Welcome, New Alumni!

On November 7, Cape Breton University celebrated the hard work and success of the Fall 2020 Graduating class during a Virtual Convocation ceremony.

The online ceremony, dedicated to the more than 350 graduates, featured 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 President Dingwall. “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.”

Alumnus 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.”

Each year, CBU welcomes new members into the Alumni Family. Graduates make up a network that spans the globe. Graduates from CBU’s predecessor institutions, Xavier Jr. College, Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology, College of Cape Breton and University College of Cape Breton.

One of our newest members and the Fall Convocation 2020 Valedictorian, Austin Chapman, has this to say about becoming a CBU Alumni.

“Family, that is what we are. Although we may come from many different backgrounds, programs, degrees, faith, cultures and countries, we are still one.”

The video of the virtual ceremony, along with a digital guest book will be available for the month of November on the CBU Convocation website.