Small Fire Forces Evacuation of PE Centre

Shortly after 9:00 pm on the evening of February 22, 2014 a small fire broke out in the laundry room in the CUC PE Centre. A first aid kit was placed on top of the stove top in the laundry room and the on-dial was inadvertently turned on. PE Centre employees contacted the fire department while other students used fire extinguishers to put out the fire. The Lacombe Fire Department responded to the call and gave the all clear at around 10:15 pm. The small fire was contained to the laundry room and no one was hurt in the incident. A few storage cabinets were damaged along with some athletic uniforms.

The incident took place after the CUC women’s basketball game versus Millar College of the Bible and shortly before the men’s basketball game versus the Millar. The men’s basketball game was cancelled and will be rescheduled at a later date.

We are thankful for the quick actions of our students in preventing any further damage to the laundry room as well as for the quick response of the Lacombe Fire Department.

The PE Centre is open and operating with its usual hours.

by Jr (Sergie) Ferrer
Director of Communications

MP Blaine Calkins Speaks to Students

The Lacombe Daybreak Rotary Club, of which CUC President Dr. Mark Haynal is a member, met once again on campus with business majors as guests and Member of Parliament Blaine Calkins as the speaker.  The Honourable Blaine Calkins gave students an overview of significant current issues about which all Canadians should be informed and commented on internship opportunities available to university students.

The Lacombe Daybreak Rotary Club typically holds one of its weekly meetings each month in CUC's cafeteria.  "We do this not only because we enjoy the fine breakfast provided by ARAMARK but also to help our students get acquainted with Lacombe's business leaders," explained Haynal.  "My hope is that from this interaction our students will develop positive personal friendships and professional relationships that will benefit them now as students and after graduation as they enter the workforce."

Students who were up bright and early to meet with the Honourable Blaine Calkins (front, centre) were, front row, from left to right, Danae Brousson, Theresa Donkor, Kaitlin Grovet and Aaron Densmore.  In the back row, from left to right are Anthony Jones, Tyler Bishop, Jared Clausen, Michel Keenan and Chad Kelloway.

Deputy Premier David Hancock Visits CUC

(Please click the photo to enlarge it and read the caption.)

Alberta's new Minister for Innovation and Advanced Education, Deputy Premier Dave Hancock, met with CUC's administration in the PE Centre Tuesday morning, February 18. Joining CUC's administrative team for the meeting was Student Association President Kryzia Abacan, a 4th-year English major from Toronto.

The Deputy Premier said that as he takes on his new portfolio he plans to visit each of Alberta's 26 publicly-funded post-secondary institutions. After visiting CUC he visited Red Deer College and Olds College.

"We were both delighted and honoured that the deputy premier spent two hours on our campus," said CUC President Mark Haynal.  "As a result of his time on campus Minister Hancock now has a much fuller appreciation of the many good things happening at CUC."

There have been four different ministers for Innovation and Advanced Education in the last four years.  The Honourable David Hancock is the first to visit CUC during that time.  According to CUC Archivist Edith Fitch, the last time a minister for post-secondary education spent time on campus was when the Honourable John Gogo visited in 1990.

Orchestra Performs in Saskatoon and Regina

Canadian University College's Symphony Orchestra has just returned from a successful, tour of Regina and Saskatoon where they performed four concerts. Audience members were treated to wonderful program that included two movements from Sibelius’ Symphony No. 2, a movement from Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9, “From the New World,” and Sibelius’ Finlandia where we get the music for the beloved hymn Be Still My Soul.  The printed program can be found here.

Our 23 orchestra musicians, along with CUC organ student Jason Biel, Orchestra Director Cristian Neacsu, and tour cook Karen Baumbach, left for Regina the morning of Friday, February 14. They performed a concert that evening at Hill Avenue Seventh-day Adventist Church in Regina. On Sabbath morning the orchestra participated in Hill Avenue SDA Church’s worship service. 

After a delicious potluck lunch, the orchestra boarded the bus for the drive to Pinehouse Drive Seventh-day Adventist Church in Saskatoon.  There Canadian University College hosted a dinner for church members, alumni and friends.  Following dinner and a CUC update, the orchestra presented a wonderful concert. 

On Sunday, February 16, the orchestra participated in the church service of St. John’s Cathedral in Saskatoon. The orchestra performed a prelude, an orchestral voluntary, music during communion, and a postlude. Much to the delight of the parishioners, the orchestra also played along with the organ for all the hymns. Later that afternoon the orchestra presented a full concert in the cathedral. Reverend Scott of St. John’s Cathedral, as well as many parishioners, expressed their thanks to the orchestra for performing during church service and in the afternoon and invited them to come back the next time they were in Saskatoon. They were so impressed with the orchestra that they invited any musical group from CUC to perform at St. John’s Cathedral. Sunday evening was a chance for everyone to unwind and bond over pizza and games. On Monday, February 17, the orchestra boarded the bus back to Lacombe.

