Aurora Drumline Goes to Prison

CUC's drumline presented a special Black History Month program at Pe Sakastew Centre, a minimum security prison in Hobbema, February 29.   This facility, also called a Healing Lodge, is part of a new concept in federal corrections for Aboriginal offenders.  In the healing lodge, the needs of Aboriginal offenders serving federal sentences are addressed through Aboriginal teachings and ceremonies, contact with Elders and children, and interaction with nature. A holistic philosophy governs the approach, whereby individualized programming is delivered within a context of community interaction, with a focus on preparing for release. 

"The inmates loved the program," said J. R. Ferrer, Director of Communcations.  "After the drumline finished its last number they shouted, 'One more! One more!'"  To show their appreciation the inmates brought out their own ceremonial drums and played them along with the drumline. 

The program CUC presented consisted of:

• A poetry recitation by Marthe Paul, a 2nd year Secondary Education major from Lacombe.
• A short talk about God's desire for people of all cultures to work together by Seth Bussey, a Religious Studies major from Roseneath, ON.
• A saxophone solo by Ted Merceus, a 4th year Biology major from Montreal.
• Other special music provided by Robby Dorelus*, a 2nd year Religious Studies major from Port Saint Lucie, FL, Enoch Attey, a 4th year Music major from Odenton, MD, and other members of the Aurora Drumline. 
• Several numbers performed by the full drumline

*Robby Dorelus is the founder and leader of the the Aurora Drumline.

Robby Dorelus, founder of the Aurora Drumline (in the red shirt) joins with inmates in a drum circle.

Before saying good-bye, CUC students and inmates joined hands and formed a moving circle around the drummers in the centre.

Apartment Converted into Riverton Hall Lobby

Because Riverton Hall has no large common areas Vice President for Student Services Stacy Hunter and the deans have converted Apartment 405 into a lobby/lounge.  The entire space has been filled with what one student described as "a comfy leather couch, bookshelves, numerous study desks with lamps, attractive and comfortable arm chairs, a dining table for group study, and a few items that make the place look nice and inviting, such as a mirror and some artwork."

The space is open and supervised from 9 pm to midnight and at other times if an RA or Student Dean is available.  Students use the lobby/lounge not only for studying but also for shared Sabbath meals, birthday parties and other social events.

"This has been a very positive addition to Riverton Hall," said Student Dean Faith Calaminos.   "Those who utilize the space appreciate it and are grateful for the efforts that have been made to ensure this residence hall meets their needs."

CUC Students Hold Youth Rally at Deer Lake SDA School

A group of CUC students spent their Family Day weekend break in Burnaby, BC, where they presented a Youth Rally, Friday and Sabbath, February 18 and 19 at Deer Lake SDA School.  Programming consisted of music, skits, videos and the spoken word.  Attendance at the five meetings held ranged from 100 to over 200 youth from the greater Vancouver area.

Friday evening's message, "Learning to Fail," was presented by Richard Gray.  Sabbath morning's sermon was titled, "I Need a Saviour," and presented by Jorge Torres.  Marc Andrade spoke Sabbath evening; his message was titled, "Can You Hear Me?"

Sabbath afternoon featured a variety of workshops.  The rally ended Saturday night with an exciting dodge ball tournament.

"We were pleased with the high school students' willingness to open up and share some of the things they were going through," said one CUC student.  "Several of the young people approached us with questions such as 'How do I recognize God's voice?' and "How do I know it's really Him speaking?" 

"Some kids we met are still texting us and telling us how much they appreciated the programs," said Carvy Luceno, one of the rally organizers.  "Several of the young people who may be coming to CUC next year are already talking about how they can't wait to help hold another Youth Rally next year!"

"This experience has allowed us to not only connect with the young people from the greater Vancouver area, but has brought all of us closer to God in way where we have seen Him use us in ways and guide us to do things we never thought we could do before," said Luceno. 

Students from CUC who participated in the Youth Rally are: Marc Andrade, Daniel Kim, Richard Gray, Marcia Meija-Blanco, Abraham Samudio, Chelsea Dalmacio, Janelle Mutya, Kryzia Abacan, Ashley Stulzer, Jorge Torres, Ammmishaddaih Flores, John Masigan, Mariel Machar, Akeem Ambrose, Sara Luceno, Sarah Mallari, Andrel Wisdom, David Fletcher, Mitchel Keenan, and Carvy Luceno.

