This summer and fall, Redeemer’s leadership team has been encouraged by God’s faithfulness to the university. In June, Redeemer marked a significant milestone in the appointment of the university’s fourth president, Dr. Robert J. Graham. Dr. Graham began his work on August 13th. We look forward to celebrating his appointment with a formal inauguration on Friday, March 1, 2019.
The presidential transition takes place at an exciting time for Redeemer. Fall enrolment is encouraging. Redeemer will see the first increase in overall enrolment since 2012, with nearly 700 students enrolling this fall. This past May, we launched 141 graduates, who join more than 6,000 Redeemer alumni leading and serving in their careers and communities.
The Redeemer 2020 Strategic Plan is also nearing full implementation, with all of its strategic initiatives launched and starting to have an impact. The Centre for Experiential Learning and Careers (CELC), for example, has already met Redeemer’s strategic goal of increasing the number of programs with a co-op option, with new co-ops in both Kinesiology and Urban and Intercultural Ministry. The number of internship opportunities and career planning support services also continues to grow. Exciting initiatives like this are supported by the Re Campaign, which funds the entire 2020 Strategic Plan. The Re Campaign continues to move closer to meeting the overall goal of $20 million, with over $17.6 million raised thanks to the generosity of Redeemer’s support community. We celebrate these milestones recognizing that, as always, challenges remain. This past summer, Redeemer was denied Canada Summer Jobs funding, meaning that numerous summer student positions could not be offered. In fitting with Redeemer’s identity and mission, we were unable to sign the required attestation and have filed legal action in federal court in response to the rejection we received. As we meet these difficulties, we confidently seek God’s strength and his will for the institution.
At the same time, this is a season of opportunity. Over the past months, Redeemer’s leadership team has spent time looking forward and setting the stage for the next strategic planning process, which will unfold over the coming year.
And as always and in all things, Redeemer remains committed to shaping students through a Reformed Christian worldview that integrates learning and living, so they are fully prepared to reflect the love of Jesus Christ wherever they are called to serve and live.