New Graduate Program Announced CMU Joins the AUCC the Mission of Menno Simons College

3 9 17 CMU Joins The Mission of New Graduate The AUCC Menno Simons College Program Announced THE

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY MAGAZINE • WINTER 2009 Editor’s Note

With this issue of the Blazer, I am writing my last Editor’s Note. In May I begin a new job as Director of Sales and Marketing for Mennonite Publishing Network.

As I leave, I do so with good memories of my time at CMU, and also with a firm belief in the value and importance of Christian university education—not just for students, but for the President Gerald Gerbrandt addresses staff and students at an Oct. 31 celebration of CMU church itself. becoming part of the AUCC. See story page 3.

I am absolutely convinced that if the church in Canada is to have a future, it will be because it has invested in the lives of its youth. The world is a complex place, filled with challenges and dilemmas on many levels—politics, ethics, poverty, war, the environment, health Table of Contents: care, economics, and many more. A Sunday school or youth group education, as good as 3 A “Gold Seal” of Approval they are, simply won’t be sufficient to prepare young people for the challenges they will face 5 Practicums an Integral Part of CMU as adults. If the church is to have a relevant voice, it will need members who are educated, 9 A Bridge Between Menno Simons College thoughtful and biblically literate, and who have developed a deep and knowledgeable compas- and The Public University sion for a suffering, broken and needy world. 11 News from CMU Where will these Christians come from? They CMU Home to Major Art Work; New Staff, will come from schools like CMU. As Dr. Earl Davey, Vice President Academic, so eloquently Faculty Appointed; New School of Peacebuilding noted at the university’s opening program, Launched; Three Students From Same Family CMU is a place where students can cultivate their “intellectual capacity to understand, inter- Studying at CMU; Outtatown Students, Leaders pret, critique and constructively address com- Reflect on First Semester; New Graduate Program plex issues,” become “people who are rooted in the biblical text” and grow their ability to love Approved. and care for others, along with their trust and belief in God. 18 People & Events

Do you know someone who is wondering 20 Alumni News where to study in September? Tell them about CMU. Are you wondering where to make a 23 President’s Message donation this year? Give a gift to CMU. In both ways you can invest in the future of the church.

The Blazer is a publication of Canadian Mennonite University, published three times a year. John Longhurst, Editor Editor/Communications Director: John Longhurst Alumni/Constituency Relations, Designer: Alyssa Rempel, Coordinator: Eleonore Braun. Printed in Canada by Friesens, Altona, MB Made with recycled paper (30% recycled, 20% post consumer). Publications agreement number 40686550 | Vol. 4, number 2. ISSN-1715-5843 Moving? Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to: Canadian Mennonite University, Drop us a line, fill out the web form at 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2 | Ph. (204) 487.3300 | www.cmu.ca/alumni.html or email [email protected] Toll-free: 1(877) 231.4570 | Fx. (204) 487.3858 | [email protected] | www.cmu.ca

On the cover: Alicia Mitchell of Winnipeg MB, in the Founders’ Hall.

2 winter 2009 A “Gold Seal” of Approval CMU Becomes Member of the Universities and Colleges of Canada

There have been a number of major milestones scholarship, research and programs.” in CMU’s short decade of life: The passing of Getting accepted into the AUCC is no small the Mennonite College Federation Act by the accomplishment. To qualify for membership, a uni- Government of Manitoba on June 29, 1998; the versity or college must meet stringent criteria that signing of a Memorandum of Association to cre- include having a highly qualified faculty; degree pro- ate the university by Concord College, Canadian grams that are characterized by breadth and depth Mennonite Bible College and Menno Simons College in the traditional areas of the liberal arts and/or on November 18, 1998; and the holding of the first sciences; a commitment to, and proven track record classes in September, 2000. of, teaching, research, scholarship, academic inquiry Add one more significant item to that list—being and the advancement of knowledge; and service to accepted into the Association of Universities and the community. Colleges of Canada (AUCC) on October 22, 2008. “It isn’t easy to get into the AUCC,” says Gerbrandt. “Being accepted into the AUCC is another impor- “The standards are very high. By being accepted, tant step for CMU,” says President Gerald Gerbrandt. Canada’s other universities agree that we meet those “It means we have achieved one of our key goals— high standards, and that students can expect the best recognition by other universities in Canada.” possible university-level education at CMU.” For Gerbrandt, becoming a member of the Speaking of students, they are the ones who will AUCC—which represents 94 public and private most immediately feel the impact of CMU’s accep- universities and university-degree level colleges in tance into the AUCC. Canada—is like getting “a gold seal of approval. It “Students will find it easier to gain admission signifies that CMU is like other Canadian universi- to graduate or professional programs,” says Earl ties when it comes to quality of teaching, faculty, Davey, Vice President Academic, adding that “some

springwinter 20062009 3 Canadian universities have already told their regis- Some people might wonder if getting into the trars to streamline applications from CMU students AUCC means that CMU is now a “real” university. for various graduate and undergraduate programs.” Gerbrandt rejects that notion. CMU faculty will also benefit, Davey says. “CMU was a ‘real’ university before being accepted “In addition to the sense of validation that comes into the AUCC,” he says. “The quality of our faculty, of being accepted into the AUCC, they are now eli- teaching, scholarship and programs did not change gible for a much broader range of research grants,” the moment we were accepted into membership. In he says. “Given this opportunity, many of our faculty fact, it was the high quality of our academics that will most certainly secure increased levels of fund- enabled us to get AUCC membership. Becoming a ing. This will greatly enhance their ability to do member merely recognized that CMU had already research and advance their own scholarship, as well attained the high standards that the organization as the general level of scholarship at CMU.” expects of its members.” CMU’s recruitment efforts will also be aided by the Others may wonder if AUCC membership decision, notes Gerbrandt. will change the Christian character of CMU. For “For many prospective students today, accredi- Gerbrandt, the answer is unequivocally no. tation is key to deciding where to study,” he says. “We are the same Christian university today that “Going to university or college is expensive, and we were before the AUCC extended an invitation to they want to be sure their degrees are recognized by us to join them,” he states. “Our desire to educate employers, and that they can transfer credits if they students to be thoughtful followers of Jesus has should choose to go on to further studies.” not changed. Our mission to be a university that is But present and potential students and faculty aren’t rooted in the Anabaptist faith tradition, and moved the only ones who can feel good about AUCC mem- and transformed by the life and teachings of Jesus bership, Gerbrandt adds—members of Mennonite Christ, is the same. Our goal is still to inspire and Church Canada and the Mennonite Brethren Church equip women and men for lives of service, leadership of Manitoba, the two bodies that own CMU, can also and reconciliation in church and society.” “look with pride on this development,” he says. Looking back on the five-year application and Getting into the AUCC “shows the wisdom of approval process, Gerbrandt notes there are many their decision to merge Concord College and CMBC people to thank. with Menno Simons College to create CMU,” says “Being accepted into the AUCC was the result of Gerbrandt. “That decision has proven to be a good the hard work of many people—faculty, staff, stu- one, now that CMU has been recognized as a cred- dents, board members and others. I am grateful to all ible and reputable university by the highest body for who worked hard for this, and for those who prayed universities in Canada.” for CMU during this time.” B

4 winter 2009 Michael Bueckert with a friend in Kenya. Practicums An Integral Part of the CMU Experience Lessons learned shape students “for a lifetime”

