As 2024 draws to a close, Redeemer reflects on a year of remarkable achievements, inspiring stories and transformative moments that have shaped this community. This year has been a living testament to our theme verse, Psalm 119:105: “Thy Word is a lamp for my feet and a light for my path.” From significant milestones in program development, to new enrolment records, to excellence in scholarship and community, these stories remind us of how God’s guidance has shaped and sustained Redeemer’s journey.
Join us as we celebrate the Top 10 Stories of 2024—a collection of moments that shine with faith in action, perseverance in the face of challenges and the joy of following the path illuminated by God’s truth.
This year was one of full new energy with New Programs to Expand Redeemer’s Kingdom Impact. The university announced its seventh degree in Bachelor of Health Sciences Launches and a new Music and Worship Program. This fall, Redeemer also began offering an online not-for-profit management certificate for Christian Not-For-Profit Leaders and online church leadership microcredentials to assist in Strengthening Church Leadership.
Redeemer Set New Enrolment Records again this fall with 1,094 incoming students, 366 new students and 556 living in residence. Redeemer remains committed to keeping Christian education affordable and explored common misconceptions about tuition in Think Redeemer is Too Expensive? Think Again.
Redeemer invested in Reformed Christian scholarship through the work of the Albert M. Wolters Centre for Christian Scholarship. In September, the centre hosted the Tolkien Conference focused on the Christian life of J.R.R. Tolkien. This summer, two student interns worked in The Pascal Centre: Preserving a Legacy of Christian Scholarship at the crossroads of faith and science. Shaping Reformed Pedagogy reports on the workshops helping Redeemer faculty integrate faith into their classrooms. In October, the Emerging Public Intellectual was announced–Dr. Jonathan Askonas is Making Sense of a Rapidly Changing World by investigating the ways in which technology shapes reality.
Students at Redeemer are bravely stepping into God’s plans for them. In Sharing Hope with Those in Need, fourth-year student Rebecca Versluis’ passion for working with charities helps those experiencing hunger and poverty. In Blocking Shots, Making Brothers, Solomon Zandberg overcomes challenges in sport and life. And in British Invasion a group of Redeemer students talk about their academic and cultural experiences with the Oxford Study Programme in England.
Michelle Visser was awarded Co-op Student of the Year for her exceptional work at BDO as told in Stewarding Finances and Faith. International student Diego Antunez put his media and production skills to work for Hamilton District Christian School in Lights, Camera, Passion! Redeemer’s Innovation Centre launched a new venture, The Studio, giving students opportunities to work for an in-house video production company.
Redeemer continued to make important investments in student mental health in Caring for the Whole Student. Recent grad Feben Alamayehu shares her story of resilience in From Overcoming to Thriving. Free and Fully Alive tells of a student-run ministry that supports those struggling with pornography addictions. Faith, Feelings and Athletic Flourishing explores a research collaboration between faculty in education and kinesiology and physical education on emotions in sport.
Faculty at Redeemer remained committed to teaching and research from a Reformed Christian perspective. Dr. Jonathan Loopstra, professor of history, is a shining example of this work in history and Bible translation as told in The Language Jesus Spoke. Dr. Diana Parvinchi, assistant professor of psychology, is discovering new ways that young people with disabilities can build resilience in Equipped to Bounce Back. Business faculty Susan Van Weelden and Laurie Busuttil are celebrated for their work publishing case studies as they plan for retirement in Leaving a Living Legacy, and the university welcomes Dr. Sophia Kusyk in Redeemer Appoints Dean of Business.
Driven by the biblical mandate to love our neighbours, Dr. Morgan Braganza, assistant professor of social work, had her Caring Encounters Guiding Framework published in the British Journal of Social Work this fall in Meeting Differences with Care. After three years of careful research and consultation with Indigenous community members, Redeemer opened the History of the Land Exhibit this fall. In February, the university recognized and celebrated the rich past and present contributions and accomplishments of Black people in Canada in Exploring Black History.
More than 7,000 alumni are reflecting the love of Jesus Christ in every career and calling in their homes, communities and around the world. Dr. Wendy Willmore ’98 was named the 2024 Distinguished Alumni for her work as a missionary surgeon in Africa as told in Steady Hands of Justice. Andie Albert ’22 is enjoying success in academia through her love of the natural environment in The Worlds Thy Hands Have Made. Zacc Burke ’18 is making a difference in the lives of young people in Brantford leading youth ministry at his church in Plotting a New Course. Three alumni families share about their experiences with adoption and how the Gospel is a story of adoption into God’s family in Becoming Family.
For more than 42 years, Redeemer has been providing Christian education and conducting Christian research with excellence. In Clarifying the Mission, read about how Redeemer has refreshed the way it communicates its mission and vision.
Be a part of Redeemer’s mission to prepare students to reflect the love of Jesus Christ in every career and calling. This Christmas, give a gift with a lasting impact.