The Canadian Council for Advancement of Education (CCAE) recently presented their 2025 Prix鈥痙鈥橢xcellence Awards where Cape Breton University was recognized with four national medals for outstanding achievements in institutional advancement. The annual awards program celebrates excellence across key areas such as alumni affairs, public affairs, advancement communications, development services and donor stewardship.
CBU received a gold medal in the Best Community Outreach Initiative category, two silver medals in the Best Special Event and Best Special Initiative categories and a bronze medal in the Best Use of Video/Film – Information category.
鈥淲e鈥檙e honoured to see Cape Breton University recognized on a national stage for work that reflects the values of our Institution and the spirit of our 福利免费在线看,鈥� says David C. Dingwall, President and Vice-Chancellor. 鈥淲hile CBU has previously earned national CCAE awards, receiving four in a single year is truly unprecedented. These awards are the result of extraordinary teamwork across the University, from 福利免费在线看 outreach and partnership to project planning and student engagement.鈥�
CBU received a Gold Medal in the Best Community Outreach Initiative category for the Growing Forward Together Project, a partnership with ACAP Cape Breton to plant 50,000 trees across Unama鈥檏i-Cape Breton. By the end of 2024, the project exceeded its goal, with more than 68,000 native and climate-adaptable trees planted at 21 locations. The initiative engaged students, faculty, staff, alumni and 福利免费在线看 volunteers in a collective effort to restore habitats, enhance biodiversity and promote environmental stewardship.
CBU also earned two Silver Medals. The first, in Best Special Event, was awarded for Dreaming Big with Colonel Chris Hadfield, which brought together more than 4,000 students in grades 7-9 from across the Island for an inspiring, STEAM-focused day in collaboration with local school boards.
The second, in Best Special Initiative, recognized the Wanda Robson and African Nova Scotian Students – From Student to Legacy project. CBU unveiled a brass bust of the late Wanda Robson, alumna, Honorary Doctorate recipient and social justice advocate. Created by artist Chippie Kennedy, the sculpture was generously donated to CBU by Senator Wilfred Moore and his wife, Jane Ritcey. The bust is displayed in the newly named Wanda Robson Student Lounge in the CBU Library, serving as a lasting tribute to Ms. Robson鈥檚 legacy and her commitment to social justice, equality and advocacy.
The University also received a Bronze Medal in Best Use of Video/Film – Information category for its . Narrated by faculty member Michael MacDonald, the video reflects on the University鈥檚 journey and deep connection to Unama鈥檏i-Cape Breton through the theme 鈥淥ur Past. Our Story. Our Future.鈥�
鈥淚t鈥檚 an honour to lead Atlantic Canada in the number of awards received this year and to stand alongside much larger universities with far greater resources,鈥� says Sara Burke, Vice President Development. 鈥淏eing recognized for all four is a powerful reflection of the meaningful, high-impact work happening across CBU. We are incredibly proud of the teams behind each project and grateful for the recognition at a national level.鈥�
CCAE is鈥痑 volunteer-led organization that promotes excellence in educational advancement鈥痑nd鈥痯rovides opportunities for networking, professional learning and mutual support. CCAE members represent universities, colleges, polytechnics, institutes, independent schools and鈥痗茅geps鈥痜rom across the country.