Board Votes to Rename CUC Burman University

On December 15, 2014, Canadian University College's Board of Trustees approved changing the institution's name to Burman University.

The new name recognizes the service of Charles A. and Leona Burman the husband and wife team who founded the institution in 1907. Charles A. Burman served as the first and third President (Principal) of the school that would be known as CUC.  Leona Burman taught English, science, language, geography, physiology, and acted as school nurse.  Both Charles and Leona devoted their entire lives to the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.

Charles Burman

“It was because of their selfless dedication and sacrifice that a school on this hilltop was eventually established,” said CUC President Mark Haynal.  “In every season of their ministry both of these pioneers exemplified the mission of our school.  They thought with discernment, believed with insight and commitment, and acted with confidence, compassion and competence.”

On July 2, 2014 the Alberta government granted CUC permission to change the institution's status and name from “university college” to “university.”

"Referring to ourselves simply as a university will more clearly reflect our degree-granting status and enable our students to pursue graduate school and employment without having to repeatedly explaining what a ‘university college’ is,” says Haynal. "Because ‘university college’ means markedly different things in different regions, potential students and administrators of post-secondary institutions across Canada and around the world have always been uncertain about and often confused by our name.” 

Leona Burman

The name "Burman University" was chosen after an intensive process of focus groups held in three regions of Canada. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and citizens of Lacombe joined the process, suggesting more than a hundred possible names.  (Please click here for more information about the rationale for this choice.)

CUC will continue operating as Canadian University College for the remainder of the 2014-2015 academic calendar year. Full implementation of the new name will take place May 1, 2015. The name change process will be fully complete after petition for amendments through a private bill moves through the Alberta legislature.

Please click here for additional information.

Cecile Moody is CUC's New Assistant Chaplain

The Alberta Conference has invited Cecile Moody to join the pastoral staff of the College Heights SDA Church where she will work as Canadian University College's assistant chaplain.  Moody will begin her ministry on our campus in early January.

"I am very excited about welcoming Cecile to the Chaplaincy team here at CUC," said lead chaplain Adam Deibert. "She brings many strengths and talents to the table, and I look forward to working with her in continuing to strengthen the spiritual life of our campus community."

Cecile graduated cum laude from McGill University in 1998 with a major in psychology. Subsequently, she earned a Bachelor of Social Work and a Master of Social Work, also from McGill University. She completed her Master of Divinity degree at Andrews University in August, 2014.

Ms. Moody, who is fluent in both French and English, has worked as a camp counsellor, research assistant, Bible worker, and evangelist. She enjoys walking, running, water aerobics, spinning, travelling, music, worship, writing, reading and speaking.

Choral Union and CUC Symphony Present Handel's Messiah

In spite of terrible weather, the College Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church was nearly full for both performances of Handel's Messiah, presented by the CUC/PAA Choral Union and CUC Symphony Orchestra, under the direction of Dr. Wendolin Munroe, Friday and Sabbath, November 28 and 29.  The printed program can be viewed here.  You can watch archived video of the concert here.

Student Association Brings Back Fall Fest

Canadian University College's Student Association, with the leadership of President Nisha Johny, a 2nd year English major from Red Deer, is bringing Fall Fest out of its two-year period of hibernation.  This timeless event, newly renamed "SnowFall Fest," will take place in CUC's gym Saturday night, December 6 at 5:30 pm.  

Equally as impressive as the event will be is the promotional video SA made to announce SnowFall Fest.



Update: SnowFall Fest is a Hit!

Having a pillow fight while standing on a balance beam was great fun!

The wonderful thing about CUC is that you don't have to be Filipino to be part of the Filipino Club/  We're one large, happy campus family . . . especially when good food is involved!

Clearly worn out from his duties, the pig takes a much-needed nap.

CUC History: Dormitory Open Houses

Florence and Hilda Jasman wore matching print dresses
for the ladies' Open House in 1950.

The first record found of a dormitory Open House at CUC is December, 1927, when the young men of West Hall invited the ladies of East Hall to inspect their rooms. The men delighted the ladies with supper and a variety musical program. 

