Award-Winning Alumni
Vital Excellence Awards
This January, more than half of the winners honoured with a Vital Excellence Award were Cape Breton University alumni. The Vital Excellence Awards, organized by NextGen Cape Breton, celebrate remarkable contributions to the community in Cape Breton and highlight individuals who not only excel in leadership and innovation but also foster positive change within their workplaces and local communities.
Among the alumni recognized were Jordan Pike, who started Cape Breton’s Burger Bash, Emily Dueck who leads marketing campaigns for Anchored Ideas and serves on local Boards, Jeff MacNeil, who has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for the YMCA of Cape Breton and Robert Casey, who will soon be a social worker in his community of Eskasoni and works to share his Indigenous culture around Cape Breton and beyond.
These individuals have been at the forefront of driving meaningful change, each in their own unique way. The Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce also won in an employer category and 100% of its staff are CBU Alumni. Similarly, TriMac, a family-owned business, won as well and all three owners, two brothers and their father, went to CBU as well as many of their employees.
The award winners also included Indigenous Celtic fusion artist Morgan Toney, Lauren Tran who works at Canada’s number 1 ranked golf course - Cabot Cape Breton, Lefin Chacko an engineer helping build Cape Breton’s newest cancer centre, and Paul Ratchford’s not-for-profit, Clifford Street Youth Centre, which aims at reducing childhood poverty. These exceptional alumni demonstrate a dedication to their respective fields continue to inspire future generations of leaders.
The event, which was made possible thanks to the generous support of presenting sponsor Re/Max Parkplace, which is owned and operated by Alumni Valarie Sampson.
The Vital Excellence Awards not only recognizes outstanding individuals but this year it underscored the far-reaching impact of CBU graduates who are committed to shaping a brighter, more inclusive future for Cape Breton and beyond. Congratulations to all winners and best of luck!
More than half of the awards winners for the 2024 Vital Excellence Awards were CBU Alumni.
The team at TriMac accepts their Vital Employer Excellence Award.
Morgan Toney, Vital Lnu'k Excellence Award Winner, accepting his award for his dedication to culture and music.
Robert Casey, Vital Lnu'k Excellence Award Winner, with his Mom and wife Riveria.
Lefin Paruvaparampil Chacko, winner of the Vital Newcomer Excellence Award.
Lauren Tran, Vital Newcomer Excellence Award Winner, is committed to her work at Cabot Cape Breton.
Jordan Pike, Vital Excellence Award Winner, the heart and soul behind Cape Breton Burger Bash.
Jeff MacNeil, Vital Employee Excellence Award Winner, raised vital funds for the YMCA of Cape Breton.
Emily Dueck (MacLennan), Vital Employee Excellence Award Winner helps countless businesses and organizations achieve their goals.
Paul Ratchford, Lead Volunteer with Clifford Street Youth Center, Accepts the Vital Organization Award Winner.
Valarie Sampson, owner and operator of RE/MAX Park Place Inc., was the presenting sponsor of the event.
The Cape Breton Regional Chamber of Commerce, receives the Vital Employer Excellence Award.
Chen Lu, Vital Newcomer Excellence Award Winner, accepts his award from CBU’s Development Officer Alumni Relations – Mark Inglis