High Level of Student Involvement in Another Typical Sabbath at CUC

Last Sabbath was just another typical Sabbath at CUC.  That it was a "normal" Sabbath and not a special weekend convocation made the number of students actively involved in services even more impressive.  What is listed below reflects only that which took place in the College Heights SDA Church sanctuary.  Every Sabbath students lead out in Sabbath School divisions, help in many other central Alberta churches, run AY, take part in Sunshine Bands and Prison Ministries, and a host of other activities each Sabbath.

The CUC/PAA Saxophone Quartet played, "What a Friend We Have
In Jesus,"  for special music at both 1st and 2nd service.

• The praise singing was led by the student group Laus Deo, consisting of Nic Roca, Josias Sanchez, Enoch Attey, Sandra Koch, and Ingride Duval-Castro.
• The CUC/PAA Saxophone Quartet provided special music.  (Please see video clip below.)
• Christopher Johnson, a 2nd year Religious Studies major from North York, ON, had the morning prayer.
• Ross Mason, a 3rd year Adventure Based Counselling major from Montrose, CO, told the children's story.
• Christopher Young, a 2nd year Adventure Based Youth Leadership major from Zealand, NB, offered the morning prayer.
• Zach Loxdale, a 1st year Secondary Education/Religious Studies major from Bedford, NS, led the lesson study.
• Nine CUC students each played or sang a solo at Evensong.

Zach Loxdale led the lesson study titled,"Creation Care."

Adams Babida, a 3rd year Religious Studies major from Oshawa sang, "Allelulia," by Schubert at Evensong.

Cari Astleford, a 4th year English major from Chetwynd, BC, played "Pastorale," by Franck at Evensong. 

King's Heralds will Perform at Alumni Homecoming June 3

Mark your calendar now for Alumni Homecoming weekend, June 1-3 and a special concert by the King's Heralds on Sunday at 7:30 pm in the College Heights SDA Church.  Tickets to the concert will cost $20.  They go on sale March 1 and can be ordered by phone at 403-782-4054.

"Singing 4Him" is the theme of this year's homecoming weekend and we hope to bring back as many CUC quartets as possible for the weekend.  Fred Kinsey, Speaker/Director of the Voice of Prophecy will speak for Sabbath services.  A schedule of this year's homecoming events can be found here.

The King's Heralds now feature, from left to right, Don Scroggs, 1st tenor,
Joel Borg, 2nd tenor, Russell Hospedales, baritone, and Jeff Pearles, bass.

The King's Heralds got their start in 1927 in Keene, Texas and were first known as the Lone Star Four.  The group's name changed to the King's Heralds in 1936 when they began working with the evangelist H. M. S. Richards and his radio broadcast, The Voice of Prophecy.  The quartet has been a self-supporting ministry since 1982. 

Over the years the King's Heralds have recorded more than 100 albums in 30 different languages.  They have performed in 50 countries.  They have received twenty-three Silver Angel Awards© for "Excellence in Media", including six for "Best Male Vocal Group", fourteen for "Best Album" and a "Best International Broadcast" award for their own radio program, "Sounds of Praise". The group also received a "Gold" Angel Award© in 1992 for being the oldest continuous Gospel Quartet in America.

CUC Graduate is One of Alberta's Newest Chartered Accountants

Brenda and Barry Potorieko

Brenda McMann Potorieko, who earned her degree in behavioural science at CUC in 1999, recently passed the Uniform Exam and was accepted by the Chartered Accountants Institute of Alberta.  McMann is now a senior accountant at Heywood, Holmes & Partners in Red Deer.  "We are pleased to have graduates who are well-prepared to pass professional examinations, said David Jeffrey, Dean of the School of Business.  "Canadian University College's School of Business is proud to have played a role in Brenda's success."

Renowned Sociologist will Speak at Community Worship April 10

One of Canada's best-known academics, Dr. Reginald Bibby, a sociologist at the University of Lethbridge, will speak for community worship April 10 at 11 am, and then host a round-table discussion in the Sunrise Room at noon.  

Over the past four decades, Reginald Bibby has been monitoring social trends in Canada through a series of well known national surveys of adults and teenagers, in the process gathering pioneering and historic data on religion and youth. He has presented his findings in North America, Europe, Australia, and Japan, lecturing at universities including British Columbia, Alberta, Manitoba, McMaster, Queen's, Toronto, Acadia, Oxford, Notre Dame, and Harvard. 

