Category: General News

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Pastor in residence urges students to consider ministry

Carol Penner has a list of ten reasons why she couldn’t be a pastor. The pastor of The First Mennonite Church in Vineland, Ontario also has ten stories of how God helped her surmount those barriers. Telling those stories to students at Canadian Mennonite University was one of Penner’s priorities during the week she spent at on campus as a pastor in residence.

In mid-February The First Mennonite Church loaned its pastor to CMU for a week. Penner travelled to Winnipeg and spent a week on the CMU campus as part of the university’s new pastor in residence program.

Inviting pastors to spend time on campus is a way of providing spiritual care for students and staff and helps CMU strengthen relationships with its supporting churches, says CMU’s spiritual life facilitator, Melanie Unger.

Twice a year—once in fall and once in spring—a pastor comes to live on campus for a week. The pastor in residence meets with students and faculty, hosts discussions, speaks in chapel and offers pastoral care. Churches give their pastors a week of paid leave and pay for their transportation to Winnipeg. CMU covers room and board.

“It’s a huge blessing to us for a church to free up their pastor to come here for a week,” says Unger.

Dan Unrau, pastor of Fraserview Mennonite Brethren Church in Richmond, B.C., came to CMU last fall as the program’s first pastor in residence.

During her week on campus, Penner spoke to chapel gatherings, led a workshop for student leaders on how to care for oneself spiritually, spoke in a seminar class, and hosted lunchtime discussions for students considering the ministry. One luncheon was specifically for women and explored some of the unique challenges faced by women in church leadership. Penner also hosted a forum on sexual abuse and family violence.

Penner, who graduated from Canadian Mennonite Bible College in 1981, says it was a joy to visit CMU and meet some of her old profs.

Penner never intended to be a pastor. She earned a PhD in theology at the University of Toronto hoping to become a professor. “Doors weren’t opening for me,” she recalls. So she changed direction and decided to enter the ministry. “It’s a very rewarding career,” she says, looking back.

“If you’re passionate about listening to people and sharing the gospel, maybe this is the job for you,” she counsels curious students. “If you’re bored with those things, maybe not.” But don’t let fears stand in your way, she says.

Listening to students sitting around the table and asking questions about the ministry is exciting, says Unger. “People are quite encouraged at the gifting, the passion for God and the depth of character among these students. We’re encouraged that the church is going to be in good hands.”

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School of Writing Announces 2011 Program

School Features Acclaimed Writers Endicott, Rudy-Froese, Kostash, and Klassen 

The School of Writing at CMU welcomes acclaimed writers to its 2011 program being held May 9 – 13 at CMU’s Shaftesbury campus. Presenting this year’s writing workshops are Marina Endicott, teaching a course on fiction writing, Allan Rudy-Froese, leading a new course on writing sermons, Myrna Kostash, instructing a course on creative non-fiction writing, and Joanne Klassen, again leading her popular life writing course. 

 “We are very excited to offer our participants such high quality instruction from these very talented writers,” says Sue Sorensen, Director of the School and Associate Professor of English at CMU. “There is something about the shape of the intensive five-day writing workshop that works particularly well. There’s time to do some real work on manuscripts, and time to get to know fellow writers. And because our instructors are seasoned professionals, students benefit from hearing their stories of failure and achievement.”

 The beautiful campus of Canadian Mennonite University, located at the edge of the Assiniboine Forest in Winnipeg provides an inspiring setting for writers. Small classes allow students a substantial amount of time with experienced writing instructors as well as interactions with peers.

 One of the big advantages of attending the School is that it allows participants to connect with people who share a love of writing.

 “Having such a small group was awesome,” says Rachel Barber, a former student at the School, “as we all got to know each other very well. Those friendships lasted well beyond The School of Writing.”

 Brian Hay, a participant in the 2010 Life Writing class, particularly appreciated the opportunity to build a network with people of similar interest and motivation. “The School of Writing helped me big time in terms of meeting other amateur writers and forming a writers’ group,” comments Hay.

2011 School of Writing Instructors

 Fiction instructor for 2011 is Marina Endicott, a writer from Edmonton, Alberta, winner of the Commonwealth Writers Prize and a finalist for the Giller Prize. She is the author of Good to a Fault (2008) and Open Arms (2001), and has taught creative writing at the University of Alberta.

Allan Rudy-Froese, a pastor from Kitchener, Ontario, will be teaching Writing Out Loud: The Art of the Sermon, a workshop on sermon writing for both lay and ordained preachers. He has been a preacher for over 25 years, and writes a regular column, “This Preacher has 22 Minutes,” in the Canadian Mennonite.

 Myrna Kostash of Edmonton, Alberta, one of Canada’s most acclaimed writers, is instructing Creative Nonfiction. Kostash is the recipient of the 2010 Matt Cohen Award: In Celebration of the Writing Life from the Writers’ Trust of Canada, and author of Prodigal Daughter: Journey to Byzantium (2010) and The Frog Lake Reader (2009). She is also a founding member of the Creative Nonfiction Collective.

Joanne Klassen will teach Life Writing, which will introduce students to a process called Transformative Writing. Students will be encouraged to develop their natural voices and increase their confidence in putting words on the page. Klassen is the founder and director of Winnipeg’s Heartspace Writing School.  (Joanne Klassen’s Life Writing course is filled and a waiting list has been started.)

The School of Writing at CMU is currently accepting applications. The application deadline is March 1. Tuition is $575, which includes five days of lunches, coffee breaks, and a Friday evening banquet.

Visit www.cmu.ca/schoolofwriting for more information and to download an application form.

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CMU Press Publishes Favoured among Women

A vibrant and unusual re-creation of one woman’s life.
For release January 6, 2011

CMU PRESS is pleased to announce the launch of its second novel, Favoured among Women, by Hedy Leonora Martens. The book will be launched at 8:00 pm, January 11th at McNally Robinson.

Favoured among Women is a biographical novel that tells the story of Greta Enns, who survived the traumatic events in Leninist and Stalinist Russia in the early 20th century while experiencing all the more ordinary joys and struggles of a child, young woman, wife and mother in close-knit Mennonite community.

The novel is the product of years of painstaking historical research and exhaustive interviews conducted with the protagonist, Greta Enns, and other members of the family. The result is a rich tapestry, bringing together historical commentary, original poetry, quotes from journals and letters, and Martens’ own personal reflections to tell a moving family history in a completely original way.
Hedy Martens is a marriage and family counsellor living in Winnipeg. The idea for her first novel began to take shape in 1983 when, upon hearing the dramatic stories told by her husband’s relatives about their experiences as Mennonites in Russia, it was suggested to her that these were stories that needed to be recorded and preserved for future generations.

This is CMU Press’s second novel, following the publication of Dora Dueck’s This Hidden Thing in May 2010.

FAVOURED AMONG WOMEN can be purchased at the CMU Bookstore 600 Shaftesbury Blvd., Winnipeg. Contact cmubookstore@cmu.ca; telephone 204.487.3300. The cost is $25.00. It can also be purchased through the Mennonite Publishing Network; visit http://www.mpn.net for details.

CMU PRESS is an academic publisher of scholarly, reference, and general interest books at Canadian Mennonite University. Books from CMU Press address and inform interests and issues vital to the university, its constituency, and society. Areas of specialization include Mennonite studies, and works that are church-oriented or theologically engaged.

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a Christian university in the Anabaptist tradition, offering undergraduate degrees in arts and science, business and organizational administration, communications and media, peace and conflict resolution studies, music and music therapy, theology, and church ministries, as well as graduate degrees in Theological Studies and Christian ministry. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CMU is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

For CMU PRESS information, contact:
Annalee Giesbrecht, CMU PRESS Project Manager
cmupress@cmu.ca
204.487.3300

For CMU information, contact:
Nadine Kampen, CMU Communications & Marketing Director
nkampen@cmu.ca
Tel. 204.487.3300 Ext. 621

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Menno Simons College Celebrates 20th Anniversary

A respected leader in peace and conflict resolution and international development studies worldwide, CMU’s Menno Simons College (MSC) began its 3rd decade with expressions of gratitude and confidence at its 20th Anniversary Celebration.  This special event was held November 12, 2010 at the West End Cultural Centre in Winnipeg.

Providing education flowing from Anabaptist Mennonite understandings of faith, peace, and justice while engaging other religious traditions and intellectual perspectives, MSC prepares students from diverse backgrounds for participation and leadership in local and global communities.

“The future is literally in our hands,” said Menno Simons College Dean Richard McCutcheon.  “I hold an image of a world in which resources and education are channelled for the benefit of all people, where political and social action is guided by the principles of nonviolence and restorative justice.  I believe we all have a role to play in holding an image of a better future. Menno Simons College can be a vessel for nurturing our images and helping to bring them to fruition.”

