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.

Dan Linrud challenges students to be "Popeye Christians"

Using powerful stories and compelling illustrations, 

Dan Linrud 

engaged both the hearts and minds of listeners.

Just as Popeye gained strength from spinach, Christians can gain the strength we need through prayer, said Dr. Dan Linrud, featured speaker at services Alumni Fun Fest Weekend.  Dr. Linrud, a graduate of CUC, and now Executive Secretary of the Ontario Conference, spoke Friday evening for vespers and Sabbath morning for both services.

Dr. Linrud began his pastoral work in Canada in the Manitoba-Saskatchewan Conference.  After completing his studies at the SDA Seminary at Andrews University he spent 10 years pioneering progressive church models in the greater Seattle area.  In 1998, Dr. Linrud moved to Hamilton, Ontario, to serve as pastor of the Hamilton Mountain SDA Church.  Since 2008 he has been part of the administrative team for the Ontario Conference.

The new sign for Riverton Hall (formerly Milestone Apartments) was unveiled Friday evening at vespers.  Attending the service on behalf of Riverton Construction, was John Thorarinson, who with his brothers Larus and Eugene, own and operate the company.  Riverton Construction sold Milestone Apartments to CUC for less than half its assessed value.  Following remarks by Dr. Haynal (see below), a prayer of dedication was offered by Faith Caliminos, who serves along with Shane Murley, as a student dean in Riverton Hall.

The full program of events for Alumni Fun Fest Weekend can be found here and here.

Pictured above, to my left, in the back row, are Stacy Hunter, vice president for student services, Dwayne Straub, administrative residence hall dean, and Darrell Huether, vice president for financial administration.  In the front row are Faith Caliminos, student dean, Christina Thorarinson, receptionist for Registrar Services at CUC, a CUC graduate and Eugene's daughter, John Thorarinson and Shane Murley, student dean.

President's Remarks at the Unveiling of the Riverton Hall Sign

Do you remember a time in your life when you faced a huge problem and were completely out of options? Canadian University College went through such a time last year. 

Our dorms were full of students, pressed down, and running over. We needed to add more dormitory space and we needed it ready by the start of this school year.  We thought we had a good plan in place to build an apartment building. But, those plans fell through and we found ourselves up against a deadline and out of options.
It was then that God led us to the Thorarinson brothers, owners of Riverton Construction in Calgary, and also owners of what was then Milestone Apartments. In an act of great generosity, these three men, Larus, Eugene and John agreed to sell us the apartment complex for less than half its assessed value.

We are now about to unveil the new sign that we will place in front of the building we will now call Riverton Hall. As we look at this attractive sign for the first time and each time hereafter, it would be good if we remembered three things:

First, we are so very grateful for the kindness and generosity of Larus, Eugene and John Thorarinson. Thank you for helping us. We will never forget what you have done for our students.

Second, this institution was built and is now sustained in large part thanks to the generosity and sacrifice of others. From retirees who place in the offering plate a small portion of their fixed income to those who are able to give large gifts, it is the goodness of many that keeps CUC and PAA running.

And the final thing we should remember each time we see this new sign is this: God has been, and is, and will always be, your, and my, and Canadian University College’s ever-present help in time of trouble.

Orchestra presents Peter and the Wolf

Canadian University College's orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Jennifer Penner, received a standing ovation  following its concert Saturday night, November 26, at St. Andrews United Church, in downtown Lacombe.  A highlight of the concert was a performance of Peter and the Wolf with Professor Keith Leavitt serving as the narrator.  The full program, including students in orchestra this year, can be found here.

Following graduation, the orchestra will be presenting concerts in British Columbia, Washington, Oregon and California.  If you would like to support the orchestra's activities please contact Dr. Penner at jpenner@cauc.ca.

