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.