Best of 2020
Date Posted: Dec 21, 2020
Although 2020 has had more than its share of challenges, the Cape Breton University community has come together to find bright spots and forge positive memories throughout the year. Some may feel it would be challenging to put together a “Best of 2020” list, but here at CBU we persevere and find the silver linings in every situation. We hope you enjoy this list of some of the wonderful things that happened at CBU this year. From all of us here at CBU, have a safe and happy holiday and we can’t wait to join you in a fresh start in 2021!
Our Students Excelled Despite the Challenges
No surprise here, our students are known for their hard work and perseverance. Here are a few of our student-highlights for 2020:
- Ciera Disipio Named All-Time Top 8 Academic All Canadian
- The CAPERS Take Home AUS Awards
- Nursing Students Kelsey Muller and Michaela Moore Win First Place in the Country
- Colleen Fraser Shows How to Adapt to Online Learning
- Two Classes Graduated In the Middle of a Pandemic:
Our Faculty Adapted to Provide the Best Online Learning Experience Possible
We would like to give a special shout out to our faculty members who stepped up to the plate and adapted to remote and online teaching throughout the year. Your dedication has made all the difference to our students.
- Karen Foss: Getting Creative with Chemistry
- Lyndsay Best: An All New Learning Experience
- Melissa Deane: Connected from Home
- Scott Moir: An Advantage in Preparation
Our Researchers Worked on Innovative Projects
This is only a sample of the incredible work accomplished by our researchers in 2020. We can’t wait to see the new heights reached in 2021.
- Martin Mkandawire: Rapid COVID-19 Detection System
- Catherine Leviten-Reid: Informing Affordable Housing
- Chantelle Cormier: Two-Eyed Seeing Outreach and Discovery Award
- NSERC Discovery Grants
- Xu Zhang: Canada Research Chair
- Lachlan MacKinnon and Bettina Callary: Funding to Develop Research Spaces
- Jamileh Yousefi: Health Investigator Grant
Together, We Took a Stand Against Racism and Injustice
Anti-racism protests took place across North America in 2020, bringing attention to systemic racism and injustice faced by members of our community. As we look toward 2021, we vow to stand in solidarity and continue to learn and grow as an inclusive institution.
Existing Relationships Were Nurtured and New Partnerships Formed
Here at CBU, collaboration is integral. Partnerships like these help us to reach our strategic goals and better serve the needs of our students and community.
- Mi’kmaw Kina’matnewey MOU Signed
- Sharon Morrison Memorial Award Established
- Pathway Agreements with New Brunswick Community College
- Medical Advisory Committee Formed
- ViaTalenta Group Collaboration
We Continued to Improve Our Campus
Renovations currently in progress will make CBU fully accessible, an important infrastructure redesign that represents an investment in inclusivity for our campus community.
We Launched the Centre for Discovery and Innovation Campaign
The CDI Project will sustain the University well into the future and have significant impacts on Cape Breton Island. With your support, we can help bring this project to life.
We Gave Back to the Community Who Supports Us
During this season of giving, we are proud to have contributed to food banks across the Island, with the help of our wonderful food bank coordinator, and all of the faculty and staff who donated in lieu of a holiday party.
We Announced New Roles
Growth and innovation are so important to the CBU community, and we are thrilled that 2020 brought us four new roles: