Breton Books, has recently had a scholarship established in his name
The announcement was made during the annual Margaree Canada Day Literary Festival at the Coady Thompkins Library, Margaree Forks. This event is celebrating its 9th annual anniversary of its founding.
“MADA is pleased to participate in recognizing the amazing work of Ronald Caplan by establishing a scholarship in his name,” says Maria Coady, Margaree Area Development Association. “This scholarship will provide a lasting tribute to him as well as provide support to students who wish to further Ronald’s work in celebrating Cape Breton’s history and culture.”
It is truly fitting that this dedication takes place in the Coady Tompkins Memorial Library in Margaree. Moses Coady and Jimmy Tompkins, pioneers of the co-operative movement and adult education, were both born and raised in the Margarees and committed to literacy as a means to a better and lasting future. Ronald Caplan ensures the written and spoken word is preserved.
Ronald Caplan, originally born in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, has made Cape Breton Island his home since 1971. A member of the Order of Canada, Ronald has published more than 150 books under the imprint of Breton Books. Ronald also received his honorary doctorate from Cape Breton University in 1999, among many other accolades, for his exemplary contributions to the oral history of Cape Breton.
“I am grateful to receive an honour such as this–a scholarship that will continue to encourage students at Cape Breton University to study, protect and share the history and natural history of Cape Breton Island,” Caplan commented about the scholarship. “It is very nice to have a scholarship in my name, but I would be remiss if I did not remind everyone that I have worked with Bonnie Thompson for over forty years. She is often the backbone of what has been accomplished as Cape Breton’s Magazine and Breton Books.”
“A phenomenal and fitting scholarship for Cape Breton University,” says Andy Parnaby, a History Professor at CBU and Acting Dean of Arts and Social Sciences. “Ronald is a pioneering oral historian and publisher whose body of work inspires students to engage with the history and culture of Unama’ki/Cape Breton. Our students will benefit enormously from the scholarship.”