The ladies returned the favor in April, 1928. While the men wore what was then standard classroom attire of neck ties and suit coats, the women proudly donned new print dresses. It was common for roommates to wear matching dresses. 

By 1946 Marilyn Brown raised the question, “Do we have to wear print dresses?” What a contrast to 2014 Open House attire!

The men's dormitory in 1927 was CUC's "first" West Hall.

Bertha Leiske and Norma Summerton in their matching print dresses
in 1935.

1937 room mates Ruth Brown and Margaret Jolin

Marilyn Brown, in 1946, wondering who started the tradition of room mates
wearing matching print dresses for Open House.

Hairy CUC Men Support ADRA's Fight Against Ebola

Some of the hairiest men on our hilltop, including Pastor Ron Sydenham, have organized a #SHAVINGLIVES campaign to raise money to help ADRA Canada stop the spread of Ebola in West Africa.  If people pledge money these bewhiskered and follicly gifted humanitarians will shave their beards and/or wax their legs on December 6, 2014.

If you would like to make a pledge please visit: www.adra.kintera.org/shavinglives  For more information please contact Christopher Villacorta-Lopez at cvillaco(at)cauc.ca 

Christopher Villacorta-Lopez, a 4th year Biology major and one of CUC's most hairy students, introduced the #SHAVING LIVES campaign during Sabbath School at the College Heights SDA Church.

Update:  Promises Kept, Fundraising Goal Exceeded!

True to their word, the men bravely removed hair from various places on their bodies by shaving or waxing.  In the end, over $1200 was raised to support ADRA's work in West Africa.

"New Name for CUC" Focus Groups Complete their Work

After meeting with nine different focus groups in three regions of Canada, the work of soliciting possible new names for CUC is finished.  "We have listened very carefully to the more than 200 individuals who participated in our focus groups and reviewed the many e-mails received that contained suggested new names," said President Mark Haynal.  "Cabinet has evaluated every suggested name and will recommend one of those names to the Board of Trustees for approval via a teleconference on or about December 16."

"We are also in the process of creating a Frequently Asked Questions document that we will make available when we announce our new name," explained Haynal.  "Our name change will prompt many questions and we want to be as proactive as possible in answering them."  If you have a question about how you or the institution will be impacted by the new name please e-mail it to Dr. Haynal at mhaynal(at)cauc.ca

Shown below, in no particular order, is a sampling of the names suggested at focus groups and by e-mail:  Grace University, Cornerstone University of Canada, Barnett University, Northern Lights University, Luxton University, Cullmore University, Clemenson University, Burman University, Canadian Adventist University, Northern University, Capstone University, University of Central Alberta, Lakeview University, Miller University, Ellen White University, Aurora University, Canadian University Campus, True North University, Maple University, Christian University of Canada, University of Northern Canada, Canadian Aurora University, Lacombe University, Canadian University of the Rock, Aurora Borealis University, Lake Barnett University.

No matter what CUC's new name is, the campus will continue to be a place of incredible beauty.  Because CUC's new drone can be programmed to fly the same route repeatedly, you can now enjoy the first two of the "Four Seasons" series of campus photos being taken from the same spot each season. Shown below are Summer and Autumn.

Kevin Burrell Joins Religious Studies Faculty

Kevin Burrell

Kevin Burrell, a 2012 graduate of CUC who has most recently been completing a master's degree at Trinity Western University, has joined the faculty of the Religious Studies Department.  "While we are sad that long-time professors Dr. Larry Herr and Dr. Doug Matacio are retiring, we are pleased a scholar of Kevin's calibre is joining our faculty," said CUC President Mark Haynal.

Professor Burrell says he is both honoured and thrilled to be back at CUC.  "I have the rare opportunity of returning to my alma mater as a faculty member and I owe this appointment to the foresight of professors and administrators who saw ‘potential’ in me and encouraged me toward further education," said Burrell.  "And while my journey towards higher education remains ongoing, I look forward to contributing positively to the core values and the high educational standards which make CUC such an attractive institution at which to earn a degree."  (Burrell plans to soon begin working on his doctorate.)  