Dr. Penner completed a Bachelor of Music in violin performance summa cum laude at Washington Adventist University in 2006.  While there she studied with Gerald Fischbach at the University of Maryland.  During her time at WAU Dr. Penner also became a certified Suzuki Teacher (Books 1-10).  As a student at WAU Dr. Penner received the Presidential Scholarship Award each year, was the recipient of the Sligo Federated Music Club Neil Tikins Scholarship, and was a Who's Who Among Students in American Universities honoree.

Prior to coming to CUC, Dr. Penner completed her Master of Music degree in violin at the University of Southern California Thornton School of Music and just recently completed her Doctor of Music Arts degree with emphases in violin performance, instrumental conducting, musicology, and early music performance.  While at USC she studied with Suli Xue. You can view a recent performance by Dr. Penner here.

Dr. Jennifer Penner, shares with the audience background information about Peter and the Wolf, 
including thanks for elementary school students who created special hats designating which 
character in the story that musician represented.

Dr. Samraj presents paper at conference of Adventist philosophers

Dr. Tennyson Samraj, professor of philosophy, presented a paper last week at the annual conference of the Society of Adventist Philosophers, in San Francisco.  Titled, Carbon-based Brains, Consciousness and the Challenges of Teaching Philosophy in an Adventist Context, Dr. Samraj's presentation addressed the following challenges:

• Exploring new paradigms without being identified to a given paradigm
• Teaching what truth is in the context of what truth does
• Respecting the Bible without disrespecting science
• Understanding the relationship between thought and praxis
• Answering questions about after-life in the context of the nature of "life beyond this planet."

Dr. Tennyson Samraj, far right, with other presenters at
 the 2nd annual conference of the Society of Adventist
Philosophers.

The Society of Adventist Philosophers is a network of Seventh-day Adventist students and scholars who either hold a degree in philosophy, are involved in philosophical reflection or value the vocation of the philosophical reflection.  

Dr. Markosky presents recital in Edmonton

Dr. Wendy Markosky, professor of music at CUC since 1997, presented a recital of works for both organ and harpsichord at the First Presbyterian Church in Edmonton, Sunday, November 20.  In what was the first recital of the Royal Canadian College of Organist's 2011 concert series, Dr. Markosky performed works by Buxtehude, Clerambault, Frescobaldi, and others.
Dr. Markosky holds the degree of Doctor of Music in Organ Performance and Literature, with minors in Music Theory and Baroque Studies (1999), from the Indiana University (IU) School of Music at Bloomington, where she also earned her master's degree in performance.  Dr. Markosky was an associate instructor of music theory for five years at the IU School of Music and also served as university chapel organist.  Her doctoral research focused on the music of 17th-century organist Matthias Weckmann, and the crucial role of musical rhetorical concepts in composition and performance in that era.

In addition to her teaching and duties as organist at the College Heights SDA Church, Dr. Markosky maintains an active professional schedule of concerts, lectures, master classes and workshops in both Canada and the US.  This past season took her to recital venues in Alberta, Manitoba and California.  She has lectured on her doctoral research at Northwestern University, Illinois, been a recitalist and lecturer for the "Travelling Clinician" program of the Royal Canadian College of Organists, and been a faculty member of the American "Pipe Organ Encounters" program, an educational outreach program of the American Guild of Organists.  She has done research, study and performance on a number of important Baroque organs in Germany and France.  Dr. Markosky also is an active continuo performer (organ, harpsichord) with several Alberta ensembles.

Photos From the Weekend of November 19

At Fall Festival, Saturday night, Dr. Paul Ramalingam, professor of biology, urged customers at the dunk tank to take their best shot.  

Science Lab Coordinator James Ng satisfied many Fall Festival customers with his award-winning spring rolls.

The crowd loved the rhythms and moves of Aurora Drumline and screamed for more!  You can access the drumline's Facebook page here.

Luke Edgson and Kelcie Brown enjoyed an enchanted evening at the banquet Sunday evening in Lacombe's Memorial Centre sponsored by CUC's dorm club Pneuma Limnes Theorius (PLT).  These words are Greek for "Spirit of Lakeview."      

