Cape Breton University will celebrate the hard work and success of the Fall 2020 Graduating class with the launch of a Virtual Convocation Hub on Saturday, November 7. The website, dedicated to the more than 350 graduates will feature a video premiere comprised of some of the University’s most time-honoured convocation traditions, such as a Mi’kmaw Prayer and Welcoming Song, an address by President and Vice-Chancellor David C. Dingwall, a speech from this year’s Valedictorian, Austin Chapman, and more.
“Convocation is a special time to look back at all that our graduates have achieved while pursuing their studies at Cape Breton University. For our 2020 graduates, they faced an enormous challenge in COVID-19, but that did not stop them from persevering and reaching this milestone,” says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor, Cape Breton University. “I wish these new graduates nothing but the very best as they embark on their next adventure. They should hold their heads high and be proud of this extraordinary feat.”
Walter Alvarez-Bardales, a Master of Business Administration graduate originally from Guatemala says graduating during a global pandemic is bittersweet. “It’s impossible not to be affected by the loss around us, however, I see hope and know that adversity can bring about the best of humanity,” he says. “I believe there is a new sense of unity across the nation and the world, and CBU graduates are ready to make a difference in the world.”
The virtual ceremony will premiere at 2:00pm (AST) on Saturday, and family, friends and supporters from around the world are invited to join in the celebration by tuning into the premiere and cheering on the graduating class. The video will remain available for one month following the release, for those who cannot tune in to the live premiere. The graduating class, made up of students from more than 40 countries, will receive their degrees, diplomas and certificates by mail this year.
A virtual guestbook has already begun collecting signatures from those sharing their pride in the graduating class for demonstrating such resilience in this challenging time. Friends and family of the graduates can send congratulatory messages via social media using #CBUgrad2020 or sign the virtual guestbook at www.cbuconvocation2020.ca