President's Page Blog Slows Down for Summer Vacation

With the school year over this blog will transition from having three our four new posts per week to one post per week in May, June and July, and none in August.  Please check weekly for updates and photos of the following events:

Dr. Boyd (far left), Dr. Matacio and Dr. Herr (far right)
pose with this year's Religious Studies graduates.

• CUC's ShareHim Trip to Cuba
• Study Tour to the Galapagos Islands
• Acronaires' Tour to BC
• New Professors Hired
• The President's Annual Golf Tournament and Picnic
• Alumni Homecoming
• Summer Campus Ministries Activities
• CUC's Involvement in Camp Meetings Across Canada
• Preparations for the New School Year

Thank you for making use of this blog!  The number of hits it receives has steadily increased since its inception in November, 2011.  In April alone there were over 3000 hits!  Since November the five stories viewed the most have been:

• CUC Honours Veterans at Community Worship (November 9)
• CUC Student is One of Canada's Newest Citizens (February 14)
• Faculty Receive Recognition for Publications and Presentations (December 14)
• Students Defeat Faculty/Staff in Dodgeball Tournament (April 10)
• Portland and Calgary Media Share Story of Theft (April 25)

Of the 9726 hits the blog has received since November, most (6667) have been from viewers living in Canada.  The second largest group of visitors have been people living in the United States (2021).  From there the number of users (hackers?) falls off dramatically:

• Russia - 296
• Germany - 186
• Italy - 34
• United Kingdom - 28
• France - 27
• India - 24
• Philippines - 21
• Brazil - 21

The top five terms most frequently used in searches that lead people to the blog are:

• Mark Haynal
• Tennyson Samraj
• Mariel Machar
• Jennifer Penner
• Riverton Hall

Report from the Road:
Orchestra Concludes Tours and Bids Farewell to Professor Penner

Today has been a very bittersweet day for everyone. It was our last day of concerts for the tour, as well as our final day together as a full group.  

We began the day by playing a few pieces for church service at Carmichael SDA Church before enjoying a delicious lunch of haystacks provided by the church members. During the afternoon we had a chance to go to a nearby park and enjoy the sunshine one last time. We saw rattlesnakes and lizards and entertained ourselves by walking or playing in the water.  

We performed our final, and best attended, concert of tour this evening in the Carmichael church.  It was also the orchestra’s last performance with Jennifer Penner as conductor, which made it all the more special.  (Professor Penner will be moving to Germany.)  We were well received, as we have been at every performance we have given. 

After the concert there were many hugs all around, and a number of eyes were moist. In the morning, the extra musicians that joined us for tour will be flying home, as will a few CUC students, while the rest of us travel on the buses back to campus.  So for some, our tour has reached its end. We’ve lived together for over a week, and have had a lot of fun together.  Even the members that have only been with us for the week of tour feel like a part of the group now. We only hope that we will all see each other again someday.

Report from the Road:

School Children Clamour for Opportunity to Conduct the Orchestra

The President's Page Blog is pleased Kendra Hill, a 3rd-year Biology major from Lacombe, has agreed to submit regular updates as CUC's orchestra tours and performs through BC, Washington, Oregon and California.   

Because we gave only two concerts today, we finally got some time to relax and have some fun together. We started the day driving roughly three hours from Ukiah to Auburn, where we performed a school concert at Pine Hills Adventist Academy. The kids there were so enthusiastic! When Miss Penner gave the kids an opportunity to conduct the orchestra in a scale, numerous hands instantly shot up. We had just as much fun playing a scale as they had conducting it. It was a shame that there wasn’t more time to play for them.

After the concert, we got to spend a couple hours at the school for much needed down time. Some people went into town, some slept, some played games on the field, and some just enjoyed the sunshine. I think most everybody got a little burnt, but nobody really minds.

Once it was time to move on, we drove to Grass Valley, where we performed an early evening concert. It was a particularly special evening for our bassoonist from Venezuela, Pablo, because he was able to play for the first time on his very own bassoon! Purchasing an instrument for him has been a complicated work in progress since the fall, and tonight he finally received it. The concert was a short one because we still had to drive back to Sacramento to meet our billets for the night. We will be staying at the same place for a couple of nights, which we are all quite thankful for. 

Report from the Road:

Orchestra Holds Workshop at Oregon School

The President's Page Blog is pleased Kendra Hill, a 3rd-year Biology major from Lacombe, has agreed to submit regular updates as CUC's orchestra tours and performs through BC, Washington, Oregon and California.   

The last couple of days have been a whirlwind of driving and concerts. On Wednesday we drove from Portland to Bend, Oregon, where we arrived just in time to perform a school concert at Three Sisters Adventist School. 

