Spring 2012 - Cape Breton University

distinction
Rany Ibrahim
spring 2012
Making His
MaRk
2010 – 2011 CIS Academic All-Canadian
Al Alilovic
Kaelyn Burke
Hilary Cummings
Kyla Cunningham
Yianni Harbas
Scott Jaspers-Fayer
Alyssa Kavanaugh
Jahlica Kirnon
Luciann Lahey
Justine MacNeil
Heather Marsh
Robbyn McNeill
Katherine Mills
Nicholle Morrison
Janine Muise
Sam Sanders
Caitlyn Shaw
Sabrina Solymor
Gregg Whiting
Chantelle Zawila
Jonah Gardikiotis
What’s Inside
Winter 2012
Distinction is published by:
CBU External
Editor
Crystal Aboud-Mahar
Production/graphic Coordinator
Gail Jones
Layout & Design
Sarah Crewe
Gail Jones
Photography
Warren Gordon
Yvonne Jessome
Vaughan Merchant
Anita Morrison
John Ratchford
Contributors
Crystal Aboud-Mahar
Becky Chisholm
Meghan Finney
Doug MacKenzie
Paula MacNeil
Shawnee Shepherd
Lindsey Smith
Some of what you’ll read about...
Cover story
Rany IbRahIm – makIng hIs maRk
Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment
8
Alumni Awards
9
Sustaining Culture at CBU
12
Australian College of Kuwait
15
It Can All Change In an Instant
18
Aysha Khaliq - A Remarkable CBU Experience
22
Providing an Electrifying Educational Experience
26
Athletic News
27
Fashionably Leaving an Entrepreneurial Footprint
30
From the Editor
international basketball tournament
and our alumni are doing business
globally, making a name for
themselves and shining a light on the
value of a Cape Breton University
education. Not to mention the
countless agreements CBU has with
partners around the world.
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Distinction
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6
C
BU’s evolution can be credited
to many different things, but
a huge part of that is the increase
in our international presence. All
you have to do is flip through these
pages to witness just how global
CBU has become. Not only do we
have 1,000 international students
from 27 countries, but we hosted an
We are very proud of how multicultural and global CBU has become
and look forward to building on that
success. As a member of our alumni
family, this means your network
has grown, and there are branches
of CBU that you can climb to in all
corners of the globe. Although it
may sometimes be difficult to reach
beyond your comfort zone and
“branch out,” the risk is, most times,
worth the reward. As Frank Scully
said, “Why not go out on a limb? Isn’t
that where the fruit is?”
Cheers,
Crystal Aboud-Mahar
BACS, BBA ’01, BPR
Editor
alumni President’s Message
than they are today. I look forward
to continuing our close working
relationship with the University’s
External Department, to help fulfill our
mission and to build a stronger and
more influential organization.
I
am proud and excited to begin my
term as the CBU Alumni Association
President. During my term, I want to
ensure the ties between CBU Alumni
and the University are even stronger
Just prior to exams starting this past
December, I went for a walk around
the CBU campus. Three powerful
things were evident. First was the
physical growth that has occured on
campus since I was student 30 years
ago. Second was the diversity of our
student population, especially the
Aboriginal and international presence.
Third was the strong sense of
FAMILY I felt from the interaction and
camaraderie of the students, faculty
and staff.
lives. Our alumni have, and continue
to make, lasting impacts on their
professions and communities and
bring recognition to Cape Breton
University...and that is great news!
In closing, I am excited to work with
the great group of individuals serving
on the alumni board, those in CBU’s
External Department and, of course,
you. This team will work together
to accomplish the plans set out to
connect with Alumni, to support and
encourage current students and to
grow the association with CBU.
Derrick Hayes, MBA ’05, BBA ’81
Alumni President
As with any family, we want to
celebrate the successes in both
your personal and professional
alumni Officer’s Message
a
ll you have to do is walk down
the halls of CBU to notice the
leaps and bounds we have made over
the last decade under the leadership
of President John Harker. Some of
you may have heard that President
Harker will be leaving CBU at the end
of this year. We, as a university, can
thank him and the fine people he has
surrounded himself with, for the many
changes and forward thinking we see
on campus today, and that will benefit
us well into the future.
In January, CBU welcomed 75
students from Papua New Guinea.
This is one example of the diversity
of our campus. CBU students of all
ages, interests and areas of study are
learning and working together and
becoming catalysts of change. Their
fresh perspectives and determined
attitudes give the University its
dynamic character.
4 | CBU Distinction
Diversity in our student population
translates directly into a diverse
alumni family. Every year we are
growing larger, stronger and populate
the globe further. Wherever you go or
your dreams may take you, you can
be sure that you are never alone, the
Orange Army is invading countries
one t-shirt at a time!
Lindsey Smith, BACS ’07
Alumni Development Officer - External
alumni around the World
The CaPER continues to
collect passport stamps
T
he CAPER continues his quest
around the world visiting CBU
alumni on their own adventures. Leave
a little extra room for the CAPER in
your suitcase and be sure to snap a
few photos with him wherever you may
go.
There is a CAPER on the back of this
issue. Take a high resolution photo of
yourself and the CAPER in a unique
setting on your travels and then email
your photos to the alumni office.
Please attach a brief note indicating
where the CAPER is and what he
is doing, and we will try to include
your photos in the next edition of
Distinction!
Wedding bells are ringing, CaPER
attends nuptials!
While in Rome, the CAPER received
his wedding invitation to Sharalee
Dempster, BA ’07, and Randall Ruiz’s,
BACS ’07, wedding in Guanacaste,
Costa Rica. The couple shared their
beautiful ceremony on the beach
with more than 50 friends and family.
The guests included three CBU
alumni - Mandy Morgan, BSc ’07;
Miranda Munro, BA ’07; and Lindsey
Smith, BACS ’07, who stood as
bridesmaids. Since graduating from
CBU, these ladies try to get together
each year. They sure made this a trip
to remember. Highlights included
a 10km hike in Ricon National
Park, where they swam under a
waterfall, saw volcanoes, thermal
mud pools and wild monkeys. The
four are currently planning their next
excursion!
CbU alumnus george macDonald
(BSc ’89) travelled to Sierra Leone
to visit Canadian Forces members
working with the British IMATT
(International Military Assistance
Training Team). He had a picture
taken with the CAPER in Freetown,
Sierra Leone. Behind him is the
famous “Cotton Tree.”
Sharalee, Miranda, Lindsey & Mandy taking a dip with the CAPER
George MacDonald in Freetown, Sierra Leone
Where is the CaPER now?
Let us know by contacting lindsey_smith@cbu.ca.
Spring 2012 | 5
Rany Ibrahim –
Making His
MaRk
I
t was a year filled with moments
that captivated people from
around the world. From the outset,
2011 was quite the year – the Royal
Wedding happened, the occupy Wall
street movement spread globally,
and let’s not forget the Egyptian
Revolution. For Rany Ibrahim, mba
’06, it was indeed significant, not
6 | CBU Distinction
only because of the inspirational
movement that took place in his
home country of Egypt, but also
because it was the year that he
proudly became a Canadian citizen.
attributing his current success to his
decision to move to Canada to study
and live, Rany now calls halifax,
ns, home. The official date that he
became a Canadian citizen may
have been april 14, 2011, but it was
long before then that he considered
himself a Canadian. “The decision to
move to Canada triggered so much
energy in me, which allowed me to
discover and explore dimensions
within my abilities that opened all
Cover Story
kinds of opportunities and enabled
me to approach them with a Can Do
attitude,” he says. “It was an amazing
feeling becoming a Canadian citizen.
My emotions were so high that they
brought tears to my eyes. It is a huge
step for anyone to be a citizen by
choice of any country. I felt home and
that I belonged to Canada way before
that day.”
More of an advocate than an
observer, Rany is passionate
about human rights, freedoms and
is this approach that has enabled
him to be successful in many of his
endeavours, from his scholastic
experience through to his professional
career and everything in between.
“I tend to think big, take calculated
chances and think outside of the box.
I always think strategically and see the
big picture, linking it to the anticipated
end results. I have a natural eagleeye look to situations and businesses
and can recommend best long-term
strategic positioning. I enjoy building
relationships and connecting people
do, or where I can go. Also, CBU,
as a community oriented university,
inspired me to have a community link
to everything I do in my career,” he
says.
In only a few years, Rany has
managed to accomplish lots to be
proud of. He received the 2011
GO Newcomer Award presented
by FUSION Halifax that recognizes
a newcomer to Canada who has
been in Halifax for less than five
years and has made a progressive
“as a global citizen, I’ve traveled, lived and worked in many places around the world.
Canada stands out as a country that is very welcoming to people from all over the
world, regardless of what your beliefs are.”
democracy, so much so that it is the
subject matter for his Ph.D. research
project on Egypt. The Egyptian
Revolution was monumental for
Rany’s countrymen, and although
he was an ocean away from the
events, he knew he had to support the
uprising in Egypt. The Halifax Egyptian
Revolution rallies were a result of his
enthusiasm, vision and determination.
