November 7, 2005 Source: University College of Cape Breton:
http://www.capebretonu.ca/capebretonu_main/newsrel/NewsDetail.asp?NewsID=121 And the Winning CBU Graduate Ring Design Is… (Sydney, NS) –An upcoming Cape Breton University graduate and an Island artist are the faces behind the new CBU graduate ring design. University students and alumni recently cast more than 1,800 votes for their favorite new design in a Top 3 competition. Barb Clarke, from Westmount, NS and Tony McIntosh from Sydney, NS received more than 50 percent of the votes for their submission. The designers wanted the image to show Cape Breton pride and University spirit. The winning design sketch shows an outline of Cape Breton Island in the shape of the letters CBU along with colour suggestions for outlines and a background to show the traditional gold ring. The design will also be applied to a pendant and alumni pin. The first graduates to sport the new design will be the Class of 2006 which includes Clarke. She will graduate in May with her Bachelor of Arts Community Studies, Major in Psychology (Distinction). "I am both proud and excited to have our design chosen for the new ring. Personally, it is the perfect way to complete my University experience," says Clarke. Fittingly, as a CBU Distance Education student, the opportunity came to Clarke online. "I was online checking my marks when I came across the ad asking interested people to submit their original designs for a new grad ring," notes Clarke. "I immediately wanted to be involved, and had lots of ideas so I called Tony, who is an accomplished artist, and mentioned what I had in mind for a design." "We bounced several ideas off each other and eventually our Island based design came to light." McIntosh, who has been "drawing since I was old enough to hold a pencil," knew the design would literally go around the world as students graduate. "What is more recognizable about Cape Breton Island than the Island itself." McIntosh, now retired from the Land Information Office in Sydney, is no stranger to the world of design. He has participated in many art exhibits over the years including Cape Breton University; selected works of McIntosh’s are also part of the University’s Permanent Collection. He also designs logos, illustrates and is hired to do commissions. "I am honoured to have participated in designing a new ring. It is a representation of our beautiful Island, and the letters CBU represent the high quality of learning they received." …/2 The next steps for both Alumni and Students’ Union include working with Joy Gift & Jewellery to bring the design sketch to life for the Class of 2006. It is anticipated the rings will be available for the holiday season. Both groups are also looking at the possibility of reinstituting a ring ceremony for graduates. Previous Students’ Union and Alumni Associations considered the possibility of bringing an annual ring ceremony back to the University. This coupled with the new university name provided an opportunity for a Ring Selection Committee, comprised of representatives from Students’ Union, the Alumni Association, Student Services and Development, to come together. After an open call for submissions, 22 submissions were received from across the Island and mainland Nova Scotia and as far away as Quebec. In September, the committee narrowed down the submissions to 12. The designs then went to an initial vote by the Alumni Association Board and Student Representative Council. Three designs garnered the bulk of the votes which also included a slightly modified version of the current ring design. People were asked to vote on their favorite design so no information was provided on the designers. Overall designs ranged from Island shapes and symbols to stones and CBU initials. In October, students and alumni voted over a 10-day period from the Top 3 designs. "It was really impressive to see the number of students and alumni who voted; it shows the pride in the University," says Scott Thomas, President, CBU Students’ Union. "I am excited for the designers, and especially for Barb, who will be a part of the first graduating class wearing the new ring; a future ambassador." "As Cape Breton University embarks on a new era it is rewarding to see the interest and excitement in setting a new tradition for students and future alumni," says Shawn Moore, President, CBU Alumni Association. Now with the competition behind them, the designers will get back to their day-to-day lives. Clarke is employed full-time with Workmans’ Compensation Board of Nova Scotia as a Return to Work Assistant. McIntosh, noted for his pen and ink drawings of local landmarks, will continue with a special passion for his hometown. "I am very proud of the town I grew up in, Glace Bay, and am trying to preserve the history and pride in my drawings of buildings and landmarks. I would like to think I incorporated these same feelings in the design of the ring. People will see this grad ring as a strong symbol of our Island and education system." The winning design and photos can be viewed at www.capebretonu.ca -30- Contact: Kelly Rose
Communications Officer, Cape Breton University
Tel: (902) 563-1638
E-mail: kelly_rose@capebretonu.ca
| 