Category: General News

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Andrew Dyck Joins Bible & Theology Faculty

June 13, 2012 – The Board of Directors of Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary Canada, together with the Board of Governors of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) have appointed Andrew Dyck, Ph.D (cand.) as assistant professor of ministry studies at Canadian Mennonite University. This new position is jointly funded by MBBS Canada and the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba. Dyck will teach or give leadership in the area of spiritual formation, worship, preaching, ministry supervision, evangelism, leadership development, and pastoral care and counselling. In addition, he will serve as a resource person for the Manitoba Mennonite Brethren Conference.

“Andrew is ideally suited for this position,” says MBBS Canada President Dr. Bruce Guenther. “He brings a deep understanding of Mennonite Brethren evangelical-Anabaptist identity, a proven track record of effective servant leadership, and a passionate commitment to helping leaders become caring and faithful witnesses and disciples of Jesus Christ. I am confident that his appointment will expand the capacity of MBBS Canada to train men and women for the mission of reaching Canada with the good news of Jesus Christ.”

“I am thrilled at the appointment of Andrew Dyck into this ministry position,” says CMU President Dr. Gerald Gerbrandt, “both because of what it represents in cooperation between MBBS Canada and CMU, as well as because of the contribution Andrew will make to our community. His years of experience in pastoral ministry, combined with his studies in Christian spirituality, will very much benefit our students, and through them, the larger church.”

Dyck brings a wide breadth of church leadership experience that has most recently included a senior co-pastoral position at Highland Community Church in Abbotsford, BC and a senior pastoral position at King Road Mennonite Brethren Church also located in Abbotsford. Dyck has held a variety of denominational leadership positions, most recently as a member of the Pastoral Ministries Committee of the BC Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches, and as executive secretary of the MB Historical Commission.

His extensive ministry exposure provides him with a deep well of experience to relate to and guide the ministry students that attend CMU’s Graduate School of Theology and Ministry.

Dyck’s educational background includes training as a physiotherapist (University of Manitoba), three years of study at Mennonite Brethren Bible College (Winnipeg), as well as a Master of Arts in Church Leadership from Eastern Mennonite Seminary. He is currently completing a Ph.D at International Baptist Theological Seminary, Prague (University of Wales) on the spirituality of Mennonite Brethren in Canada. Publications and public presentations, both scholarly and popular, underscore Dyck’s academic skills and the valuable contribution he will make to CMU, MBBS Canada, and the training of leaders for the Mennonite Brethren constituency and beyond.

Dyck is described by former colleagues, leaders, and friends as a man of integrity and impeccable Christian character, and someone who is deeply committed to the Church. His life demonstrates a deep love for God and an uncompromising commitment to the Lordship of Christ in his life. He is married to Martha (who now teaches Kindergarten-Grade 1); they have three adult children.

“I thank God for this opportunity to serve alongside others in training pastors and leaders for the Mennonite Brethren and other denominations. As seminary graduates follow Jesus Christ, it is my desire that they be known as people of depth: people who love deeply and demonstrate godly character, who lead wisely and live winsomely, who know God’s Word thoroughly, and who draw from the reservoir of the Spirit’s living water.”

“The joint MBBS & Manitoba Conference of MB Churches appointment of Andrew Dyck in practical theology is a significant step in building a stronger pastoral training center on the CMU campus in Winnipeg,” says Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches Executive Director Willy Reimer. “Andrew’s appointment will provide greater support for the development of pastoral leaders as well as resourcing Manitoba pastors and churches for the mission of reaching Canadians with the good news of Jesus Christ.”

MBBS Canada is the seminary of the Canadian Conference of Mennonite Brethren Churches. It is a member of the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) at Trinity Western University (Langley, BC), which offers eight degree programs accredited by the Association of Theological Schools. The seminary is involved in two graduate degree programs at Canadian Mennonite University (Winnipeg, MB) through an affiliation agreement.

A Christian university in the Anabaptist tradition, CMU offers undergraduate degrees in arts and sciences, business, humanities, music, and social sciences, as well as two graduate degree programs. CMU has over 1,700 students, including Menno Simons College and Outtatown students, and is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

MBBS contact:
Dr. Bruce Guenther, President, MB Biblical Seminary Canada
bruce.guenther@twu.ca

CMU contact:
Nadine Kampen, CMU Communications & Marketing Director
nkampen@cmu.ca; 204.487.3300 Ext. 621
Canadian Mennonite University, 500 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2

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CMU Names High School Essay Contest Winners

May 31, 2012 – CMU has announced the winners of its 2012 Essay Contest for Manitoba High School Students interested in the Humanities. In establishing the contest, CMU invited students to engage with important questions about art, ethics, and theology. 

