Donnie Campbell, shown, and Dr. David Kennedy will receive honourary degrees from Cape Breton University during fall convocation on Nov. 5. ContributedArticle contentCape Breton University will confer doctor of laws, honoris causa, on Dr. David Kennedy and doctor of letters, honoris causa, on Donnie Campbell during fall convocation on Nov. 5.THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY.Subscribe now to access this story and more:Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsSUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES.Subscribe or sign in to your account to continue your reading experience.Unlimited access to the website and appExclusive access to premium content, newsletters and podcastsFull access to the e-Edition app, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment onEnjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalistsSupport local journalists and the next generation of journalistsRegister to unlock more articles.Create an account or sign in to continue your reading experience.Access additional stories every monthShare your thoughts and join the conversation in our commenting communityGet email updates from your favourite authorsSign In or Create an AccountorArticle contentArticle content“In choosing to confer an honorary degree, Cape Breton University shines a light on those individuals and organizations that live out, in an exemplary fashion, CBU’s values of courage, co-operation and quality,” CBU president and vice-chancellor David Dingwall said in a release. “We are proud to recognize Dr. David Kennedy and Mr. Donnie Campbell, two remarkable Cape Bretoners whose lifelong contributions reflect the very heart of our Island and university.Article contentArticle content“Their work reminds us that leadership takes many forms. Whether through the preservation of music and culture or the advancement of our local economy. We are honoured to celebrate them as part of the CBU family.”Article contentKennedy is a lifelong Cape Bretoner whose entrepreneurial drive has transformed a small family clinic into a thriving, multi-location veterinary practice, creating jobs, mentoring young professionals, and helping to build the island’s economy. For nearly four decades, Kennedy served the people and their beloved pets of Cape Breton with unwavering commitment. Following in the footsteps of his father who founded Kennedy Animal Hospital in 1951, he modernized veterinary medicine on the island and built a legacy rooted in community care.Article contentCampbell is a beloved figure in Cape Breton’s Celtic music landscape, best known as the host of Celtic Serenade, a radio program that has been delighting audiences for over 50 years. With the longest-running radio show in North America, Campbell shares a blend of Celtic, folk, bluegrass, and East Coast music every Sunday, reaching listeners across Cape Breton and around the globe.Article contentArticle contentCampbell’s contribution and work on promoting Celtic music have earned him multiple awards, including the Unsung Hero Award from the Canadian Folk Music Awards (2020), the Stompin’ Tom Music Award from the ECMA (2019), and recognition from the Cape Breton Musicians Association for his lifelong commitment to promoting local talent. In the spring of 2025, he was inducted into the Cape Breton Music Hall of Fame.Article contentArticle content“We are thrilled to welcome these outstanding Cape Bretoners into our CBU alumni family,” said Dingwall. “CBU has been conferring honorary degrees for more than 20 years, and it is among the highest honour we can give to recognize and celebrate those who have an impact on the communities around them.”Article contentFall convocation 2025 will take place Nov. 5 at 11 a.m. at the Kehoe Forum, Cape Breton University.Article content
Cape Breton University to confer honorary degrees for Campbell, Kennedy