The 20th anniversary event began with a welcome reception at the West End Cultural Centre, with lively music provided by Papa Mombo.  The program, hosted by MSC Associate Vice-President Ruth Taronno, focused on the College’s journey and impact.

“We are very excited about reaching this milestone,” said Taronno.  “We have received excellent support and built solid relationships with many community organizations over the last 20 years. We appreciate this opportunity to reconnect with friends and alumni as we celebrate the unique culture and community of Menno Simons College!”

MSC was pleased to welcome 10 sponsor representatives to the event: IRCOM, MCIC, NEEDS Centre, MCC, LITE, John Howard Society, Mediation Services, Manitoba Interfaith Immigration Council Inc., Choices Youth Program, and Project Peacemakers.

During the program, speakers reflected on their own experiences at MSC and how these continue to shape their lives.

“In one of my first spring classes, there was a student from South Africa, a student from North Africa, a student from Palestine, a student from Latin America and our Professor was from Bangladesh,” reflected 4th year Honours student Naomi Happychuk. “It really gave me a new understanding of interconnectedness, which I think is a core value here at Menno Simons College.”
The program included a concert by Canadian performers Keith and Renee. Keith Macpherson, a former student and Renee Lamoureux performed songs related to conflict resolution and international development. Through the Free the Children Foundation, they have travelled and performed for two summers in Kenya, Africa, and Dubai and have also performed in 150 schools across Canada, speaking to youth about positive change. They shared songs, images, video, and personal stories of how these experiences changed their lives.

In addition to a retrospective slide show on MSC’s first 20 years, the event included a future-oriented display – architectural plans illustrating major renovations scheduled for Spring 2012. Through a significant legacy gift from the David and Katherine Friesen Family Foundation, MSC purchased a 16,500-square-foot facility at 520 Portage Avenue.  Renovations to this space will create new and improved classrooms, student facilities, faculty and administrative offices, and spaces for meeting and dialogue.

For further information and reflections, refer to MSC Currents, Winter 2010.

Web posting January 28, 2011

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CSOP Invites Renowned Instructors to 2011 Summer Program

CSOP Names 11 Instructors, Announces Peacebuilding Courses
For release November 26, 2010

Now heading into its third year of operation, Canadian Mennonite University will hosts its Canadian School of Peacebuilding (CSOP) summer program this June 6-24, offering international and local students the unique opportunity to study under renowned and revered members of the world peacekeeping community.

The 2011 CSOP program takes place in Winnipeg at CMU’s Shaftesbury campus and opens its doors to students expressing interest from diverse regions worldwide.

“We invite the peacebuilders of the world to gather in Winnipeg each June,” says CSOP Co-Director Jarem Sawatsky. “CSOP welcomes highly qualified instructors with diverse approaches to peace, development, and justice issues. We have 11 exceptional instructors committed to teaching as part of our 2011 program, all of whom are eager to share their perspectives and expertise with our students, who are professional peace practitioners and those with a personal interest in peace and justice issues.”

CSOP attracts peacebuilders from all faiths, countries, and identity groups to its three-week program of intensive five-day courses for professional development and academic credit.

“CSOP brings together participants from diverse backgrounds who share a real interest in issues of peace and justice,” says Valerie Smith, co-director along with Sawatsky. “They have a chance to interact with each other and with some of the most significant emerging ideas and teachers in the field. This combination allows for significant and transformative interaction, both in and out of class.”

The 2011 course offerings include: models of grassroots peacebuilding in international contexts; a Cree Christian perspective on living in covenant; voluntary simplicity; peace and justice in Islam; using the arts to transform conflicts; interpersonal mediation; understanding the issues of violence; reflections on faith-based reconciliation; strategies for social change; and peacemaking and restorative justice.

“At CSOP, we aim to create a space where people from different backgrounds and perspectives can connect in positive and respectful ways. The CSOP community last year included pastors, teachers, peace practitioners, farmers, students, retirees, and a variety of faith and cultural groups. We hope this diversity will keep growing,” says Sawatsky.

Canadian Mennonite University, through Menno Simons College (CMU’s campus at The University of Winnipeg) and through its south Winnipeg Shaftesbury campus, offers one of the most comprehensive undergraduate program in peace and conflict studies in the world. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CMU has over 1,700 students at its Shaftesbury Campus in Southwest Winnipeg, at Menno Simons College in downtown Winnipeg, and enrolled through its Outtatown discipleship program. CMU is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada.

