Dr. David Sneddon Volunteer Award

Award Description:

This award recognizes an individual(s) or group who has/have consistently offered their time and expertise to advance a creative arts organization/group/project. Awarded to an active member of a society or group who has donated a significant amount of their time and talent to creative arts projects produced in their community. All aspects of creative contribution may be considered, but the effort must be volunteer in nature and leave an enduring impact on the creative arts community.

About Dr. David Sneddon:

Dr. David Sneddon was a chemist, professor and photographer, an uncommon combination that perfectly captures his diverse talents. A deep thinker, a capable leader and a dedicated artist, Dr. Sneddon seamlessly blended the rigors of scientific exploration with the beauty of creative expression during his time at Cape Breton University.  

Dr. Sneddon emigrated from Scotland to Canada in 1969, pursuing research positions at the Universities of Toronto and Guelph before joining the chemistry department at the University College of Cape Breton (UCCB – now CBU). Though his early career focused on bio-organic chemistry, enzymology and organometallic chemistry, his talents extended well beyond the laboratory. He was a mentor, a leader, and above all, a generous volunteer.

Dr. Sneddon’s connection to the Boardmore Playhouse began in 1981 when he found kindred spirits in Liz and Harry Boardmore. Their friendship sparked his love for theatre, and soon he became the Drama Group’s photographer-in-residence. He created a vibrant and lasting photo record of more than 600 Boardmore Playhouse productions. His black-and-white images, developed in the darkroom with care and precision, became an invaluable record of the Boardmore’s rich theatrical history. With the advent of digital photography, Dr. Sneddon embraced new technology, relishing the ability to instantly refine and perfect his work. His photographs not only documented performances but also preserved the fleeting magic of live theatre, ensuring that every actor, director and crew member had proof of their artistry.

Dr. Sneddon’s acting career began with the production of Hamp, a play about trench warfare in World War I. Though it took a year to rehearse and was performed only once, it was enough to solidify his lifelong relationship with the theatre. Over the years, he took on various roles on and off the stage, always ready to lend his talents where they were needed. 

Liz and Harry recognized Dr. Sneddon’s multitalents and deep appreciation for the community. He understood what it meant to settle in a new place, to redefine oneself and to contribute to something greater. His thousands of photographs immortalize the stories told on the Boardmore stage, preserving the artistry of the countless students, faculty, staff and community members who gave their time and talent to CBU’s creative campus.

Dr. Sneddon often humbly stated that his photography began out of necessity, but his legacy is far greater than simply filling a need. His work exemplifies the spirit of volunteerism, the belief that shared purpose and collaboration create something enduring. Dr. Sneddon’s photographs are a testament to the power of storytelling, the vibrancy of CBU’s artistic community and the fundamental truth that human creativity remains at the heart of the Institution.