After the concert, the orchestra members taught some of the students in a short workshop session. The school is trying to start a music program and we hope our performance inspired the kids to learn to play musical instruments and to stick with them.  As with any skill, to be a musician takes a lot of patience and hour upon hour of practice.

That evening we performed a concert in the Bend SDA Church, where we were well received. Then it was back to the school where we stayed in the gym for the night, but not before playing some volleyball to get the blood flowing after sitting all day.

Thursday morning was our earliest yet: we were packed up and on the road by 7:30. Most of the day, over nine hours, was spent driving from Bend to Ukiah, California. We passed through moist forests, snowy passes, desert scrub land and gorgeous hill country. 

We arrived in Ukiah just in time to warm up, have a quick meal, and change for the concert. Although we love playing, all were glad when the concert was over; it had been a long day.  Four more concerts remain before we head back towards home. 

 Report From the Road:
Portland and Calgary Media Share Story of Theft

The President's Page Blog is pleased Kendra Hill, a 3rd-year Biology major from Lacombe, has agreed to submit regular updates as CUC's orchestra tours and performs through BC, Washington, Oregon and California.   

Note:  If you would like to contribute toward the cost of replacing instruments please click here and indicate "Stolen Instrument Replacement" as the purpose of your gift.  Once we have covered replacement costs not covered by insurance, any remaining donated funds will go to general support of CUC's orchestral program.

It’s been a day since the theft, but nothing new has turned up.  We canceled our scheduled morning concert at Portland Adventist Academy and took advantage of internet and fax services at our hotel.  

CUC's Chamber Orchestra just prior to its concert at the Sunnyside SDA
Church in Portland, Oregon.

Once we were ready to head back on the road again, we drove to Sunnyside SDA Church in Portland where we were to perform an evening concert. The rehearsal was interrupted occasionally for interviews with various news stations about the theft. Hopefully the publicity will bring some help. I have a feeling that something big is going to happen, but I’m not sure what. Thankfully, we managed to find a trumpet and an oboe to use for the concert, although we are not sure if we will be able to use them for the rest of the tour. Our concert at Sunnyside was fantastic, and I think that the hardship we are going through is bringing us closer as a group.

                

Although this is a big loss, we still have much to be thankful for. We will continue on our tour, and meanwhile, keep praying for the stolen items to be returned.  Instruments are a musician’s livelihood, and with the loss of passports and ID, we have some orchestra members with no identity. Getting everyone back across the border could prove to be a challenge. Please continue to keep us in your prayers. 

David Benjamin, a 3rd-year Music Performance major from Lacombe is interviewed by a KPTV reporter about the theft of his three trumpets.  You can view this interview here.

Report From the Road:
Orchestra Experiences Ecstasy of Music and Agony of Theft in One Day 

The President's Page Blog is pleased Kendra Hill, a 3rd-year Biology major from Lacombe, has agreed to submit regular updates as CUC's orchestra tours and performs through BC, Washington, Oregon and California.  

Sunday was the best day of tour yet! Easily the highlight of the day was the mini-concert we performed in St. Mark’s Cathedral in Seattle.  The orchestra performed here three years ago, and everyone who was on that tour was excited to experience it again. One can only imagine the thrill of playing in a space where the final note hangs in the air for 5 seconds. We were also seated so close to the organ that we had no choice but to be completely immersed in the music!  It was truly an unmatched experience and we were all quite giddy afterwards.  

This morning we performed a concert for the students at Auburn Adventist Academy. We got to pull out some of our more energetic pieces and had a fun time. 

After the concert, we drove to Portland, Oregon, where we were treated to supper at the Old Spaghetti Factory. However, we ended the meal a lot less cheerfully than we began. One of our buses was broken into, and an oboe, three trumpets, and several backpacks, many of which contained laptops and passports, were stolen. I ask that anyone reading this would pray that we are able to recover as much as possible. 

Yet even amongst all this trouble, we have seen God at work. None of our international (non-Canadian or American) students had their passports stolen. In particular, Greicy, a Venezuelan student, had her backpack on the bus and all the bags in front of and behind her backpack were stolen, but hers was not. Needless to say, we are in a bit of disarray now, but hopefully things will get worked out and we can continue on our tour. 

CUC Sends 55 Graduates into the World

Fifty-five students received bachelor's degrees at Sunday's commencement service.  The weekend's printed program including a list of all activities and graduates can be found here.