Congratulations to Cristian Neacsu and the CUC Symphony Orchestra for a very successful tour! If you live in or close to Lacombe, be sure to come to the orchestra’s upcoming concert at the College Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church on Friday, February 28 at 7:30 pm. 

--by Rhanda Bonet-Graham

ARAMARK Presents New 4-Week Menu Rotation

In its ongoing effort to fully meet the needs of its CUC customers, ARAMARK has revamped its four-week menu rotation.  The complete menu can be found here.  (Week 3 ended with Sabbath, February 15.)  Cafeteria users should keep the following schedule in mind as they plan their culinary adventures for the remainder of CUC's academic year:
February 16-22 is Week 4
February 23-March 1 is Week 1
March 2-8 is Week 2
March 9-15 is Week 3
March 16-22 is Week 4
March 23-29 is Week 1
March 30-April 5 is Week 2
April 6-12 is Week 3
April 13-19 is Week 4
April 20-26 is Week 1

"We have purchased some new gluten-free products, including gluten-free desserts," said Cafeteria Director Richard Cameron.  Cameron believes that with these additional products and with regular labeling of vegan and gluten-free items students with special dietary needs will have an enhanced dining experience.

Cameron encourages students to share their ideas and suggestions with him personally or through the online feedback site ARAMARK has established.

When students return to CUC this fall they will be pleased to find that the serving area of the cafeteria has been completely renovated.  "ARAMARK plans to set up additional serving areas that will offer students options such as a potato bar and a taco/burrito bar," said Stacy Hunter, vice president for student services who has been dogged in his efforts to ensure CUC students enjoy great food.  "In addition to offering attractive new serving areas, the entire area will be redesigned so as to have better flow, more efficient service and fewer linups," said Hunter.

Library Hosts Exhibit on Church History

In celebration of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination’s 150th anniversary, Canadian University College's library hosted, February 10-14, a traveling exhibit that presents an overview of Adventist history from its beginnings in the Millerite Movement to the worldwide organization it is today.  While the name Seventh-day Adventist was chosen in 1860, it was not until 1863 that the General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists was officially formed, providing the church with its legal organizational structure and name.

Created by the staff of the General Conference Office of Archives, Statistics, and Records, the traveling display is a replica of a permanent exhibit inaugurated May 20-21, 2013, at the headquarters of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Silver Spring, Maryland, to honour of its founding. Please visit United for Mission: One Hundred and Fifty Years From Great Disappointment to General Conference to read more about the formation of the Seventh-day Adventist denomination.

The exhibit was brought to CUC, advertised and displayed thanks to the efforts of librarians Sheila Clark and Darel Bennedbaek.

Black History Month Begins with Powerful Weekend Programs

Canadian University College's celebration of Black History Month began with a weekend full of inspiring worship services January 30-31.  The guest speaker for the weekend was Jason O'Rourke, a chaplain at Florida Hospital in Orlando.

In addition to O'Rourke's instructive and inspiring message Sabbath at Divine Worship titled, "The -isms That Separate," there were outstanding musical and dramatic presentations that celebrated the power and majesty of our Creator God and the freedom and liberty He offers all.  You can listen to audio of the entire service and watch video of the sermon in the "Resource" section of College Heights Seventh-day Adventist Church's new website.  The church bulletin can be found here.

Lorenzo Rolle and Andlaine Joseph were the soloists for Choral Union's presentation of Baba Yetu, a spirited
setting of the Lord's Prayer in Swahili.

Jason O'Rourke

CUC Chaplain Adam Deibert told the children the story of Ruby Bridges, including a re-enactment of how
four Federal Marshalls escorted her to school each morning.

Comedian Leland Klassen Brings Laughter to University Convocation

Well-known as Canada's premier "clean comedian," Leland Klassen entertained faculty, staff and students at University Convocation, Tuesday, February 4.  Klassen has performed on CBC Television, YTV, Start TV, Global and Discovery Kids.  He has also worked with Promise keepers, Canada.  Klassen's official biography is provided at the end of this article.

There are six University Convocations each academic year.  The University Convocation series consists from year to year of two repeating programs, Opening Convocation and a Remembrance Day service, and four unique presenters.  Earlier this year award-winning documentarian Martin Doblmeier and motivational speaker Dausen Kluin presented programs.  Presentations are chosen that address specific aspects of CUC's mission.
  
The public is invited to all University Convocation presentations.  Students from College Heights Christian School and Parkview Adventist Academy attended Klassen's performance.