“The idea for the Rallies came to
me while watching the crowd march
toward Cairo’s Tahrir Square on
TV from my home in Halifax. I felt
that I had to do something and get
involved to support this movement,
one that I have always dreamed of
happening someday – freeing our
people. I started calling Egyptians in
Nova Scotia, human rights groups,
organizations, government and media
to organize rallies across the province
to express our feelings and gather
international public support for this
new movement toward democracy.
It wasn’t a coincidence that I chose
Halifax Grande Parade, the birth
place of parliamentary democracy in
Canada 250 years ago, for what we
called Nova Scotia’s Tahrir Square.”
Rany organized three rallies that
successfully raised awareness about
the revolution and garnered coverage
from local and international media
outlets, including CNN.
Admirably, Rany is a real go getter
who prefers to think differently. It
and businesses with opportunities.”
Rany currently works full-time with the
Nova Scotia provincial government,
managing the marketing program for
the Office of Immigration. He is also
a part-time professor of International
Business Strategy at Dalhousie
University and a Ph.D. scholar.
In his worldly travels he has met many
people who are interested in moving
to Canada, and he tells them, “As
a global citizen, I’ve traveled, lived
and worked in many places around
the world. Canada stands out as
a country that is very welcoming
to people from all over the world,
regardless of what your beliefs are.”
Rany believes that it is the mosaic of
cultures from around the world that
creates the Canadian identity.
Although he graduated from CBU
seven years ago, Rany is still active
in the University community. He sits
on the Cape Breton University Senate
and brings his diverse experience
to the CBU Board of Governors as
a recently appointed member. He
remembers his time at CBU fondly
and notes that his time at CBU is
instrumental to who he is today. “My
experience at CBU in and outside of
the classroom helped in reshaping
my skills and enriched my interests.
It provided mentorship that prepared
me to acknowledge and believe that
there are no boundaries to what I can
leadership impact on Halifax. Always
one to push the boundaries, Rany
favours an exploratory way of living.
He recognizes that there are risks
involved in living this way. However,
the rewards are much greater making
it all worthwhile. Although satisfied
in his current role, with his drive and
positive outlook, those who know
Rany wouldn’t be surprised if one day
he holds a position in political office.
“I aspire someday to be part of the
decision-making circle in government,
an international organization that
serves humanity, or maybe as a
politician, if I was in the right place at
the right time. I like to serve people
and stand for what I believe is right.
My friends have always told me that
this move won’t surprise them if it
happened one day.”
Even though it seems that Rany
is heavily involved in professional
and community-minded initiatives,
he still finds time for himself. He
enjoys reading, hiking, camping, the
outdoors, traveling and live music.
As many of us can relate, being away
from home can be difficult, and he
says that he misses The Nile, family
and youth friends the most. But with
a focus on the future, lots of support
and great friends in Canada, Rany is
making his mark.
Spring 2012 | 7
Verschuren Centre Opens on CBU Campus
The Verschuren Centre for Sustainability in Energy and the Environment Advisory Board as well as the Shannon School of Business Advirosry Board and members of a
delegation from China.
O
n November 4, 2011, to the
rousing voices of Cape Breton’s
own, and North America’s only, coal
miners’ choir, The Men of the Deeps,
Cape Breton University celebrated
the opening of its newly constructed
Verschuren Centre for Sustainability
in Energy and the Environment.
The opening of this $31.7 million
facility, dedicated to researching
sustainable sources of renewable
energy and environmental remediation
technologies, created a global legacy
for CBU.
This 35,000 sq. ft. facility, which
stands at the front of the University
campus, is designed to investigate,
and bring to market, commercial
possibilities for sources of clean,
renewable energy and environmental
remediation techniques. When one
considers Cape Breton Island’s rich
history of coal and steel production,
it is fitting that CBU should be
home to such a research facility.
Cape Breton’s geography and
geology offer a range of research
opportunities for sustainable energy,
management. The Chair in Mine
Water Management has been
in place for the last year and a
search is underway to find suitable
candidates for the remaining chairs,
including the newly announced
Lockheed Martin Chair in Renewable
Energy. Tom Digan, President and
General Manager of Lockheed
Martin Canada, was on hand during
the event to announce Lockheed
Martin’s support for CBU, through
their commitment to the Hybrid
Willow Demonstration Project, a
“The world is turning to Nova Scotia to learn how to build ships,
how to live green and how to prosper in today’s economy, thanks
to the leadership of outstanding citizens like Annette Verschuren.”
During the ceremony, the facility was
aptly named the Verschuren Centre,
in recognition of CBU Chancellor
and fundraising chair for the project,
Annette Verschuren. Ms. Verschuren
championed the project from its early
days and her message of, “Imagine
the Possibilities” resonated with all
levels of government and corporate
Canada. Her message clearly
demonstrated commitment to, and
belief in, the value of a research and
education centre that could turn Cape
Breton’s liabilities into opportunities.
8 | CBU Distinction
including geothermal, ocean, wind,
biomass and clean energy from
extensive coal deposits. Also, with
millions of dollars in remediation
activities of local industrial sites
underway, the Verschuren Centre
will continue to advance the legacy
of environmental research and
innovation.
Specifically, the Verschuren Centre
will house research chairs working
in the areas of renewable energy,
environmental remediation, clean
carbon energy and mine water
project investigating the potential
use of hybrid-willow as a renewable
energy source. Mr. Digan stated
that, “Lockheed Martin is pleased to
be expanding our relationship with
Cape Breton University by becoming
the first Chair in Renewable Energy
at the Centre for Sustainability in
Energy and the Environment. Nova
Scotia offers great potential for
technology development across a
variety of solutions and the CSEE
demonstrates a commitment to
pursuing these advancements.”
TY
ENT
NM
IRO
ENV
THE
CSEE
The Verschuren Centre plaque is unveiled by Premier Darrell Dexter and CBU
Chancellor, Annette Verschuren.
Cape Breton University took the
opportunity during this special
day to introduce its newly formed
Verschuren Centre Advisory Board.
Chaired by Dr. A. Kevin Francis,
President and Chief Executive Officer
of CenterBeam, board members
include J.D. (Jim) Irving, President of
J.D. Irving Limited; Dan Christmas,
Senior Advisor with Membertou;
Dr. Rafik Loutfy, Director,
Xerox Centre for Engineering
Entrepreneurship & Innovation; John
Lynn, Chief Executive Officer of
Enterprise Cape Breton Corporation;
George W. MacDonald, Q.C.,
Counsel in the Halifax office of
McInnes Cooper; R. Keith MacLeod,
President of Sproule Associates
Limited; and Gail RudderhamChernin, Q.C., The Breton Law
Group. Ex-officio members include
CBU Chancellor, Annette Verschuren,
President and Vice-Chancellor,
Dr. John Harker and CSEE Chief
Operating Officer, Dr. Ross McCurdy.
This advisory board will meet twice a
year on the CBU campus and provide
advice and support to the Centre.
The construction of the new
Verschuren Centre was made
possible with the generous support
of nearly $15.03 million from the
New CSEE building.
Government of Canada, through
its Knowledge Infrastructure
Program (KIP), the Nova Scotia
government, Cape Breton University
and private investors. R&D and
commercialization programming at
the Centre received another $16.65
million from Enterprise Cape Breton
Corporation, the province of Nova
Scotia, Cape Breton University and
private donors.
"Nova Scotia - specifically, Cape
Breton - is becoming a centre of
excellence for developing clean,
renewable energy and for restoring
industrial sites to their earlier pristine
states," said Nova Scotia Premier
Darrell Dexter. "The world is turning
to Nova Scotia to learn how to build
ships, how to live green and how to
prosper in today's economy, thanks
to the leadership of outstanding
citizens like Annette Verschuren."
With its green design, solar panels,
geothermal system and wind
turbines, combined with efficiencies
built into every aspect of the
building’s design, the Centre is
considered highly efficient, realizing
an estimated 50 per cent decrease
in consumption in energy compared
to similar buildings. Built to Gold
LEED standards, the space houses
modern, sustainable lab facilities,
collaborative work areas, a 144-seat
lecture theatre and areas for research
chairs to conduct their projects in
ideal development circumstances.
Formalities of the opening concluded
with President Harker, Government of
Canada Minister Peter MacKay and
Premier Dexter cutting a ceremonial
ribbon reflecting the colours of
Cape Breton University and Cape
Breton Island. The capacity audience
was then treated to the young and
melodic voices of the Glace Bay Glee
singing group as they joined The Men
of the Deeps.
“At the time we set out on this
journey, I advocated that CBU have
a gateway building that would speak
to our unique capacity to support
related social, environmental,
economic and educational objectives
through the establishment of the
Verschuren Centre. I could not be
prouder of this outstanding facility,
a testament to a wonderful spirit of
partnership between the Federal
and Provincial governments and
CBU,” stated President and ViceChancellor, Dr. John Harker.
Spring 2012 | 9
alumni awards
(l-r) Robert Redshaw, Carl "Bucky" Buchanan, David Dingwall and Scott Thomas
On Thursday, October 13,
2011, the CBU alumni
association celebrated the
accomplishments of four
distinguished individuals at
the 2011 alumni awards gala
at Cape Breton University.
T
he annual Alumni Awards
Dinner is an event that truly
fuses the pillars of priority for
both the Alumni Association and
the University: to advance the
institution, to form connections
with alumni, and to support and
celebrate alumni endeavours and
accomplishments as they pursue
their personal and professional lives.
“Each year, this event gives us
the opportunity to celebrate our
accomplished alumni. This year’s
winners are four exceptional individuals
who are making a difference in the
lives of others and their community.
We’re proud of their achievements and
appreciate their deep commitment to
CBU,” said Derrick Hayes, President
of the CBU Alumni Association.
“They exemplify all that we aspire for
our students - the skills, knowledge
and attitude to succeed and the
character, wisdom and responsibility
to contribute to our community.”
10 | CBU Distinction
The 2011 gala honoured Scott
Thomas, BA ’05, BEd ’06, Young
Alumnus of the Year; Robert Redshaw,
BACS ’87, Alumnus of the Year;
Dr. Carl “Bucky” Buchanan, Friend
of Cape Breton University; and the
Honourable David Dingwall, XJC ’71,
CBU Lifetime Achievement Award.
Scott Thomas held various executive
positions with the Cape Breton
University Students’ Union during
his time at CBU. His impact was
outstanding, effectively lobbying
against the mistreatment of students
with disabilities in post-secondary
institutions and seeking changes to
the funding formula at the National
Convention of Aboriginal Studies.
His humanitarian advocacy grew
exponentially after graduation. Scott
assisted British Prime Minister, Tony
Blair, with the Education Reform
Project in 2006 and in November
2010, he successfully presented
a proposal to the United Nations
regarding the reorganization of
diversity in Third World countries.
“Cape Breton University has
truly shaped who I have become
today,” says Scott. “It’s a
place that has allowed me to
realize my true potential.”
Currently, Scott is the Diversity
Officer with the Cape Breton Regional
Municipality. He’s been appointed to
the National Board of Mental Health,
is a recipient of the Tom Miller Human
Rights Award and has been recognized
by the Federation of Labour Advisors
as a leader in his profession.
The 2011 Alumnus of the Year is
another devoted supporter of CBU
students and initiatives, is a friendly
and familiar face to all on campus
and is a dedicated business and
community leader. Robert Redshaw
is the Director of Marketing and
Sales at the Cape Breton Post and
being of great entrepreneurial drive,
is also the owner of the M&M Meat
Shops franchise in Sydney, NS.
Robert’s accomplishments include
coaching basketball at Sydney
Academy High School, where the
team won two regional championships
and serving as National Marketing
Council President with M&M Meat
Shops. Robert cites, however, that his
greatest accomplishment in life has
been raising his two children, Elish
and Braeden, with his wife, Lee-Ann.
“CBU has defined who I am today,”
said Robert. “It has made me more
conscious of my community and
the good work we can do to help
others. CBU has grown, but it hasn’t
lost sight of its history or sense of
alumni awards
Bucky shared with us a glimpse
into his cherished memories of
the University. “I love CBU. This
wonderful University gave me the
opportunity to earn a living while
doing a job that I loved. I grew up
in New Brunswick and arrived in
Cape Breton after teaching and
coaching in the US for two years. The
entire faculty, staff, administration
and student body made it possible
for me to go to work loving each
exciting day. Thirty-two wonderful
years of administration and faculty
support and encouragement are
fondly remembered, along with the
faces of hundreds of young athletes
and students. I only wish I could
have another 32 years at CBU.”
(l-r) Derrick Hayes, Keith MacDonald and Dr. John Harker
community. It is something I’ve
always respected. CBU has given
so much to the community it serves.
I want to see it grow and develop
more leaders in our community.”
Another with relentless community
service is the Honourable David
Dingwall, this year’s recipient of the
CBU Lifetime Achievement Award.
David’s professional titles have been
many, ranging from the youngest
Opposition House Leader in the
Commonwealth, to Minister of Public
Works and Minister of Health; from
CEO and Master of the Mint, to
Distinguished Visiting Professor at
Ryerson. He is Chairman of Roger
Sugar Income Trust Fund; Chairman
and CEO of the Darius Group; Director
of MD Life Insurance Limited, St.
Joseph Corporation, Journeys and
Car Rental Limited; and Advisory
Board Member of States Street Global
Advisors Inc. He’s been honoured
by the World Health Organization
and the Canadian Lung Association
and has recently been appointed
to the Board of Directors of the
Canada China Business Council.
His contributions to Cape Breton
have also been immense. He’s
lent his vast expertise to projects
such as the Bayplex, Sydney Tar
Ponds Cleanup, Victoria Park, CBU
Students’ Union building, and CBU’s
“Great Hall”. David is married to
Nancy, and they have three children,
Jay, Leigh Anne and Jennifer.
Dr. Carl “Bucky” Buchanan, the 2011
Friend of Cape Breton University
award winner, taught and coached on
the CBU campus for 32 years. During
that time, he became the Canadian
Colleges Athletic Association’s
Coach of the Year for ice hockey and
received the Canadian Celebration
Medal, the Medal of Merit from
the Government of Canada, the
Ken Mantin Award from Hockey
Nova Scotia, the Gordon Jukes
Award from Hockey Canada and
the Queen’s Jubilee Medal.
He’s been inducted into the Nova
Scotia Sports Hall of Fame, is
a Life Member of Hockey Nova
Scotia, was coach of the ’78 CCAA
National Hockey Champion Cape
Breton CAPERS and was named
the Honorary Chair of the AUS
Men’s Basketball Championship
that was held in Sydney in 2010.
Bucky’s impressive coaching
career saw dozens of Nova Scotian,
Atlantic Canadian and national
college hockey championships. He
resides in Albert Bridge with his
wife, Ann and has four daughters.
This year’s honourees have, in
different ways, left their legacies
within CBU’s walls. They have
left impressions on those whose
lives have been touched by their
integrity, kindness and leadership,
and they continue to embody the
true spirit of Cape Breton University
without obligation or hesitation.
In the spirit of the occasion, the
Alumni Association presented a
$35,000 contribution toward the
University’s Future First campaign –
a portion of their pledged
$500,000 in support of student
scholarships and bursaries.
This year’s gala was generously
supported by presenting sponsor,
Johnson Insurance and award
sponsors Cape Breton University
Students’ Union, Cape Breton
Partnership and Cape Breton
University Athletics. Nomination
and event information for the 2012
Alumni Awards can be found online
or by contacting the Alumni Office.
Spring 2012 | 11
Sustaining Culture at CBU
(l-r) Stewart MacNeil, Fiona MacGillivray, Ciaran MacGillivray perform.
a
gift of music, culture and history
was celebrated on September
29, 2011, as Cape Breton University
honoured the generous donation to
be made by Denis Ryan, a founding
member of the musical group, Ryan’s
Fancy. This priceless gift is from
Ryan’s archives and shares the story
of the internationally acclaimed Celtic
music group, Ryan’s Fancy and some
of his personal materials. The gift,
which is being received in multi-media
format, will be housed at CBU’s
Beaton Institute.
Cape Breton University’s commitment
to sustaining culture. To be chosen
as the home of such a significant
piece of Celtic culture speaks
volumes about the reputation of CBU,
specifically the Beaton Institute, as
a respected historical preservation
archive. Members of the University
community and visitors to campus will
now have an opportunity to access
this valuable collection and learn of the
contribution that Denis Ryan made to
Celtic music,” said CBU President, Dr.
John Harker.
The gift will include the personal
papers, videos, cds and songbooks
of Ryan, as well as other items. Cape
Breton University is proudly steeped
in arts and culture and this, combined
with the established reputation of
the Beaton Institute as the Island’s
cultural repository, makes CBU a
fitting home for the Ryan collection.
Themed, Sustaining Culture at Cape
Breton University, the event took
place in the Boardmore Playhouse.
Joined by musical talents, Ciarán and
Fiona MacGillivray of The Cottars and
Stewart and Lucy MacNeil of the Barra
MacNeils, the event was a wonderful
tribute to Denis Ryan’s legacy and his
influence on Celtic music. For many
musicians and industry professionals,
Ryan and his group paved the way for
their music careers.
“This gift of musical history,
announced by Denis Ryan, affirms
12 | CBU Distinction
Denis Ryan and a loyal fan.