Professor Leavitt describes his flight from police in Pakistan

At Community Worship speaker Keith Leavitt, associate professor of education, described how he had to hide from the police in Pakistan because the mother of one of his students was so very angry at him for helping her daughter get married. Eventually charges were dropped and mother and daughter were reconciled, but not before Professor Leavitt had to appear in court in Lahore, Pakistan.

This week's Community Worship also featured:

• Outstanding performances by pianists Susan Schafer, Nicole Thorp, Nic Roca and Marjorie Souza
• Annelise Linrud reading her poem, "Hands of Steel"
• An interview with CUC Student Missionary Kimberly McKay
• The congregational reading of "Advocate" written by Annina Engelbrecht, Melissa Myers and Kristopher St. Germain

The complete bulletin can be found here.

Volleyball Teams Make History at ACAL Tournament

For the first time in CUC's history, our volleyball teams won medals at the annual Alberta Colleges Atheletic League (ACAL) tournament held this year at Prairie Bible College (PBI).  The men beat Olds College Team 2 (3-0) and the ladies beat PBI (3-1) to claim bronze medals.   "For both CUC teams to enter into the tournament seeded fourth and still come away with two medals is a great accomplishment for their school," said an ACAL official.

"I'm very proud of our teams for their hard work and good sportsmanship," said CUC Athletic Director Ron Schafer.  "I am also extremely grateful for the good work done by our coaches, Shannon Hedgecock (mens), Tim McLenahan and Sara Southerland."  

A brief reception for the volleyball teams will be held Tuesday evening, November 22, in the Administration Building Lobby at 5:30 pm.  Cookies and punch will be served.

SDACC survey provides snapshot of Adventist demographics and practices

A recently-completed survey commissioned by the SDACC of 1227 randomly-selected Adventists from 22 churches across Canada, offers an interesting overview of members' current demographics and practices in areas such as tithing, church attendance, and personal evangelism.  The full report can be found here.

While I found all the data interesting, of particular interest were the following statistics:

• 53% of Canadian Adventists were baptized 20 or more years ago.
• 16% of Canadian Adventists have been a baptized member for 5 or less years.  In the United States this figure is around 8%.
• When surveyed, 53% of Canadian Adventists said they had attended church services each of the previous four Sabbaths.  Senior citizens and members with less than a high school education were more likely to have attended church services every Sabbath than other groups.
• Those most likely to be part of the 10% who reported attending services only once or not at all in the previous four Sabbaths were young adults and new converts.
• While more Canadian Adventists volunteer their time at their local church than do Adventists in the United States (64% vs 57%), fewer Canadian Adventists say their faith has grown stronger in the last year than their counterparts in the United States (32% vs 37%).
• 61% of the membership of the SDACC is female.

CUC Helps Lacombe Light Up the Night


Although the weather outside was frightful, CUC students helped the City of Lacombe kick of the downtown holiday season and light up the night, Thursday, November 17.  The Aurora Drumline performed, Choral Union and the Gospel Choir sang, and student pianists provided background music at the indoor farmer's market.  "Lacombe is developing its reputation as a university town," said Mark Haynal.  "Our participation in events like enhance that growing reputation while allowing our students to have some good, old-fashioned fun as they serve others."


Here's what the Lacombe Globe said about the event:  "It's Christmas time!  It's time to have fun.  It's time to make merry.  It's time to shop!  To kick off the holiday season, the City of Lacombe is hosting our innaugural Light Up the Night Festival on November 17, 2011.  This winter festival aligns with our traditional events like Moonlight Madness Sale and the Tree Lighting Ceremony.  New events this year include Tim Horton's Santa Claus Parade, a Movie in the Park, a Community Light Up Contest, prizes and much more!"


In addition to singing Thursday evening, CUC's Choral Union also travelled north to present a sacred concert at the Fort McMurray Seventh-day Adventist Church.  (Please see last photo.)

Kingsway College Drama Club Films CUC Commercial

Thursday night students in Kingsway College's Drama Club filmed a commercial for CUC that will be shown Sunday evening at that institution's Annual Fun(d)raising Dinner.  Canadian University College is sponsoring a table at that event.  A number of parents of students currently at CUC will join me for dinner and entertainment.


