After the unique rhythms of the summer break, the fall term always brings much energy and excitement back to campus as Redeemer University once again works to carry out its mission of discipling students to share the love and hope of Jesus wherever they’re called. Laughter in the halls, lectures in the classrooms, games on the fields and music in the auditorium are always inspiring after the summer months.
This fall, we have more students living on campus than ever before. With the opening of the Charis Live and Learn Centre in the spring of 2022, there are now 553 students living in community in residence on campus.
Laughter in the halls, lectures in the classrooms, games on the fields and music in the auditorium are always inspiring after the summer months.
Over the summer months, there were several significant changes to campus. The dining hall was opened up to the commons, making for a modern, open, light-filled space for students to gather for meals and studying. The hall was also outfitted with new modern furnishings, lighting and glass doors. The main reception area of Founders Hall—now called the Welcome Centre—was also given an update and reconfiguration. The result is a more welcoming first impression for prospective and current students and visitors. These updates are all part of the Learn. Forward 2025 Strategic Plan Key Strategy #3: Invest in Contemporary and Sustainable Facilities. The grand opening of the Innovation Centre in September also showcased the fully outfitted makerspace and new office spaces for Innovation Centre and Career Centre staff located in the Charis Centre.
As we begin to look ahead to 2024, strategic planning is already underway. I’m grateful to the board for their support and input as we refresh the way we communicate Redeemer’s mission and develop organizational values. We recently announced the appointment of Heidi de Vries ’05 as legal counsel and vice president, strategic initiatives. She will join the leadership team in November, adding strategic capacity as Redeemer looks to future programs and long-term sustainability.
We’re also maintaining our commitment to strong spiritual formation and increased Reformed Christian worldview integration through a strengthened chaplaincy program.
God has also provided for Redeemer through a number of other employee additions. In July, Redeemer welcomed Dr. Peter Neumann as vice president, academic. His experience in post-secondary education and leadership will be a valuable asset to the academic area and for the university overall. We’re also maintaining our commitment to strong spiritual formation and increased Reformed Christian worldview integration through a strengthened chaplaincy program. In addition to Redeemer’s newly hired student life chaplain, Rev. Samuel Kim, Redeemer has welcomed a new faculty chaplain, Rev. Dr. Bill DeJong, to focus efforts on spiritual formation at the faculty and staff level. These are both important additions to enhance student discipleship, spiritual leadership and pastoral care for Redeemer’s employees and students.
Redeemer has also been exploring new ways to enhance its reputation and visibility within the Christian community in Canada. The university has a unique and important educational offering and we want to ensure more students know about it as they consider postsecondary options. As such, Redeemer is welcoming Rend Collective to campus in November for two sold-out shows. As part of that, we will welcome students and families to Redeemer’s largest campus visit day in history. We are also excited to provide campus facilities to The Gospel Coalition Canada to host a youth conference next spring. As a partner, Redeemer will be able to contribute speakers and workshop leaders, as well as share more about the university with hundreds of high school student attendees. We pray that these efforts to engage prospective students and their families will open new doors for enrolment growth and increase Redeemer’s Kingdom impact.