CBU awards alumni
Seven people recognized for contributions
The Cape Breton University Alumni Association recently recognized graduates and friends of the university for their contributions to their profession, field of study and community.
The association recently hosted the annual Alumni Awards during a dinner at the CBU campus.
The outstanding young alumni award went to Kori Andrea. Andrea, 24, is a PhD student and is a recipient of the most prestigious graduate scholarship in Canada, the NSCERC Vanier Scholarship. The scholarship allocates $150,000 over three years. She is also an advocate for women in science and was a lead organizer for WISE events, which helps young girls explore science. Receiving the international alumni award was Sohaila Abdo. After moving from her home in Egypt to attend CBU to pursue her bachelor of business administration, followed by her master of business administration in community economic development, Abdo decided to make Cape Breton her new home. She is working with immigrant families.
The volunteer award was presented posthumously to the late Darrell Flynn. Flynn 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. He volunteered with many organizations and served as a CBRM councillor. Flynn passed away in July 2016. In the future, the award will be known as the Darrell Flynn volunteer award.
The community service award went to Alicia Lake. A threetime graduate of CBU, Lake created the Pan Cape Breton Food Hub which focuses on access to sustainable and nutritious local food across the island.
The friend of Cape Breton University award went to Donnie Morrison, who has been the backbone for many successful events for Capers athletics and has helped raise more than $1 million. Morrison was a founding member of the Capers athletics steering committee and led fundraising events.
The recipient of the lifetime achievement award was Ray Ivany, who worked for the betterment of post-secondary education across Nova Scotia. His efforts were critical to the growth and development of CBU, as he led the first strategic plan. 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.
The honorary alumni recognition went to Norm Smith, who worked at CBU 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. He oversaw the establishment of the Jennifer Keeping Centre, the Student Learning Commons and the International and Study Abroad Centre. Smith continues to be a mentor to many students. During the awards dinner, a graduate award was announced in Smith’s name to be award to a student continuing on to postgraduate or doctorate school after graduation from CBU.