Dr. Bibby is the author of twelve best-selling books and some seventy journal articles. To date, more than 150,000 copies of his books have been sold.  Four of this books are held by CUC's library; the remainder can be easily obtained through interlibrary loan.  Titles at CUC's library are:

• The emerging millennials: How Canada`s newest generation is responding to change and choice.  HQ 779 C2 B48 2009 
• The emerging generation: An inside look at Canada`s teenagers.  HQ 799 C2 B52 1985 
• The Bibby report: Social trends Canadian style.  HN 103.5 .B53 1995
• Fragmented gods:  The poverty and potential of religion in Canada.  BL 2530 C3 B52 1987 

CUC Student is One of Canada's Newest Citizens

Gladvin Thyagaraj, a 2nd year biology major from Toronto, is one of Canada's newest citizens.  Thyagaraj, his brother and parents took the oath of citizenship Monday, February 13, in Toronto.  Thyagaraj grew up in Mysore, India.  He immigrated with his family to Canada back in May, 2007.  In addition a Certificate of Citizenship, Gladvin was also given a small Canadian flag and a lapel pin commemorating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Elizabeth II's reign.

Gladvin Thyagaraj with the judge who presided over the citizenship ceremony in Toronto, February 13, 2012.

"As we enjoy Multicultural Week here at CUC I cannot think of a more exciting way to illustrate the beauty of Canada's diversity than celebrating the addition of Gladvin and his family to the rich cultural tapestry of this wonderful country," said President Mark Haynal. 

CUC Splits Series with WWU

Canadian University College's hockey team enjoyed hosting Walla Walla University's team this past weekend.  Friday afternoon Walla Walla University's Wolf Pack lost to Ambrose University 16-9.  They played two games against CUC's Aurora.  The Aurora won Saturday night's game 8-3 and the Wolf Pack won Sunday morning's game 10-9.

"Unfortunately, not all of Walla Walla University's players could make the trip so the Wolf Pack only had two subs," said Professor Ron Schafer.  "After one of their players injured his shoulder, CUC loaned several players to the Wolf Pack for Sunday morning's game."

Gym Floor Refinished

Many gym users may have noticed that the floor was refinished over Christmas break.  A few interesting facts about CUC's gym floor that you may not know are:

• This is a "top-of-the-line" gym floor, just like the one that the former NBA team the Vancouver Grizzlies had in their practice facility.
• The original gym floor was covered carpet.
• In 2002 the Lindgren Foundation contributed $225,000 and the new wood floor was installed.
• It costs about $10,000 to have the floor refinished.
• An Alberta Colleges Athletic League (ACAL) official recently told Professor Ron Schafer CUC had the best gym floor in the league.

Compare the beautiful gym floor CUC now has, thanks to the Lindgren Foundation, to the pre-2002 carpeted floor:

 

CUC Celebrates Multicultural Month

Dr. Don King

Special programming and food are highlighting our celebration of Multicultural Month.   Dr. Don King, President of the Atlantic Union Conference, spoke for vespers and Sabbath services the weekend of February 11.  A French Cafe in the basement of the Administration Building offered delicious food on Thursday and the Korean Club fed faculty, students, and staff some outstanding Kimchi, La Bok Gi, and Kim Bob on Friday in the Chan Shun Science Centre.  Later this month the Spanish Club and Filipino Club will share some of their dishes with the campus family.

Dr. Paul Ramalingam, professor of biology, and a group of students did much of the planning for this past weekend's events.  Assisting Dr. Ramalingam were Se Eun Lim, Liza Imanzi, Carvy Luceno, Gladvin Thyagaraj, Rosy Kim and Sally Kim.  "I owe these students a great deal of thanks," said Dr. Ramalingam.  

Sally Kim, Se Eun Lim, and Rosy Kim, serve kimchi and kim bob to a student who is already holding a bowl of la bok gi, a spicy Korean noodle dish. 

The scripture reading at 1st service was given by Se Eun Lim in Korean and Sidney Lakusta-Wong in English.

Having waited in a long line, Dr. Larry Her, in the red jacket, receives a serving of Korean sushi, called Kim Bob, while behind him Colin Hill (left) and Victor Halder wait for their serving of la bok gi.

Business Club Presents Speakers from Major Accounting Firm

Gwen Ganske

Canadian University College's School of Business hosted the first presentation in its Speaker Series Thursday, February 9. The event featured Gwen Ganske, Certified Human Resources Professional, and Regional Human Capital Advisor for the accounting firm MNP. She was joined by Angela Law, CA, a partner in MNP's Lacombe office, and Brittany Charles, the Human Capital Coordinator for the region. 

Previously known as Meyers Norris Penny, MNP is the 7th-largest chartered accountancy and business advisory firm in Canada.  For each of the past four years MNP has been recognized by Maclean's magazine as one of the 50 best employers in Canada. 

