“CBU Alumni continue to make amazing contributions to society, whether in Cape Breton or in communities around the world,” says Jill McPherson, Chair of the Alumni Awards. “We are proud of all our Alumni family and excited to recognize several Alumni who are doing truly remarkable things in the world.”
Outstanding Young Alumni Award: Kori Andrea – At only 24 years old, Kori Andrea, Ph.D student, has accomplished a lot. Most recently, the Federal Government has announced that Kori has been awarded with the most prestigious graduate scholarship in Canada, the NSCERC Vanier Scholarship. This award allocates $150,000 over the course of three years and is only awarded to a recipient that demonstrates extraordinary leadership skills and scholarly excellence. Kori is also an advocate for women in science and was a lead organizer for WISE events, which helps young girls between the ages of 12 and 16 explore science. Kori is a role model to younger girls and to her peers.
International Alumni Award: Sohaila Abdo – After moving thousands of miles away from her home in Egypt to attend Cape Breton University to pursue her BBA followed by her Master of Business Administration in Community Economic Development, she decided to stay after graduating and make Cape Breton her new home. Sohaila is excelling in her field working with immigrant families and also working to make Cape Breton Island a better place for everyone who chooses to call it home.
Volunteer Award: Darrell Flynn (Posthumously) – Darrell was a proud graduate of CBU. He graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in 1978 and then a Bachelor of Business in 2001. He displayed his degree for everyone to see in the entrance of Swiss Chalet, the restaurant he owned and operated for 29 years. Darrell was dedicated to servicing his community, volunteering with many organizations and serving as a CBRM councillor. Darrell passed away in July 2016. In the future, this award will be known as the Darrell Flynn Volunteer Award.
Community Service Award: Alicia Lake – A three-time graduate of Cape Breton University, Alicia Lake is a self-proclaimed “CBU Biggest Fan.” Alicia used her time at Cape Breton University in the MBA program to create the Pan Cape Breton Food Hub which focuses on access to sustainable and nutritious local food across the Island.
Friend of Cape Breton University Award: Donnie Morrison – For more than 20 years, Donnie Morrison has been a very special friend to CBU through his work and support of CBU athletics over the years. Donnie has been the backbone for many successful events for CAPERS athletics and has helped raise an excess of over 1 million dollars. Donnie was a founding member of the CAPERS Athletics Steering committee and lead fundraising events such as the Fortis Corporate Golf Classic (now known as the Membertou Open) and the Capers Athletics Auction.
Lifetime Achievement Award: Ray Ivany – Ray Ivany is an educational visionary committed to the betterment of post-secondary education across. His efforts were critical to the growth and development of CBU, as he led the first strategic plan. Mr. Ivany chaired the Nova Scotia Commission on Building Our New Economy, which created a 10-year economic blue print, which is commonly referred to as the Ivany Report.
Honorary Alumni Recognition: Norm Smith – Norm Smith worked at Cape Breton University for more than 30 years, starting as an instructor in the business faculty and working the last half of his career as Director of Student Services. Norm’s legacy at the University includes the establishment of the Jennifer Keeping Centre, the Student Learning Commons and the International and Study Abroad centre. Norm was, and continues to be a mentor to many students in encouraging and supporting them to pursue professional and graduate programs to further their field of study. As well, during the awards dinner, an graduate award was announced in Norm’s name to be award to a student continuing on to post-graduate or doctorate school after graduation from CBU.
“Our Alumni make up a key stakeholder group who are not only contributing to their communities and work places, but who have also contributed to the future direction of the University through our recent strategic planning process,” says David C. Dingwall, CBU President and Vice-Chancellor. “Our Alumni family is comprised of more than 22,000 members and represent 44 countries. They are the University’s biggest ambassadors and recognizing and celebrating their successes and contributions is among our top priorities.”
