CUC Archivist Maj-Britt Berggren Rusk Publishes Autobiography

Since going on her first Maranatha trip in 2000, Maj-Britt has
participated in 42 different projects in 13 countries, in locations
as close as Ponoka, Alberta, and as far away as India.

Maj-Britt Berggren Rusk, who taught French and English at CUC 1963-1968, and now serves as one of our campus historians and archivists, has published her autobiography titled, Angels Watching Over Me.  The book chronicles her life beginning with her birth in 1927 in Saskatchewan through her years as a mother, pastor's wife, and school teacher to her retirement years during which she has gone on 42 Maranatha trips.  

"This book is a heartwarming and inspiring story of a life well lived," said CUC President Mark Haynal.  "It is also a fascinating glimpse at the life of a dedicated Adventist family in Canada, full of interesting history and family anecdotes that will make you smile and cry and marvel."

On many of her Maranatha trips Maj-Britt has
served as the cook.  In the photo above
she is preparing something for lunch for the
Maranatha team at the Adventist college
in Ecuador in 2007.

If you would like to purchase a copy of Maj-Britt's autobiography please contact her directly by e-mail to mrusk@cauc.ca. 

Faculty Receive Recognition for Publications and Presentations

The Faculty Development and Research Committee, chaired by Dr. Tennyson Samraj, recently recognized CUC professors who have published books or articles or made presentations at conferences.

Dr. Darren George

Elizabeth George

Dr. Darren George, professor of psychology, was recognized for publication of the 12th edition of IBM SPSS Statistics 19 Step by Step: A Simple Guide and Reference.  Dr. George collaborated with Dr. Paul Mallery, of La Sierra University, and the book is published by Prentice Hall.

Dr. George has also co-authored a book with his wife, Elizabeth, who is a contract professor at Canadian University College.  Titled, The Compatability Code: An Intelligent Woman's Guide to Dating and Marriage, the book is in its 2nd edition and published by Hugo House Publishers.

Dr. Justina Adalikwu-Obisike

Dr. Justina Adalikwu-Obisike, assistant professor of sociology, has, along colleagues Chris Adalikwu and Paul Adalikwu, published the article, "Global Organizations' Knowledge Management Strategic Initiatives," in Journal of Global Business Research.  Dr. Adalikwu-Obisike also made a presentation titled, "Neo-Colonialism and the Nigerian Extractive Industry," at the Canadian Association of African Studies Annual Conference.

Dr. Marc Froese

Dr. Marc Froese, associate professor of political science, recently published, "Do Developed Countries 'Layer up' Faster than Developing Countries? Evaluating the Speed and Momentum of Trade Litigation at the World Trade Organization," in the Journal of World Trade.

Dr. Larry Herr

Dr. Larry Herr, professor of religious studies, gave two presentations earlier this year in San Francisco. His first was titled, "Tall al' Umayri Through the Centuries," and was made at the Near Eastern Archaeological Society's annual  meeting.  The second, presented at the annual conference of The American Schools of Oriental Research, was titled, "The Late Bronze to Iron I Transition at Tall al' Umayri."

Dr. Tennyson Samraj

In addition to his presentation at the Society of Adventist Philosophers' 2nd Annual Symposium (please see this blog for November 23) Dr. Tennyson Samraj, professor of philosophy, presented the paper "Gender Equality and Religion - Christianity," at the 6th World Religions Conference.

Dr. Louicius Michel

Dr. Louicius Michel, professor of business, made the presentation, "Haiti's Reconstruction: The Forgotten Dimensions," at the Stephen Jarislowsky Chair in International Business Management Annual Conference Series at Université Laval in Quebec.


Kieren Bailey, assistant librarian, was recognized for her article, "Efficient Solutions for Time-Consuming Jobs in the Library," published in the November, 2011, issue of Computers in Libraries.  Bailey also gave a presentation titled, "NEOS Libraries and WorldCat Local," with fellow librarians Dan Mirau of Concordia University College and Teneil Vuori of Red Deer College, at the NetSpeed 2011 convention.

Photos from the Weekend of December 10

Vespers, Friday, December 9
Using drama, song, and even gymnastics, students presented, "The Progression of Sin and Why We Need a Saviour."  The production was written and produced by Shynell Wilson, a 2nd year elementary education major.

The student representing God, using a real lamb, explains to Adam and Eve why blood must be
shed for the forgiveness of sins.

The Acronaires used narration, their bodies and physical movement to illustrate in a very compelling way the story of David, from his encounter with Goliath to his reign as King of Israel.

Sunshine Band Sabbath Afternoon at the Royal Oak Retirement Centre

Silverwinds Band Concert, Saturday Night

Carriage Rides Reduce Student Stress

Because the week before exams can be quite stressful for students, the dorm club, Pneuma Limnes Theorias (PLT) hosted a unique "stress buster" event: Rides in a horse-drawn carriage.  More than 70 students enjoyed a 15-minute ride from Lakeview Hall's parking lot down College Avenue past the Adventist Book Centre and then back to the dorm.  Along with the relaxing carriage ride, students also enjoyed 'smores cooked on Dean Straub's stump stove and hot chocolate.

The carriage and horses were provided by Heritage Ranch in Red Deer.  This year's PLT officers are:
President: Ammmishaddaih Flores
Vice President: Megan McConnell
Pastor: Cara Boyce
Communications: Alex Gon
Social Vice President: Kamryn Henriquea
Maple Hall Reps: Gladvin Thyagaraj and Joseph Arnest
Riverton Hall Rep: Justin Arnesto
Cornerstone Rep: Richard Gray
Lakeview Reps: Robberson Dorelus, Candace McFarlane, Angela McKenna and Luke Edson

Faculty and Staff Enjoy Western Christmas Party

Wearing an assortment of hats, bandanas and boots and a dazzling array of plaid, faculty and staff gathered Thursday evening, December 8 for Canadian University College's annual Christmas party.  After a meal of chilli in bread bowls, corn on the cob and salad, the group moved to the Administration Building Chapel for a variety program of songs, skits, and demonstrations of yodelling and whip cracking.  

Brenda Hodgins, Audrey Haggkvist and Dianne Southcott, three members of the Social Committee, 

share a quiet laugh as they listen to one more of emcee Jerrold Ritchey's outstanding jokes.  

Not pictured, but also part of the social committee that planned the event is Carolyn O'Neill.

Emcee Jerrold Ritchey left no clean western joke untold.

A bemused Clyde Hannebury and Fred Schultz listen in rapt attention to yet another of Jerrold Ritchey's jokes.

Silverwinds Band Performs at Lacombe Rotary 2011 Carol Festival 

Canadian University College's Silverwinds Band, under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Penner, provided music for the prelude and performed two numbers at the 56th Annual Carol Festival, sponsored by Lacombe's three Rotary Clubs. The band was one of seven community groups that performed Wednesday evening at the Lacombe Memorial Centre, in the heart of Lacombe's arts and entertainment district.  

Also performing at Wednesday evening's event were the Parkland Classical Singers, a community choir under the direction of CUC's own Dr. Munroe, and the United Church Senior Choir, directed by Josias Sanchez a 3rd year music major at CUC.  

This year's Carol Festival was organized by Elizabeth George, who is both an active Rotarian and a contract professor at Canadian University College.  "The object of the Carol Festival is to celebrate our area children and to popularize the singing of Carols, old and new, as well as other music appropriate to the season at Christmas time," said Mrs. George.   

"It makes me very proud to see the many different ways CUC's faculty, staff and students enrich life for all of us living in Lacombe," said Mark Haynal, president of Canadian University College.

A saxophone quartet performed several numbers as part of the prelude.  Shown above from left to right are Christopher Vanson, grade 11 at PAA, Eric Sereti, a 1st year Religious Studies major, Heberne Edmond, a 1st year Wellness Management major, and Maison Leitch, grade 11 at PAA.

Choral Union presents The Voices of Christmas

Choral Union, under the direction of Dr. Wendolin Pazitka-Munroe, brought much Christmas joy to the hearts of the congregation at Friday night's Christmas concert.  Titled, The Voices of Christmas, the program featured narration by Dr. John McDowell, Dean of the Division of Arts, soliloquies by Mary, Joseph and other key characters from the Christmas story, and eight beautifully-sung anthems by the 110-voice choir.  A copy of the program can be found here. 

Dr. Pazitka-Munroe has been Director of Choirs at
Canadian University College  since 1977.

Dr. Pazitka-Munroe is Co-Chair of the Music Department and Professor of Music at Canadian University College.  She earned a Doctorate in Music Education from Indiana University and has directed choirs and taught voice, music history, music education courses and conducting classes at CUC since 1977.

