The year 2020 has been like a roller coaster that will go down in the history books as an especially tumultuous time. Nevertheless, we confess and have witnessed that God has been with Redeemer in every peak and valley.

This fall, despite many obstacles brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we welcomed the largest incoming class in Redeemer’s history. A total of 896 students chose to participate in Redeemer’s unique offering of Christian university education that integrates faith, life and learning. The pandemic presented both a challenge and an opportunity for Redeemer to preserve learning in community while simultaneously offering a choice to students to participate in classes either in person or remotely. Redeemer invested significantly in technology over the summer, and faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to teach through a dual-delivery model. To my knowledge, no other university or college in Canada has attempted dual delivery in a way that allows for both physically distanced learning in the classroom and remote learning with a presence in the classroom on a screen. Both options allow students to experience the learning in relationship with others that is paramount to the Redeemer experience.

Despite many obstacles brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, we welcomed the largest incoming class in Redeemer’s history.

This past spring, Redeemer launched Learn. Forward. Redeemer University Strategic Plan 2025. This new plan includes many exciting initiatives including the construction of a new residence and learning facility at the heart of campus. We’re pleased to have celebrated a groundbreaking ceremony for this project on October 1 and expect the building to open in September 2021. The building will help to accommodate steady growth in enrolment and will ensure that Redeemer can continue its mission on a modern and spiritually vibrant campus.

Over the summer, Redeemer also launched a new brand. Part of a multi-year integrated marketing strategy and also a tactic of Learn. Forward., the rebrand dovetailed wonderfully with the name change to Redeemer University announced in January. The rebrand process involved significant consultation with students, alumni, faculty and staff and resulted in a fresh, modern look that anticipates the future while maintaining a connection to Redeemer’s rich heritage and unique identity. You’ll notice some changes to the look and feel of this publication as part of the rebrand process as well.

Redeemer has seen both incredible upheaval and exciting change over the past six months. God has been good and we are grateful. We continue to place our trust in him each day as we seek to educate students to follow Christ into their callings and every area of life, so that others may see the hope that is in them. Romans 5 says that it is through trials that we develop perseverance and character and I believe that this has proved true this year. We ask for your continued prayers for his wisdom and grace as we serve him and Redeemer students this academic year.