CBU Receives Four National Awards from the Canadian Council of Advancement of Education

The Canadian Council for Advancement of Education (CCAE) recently presented their 2025 Prix d’Excellence Awards where Cape Breton University was recognized with four national medals for outstanding achievements in institutional advancement. The annual awards program celebrates excellence across key areas such as alumni affairs, public affairs, advancement communications, development services and donor stewardship.

CBU received a gold medal in the Best Community Outreach Initiative category, two silver medals in the Best Special Event and Best Special Initiative categories and a bronze medal in the Best Use of Video/Film – Information category.

“We’re honoured to see Cape Breton University recognized on a national stage for work that reflects the values of our Institution and the spirit of our community,” says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor. “While CBU has previously earned national CCAE awards, receiving four in a single year is truly unprecedented. These awards are the result of extraordinary teamwork across the University, from community outreach and partnership to project planning and student engagement.”

CBU received a Gold Medal in the Best Community Outreach Initiative category for the Growing Forward Together Project, a partnership with ACAP Cape Breton to plant 50,000 trees across Unama’ki-Cape Breton. By the end of 2024, the project exceeded its goal, with more than 68,000 native and climate-adaptable trees planted at 21 locations. The initiative engaged students, faculty, staff, alumni and community volunteers in a collective effort to restore habitats, enhance biodiversity and promote environmental stewardship.

CBU also earned two Silver Medals. The first, in Best Special Event, was awarded for Dreaming Big with Colonel Chris Hadfield, which brought together more than 4,000 students in grades 7-9 from across the Island for an inspiring, STEAM-focused day in collaboration with local school boards.

The second, in Best Special Initiative, recognized the Wanda Robson and African Nova Scotian Students – From Student to Legacy project. CBU unveiled a brass bust of the late Wanda Robson, alumna, Honorary Doctorate recipient and social justice advocate. Created by artist Chippie Kennedy, the sculpture was generously donated to CBU by Senator Wilfred Moore and his wife, Jane Ritcey. The bust is displayed in the newly named Wanda Robson Student Lounge in the CBU Library, serving as a lasting tribute to Ms. Robson’s legacy and her commitment to social justice, equality and advocacy.

The University also received a Bronze Medal in Best Use of Video/Film – Information category for its 50th Anniversary Brand Video. Narrated by faculty member Michael MacDonald, the video reflects on the University’s journey and deep connection to Unama’ki-Cape Breton through the theme “Our Past. Our Story. Our Future.”

“It’s an honour to lead Atlantic Canada in the number of awards received this year and to stand alongside much larger universities with far greater resources,” says Sara Burke, Vice President Development. “Being recognized for all four is a powerful reflection of the meaningful, high-impact work happening across CBU. We are incredibly proud of the teams behind each project and grateful for the recognition at a national level.”

CCAE is a volunteer-led organization that promotes excellence in educational advancement and provides opportunities for networking, professional learning and mutual support. CCAE members represent universities, colleges, polytechnics, institutes, independent schools and cégeps from across the country.