Choral Union has been asked by renowned conductor Peter Tiboris to participate in the Festival of the Aegean in Greece this summer.  If you would like to support them in this or other endeavours please contact Jerrold Ritchey at jritchey@cauc.ca

Acronaires Perform at Festival of Trees in Red Deer

Our Acronaires performed on the main stage at Red Deer's Festival of Trees Saturday night, November 26.  "Our performance at last year's event was so well received that they invited us back this year and gave us one of the best time slots on their busiest evening," said Tony Bennett, assistant coach.  "The Acronaires donated their time for this event because as a group we want to help our community as much as possible."  Since it began in 1994 the Festival of Trees has raised more than $7 million for the Red Deer Regional Medical Centre.

The Acroniaires' major project this year is raising $4800 that will be used by A Better World Canada to pay for 24 physically handicapped children in Africa to receive surgery and medical treatment that will give them greater mobility.  If you would like to support the Acronaires or contribute to their project in Africa please contact  Jerrold Ritchey at 403-782-3381  x4161.  

You can view a video of the Acronaires performing at the West Edmonton Mall here.

Darren Shankel receives Young Alumnus Service Award

The faculty and staff of Canadian University College along with the Alumni Association are proud to honour Darren Shankel (HS 1989; CUC 1995) with this year's Young Alumnus Service Award.   Mr. Shankel  received his award during Sabbath services November 26.  "We are very proud of what Darren has accomplished," said President Mark Haynal.  "His work as a teacher and school administrator has been a life-changing blessing to hundreds of boys and girls."

Remarks by Alumni President Loney Ziakris

Darren graduated from PAA in 1989 and from CUC in 1995 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education ready and eager to begin teaching.  The “small school” intrigued him (or was it more the location of the “small school” and what that might mean to pursuing his extra curricular hobbies??) and therefore he found himself up in the Yukon as Principal of the Whitehorse SDA School.  It was a great place for Darren to get his feet wet and learn to be a multi-grade teacher and administrator.  

After two years, there were not enough students to keep the school running so Darren took his next job at the SDA School in Peace River, Alberta.  Two years later he and his wife, Dori made the tough decision to leave Peace River and move to the Okanagan.  Darren was offered a job teaching PE and Socials at Okanagan Adventist Academy in Kelowna.  It was during the seven years at OKAA that Darren’s vision for Adventist Education was born.  

When Darren, his wife and their three children, headed north for Chetwynd, he was ready for the new challenge and opportunity ahead of him.  He took on the principal role of Peace Christian School, a tuition-free SDA K-10 school of 40 students. Together with a group of like-minded, capable teachers and staff, a church committed to lift up Christ in their community, and a supportive parent group, Darren has pushed Peace Christian School beyond the traditional North America style of Adventist Education.  Enrolment is reaching 120, with 95% of the students being non-Adventist, and many of that number coming from homes with no Christian background.  On track for the addition of grade 11 in 2012 and grade 12 the following year, Peace Christian School is poised to become the 4^th K-12 school in BC.  

Peace Christian School is highly active in this community of 3000 people, sponsoring events that involve public schools, other Christian schools, and community members and organizations.  If you have the time, and the interest, Darren is always ready to share his vision and ideas for growing Adventist education, which he believes in, and is 100% committed to promoting and fostering.  

Darren is thankful and humbled by being chosen for this award.  He is also quite sure there are more than just a few of his past teachers/acquaintances who are a bit amused or surprised by this nomination.  I guess you never can tell!  Lastly, Darren wishes to thank his mentors, Coach Schafer and Professor Keith Leavitt, for never leaving his corner!

Photos from the Weekend of November 26

The potluck was so big only the gym could contain it!  In addition to all of the visitors every current PAA and CUC student was invited to the meal.

As people waited to be dismissed to the food tables CUC's vice presidents,

complete with a towel over their right arm like proper butlers, served appetizers.

Team 3 won the championship game Sunday morning.   Somewhere in this photo you should fine Landon Bechthold, Josh Huether, Jorel McManes, Ryan Werner, Rob Clark, Brad Kay, Ajay McNarland, Clayton Ganson, Dustin Livadney, Jonathan Sydenham, Bernie Huedepohl, Kevin McCalla, Todd Schafer, and Nathan Werner.  The Blue Team was coached by Pierre Polino and Cyril Fortney.

Jorel McManes (HS 2003), who now lives in Calgary, was the tournament's MVP.

Wedson Devil, a 4th year religious studies major, drives to the basket during Sunday afternoon's victory against St. Mary's University College.  

The Acronaires presented the half time show at Sunday afternoon's basketball game, adding even more excitement to the final events of Alumni Fun Fest Weekend.