For CSOP information, contact:
CSOP Co-Director Valerie Smith
csop@cmu.ca; Tel. 204.487.3300 Ext. 316
Canadian School of Peacebuilding at CMU
www.cmu.ca/csop

For CMU information, contact:
Nadine Kampen, CMU Communications & Marketing Director
nkampen@cmu.ca; Tel. 204.487.3300 Ext. 621

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: click the links
Biographies – 2011 Instructors
Program Partners
Course Descriptions

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Hands-on Approach in Comm & Media Program

Introduces Student News Teams, Opens Dedicated Production Space
For release November 26, 2010

CMU student media news team, Laura Tait and Evelyn Kampen, report on campus events

One of CMU’s more recent initiatives is its Communications and Media program, which made significant strides this fall when CMU introduced a media workshop program and opened its newly renovated media production space.

“Offering a media workshop program, supported by dedicated production space, is a significant step forward,” says CMU’s Communications and Media Instructor David Balzer. “We can now offer the right combination of resources to help students develop a solid foundation through hands-on training.”

Students are formed into in-house “news teams” explains Balzer, which enables students to produce quality reports while also gaining rapidly in expertise and experience.

The students are supported in their course work through CMU’s new media production space, which houses several new Mac computers and a number of new cameras and digital audio recorders that are being harnessed for innovative course delivery.

“CMU’s communications and media program began eight years ago through the vision of Elmer Hildebrand, owner of Golden West Broadcasting and a strong supporter of CMU,” says CMU President Gerald Gerbrandt. “We’re grateful for his support and very pleased to have the program develop to this next level.”

“Elmer Hildebrand saw the CMU program as a means to develop skilled future communication and media practitioners who are also shaped by Christian faith and ethics,” says CMU Vice President External Terry Schellenberg.

Balzer, who produces CMU’s “Sunday at CMU” radio show as well as instructing courses, organized CMU’s internal launch of its new production space and media workshop program in October. The event attracted students, faculty, staff, and friends of CMU.

“This program lets CMU students build authentic portfolio pieces through their course work,” says Balzer. “Our students plan, write, produce, and handle post-production as they develop multi-media news products that are then utilized by CMU’s own communications and marketing department.”

“This program teaches valuable skills,” says Balzer, “while also providing a unique way for people to experience CMU university life through the lens and the stories of our student news teams. Yet, more importantly,” he says, “our vision and hope for this program is to equip and inspire students as creative storytellers in the broader community.”

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a Christian university offering undergraduate degrees in the arts and sciences, business, communications and media, peace and conflict resolution studies, music, music therapy, theology, and church ministries, as well as graduate degrees in Theological Studies and Christian ministry. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CMU has over 1,700 students at its Shaftesbury Campus in Southwest Winnipeg, at Menno Simons College in downtown Winnipeg, and enrolled through its Outtatown discipleship program. CMU is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

For information, contact:
Nadine Kampen, Communications & Marketing Director
nkampen@cmu.ca;
Tel. 204.487.3300 Ext. 621

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Students Raise over $4K for Foreign Aid

CMU logo

Ninety-two CMU students contributed to Pearson Challenge in support of education in Uganda
For release November 25, 2010

As a student body, Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) beat its goal of raising $4,000 for foreign aid through its 2010 Pearson Challenge by almost $300.

CMU Student Council kicked off its annual Pearson Challenge October 25, 2010, encouraging students to make a difference in the global community by personally donating 0.7% of their tuition costs to foreign aid. Students turned in their pledges in November, along with signed letters calling for action from the Canadian government regarding development assistance.

The Pearson Challenge at CMU has run each fall since 2005.

The campus challenge commemorates the 1969 Partners in Development commission report presented by Canada’s then Prime Mister, Nobel Prize winner Lester B. Pearson, to the World Bank. In the report, commission chair Pearson and members of the commission recommended that 0.7 per cent of a country’s income be donated for development assistance. Adopted by the UN General Assembly and by the Canadian government, this recommendation became the benchmark for foreign aid by developed countries.

“Forty-one years later, Canada is barely meeting half of that commitment each year,” says Erin Weaver, CMU’s Vice President (VP) of Student Relations on Student Council (CMUSC), who headed up the 2010 challenge.