Video testimonials were aired,
including stories from Donnie
Campbell, musician and host of Celtic
Serenade Radio Program; Allister
MacGillivray, singer, song writer,
author and folklorist; Stewart MacNeil,
member of the international
recording artists, the Barra
MacNeils; Joella Foulds, cofounder and artistic director of
the Celtic Colours International
Festival and musician; and
Brookes Diamond, entertainment
producer, promoter and artist
manager.
To close the celebration, the
performers involved in the
event, along with Ryan and the
audience, joined together
in singing “Cape
Breton Dream,” a
song written by
Ryan and Bill
Gough. It was a
truly memorable
moment.
Dr. David Johnson
Dr. David Johnson – among Canada’s Top 100
“It’s nice to know
that the book is
being read far and
wide and that it
is respected by
students, other
academics and
people working
with governments
and public
services.”
W
hile most of us were spending
the holiday season decorating
our homes, visiting with family and
friends and hoping for that special gift
we had been hinting at for weeks, Dr.
David Johnson received a different
kind of holiday cheer. His latest
book, Thinking Government: Public
Administration and Politics in Canada,
was named as one of the Top 100 Best
Political, Government, Public Policy
and Canadian History Books in 2011,
by The Hill Times. “It is wonderful
recognition for the book and for all the
hard work that went into its writing,”
said Johnson, when asked about
making the list. “It’s nice to know that
the book is being read far and wide
and that it is respected by students,
other academics and people working
with governments and public services.”
Being a professor at CBU has been
a great experience thus far for Dr.
Johnson. A small department where
everybody gets along, friendly faculty
and the ability to get involved in
collaborative research projects are
just a few of the reasons he gets up
with a smile on his face when coming
to campus each day. “I love the
small class sizes and the ability to
really get to know my students.” He
concludes that this results in a level of
connection with the students that just
isn’t attainable at larger universities.
He also points out that, “CBU’s small
size gives students, faculty and staff
the opportunity to get involved in more
university wide activities.”
With his current book named as a
Top 100 Best Political, Government,
Public Policy and Canadian History
Books in 2011 and two other books
under his belt, Johnson has no intention
of slowing down anytime soon. He
is currently working on his next book
with colleagues and fellow CBU faculty
members, Dr. Andrew Molloy and
Dr. Tom Urbaniak, on the issue of
intergenerational change and public
service renewal within the Canadian
Federal Government.
When he isn’t teaching about
Canadian politics and government,
Canadian public sector management,
constitutional law and politics or issues
in regional development, Dr. Johnson
writes a political insight column for the
Cape Breton Post. He is a member of
the Old Sydney Society and enjoys
reading, cooking and gardening at
home.
Hailing from the big city, Dr. Johnson
was born and raised in Toronto, ON.
In 1993, he was offered a position with
CBU’s Political Science Department,
which he happily accepted and has
been an honourary Cape Bretoner ever
since.
Spring 2012 | 13
2012 Honorary Degree Recipients Welomed
At the CBU Fall 2011 Convocation, honorary degrees were bestowed upon three outstanding individuals.
Jim Irving - Doctor of Laws, honoris
causa, Saint John, NB
Teresa macneil - Doctor of Letters,
honoris causa, Johnstown, NS
Lloyd macDonald - Doctor of Laws,
honoris causa, Ironville, NS
Jim Irving is a business leader,
philanthropist and great friend to Cape
Breton University, one who continues
to share his passion, insight and
leadership with those around him. He
was born and raised in Saint John, New
Brunswick, and is President of J.D.
Irving Limited. Mr. Irving has served on
the Federal Economic Advisory Council
and sits on the boards of the Lahey
Clinic Medical Centre in Massachusetts,
as well as the Ivey Advisory Board of
the Richard Ivey School of Business at
the University of Western Ontario. His
company, Irving Shipbuilding, recently
won a $25-billion contract to build 21
Canadian combat ships.
Teresa MacNeil is an adult educator
and advocate for community economic
development who is a well-respected
leader throughout the country. She was
born and raised in Johnstown, NS. She
holds a Bachelor of Science degree
from St. Francis Xavier University
and Master’s and PhD degrees in
educational policy studies from the
University of Wisconsin.
Lloyd MacDonald is a hard-working,
well-respected leader, family man and
community member who continues to
make a difference in the lives of many.
He was born in North Sydney, NS, in
1931 and received his early education
at St. Joseph’s School and Sydney
Academy, where playing the violin was
a major part of his learning. He excelled
at playing this instrument and received
many awards in recognition of his
talent.
Cape Breton University has the
pleasure of being able to call Mr. Irving
a friend and supporter. For the past
three years, he has demonstrated his
commitment to CBU with his support of
the Verschuren Centre for Sustainability
in Energy and the Environment (CSEE).
Irving Shipbuilding Limited, under his
guidance, also established awards
for CBU students who will benefit
from the opportunities at the CSEE.
Most recently, Mr. Irving joined the
CSEE’s inaugural advisory board,
thus reinforcing and continuing his
relationship with the University.
Mr. Irving resides in Saint John, New
Brunswick, with his wife, Lynn. They
have four children.
14 | CBU Distinction
For more than 35 years, Ms MacNeil
worked at St. FX as a professor and
founder of that University’s Master of
Adult Education program. She chaired a
task force on behalf of the governments
of Nova Scotia and Canada to make
recommendations to improve the
economy of Cape Breton. She was also
Chair of the Cape Breton Development
Corporation and Sydney Steel.
In addition, she served as an
adjudicator for the Social Sciences and
Humanities Research Council, chaired
the project selection committee on
rural policy for Agriculture and AgriFoods Canada and was a member of
the board of the Canadian Cooperative
Association. In 2004, Ms MacNeil
was named a member of the Order of
Canada.
Ms MacNeil resides with her husband,
Luke Batdorf, in Johnstown, NS.
In the early 1960s, he opened a Datsun
dealership and, in the late 1960s, a
Nissan dealership would follow. The
rest is history. Now, Lloyd MacDonald
and the MacDonald Auto Group employ
close to 200 people and operate
Toyota, Chrysler, Suzuki, Ford, Kia
and Nissan dealerships in Sydney, NS,
along with an auto body shop, a Polaris
store and used car centres in Sydney
and Port Hawkesbury.
He has been involved with many
charitable ventures, including Resi-care,
homeless shelters, Loaves and Fishes
and Cancer Cares. And through his
love of music he has touched many by
playing the violin at benefits, funerals,
concerts and weddings. Last year, at
the age of 80, Mr. MacDonald released
his first cd.
Mr. MacDonald resides in Ironville, NS,
with his wife of 54 years, Winnie. They
have 12 children.
australian College of kuwait
australian College of kuwait Celebrates Its
First CBU Graduates
President John Harker was honoured to extend congratulatory wishes to
the graduates during the 2011 convocation ceremony for the australian
College of kuwait (aCk) in Safat, kuwait. It was a special occasion, and he
offered these remarks to the graduates:
CBU has gained so much from its years
of engagement with post-secondary
education leaders, students, and
institutions in the Middle East, and I
have to hope that mutual understanding
and partnership in learning benefit us
all, especially students graduating from
such a fine institution as the Australian
College of Kuwait.
I was last in Kuwait to meet our
graduates who had studied for a CBU
degree at our partner college operated
by Canada’s Coast Guard, and I have
often told audiences in Canada and
abroad that I have rarely met with a finer
group of graduates. I am sure that ACK
graduates will be no less impressive.
On both our home campus in Sydney
and at our associated college in Cairo,
I have had the special privilege of
encouraging graduating students to
keep on learning, reminding them of the
words of the Prophet, that they should
seek wisdom, be it as far as China.
Wherever ACK graduates make their
mark in society, I urge them to follow
this guidance, and I look forward to
meeting with them at some point in
the future, as soon as I can free myself
from current demands and return to the
wonderful country of Kuwait.
Regards,
John Harker
President & Vice-Chancellor
Cape Breton University
Spring 2011 | 15
$2 Million In Library Enhancements Unveiled
Eunice Harker admires the changes to the library.
Students, faculty, staff and
the broader community
were pleasantly surprised
this past September as they
walked into the beautifully
renovated CBU campus
library. Two million dollars
worth of renovations, the
first undertaken in more
then 30 years, were done
over the summer months
and completed prior to the
first day of classes for the
2011 academic year.
To mark this significant event in
the library’s lifespan, Cape Breton
University, joined by three awardwinning authors and members of
the Barra MacNeils, held an official
unveiling in late September. The
celebration began in the Boardmore
Playhouse with An Evening of Prose
and Music, followed by a reception
and special presentation in the library
foyer. As part of the unveiling, CBC
Mainstreet Cape Breton host, Wendy
Bergfeldt, introduced readings
from Frank Macdonald, A Possible
16 | CBU Distinction
Madness; Alexander MacLeod, Light
Lifting; and Alistair MacLeod, No
Great Mischief, with accompanying
musical selections performed by
Stewart and Lucy MacNeil.
