CBU wins four Prix d’Excellence awards

    CBU wins four Prix d’Excellence awards
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    Cape Breton University has been recognized with four national medals for outstanding achievements in institutional advancement.

    The Canadian Council for Advancement of Education (CCAE) presented the university with their 2025 Prix d’Excellence Awards.

    The awards celebrate excellence in areas such as alumni affairs, public affairs, advancement communications, development services and donor stewardship.

    Gold, silver and bronze for CBU

    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.

    “We’re 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 community. While 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 community outreach and partnership to project planning and student engagement.

    David C. Dingwall, CBU President and Vice-Chancellor

    Gold Medal award

    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’ki-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 community volunteers in a collective effort to restore habitats, enhance biodiversity and promote environmental stewardship.

    Two Silver Medals

    For Best Special Event 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.

    For Best Special Initiative, recognizing 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’s legacy and her commitment to social justice, equality and advocacy.

    Bronze Medal

    For Best Use of Video/Film – Information category for its 50th Anniversary Brand Video. Narrated by faculty member Michael MacDonald, the video reflects on the University’s journey and deep connection to Unama’ki-Cape Breton through the theme “Our Past. Our Story. Our Future.”

    Other Springboard members win Prix d’Excellence awards

    • Gold – St. Francis Xavier University for Best Young Alumni and/or Student Initiative – Impact X Summit on Entrepreneurship & Social Change
    • Gold – Saint Mary’s University for Best Print Brochure, Newsletter, or Flyer – Pop Goes the Acceptance Pack
    • Silver – Holland College for Best Alumni Event – Brewing Connections: Student and Alumni Coffee Chats
    • Silver – Memorial University of Newfoundland for Best Community Outreach Initiative – Doors Open at The Launch
    • Bronze – Memorial University of Newfoundland for Best Alumni Event – Marine Institute Fish & Brews Alumni Event
    • Bronze – Holland College for Best Fundraising Initiative – I Love My College – Employee Giving Campaign
    • Bronze – Acadia University for Best Report to Donors – Acadia Giving Report 2023-2024
    • Bronze – Memorial University of Newfoundland for Best Use Of Video/Film – Engagement – Marine Institute Recruitment Video Campaign

    CCAE is a volunteer-led organization that promotes excellence in educational advancement and provides opportunities for networking, professional learning and mutual support. CCAE members represent universities, colleges, polytechnics, institutes, independent schools and cégeps from across the country.

    Cape Breton University is a member of the Springboard Network of 19 post-secondary institutions in Atlantic Canada. Our mission is to grow the economy by commercializing research and developing collaborations between researchers and industry.