Where is CMU located? In Winnipeg, of course. programs,” she says of MSC’s practicum program, But it’s also in Tanzania, Kenya, Ontario, Thailand, which is a requirement for the four-year majors in Nicaragua, Quebec, Ireland—any place students are International Development Studies and Conflict doing their practicum assignments. Resolution Studies. “It’s like we have over a hundred campuses around As for the students, while they “often enter their the world every year,” says Werner Kliewer, who placement with the idea that they are going to ‘give directs the practicum program at CMU’s Shaftesbury back’ to the community or ‘help’ people—and they campus. often do—they also inevitably feel that they have The practicum assignments—a requirement for received far more than they have given,” she adds. graduating from CMU’s Shaftesbury campus—are Both agree that practicum assignments are not an “a way for students to put their studies into practice add-on for students, but an integral part of their edu- and provide needed services,” he says, adding that cation. “The lessons they take away from the experi- they also “give students a chance to test their voca- ence can shape them for a lifetime,” says Kliewer. tional choices.” Last year, 126 students did practicums in Canada While students benefit from the assignments, and around the world. Here are a few glimpses of so do the organizations that host them says Ruth some of their experiences. Taronno, who directs the practicum program at Menno Simons College, CMU’s campus at the university of Winnipeg. “Organizations benefit by having knowledge- • able, capable university students work in their

winter 2009 5 Alissa Krueger’s practicum in Tanzania helped her focus her career interests. “I have always wanted to be a teacher,” says Krueger, who graduated in 2008 from CMU’s Shaftesbury campus with a B.A. in International Development Studies. Her time with Neema Crafts, an Anglican church-supported job creation project run for people with disabilities, confirmed that career direction. “This was reinforced to me during the practicum,” she says. Krueger, a member of the Caronport, Sask. Community Church, adds that “my vocational thinking has evolved to include going back to Tanzania to work in literacy education. I’m not sure at this point Thaya Moritz at the Good Shepherd Orphanage in Ghana. when or how, but it is something I am going to pursue and see how God opens doors in this direction.” forms,” says Moritz, a Conflict Resolution Studies and International Development Studies double major at Menno Simons College. Looking ahead, Moritz says the experience has “definitely solidified within me the desire to continue participating in development work. I enjoyed every aspect of the experience, and I was able to find value in the things that were difficult. It has widened the possibilities of what I feel I am able to do, and how I am able to affect change.” Alissa Krueger in Tanzania. • Jennifer Lynn Johnson, a fourth year International Kelly MacNab, Michael Bueckert and Joseph Development Studies major, did her practicum Naimodu did their practicum assignments together assignment at Global Refuge International in Uganda through Compassion International in Naimodu’s as an administrative assistant. She also ran an HIV- hometown of Olepolos, Kenya. While there, the prevention initiative for men in rural villages. three did office work, needs assessments, worked on Through the assignment, the member of the project proposals and other tasks. Northview Community Church in Abbotsford, B.C. For MacNab, a fourth year psychology major, with learned “about the spiritual, political, and social International Development Studies and Biblical and issues surrounding the war that has affected north- Theological Studies minors, the experience “gave my ern Uganda for the past two decades,” as well as studies new meaning. I would like to return to Africa about gender inequalities, the stigma attached to and work there for at least a few years.” HIV/AIDS and the terrible effects of poverty. The member of the Central Heights Mennonite The experience has made her eager to learn more Brethren Church in Abbotsford, B.C. also says she about HIV-AIDS prevention and community edu- now sees life in Canada in a new way, and that it cation. “I have also fallen in love with Africa, and helped her gain “life skills that will help me to be would love to return there longer-term,” she says. more flexible and adaptable in a foreign context.” For Bueckert, a third year International Development Studies major with a minor in politi- • cal studies, the experience provided an up-close look Thaya Moritz’s practicum at the Good Shepherd at the different ways organizations operate in Africa. Orphanage and International School in Ghana pro- He also was confronted by some of the challenges vided her with a “new outlook on development and dilemmas of doing development work. work.” “Sometimes it seems that intervention is necessar- “I feel what I learn the most was that development ily a choice between the lesser of two evils,” says the work is never clearly defined—it can take many member of the Mount Royal Mennonite Church in

6 winter 2009 Kelly MacNab with children in Kenya.

Saskatoon. “How can you discourage unsustainable Mennonite Brethren congregation in Winnipeg, farming practices that pollute local sources of drink- spent much of her time working on CAPI’s Kenya ing water when the alternative leads to malnutrition? Alternatives to Violence Project, which offered Is it justified to transfer exploitative, paternalistic workshops for people who wanted to learn to deal and neo-colonial economic and social structures if it peacefully with conflict. reduces the infant mortality rate?” “I was able to teach others what I knew about For Naimodu, the experience was an opportunity resolving conflict and encourage them to use the to work through his home church. “During my time skills they learned in the workshop,” she says. “I also in Kenya, my calling to serve in my community was analyzed the impact of the project through inter- affirmed,” says the third year Biblical and Theological viewing and surveying people.” Studies major, who is also minoring in International The experience enhanced her sense of “apprecia- Development Studies. “I also learned that I have the tion and respect for people of different cultures,” she potential to influence and help others.” adds, noting that it also confirmed her desire to pursue a career in conflict resolution in an educational setting. • “Conflict is inevitable in places such as in a school Lindsay Anderson, a Conflict Resolution Studies setting,” she says, noting that she wants to use her and International Development Studies major at education and experiences to help resolve it. Menno Simons College, served in Kenya with Change Agents Peace International (CAPI). Her practicum assignment provided first-hand knowledge about • “the experiences people had with conflict, and the Leah Buermeyer, who graduated last year with a daily struggle they have to survive.” It also helped her general B.A., did her practicum in Thailand with discover that “even in countries torn by violence and Mennonite Church Canada. While there, she taught poverty, there is hope.” English and helped with local church outreach pro- Anderson, who attends The Meeting Place, a grams and other activities.

winter 2009 7 “I learned a lot about missionary far away. She also learned about how work,” says Beurmeyer, a member hard life can be for those who didn’t of the Neepawa, Man. First Baptist have the “good fortune to be born into Church. “It was a very interesting and white, middle class English-speaking eye-opening experience. I learned the households.” basics of what it means to be a mission- Julia Wiebe, who graduated in 2008 ary, as well as how to go about sharing with a B.A. with a major in Political the Gospel with people in a different Studies and a minor in Theology, did country.” her practicum at the Public Interest The practicum “really opened my Law Centre in Winnipeg assisting eyes to the world,” she says. “I saw God lawyers with research in the area of from a new perspective. I also found a Aboriginal law. new confidence in myself with being “I learned about how the process in front of a group of people. It has of law works, and about how much broadened my horizons, and given me work is involved in putting together a a new sense of energy and confidence case for trial,” says Wiebe, a member for heading into the future.” of Winnipeg’s St. Margaret’s Anglican Church. “I learned a lot about Canada’s historic relations with First Nations, • and the challenges that First Nations Not all practicum assignments take people face because of the patriarchal place in exotic foreign locations—some and paternalistic nature of the law.” take place right here in Canada. Jessica Her experience has inspired her to Dyck, a third year Social Science major, apply to law school. “There’s a need for did her practicum at the Mennonite more lawyers who specialize in social Savings and Credit Union in Kitchener, justice issues, and this is noble and where she worked in human resources, rewarding work,” she says. operations and marketing. “My practicum assignment showed me that a job can be more than ‘just • a job,’ says Dyck, a member of Poole, Reflections like these bring a sense of Ont. Mennonite Church. “I saw people satisfaction to Kliewer and Taronno. live out their faith through their jobs “It’s great to hear how their eyes have every day. It was a privilege to work for been opened to new possibilities, per- a values-based organization and learn spectives and relationships during their how its values affect all parts of the practicum experiences,” says Kliewer. organization.” “It’s amazing to see how their per- Amanda Thorsteinson, a third year spectives have changed after their International Development Studies practicums,” adds Taronno. “So many major, did her practicum at Refuge have grown and changed as they put Juan Moreno, an emergency shelter in their studies into practice. There’s no Montreal for vulnerable women, chil- doubt it totally enriches their academic dren and unaccompanied minors who experience, and gives them new ways are seeking asylum in Canada. of seeing the world.” B During her practicum Thosteinson, a member of Winnipeg’s Charleswood Mennonite Church, learned “about the difference one person can make” for women who were lonely and fragile as a result of being tortured or torn from family and friends in countries

