President Switches from Blog to Facebook

After three years of publishing news about Canadian University College on my blog at markhaynal.blogspot.ca, I am switching to Facebook.   You can find the new and improved Burman University President's Page at https://www.facebook.com/BurmanPresident   If you go there now you will find three news items already posted.  Please go there, become a friend, indicate you like something, leave a comment, or just lurk anonymously.

The CUC President's Page Blog will remain available to online viewers for a few more months.  Most of its posts have also been preserved in CUC's archives.

I am switching to Facebook because that platform will allow me to post news items more quickly and more often.  I also believe using Facebook will allow me to share news about CUC/BU from my unique point of view with a much wider, larger audience.

Please click this photo for a larger view of the new and improved.
Burman University President's Page now on Facebook.

Thank you for using my blog!  Since it began on November 9, 2011, I have posted 356 stories about CUC/BU that always included photos and occasionally videos.  During that time the blog has received 114,172 pageviews from literally all over the world.

The Top 5 Most Viewed Posts of all time are a pretty good overview of the 5 most important (or traumatic) events of my presidency:
1.  Board Votes to Rename CUC Burman University (1644 pageviews)
2.  Small Explosion and Fire Result in Significant Water Damage in Science Centre (1554 pageviews)
3.  Campus Lockdown Lifted (1374 pageviews)
4.  Premier Hancock Authorises Dropping the Word "College" (1145 pageviews)
5.  Report From the Road: Portland and Calgary Media Share Story of Theft (485 pageviews)

Thank you for your prayers and support.  I look forward to continuing our time together on Facebook!

Mark Haynal, EdD
President

Students Lead Week in Spiritual Emphasis

We are presently enjoying our annual student-led Week in Spiritual Emphasis (WISE)   The theme of this year’s WISE is "Connect," and each student speaker is sharing how he/she connects in meaningful ways with God.  Speakers for WISE are:

• Benjamin Amoah, a 1st year General Studies major from Orleans, ON
• Kelissa Geffrard, a 3rd year Adventure-Based Counseling major from Miramar, FL
• Rechelle-Lee Smith, a 2nd year Behavioral Science major from Brampton, ON
• Roland Scalliet, a 3rd year Elementary Education major from Saint-Georges, QC
• Jeff and Josh Bradburn, 2nd year General Studies majors (and twins) from Tilamook, OR
• Bailey Muller, a 1st year Secondary Education major from Woodstock, ON
• Jordane Smith, a 3rd year Religious Studies major from Mississaugua, ON
• Marc Andrade, After-Degree Education, from Winnipeg, MB
• Maison Leitch, a 2nd year Biology major from Lacombe, AB
• Jose Sanchez Abuchar, a 3rd year Religious Studies major from Etobicoke, ON
• Mark Ricalde, a 3rd year Religious Studies major from Calgary, AB
• Ashia Lennon, a 1st year Religious Studies major from Regina, SK

Brenden Zypotichny, a 3rd year Religious Studies major from Langley, BC, leads the congregation in the week's theme song, "Your Presence is Heaven to Me."

Being an old, hymn lover, the highlight of Friday evening's song service for me was having all of the students remind me with their beautiful singing that This Is My Father's World.

Benjamin Amoah used lessons he's learned from his cell phone and data plan to illustrate how we can stay connected to God.

From the Archives: Student Financial Statements through the Years

Shown below are four student financial statements from four different decades.  Each tells a story of how life at CUC has changed over the years.  

1.  Adolph Bechthold kept his account current but he might have saved $9.75 if he had not been “behind in labor,” or owed for a window and been absent from classes in April 1929. 

2.  Imagine having to pay five cents for the use of the iron in 1937 like Robert Lawes.

3.  In 1947 Edith Fitch’s account was debited 35-cents for broken dishes. Utmost speed was needed for her to dry all the dishes as they rolled out of the washer and occasionally, while working at top speed, she broke a dish. Her hourly wage was 33 cents. 

4.  Mr. I. Johnstone of Armstrong BC donated fence posts on his daughter Florence’s account in 1955 to defray expenses in the amount of $131.

Former CFL Wide Receiver Speaks at University Convocation

Arjei Franklin, who played six seasons as a wide receiver for the Blue Bombers and Stampeders and now teaches at the Windsor Seventh-day Adventist Elementary School spoke for University Convocation, Tuesday, January 13.  Franklin used anecdotes from his career to illustrate the opportunities and challenges one faces if he chooses to honour God in his profession.

Dr. Haynal shared the following information about Mr. Franklin as he introduced him:

"Arjei is a graduate of the University of Windsor where he earned a Bachelor of Human Kinetics and a Bachelor of Education.  While there he played football brilliantly and set records for the Lancers.

"In 2006 Arjei was drafted by the Winnipeg Blue Bombers where he was a wide receiver for four-and-a-half seasons before being traded to the Calgary Stampeders.  Check out this video of his first touchdown catch as a professional football player.

"While Arjei was a skilled player on the field, he was also a man of integrity and kindness off the field.  When he retired, Stampeders head coach and general manager John Hufnagel said, 'Arjei always carried himself with class and dignity.  He was a tremendously respected teammate and a pillar of the community.'

"Arjei told the Calgary Sun when he retired in 2011 that he couldn’t bear to be away from his wife and son any longer. 

"Reflecting on his career, Arjei told the Sun reporter, 'I wish I had won a Grey Cup ring, but I think my son would rather remember me as a dad that was around than one who had a giant ring on his finger.'

"Some of you are Blue Bomber fans.  Some of you are Stampeder fans.  But, I know we are all fans of the team Arjei now plays for.  Arjei is now on Canada’s most important team, its team of elementary school teachers.

"The catches he now makes are of wobbly passes thrown to him by his young students. 

"Instead of scoring touchdowns he now scores the homework his students turn in.

"Nobody has tried to tackle him recently, but every day students run up and give him a hug.

"For you see, Arjei teaches the lower grades, the youngest students, at the Adventist elementary school in Windsor, Ontario.  He says his mission now is to inspire his students to realize their full potential, and instill in them a love for others, themselves, and most importantly, Jesus Christ.

"Please join me in giving our guest speaker, Arjei Franklin, a warm CUC welcome.

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.