CBU announces $50 million fundraising campaign, Forever CBU

Today, in front of students, alumni, donors, faculty, staff and community members gathered in the Great Hall of the Cape Breton University campus, President David Dingwall officially launched the institution’s largest fundraising campaign in its nearly 50-year history, The Forever CBU campaign.

The Forever CBU campaign is a $50 million national fundraising campaign that is part of an overall $150 million investment into the campus. The campaign is rooted in CBU’s strategic, academic and research plan and will meet the needs and demands of a growing and diverse student body. Through a collection of employees, government, community, alumni and donors, the Forever CBU campaign will change the educational landscape of the Island and create opportunities for growth.

“We have been fortunate to have shared several exciting announcements with the community in the past several months,” says President & Vice-Chanellor David Dingwall. “From transformational funding from the provincial government to a new bachelor of Social Work program to a future medical campus at CBU. And now CBU’s largest fundraising campaign. Collectively, this is going to ensure academic excellence for students and future prosperity for the entire Island.”

The Forever CBU campaign focuses on three areas of support. Scholarships and bursaries to meet the needs of a diverse student body. Campus and community life in health and wellness, sport and recreation, creative arts, and the Centre for Discovery and Innovation.

“We believe that this campaign is strategic, transformational, and most of all, achievable,” says Sara Burke, Vice-President of Development at Cape Breton University. “The largest driver of this campaign and the main focus is students. Forever CBU will create endless opportunities for students to access post-secondary education and will also leave legacy pieces that the community will benefit from through infrastructure and programming.”

President Dingwall also introduced the Forever CBU campaign co-chairs, Annette Verschuren and Lou Maroun. Annette Verschuren is the CEO and chair of NRStor and is Chancellor of CBU, while Lou Maroun is chairman of Sigma Real Estate Advisors/Sigma Capital Corporation and the current chair of the Shannon School of Business Advisory Board.

“I am a proud Cape Bretoner and I credit my roots with giving me the drive to create my path to success,” says co-chair Lou Maroun. “I believe in this campaign and what it will accomplish for CBU and for the Island. That is why my wife, Kathryn and I are donating $1 million to the Forever CBU campaign.”

“I have been Chancellor of Cape Breton University for nearly 20 years and I am extremely proud of that,” says Chancellor Annette Verschuren. “I have witnessed CBU’s growth and accomplishments and I know this campaign will be a success. That is why my husband, Stan and I will be contributing $ 1 million to the Forever CBU campaign.”

In 2022, the CBU Students’ Union signed an agreement to support the Forever CBU campaign.

“As the President of the CBU’s student Union, I am dedicated to advocating for current CBU students, and I am also committed to leaving a legacy for future CBU students,” says Damnpreet Singh, Cape Breton University Students’ Union President. “That is why I am proud to share today that the CBU Student’s Union has committed a $ 1 million pledge to the Forever CBU Campaign.

“CBU’s story is one of hard work, perseverance and community support,” says Sara Burke. “CBU’s story is far from over and this next chapter is bold, ambitious and impactful. As we get ready to celebrate CBU’s 50^th anniversary in 2024, we are inviting you to join us in creating a campus we can all be proud of.”

For more information on the Forever CBU Campaign, visit ForeverCBU.ca