Celebrating 50 Years of Strong, Fierce, Proud at CAPERS Weekend
The celebration of Cape Breton University’s 50th Anniversary continued with the CAPERS Weekend, presented by Protocase, happening from October 4-6, 2024. Students, faculty, staff, alumni, friends and community members gathered to honour 50 years of athletic and recreational excellence at CBU, recognizing the dedication and achievements of those who laid the foundation for today’s thriving programs.
The festivities began with the induction ceremony to Dr. Carl “Bucky” Buchanan CAPERS Hall of Fame, presented by Protocase, at the Boardmore Playhouse. Four inductees, Sarah Drake, Dave MacLean, Dr. Jack Porter and the 2017 CBU CAPERS Men’s Soccer Team were celebrated for their exceptional contributions to the success of the athletics and recreation programs over the past five decades.
On Saturday, October 5, attendees got to witness the CBU CAPERS Basketball teams in action in the exhibition basketball game with Holland College (Women’s) and StFX (Men’s) at the Sullivan Fieldhouse. The evening was filled with celebrations as colleagues, alumni-athletes, friends and family gathered to honour Coach Fabian McKenzie’s 25th Anniversary as head coach of the CAPERS Women’s Basketball team. Throughout his career, Coach Fabe has built a program that has set a standard of excellence, and his legacy extends far beyond wins and losses. Under his guidance and mentorship, countless alumni have grown as leaders and made remarkable strides in their careers and communities.
Doug Connors, CAPERS Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach and John Ryan, Director of Athletics and Recreation, presenting the artwork of Coach Fabian McKenzie. On June 25, 2024, Dr. Keith Brown launched his book, Perseverance Will Triumph: Cape Breton University at 50, in the Yvonne LeVert Hospitality Suite.
Colleagues, alumni-athletes from many generations, family and friends gathered to celebrate Coach Fabe’s 25th Anniversary.
The evening also welcomed the return of the 1994 Men’s Basketball and 2004 Women’s Basketball teams, each marking a milestone anniversary in CAPERS history. Celebrating the 30th Anniversary of the first AUS Men’s Basketball Championship title and the 20th Anniversary of the first AUS Women’s Basketball Championships title, both teams gathered at the Sullivan Fieldhouse to relive their iconic seasons in orange and green.A walk down memory lane, this is a chance to reminisce about campus life, traditions, and the friendships forged in the halls of CBU. The artifacts and displays reinforce CBU’s values of community, diversity, and lifelong learning.
The 1994 CAPERS Men’s Basketball team.
The 2004 CAPERS Women’s Basketball team.The 1994 CAPERS Men’s Basketball team.
The inaugural Nancy Dingwall Memorial Award for Impact was a highlight of the evening’s celebrations. Established by Nancy’s family, this prestigious award honours her legacy as a long-time CBU physiotherapist and community leader. The award recognizes a student-athlete who exemplifies excellence in sports, leadership and commitment to enhancing the well-being of both the University community and the broader Cape Breton area. CBU proudly presented this honour to Mitchell Mersereau, a standout athlete from the Men’s Basketball team, who embodies the values Nancy championed throughout her life. In addition, “Nancy’s Seat” is introduced as a tribute to her dedication and unwavering support for athletic events and her impact on the lives of everyone she encountered.
(L-R): Mitchell Mersereau, recipient of the inaugural Nancy Dingwall Memorial Award for Impact; Leigh Anne Dingwall, Nancy’s daughter; and Doug Connors, CAPERS Women’s Basketball Assistant Coach.
The weekend continued with the regular season varsity soccer game as the CBU CAPERS took on the Acadia Axewomen and Axemen. Community members enjoyed a special meet-and-greet with the CAPERS Hall of Fame inductees and varsity teams. The stands were packed in orange with loud cheers and clappers, showcasing the true spirit of Strong, Fierce, Proud.
Ally Rowe leading the CAPERS Women’s Soccer team to the field.
Adding to the celebratory atmosphere, CAPERS Weekend offered various recreational activities that welcomed participants of all ages and skill levels, including outdoor lawn games, outdoor yoga, a disc golf scramble and a pickleball jamboree. The CBU Cricket Club and the Defenders showcased their talents in an exhibition cricket game at the Ness Timmons Soccer Field. The game introduced many attendees to a sport that, while new to many, is rapidly gaining traction among students and community members alike. With both experienced and new players joining in, the cricket match highlighted the diversity and evolving nature of CBU’s recreation offerings. Many participants and spectators had the opportunity to try cricket firsthand with guidance from the players.
Yann Artur, Manager of Recreation Services, talking to CBU Cricket Club and the Defenders before the exhibition game.
A CBU Cricket Club member in action.
Thank you to everyone for joining us in person or online to celebrate CAPERS Weekend, presented by Protocase. As we celebrate CBU’s 50th Anniversary, we look back with pride, honour the contributions of those who paved the way, share the stories of today and envision the future of CBU over the next 50 years and beyond.
To view more photos from CAPERS Weekend, visit the 50th Anniversary Photo Gallery.
To stay up to date on the 50th celebration, visit cbu.ca/50.