In the middle of the commercial Kingsway's mascot and I walked through the group of students pretending to greet a huge crowd of CUC's fans.  At the end of the video the students formed the letters CUC.  

Joining me at CUC's table were (clockwise from my left) Tim and Sharon Aka, Andre Langevin, Lori Dooks, Sharon and Laird Solomon and Pauline Ijeh.

SDACC Health Benefits Plan will soon Facilitate Online Claims



Beginning in April, 2012, Canadian University College employees will be able to submit SDACC health benefits claims online.    "The new online service will make drug and dental claims payments in real time through electronic payment of claims," said Juanita Longman, director of SDACC health benefits. 

Canadian University College's Vice President for Financial Administration, Darrell Huether, (far left, 3rd row from front) and President Mark Haynal are representing the university college at SDACC Year End Meetings in Oshawa, November 15-21.

SDACC Mentor Pastors Meet at CUC

One strength of CUC's religious studies program is the field experience students receive.  A key component of this practical experience are the six weeks during the summer each student spends with his/her mentor pastor.  On Sunday and Monday, November 13 and 14, 21 mentor pastors from across the SDACC met at CUC for training and to meet the religious studies majors.

The featured speaker at this year's training session for mentor pastors was Don Corkum.  Now retired and living in Calgary, Corkum was most recently president of the Wisconsin Conference.

Canadian University College's field experience for religious studies majors is coordinated by Dr. Bruce Boyd, chair of the religious studies department.  "This is the most practical class we offer," said Boyd.  "To ensure our students have the best experience possible we want our mentor pastors to know exactly what we are expecting and why." 

The complete list of mentor pastors is shown below.
British Columbia Conference  
Ern Brake, Tom Glatts, Dave Jamieson Cameron Johnston, Noel Lazarus, Ken Schander
Alberta Conference                                                                                                     
Ishmael Ali, Virgil Covel, John Murley, John Wesley, Melborne Turgott           

Manitoba-Saskatchewan Conference                                                                         

Petar Djakov, Rick Harwood, Jeff Potts    
Ontario Conference                                                                                                          
Allan Chichester, Edwin Emerson, Jakov (Jacob) Bibulovic, Manuel Donoso
Quebec Conference                                                                                                         
Maxime Pape, Kwasi Ansa–Adu

Maritime Conference                                                                                                        

Metard Salomon

Wei and Park Perform this Sunday
Sharaon Wei, viola, and Angela Park, piano, will perform Sunday evening, November 20, in CUC's Administration Building Auditorium. This will be the second recital of this year's Sunday@7 Concert Series.
According to her official homepage, Sharon Wei was a National Scholar and Canadian Merit Scholar at the University of Western Ontario. She completed her studies at the prestigious Curtis Institute of Music. Wei has performed in the United States, Canada and Europe.

Pianist Angela Park has established herself as one of Canada's leading young musicians. Equally accomplished in both solo and chamber music, Park's versatility has led to continued success in performances across Canada, the United States, Europe, Japan and Mexico. Born and raised in London, Ontario, she began her musical studies at the age of three.

Wei and Park began their collaboration while at the University of Western Ontario. Over the past decade they have performed in recitals and as founders of Ensemble Made in Canada. They were recently awarded a CBC Rising Stars Award and selected by Chatelaine Magazine as two of "80 women to watch." Their performances have been recorded and aired on CBC Radio.

SDACC President Mark Johnson meets with Students

   SDACC President Mark Johnson met with a group of 10 students Thursday evening in the Sunrise Room in CUC's cafeteria.  This meeting, along with other similar meetings and the inclusion of young adults as delegates to the SDACC Constituency Meeting, members of the SDACC Board and delegates to NAD Year-End Meetings are part of Johnson's ongoing efforts to make sure our youth are full partners in the work of the Adventist church in Canada.