For the past two years Professor Burrell has been pursuing a Master of Arts in Biblical Studies with emphases in biblical languages and exegesis.  The title of his thesis is, Conceptualizing Historical Periodization in the Apocalypse to John: The Canonical Shaping of the Beast with Seven Heads and Ten Horns in Rev. 13:1-3.

Professor Burrell will be teaching four courses next semester:

• RELT 130 SDA Christianity
• RELL 202 Elementary NT Greek II
• RELL 455 Intermediate Biblical Hebrew
• RELL 325 Apocalyptic Literature

Award-Winning Christian Musicians Present "The Spirit of Christmas"

Celebrated Christian musicians Steve Archer and Kevin Pauls along with humorist Joanne Goodwin, will present the program The Spirit of Christmas, Friday evening, November 21 at 7 pm in the College Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church.  This free program of "music and wonder to celebrate the season," is open to all.

*Steve ArcherBorn in Southern California and raised throughout the Golden State, Steve Archer grew up in a very musical family. His earliest musical experience came at the age of nine when he and his brothers began singing together for the sheer joy of it. "We would sing in my dad's church" he recalls, "and when I was thirteen, my brother, Tim and I entered the Teen Talent Search and won second place nationally. That success inspired us to form our own group, 'The Archer Brothers.' We were still in school, so it was a part-time effort." 

After graduation however, Steve was able to turn his full attention to his music career, and that he did! With the addition of Nancy Short (later replaced by their sister, Janice), they became known as "The Archers". They were one of the first ensembles to perform what was later to be known as contemporary Christian music. The group toured extensively, both in the United States and abroad, performing at a number of auspicious events, including one at the White House, for President and Mrs. Carter. Many television appearances followed, including the Jerry Lewis Telethon, the Easter Seal Telethon, a home-video series entitled America's Music, the Mike Douglas Show, and their own half-hour television show produced by, and aired on the Trinity Broadcasting Network. 

In 1980, The Archers participated in a project entitled "The Lord's Prayer," a musical written by Reba Rambo and Dony McGuire. Their performance earned the group a Grammy Award and an appearance on the Grammy telecast. The following year they were again invited to appear on the show, as their album "Spreadin' Like Wildfire" was nominated. After ten years and seven albums with The Archers, Steve embarked upon a solo career. In 1982 he released his first solo album, appropriately entitled "Solo." Steve started an active schedule of solo appearances "...as a tremendous way of expanding my musical base," he explains. Steve's second album, "Through His Eyes" established him as an important solo artist. The title tune jumped to #1 on the Contemporary Christian Music Charts. His first music video was produced to accompany the song. It proved to be popular and was in great demand by video shows around the country. In 1986, Steve released his third musical offering, "Action," a brilliant album produced by Skip Konte, Chris Christian, and Keith Thomas, featuring a duet with Solid Gold and Fifth Dimension star Marilyn McCoo. The song "Safe", quickly climbed the charts to #2 nationally and was voted by Contemporary Christian Music Magazine's year-end chart as the #4 song of 1986. Steve has been working, over the last two years, on a brand new CD entitled "Call it Grace" which was released in July 2005. Steve feels that this is a landmark recording, containing seven brand new songs and four remakes of Archers classics that are simply not available on CD... this will be a special treat for longtime Archer fans. 

"We've successfully created a fresh new dimension to the classic Steve Archer sound - due in part to the new and very diverse roster of writers, players and singers that we brought to the table this time around." states project producer Don Somerville. These artists include: Bill Champlin (Chicago), Carmen Grillo (Tower of Power), Michael Omartian, Bob Birch (Elton John), Chris Rodriguez and Chris Eaton. "He's singing better than ever and has been carrying an itinerary load of over 100 dates in a calendar year... without the strength of radio or a current project behind him until now. These numbers are sure to escalate once people get a taste of this record!"

*Kevin PaulsMusic. It’s his love and his life.  And life is about to take an exciting new turn in a brand new direction for Kevin Pauls.  An industry veteran with more than two decades in the music business, this longtime gospel artist has toured with The Gaithers, released seven independent albums, won the Hamilton Music Scene Award for Canadian Recording of the Year (2005), and has been honoured with multiple award nominations by GMA Canada.