“We were very excited by the submissions to CMU’s first humanities essay contest,” says CMU Admissions Counsellor Andre Forget, contest organizer. “The essays we received presented an exciting breadth of arguments, insights, and ideologies, and it was truly a challenge to narrow down the top three, and even harder to rank them. All of the students who submitted work should be proud of themselves, and we encourage them to continue thinking critically and honing their skills as writers.”

CMU High School Essay Contest Winners
First Place: Katerine Ruvalcaba de Santiago, Grade 12 student, Glenlawn Collegiate (Winnipeg)
Second Place: Ryan Hofer, Grade 12 student, Green Acres Colony School (Winnipeg)
Third Place: Bhargavi Patel, Grade 12 student, Kelvin High School (Winnipeg)
First Honourable Mention: Geethani Benedict, Grade 11 student, Fort Richmond Collegiate (Winnipeg)
Second Honourable Mention: Carrie Bergen, Grade 11 student, Neelin High School (Brandon)

Essays were judged by CMU’s Dean of Humanities Paul Dyck, Assistant Professor of Theology Paul Doerksen, Associate Professor of Theology and Philosophy Chris Huebner, and Philosophy Instructor Justin Neufeld. Prize money in amounts of $500, $300, and $200 were awarded to first, second, and third place winners respectively.

“We launched this essay contest to encourage students who are still in high school to participate in the sort of critical thinking and writing that is part of a humanities education,” says Dyck. “We were gratified to see the interest this generated, and we offer our congratulations to all who submitted essays, and to our 2012 contest winners for their achievements.”

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CMU Hosts Youth Ministry Conference June 2012

May 29, 2012  – Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) welcomes participants to campus June 1-2 for the “Youth Ministry as School of Love” Conference, featuring guest speakers and course instructors Mark Yaconelli and Michael Hryniuk.  

Mark Yaconelli is a writer, speaker, retreat leader, spiritual director, community activist, youth worker, storyteller, disco dancer, husband, and father. He is the program director for the Center for Engaged Compassion at Claremont School of Theology and the co-founder of Triptykos, a public action program of the CEC that heals broken people and communities through contemplation, creativity, and compassion.

Yaconelli spent 20 years working with young people and the people who serve them (parents, youth workers, pastors) in congregational, camp, and conference settings. His research and ministry with young people has been ground-breaking in its exploration of spiritual direction, contemplation, and ancient spiritual practices as the basis of formation with young people.

Michael Hryniuk is a theologian, writer, speaker, spiritual director, and consultant in the field of Christian spirituality and contemplative formation. After several years of pastoral work, including ministry with L’Arche International, he completed a doctorate in theology and psychology at Emory University where he focused on the dynamics of healing and conversion in communities of care, with a special interest in the power of shame and grace in the transformation process.

Hryniuk is the author of Theology, Disability and Spiritual Transformation (Cambria Press, 2010) as well as numerous academic and popular articles on the themes of youth ministry, contemplative spirituality, and pastoral theology. He lives in Richmond Hill, Ontario, and teaches in churches, schools, seminaries, and universities across Canada and the United States.

In addition to registering for the conference, some participants are also participating in a week-long youth ministry course for university credit, concluding June 2.

The Conference offers workshops and worship sessions with local ministers and worship leaders, and presents a series of plenary sessions by the guest presenters.

Conference Plenary Sessions

  • The Three Desires: Christianity as a Spiritual Path (Mark Yaconelli) explores the unique way in which the yearnings to receive, embody, and express love arise in the lives of teenagers, and how the Christian spiritual path empowers people to embrace a life of contemplation, creativity, and compassion.
  •  Embodying Love: the Creative Journey (Mark Yaconelli) helps people practice love and compassion towards themselves as well as to others.
  •  Loving Others: The Compassionate Journey (Mark Yaconelli) addresses ways to help young people practice compassionate action on behalf of others as a key to spiritual transformation.
  • Creating Schools of Love (Mark Yaconelli) looks at creating ministries that are transformative for youth, adults, and the wider community, helping to bring young people into the heart of God. This session looks at ministry as a radical process for cultivating love in the world.
  • Receiving Love: The Contemplative Journey (Michael Hyrniuk) invites participants to move beyond thinking, talking, and singing “about” God into a direct experience of God’s presence, power, and love.  The session introduces prayer practice that opens hearts to God’s presence and explores what “contemplative” experience reveals about ourselves, God, and ministry.
  • Don’t Just Do Something, Sit There:  Discerning God’s Presence and Activity in our Ministry (Michael Hryniuk) explores the practice of discernment and reflects on how to listen and respond to the signs of God’s loving and active presence in ministry.

