April 24, 2012 – During graduation weekend held April 20 to April 22, 2012, a time filled with reflection, laughter, and tears, Canadian Mennonite University formally recognized the accomplishments of its students, awarding degrees to 84 graduates and presenting program certificates to two recipients during its 2012 Graduation Exercises.
Graduates and families, along with CMU faculty, staff, and current students, enjoyed times of sharing through stories, songs, presentations, and meals together.
The excitement culminated in the graduating service on Sunday afternoon, April 22, held at Immanuel Pentecostal Church, with the conferral of Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees.
Presiding over graduation ceremonies for the final time, retiring President Dr. Gerald Gerbrandt addressed the graduation class of 2012 with words of praise and appreciation for their efforts and accomplishments.
“We are extremely proud of the achievements of our 2012 Graduates,” said Gerbrandt, welcoming students and their families from a wide range of regions in Canada and the United States for the conferral of degrees and weekend festivities. In a weekend filled with both formal and informal gatherings, the CMU community honoured the graduating class and expressed appreciation to those whose supporting roles made it all possible.
The Valedictory Address was given by CMU graduate Helena Schroeder (BA, Four-Year, English Major). Schroeder, who during her student years enjoyed being a choir member and a varsity athlete on the CMU basketball team, likened the time of graduation to the moment of pause when a choral work has ended: “that space of time… in which the last note hangs in the air and the music is suspended in the collective memory of the audience…” The next song is imminent, she noted, but there is a time for closure that happens before the next song commences.
“Tomorrow,” said Schroeder, “we will be swept up into the next chapter, a new song; perhaps grand adventures, or work, or more school. The people of CMU and the ideals that shape this place have fostered in us more than just confidence in our abilities…; the place has modelled the possibilities for trust despite uncertainties, leadership in many forms, and service.”
Dr. Susan Schultz Huxman, President of Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, ON, delivered the Graduation Address.
Introducing Huxman, Gerbrandt commented: “President Huxman combines in a unique way a love of teaching, a flair for academic research, and administration and leadership skills, with a commitment to the church.”
Huxman spoke eloquently of “(Pro)visions for the Journey,” emphasizing that students seek a balanced way of “seeing” and envisioning a way forward.
“Today I want to share with you a set of provisions that you will need for the long haul, the journey of life after CMU …the provisions of hindsight, foresight, and insight,” said Huxman. Of these, she said, if we do not have insight, “we have not captured the distinctive of Mennonite education, which says: knowledge is not sufficient; practice is not sufficient, unless it is connected to a witness grounded in Christ, committed to peace, and practiced in the community. It’s all about connecting received wisdom with visionary leadership in the context of relational and radical discipleship.
“And so, 2012 graduates, Canadian Mennonite University has prepared you with the provisions for your journey, for seeing in many balanced ways. Hindsight is built upon remembering strong faith and academic traditions, of telling and retelling your foundational stories, to honour your past here. It fortifies and grounds you. Foresight is built upon seizing the opportunities to maximize your liberal arts training, and chasing big aspirations. It employs and motivates you. Insight,” she says, “is built upon distinctive peace witness practiced in community. It awakens and transforms you.
“Looking backward, looking forward, looking inward, and beyond – these are the provisions, hidden in plain sight, all around you, all the time, and a way to envision the extraordinary value of your Canadian Mennonite University education,” said Huxman.
In conferring degrees, Gerbrandt, joined by Vice President Academic Earl Davey and CMU Registrar and Assistant Vice President Academic Wesley Toews, presented 78 Bachelor degrees: two students received their Bachelor of Arts, Four-Year Honours; 40 students earned their Bachelor of Arts, Four- Year degrees; 28 students earned their Bachelor of Arts, Three-Year degrees; two students received Bachelor of Church Ministry degrees; four students were awarded Bachelor of Music degrees; and two received Bachelor of Music Therapy degrees. In addition, six students earned their Master of Arts degrees: one with a concentration in Christian Ministry; and five with concentrations in Theological Studies.
Additionally, two students earned program certificates: one received an Undergraduate Certificate in Biblical and Theological Studies; and one received a Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies.
“Each year, CMU awards the President’s Medals to two students recognizing their qualities of scholarship, leadership, and service,” said Gerbrandt.
The President’s Medal award serves to recognize and celebrate students graduating with a CMU baccalaureate degree who represent the best ideals of the mission and vision of CMU. The award is shaped by CMU’s mission to “inspire and equip women and men for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society.” The selection process focuses especially on students whose academic achievements are matched by their growth as well as potential in the practical application of their education.
The recipients this year are Rebecca Hill (Bachelor of Music, with a concentration in Music Education) and Katherine Olivia Polle (Bachelor of Arts, Four-Year, International Development Studies Major).
Marlene Janzen of Calgary, CMU Board Chair, in a greeting conveyed by Vice President Terry Schellenberg, extended her congratulations to the Class of 2012.
The students’ formative experiences, she noted, have included classroom learning and also learning through sports teams, dorm life, choir tours, or practicum experiences. “All these have built a foundation for you, and they have been a gift of a Christian university rooted in the Anabaptist tradition,” said Janzen. “My prayer is that God’s Spirit will lead you as you encounter new and unexpected adventures, challenges, and rewards in your life journey – and so that you might make a difference in our world. Go with the best that CMU has inspired you to be!”
Janzen also highlighted the journeys of three people whom she described has having served as role models for the students: President Dr. Gerald Gerbrandt, retiring June 30; CMU’s second president, Dr. Cheryl Paul, assuming her duties November 1; and interim President Dr. Earl Davey, appointed for the period July 1 to October 31.
Dr. Gerald Gerbrandt joined the faculty of Canadian Mennonite Bible College in 1969, became President of CMBC in 1997, and has served as a President at CMU since its inception in 2000. “Under his leadership, the university has grown in academic programming, in enrolment, and in reputation right across the country,” said Janzen. Gerbrandt completes his term as President on June 30.
“The Board is thrilled to name Dr. Cheryl Pauls as the university’s second president,” said Janzen. Currently on faculty at CMU, Pauls assumes her new duties November 1. “We anticipate God’s guidance as CMU continues the journey under her leadership,” said Janzen.
The CMU Board has appointed Dr. Earl Davey, Vice-President Academic, to the role of Interim President from July to November. “We are confident that he, together with senior administrators, will ably lead CMU through this transition,” said Janzen.
“Graduates, I trust that as doors open for you,” said Janzen in her closing remarks, “you will step forward, serve, and lead to the best of your abilities. May the Lord bless you!”
In addition to the April 22 Graduation Exercises, a number of other events made the weekend special for graduates and their families, and for current students and visitors. Weekend events included a gala dinner Friday evening, CMU’s annual In Gratitude presentation on April 21, the annual Spring Concert, also on April 22, and the Baccalaureate Service on April 22. (View other news releases in the Outtatown and Graduation Weekend series online at www.media.cmu.ca)
A Christian university in the Anabaptist tradition, CMU offers undergraduate degrees as well as two graduate degree programs. CMU has over 1,700 students, including MSC and Outtatown students, and is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC). CMU operates a number of schools and institutes, including The School of Writing at CMU and the Canadian School of Peacebuilding.