The enhancements to the library have
been designed to improve the overall
experience provided to students and
visitors, including a contemporary
space fully equipped to meet the
changing learning and research
styles of each library guest. In
addition to several new technological
features, aesthetically, the library has
a refreshed and relocated circulation
and reception area with a new
colour palette reflected on the walls
and flooring, along with revitalized
study rooms. Notably, accessibility
to the second level has been
improved for those visitors facing
physical challenges. These elements,
combined with the exceptional
service provided by library staff, has
created an attractive environment that
supports knowledge fulfillment.
Pleased with the outcome of the
renovations, CBU President and
Vice-Chancellor, Dr. John Harker,
has witnessed the positive impact
that the changes have created. “Our
campus is diversifying. Technology is
changing and so too are the methods
in which students, faculty, staff and
the larger community engage in
learning. To remain prominent in the
competitive post-secondary arena,
it is paramount that we evolve. We
have to continuously work to offer
better access to current technologies,
provide innovative teaching and
research tools and build on the
unparalleled service that is distinct to
CBU. The library, among other recent
campus expansion initiatives, is a
fitting example of CBU’s commitment
to doing just that. Students are taking
advantage, and I am confident that
members of the community will be
pleasantly surprised with the library’s
new inviting look,” he says.
In recent years, the CBU Friends of
the Library Committee, led by Chair,
Eunice Harker, raised funds to provide
additional books for use by students
in all four of CBU’s academic schools.
The group, faculty and students,
recognized that at the heart of every
vibrant campus is a university library
and advocated for needed library
refurbishments. Their work, and a
generous donation made to the CBU
library by the late Catherine Godwin,
was also recognized during the
September event.
ICaNS recognizes six of CBU’s finest
CBU CA Alumni old and new at the annual Chartered Accountant Luncheon. (l-r) Lynn MacLean, BBA ’91; Blaire Lindsay-Cooke, BBA ’10; Tyler Dilney, BBA ’09;
Gordon MacInnis (FCA), CBU Vice-President Finance & Operations; Kyle Musial, BBA ’09; John MacKinnon (FCA), Dean of the CBU Shannon School of Business;
Thomas Drover, Management Technology ’94; and Derrick Hayes, BBA ’81, MBA ’05. (Missing from the photo are Cailin MacLennan and Alisha Mombourquette)
Five new Cas and an FCa awarded
CBU’s Shannon School of Business
(SSOB) is committed to developing
students who are ready to enter and
succeed in the fast-paced business
world. In particular, the SSOB has
successfully prepared its students
to enter into the Atlantic School of
Chartered Accountants program,
as demonstrated by the number of
SSOB graduates who hold chartered
accountant designations.
February 11, 2012, was an exciting
night for six of CBU’s finest, as they
were recognized by the Institute
of Chartered Accountants of Nova
Scotia. Five CBU Alumni, Alisha
Mombourquette, BBA ’10; BlaireLindsay Cooke, BBA ’10; Kyle Musial,
BBA ’09; Tyler Dilney, BBA ’09 and
Cailin MacLennan, BBA ’04, all received
their CA designation. The results of the
successful Uniform Evaluation (UFE)
were released on December 2, 2011, in
the Globe and Mail.
Kyle Musial credited his success on the
UFE to the education and experiences
he received while studying at CBU. He
notes, “The success rate students have
in the CA program is a credit to the
CBU accounting program and is one
of the reasons why local accounting
firms hire CBU accounting grads.
It’s because they know the quality of
education they have received.”
The night also honoured Gordon
MacInnis, CBU Vice-President, Finance
& Operations, who was one of five
individuals awarded a Fellow Chartered
Accountant (FCA) designation. An
FCA is the Institute of Chartered
Accountants of Nova Scotia’s highest
honour.
“Receiving the FCA recognition
for career accomplishments and
community involvement is certainly
a humbling experience. I have had
the good fortune of working with a
lot of very talented and committed
individuals over the span of my career,
including my colleagues at Cape
Breton University,” said MacInnis.
“Together, these larger groups with
which I have been associated have
accomplished some innovative and
interesting initiatives, and I tend to look
at the FCA award as celebrating the
accomplishments of these broader
groups. I do however take great pride
in knowing that my contributions
have been able to be made from, and
largely for, my home community of
Cape Breton. That has been extremely
important to me on a personal level
as the continuing influence of family,
particularly my Dad, Manning, who had
a significant impact upon my career
direction.”
Congratulations to Gordon, Alisha,
Blaire-Lindsay, Kyle, Tyler and Cailin!
We know you will continue to make
CBU and your profession proud.
Spring 2012 | 17
It Can all Change In an Instant
In 2008, Gavin Uhma was an eager
anything to do it, it even works on
missing from the web,” Gavin says.
student finishing up the last year
mobile devices. All you need is a
“Even on Facebook, you never feel
of his Bachelor of Technology
GoInstant account.”
like people are there with you; you’re
(Information) Degree at CBU, ready
just viewing the photos and statuses
to jump into the work force and get
Based out of Halifax, NS, GoInstant's that they’ve left behind.”
his feet wet. Now, just four years
Barrington Street office is where you
later, he is the
Gavin began
“...everyday I need to learn new things and apply them;
co-founder of an
developing the
up-and-coming
the professors at CBU inspired us, as students, to do that.” technology behind
browser technology
GoInstant in
company, which has been catching
will find the team of nine carrying out
September, 2010. Shortly after, he
the business world’s attention.
demoed the prototype to Jevon
their daily work, but it wasn’t that
GoInstant offers web browsers the
long ago that this up-and-coming
MacDonald, an Entrepreneur in
chance to share their screen with
business was merely an idea floating
Residence at Innovacorp in Halifax at
other users without the hassle of
around in Gavin Uhma’s head. It all
the time. Jevon, intrigued by the idea,
plug-ins, downloads or installs.
began when the 26-year-old started
started advising Gavin pro bono. That
The concept behind the idea was
toying with the idea of multiple
October, Kirk Sampson MacPhee,
to create a program which allows
people being on the web together; an Web Developer and CBU BTI Grad,
people to interact on the web the
idea that stemmed from his teenage
and Dave Kim, Graphic Designer,
same way they would if they were
use of a popular chat system, mIRC.
joined as co-founders. In January
sitting in a room together, laughing
This full featured Internet Relay
of 2011, Jevon officially joined the
at videos, flipping through photo
Chat (IRC) client allowed users to
team as their Chief Executive Officer
albums, planning a vacation and
communicate, share, play or work
(CEO), and, from there, things really
so on. “GoInstant puts you and as
with others on IRC networks around
started to come together. Over the
many people as you care to share
the world, either in multi-user group
next few months, they developed a
a link with on the web together;
conferences or in one-to-one private
proper company, put in some seed
then you can browse around and
discussions. In layman’s terms,
money and started getting paid.
do whatever,” says Gavin, speaking
everyone could just “hangout” and
about the simplicity of the product.
chat and you were always meeting
Not only does GoInstant have a
“The technological breakthrough
new people. “As a web developer,
unique product niche, it also has a
is that you don’t have to download
I felt that level of interaction was
strong backbone of investors behind
18 | CBU Distinction
Gavin Uhma
it, something that Gavin credits to
Jevon MacDonald. “Once Jevon
joined as CEO, he really focused
on the role of getting the product
out there and in front of potential
investors.” To date, they have raised
$1.7 million from top-tier investors
in Silicon Valley, including Freestyle
Capital, Chamath Palihapitiya,
Steve Anderson, Reid Hoffman,
Yuri Milner and Ed Sim. These are
the people who have helped build
Facebook, Twitter, Playdom, Heroku,
Linkedin, GotoMeeting and more.
As a result of having such qualified
investors as well as the networking
opportunities that they provide,
GoInstant's customer development,
business development, fundraising,
recruiting and partnerships are all
flourishing. Gavin says one of the
biggest lessons he will take away
from this experience is understanding
that, “it’s not how much money you
take in, it’s who you take it from”
that counts. GoInstant is currently
in private beta with some of the
world’s largest business-to-business
(B2B) software as a service (SaaS)
vendors and e-commerce sites and is
expanding quickly.
Recently, GoInstant was voted
Canada’s Top Startup at the
C100 Showcase held at Google’s
headquarters in Mountain View,
California. They were finalists at
TechCrunch Disrupt in San Francisco
and have been featured in CBC,
TechCrunch, Forbes Magazine, The
Financial Post, ZDNet, PC Magazine
and various syndicates; very
impressive for a company that has
only been on its feet for a year. When
asked about being featured in Forbes
Magazine, Gavin said, “It was really
cool; it’s amazing that the business
and technology worlds care about
what we are doing.” He finished by
saying, “being on the cover of Forbes
would be amazing.”
