CBU to Welcome Two New Honorary Degree Members into the Alumni Family

Cape Breton University will confer two honorary degrees on new members as part of the institution’s Fall 2026 convocation ceremony. During the Fall Convocation ceremony, taking place on October 29 at 10:00am, Sandra Germain and Roger Leadbeater will receive Doctor of Laws degrees for their contributions to the fields of work and their impact on the community.

 “Sandra Germain and Roger Leadbeater have each made remarkable contributions in very different ways, but both share a deep commitment to creating opportunities for others,” says President David C. Dingwall, CBU President and Vice-Chancellor. “Sandra’s advocacy for Indigenous learners has transformed access to post-secondary education across Atlantic Canada, while Roger’s leadership in industry and his dedication to Cape Breton University have strengthened educational opportunities and economic development in our region. We are proud to recognize their extraordinary achievements and welcome them into the Cape Breton University alumni family.”

At Cape Breton University, honorary degrees celebrate people whose lives and work reflect the spirit of CBU and the values that define us: courage, cooperation and quality. These individuals challenge convention, open doors for others and make a meaningful difference in their communities and beyond. By recognizing their achievements, CBU honours not only what they have accomplished, but the impact they have had on others and the example they set for future generations. It is a reflection of who we are as a university, rooted in Cape Breton and committed to making a difference in the world.

About the Honourees:

Roger Leadbeater

Raised in New Waterford in a Cape Breton coal-mining family, Roger Leadbeater has built a distinguished career marked by leadership, innovation and an enduring commitment to his home region. After studying geology at the former University College of Cape Breton and earning a Diploma in Safety Engineering Technology from Humber College, he went on to a 32-year career with Royal Dutch Shell. Throughout his career, Roger advanced through a series of senior leadership positions before becoming Canada’s Manager of Operational Health, Safety and Environment. He also played an important role in the development of Nova Scotia’s offshore energy industry, helping foster collaboration among government, industry and academic partners.

Roger’s commitment to Cape Breton University extends well beyond his professional accomplishments. He was instrumental in establishing petroleum-related programming at UCCB and CBU, helping strengthen partnerships between industry and higher education and securing support for applied training and research initiatives. Since 2017, he has provided volunteer leadership to LearnCorp International, serving as Chair since 2019 and guiding its growth into an internationally recognized workforce development organization. Through his leadership, generosity and dedication to community, Roger has created lasting opportunities for students and has contributed significantly to the economic and educational development of Cape Breton.

Sandra Germain

Sandra Germain is a respected Indigenous educator, advocate and community leader whose work has transformed access to post-secondary education for First Nation students across Atlantic Canada. A member of the Listuguj First Nation, Sandra has dedicated her career to creating opportunities that allow Indigenous learners to pursue higher education while remaining connected to their families, communities, cultures and ways of knowing. Through her leadership, Cape Breton University’s In-Community programs were established in communities including Listuguj, Gesgapegiag and Tobique First Nation, opening pathways to education for Mi’kmaq and Wolastoqey students closer to home.

Beyond her work with Cape Breton University, Sandra served for nearly two decades as the first coordinator and recruiter of the Mi’kmaq Wolastoqey Bachelor of Social Work program through St. Thomas University’s off-campus delivery model. She also helped negotiate opportunities for Indigenous students in Listuguj to access in-community teacher education programs. Now retired, Sandra continues to champion Indigenous education and social work as Executive Director of the Mi’kmaq Wolastoqiyik Association of Social Workers and as a longstanding advocate for Indigenous learners. Her legacy is reflected in the generations of students whose educational journeys were made possible through her vision, determination and leadership.