Eleanor Sidley and the Long-Awaited Week of Welcome

After completing her Bachelor of Hospitality and Tourism Management degree at Cape Breton University, Eleanor Sidley knew she wasn’t ready to leave Cape Breton and head home to Ontario. The strong sense of community, beauty of the Island and opportunities available to her kept her rooted in Cape Breton. She maintained her connection to CBU, getting involved with various events and initiatives before eventually taking on the role of Student Life and Community Engagement Coordinator. Now she gets to share her passion for CBU and Cape Breton with the next generation of incoming students as the lead organizer of CBU’s Week of Welcome and other fun campus events. 

“Whether it’s a small lunch and learn session or a giant event like Diwali, I work with folks from across campus to make sure the student experience is the best it can be,” says Eleanor. “I think what motivated me to apply for this role was knowing how big of a role student events played during my time at CBU. I want to help create those great memories for the new Capers!” 

Week of Welcome is CBU’s first big event of the year on campus, and is always a favourite of both new and returning students. “Participating in WOW events gives students a chance to meet friends, learn about what supports and activities are available, find their way around campus and have some fun before classes begin,” Eleanor says. “This year, students can expect many great events from school orientations and virtual reality nights to our home opener soccer games which are always tons of fun.” 

After nearly two years of online and hybrid learning, a return to campus brings renewed energy and vibrancy to CBU. For Eleanor, this couldn’t be a more exciting time. “CBU has such an amazing energy on campus that we’ve all been missing while the students were away,” she says. “All of the staff and faculty are so excited to have students back on campus. After months of preparation, we’re so excited to see everyone!”

To view the full Week of Welcome schedule, visit cbu.ca/wow

To check out other great events happening all year long on campus, visit cbu.ca/events