8 winter 2009 Menno Simons College: A Bridge To The Public University

“Menno Simons College provides education flowing Studies majors for the University of Winnipeg. In from Anabaptist-Mennonite understandings of faith, 2008-09 a total of 1,060 students are taking one or peace and justice, while engaging other religious tradi- more courses through the school, which is located tions and intellectual perspectives. The College fosters across the street from the U of W in downtown a learning community that prepares students from Winnipeg. diverse backgrounds for participation and leadership “Students who come here want to learn how to in local and global communities.” make a difference in the world,” says Ruth Taronno, That mission statement is one of the first things you CMU’s Associate Vice President for MSC. “We offer see when you walk into the door of Menno Simons them a program that is different from any other College (MSC), CMU’s campus at the University of school, one that brings together issues of peace, jus- Winnipeg. Today, 20 years after MSC offered its first tice and development. It’s an approach that enables courses, those words are still key to the College’s them to believe they can change the world.” purpose. “Our goal is to reach out to diverse group of stu- Founding Vision dents who may not be familiar with the Anabaptist- Mennonite values of non-violence and service, and The driving force behind the creation of MSC help them to see how they can apply those values in was Manitoba entrepreneur Dr. David Friesen, who practical ways in the world today—no matter what passed away in 2007. It was his vision that led to their faith tradition might be, or even if they don’t the founding of the school in the 1970s, under the have a faith background,” says Paul Redekop, CMU’s guidance of a group called the Friends of Higher Dean of Social Sciences and Dean of Menno Simons Education. College. “David had a real vision for Mennonite educa- Over the past 20 years, thousands of students have tion,” says Dean Peachey, former President of MSC. had a chance to learn more about the mission and “He had a passion for how education could be used motivation of MSC, which offers the International to preserve and strengthen the Mennonite com- Development Studies and Conflict Resolution munity.”

winter 2009 9 In 1986, the Government of Manitoba passed last June, University of Winnipeg President Lloyd legislation giving MSC degree-granting powers. It Axworthy affirmed that sentiment. “I cherish our offered its first courses in 1989, under the direction relationship with CMU,” he said. “It shows we can of its first President, Dr. George Epp, and first full- collaborate and work together for the better good of time professor, Dr. Bernie Wiebe. In 1992 it formally giving students the excitement of learning.” affiliated with the University of Winnipeg. He went on to express gratitude to CMU for “the Interestingly, Friesen’s original vision was not to way our two institutions meld and work together” to start a new school, but rather to merge the existing offer conflict resolution and international develop- colleges into a new Christian liberal arts college—a ment studies through MSC. dream that was fulfilled in 2000, when MSC joined “We appreciate and value our relationship with Concord College and Canadian Mennonite Bible the University of Winnipeg,” says Gerbrandt. “It has College in forming CMU. enriched us at CMU, and I trust they have benefited “It was a good dream,” says CMU President Gerald as well.” Gerbrandt of Friesen’s vision. “It was just ahead of its time.”

Bridging The Gap

For Gerbrandt, an apt metaphor for MSC is that of a bridge. “MSC is a bridge between CMU, the Mennonite churches and the world of the public university,” he says. “It’s a way for us to be in dialogue with the broader academic world on their turf.” At the Shaftesbury campus, says Earl Davey, CMU’s Vice President Academic, CMU “engages in intellectual pursuit explicitly through the lens of Christian The Future faith.” At the Menno Simons College campus, he goes on Looking ahead, Redekop would like to see MSC to say, “we engage the world of the public university, as a place that is “at the cutting edge of thinking educating students about the values of peace and and doing when it comes to peace, development reconciliation which arise out of our Anabaptist and social justice issues,” as well as being a school Mennonite convictions, equipping them to be effec- that is “recognized in the wider academic world” tive agents of peace and reconciliation, whatever and “sought out as a place that offers resources and their faith perspective.” reflection on these issues.” Through this exchange, he says, MSC “contributes For Taronno, it’s a vision of MSC as “a hub of peace to, and enriches, the broader dialogue on subjects and development work in Winnipeg and beyond, a that are of vital interest to the Christian commu- place that comes to mind first when people think nity” at the same time “building understanding and about peace, justice and development issues.” relationships with colleagues and neighbours in the For Davey, it’s about how CMU, through its academic world.” Shaftesbury and Menno Simons College campuses, can share “an authentic message to the world in A Valued Relationship which it finds itself—a message of justice for the poor, the imperative to love one’s neighbour, and None of this would be possible without a good work- a call to cherish this magnificent creation which is ing experience with the University of Winnipeg. God’s gift to all humanity . . . as we engage in the “We have a good relationship with the U of W,” life of the public university, we both learn and serve says Taronno. “We’re part of them, and feel wel- together as we wrestle with issues that matter to God comed by them.” and that matter to us.” B In his remarks at MSC’s graduation celebration

10 winter 2009 CMU News CMU Home To Major Art Work Mural in Great Hall Painted By Bruce Head

Students meet at the Blaurock Café beneath Bruce Head’s mural.

Founders Hall, the classic stone him get started as an artist. Born in St. Boniface in 1931, Head building on the north side of the “It was a wonderful experience,” graduated from the University of CMU’s Shaftesbury campus, is con- he said of the creation of the oil on Manitoba’s School of Art in 1953. sidered to be artistic by many. But the plaster mural, which was painted Since then, he has pursued an active building is also home to a significant over the winter of 1959-60. “It gave career as a designer, painter and piece of art by Bruce Head, one of a big boost to my career as an artist sculptor. He is the recipient of numer- Canada’s premier visual artists. to take up something this big.” ous awards, and his works have been In the 1950s, Head was one of a In his remarks, CMU President exhibited in galleries across Canada, few young Manitoba artists whose Gerald Gerbrandt said that while including the National Gallery of work stimulated a dramatic surge in the university is “quite fortunate” to Canada. interest in contemporary art on the own such a historical building, it is In addition to the mural, CMU’s Canadian prairies. In 1960 he was also fortunate to be home “to a true Shaftesbury and Menno Simons commissioned to create a mural, work of art” like the mural. College campuses are home to In titled The Four Seasons, for the din- Knowing more about the artist, he God’s Image, a collection of art by ing room of the Manitoba Teacher’s said, “will make us look at the mural 59 artists from around the world College—now CMU’s Great Hall and a little differently.” (curated by Winnipeg artist Ray home to the student-run Blaurock The ceremony was held in con- Dirks). The Shaftesbury campus Café. junction with a retrospective of also houses The Hand: Jesus’ Way During an October 15 ceremony Head’s work at the Winnipeg Art to the Cross, a series of 14 prints by attended by staff and students, Head Gallery titled Head Space: Five Winnipeg artist Betty Dimock. B shared how the commission helped Decades of Bruce Head.