Although graduating seniors on our campus have worn caps and gowns and marched for 66 years, it has only been since 1992 that CUC has been granting its own degrees accredited by the Province of Alberta.  In 1992 a handful of students received three-year Bachelor of Arts degrees in English, Music or Religious Studies.  Twenty years later this Sunday's graduates represented 17 areas of study: Adventure based Counselling, Behavioural Science, biology, Business Administration, elementary Education, English, General Studies, History and Political Science, International Studies, Music, Music Performance, International Health and Wilderness Studies, Outdoor Adventure Business Studies, Psychology, Religious Studies, Secondary Education and Wellness Management.  With choices in majors, concentrations, tracks, specializations and applied emphases, students may now choose from 40 degree options.

It all began Sunday morning with the graduates, faculty & staff and platform
party donning their robes in the Administration Building then marching
to the church.

Dr. Hyveth Williams gave the commencement address and urged students not to sell their birthright to satisfy their bellyache.

The graduates sat in the first five rows of the sanctuary.  Faculty and staff
occupied the choir loft.

Report From the Road, Day 2:
Orchestra Performs at Aldergrove SDA Church

The President's Page Blog is pleased Kendra Hill has agreed to submit regular updates as CUC's orchestra tours and performs through BC, Washington, Oregon and California. 

Sabbath morning the Canadian University College Chamber Orchestra  played for church at Aldergrove SDA Church. It was a bit of a challenge fitting everyone on stage, but as usual, we made it work. 

Rehearsal at the Aldergrove Church

After the concert and a potluck lunch, we headed for the Canada/US border. We were a bit worried, as there are a few international students in the orchestra, and one in particular who has had troubles before.  But despite our fears, the crossing went very smoothly, other than the fact that the border officials thought we were going to a funeral! God was with us in more than one way. We managed to get our veggies for supper across the border. If those had not made it through, that would have meant no food for the evening!

Our next stop was North Cascades SDA Church. We performed an evening concert, and were even requested to play an encore. We are spending the evening in the church’s apartments, and it looks as though a fun night is in order; game tables galore. Times like this are some of the most memorable of any tour.  Tomorrow we head for Seattle, and pick up our final four orchestra members who stayed behind for graduation.

Report from the Road, Day 1:
Orchestra Begins West Coast Tour

The President's Page Blog is pleased Kendra Hill has agreed to submit regular updates as CUC's orchestra tours and performs through BC, Washington, Oregon and California. 

On Thursday morning, the Canadian University College Chamber Orchestra (CUCCO) began its annual performance tour. It started out with a couple of hitches: our concert master got an eye infection and had to be taken to the hospital (he will join us later on tour), and a violin was nearly forgotten. Hopefully this is no indication of the rest of the tour!

Eventually got everyone loaded up and started on the long drive to Kelowna, BC. Spring has arrived in the Okanagan valley; the grass is green and the trees are budding, in quite a contrast to Lacombe. We arrived at Okanagan Adventist Academy in time to set up our sleeping bags in the gym, play some soccer, and get much-needed sleep.

Morning came all too soon, and after a quick breakfast, we were on the road again. A very scenic drive through snow-capped mountains and spring waterfalls led us to Abbotsford. But not without another mishap. The muffler got partially scraped of the bus, so off it went to the mechanic to be repaired. 

We spent the afternoon in the church rehearsing for our first concert. A delicious supper was graciously served to us by some of the ladies from the church, and then we performed. We were all tired from the long drive, but the concert went quite well.  One concert down, twelve to go. The adventure has only just begun!

2012 Yearbook Aurora Borealis Released

Canadian University College's 2011-2012 yearbook, Aurora Borealis, was released to students last week.  Now in its 69th year of publication Aurora Borealis presently consists of more than 120 pages of full-colour photos.  

Joy Launio, a 3rd-year Biology major from Calgary, edited this year's yearbook.  She was assisted by Carol Conceicao, a 3rd-year Biology major from Scarborough, ON, and Darryl Gayad, a 2nd-year Business major from Calgary.  

Ladies Enjoy CUC's Valet Luggage Service

Students who provided bellhop service were, from left to right,
Joseph Hackett, Christian Lintan, Enoch Attey, Jay Johnson and
Isaac Ford (front)

Ladies attending the Alberta Conference Women's Retreat at the Red Deer Lodge were greeted by handsome CUC students who carried their luggage to the reception desk and then to their rooms. More than 300 women attended this year's retreat and many were effusive in their thanks for the help the young men provided.

This is the fifth consecutive year CUC students have provided this service, explained coordinator Bernice Leavitt.  "Before each retreat I now have ladies from across Alberta asking me, 'Are those nice young men from CUC going to be there again to help us?'"

The young men thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to be of service.  When Mrs. Leavitt called one of the men this year his reaction was, "I was hoping you'd call again because I was looking forward to helping the ladies again!"

After all luggage had been efficiently delivered Mrs. Leavitt rewarded the young men with a dinner of rice and curry.

