CBU to Celebrate the Academic Achievements of Largest Graduating Class

Cape Breton University will celebrate the success and academic achievements of its largest graduating class ever with the launch of a virtual convocation hub on Saturday, May 8, 2021. This year’s class includes students from more than 40 countries and the first four graduates of CBU’s Bachelor of Arts and Science in Environment program (BASE), which launched in 2017.

The convocation website, dedicated to the more than 2,000 graduates will feature custom virtual convocation ceremonies for each of the four schools: School of Arts and Social Sciences, Shannon School of Business, School of Science and Technology and School of Education and Health, each with their own specialized address from one of CBU’s honorary degree recipients. In addition to the recorded ceremonies, the website will feature a virtual guestbook where community members can share their messages of congratulations with the graduates.

“Graduation is a time of celebration and reflection, as well as a time of optimism for our graduates,” says President and Vice-Chancellor, David C. Dingwall. “While we never could have imagined we would be celebrating our largest graduating class ever virtually, here we are. And while we wish we could be celebrating in person, we are still so proud. Proud that each and every graduate has persevered during this global pandemic. Proud of the leadership our students continue to show as they learn and grow. And proud that CBU graduates are now prepared to use their critical and innovative thinking skills to better our world.”

Valedictorian Hannah Kosick of Port Morien and one of CBU’s first BASE graduates, says although she wishes she could celebrate with her fellow graduates in person, she is still looking forward to addressing them virtually. “I am so proud to take this step alongside my fellow graduates who have persevered despite the numerous challenges we have faced,” she says. “I cannot wait to see what positive impacts we make here on Cape Breton Island and beyond.”

The virtual convocation hub will be public for one month, allowing graduates, family members and friends to browse at their leisure. The virtual guestbook has already been signed by more than 100 supporters sharing their pride in the graduating class of 2021 for demonstrating such resilience during these challenging times. The graduating class will receive their degrees, diplomas and certificates by mail this year.

CBU will confer the degrees Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, on Dr. Robert Strang, accepting on behalf of public health professionals in Nova Scotia, and Dr. Shiv Sharma. Also, CBU will confer the degrees Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on the Honorable Dr. Mayann Francis, the Honorable Margaret McCain, Mr. Denis Ryan and Mr. Doug MacPhee.

Community members are invited to share congratulatory messages via social media using #CBUGrad2021 or on the virtual guestbook at www.cbuconvocation2021.ca