But thanks to a new label (SPF Records) and a new distribution deal, Pauls is ready to break into the mainstream in a big way. His soon to be released CD release, “True”, has him joining forces with some of the most widely acclaimed producers, songwriters and musicians in the industry. In fact, powerhouse producer David Foster co-wrote Pauls’ stunning new single “Make Forever Stay” - a soaring ballad that fans are already calling “unforgettable”. 

Also slated for upcoming release, a cover of the hit single “Broken Wings” - a song that Kevin makes his own - as only he can. With his strong, rich voice, rugged good looks and down-to-earth demeanour, this accomplished artist has the ability to connect with his fans both off-stage and on. Kevin’s passion for people runs just as deep as his passion for the music…And audiences across the country are applauding.

*Joanne Goodwin

Joanne Goodwin is a dynamic speaker who has often been referred to as Canada's own "Barbara Johnson."  She is constantly travelling and sharing what she has learned through her many trials and heartaches.  Her unique ability to share her experiences and transparency and humour leaves her audiences laughing and crying--but most importantly, encouraged.

Joanne currently resides in Sarnia, Ontario, and is the mother of three young adults and a grandmother of six.  She is married to Joe who is an interim pastor as the need arises, and he sometimes travels with her.  She has appeared several times on 100 Huntley Street and is the former co-host of a Montreal radio talk show.

*All information provided by the artists.

The Toronto Star Columnist to Speak at CUC

Royson James

Royson James, award-winning municipal affairs columnist for The Toronto Star will be speaking at Canadian University College Tuesday, November 25, for University Convocation, held in the College Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church.*

As a child in Jamaica, James loved reading the Jamaican Gleaner newspaper each day. When he moved to Canada in 1969 at age 16 he knew he wanted to be a journalist.

"Royson and I were classmates, both of us journalism majors at Andrews University in the early 1970s," said CUC President Mark Haynal. "Back then, as he does now, Royson wrote about important issues in an engaging, compelling manner."

James has received much recognition for his work. Most recently he received the Harry Jerome Award in recognition of his accomplishments in media, most of it with The Toronto Star.

Noted Constitutional Lawyer Inaugurates New Lecture Series

Iain Benson

Iain Benson, one of Canada's top constitutional lawyers and scholars, lectured Tuesday evening, November 11, in what is the first in a new series of lectures Canadian University College is sponsoring.  Benson's topic was "What Divides?  What Unites? Who Decides?  Civic Virtues and the Limits of the Law." 

The purpose of this new lecture series is to encourage interfaith dialogue in Central Alberta.  The presentations and subsequent panel discussions will provide an opportunity for members of different faith groups and political persuasions to learn from each other and to practice a politics of inclusion and openness.  All lectures in the new series are open to the public and admission is free. Tuesday evening's presentation was widely advertised in Central Alberta and well attended by faculty, staff, students and members of the community.

Benson has appeared before the Supreme Court of Canada in several cases involving human rights and constitutional law.   He is also one of the founding Inaugural Board of Directors of the Global Centre for Pluralism, along with Kofi Annan and Adrienne Clarkson.

Campus Pauses to Remember

A Remembrance Day service was held on campus at the College Heights Church at 11:00 on the morning of November 11th. Whereas in the past this service has been held on the Tuesday prior to Remembrance Day, because the 11th fell on a Tuesday this year the service was even more meaningful for those who attended. Over 200 people were in attendance, including members of the community.

Planned and presented by Campus Ministries the special service began with a procession of the national, provincial, territorial, and institutional flags, 16 in all, borne by CUC students from across Canada.  The program also included testimonies from two CUC students, Patricia Latoski and Eric Anderson, about their relatives who served in the armed forces and resistance movements during World War II.  One of several special musical numbers presented was, Canadian Remembrance Day, a song written by a Canadian veteran, performed by CUC students Kalyna Lamberton and Brenden Zapotichny. 

The service concluded with the laying of wreaths at the cenotaph on behalf of CUC families of veterans, the CUC Student Association, CUC Faculty & Staff, and CUC Campus Ministries. The printed program can be viewed here.