The Sydney native has come a long
way since he strolled the halls as
a student at CBU, but that comes
as no surprise. “At CBU, I was
always trying to pursue things like
businesses and side projects,” says
Gavin. “We would learn something
in class, and I would spend the
evening trying to make a business
out of it.” That knack for taking
learning, putting it outside of the
box and creating something more
from it, a quality encouraged by his
professors, has definitely paid off.
“My professors always supported
me,” he says, “everyday I need to
learn new things and apply them; the
professors at CBU inspired us, as
students, to do that.”
With a great education behind him,
an incredible opportunity in front of
him and a lifetime of learning ahead
of him, Gavin passes along these
inspired words as a CBU alumnus,
“Take everything you learn at CBU
and apply it to the real world now;
don’t wait until you’ve graduated.
Only work to learn, never for money,
and if you can’t find a job that will
teach you what you want to learn,
then make one.”
For more information on
GoInstant visit
www.GoInstant.com.
Spring 2012 | 19
CBU Class Notes
2007 2004 1982
Sharalee Dempster (BA) & Randall Ruiz (BACS)
Sharalee and Randall were married December 8,
2011, on the warm beaches of Costa Rica. The
couple met while attending CBU in the fall of
2003, they began dating in 2004 and have been
inseparable ever since. Congratulations Sharalee
and Randall!
Dave Penney (Dip.Eng Tech, BTech ’99)
After graduating from CBU, Dave completed a
Bachelor of Chemical Engineering degree at
Dalhousie University.
Lindsey Smith (BACS)
CBU’s Alumni Officer got engaged this past
Christmas. Congratulations to Lindsey and her
fiancé, Jamie MacIntosh. Wedding bells will
chime for the couple in 2013.
Cathy Farrow (BBA, BA ’79)
Cathy is the Contract Administrator at the
Sydney Tar Ponds Agency and deals specifically
with change management in the cleaning of
the Tar Ponds and Coke Ovens site. This role
has special significance for Cathy, as her father
worked on the site as a steelworker for 45
years. Cathy is currently in her third and final
year of the Certified Management Accountant
(CMA) program
Barbara Geddes (BHTM)
Barb has recently found both a unique and
adventurous job opportunity. She works for
The North West Company, which has been
in operation for over 340 years throughout
northern Canada. She is in Qikiqtarjuaq,
Nunavut. Population of just around 500, this
area is home to large marine life, including polar
bears and walruses. During the winter months,
the sunlight is limited to a minimum of 1.5
hours a day.
David Farmer (BBA, BACS ’06)
David graduated in November 2011, from
Lakehead University, completing a Master of
Social Work degree, as well as a Bachelor of
Social Work, (honours) in November 2010.
He has published two papers, Workplace
Bullying: An increasing epidemic
creating traumatic experiences for
targets of workplace bullying and
Increasing Job Satisfaction among
Social Workers that were both published
in the International Journal of Humanities and
Social Science in June and November 2011.
2005
Gregory Farrow (BBA)
Greg pursued an Advance Diploma in Human
Resource Management from the Nova Scotia
Community College after his time at CBU.
Greg now works at Canada Post Corporation in
Sydney, NS
20 | CBU Distinction
1989
David MacLean (BA)
CBU has been a family affair for the MacLeans.
David completed his degree in 1983 and then
saw two of his own children follow suit. David
was awarded a M.Div. degree and was ordained
in 1993. His concluding covenanted ministry
was with Knox United Church in Glace Bay.
Now in retirement, David continues to serve the
church on a volunteer basis.
1987
Donna (MacLean) Tourneur (BACS)
Donna was a custom seamstress before
beginning her career with the United Church of
Canada. She was in the first M.Div graduating
class from the Distance Education degree
program at Atlantic School of Theology. Donna
has been a minister at the Whycocomagh, East
Lake Ainslie Pastoral Charge for the past eight
years.
Carl MacLean (BA)
After working 17 years in management with Tip
Top Tailors in Sydney, Carl trained to become
an Investment Adviser and now works with
Freedom 55 Financial.
1983
Rumour Corner
CBU alumnus Aaron Martell (BSc and BA ’98) will be a contestant on
ABC’s hit show The Bachelorette, which will begin airing in May. Aaron,
originally from Leitches Creek, NS, is now working as a biology teacher in
Los Angeles, CA. Stay tuned for updates on whether Aaron has any luck
winning the affection of bachelorette, Emily Maynard.
http://bit.ly/GY3cDc
Have We
LosttoUCH
Reconnect with
Cape BReton
UniveRsitY
visit www.cbu.ca/alumni
to Update YoUR infoRmation
for more information contact alumni@cbu.ca
By doing so you’ll receive
• special offers available only to CBU alumni;
• invites to exclusive events; and
• Distinction magazine delivered to your door.
You’ll also have the opportunity to network
with fellow alumni and much, much more.
How to Give to CBU
Donate Online
all gifts given to Cape breton University are eligible for a charitable tax receipt. Donate through Canadahelps.org
Giving to CBU &
contributing to the future
Gifts to Cape Breton University
support university priorities and
enhance educational opportunities.
Scholarships, bursaries, special
acquisitions, equipment purchases
and endowments are just a few of the
ways private gifts improve the quality
of a CBU education.
To discuss giving a gift to CbU
contact:
Paula macneil
Director of Development at
(902) 563-1848 or
paula_macneil@cbu.ca
Planned Giving
alumni annual Giving
A planned gift allows you to prepare
now for a gift that will make a
significant impact to Cape Breton
University in the future. These gifts
include bequests, retirement funds,
stocks and securities, gifts-in-kind
and life insurance policies.
Each year, members of the Cape
Breton University Alumni family are
contacted by students to contribute
to the University’s scholarship and
bursary program
To discuss your planned gift
contact:
Crystal aboud-mahar
Development Officer –
Donor Relations at
(902) 563-1232 or
crystal_aboud-mahar@cbu.ca
To learn more contact:
Lindsey smith, alumni Officer at
(902) 563-1199 or
lindsey_smith@cbu.ca
aysha khaliq
Work Hard, Play Hard
attitude Made Remarkable
CBU Experience for aysha
khaliq
Aysha (center) and fellow CBU graduates at convocation.
She has lived in several other Canadian
provinces, but for Aysha Khaliq, MBA
’10, it was her time at CBU and the
stunning beauty of the east coast that
is most unforgettable.
Aysha arrived on campus as a
student in the Master of Business
Administration in Community
Economic Development program (MBA
CED). She knew not one person when
arriving on the Island. She confesses,
“In the beginning, I was quite
concerned what life would be like here,
without family and friends.”
Aysha took up residence in Alumni
Hall. Living on campus, she notes,
helped her meet many new people
and made participating in student life
convenient and accessible. Aysha has
a true passion for involvement and
was determined to get the most out
of her CBU experience. She quickly
blossomed into a social butterfly on
campus and began attending and
helping to organize various academic
and extra-curricular events for her
peers. “By graduation,” she says, “not
only did I know many people - from
security guards, cafeteria workers,
librarians, to professors - but I also
had a lot of good memories and new
friendships.”
One of the largest events she
organized was a dinner for the
students of Dr. Jacquelyn ThayerScott’s International Business class,
where they learned business dinner
22 | CBU Distinction
etiquette. She also helped the
Students’ Union attract students to
the English as a Second Language
Conversation Café. “These
[experiences] gave me the opportunity
to meet other students on campus
and increase my circle of friends,” she
says. Aysha also loved to organize
fun events on campus, such as her
surprise party for her professor, Dr.
Doug Lionais, when he got married.
She planned trips for friends to the
Cabot Trail and Ski Ben Eoin and
hosted gatherings such as holiday
parties, movie nights and potlucks.
In addition to her dedication to CBU
student life, Aysha was to be a hard
worker and excellent student. “I
considered the library my second
home, after Alumni residence,” she
laughs. Her work ethic was contagious
and often positively impacted those
around her. Her friends, who began
joining her in the library to study, have
thanked her for this influence. Her
efforts got results and Aysha admits,
“As an outcome of spending many
long days in the library, I received the
highest grade in many of my courses.”
In fact, she was awarded an MBA
scholarship, an honour given to only
four students annually.
Due to her outstanding academic
record and contribution to campus
life, it is no surprise that Aysha
was chosen as the 2010 Fall
Convocation Valedictorian. “I am
the first Valedictorian from the MBA
program,” she says, “My professors
were very proud of me.” She recalls
the Valedictorian experience as
“remarkable” and was happy that her
whole family was able to fly to Cape
Breton for the ceremony. “After being
a valedictorian, I feel more confident. I
highly believe that a go-getter attitude
makes one successful,” says Aysha.