“This year, it seems to have really taken off,” says Weaver. “We raised more money and had more student participation than ever before.”

Ninety-two CMU students participated, raising $4,278, compared to $2,600 raised in 2009.

That sum will be added to CMUSC’s matching fund of $2,500, for a total of $6,778.  The $6,778 total is only about $700 short of the $7,500 goal that represents 0.7% of total tuition paid at CMU for one academic year.

This money will be donated to the college’s event partner, Global Family’s “Hope Never Runs Dry.” This Mennonite Central Committee AIDS prevention outreach program allows children of AIDS-affected families in the Kamuli district of central Uganda to attend school.

“The fact that we, as an institution, almost met Pearson’s recommendation is amazing,” Weaver says. “We hope to get even more involvement and reach the 0.7% of total tuition goal next year.”

She adds that CMUSC’s dream is for the campaign to spread to other schools across Canada and notes that Wilfrid Laurier University (Waterloo, ON) is already starting up an event inspired by CMU’s Pearson Challenge.

“Pearson Challenge is not just about raising money for a good cause,” says Weaver. “It’s about sending a challenge to the Canadian government to fulfill its promise and to show Canada that this level of generosity is possible, even for university students.

“As a Christian school that promotes values based on the life and teachings of Christ, CMU wants to take steps in making a more equitable world,” she continues. “Pearson Challenge is our way of taking those steps.”

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a Christian university offering undergraduate degrees in the arts and sciences, business, communications and media, peace and conflict resolution studies, music, music therapy, theology, and church ministries, as well as graduate degrees in Theological Studies and Christian ministry. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CMU has over 1,700 students at its Shaftesbury Campus in Southwest Winnipeg, at Menno Simons College in downtown Winnipeg, and enrolled through its Outtatown discipleship program. CMU is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

For Pearson Challenge information, contact:
Erin Weaver, CMU Student Council
eweaver@cmu.ca

For CMU information, contact:
Nadine Kampen, Communications & Marketing Director
nkampen@cmu.ca
Tel. 204.487.3300  Ext. 621

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Pastor-in-Residence Program Established

Two pastors serving on campus in 2010-2011 – B.C.’s Dan Unrau and Ontario’s Carol Penner
For release November 3, 2010

In 2010-201, CMU will benefit from a new student life program that brings a Pastor in Residence to CMU for a week during each of the fall and winter academic terms.

Dan Unrau, lead pastor at Fraserview Mennonite Brethren Church in Richmond, served as CMU’s first Pastor in Residence, visiting CMU October 25 – 29, 2010. From February 7 -11, 2011, CMU will welcome Carol Penner, pastor at First Mennonite Church in Vineland, Ontario, to be CMU’s Pastor in Residence during the winter semester.

“The Pastor in Residence is invited to participate in the life of the CMU community by being available for pastoral care through one-on-one time with students, faculty, and staff, and sharing his or her faith story through our CMU chapel sessions,” says CMU Dean of Student Life Marilyn Peters Kliewer. She notes that the aim of the program is both to encourage spiritual growth among members of the CMU community, while also helping to build and maintain close connections with our churches.

Pastor Dan Unrau, a former Manitoban born and raised in Boissevain, now lives in Richmond, British Columbia, with his wife, Lois. During his weeklong stay, faculty, staff, and students welcomed him on campus where he participated and led in a variety of settings. This included a forum on the topic of family systems, a chapel where he shared his faith story, a round-table discussion with local pastors, a resourcing session for student leaders, an evening time of worship, and a meeting with students who are interested in pursuing ministry as their vocation, along with other informal gatherings with members of the CMU community. Another highlight for Unrau was conversation with CMU students during evening snack time.

“I come away from my time at CMU with a professional and pastoral affirmation that the need to tell the integrative story of Christ, faith and life, at all ages, for students, and for faculty and staff, is never ending. It is needed, and welcome, and appropriate,” said Unrau, commenting further that, during CMU’s weekday chapel programs, and again in the evening during student worship time, he was refreshed to again hear and see the “aha” impact of the words of Christ’s story.

“My strongest image of the students is these fresh-faced, young people, alive, vibrant… with healthy bodies and healthy souls. I am so encouraged by this. These students will look after the future. They will become us and more.”