Chelsea McGuire, business club president, and a 4th year business major from Aylmer, ON, organized Thursday's event.  McGuire who will be joining MNP after graduation. 

"I am pleased that many of the regular and contract business faculty and a number of business students representing each of the tracks we offer attended this meeting," said Professor David Jeffrey,  Chair of the School of Business. "They enjoyed a rousing session that highlighted the engaging culture that has made MNP one of the best employers in Canada."

Students listen attentively to the MNP presentation which was
held in the lounge of the Student Success Centre.

The session was often punctuated by laughter as students learned about the accounting firm and how to avoid mistakes with cover letters and resumes that might disqualify them from consideration. Ganske also shared interview tips designed to help students succeed. "The people who didn't attend definitely missed out," observed Jared Clausen, a 1st year management track student from Daysland, AB, "the speakers shared valuable information with us." 

Professor Jeffrey believes that as a result of this event doors were opened for future internship opportunities at MNP for CUC students and a positive relationship was established between the school and the firm. 

Annette Stanwick Speaks About "Girl Power"

Professional speaker, award-winning author and global freedom facilitator Annette Stanwick made two presentations at CUC Thursday, February 9.  At 11 am she spoke to female students about, "Girl Power: Self-Esteem and Unstoppable Joy."  At 4:30 pm she addressed faculty and staff ladies on the topic, "Choices, Challenges and Champions."

"It was so refreshing to see and hear Annette again," said Debbie Chenowith, Director of Student Finance.  "Her message of forgiveness is so important." 

"Annette's message was encouraging," said Joy Fehr, vice president for academic administration.  "Using her life experiences to illustrate, she told us that we can live free from the constraints of pain and fear once we accept God's forgiveness.  I was blessed by her presentation and look forward to her return visit to our campus in October."

Stanwick's book, Forgiveness: The Mystery and Miracle, has won 2 national awards in Canada and was short-listed in 3 categories in the US. Her book is connecting with people at a deep level and is instrumental in transforming lives and hearts of individuals from all types of backgrounds and all types of circumstances.

"I thoroughly enjoyed the program," said another participant.  "The whole event was beautifully prepared and presented.  It made me feel like CUC really values us as students, faculty and staff."

Before starting her career as a speaker, author and Global Freedom Facilitator, Annette had decades of experience as a nurse, nursing educator and health care executive. She served in senior positions of several hospitals in Canada, including Vice President of a large hospital in Toronto. She facilitated the move and transition into three new hospitals, serving as policy expert, along with responsibilities for patient care, staffing, equipping, and program development. With her background and understanding of health care administration and working closely with physicians and other professionals she became known for her expertise in relationship development, team building, and conflict resolution.

While Nicole Bartolay takes some fruit, Saida Mejia-Blanco helps herself to some Skor Bar Delight.  Both ladies work in Marketing and Enrolment.

Tanya Huether created this beautiful and tempting arrangement of fruit.

Benefit Concert Supports Hobbema Ministries

Canadian University College's 11th annual Music for the Heart and Soul concert, Friday, February 3, raised more than $4500 for Hobbema Ministries.  "I am very grateful for the generous support given," said concert organizer Bernice Leavitt.

Friday evening's program included an eclectic mix of 11 musical numbers.  Just a few of the evening's highlights were:

• Proclaim, CUC's touring men's quartet sang a beautiful arrangement of, "'Tis So Sweet to Trust in Jesus."
• Justin Arnesto directed a small choir that sang, "His Eye is On the Sparrow." 
• Nisha and Deepa Johny sang a lovely hymn from India titled, "Varsham."
• Adrien Decena and Jay Johnson played a saxophone duet of, "The Prayer."
• Amelie Doyon and Sara Augustin sang a duet titled, "When You Believe."

Saxophonists Adrien Decena and Jay Johnson laugh as emcee Keith Leavitt carefully explains to the audience that they will be playing their number, "The Prayer," in both English and Italian.

Amelie Doyon and Sara Augustin sang a powerful duet, "When You Believe."

Professor Keith Leavitt served as the evening's emcee.

Prior to the offering appeal, Peter Ford, pastor of the Maskwachees Company in Hobbema, interviewed CUC students (from left to right), Sharon Baragona, Sapphire Woods and Craig Edwards about their work with children on the reservation.

Guest Artists Perform Choral Music by Buxtehude

The vocal ensemble Voicescapes, of Calgary, along with other musicians presented Dietrich Buxtehude`s sacred choral work, Membra Jesu Nostri (The Limbs of Christ) Sunday afternoon, February 5, in the College Heights SDA Church.  The programme can be found here and a short video clip of the concert is provided below.  The performance was directed by Claude Lapalme, music director of the Red Deer Symphony Orchestra.