Awards Presented to Student Athletes

Players from all of CUC's sports teams gathered in the cafeteria Friday afternoon for a light supper and presentation of awards and scholarships.  Following supper the awards presentation began with CUC's newest team, Aurora Ladies Basketball and Coach Chenowith.  The evening ended with coaches Levi and Rachel New and Tony Bennett presenting awards to members of CUC's longest-functioning team, the Acronaires.

Noted Sociologist Speaks for Community Worship

Dr. Reginald Bibby, author of 12 books and one of Canada's best-known social scientists shared his findings on the role of religion in Canada at Community Worship, Tuesday, April 10.  In his presentation titled, "Beyond the Gods and Back," Dr. Bibby said, "Predictions of the secularization of Canada have been grossly exaggerated.  The stats show that the future of religion isn’t in question, but the place of Canadian churches is anything but guaranteed."

Dr. Reginald Bibby holds the Board of Governors Research Chair
in the Department of Sociology at the University of Lethbridge.

Canadians are polarized when it comes to religion, explained Bibby.  There is a significant group for whom religion is very important, a similar group for whom religion is not important, and a large population in the middle open to having religion play an important role in their life.  Bibby, who has been studying social trends in Canada for more than 40 years, stated that for this middle group what is most important is not a congregation's denomination but whether or not that particular church congregation ministers to their needs.

In Alberta, 31 percent of people report they attend religious services monthly.  That number has held steady between 1990 and 2010.  Dr. Bibby also cited a 2010 Statistics Canada survey in which 41 percent of Albertans claimed spirituality and religion played a very important role in their lives, with only 17 percent saying it was not at all important.

Following his presentation at Community Worship, Dr. Bibby took part in a round table discussion in the Sunrise Room that was moderated by Dr. Bruce Boyd, chair of CUC's Department of Religious Studies.  "I especially appreciated the questions and comments from members of the community who joined us and the responses they sparked from Dr. Bibby," said Dr. Boyd.  

CUC Chaplain Paul Antunes presents Dr. Bibby with a gift following his presentation at Community Worship. 

Paper Version of April's President's Page Now Available

The monthly "paper" edition of the President's Page is available for download here.  In this document you will find the following items not posted to the blog:

• Faculty and Staff Birthdays for April
• Mark's Musings
• Info about How Casey's Cabin Came to Be
• CUC Student Elected President of Adventist Intercollegiate Association

Student Drama Tells Story of the Plan of Salvation

At Good Friday vespers students presented the drama The Progression of Sin: Why We Need a Saviour.  Written by Shynell Wilson, a 2nd-year Elementary Education major from Ajax, ON, this dramatic presentation consisted of ten scenes beginning with the story of Joseph and Mary and ending with Jesus' second coming.  

The play was produced by Alisia Gill, a 1st year Business major from Brampton, ON, Julio Davila, a 3rd-year Religious Studies major from Saskatoon, Kendal Tahal, a 1st-year Biology major from Ajax, ON, Sarah Greenwood, a 1st-year English major from Timberlea, NS, and Shynell Wilson.  The complete programme can be found here.

The cast and crew of the production "The Progression of Sin: Why We Need a Saviour."

Students Relish Year End Celebration

Hundreds of students, faculty and staff, many of them dressed either in all white or all black clothing enjoyed this year's giant Year End Celebration in the PE Centre last week.  Three of the gymnasium's four walls were lined with tables of food representing three of the students' favourite cuisines: Italian, Greek, and French.   

The Year End Celebration is jointly sponsored by Student Services and Marketing and Enrolment. Vice President for Student Services Stacy Hunter who wore a white suit to the event said, "I thoroughly enjoyed seeing our students having fun together and taking a little time to relax as we finish the school year."

Vice President for Enrolment and
Marketing Bryan Lee was King of
the "Dressed in Black" Team.

Ruler of the "Dressed in White" Team,
Vice President for Student Services
Stacy Hunter has a phone conversation
with one of the members of his court.

One of the prizes given away during the Year End Celebration was a
new iPad.

Students Defeat Faculty/Staff in Dodgeball Tournament

Canadian University College's mighty faculty/staff team suffered two losses and only one victory and was thus eliminated early in the 1st Annual Dodgeball Tournament.  More than 200 students showed up for the event that was organized by Courtney Fleurantin, a 3rd-year Business major from South Orange, NJ.

The team calling themselves the Daisy Dukes won the tournament. The Daisy Dukes were students Jared Grant, Dan Dobroskay, Braeden Shipowick, Chris Thorp, Karl Buchanan, Kelcie Brown, Sean Davies and Andrei Florea. 

A clever video shown below was made by Kryzia Abacan, a 1st-year English major from Thornill, ON, to promote the event.

Dodgeball Tournament: An Epic Event from CUC SA on Vimeo.