winter 2009 11 CMU News New Staff, Faculty Appointed

A new Vice President and also been involved o f T h e o l o g y f r o m well as studying the flora External, a new Director with promotion and fund- Canadian Mennonite and fauna of the area. for the Braintree Creation raising for the school. He Bible College. “I am really very excited Care Centre and a new also was Principal of Harvey Sawatzky has about this new initiative,” Communications and Menno Simons Christian been appointed Director says Gerbrandt. “For far Media instructor have School in Calgary. of the CMU Braintree too long we humans have been appointed at CMU. “I believe that all schools Creation Care Centre. forgotten God’s com- Terry Schellenberg of exist first and foremost as Sawatzky, a former high mand to take care of the Kitchener, Ont. has been moral communities,” says school teacher and long- earth. My hope is that the appointed Vice President Schellenberg, a member time community environ- Braintree Creation Care E xter na l. Cur rent ly of the Breslau Mennonite mental leader and outdoor Centre will inspire us to be Principal of Rockway Church. “At their heart, education teacher, began more sensitive to our envi- Mennonite Collegiate, they plant seeds of identi- his new half-time posi- ronment, and then teach Schellenberg will direct ty and values, of right and tion last November. He us ways of taking care of CMU’s recruitment, com- wrong, of friendship and holds a Master of Natural that environment. Harvey munications and fundrais- cultural awareness.” Resource Management has the skills and commit- ing efforts. The special gift and role degree from the Natural ments we need to develop of Christian schools, and Resource Institute at the that kind of programming of Mennonite schools in University of Manitoba, at Braintree.” particular, he says, is to and is also employed as an Sawatzky is a member “cultivate core Christian environmental consultant of the Fort Garry EMC values and convictions,” with a private company. Church. to foster “soul-fulness, or David Balzer, a media attention to the things of producer with the Family the spirit,” and to be places Life Network (FLN), a that “nurture compassion, multicultural Christian servanthood, and peace.” media outreach orga- A university like CMU nization supported by exists to help young people the Mennonite Brethren grow in faith and develop Conference of Manitoba, Terry Schellenberg character, and to become has been appointed as “responsible, compas- an Instructor in the “I am excited that Terry sionate, globally minded Communications and will be joining us at CMU,” and reflective learners, he Media Studies program. says President Gerald notes, adding that “it’s also Balzer, who is also host Gerbrandt. “His commit- a place that can strengthen Harv Sawatzky of GodTalk, FLN’s call-in ment to the church and to the church, by providing radio show on Winnipeg Christian education, along leaders who can help it live In addition to lead- radio station CJOB, did with his administrative out its mission in a secular ing the development of a his undergraduate studies experience and his expe- and pluralistic society.” number of initiatives at the at Mennonite Brethren rience in public relations Schellenberg, who will Centre in East Braintree, Bible College, one of and fundraising, will serve begin his new role in Sawatzky will work with CMU’s predecessor col- us well.” summer, has an M.A. in Dr. Glen Klassen, the leges, and the University of A t R o c k w a y , Theology and Ethics from Centre’s Research Director, Winnipeg, and has com- Schellenberg is respon- Associated Mennonite to create a Research Station pleted studies leading to sible for the overall vision Biblical Seminary, a B.A. dedicated to the study an M.A. in New Testament and mission of the school, from the University of of the great peat bogs of at Mennonite Brethren for its academic programs, Manitoba and a Bachelor southeastern Manitoba, as Biblical Seminary. He

12 winter 2009 CMU News

New staff, cont... of God’s grand enterprise grow to understand the this program to become a holds a Master of Arts in of life-giving communica- opportunities and peril growing part of the CMU Speech Communication tion. When we foster our of a mediated society, we picture,” says Gerbrandt. from California State communication skills and become good stewards of “I am excited about the University, where his the- God’s gifts.” contribution he can sis was titled “Towards As for the study of make to our developing an Understanding of the communications itself, “I Communications pro- Function of Values in can’t think of a single life gram.” Communication.” situation or career that The Communications Prior to working at FLN, isn’t enhanced by good and Media program has he served as Associate communication,” he says. been made possible by Pastor at the North “I see the potential for a the support of Elmer Kildonan Mennonite generation of students to Hildebrand, owner of Brethren Church in love God and serve others the Golden West Radio, Winnipeg, where he is also through these skills.” which operates 28 radio a member. “I believe David has stations across Manitoba, For Balzer, joining the experience, the train- S a s k a t c h e w a n a n d CMU “means being part David Balzer ing and the vision to help Alberta. B

New School of Peacebuilding Launched First courses to be offered June 29 - July 10

Are truth and recon- that some have made it And Reconciliation address issues like Indian ciliation commissions a out to be. Commission, will focus Residential Schools here good way to deal with “Forgiveness doesn’t on the experience of the in Canada,” says Jarem painful experiences in come easily,” he says. victims and the perpetra- Sawatsky, Director of the the past? “You can’t organize for- tors, the different reac- School and an Assistant Yes, says Piet Meiring, giveness and you can’t tions to the process from Professor of Peace and a professor of theol- force someone to forgive. Black and White South Conflict Studies at CMU. ogy at the University Microwave-oven forgive- Africans; the experi- In addition to Meiring, of Pretoria who served ness—where you just pop ence of the various faith other courses at the on South Africa’s Truth something in and bing! communities; essential June 29-July 10 School and Reconciliation —that will never last.” prerequisites for recon- are Poets, Prophets Commission. But he also Meiring, who wrote ciliation and peacebuild- And Music Of Social offers a caution. about his experience in ing; and a comparison of Justice: Towards Holistic While acknowledg- the book A Chronicle of truth and reconciliation Worship, with Scottish ing that the Commission the Truth Commission, experiences in Canada songwriter, social justice was a vital part of “our will be in Winnipeg in and South Africa. advocate, theologian and healing” and “profoundly June, 2009 to teach at the “Piet’s course will be peacebuilder John Bell important in creating a new Canadian School of very informative for and Irma Fast Dueck, new South Africa,” he Peacebuilding (CSOP) at people who work in the Associate Professor also recognizes that it CMU. area of mediation and of Practical Theology was an extraordinarily Meiring’s course, titled conflict transformation, at CMU; Maintaining painful process for many Truth telling And Peace: or who are interested in Health Teams: Insights South Africans—and not An Insider’s Perspective how truth and reconcili- the perfect success story On South Africa’s Truth ation commissions can continued on page 14

winter 2009 13 CMU News

continued from page 13 provide students with “a wealth practitioners, professionals, activists, of information and insight into students, non-profit organizations and From Organizational And ways they can help build peace faith-based groups that are engaged Workplace Conflict Practitioners, locally, and around the world. in peacebuilding. The courses can be with Winnipegger Janet Schmidt, Through the School they will be taken for academic credit or for profes- one of Canada’s leading experts in, able to participate in a collab- sional training purposes. and practitioners of, mediation and orative learning community that Cost for the School is $555 per conflict resolution; and Frameworks will nurture and equip them for course for academic credit, or $366 for and Foundations of Peacebuilding, various forms of peace practice, training purposes only, plus $150 in with David Dyck of Winnipeg, who and expose them to some of the fees for credit or audit. Housing is also has been working and studying in significant ideas and teachers in available at CMU. the field of conflict resolution for the field.” For more information, visit www. more than 15 years. The School, which is spon- cmu.ca or contact the School at For Sawatsky, the line-up will sored by CMU, is geared towards [email protected]. B

Call for Nominations for Blazer Alumni Awards

Do you know a CMU alumnus Relations, or use the nomina- office for information about your who has, through his or her life, tion form on Alumni section class’ reunion. embodied the university’s values of the CMU website. Please “We’re looking forward to a great and mission of service, leadership include the name of the nomi- time of reflecting on the various and reconciliation in church and nee. information that supports journeys alumni have taken over the society? If yes, then we want you to the nomination and the nomi- years, and celebrating the contribu- nominate him or her for the annu- nee’s contact information. tions they made during their life,” al CMU Alumni Blazer Award! Theme for the 2009 says Church and Alumni Relations These Awards, given to alumni Homecoming Celebration is Coordinator Eleonore Braun of the from CMU, its predecessor col- Different Journeys, Common annual celebration. leges and Outtatown, will be Ground. A special invitation is A special feature of this year’s presented at the September extended to people who gradu- Homecoming will be a chance to 25-26 Homecoming celebration. ated in 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, celebrate the tenth anniversary of the Last year’s recipients were Joyce 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, Outtatown program, which began life Schimpky, David Dyck, Esther and 1999 from MBBC, Concord as the School of Discipleship (SOD). Patkau and Gary Harder. College and CMBC, and from For more information visit the Nominations can be sent CMU and Outtatown in 2004. CMU website, call 204.487.3300 or to CMU Church and Alumni Contact the Alumni Relations e-mail [email protected]. B