Raised on a farm in the heart of Canada, Leland quickly learned that shovelling manure and weeding potatoes, although lucrative, wasn’t his passion in life.  So with absolutely no clear direction or vision for his future he did what everyone does when they find themselves in that position  - he went to University.   He wisely chose his classes based on whichever cute girl happened to catch his attention and after several short years of last minute cramming and late assignments Leland graduated from the University of Saskatchewan with a degree in Anthropology.

As you might have guessed, Leland’s university education opened many doors for him in the years to come, but for some reason he was dissatisfied working for a courier as a night shift stock boy.  By this time married and with his first child soon on the way the most responsible and obvious choice was, of course, to pursue a career in the entertainment industry.

Starting off at amateur nights and seedy bars Leland decided right from the beginning that he would remain clean despite what the audiences wanted and over the last 14 years Leland has become recognized as Canada’s premier clean comedian.  With his unique intelligence and wit Leland has carved out quite a niche for himself in the world of entertainment.  Using his farm boy charm and handsome Mennonite good looks, Leland’s clever observations and rich life experiences are brought to life in a one-of-a-kind show.

Student Week in Spiritual Emphasis Inspires the Campus

Harrison Chokka, a Religious Studies major from Edmonton spoke
Wednesday evening's meeting, January 22.

One of the most inspiring and encouraging weeks of the academic year is Canadian University College's student-led Week in Spiritual Emphasis (WISE).  Twelve students spoke at this year's WISE which began January 20.  The theme was, “Their Story, My Story, Your Story, His Story.” At each morning and evening meeting speakers talked about their favorite story in the Bible and how that related to their personal story, to each student’s story, and the story God is writing for each of us as we follow Him.

Speakers this year were: Jessica Hall, Abraham Saudio, Mikayla Burnett, Harrison Chokka, Nisha Johnny, Anthony Kern, Chet Stickle, Christopher Young, Andlaine Joseph, Daniel Innocent, Brenden Aquino and Breeann Burghardt.  Video of each presentation will be available online soon.

During each meeting, from the very start of the meeting until its conclusion, a small group of students met in a separate room to pray for those leading the program and those listening.  These prayer warriors were organized and led by Campus Ministries Prayer Coordinator Rolland Scalliet, an Adventure Based Education major from Saint-Georges, Quebec.

"I was extremely pleased with the very high level of student participation and support we had for this year's WISE," said CUC Chaplain Adam Deibert.  "The speakers shared in an open and honest manner that was wonderful blessing."

Hannah Leach Wins 2nd Annual Celebration of Scripture Songs

Hannah Leach, a 4th year Elementary Education major from British Columbia, won the $500 first prize in CUC's 2nd Annual Celebration of Scripture Songs.  A recording of her song based on Song of Solomon 2:10-13 can be enjoyed here.

Second prize of $300 was won by Taylor Lakusta-Wong, a 1st year Biology major from Lacombe.  Her song, taken from Revelation 5:9-10, can be found here.  Daniel Dobroskay, a 4th year Biology major from British Columbia, won the $200 third prize with his song that wove together three much-loved verses about God's love.  A recording of this song can be found here.

"The Bible tells us we need to 'hide' God's word in our heart," said CUC President Mark Haynal.  "Scripture songs are the most effective way to forever fix in our memory texts we love."

The Celebration of Scripture Songs is an annual contest made possible through gifts from donors.  For more information about the contest please click here.  If you would like to help sponsor this or additional "celebrations" at CUC please contact the president at mhaynal@cauc.ca  Links to scripture songs Dr. Haynal has used in his presentations can be found at the very end of this post.

As Taylor Lakusta-Wong played the piano, Kalyna Lamberton,
a 2nd year Elementary Education major from Yarrow, BC, sang the song
based on Revelation 5:9-10. 

Daniel Dobroskay

Hannah Leach was accompanied by Joseph and Joshua Hackett.

Dr. Haynal presents Taylor Lakusta-Wong with a special 400th Anniversary Edition of the King James Bible, provided by the Canadian Bible Society.

Links to Scripture Songs from Dr. Haynal's Presentations:
1.  Proverbs 25:28  Accompaniment (Used with Understanding Self Control Presentations)
2.  Philippians 4:6 Accompaniment (Used with Understanding Self Control Presentations)
3.  Titus 2:11-12 Accompaniment (Used with Understanding Self Control Presentations)
4.  John 14:16  Accompaniment (Used for July 19 Sabbath School Lesson Study at Alberta Camp Meeting)
5.  John 3:3 Accompaniment (Used for August 8 Sabbath School Lesson Study at College Heights SDA Church)
5.  James 4:12 Accompaniment (Used for November 29 Sabbath School Lesson Study at College Heights SDA Church)