The theme for this academic year is taken from Hebrews 12:2 and is Eyes Focused on Jesus. As followers of Christ, we look forward to the future with hope. For many of us, the last two years have been challenging, and the recent turmoil in eastern Europe and fears of war add to the fatigue and anxiety so many are burdened with. All of this makes the mission of Redeemer feel more urgent. We must remain focused on preparing the next generation to share the hope and love of Christ wherever they are called. Through research and through Redeemer graduates, the university’s mission is to point to the restoration we have in Christ, looking forward to the day when all things will be made new, and when there will be no more pandemics, or wars, or pain and suffering, a day when all things will be made new!
Throughout the pandemic, we have done the best we can to carry on with this mission. The university invested in significant technology upgrades to accommodate dual-delivery, which has maintained relational learning as much as possible. Faculty and staff have worked tirelessly to take the institution through a wide variety of pandemic-related challenges, both in the classroom, but also across the campus in all kinds of spaces. It has certainly felt like running a race at times.
As we look ahead to Redeemer’s 40th anniversary celebrations this fall, we take courage from a legacy of faithful Christian academics and passionate leaders who founded the institution. You can read about some of the work Redeemer is doing to preserve this history. Redeemer is also recognizing the important work and legacy of Dr. Albert M. Wolters, who joined the faculty in Redeemer’s early years, by renaming the Centre for Christian Scholarship in his honour. The newly renamed centre will also host other exciting activities.
Even as we celebrate what God has done in the past, we continue to be blessed by his provision today. A major milestone in Redeemer’s history is the Grand Opening of the Charis Live and Learn Centre on April 1, 2022. This modern facility at the heart of campus is now home to student residences and classrooms, reflecting the holistic view of education that stems from Redeemer’s Reformed Christian worldview. The Charis Centre will also house the Centre for Innovation and Entrepreneurship on its lower level, and we look forward to the launch of that new Centre hopefully later this year.
We take courage from a legacy of faithful Christian academics and passionate leaders who founded the institution.
We give praise to God for the continued sustaining of Redeemer and Christian university education, in all circumstances. And we continue to rely on him for all things. While there has been significant enrolment momentum with an increase of over 47 per cent since the tuition restructuring in 2019, challenges remain. It is unclear how the pandemic has affected long-term growth and sustainability. There is still much work to be done on the Learn. Forward. Strategic Plan. And while we are hopeful, the future course of the pandemic is not certain. Yet in all things, we know God works for the good of those who love him, and we look forward to pressing ahead and running the race he has set before us with perseverance.