CMU Press Growing up Building Communities: in Turbulent Times: The Changing Face of Memoirs of Soviet Oppression, Manitoba Mennonites Refugee Life in Germany, and by John J. Friesen Immigrant Adjustment to Canada 2007; 240 pages; $32.50 by Waldemar Janzen 2007; maps & illustrations; 290 pages; $29.00

To order, contact CMU Bookstore at: toll free 877.231.4570 | email [email protected]

14 winter 2009 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. | Winnipeg, MB | 204.487.3300 | www.cmu.ca CMU News Three Students From Same Family Studying At CMU and Penny Forget—are glad they are there, too. “We really like CMU,” says Penny. “We like the sense of community there. It’s very important to us that the staff are committed to more than academics. We appreciate how they are involved in other parts of our children’s lives. We feel really comfortable having them t h e re .” For CMU Dean of Student Life Marilyn Paul, Genevieve and Andre Forget: Happy to be together at CMU. Peters Kliewer, the experience of the Forget three- For the third time since the university. After hearing Andre some, and all the other CMU began in 2000, “I really enjoyed the talk about the smaller siblings at the university, three students from the visit—the classes, profes- classes and friendly highlights the importance same family are study- sors and the people,” he atmosphere at CMU, he of family recommenda- ing at the university’s says. “No other school decided to make a switch. tion when it comes to Shaftesbury campus. caught my interest after He’s glad he did. choosing a university. This time it’s Andre, t h at .” “Here, all my profes- “So many students Paul and Genevieve His enthusiasm for sors know my name,” he decide on a school Forget of Mount Forest, CMU caught the atten- says. “That’s huge. I can because of what friends Ontario. They are among tion of his siblings, who get so much more out of or family tell them,” she 27 sets of siblings study- joined him this fall. classes at CMU.” says. “The fact we have ing at the school For Paul, 24, CMU is Genevieve, 18, also so many siblings at CMU “Our parents always the third stop in his post- enjoys the smaller set- shows that students here hoped we would be sup- secondary journey. He ting. are really enjoying their portive of one another,” started by studying elec- “I’m a people person, studies, and the com- says Genevieve, who is trical engineering at an and I really like the community atmosphere, and in her first year at CMU. Ontario college, but part- munity and the chance telling their brothers and “But now they now way through his studies to get to know everyone,” sisters about it.” joke that since so many decided against pursuing she says, noting that she Other sets of three of their children are at it as a career. fell in love with the school students from the same CMU, maybe they should After that, he tried a last year following a visit family at CMU in the move here to join us,” large public university in to see her older brother. past were Emily, Sandra adds Andre, a third year that province. He found The three are happy and Stephanie Dueck English major. it hard to fit in. to be together at CMU. of Leamington, Ont., in Andre, 20, was the “Some classes had as “We’re a close fam- 2006, and Adam, Kaelin, first to come, in 2006. He many as 300 people in ily,” Andre says. “We like and Paul Beriault of decided to study at CMU them, and the smallest being together.” Calgary, in 2005. B after visiting a friend at class had 75,” he says. Their parents—Peter

winter 2009 15 CMU News Outtatown Students, Leaders Reflect on First Semester

a teaching session in a classroom, while paddling in a canoe, eating with students, or by giving up a piece of clothing to someone who needs it more than I.” For Paul Swanson, a Leader with Site Three (South Africa), a moment he will remember occurred during the canoe trip, when everyone was gathered around a fire. Outtatown Students at Ha Ling Peak, just outside of Canmore, AB “The stars peered out over our shoulders as we shared in the bro- Learning about the reality of obvious that throwing money at the kenness and beauty of our world poverty and about the nature of problem can’t fix it; governments and our lives,” he says. “I was hum- Christian community—those are have done that for years. But if we bled as the students held the ten- two of the themes that emerged can transfer our love of Christ to sion of knowing that our world is for Outtatown students and leaders those who are impoverished, we hurting, and yet realizing that God after their first semester with the can make a difference.” is with us amidst the suffering. This program in Winnipeg, northwest- When it comes to community, moment, too, passed without much ern Ontario, Alberta and B.C. Kevin Brandt, Site Three (South fanfare, but added to our collec- For Emma Purser, with Site One Africa), found the first semester tive story as a small community (Guatemala), the first semester pro- to be a time to form “friendships attempting to follow in the way of vided a chance to “learn about pov- that may very well last a lifetime . Jesus.” erty in Canada—what it is, what . . getting to know everybody on Through the first semester expe- causes it, what it looks like, and such a personal level has been a riences, “we were taught how to live what is being done to help the great experience because we have in community: to listen, be patient, people who are affected by it.” realized many of us deal with simi- demonstrate love and challenge the Lynele Adams, with Site Three lar struggles. We can relate to each other individuals on our site,” adds (South Africa), had a similar expe- other well and, more importantly, Laura Carmichael, a Site Leader rience. During an Urban Plunge in talk about these struggles and offer with Site Two (South Africa). “We Winnipeg he had an “opportunity encouragement through prayer.” tried new things, and intentionally to see the reality of poverty . . . we The Site Leaders echo all these stepped beyond where we are com- heard and saw stories of pain, hurt sentiments. “I am reminded that fortable, gaining insight into the and sorrows. I believe we were all a life of faith is truly a journey strengths and capabilities that are challenged by the experience we and a process, and I am grateful within us all.” had, and all took something valu- for the privilege of being able to Outtatown, she continues, “may able away.” live and learn within such a com- do school differently than any other Ricky Stephen, Site Two (South munity,” says Lindsay Kubassek, a university, but as we travel, serve Africa), also found the Urban Leader with Site One (Guatemala). and ask questions, we are chasing Plunge to be “an eye opening expe- “And even though all of my ques- after learning in the many ways that rience . . . not necessarily in open- tions are not always answered, and it presents itself.” B ing my eyes to seeing poverty, but sometimes our experiences create opening my eyes to the true solu- more questions than answers, I am tion for poverty: Love. As cliché confident that as I continue to seek Want to support CMU? as that might sound, it is true. It’s that I will find—whether through It's easy! Just visit ww.cmu.ca/support

