Robert Casey

In 2009, Robert Casey came to study at CBU. A proud L’Nu student living in Eskasoni, he was awarded the Rosetti scholarship valued at more than $8,000. Robert was enrolled in the Bachelor of Science program and was doing well academically. He was challenged but felt like he could really succeed.

After two years, his family faced serious medical concerns. Both of his parents became ill, and Robert had to make a decision. He could continue taking classes and focusing on his education, or he could ensure his parents were cared for and their health was stable.

Robert made the decision take a leave from his degree. He told his fiancé to keep on going with her studies at CBU and that he would work to support their family. He watched his wife, Riviera, thrive at CBU, and his desire to return to school grew with every passing day. He knew how important it was for him to work, but he knew he’d be back one day.

In 2019, Robert decided to finish what he had started. He re-enrolled and set his sights on completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in hopes to follow in the footsteps of his wife and eventually complete a Bachelor of Social Work degree. “I knew I had found my place in this world – helping others,” he told us. “After working with youth facing barriers and challenges, I knew that going to CBU, I could work toward building the tools needed to truly help.”

Robert graduated in May 2022 and is proud to represent his community. At the Unama’ki College Recognition of Indigenous Graduates in May of 2022, he wore a newly beaded CBU Alumni pin that he had completed just that day. Weaving his culture into his education and his passion into his degree, Robert proudly crossed the stage.

Robert plans to use his degree to help people in the way that he’s been helped. Congratulations Robert on earning your much-deserved degree.