A former teacher, Unrau has been serving in a pastoral role for nearly 26 years. Unrau holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, English, and Religious Studies from The University of Winnipeg, a Master’s degree in Judaeo-Christian Studies (Jerusalem University College), and a DMin. degree in Leadership Studies (Carey Theological Seminary, UBC).

Speaker, preacher, story-teller, and motivational trainer, Unrau has lived in Manitoba, British Columbia, Israel, and Germany. He has authored two books, is currently completing a novel with Mennonite and Jewish themes, has been an adjunct Seminary professor, has appeared on television, and has been a guest on various radio shows. Among his commitments, he serves as the volunteer chaplain of the Vancouver Giants WHL hockey team.

“Most people are running so hard they have no time to reflect,” he notes. “My job as a pastor is as much speaking the good news as reflecting what it means to be a follower of Christ in this day and age. My role is to pray for people, to read the Bible for them, and to read the world for them in a way that helps them to understand.”

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a Christian university offering undergraduate degrees in the arts and sciences, business, communications and media, peace and conflict resolution studies, music, music therapy, theology, and church ministries, as well as graduate degrees in Theological Studies and Christian ministry. Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CMU has over 1,800 students at its Shaftesbury Campus in Southwest Winnipeg, at Menno Simons College in downtown Winnipeg, and enrolled through its Outtatown discipleship program. CMU is a member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).
For CMU information, contact:

Nadine Kampen, Communications & Marketing Director
Tel. 204.487.3300 Ext. 621
nkampen@cmu.ca
500 Shaftesbury Blvd.
Winnipeg, MB R3P 2N2

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10th Anniversary Celebrations

October 2010 Event Featured Reflections on CMU’s First Decade

Canadian Mennonite University kicked off its 10th Anniversary year with an October 29 celebration in the CMU Loewen Athletic Centre. Friends, faculty, staff, alumni, and students gathered to celebrate the realization of an exciting vision – to establish a Christian university in the heart of Canada, open to all, founded on Anabaptist beliefs and traditions.  A young university had come of age.

“As we mark 10 years of operation, the atmosphere at CMU is remarkably different from that of the early years,” said CMU President Gerald Gerbrandt. “Student numbers have grown dramatically; committed faculty, working as a team, offer expertise in a growing number of disciplines; CMU’s financial support remains stable; and internal structures have matured.  And, as a member of the Association of Canadian Universities and Colleges of Canada, CMU is recognized by sister universities nationwide.”

CMU was founded through the coming together of Concord College, Canadian Mennonite Bible College (CMBC), and Menno Simons College (MSC), growing on the spirit of cooperation and a shared vision to create a Christian liberal arts university offering full university accreditation.

Gerbrandt noted that CMU’s Menno Simons College is increasingly recognized as the premier centre for peace and justice studies in Canada; CMU’s unique Outtatown program provides an amazing blend of international experiential learning; and Shaftesbury programs have grown to include business, communications, the sciences, and pastoral leadership development. “CMU is successfully established as a small, faith-based university serving the Mennonite church and the broader society,” he said.

“The 10th Anniversary Celebration was permeated with a deep sense that we have cause for gratitude,” said Vice President External Terry Schellenberg, who served as master of ceremonies for the October event. “As Helmut Harder suggested in his Blazer article, The Emergence of a Mennonite University, the coming together of three colleges into one university and the faithful growth that has followed have not been inevitable – indeed, we might call it a ‘miracle.’”

“CMU’s commitments– educating for peace and justice, learning through thinking and doing, engaging in generous hospitality and radical dialogue, and modeling invitational community – are alive and well,” said Schellenberg.

Vice President Academic Earl Davey noted that CMU lives out of a commitment to be a university community that seeks God. “CMU provides a place in which one can expect to experience a transformation of heart and mind, a place in which the pursuit of God is the work of the one and the many,” said Davey. “What a gift it is to experience this common pursuit in both the extraordinary and ordinary of academic life.”

John Derksen, Associate Professor in Conflict Resolution Studies, reflected on the significant work of Menno Simons College which he described as being ‘smack at the intersection of the church and the world.’ “With my students,” said Derksen, “I get to teach and learn about peace – peace with God, peace with oneself, peace with our neighbours, and peace in the world. How much richer can this get, than to engage with the youth of the world, the leaders of tomorrow, on the biggest questions of life?”

Paul Kroeker, Dean of International Programs and Outtatown Director , viewed the celebration as an opportunity to examine God’s blessing and seek God’s guidance for the years to come. He reflected on the ways in which CMU’s core commitments are mirrored through the vision and mission of CMU’s Outtatown Discipleship School.