16 winter 2009 CMU News New Graduate Program in Christian Ministry Approved

A new graduate-level program can draw wisely on Scripture and also benefit from a “solid under- that will enable people to explore on Christian tradition as the basis pinning of biblical and theological or strengthen their capacity for for Christian life, thought, and studies,” he says. various types of church-related ministry.” “There is a clear need for this ministry will begin this fall at Additionally, the program will kind of program in Manitoba,” CMU. help students develop their “love says Earl Davey, Vice President Called the Masters of Arts in for God and God’s mission in Academic. “A significant pro- Christian Ministry, the program is the world,” he says, and provide portion of students who have designed to "give students both the a “holistic view of ministry that expressed interest in graduate stud- intellectual and theological frame- includes evangelism, peacemaking ies at CMU wish to pursue minis- work and the practical competen- and fostering justice, all of which try options, and Mennonite church cies they need to become involved are at the heart of Christian faith conferences have indicated a keen in the ministry of the gospel,” says and the mission of the church.” interest in a seeing a professional Karl Koop, who directs the Biblical Although the program will ministry degree offered at CMU.” and Theological Studies graduate appeal to those who want to As well, he says, since the new studies program at CMU. work for the church, Koop says it program aims to create a centre for "The goal of the program is to can also help those who want to Anabaptist and evangelical gradu- offer training for people already “strengthen their volunteer min- ate education in Winnipeg, it “fills involved in ministry, as well as for istry in their congregation,” and a gap not only in Manitoba, but those who want to test their call to people involved in church-related also in the prairie provinces.” ministry,” he adds, noting that “it non-profit organizations. People He goes on to note that the will give them a profoundly bibli- who are involved in the business program also is a response to the cal and theological literacy, so they world or other areas of work will "increasing numbers of Manitobans who are unwilling, or unable, to move to other parts of Canada or the U.S. to pursue graduate studies. They want to complete a graduate degree at home.” The new degree, which will be offered in cooperation with Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary and Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary, was approved by the CMU Board on January 31. This is the second graduate-level program offered by CMU; the first, the Masters of Arts in Theological Studies, began a year ago. Students interested the new Masters of Arts in Christian Ministry can contact Koop at Lexi Grambart of Alkmaar, The Netherlands and Noelle Koop of Winnipeg sign the Wall O’ Thanks [email protected], or visit the CMU during the November 24 Tuition Freedom Day forum. During the forum students took time to website. B say thanks to those who donate to CMU.

winter 2009 17 people and EVENTS

Proclaiming Christ In Unique Final Exam. The Public Square. For most university That’s the title of a students, writing final series of presenta- exams means sitting in tions by broadcaster a classroom and writing. and columnist Michael But not for the 25 mem- Coren, March 16-17 at bers of Kenton Lobe’s CMU. Coren, host of the Participatory Local Michael Coren Show on Development course at CFRB in Toronto and a Menno Simons College. columnist in newspa- For their final exam they pers in Toronto, Calgary, put on a play about Ottawa, Edmonton, hunger. Called Unequal London and Winnipeg, Harvest, the play was will speak on The Call performed to a sold-out to Represent Christ audience of 120 on Dec. in the Public Square: 14 at Prairie Theatre Photo caption: Braintree Creation Care Centre Director Harvey In the Lions’ Den; Exchange. “It was a Sawatzky, Braintree donors Walter and Elly Loewen and Nature The Challenges of pretty unique learning Conservancy of Canada Regional Director Ursula Goeres at the Proclaiming Christ in experience,” says class January 14 celebration of the signing of an agreement between the Public Square; and member Alison Ralph. CMU and the Nature Conservancy. See story below. Defending the Notion “[Putting on the play] of Intrinsic Human taught us practical Students Hold Bake ing 20 percent can be Worth and Dignity in things we can do to try Sale for Kenyan used for educational Canada today. Go to to bring change to the Children. Students programs. The area has www.cmu.ca for more world.” at CMU’s Shaftesbury been identified by the information. campus raised $620 NCC as a Priority Natural MSC To Host at a Nov. 5-6 bake sale Area due to the concen- Milton Marathon. International to help build a school tration of threatened Students, staff and oth- Exchange Program. for children in Kenya. and rare species. ers read John Milton’s Menno Simons College The sale also featured Paradise Lost out loud will host an interna- the sale of handmade Student Places High for 12 hours straight on tional student exchange Kenyan crafts. in Opera Auditions. Jan. 17. “A poem like program in June. Called CMU music major Paradise Lost rewards Social Justice and Braintree Preservation Rebecca Woodmass individual silent read- Human Rights in an era Agreement. CMU placed fourth in the ing, but it really comes of Globalisation, the has signed an agree- Jan. 17 regional finals alive when it is read program will bring stu- ment with the Nature of the Metropolitan out loud, in a group,” dents from Europe and Conservancy of Canada Opera National says Associate Professor Canada to Winnipeg for (NCC) to preserve 80 Council Auditions of English Paul Dyck, a summer course in the percent of the land at in Minneapolis. who organized the areas of social justice, the Braintree Creation Woodmass, from marathon. “Its twelve restorative justice and Care Centre. The agree- Steinbach, Man., hour span seems about human rights. For more ment, which was for- received an right for the scale information about the mally marked at a Jan. Enouragement Award, of the action that it course, which is sup- 14 celebration, guar- which is given to sing- describes—the fall of ported by seven univer- antees “that the land ers who show great the human race.” sities in Canada and six will be preserved in promise. in Europe, contact Paul perpetuity,” said Harvey Redekop at predekop@ Sawatzky, who directs cmu.ca. the Centre. The remain-

18 winter 2009 people and EVENTS

Student Receives will be the keynote Church in Winnipeg team and founded Scholarship. Janelle speaker at the May 15, for three Sundays CMU’s summer day Hume, a third-year 2009 Going Barefoot in fall. His topic was camp. Bachelor of Arts stu- II conference for com- “Proclaiming Christ in dent at CMU, has been municators at CMU’s a Post-Christendom Pierre Gilbert, awarded a Millennium Shaftesbury campus. society.” An article he Associate Professor of Excellence Award The theme of the con- wrote titled “Ältester Biblical Studies and from the Canadian ference is Reaching the Martin C. Friesen Theology, had an article Millennium Scholarship Facebook Generation; (1889-1968): A Man of titled “Spiritual Warfare” Foundation. Hume, it is supported by MC Vision for Paraguay’s published in the Global a member of the Canada, MC Manitoba, Mennogemeinde,” was Dictionary of Theology Westwood Community MCC Canada and the published in Preservings. and also contributed an Church (Mennonite Canadian Conference essay titled “The Case of Brethren), was nomi- of Mennonite Brethren Abe Bergen will end the Venus Flytrap: The nated for the award Churches. Go to www. his teaching respon- argument of the Book because of her leader- cmu.ca for more infor- sibilities in the area of Job” for the Elmer ship on the women’s mation. of youth ministry in Martens Festschrift. basketball team, for her April. Bergen, who also academic proficiency Iranians Want Better directs CMU’s Enrolment Paul Dyck, Associate and for her service in Relations With West. Service’s department, Professor of English, the community and That’s what Harry began teaching youth gave papers at the overseas. Huebner, Professor ministry at CMBC in Renaissance Society Emeritus of Philosophy 1977. of America in Chicago Political Forum Held. and Theology, found and at the Congress of Abortion, the plight of during an Oct. 4-10 Richard McCutcheon, Humanities and Social American war resisters visit to that country. Assistant Professor of Sciences in Vancouver. in Canada, arts funding Huebener was in Iran Conflict Resolution He also published an and food shortages— as part of an MCC- Studies at Menno article titled “Toward these were some of the sponsored delegation of Simons College, recent- an Electronic Edition issues that came up at academics from U.S. and ly received his Ph.D of an Early Modern an Oct. 8 Federal elec- Canadian Mennonite in Anthropology from Assembled Book” in tion forum at CMU’s universities and colleg- McMaster University. His Computing Humanities Shaftesbury campus. es. “The question they dissertation was titled Working Papers. Candidates from the asked was” ‘How can we “Theorizing Violence Liberal, Conservative, foster more dialogue?’” to Illuminate War: A During his sabbati- NDP and Green parties says Huebner said, not- Case Study of the U.S. cal, Neil Funk-Unrau, were in attendance. ing that he hoped that / U.K. - Iraq War, 1991- Assistant Professor of To help students from CMU might provide 2003”. In fall he gave a Conflict Resolution out of province vote in further opportunities paper titled, “Theorizing Studies at Menno the election, a polling for exchange between Violence to Illuminate Simons College, worked station was set up at people in the two coun- War” at the Peace on a research project on the campus for the first tries. and Justice Studies the transformative and time ever. Association meetings in restorative potential of STAFF AND Portland, Oregon. apology processes. An Communication FACULTY NOTES article arising out of Conference To Be Vaughn Rempel his research has been Held. Mike Tennant, Titus Guenther, Snider has resigned her accepted for publication co-creator and co- Associate Professor of position as Assistant in the journal Research producer of the popular Theology and Missions, Director of Athletics. in Social Movements, CBC Radio One show spoke at the Fort Garry She also coached the Conflict and Change. The Age of Persuasion, Mennonite Brethren women’s volleyball

