President's Blog On Vacation Until January 7, 2013

The President's Blog will enjoy a brief "vacation" until the new semester begins, Monday, January 7, 2013.  

On behalf of the faculty and staff of Canadian University College, I want to wish you and yours a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

Outward Pursuits Final Exam Is Front Page News

A final exam given at CUC made the front page of the Red Deer Advocate, fortunately for all the right reasons. 

For their final exam students in the course International and Advanced Wilderness First Aid faced a simulated mud slide in a Nepalese school in a Northern Himalayan community.    The students performed first aid triage and treated 30 volunteer victims each with a specific “injury" and in conditions ranging from dead to slightly injured.  Over the course of the exam the volunteer victims, mainly grade 8 and 9 students and teachers from College Heights Christian School,  were tagged with appropriate colour triage tags, treated and/or moved out of the danger zone, and ultimately to a warm, safe transport rescue area.

The first aid students had to contend with winter weather, limited first aid supplies, screaming victims, possibility of personal injury, a broad spectrum of physical injuries, psychologically impaired victims, and media personnel including one from the Red Deer Advocate daily newspaper who were asking directed questions.

The Outward Pursuits students kept their focus and dealt with the circumstance in a professional, effective and efficient manner.  It was so stressful and realistic that one student said,  “I never want to have to deal with this in real life!"  Students agreed that they are better prepared after having completed the simulation.  

“Students who complete this course should be able to help out in anything from a Haitian earthquake to flooding from typhoons in the Philippines like has happened recently — and maybe even a weekend camping trip,” said instructor Paul Lehmann.

To read the story published by the Red Deer Advocate please click here.

First Annual Scripture Song Contest Offers $500 First Prize

The President's 1st Annual Scripture Song Contest begins January 7 and offers a prize of $500 to the first place winner.  "The start of a new year and a new semester is a great time for us to sing a new song to the Lord," said Mark Haynal.  "This contest will focus our students' creative energy on new songs that help us memorize scripture."

The contest is open to any current student of Canadian University College or Parkview Adventist Academy.  Entries must be submitted no later than Monday, February 18, 2013.  More information about the President's 1st Annual Scripture Song Contest, including all of the rules and prizes, can be found here.

Students Share the Meaning of Christmas with Drama

Student actors in the play To Find a Home taught the congregation about the meaning of Christmas at Vespers Friday evening.  With a cast and crew of more than 30, the play was written and directed by Shynell Wilson, a 3rd-year Elementary Education Major from Ajax, ON.  The program for this event can be found here.

Silverwinds Band Spreads Holiday Cheer

Silverwinds Band, under the direction of Lann Lieurance, presented its Christmas Concert Saturday night, December 8, in the Administration Building Chapel.  The program included a delightful mix of music that included familiar hymns, folk music, and traditional Christmas songs.  A copy of the program can be found here.

Flyin' Bob Amazes Faculty and Staff at Christmas Party

There truly was something special in the air at this year's Faculty/Staff Christmas Party: Flyin' Bob.  Billed as a "one-man three-ring circus," Flyin' Bob Palmer, who lives in Red Deer, amazed adults and children with his feats of juggling, balance, and daring.

To accommodate Bob's high-flying antics, the event was held in CUC's gym. It began with a delicious supper of Mexican food and ended with Flyin' Bob's performance.  "Three cheers for our Social Committee for presenting such an enjoyable event for the whole family," said Mark Haynal, president of CUC.  "Watching the delight on the faces of the children as they watched Flyin' Bob was just as much fun as watching Bob!"

The social committee this year is chaired by Brenda Hodgins, Director of Food Services.  She is assisted by committee members Audrey Haggkvist, Carolyn O'Neill and Diane Southcott, who in turn are helped by their spouses and a wonderful assortment of other volunteers.

Final Exams Begin with . . . Singing

Students began taking final exams today.  At 7:40 am, amidst the stress of last-minute cramming, could be heard the sound of students singing Christmas carols!  Prior to giving them their final exam, Dr. Bruce Boyd, chair of the Department of Religious Studies, led his students in three carols chosen to bring peace to the hearts of his students.

Community Enjoys Choral Union Christmas Concert

The church was filled to capacity Friday evening for Choral Union's annual Christmas Concert under the direction of Dr. Wendolin Munroe.  This concert, one of Canadian University College and Parkview Adventist Academy's three seasonal musical gifts it presents to the community, offered a delightful mix of old and new choral Christmas music and readings by Dr. Joy Fehr, vice president for academic administration.  

A copy of the program can be found here; a list of Choral Union personnel and those who generously sponsor this organization can be found here.  (Better photos of this event will be added soon.)