Associate Professor of New Testament Sheila Klassen Wiebe and Assistant Professor of English Sue Sorensen reflected on some of the special qualities that lie at the heart of CMU’s ethos – seeking God, nourishing transcendence, fostering community, and loving one another.

Also speaking at the event was founding Board member and long time CMU supporter Art DeFehr who was personally involved in establishing CMU. He reflected that CMU has a future overflowing with possibilities. “Many contributed to CMU’s creation 10 years ago,” said DeFehr. “There was strong and visionary leadership inside the institutions, the Boards, in the denominations, and from individuals. Those involved in the negotiations and the design for CMU were successful in the creation of a legacy with possibilities well beyond the present.”

In closing the October anniversary program, Schellenberg acknowledged the contribution of alumni and current students to CMU’s success. “Their giftedness, integrity, and faith are making a difference for good,” said Schellenberg. “Indeed, they embody the mission upon which CMU is grounded, seeking to ‘inspire and equip women and men for lives of service, leadership, and reconciliation in church and society.’”

For further information and reflections, refer to CMU’s Special 10th Anniversary Edition – CMU’s The Blazer, Fall 2010.  Refer to CMU’s Events listings for details on other Anniversary events.

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Holiday Inn Airport-West Invitational Men’s Basketball Tourn

For release October 14, 2010

The second-largest university men’s basketball tournament in Manitoba is happening this weekend – Thursday, Friday and Saturday, October 14 to 16 – when Winnipeg’s Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) Blazers host the first annual Holiday Inn Airport-West Invitational. The tournament takes place in CMU’s Loewen Athletic Centre.

Tournament entries include the University of Manitoba Bisons and The University of Winnipeg Wesmen of CIS Canada-West, along with Canadian Mennonite University Blazers of the Manitoba Colleges Athletic Conference, Briercrest Clippers from Caronport, Saskatchewan, Lakeland College Rustlers from Lloydminister, Alberta, and the Dakota College Bottineau (DCB) Lumberjacks from North Dakota.

Tournament play begins at October 14 at 6 p.m. when CMU Alumni Nick Miller and the Manitoba Bisons battle Briercrest Clippers. CMU Blazers then host high-flying Lakeland College from Lloydminister at 8 pm.

Friday, October 15 sees Lakeland Clippers take on the UWinnipeg Wesmen at 4 p.m., followed by a classic prairie rivalry between CMU and the Briercrest Clippers at 6 p.m. The final game of the evening sees Dakota College Bottineau of the National US Junior College league play the local University of Manitoba Bisons.

On Saturday, October 16, UWinnipeg and Briercreset go head to head at 4 p.m., then CMU Blazers tip-off with Dakota College Bottineau at 6 p.m., followed by DCB versus U of M @ 8 p.m.

The CMU Loewen Athletic Centre is located at 500 Shaftesbury Blvd. in Winnipeg.

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is a Christian university in the Anabaptist tradition, offering undergraduate degrees in arts and science, business and organizational administration, communications and media, peace and conflict resolution studies, music and music therapy, theology, and church ministries, as well as graduate degrees in Theological Studies and Christian ministry.

Located in Winnipeg, Manitoba, CMU has over 1,800 students at its Shaftesbury Campus in southwest Winnipeg, at Menno Simons College in downtown Winnipeg, and enrolled through its Outtatown discipleship program. CMU is a Member of the Association of Universities and Colleges of Canada (AUCC).

Holiday Inn Airport-West Invitational Men’s Basketball Tournament Schedule

Thursday, October 14
U of M vs Briercrest @ 6pm
CMU vs Lakeland @ 8pm

Friday, October 15
Lakeland vs UWinnipeg @ 4pm
Briercrest vs CMU @ 6pm
DCB vs U of M @ 8pm

Saturday, October 16
UWinnipeg vs Briercrest @ 4pm
CMU vs DCB @ 6pm
U of M vs Lakeland @ 8pm

For Tournament or Athletics Department information, contact:
CMU Head Coach: Darcy Coss: mensbasketballcoach@cmu.ca
Athletic Director Russell Willms: rwillms@cmu.ca; 487-3300 ext. 690

For CMU general information, contact:
Nadine Kampen, CMU Communications & Marketing Director
nkampen@cmu.ca