From Campus to Career:

CBU Alumni Powering Nova Scotia’s Future


Nova Scotia Power’s recent $5 million gift to Cape Breton University’s Forever CBU Capital Campaign is more than just a generous gift—it’s a testament to the deep-rooted relationship between the two institutions, one that has fueled careers, innovation, and sustainable progress for generations.

For decades, CBU has been a critical pipeline for skilled professionals entering the energy sector at Nova Scotia Power. With more than 4,000 alumni from the Engineering Technology diploma program, the Bachelor of Engineering Technology program, and the Bachelor of Engineering transfer diploma, many graduates have built successful careers at Nova Scotia Power, shaping the province’s energy landscape.

One Alumni is Rob Boone, Manager of Grid Modernization at Nova Scotia Power. Reflecting on his time at CBU, Boone recognizes the University’s role in preparing students for real-world challenges. “Many characteristics of the electric grid are evolving at an unprecedented pace, and innovation is rapidly reshaping the industry,” he says. “Cape Breton University’s new Centre for Discovery and Innovation will help prepare a new cohort of graduates ready to solve the world’s new and exciting challenges. As a proud alumni, I’m inspired by CBU’s leadership in innovation and sustainability, all while remaining deeply connected to Cape Breton’s heritage and culture.”

CBU’s connection to Nova Scotia Power dates back to the early days of coal mining. As the coal industry declined, the Nova Scotia Eastern Institute of Technology—CBU’s predecessor institution—provided Cape Bretoners with retraining in technology and engineering.

Nova Scotia Power employees, CBU leadership and CBU Alumni gather for a photo after the $5 million announcement to the Forever CBU campaign. There are over 70 CBU graduates working at Nova Scotia Power across the Province. Front row – Dr. Stephanie MacQuarrie, Sara Salter Burke, Jeffrey Devoe, President David Dingwall, Mary Black, Shane Condon, Sandra Kanchuk, Grant Petruskavich, Shawn Lively, and Dave Pickles. Back Row – Stewart Whynott, Mark Sidebottom, Rob Boone, Matthew McArthu, Mandy Smith, Milton Howley, Maegan MacDonald, Steve MacLean, and Joseph Kunnackal Varghese

Today, CBU Alumni contribute to Nova Scotia Power at every level, from frontline operations to executive leadership. “Nova Scotia Power employs CBU Alumni throughout our organization, from the leadership team to the men and women who bring power into our homes,” says Peter Gregg, President and CEO of Nova Scotia Power. “To be able to support future generations of alumni in science and technology fields by investing in this new building and creating scholarships is exciting and further strengthens our long history with CBU.”

The $5 million gift will support scholarships for students in science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) fields and help fund the new Centre for Discovery and Innovation. The state-of-the-art facility will feature cutting-edge research and instructional spaces, green technology, and digital infrastructure — ensuring that CBU continues to equip graduates with the skills needed to drive innovation in Nova Scotia and beyond.

The valve in the photo was gifted to the University by the staff at Lingan Power Generating Station. It will be displayed in the Centre for Discovery and Innovation as a symbol of the partnership and history of the two organizations.

With construction set to begin in late 2025, the Centre for Discovery and Innovation represents the future of CBU and the ongoing partnership between the University and Nova Scotia Power. As the energy sector evolves, the strong foundation laid by generations of CBU graduates ensures that Nova Scotia Power remains at the forefront of innovation, sustainability, and progress.

For aspiring engineers and technology professionals, the connection between CBU and Nova Scotia Power is more than just historical—it’s a bridge to opportunity. And with this new investment, that bridge is stronger than ever.

As part of the gift announcement, CBU and Nova Scotia Power produced a video highlighting just a few Alumni currently working at NSP and what this gift to the Centre for Discovery and Innovation means to them.

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