   Students who met with Johnson not only enjoyed a free meal, but had the opportunity to share with him their thoughts on a wide range of issues.  "I'm glad we have leaders who take the time to listen to our ideas," said one student.

Caro and Haynal lay a wreath at City of Lacombe Remembrance Day Service

   On behalf of Canadian University College, Student Association President Tristan Caro and President Mark Haynal laid a wreath at the City of Lacombe's Remembrance Day Service, Friday morning, November 11.

Upcoming Events

November 14-21 SDACC Year-End Meetings in Oshawa.

November 18-20 Mission Emphasis Weekend.  The speaker will be John Baxter of Adventist Frontier Missions

Sunday, November 20 Violist Sharon Wei and Pianist Angela Park present Sunday@7 Concert

November 25-27 Alumni Fun Fest Weekend.  For a complete schedule of events click here. 

Latest Valuegenesis research shows students more appreciative of Adventist education

Between October and December, 2010, Valuegenesis researchers, sponsored by the NAD, surveyed every available student in every Adventist school, grades 6-12, who was willing to be surveyed.  What they learned from more than 18,000 respondents about the faith maturity and attitudes of students is both interesting and in many ways gratifying.

1.  Adventist young people are more appreciative of their church schools than ever before.  When the first Valuegenesis survey was conducted in 1990 79% agreed with the statement, "I like my school."  In 2000 that figure was 73%; in 2010 it was 86%  Eighty-nine percent now agree with the statement, "Teaching is good."  The response in 2000 was 83%; in 1990 81%.

2.  When it comes to beliefs about premarital sex and dressing modestly, Adventist students in 2010 are a bit more "traditional" than they were in 1990 and 2000.  Seventy-seven percent now agree with the statement, "Sex should only occur in marriage."  In 1990 that figure was 68%.  Sixty-seven percent agree with the statement that we should "wear modest clothes."  In 2000 that figure was 60%.

3.  Sadly, there appears to be a decline in the number of young people who agree with the statement that we should "not use beer or liquor."  In 1990 88% agreed with that statement.  Support was 84% in 2000 and is now at 80%.

4.  There has been an increase since 2000 in the percentage of young people who agree with the statement, "The SDA church is the remnant church with a last-day message."  Only 46% agreed with that statement in 2000.  That figure is now 54%, but not as high as it was in 1990.

You can read more about the latest Valuegenesis findings here: Part 1  Part 2

 

CUC Honours Veterans at Community Worship

As we do every November, faculty, staff and students gathered for a special Remembrance Day Community Worship, Tuesday, November 8. This year's service was made even more meaningful than usual because just the day before the memorial service for Master Corporal Byron Greff had been held in the same place. 

Born Aug. 11, 1983, and raised in Lacombe, Byron joined the Canadian Forces in 2001 and was on his second deployment in Afghanistan. The 28-year-old soldier was killed in action Oct. 29 when a suicide bomber attacked a NATO bus convoy transporting members of the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul.

For me the most touching part of the service was when Byron's son Kellar saluted the many soldiers in attendance as he left the church.

 

 

We were pleased to have with us at our Remembrance Day service 11 representatives from the Lacombe branch of the Royal Canadian Legion. After the service Campus Ministries served our visitors an outstanding lasagna dinner.

 

Highlights of the program were:

• Singing "O Canada" with Dr. Markosky playing the majestic pipe organ.
• CUC's Chamber Singers singing, "In Flanders Field."
• The congregational reading written by CUC students Alisha Frazer, Kimberly Henry, Michael Jakovac, Zachary Loxdale, Jacqui McCarty, Megan McConnell, Joshua Perkins, Melina Potts, Breanna Pullis, Thaksheela Thomas, Atalia Trejo, Joshua Wixwat, and Nicole Wold
• Listening to David Benjamin play Last Post and Reveille

The full program, including the full text of the congregational reading can be viewed here.

Community Worship next Tuesday will be presented by student leaders of our chapter of Collegiate Advocates for Better Living.