On Saturday, May 11, 2019, during the Spring Convocation ceremony, Cape Breton University will confer the degree of Doctor of Letters, honoris causa, on a woman who has played a lead role in the development and advocacy of healthcare in Cape Breton, particularly, in the area of palliative care, Mrs. Patricia Jackson. As well, CBU will confer the degree, Doctor of Letters, honoris causa on a man who has represented Cape Breton Island through music and song across the world, Mr. Bruce Guthro.
“Both Mrs. Patricia Jackson and Mr. Bruce Guthro represent our Island extremely well; one in healthcare and the well-being of community members, and the other in the culture of our traditions and heritage through music and song,” says David C. Dingwall, President & Vice-Chancellor. “Cape Breton University is dedicated to advancing the Island’s prosperity, and both of our honorary degree recipients have played integral roles throughout their career and to continue to represent their island in impactful ways.”
Mrs. Patricia Jackson was born in the UK and moved to Canada with her husband, Dr. Peter Jackson and three-month-old son, Simon, in 1965. Thanks in large part to her efforts over many years, funding was obtained for the first paid palliative care service positions in Cape Breton. Mrs. Jackson can be credited with the establishment of the Hospice Palliative Care Society of Cape Breton County and has worked to secure essential programs, therapy initiatives, staff and volunteer education, and training. As well, she led a major fundraising campaign to establish and furnish the nine-bed An Cala Palliative Care Unit at the Cape Breton Regional Hospital.
“My husband and I first moved to Cape Breton with the intent of only staying one year; 56 years later and we are still here, actively engaged in our community and have come to call Cape Breton our home,” says Jackson. “To be recognized with an honorary degree from Cape Breton University is an absolute honour and I look forward to celebrating the day with all the new CBU graduates at convocation.”
Mr. Bruce Guthro was born and raised in Sydney Mines, Nova Scotia. Mr. Guthro has not only entertained and inspired audiences from across Canada, he has also shared his talents with the world as the lead singer of the Scottish-based Celtic rock band, Runrig, with whom he toured Europe with for more than 20 years. Throughout his career, Mr. Guthro has sold over a million records worldwide and has received countless awards. The widely successful Guthro has remained humble and has always kept his Cape Breton roots strong and proud.
“I have always had a strong connection to Cape Breton and Cape Breton University throughout my career,” says Mr. Bruce Guthro. “To be given this Honorary Doctorate from the University that represents the Island I love so well makes me extremely proud, and I look forward to sharing this with my family, friends and the Island.”
Cape Breton University has been awarding honorary degrees since 1989, and during that time, has welcomed people from around the world, in numerous sectors into our Alumni family.
The 2019 Spring Convocation ceremony will take place at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, May 11, 2019, at the Canada Games Complex.