Aysha is now living in Edmonton and
works with Scotiabank as a Personal
Banker. She has complemented her
CBU education by pursuing a Personal
Financial Planner course and occupies
her leisure time as a volunteer board
member for the Millwoods Family
Resource Centre.
Aysha remembers fondly her time at
CBU and is always willing to share
with others her great university
experience. “My experience [at
CBU] was not just as a hard working
student. I acquired many close friends,
traveled to different places throughout
the Maritimes and enjoyed the
breathtaking beauty and hospitality of
Cape Breton Island. I am truly blessed
to have a large circle of wonderful
family and friends in Cape Breton and
the credit for this goes to CBU.”
annual Giving Campaign
Thank you, annual Giving Campaign donors!
“For some, this difference is only made possible because someone’s given them a helping hand.”
Each year, we have the pleasure of
seeing thousands of students fill the
hallways of Cape Breton University
with energy and life. Whether brimming
with curiosity and excitement in
freshman year, or eagerly awaiting
graduation and the start of a new life
chapter, our students put a buzz in the
air that’s infectious to all, and, many
times over, puts undeniable meaning
into what we do every day.
Our alumni family helps financially
assist many of these students
by donating to the Annual Giving
campaign. This past fall, it was you
- our alumni donors - whose actions
were unparalleled. Donations nearly
doubled during the 2011 campaign
and both Cape Breton University
and the Cape Breton University
Alumni Association thank you for your
incredibly generous support.
The University’s annual fund provides
scholarships and bursaries to current
and potential students and gives
them the support they need to pursue
their passions, achieve excellence,
encourage discovery and cultivate a
greater understanding of the world.
“Cape Breton University students are
making a difference,” says Derrick
Hayes, President of the Cape Breton
University Alumni Association. “For
some, this difference is only made
possible because someone’s given
them a helping hand.”
By making a gift to CBU’s annual fund,
alumni donors provide us with the
support to reward excellence and for
our students to experience a lifetime
of success, growth and learning.
We thank you and are grateful and
privileged to be able to thank you on
behalf of those students whose lives
your kindness has touched.
To make a donation to CBU’s annual
Fund, contact the alumni Office, or visit
www.cbu.ca/giving to learn about the
many others ways you can give back
to Cape Breton University.
Spring 2012 | 23
Bruce MacDonald
The Newest alumni Scholar
“I am proud to be a CaPER
through and through.”
As a first-year science student at Cape
Breton University, Bruce MacDonald
is a young man with big goals. With
hopes of graduating with a Bachelor of
Science degree (Honours) in Chemistry
and then attending medical school,
Bruce was thrilled to learn he would
be receiving the $16,000 Alumni
Association Scholarship this year. It is
a $4,000 per year award, renewable for
four years.
When faced with the choice of which
university to attend as a senior in
high school, it wasn’t long before
the Sydney River native knew that
CBU was where he wanted to be.
Small class sizes, friendly professors,
undergraduate research opportunities
and being able to stay at home, were
at the top of Bruce’s “CBU pros” list
24 | CBU Distinction
during decision time. When asked if
he thought he made the right choice,
Bruce said, “Now that I have been
here for a semester, I couldn’t imagine
being anywhere else.”
Receiving the Alumni Association
Scholarship has already had a
major impact on Bruce’s university
experience. “It definitely relieved a
lot of stress associated with tuition
and other money worries,” says
MacDonald. “It has also allowed me
to cut way back on my working hours
so that I can focus on my studies and
enjoy the whole CBU experience.”
Besides being enrolled in a full
course load, Bruce is a member of
the Chemistry Society, he holds an
executive position on the Pre-Med
Society and was hired as a student
researcher.
“For as long as I can remember, I’ve
wanted to become a doctor,” says
Bruce, when asked about his future.
After finishing his undergraduate
degree at CBU, he hopes to get his
MD from Dalhousie with the ultimate
goal of becoming a surgeon, though
he is not certain of a specialization yet.
Not only does he have big plans for
his education, but after his long haul
in university is through, he hopes to
return to Cape Breton and practice
medicine in his home town.
Bruce would like to thank the Alumni
Association for awarding him this
scholarship, saying, “It is quite an
honour to be the scholarship recipient
this year.” Cape Breton University
is turning out to be the perfect fit for
this young, aspiring surgeon, and if
anybody asks, he’s sure to let them
know, “I am proud to be a CAPER
through and through.”
Thank You Donors
TD Canada Trust supports
Cornerstone campaign
Members of TD Canada Trust present Gordon
MacInnis, CBU Vice-President Finance and
Operations and John MacKinnon, Dean of the
Shannon School of Business, with its $250,000
donation to the CBU Cornerstone Campaign.
Generosity begins at home
Members of CBU faculty and staff share some
conversation while attending the Donor Thank You
Breakfast, which recognizes the great support CBU
receives from its own community for the Internal
Scholarship and Bursary Campaign.
CBU receives support from CIBC
CBU was pleased to host representatives from CIBC on campus as they presented University
officials with the bank’s $100,000 cheque to the CBU Cornerstone Campaign, in support of
the Shannon School of Business.
Spring 2012 | 25
Dr. Vielka Salazar
Providing an Electrifying
Educational Experience
Dr. Vielka Salazar, Associate
Professor of Biology at Cape
Breton University, has developed
an exciting research program
concerned with the neuroendocrine
mechanisms that regulate social
communication behaviours. Using an
integrative experimental approach
that combines pharmacological,
molecular, histological and behavioural
techniques, Dr. Salazar and her
students study how gymnotiform fish
communicate using electric signals.
Dr. Salazar hopes that this research
will further develop the electric
fish model as a research tool to
determine how positive and negative
social experiences activate specific
neuroendocrine pathways and may
eventually have applicability to human
health issues.
In January 2012, Dr. Salazar was
awarded $571,451 to upgrade her lab
facilities. The Canada Foundation for
Innovation (CFI) Leader’s Opportunity
Fund and the Nova Scotia Research
and Innovation Trust (NSRIT) each
contributed $228,582 to the project.
The funding will be used to construct
interconnected small rooms that
compartmentalize the different
26 | CBU Distinction
elements, specifically a Histology and
Pharmacology Room, a Behavioural
Recording Room and an Electric Fish
Breeding and Testing Room. The
addition of the laboratory infrastructure
will further enhance the development
of animal-based biomedical research
at CBU. “With captive colonies lifespan is one to two years – breeding
helps to keep the captive colony in
place so animals don’t have to be
brought in from the wild or bought
commercially. This is preferable
because there is more control over
diseases and the wellbeing of the
animals. Given that this study looks
at animals in different stages of their
development, a breeding program and
the appropriate equipment to support
it is essential,” says Dr. Salazar.
opportunities that assist and enhance
the educational experience of many
CBU students.
An innovative researcher and
committed educator, Dr. Salazar
strongly believes in engaging and
involving students in her research
program, by providing CBU
undergraduate students with research
training in a number of cutting-edge,
modern molecular, biochemical and
behavioural techniques. The funds
awarded to Dr. Salazar will help
support those students financially, but
more importantly will make it possible
for her to provide hands-on learning
Additional funds toward this laboratory
enhancement have been contributed
by Cape Breton University, Fisher
Scientific, Cole Parmer Canada,
BioRad Laboratories Canada and
Leica Microsystems.
For Dr. Salazar, one of the most
important lessons her students will
learn as part of this research is the
complexities involved in working
with live animals. “I want students to
appreciate the time, responsibility and
ethical considerations that are a part
of working with animals; to understand
that it is a privilege to use animals to
ask scientific questions and as such,
we must provide them with the proper
care and respect.” By bringing her
research projects into the classroom
and by involving students directly in
these projects, Dr. Salazar helps them
develop this understanding firsthand.
Research conducted at Cape Breton
University continues to be recognized
by national funding bodies. For more
information on research at CBU visit
www.cbu.ca/research.
athletics
Go CaPERS Go!
CaPERS men’s soccer team make history with bronze medal CIS win
The dynamic duo of Ian Greedy and
Keishen Bean helped the CAPERS
men’s soccer team bring home its
first Canadian Interuniversity Sport
(CIS) medal at the CIS Men’s Soccer
Championship held in Victoria, BC,
November 10-13, 2011.
In the bronze medal game, Greedy
scored on a pass from Bean in the
70th minute to give the CAPERS
a 1-0 win over the Alberta Golden
Bears. Silvano Rajkovic, a fifth year
player, who is the only team member
to have played at two previous CIS
men’s championships, said the win is
bittersweet, as the match also spells
an end to his time with the CAPERS.
“The only better way to go out would
have been to win gold, but we got
the bronze, and I think that’s a huge
accomplishment for the program. It is
the first ever National medal for any
men’s sport at CBU,” he said.
CAPERS head coach, Robbie
Chiasson, said the team picked itself
back up after suffering a crushing
3-2 loss in the semi final match
against host Victoria. Greedy and
Rajkovic scored a goal apiece for
the CAPERS, bringing the game to
a 2-2 tie. However, a late goal in
the second half by Victoria’s, Craig
Gorman, knocked the CAPERS out of
gold medal contention.