winter 2009 19 ALUMNI News

Len Ratzlaff (MBBC `70) Asunción), a Mennonite recently completed a seminary in Paraguay, five-year term as Chair affiliated with the of the Department of Universidad Evangélica Music at the University del Parguay. of Alberta. On leave this year, he is compiling a David Matthies (CMBC collection of Canadian `86) lives in Ladera choral music for Ranch, CA with wife the Stuttgart-based Carolyn and two publisher Carus Verlag. boys, Caleb (5) and One of his choirs, the Quinn (2). David is University of Alberta the music director of Madrigal Singers, the Capistrano Valley The CMU Men’s Chorus sings at Christmas@CMU, held Nov. 29 competed in the Cork Symphony Orchestra. at the university. About 1,000 people enjoyed Christmas music International Choral He invites you to check and a carol sing at the annual event, which helps kick-off the Competition in Ireland out his website: www. in May, winning the davidmatthies.com. Christmas season. International Jury Prize. The next project for on his website: www. Geoff Harder (CMBC George Porter (MBBC Keith Bolt (CMBC `84) smalltallmusic.com `94) works as a librarian `76) works as the Youth is singing the role at the University of Action Director for the of Lennie Small in Karis Boetto (Schmidt, Alberta, managing Diocese of Fredericton the opera “Of Mice CMBC ‘91) and her digitization and digital and serves as the and Men”, an opera husband, Jeff, live in library initiatives. Anglican chaplain on composed by the Bakersfield, CA where the campuses of the American Carlisle Floyd he teaches third grade Jeremy Bergen (CMBC University of New in 1969 and based and she works as a `96) and Rebecca Brunswick (Fredericton) on the novel of the Recreation Therapist Steinmann are pleased and St. Thomas same name by John at a local Psychiatric to announce the birth University. George’s Steinbeck. There will Hospital. They have two of Seth Peter Steinmann wife, Nancy, works as be 11 performances in boys, Rylan (5) and Jase Bergen, born October a personal support Hof and in Bayreuth, (2), and are actively 3, 2008. Jeremy and worker for people with Germany from February involved at The Bridge Rebecca have moved special needs. 27-May 15. Bible Church. to Kitchener so he can teach theology After two years of Spending 30 days Korey Dyck (CMBC `94) at Conrad Grebel sabbatical studies in the travelling by train isn’t is currently in a Ph.D University College. U.S. and Canada, Werner everyone’s idea of a program at the Irish (CMBC 1982) and good time. But it’s all School of Ecumenics, Dan Wohlgemut (CC Marlene (CMBC 1979- in a month’s work for Trinity College, Dublin. `97) is working for 82) Franz have returned Bryan Moyer Suderman The tentative title for TD Canada Trust as a to Paraguay. Werner (CMBC `90), a singer/ his dissertation is A Manager of Customer was living at CMU while songwriter from People’s Peace Talks: The Service in Cambridge, working on a Ph.D Stouffville, Ontario Converging Practice of Ont. while Jennifer through the University who is bringing his Interfaith Dialogue for (Stehr, CC `95) is the of Wales in Great Britain guitar, a backpack full Peacebuilding in Deeply Library Director for and the Bienenberg of CDs, and a soul full Divided Societies. Emmanuel Bible College Theological Seminary in of music for a coast- While studying in in Kitchener. Switzerland. He is now to-coast odyssey from Dublin, Korey and his serving as president Alberta to Boston by wife, Wendy Barkman, Jolene Friesen-Stoesz and professor of CEMTA way of Seattle. More became the parents of (CMBC `00) & Trevor (Centro Evangélico info and a performance Gabriel Dyck on April Friesen-Stoesz (CMBC Mennonita de Teología schedule can be found 24, 2007. `00) welcomed their

20 winter 2009 ALUMNI News first child, Jacob William to Geez magazine and 11, 2008 in Orillia, ON John Friesen-Stoesz, In October, 2008 Ben ChristianWeek. and are now live in on March 20, 2008. Plett (CMU 2002-04) Winnipeg. They recently moved and Angela Bergen Plett Alyssa Heidebrecht (OT to Morden, Manitoba. (CMU `06) graduated `07) is in her second Passages Trevor is teaching high from the University of year studying Music Nick Willems (MBBC `47) school in Altona; Jolene Manitoba; Ben received Education at Wilfred died October 1, 2008. was also teaching until a Bachelor of Physical Laurier University in Peter Klassen (CMBC `57) Jacob joined the family. Therapy and Angela Waterloo, Ont. She died January 5, 2009. received a Master of is excited to have Elfrieda Nettie Nafziger Last fall Catherine Occupational Therapy; her sister Kathryn (Toews, MBBC `59) died Jahnke (CMU `01) both are working participating in September 2, 2007. released a Christmas in their respective Outtatown this year. Ernie Isaac (MBBC `64) album, “O Night Divine”; professions in Prince died August 31, 2008.; more info is available Rupert, B.C. For the last number of Myrna Friesen (CMBC on her website: www. months Rafael Duerksen 1966-67) died October catjahnke. Shane Perkinson (CMU (CMU `08) has been 8, 2008. `04) is pursuing an MA leading a missions team Ruth Oommen (Reimer, Kelli (Downey, CMU `02) in International Affairs, in Berlin, Germany MBBC `70) died January and Jamie Rempel were with a concentration on as part of Mennonite 9, 2009. married on Aug. 23, Southeast Asian Studies Brethren Missions & Lara Ens (CMBC 1988- 2008 in Saskatoon. Kelli and International Services International’s 89) died May 10, 2008. is working as a Legal Economics, at Johns TREK program. Assistant while Jamie Hopkins University works as the Assistant School of Advanced Naomi Lang (CMU `08) Foreman at a plumbing International Studies has just returned from a New Monthly wholesale company. in Washington, D.C. few months of travel in Most recently he was South America. Naomi Prayer E-mail Heather (Thiessen) teaching English for an traveled to Peru, Chile, and Nathan Koop (OT Australian University, Argentina, Paraguay Of the many ways people can `02) were married on RMIT, in Hanoi, Vietnam. (to visit a fellow CMU support CMU, prayer is one of the May 26, 2007 and have Alumnus and friend most important. That’s why the recently purchased Congrats to the Christel Wiebe) and Student Life Department has cre- their first home. Nathan Liptonians, who Brazil. ated a new monthly prayer and works as a computer were awarded the update e-mail for parents of CMU Eric Neumann programmer while Outstanding Pop (CMU students, and others. Each month Heather is completing Recording Award at `08) is working as a during the school year prayer list her studies at CMU. the 2008 Western Marketing Consultant recipients receive prayer requests They attend Central Canada Music Awards at Ignite 107 (formerly for students and staff, along with Baptist Church. in October. The band Freq 107), a Christian updates about life at the university. Members include David rock station in In addition to the prayer list, CMU Ryan Schellenberg (Bucky) Driedger (CMU Winnipeg. (CMU `03) married `07) and Darren Grunau has created a new page on its web- Susan Kroeker on (current CMU student). Sarah Quartel (CMU site for parents that contains infor- Dec. 27, 2008. Ryan is `08) is working at mation for parents and a parent’s working on a Ph.D. in Aaron Epp (CMU `07) is a Grant Memorial Baptist FAQ. You can find it in the Student New Testament Studies national correspondent Church, Winnipeg Life section of the CMU website. at the University of for the Canadian as an Administrative Will you join others from across St. Michael’s College Mennonite and also acts Assistant. Canada in praying for CMU? To in Toronto. Susan is as the Arts & Culture sign up, send an e-mail to Hilda Director of Child, Youth, editor at The Uniter, the Emilee Smart (CMU `08) Nikkel at [email protected] or call and Family Ministries University of Winnipeg’s and Chris R. Thiessen 204.487.3300. at Walmer Road Baptist student newspaper. (CMU 2003-2005) were Church. Aaron also contributes married on October