For conference information, contact abergen@cmu.ca

 

 

 

 

 

 

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Gordon Matties’ Article Wins Church Press Award

May 28, 2012 – CMU Professor Gordon Matties has won an award in the annual Canadian Church Press awards program in the Biblical Interpretation category.

Matties’ article, titled, “You Save Humans and Animals Alike, O Lord,” was published by Mennonite Brethren Herald in October, 2011 and earned third place honours for the author and for the magazine from Judge Rolf Pedersen.

The award citation states: “This is a remarkable article. It is clearly, forcefully and artistically written. It is firmly rooted in scripture and in an older and wiser Hebrew (and Christian) sense of humanity’s place within the cosmos. The author cites numerous scriptural passages that illustrate and illuminate the tradition that holds to the view that there is an intimate relationship between humankind and the rest of creation, which is ignored at our peril. He also cites some of his own fascinating experiences of the divine in nature. These do much to bring the whole to life and make it entirely relevant within the context of the Mennonite Brethren Confession of Faith. Superbly done!”

Matties is Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg and is CMU’s former Dean of Humanities and Sciences. He holds a PhD in Old Testament from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. Matties is the author of the recently published book, Joshua, Believers Church Bible Commentary, published in May 2012. He contributed to Abingdon Press’s The New Interpreter’s Study Bible and to the forthcoming Common English Bible Study Bible.

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Gordon Matties’ Book, Joshua, Launched

May 28, 2012  – Taking a fresh new look at an age-old and often misunderstood  book, Dr. Gordon Matties has written Joshua, the newest volume in the Believers Church Bible Commentary.  Joshua was launched in May 2012 by Herald Press. The commentary series is a joint project of six Anabaptist-related churches:  Mennonite Church (USA and Canada), Mennonite Brethren Church, Church of the Brethren, Brethren Church, and Brethren in Christ. 

Matties, professor of Biblical and Theological Studies at Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) in Winnipeg and CMU’s former Dean of Humanities and Sciences, builds on the idea of Scripture as dialogue partner.

“Over the years, Christians have often used the Old Testament book of Joshua to justify warfare, conquest, colonialism, and even ethnic cleansing,” says Matties. “This commentary imagines the book of Joshua as a participant in an intra-biblical conversation in which Joshua interprets other texts, and other texts interpret Joshua. Viewed that way, the Bible itself bears witness to a lively, if painful, debate about the relationship between violence and the identity and mission of God’s people.”

“Joshua is troubling, especially to those for whom divinely commanded warfare and conquest are major stumbling blocks to their reading of the Bible,” writes Tom Yoder Neufeld, professor of religious studies at Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo. “Matties takes up the challenge, letting the text have its say while inviting readers to an often difficult conversation.”

“Matties invites readers to enter a conversation marked by hermeneutical hospitality, giving Joshua its say as well as providing opportunity to listen to other biblical texts… a masterful treatment,” writes Lynn Jost, professor of Old Testament, Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary.

In his book, Matties cautions Christians about hearing what they want to hear when they read Joshua and other difficult sections of the Bible. This includes those who believe Joshua justifies war as well as those who reject war. “We do well to foster an openness to the unexpected,” says Matties.

He suggests that reading Joshua care­fully will open windows into how and why we read Scripture at all, and will push Christians not to settle for easy answers.  

“In a time of religious justification for terrorism and counter-terrorism, Joshua may be a book for our time,” says Matties.

“Be prepared for surprises,” writes Elmer A. Martens, professor emeritus of Old Testament, Fresno Pacific Biblical Seminary, on reviewing Joshua.  “While some commentaries offer definitive answers, Matties encourages dialogue—with other biblical texts, with the early Church Fathers, Origen, and with Tolkien and modern films.”                                                                                                                                                                                            

W. Derek Suderman, assistant professor of religious studies, Conrad Grebel University College, University of Waterloo, comments: “Attentive to the often negative legacy of Joshua, Matties provides profound insight, and exemplifies a commitment to both Scripture and community that reflects the peace church tradition at its best. Sometimes resources for peace can be found in the most unexpected places.”

Matties holds a PhD in Old Testament from Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN. His doctoral dis­sertation, Ezekiel 18 and the Rhetoric of Moral Discourse, was published by the Society of Biblical Literature.

He also contributed to Abingdon Press’s The New Interpreter’s Study Bible and to the forthcoming Common English Bible Study Bible.  Matties is a member of the Editorial Council of the Believers Church Bible Commentary.

