CBU President Delivers Keynote at Luncheon Event – Perseverance and Prosperity: Imagining A Vibrant Future for Our Island

Cape Breton University, in collaboration with the Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce and the Cape Breton Partnership, hosted a special luncheon event titled Perseverance and Prosperity: Imagining a Vibrant Future for Our Island. This gathering brought together members of the business community for an important update on CBU’s current position, the lessons learned along its journey and its vision for the future.

President and Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall, delivered the keynote address, with additional remarks from Megan Penney, CEO of Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce and Tyler Mattheis, President and CEO of Cape Breton Partnership.

“Cape Breton University stands as a resilient and visionary force within this very special community, committed to overcoming challenges and embracing a bold, ambitious future with unity and confidence,” says President Dingwall. “Cape Breton is at a pivotal crossroads, and we must remind ourselves of the past in order to leverage substantial growth for a vibrant future and let our lessons learned carry us forward. We know the best is yet to come, if work together.”

Since its founding in 1974, CBU has served not only as an educational institution but as a cornerstone of community development, emphasizing shared responsibility and collective progress. In the face of adversity, the university has responded with bold, innovative solutions, demonstrating its capacity to lead and adapt.

“Cape Breton University has always shown a strong sense of community-centered leadership,” says Penney. “We at the Chamber are proud partners of CBU and we believe that when we come together with shared purpose and bold vision, we create opportunities that uplift our entire region.”

The luncheon took place on Wednesday, October 29, at 11:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Sydney – Waterfront.

“Cape Breton University continues to lead by example when it comes to building strong, community-driven partnerships,” says Mattheis. “This collaboration reflects our shared commitment to innovation, growth, and creating meaningful impact for the people and businesses of our region.”