winter 2009 21 Support CMU- Events at March 22: Choral Online Connections, 7:30 PM, April 25: Spring con- CMU Loewen Athletic Centre. cert. 7:30 PM, Loewen So you want to support CMU, All events at CMU unless Athletic Centre. but you don’t have any stamps. otherwise indicated. March 26: Verna Or maybe you’ve misplaced your Mae Janzen Vocal April 26: CMU chequebook. Not to worry; you March 12-14: West Competition finals, Convocation, 2:30 PM, can give to online! Side Story, a musical 7:30 PM, Laudamus Loewen Athletic Centre. By going to www.cmu.ca you by Leonard Bernstein. Auditorium. not only can give to CMU—you 7:30 PM, Laudamus May 4-8: School of can also designate your gift to Auditorium. March 27: Campus Visit Writing at CMU. various aspects of university life. Day. Want to support Athletics? It’s March 16-17: May 15: Going Barefoot just a click away. It’s the same Proclaiming Christ in March 27: Envisioning II, a conference for for music, facilities, Outtatown, the Public Square, with Sound: Encounters with church communicators. Menno Simons College and other broadcaster and author the Music of Olivier important programs at CMU. Michael Coren. Messiaen. 7:30 PM, June 29-July 10: CMU’s budget this year is $12 Laudamus Auditorium. Canadian School of million. Of that total, only about March 18: Classical Peacebuilding at CMU. 41 percent comes from tuition Matters: An evening with April 19: Outtatown fees. The remainder comes from Eric Friesen, formerly Graduation, 2 PM, For more information, the Government of Manitoba, of CBC Radio Two. Loewen Athletic Centre. visit www.cmu.ca conferences and church support, 7:30 PM, Laudamus student housing and rental Auditorium. income—and from people like you. This year, CMU needs to raise almost $1 million to provide quality Christian university education to students. Your donations don’t go unnoticed; students are grateful. Said Nicholas Ewert of Winnipeg: “Thanks for supporting CMU. The CMU Alumni Office is now accepting nominations for It has been one of the most the 2009 recipient(s) of the Alumni Blazer Award. Please significant and formative send nominations to the Alumni Office by March 31, 2009. experiences of my life!” Added The Alumni Blazer Award is presented annually to alumni who, Stefanie Heide of Alymer, Ont.: through their lives, embody CMU’s values and mission of “service, “My time at CMU has been of leadership and reconciliation in church and society.” inestimable value to me. I feel I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, Former students of CMU and its predecessor colleges can be both from the classes and the nominated by using the online form or sending: community at CMU. Thank you so • Information that would substantiate the nomination very much!” • The nominee’s current contact information By giving to CMU, you can help • Your contact information these, and other students, get an Send nominations to: education that prepares them for Alumni Blazer Award leadership in church and society. Mail: c/o CMU Alumni Office | 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. | Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2 With them I say: Thanks for giving E-Mail: [email protected] | Web: www.cmu.ca/alumni to CMU! Award recipients will be honoured at a special presentation at CMU’s 2009 Homecoming, Sept. 25-26, 2009 Abe Bergen, Director of Development

22 winter 2009 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Like other schools, we face many challenges. But I believe we are well- positioned to weather the storm, for at least three reasons. First, CMU is rooted in, and owned by, a particular faith community— the Mennonite church. We serve that community but, as is reflected in our motto of being “a university of the church for the world,” CMU reaches out much beyond the Mennonite community to serve those of other denominations and no denomina- tion. We do this as an extension of the vision and mission of the churches that created the university. For CMU, thriving requires that we remember and foster this important relationship. Second, the quality and character A “perfect storm” of the education offered by CMU is urgently needed in today’s world. In A “perfect storm.” That’s the undergraduate program. a world filled with violence, need, phrase used in a recent article in The As I reflect on these stormy con- suffering, alienation, loss of meaning Mennonite to describe the combina- ditions I think back to 1998, when and spiritual hunger, CMU provides tion of dwindling enrolments and Concord College, CMBC and a unique Anabaptist-Mennonite per- financial turmoil negatively affecting Menno Simons College signed the spective that emphasizes peace, ser- Mennonite colleges in the U.S. Memorandum of Association creat- vice, dialogue, witness and thoughtful The situation is similar in Canada, ing CMU. Even as some were excited Christianity. for both Christian and public col- about the initiative, others wondered: Last, CMU has a broad base of leges and universities. The era of Will it succeed? Providentially, that support. Unlike some organizations, easy enrolment growth is over as was a good time to start a new uni- which depend on a few people for the number of high school gradu- versity—the Canadian economy most of their support, CMU’s sup- ates levels off, and then declines. was doing well and post-secondary port base is broad—more than two- The challenge facing institutions enrolments were rising everywhere. thirds of the donations CMU receives is to maintain stable enrolments in With the vision developed for CMU, comes from congregations and the face of increasing competition prospects looked good. donors contributing $1,000 or less. for students. After ten years of operations, Larger donations are necessary and And now, just as institutions are we can say that CMU has thrived. appreciated, of course, but our broad rethinking strategic plans in light of Student numbers grew dramatically base of donors helps us weather these new enrolment realities, we are hit and the university’s first decade stormy economic times. by a financial meltdown. Instead of ended with a zero operating deficit— Over the past ten years an amaz- generating much-needed revenue, plus we paid for the purchase of 500 ing number of wonderful, commit- endowments and investments are Shaftesbury Blvd. and constructed a ted people have worked, donated and decreasing in value. At the same new environmentally-friendly resi- prayed to make CMU a reality. For time, normally generous supporters dence. Our recent admission into this, we are thankful. Together we are experiencing their own financial the Association of Universities and have created something marvelous challenges. One Christian institu- Colleges of Canada attests to grow- that serves not only our Mennonite tion has already fallen victim to the ing recognition of the quality of the churches, but the church at large, storm; at the end of this academic education CMU offers. and Canadian society. We trust God year Taylor University College and But CMU is not immune to the will continue to use these people and Seminary in Edmonton will close its current post-secondary dynamics. CMU to make a difference. B

winter 2009 23 Christian University Education

Doug and Ester Funk of Jordan, Ont. are thankful that all of their four children are following Christ, and also glad that two—Derek, who graduated in 2006, and Rachel, who graduated in 2008—chose to attend CMU. “At CMU, our children explored and learned more about their personal faith in an environment where professors teach, challenge and mentor students,” they say. “CMU provided them with a nur- turing environment, and prepared them for service in the church and the community.” At CMU, we value excellent teaching, rigorous thinking and practical preparation. As a Christian university, we do this within a frame- work of faith in God, and with the conviction that this faith makes a difference in how we live, work and relate to others on this planet. It’s a great place to start life’s journey!

CANADIAN MENNONITE UNIVERSITY www.cmu.ca

500 Shaftesbury Blvd. | Winnipeg, MB | R3P 2N2 | 204.487.3300 or toll-free 1 877 231-4570 | [email protected]

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24 winter 2009