On Thursday April 22, 2021 we celebrated the 2020-2021 CBU Alumni Awards, sponsored by Johnson Insurance.
If you would like to re-watch the award presentation, you can do so by clicking THIS LINK.
Special Thank You to Our Sponsors:
The Cape Breton University Alumni Association (CBUAA) announced the 2020-21 Annual Alumni Award recipients. These awards are presented to deserving graduates and friends of the University who make extraordinary contributions to their profession, field of study, volunteer organization, community (local or global), Cape Breton University or CBUAA.
“Every year that we host these awards, we are continually amazed by the high calibre of Alumni in our family. CBU Alumni continue to make amazing contributions to society, not only in our local community but in communities all around the world,” says Michelle AuCoin, Chair of the Alumni Awards and President of the CBUAA. “We are proud of all our Alumni family and excited to recognize several Alumni who are significantly impacting the world around them.”
The 2020-21 Alumni Award categories and recipients are:
Dr. Samantha Lloy – Outstanding Young Alumni Award
Samantha Lloy graduated in 2013 with a Bachelor of Science degree with a major in Chemistry. Samantha excelled academically during her time at CBU and was involved on campus in various volunteer roles. One of Samantha’s legacies during her time at CBU was co-designing a tartan for the CBU Chemistry Society, which was officially registered with the Scottish Tartans Authority. After graduation, Sam attended medical school at the St. James School of Medicine in Anguilla and since has worked at several hospitals across the United States in Chicago, Pennsylvania and now Des Moine, Iowa where she was accepted into a five-year surgery residency in 2020.
Let’s Talk Science – Friend of Cape Breton University Award
Let’s Talk Science is a national charitable organization committed to inspiring Canadian youth to develop the skills they need to participate and thrive in an ever-changing world. CBU joined the Let’s Talk Science Network in 2010 and had been engaging students, faculty, and staff volunteers in STEM-focused outreach programs ever since. These programs include Mall of Science, Science Literacy Week, Science Fairs, the Bras d’or Watch program and in-class programs in 18+ schools across the Island. This important work has a direct impact on the students who are considering STEM programs for post-secondary education and has shown students in all grade levels that CBU is an exciting, engaging, welcoming and vital part of the community.
Parteek “Gunny” Brar – International Alumni Award
In 2018, Gunny became president of the CBU Students’ Union and not only excelled in his role, but used his position and platform to assist other international students that went above and beyond his official duties. After graduation, Gunny started a full-time job at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital in the Emergency Department. Gunny has been known to help other international students navigate the health system when they find themselves in need of care. Also, he is still active within the international student community in Cape Breton and volunteers his time in food security, off-campus cultural events, and acts as a strong role model for students, young alumni and community members.
Dr. Hilda Tremblett – Honorary Alumni Recognition
Dr. Hilda Tremblett has had a life that would be the envy of many. When she graduated in the 1940’s, she was the only high school female student from Newfoundland to receive a scholarship to attend University. Since then, she has been a trailblazer for women in the medical field, starting with her first days attending McGill University. Hilda held various positions throughout her career and, for many years, was the only women pathologist in Nova Scotia. Hilda eventually settled in North Sydney and worked at the Northside General Hospital for many years. In 1996, Hilda Tremblett created a memorial award, in honour of her parents, for Cape Breton University students in need of financial assistance. She has impacted countless students through her long-standing scholarship and recently made a generous commitment for future generations of students in the form of a planned gift to Cape Breton University.
Gail Jones – Darrell Flynn Alumni Award
If you have attended a CBU Alumni event in the last 25 years, the chances are that Gail Jones was the first face you saw at the welcome or registration table. Gail has worked at CBU in various capacities for nearly 30 years and has played a crucial role in many initiatives and programs throughout her career. Her institutional knowledge is invaluable, not just for Cape Breton University, but she is also able to provide historical insight on the Alumni Association through the years. Some events that Gail has volunteered for over the years include Alumni golf tournament committee, athletics auctions, CBU Night at the Nest, Alumni holiday socials, fundraising and donor events, AUS sporting events, just to name a few.
Jeff Ward – Community Service Award
Jeff Ward is the General Manager of the Membertou Heritage Park and is responsible for sharing Mi’kmaq culture with the world. He welcomes hundreds of people to Membertou every year and allows visitors to experience first-hand the beautiful Mi’kmaq culture. Jeff also plays a key role within the youth community in Membertou, both through his official duties, but in a volunteer capacity as well. This includes the Youth Chief and Council and a new program called LOVE, which stands for Leave Out Violence and focuses on living a healthy life without violence. Jeff has also been involved in countless community events such as the Membertou Pow Wow and community banquets.
Lori MacMullin – Lifetime Achievement Award
Lori is a three-time CBU alumna who has contributed to the distance education field for nearly 30 years. In 2002, Lori became president and co-owner of the Centre for Distance Education, and under her strong leadership, that organization is a true Cape Breton success story. As a business leader in the community, Lori is continually looking for opportunities for growth and development within the education field and plays the role of volunteer, donor, and advocate for many non-profit organizations. Lori lives by CBU’s core values of courage, cooperation, and quality in all that she does, and her drive to improve herself professionally has inspired many in her profession to pursue further education.
“Our Alumni make up a key stakeholder group who are not only contributing to their communities and work places, but who have also contributed to the future direction of the University,” says David C. Dingwall, CBU President & Vice-Chancellor. “Our Alumni family is comprised of members across the world, represented by more than 50 countries. They are the University’s biggest ambassadors and recognizing and celebrating their successes and contributions is among our top priorities.”