Before coming to CMU, Gordon worked at Mennonite Brethren Bible College and its successor, Concord College.

For information or to place an order for Joshua, Believers Church Bible Commentary, visit www.MennoMedia.org/Joshua

 

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CMU Welcomes Huebner to Business Faculty

April 30, 2012 – The Board of Governors of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) has appointed Jeff Huebner, MBA to faculty for the Redekop School of Business. Huebner will serve as Associate Professor, effective July 1, 2012.

In the 2012-2013 academic year, Huebner will teach courses on a range of topics, including Entrepreneurship and Microfinance, and he will lead a travel study course on Economic Development and Microfinance in Latin America.

“We are delighted to welcome Professor Huebner to CMU,” says CMU Vice President Academic Earl Davey. “The University received approximately 60 applications from across the world in response to its advertisement for a position in the Redekop School of Business and Jeff was our candidate of choice. We are confident he will make an enormous contribution to the cultivation of a distinctive program that reflects the character and commitments of CMU, and to the conviction that business can and must contribute to the greater good of communities locally and globally.”

Huebner comes to CMU from his role as Assistant Professor of International Business at Ambrose University College in Calgary, where he served for the past five years.

“One of my core interests is on international-focused business courses, and developing innovative travel study programs,” says Huebner. “I want students to be able to see and experience first-hand how their business knowledge and skills can be applied overseas. I encourage my students to apply their business skills to positively impact others, both locally and globally.”

Huebner’s two main areas of focus recently have been on developing and enhancing new courses suitable for business programs, and on developing international study opportunities and organizational partnerships for students to expand their global cross-cultural learning experiences, both of which align closely with CMU priorities.

“Huebner’s education and experience make him an ideal fit for business programming at CMU’s Redekop School of Business, which uses an inter-disciplinary approach to prepare students to become engaged in business and not-for-profit organizations, with a worldview and character shaped within a Christian university community.”

Prior to his teaching role, Huebner worked for over a decade in management and business consulting positions in a professional corporate context, and the last two of those years as Senior Research Associate in the Haskayne School of Business at the University of Calgary, conducting research on international business and trade. Huebner’s broad business experience provides him with a rich teaching context for his students, drawing on business case studies to illustrate concepts and principles. He has extensive experience in international travel and leading groups, and in addition to English, has basic knowledge of French, German, and Spanish.

Huebner completed his Bachelor of Commerce degree at the University of British Columbia in 1994, participating in a six-month international exchange program to Rotterdam’s Erasmus Universiteit in The Netherlands. He completed his MBA in 2004 in Calgary at the Haskayne School of Business. In 2003, as part of his program, he undertook an intensive three-week international exchange program through the European Business School in Oestrich-Winkel, German, with a focus on international business, European culture, industrial policy, marketing, law, and ethics.

Upon graduation from Haskayne, Huebner was awarded a Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council (SSHRC) Research Grant to conduct research on Canadian global competitiveness under the North American Free Trade Agreement.

Over the past 15 years, Huebner has made numerous presentations to Christian business and general business conferences. He has served on the board of Engineering Ministries International Canada, volunteered locally and overseas on church and mission projects. Huebner has also enjoyed serving as a community volunteer sports coach.

The Redekop School of Business offers a Bachelor of Business Administration degree (4-year, with a 5-year Co-op option) with Majors in Business Management, Not-for-Profit Management, Accounting, and Human Resources Management, and a Bachelor of Arts degree (3- and 4-year), Major in Business and Organizational Administration.

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In Gratitude Shows Graduates’ Talents, Skills

April 25, 2012 – CMU’s annual In Gratitude service was a highlight for parents and visitors during CMU’s Graduation weekend.

At this event showcasing student accomplishments, representative s of the 2012 graduating class presented remarks or performed, demonstrating achievements in their respective fields of study, and illustrating the breadth and depth of studies at CMU.

In his remarks, host Tim Rogalsky, Associate Professor of Mathematics, commented, “This event is our way to say thank you to graduates, for your hard work to get to today; and to family and friends, for the way you’ve supported them along the way. We are proud of our students. The presenters offer a representative sample of some the fine work that our students have done for us this year.”

“Several CMU graduating students spoke into the heart of the CMU mission,” noted Cheryl Pauls, CMU Associate Professor of Music and one of the event planners. “Each one offered a unique glimpse into how his or her learning at CMU was as life transforming as it was intellectually rigorous. The group as a whole represented the wide array of CMU’s disciplinary offerings, and of the many ways that CMU grads will contribute to church and society as they move on from here.”