“We had a tough loss against Victoria
and everybody was really down, but
to respond or I guess rebound and
knock off the Canada-west champion
Alberta, was a great accomplishment.
The boys should be really proud of
themselves,” said Chiasson.
for Cape Breton University as he said
it sends a message to future players
and recruits that CBU has one of the
top soccer teams in the country.
In the quarter final, Greedy’s goal
in the second overtime period
pushed the CAPERS through to the
semi finals. His successful scoring
drive came with less than a minute
to play in the CAPERS’ matchup
against Ontario champion, McMaster
Marauders. “It was off a corner kick,”
said Greedy. “The defender headed it
out, and I was standing at the top of
the box. It landed on my left foot, and
I just cracked it to the bottom right
corner.” The scoring chance came
just minutes after Greedy had hit the
crossbar in an overtime period that
produced numerous, unsuccessful
scoring chances for CBU.
Chiasson said the victory is not only
great for the men’s team, but great
Spring 2012 | 27
athletics
Go CaPERS Go!
CaPERS host International Friendship Games
They may not have won the final
game, but there was little doubt of the
success of the inaugural CAPERS Fall
Classic Friendship Games women’s
basketball tournament.
The CAPERS women’s basketball
team had a 2-1 record during the
tournament, including a loss to one
of China’s top squads. In a matchup
against the Beijing Shougang at
Sullivan Fieldhouse, Beijing defeated
the CAPERS 93-73. Sun Xiaoyu
recorded a game-high 27 points, while
Beijing teammate Nicky Anosike added
17. Zhang Yu and Zhao Hui netted 11
points each. Cassie Cooke netted 18
points for the CAPERS, followed by
Jahlica Kirnon with 15 and Vicki Thistle
with 12.
CBU defeated McMaster University of
Hamilton, ON, 80-56 in their second
contest. Cooke was again the top point
earner for CBU, racking up a total 16
points, while Thistle netted 15. Hope
Edwards and Jahlica Kirnon both
added 10 points each.
Cooke impressed in her CAPERS
debut, scoring 17 points in a 7153 win over the Thompson Rivers
WolfPack of Kamloops, BC, on
opening night. Thistle, also in her
first game as a CAPER at Sullivan
Fieldhouse, was named player of
the game, with 15 points and seven
boards, while Kayla McCarron added
12 points. CBU held a 32-28 lead at
halftime.
The exhibition event was an extension
of the East Meets East Friendship
Games, which saw the CBU men’s
basketball team travel to Beijing
in December, 2010. CBU is proud
to say that it is the first Canadian
university to host a national Chinese
basketball team on its campus. CBU
is steadily becoming recognized as a
multi-cultural and ethnically diverse
community.
The University has strong
relationships with several Chinese
universities, colleges, high schools
and organizations that make events
like these games possible. As an
extension and continuation of CBU’s
growing relationship with China, the
sport of basketball and the Friendship
Tournament will build upon existing
relationships and forge new pathways
for economic and educational
ventures between Cape Breton
University and China.
These games also bring international
exposure to Cape Breton Island,
Cape Breton University and its
basketball program and establish
community partnerships between
Cape Breton University and China.
This collaboration gives our studentathletes and the entire community
the chance to experience culture
and sport right here in our own
community. That is a win-win for all!
save the date & have some fun
12th Annual Alumni & Friends Golf Tournament
Friday, June 1, 2012
Lingan Golf Club
For registration details please contact:
Lindsey Smith
(902) 563-1199
lindsey_smith@cbu.ca
28 | CBU Distinction
CBU faculty and alumni collaborate on
Protest Songs CD –
New Protest Songs CD Resonates Then and Now
Men starving during strikes and lock
outs, women weeping for babies
who’ve died and miners and their families manning picket lines to win a living
wage: these are just a few of the stories
told in a new CD released by Cape
Breton University’s Centre for Cape
Breton Studies in November, 2011. The
CD, entitled Cape Breton Island Protest
Songs, has been a year in the making.
artists were asked if they would help
bring these songs and the stories they
tell, back to life. They enthusiastically
jumped on board, writing and arranging
the music and then recording the resulting creations. Many now play these
songs in their performances and plan
to include them on their own CD’s. An
accompanying web site –
www.protestsongs.ca provides
much historical context for the songs.
MacKinnon and Garry Leech; storyteller
and playwright, Ken Chisholm and others. In particular, CBU alumni Donald
Calabrese (BA ’06), David Mahalik
(BACS ’04), Ian MacDougall (BA ’04)
and Tomiczek helped with the project.
The results are eclectic and exciting.
Even though the songs were composed
more than 90 years ago, they express
many contemporary concerns. One of
the songs, The Shutdown, for
example, talks about the effects of shutdowns on working
people and their communities.
Two Nova Scotia communities
are currently struggling with this
issue in 2012. The only contemporary song found on the CD is
Picket Line, written by Tomiczek
about his experience growing
up as the son of a strong Cape
Breton trade union leader.
Support for the project came
from the Canadian Labour
Congress, Public Service Alliance of Canada, Nova Scotia
Government Employees Union,
Atlantic Canada CAW, Canadian
Staff Union, Halifax/Dartmouth
District Labour Council, Cape
Breton District Labour Council, Canada Research Chair
program, Sydney and District
General Workers’ Union Local
1509, CLC, Canada Foundation
for Innovation and Cape Breton
University.
The protest song project began when
Cape Breton University professor and
Canada Research Chair, Dr. Richard
MacKinnon, unearthed dozens of
protest songs written largely during
the 1920’s. Unfortunately, the music
to these songs was long lost. With the
help of local musician and CBU alumnus, Victor Tomiczek (BA ’04), local
The artists are diverse. They include
everyone from former coal miner and
Men of the Deeps singer, Nipper
Macleod, to members of the Tom Fun
Orchestra, Slowcoaster, LadySlippers,
Crowdis Bridge; singer/songwriters
Carolyn Lionais, Breagh MacKinnon
and Tomiczek; fiddler, Colin Grant; CBU
professors Chris MacDonald, Richard
The CDs are available
for sale at $15 and
can be purchased
at the Cape Breton
Curiosity Shop,
Charlotte Street,
Sydney.
Spring 2012 | 29
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30 | CBU Distinction
Fashionably Leaving an
Entrepreneurial Footprint
A can-do attitude, life-long learning,
personal style and a cheering section
of supporters are staple pieces in
Meghan Finney’s (BA ’08) wardrobe
of success. Meghan is the visionary
behind La Quaintrelle, one of Cape
Breton’s newest clothing boutiques
and online vintage inspired speciality
shop.
cultivation of life’s pleasures. “The
best thing about a “quaintrelle” is that
any woman can be one. I believe that
creating personal style is much more
important and true to one’s self, than
attempting to, perhaps, conform to
the latest trend, magazine spread, or
what’s on a big-box mannequin,” says
Meghan.
La Quaintrelle went live to the world
in August 2011, as an online dress
store. Fast-forward about eight months
and the shop now has a permanent
physical location in downtown North
Sydney, NS and has expanded to offer
accessories, bags and shoes, among
other items. Stop by the trending
boutique, or visit the virtual store at
www.laquaintrelle.ca and you will
find a unique selection that is sure to
complement your style - you’ll discover
its finds are like nothing else on the
Island.
The idea for La Quaintrelle was
triggered when Meghan realized that
other women in the local area were
probably experiencing the same
frustrations she was with the limited
consumer options to express oneself
through personal style. She identified
the opportunity and bravely embarked
on this new journey. Since opening,
word-of-mouth and social media have
helped quaintrelles connect with the
boutique.
A “quaintrelle” is a woman who
emphasizes a life of passion,
expressed through personal style,
leisurely pastimes, charm and
With a family history rooted in
entrepreneurial spirit, Meghan is fully
enjoying the experience and learning
a lot as she moves forward with her
business plan. She says her time at
CBU - the small class sizes, personal
attention from professors and relevant
course material, have all helped shape
her business approach. “Completing
an English degree honed my ability
to think critically and has allowed
me to think creatively and ‘outside
the box’. It has also had incredible
influence over my writing, editing,
copywriting, advertising, professional
correspondence, public relations and
customer service for the business.”
Although “business owner” has only
been on Meghan’s resume for a few
months, she has already gained a
wealth of experience and had this
to say to those considering owning
a business, “Surround yourself with
people who support what you’re doing.
Read, read and read some more, do
your research. Seek out information
about the business’ field from books,
blogs, mentors, classes, market
research, reviews and networks.
Expect to always be learning. Most
importantly, believe you can do it!”
www.laquaintrelle.ca
Spring 2012 | 31
CAPE BRETON UNIVERSITY CAPER