrolled in Bachelor of Arts French Concentration expected graduation 2020 with hopes to pursue a Bachelor of Education.
What do you love about Cape Breton University & your time spent here? All of the opportunities available for students on and off-campus and getting to know people around campus!
Childhood Dream Job: As a child, I wanted to be a doctor.
Personal Anthem: My anthem is the Mull River Shuffle, gets me on the dance floor every time!!
Personal Motto: You got this!
Ideal Late-night Snack: chicken fingers and poutine… healthy, I know