This musical gem was the fourth in this year`s Sunday@7 Concert Series.  The final performance of the series will feature the Montreal Guitar Trio, Wednesday, March 28, at 8 pm in the Administration Building Chapel.

The organist for Sunday's performance was Wendy Markosky, professor of music at CUC.  She played a keyboard that was connected to the pipe organ via MIDI.  This allowed the organ to play in "baroque pitch" in which A is 415 Hz rather than the standard 440 Hz.  

Drama Society Presents Shakespeare's 12th Night

Canadian University College's Drama Society presented three performances of Shakespeare's comedy 12th Night this past week.  This timeless tale of mistaken identities and love, set for this production in the 1940s, featured a cast of 14 student actors.  

Cesario (far right) tells the Duchess Olivia (seated on the left side of the sofa) and her maid Maria, of Duke Orsino`s great love for the duchess.

Directing the production was Julie Thompson, who has already earned her masters degree in English but is back at CUC as a music performance major.  Assisting the director was the production manager and stage hand, Nicole Thorp, a 3rd year music major from Oliver, BC.  Nic Roca, a 2nd year music/pre-med major from Winnipeg, provided background music on the piano.

Annina Engelbrecht (right), who played both Viola and Cesario, ponders the meaning of the latest plot twist, as Valentino, played by Enoch Attey stands at his post.

The cast included the following students:

• Lemuel Sanchez-Aldana, a 1st year music major from Surrey, who played Curio, the first officer.
• Enoch Attey, a 4th year music major from Odenton, MD, who played Valentino, the second officer.
• Jesse Boyko, a 4th year psychology major from Lacombe, who played Duke Orsino.
• Kayleigh McMann, a 2nd year music major from Ponoka, AB, who played Duchess Olivia. 
• Annina Engelbrecht, a 2nd year secondary education major from Fort McMurray, who played Viola and Cesario.
• Aaron Bosscanin, a 2nd year music major from Portland, OR, who played Sebastian.
• Selene Dublanko, a 1st year secondary education major from Vancouver, who played Feste the Clown.
• Christopher Villacorta-Lopez, a 2nd year biology major from Calgary, who played Malvolio.
• Adrien Silvano, a 4th year biology major from King City, ON, who played Sir Toby Belch.
• Seth DeTar, a 2nd year business major from McBride, BC, who played Sir Andrew Augecheek.
• Almay Mandalupa, a 1st year biology major from Saskatoon, who played Maria.
• Megan McConnell, a 1st year secondary education major from Peyton, CO, who played Fabianna
• Ali McKay, a grade 12 student at PAA from Lacombe, who played Antonia.
• Brandi McDonald, a 4th year secondary education major from Lacombe, who played the sea captain

The steward Malvolio (far right) chides (from right to left) Sir Tony Belch, Maria, Fabianna, Feste the Clown and Sir Andrew Augecheek for making too much noise.  (The bottles on the table are Pellegrino bottled water.)

Retro President's Page Now Published Monthly

Read about the first time the new maple leaf flag was raised at CUC
in the monthly print version of the President's Page. 

Before there was the President's Page blog there was a pdf version that was e-mailed to faculty and staff about every two or three weeks.  Now, in addition to the blog, a monthly pdf version will be published.  It will contain some items that are not posted on the blog:

• Faculty and Staff Birthdays
• Stories from CUC's Past
• Mark's Musings

February's "print" edition of the President's Page can be found here.

Shown above is how the Red Deer Advocate covered the story of drama behind the first posting of the new Maple Leaf flag at CUC.

Dr. Wong Visits CUC Graduates at LLU

Dr. Laurence Wong, professor of biochemistry, recently took 17 CUC alumni who now study at Loma Linda University to supper at the Olive Garden in nearby San Bernardino.  "We currently have between 25 and 30 of our students studying at Loma Linda University," said Dr. Wong.  Of the students shown in the photo below, three are in LLU's nursing program, four are in the School of Dentistry, and nine are in the School of Medicine. (The young man making the rabbit ears is actually in one of LLU's most demanding programs, simultaneously working on his Ph.D. and MD!)

While in southern California Dr. Wong also met with students at nearby high schools to tell them about CUC's outstanding science programs.  "What was interesting for me was the fact that the prospective students I met were interested in our biology program not because our costs are lower, but because of our reputation," said Dr. Wong.

Because CUC and LLU do such a good job of teaching, we will in a few years gladly place our lives and teeth in the hands of these outstanding students!