At this summer’s Convocation ceremony, we sent the Class of 2017 — 169 graduates — off to further studies, to careers and to new communities. This fall, we have the joy of welcoming our newest students: the Class of 2021. Over the course of their degrees, these students will seek to serve God in the classroom, on the field or court, in their dorms and through experiential learning. We are honoured to have each one of these students on campus and to count each one of these graduates as alumni.

Redeemer is founded on the belief that Christ came to redeem the world and has promised to restore every square inch. And so, we educate university students to think critically from a Kingdom perspective and to follow Christ’s calling in ways that transform culture and communities.

Rooted in that overarching mission, we continue to renew the academic program, raise the university’s profile and secure a stable financial foundation for the future through Redeemer’s 2020 Strategic Plan.

This past April, we launched Re, a $20 million campaign that will fund the 2020 Strategic Plan. As of the time of writing, we have raised $16.5 million: 82.5% of the campaign’s goal! The priorities of the 2020 Strategic Plan, funded by the Re Campaign, strengthen the impact of Redeemer’s mission, ensuring that it is revitalized for today’s world.

As part of the Strategic Plan, Redeemer celebrated the launch of the Centre
for Experiential Learning and Careers (CELC) this past March and will celebrate the formal launch of the Urban and Intercultural Ministry program in the fall of 2018. The CELC builds on the foundation of Redeemer’s new Core curriculum to combine the best of interdisciplinary Christian education with experiential learning. The new Ministry program, through foundational theology and practical ministry tools, prepares students for leadership and service in the ministry settings of today and the changing contexts of tomorrow.

Lastly, the Board and its appointed President Search Committee continue to make progress and have shaped and shared an opportunity profile and promotional video for Redeemer’s next president. Throughout this process, we welcome your prayers for the work of the search committee and that the Holy Spirit would lead the right candidates to consider the position.

Given the continued search for Redeemer’s next president, the Board agreed that my serving in the dual roles of interim president and vice president administration and finance was not practical for a further 12 months. As a result, Redeemer has hired Ed Bosveld ‘92 for a one-year term as interim VP, admin and finance.

As I hope you can seen in these updates and throughout this issue of Resound, Redeemer is moving forward. In doing so, we continue to invest in developing engaged Christian citizens who reflect the love and hope of Jesus Christ wherever they are called.