CAP IT ALL OFF
Cape Breton University’s spring convocation features 700 graduates
More than 700 people graduate at Cape Breton University spring convocation.
For the first time in its history Cape Breton University graduates were offered diplomas in their first official languages.
There were 15 parchments handed out in either Mi’kmaw, Gaelic and French.
Seven-hundred students at the Sydney campus received diplomas Saturday in four major fields of study.
Lana-Joy Gould said celebrating heritage is an important aspect of her life.
The 22-year-old nursing graduate wore a beaded stethoscope and matching earrings to pay homage to her Mi’kmaw ancestry.
“My first language is in Mi’kmaw, so I think it’s very powerful to be able receive your diploma that you’ve worked so hard for in your first language,” said Gould.
“That’s the first language that I learned to read and write in.”
The distinctive parchment matches another major accomplishment in Gould’s life as she was among the first class of Mi’kmaw immersion graduates in Eskasoni.
“I’ve always had an interest in the healthcare field,” she said. “The women, and now the men, in my community who are nurses they just always made it seem very rewarding. They always seemed to enjoy their job.
“Today finally feels worth it, all the four years of hard work. It finally feels worth it today.”
Gould said she will continue living in Eskasoni and hopes to attain experience in a hospital setting.
CBU valedictorian Emma Flynn of Baddeck said originally, she had planned to attend a post-secondary institution in a bigger city than Sydney.
She decided to take a few elective courses and fell in love with psychology.
“To go from a school (Baddeck Academy) that small to a bigger school, I think it just would have been terrifying for me,” said Flynn. “This was a nice transition, it wasn’t too much of a jump but a little bit of a leap at the same time.”
The 21-year-old received a bachelor of arts degree Saturday with honours in psychology.
A former lead resident advisor on campus, Flynn, is now looking at master’s programs and would like to pursue a career in developmental or school psychology.
Flynn said she was honoured to represent such as diverse group, as the graduating class was made up of
students from more than 40 countries.
“We desperately need some help with our mental healthcare system here, we just don’t have enough people to work in in, so if I could help where I grew up that would be amazing.”
CBU also bestowed two honorary degrees Saturday. A doctor of letters was conferred upon local conductor Lydia Adams for her work in preserving and evolving musical culture.
A doctor of laws degree was also conferred upon William Downe, the lead director of ManPower Group Inc., for his work in the financial sector.