A Celebration of the CMU Graduates of 2012
Saturday, April 21, 2:30 pm

Presenters:

Melanie Kampen (BA, Honours, Four-Year, Major: Biblical and Theological Studies)
Daniel Paetkau (BA, Four-Year, Major: English)
Lori Schroeder (Bachelor of Music Therapy) and Abigail Graff (Bachelor of Music Therapy), sopranos. with Gabrielle Wiebe, piano
Paul Peters (BA, Three-Year, Major: International Development Studies)
Christina Scheerer (BA, Four-Year, Major: Business and Organizational Administration)
Nils Loewen (Bachelor of Arts, Three-Year, Major: Music) performing on guitar
Anna-Marie Janzen (BA, Four-Year, Major: Peace and Conflict Transformation Studies);
Cecilly Hildebrand (BA, Four-Year, Major: Psychology)
Rebecca Hill (Bachelor of Music, Concentration: Music Education-Early/Middle Years), soprano, with Catherine Richard, piano.

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CMU Business Grad Heading to Zambia

April 25, 2012 – One of the first graduates of CMU’s new Redekop School of Business has a placement in Zambia. Christina Scheerer graduated from CMU on April 22, 2012 with a four-year degree in Business and Organizational Administration. And, in a few months, she’ll be heading to Zambia to work with a local church-based organization that assists people living with HIV/AIDS.

It’s a one-year placement through Mennonite Central Committee’s year-long cross-cultural service program called SALT. Scheerer will work with an organization called Compassionate Ministries run by the Zambian Brethren in Christ Church. She expects to use her new business skills to help improve programs doing HIV/AIDS prevention and providing home-based care, education, counselling, and training.

She’ll also help the organization develop new programs in the areas of agriculture and water and food security.

Scheerer said the job posting intrigued her because it called for applicants with a background in business or international development studies. “The whole position just seemed very relevant to what I had just spent the past four years studying and it seemed like unique and challenging opportunity,” she said.

At CMU, Scheerer took a concentration of international development classes together with her business studies. “I learned a lot about leadership and management and implementing programming,” Scheerer said.

Scheerer will live with a Zambian host family in the town of Choma, halfway between the capital city, Lusaka and Victoria Falls, a popular tourist destination. Scheerer has never been to Africa before. She says she expects to come home changed.

“I’m really excited for the experience,” she said. “I know I’ll have a different perspective when I finish the program.”

Scheerer is from Brunner, Ontario, near Kitchener. She came to CMU because it was one of the few schools she could find that offered both business and international development studies in a Christian context.

After her year of service in Zambia, Scheerer says she hopes to continue working with non-profit organizations.

“She’s an absolutely wonderful student,” says CMU Instructor Craig Martin, who teaches economics, finances, and accounting classes at the Redekop School of Business. “She cares about her work and about people around her. This will be an opportunity for her to have a great adventure and learn about business management.”

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Annual Spring Concert Draws Full House

April 25, 2012 – Canadian Mennonite University welcomed an enthusiastic audience to University’s annual Spring Concert, eld in the CMU Loewen Athletic Centre on April 21.

“The School’s choirs and ensembles entertained our audience with a delightful selection of songs from their vast repertoires,” said Dean of the CMU School of Music, Dr. Dietrich Bartel.

In his opening comments, Bartel drew attention to the healing power of music, inviting the audience to “actively participate, not just by listening to a showcase of what has been going on in CMU’s School of Music in the past year, but by allowing yourself to be taken to different places; different places around the world, but also to different places inside of yourself.”

Bartel reminded the audience that “we are all in need of God’s healing power, and we are all in need of music.”
School of Music Dean, Dr. Dietrich Bartel

All four choirs – the CMU Chamber Choir and CMU Men’s Chorus with Conductor Rudy Schellenberg, and CMU Singers and CMU Women’s Chorus with Conductor Janet Brenneman – were part of the evening’s entertainment.

The crowd showed their appreciation for the CMU choirs, and as well for the talented performances by the popular CMU ensembles: the seven-member CMU Guitar Ensemble (Willie Wiebe, Director), the CMU Jazz Band (Chad Pollard, Director) and CMU’s nine-member Wholly Jazz vocal group (Cynthia Wahl, Director).
Conductor Rudy Schellenberg leads the CMU Chamber Choir

CMU conductors featured a number of students performing as soloists throughout the evening, helping to represent and showcase the exceptional talent of CMU music students. Among these was CMU 2012 graduating student Daniel Trolly (Bachelor of Music) who conducted a performance by the CMU Chamber Choir.

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CMU Celebrates Class of 2012

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.