Cape Breton University’s Rebecca Seymour Named McCall MacBain Scholar

Cape Breton University is proud to announce that Rebecca Seymour (BA’26) has been selected as a McCall MacBain Scholar at McGill University, becoming the first CBU student to receive this prestigious recognition. Rebecca is one of 20 Canadians selected to join the sixth cohort and one of three recipients from Nova Scotia this year.

Established with a historic $200 million gift in 2019, the McCall MacBain Scholarships are Canada’s largest leadership-based scholarships for master’s and professional studies. More than 700 Canadian students applied for the opportunity, with only 91 finalists invited to attend final interviews in Montreal in March.

“Rebecca’s selection as CBU’s first McCall MacBain Scholar is a testament to the exceptional calibre of our students and the transformative experiences they gain here,” says David Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor of Cape Breton University. “Her leadership, commitment to community and dedication to making a meaningful impact exemplify everything we hope to cultivate in our students. We are incredibly proud of Rebecca and excited to see the difference she will continue to make.”

A Political Science student, Rebecca served as Executive Vice President of the CBU Students’ Union and chaired Students Nova Scotia, an advocacy group representing more than 20,000 students across the province. She also serves on the board of directors of Glace Bay Food Bank, where she recently helped secure a grant from Ocean Wise to host gardening workshops for clients.

“I couldn’t believe it when I was selected. I was at work when I found out and immediately ran out of the office to share with my coworkers,” says Rebecca. “I am still not sure if it has fully sunk in that I will be the first McCall MacBain Scholar from CBU!”

Rebecca will enter the Master of Public Policy program at McGill this fall, where her scholarship will cover tuition, living stipends and relocation, and provide mentorship, coaching and leadership program activities. Recipients like Rebecca are chosen based on exceptional character, community engagement, leadership potential, entrepreneurial spirit, academic strength and intellectual curiosity.

Applications for the 2027 cohort will open in June 2026. More information about the McCall MacBain Scholarships can be found at mccallmacbainscholars.org.