September 6, 2022 marked 40 years of providing Christian post-secondary education that prepares students to live out Christ’s calling in all areas of life and learning.
Celebrations kicked off with a barbecue and concert on Friday night and continued into Saturday with a celebration service featuring the inaugration of Dr. David Zietsma, a special alumni art exhibit, author readings, varsity vs. alumni athletics matchups and the Distinguished Alumni Award reception.
Redeemer was blessed to have 1,089 students enrol this year to receive a Christian education. Of those, 134 were involved in co-ops and internships, 10 gave a testimony in chapel, and approximately 250 were sent out to impact the world for Christ.
Redeemer’s fifth president inaugrated at the 40th anniversary celebration service
Interview with the President
Dr. David Zietsma shares about his journey to the role, his passion for Christian higher education and his vision for Redeemer.
As the university grows and buildings are added, well-suited names are becoming increasingly important for wayfinding and clearly communicating purpose and vision.
Redeemer has been preparing students for their careers and callings for 40 years. In a recent core course, adjunct lecturer Chris Bosch walked students through an exercise that provided an opportunity to look ahead and consider goals for their future.
The Royals reached new heights this year in multiple sports. Women's basketball advanced to the OCAA Championships for the first time in Redeemer history. Both men's and women's soccer teams also advanced to the NCCAA postseason in their first year as a new member.
Alumna Val deVries shares the origin story of Church in the Box (now known as Rooted Worship), a monthly worship evening at Redeemer and how it impacted her faith.
Louis Dauphin ’08 is using his skills and experience to tackle a new challenge leading the parks, recreation and culture department at the City of Mission, BC.
To celebrate lifelong friendships built at Redeemer, alumni submitted their traditions in exchange for an alumni t-shirt commemorating the university's 40th anniversary. Read more
Redeemer faculty teach, mentor and disciple students in the classroom, and undertake scholarly research from a Christian perspective that seeks to answer difficult questions and make a difference in the world.
15 faculty received $230,419 in research grants and funding this year.
Assistant professor of business Dr. Raymond B. Chiu discusses the work he and a team of researchers from across the country are doing to better understand the adjudication and experiences of religious refugees.
Redeemer faculty took a deep dive into the university’s Reformed tradition, including Neo-Calvinism, and how it applies to teaching and research at the annual faculty conference.
Dr. Christiaan Teeuwsen’s commitment to the Noordbroek Organ Academy in the Netherlands is an example of his dedication to the organ, God and his vocational calling.
The Albert M. Wolters Centre for Christian Scholarship launched last September and began a new fellowship program, appointing and hosting three faculty fellows, one from each area of the university.
Redeemer is humbled by the contributions of its faithful support community. $12.9 million was received from over 1,150 donors. 45% went to operating the university, while 55% supported capital projects and student awards. $900,000 came from churches in the support community.
A Grateful Campus
Giving Thanks
For Redeemer's annual gratitude week, students were given the opportunity to participate in a number of activities that allowed them to reflect on the impact of the generosity of Redeemer's support community. One activity invited them to post photos of their favourite places on campus.
Eliminating Barriers to Christian University Education
Keeping Tuition Affordable
Redeemer is committed to affordable tuition for the long term so students can access university learning from a Reformed Christian perspective. Thanks to a generous support community, the university is retaining a tuition rate of $9,987 for domestic undergraduate students.
Saying Thanks
[Donor support] blessed me with breaking down a massive barrier to receiving post-secondary education.
Xrisa M. ’22
Preparing Students to Reflect the Love and Hope of Jesus
Supporting the Next Generation of Christian Leaders
Redeemer’s commitment to its Reformed Christian mission is translated across all aspects of the Redeemer experience, from the classroom, to athletics, to the art gallery, to the Innovation Centre. Deep faith formation across academic and campus life enables students to live Kingdom-centered lives long after graduation.
Saying Thanks
“The range of interdisciplinary and ‘other’ discipline courses that Redeemer’s undergraduate program provided meant that I left with a well-rounded and wide-ranging introduction to a range of study areas ... that I have, in various ways, drawn from in my career.
Ian DeWaard ’00
Postscript
Post script
SNEAK PEEK AT REDEEMER’S 23/24 THEME
Learning in Christ
For the 2023-24 academic year, the Redeemer community will focus its attention on intentionally learning from the life, ministry and teachings of Jesus.
“So then, just as you received Christ Jesus as Lord, continue to live your lives in him, rooted and built up in him, strengthened in the faith as you were taught, and overflowing with thankfulness.”
— Colossians 2:6,7
#ICYMI
In case you missed it, here are some highlights from Redeemer’s social media channels from the past year.
ConnectOnCampus
@CuccoaOrg
Had a great discussion with bright, young @RedeemerUniv students to discuss their interest in politics.
Redeemer University
@redeemeru
Thank You Alumni, Charis is Complete!
Redeemer University
@RedeemerUniv
President Dr. David Zietsma and Redeemer students collected 9,424 lbs (and counting!) of donations at the annual @n2nCentre food drive on September 9. Thank you to the school community and Meadowlands neighbourhood for your time and generosity. #redeemeru #n2ncentre #hamont 🥫
David J Speicher PhD DTM
@DJSpeicher
My second year Genetics students @RedeemerUniv learning and doing #CRISPR. So proud to see their passion about #STEM. #InternationalWomensDay
Abby Ciona
@abbyciona
Photography from this week’s wellness fair at @RedeemerUniv. I’m thankful for a school community committed to supporting our mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual health.
Redeemer University
@redeemer_u
Square dancing and other good ol’ country fun at Friday’s Harvest Hoedown! #redeemeru 🤠🍭
Abby Ciona
@abbyciona
Some of my favourite shots from Redeemer’s Got Talent this weekend at @RedeemerUniv! It was such a fun event to photograph!
Robert Joustra
@rjoustra
SUCH a pleasure to celebrate @dannyhills33 on (a very snowy) campus at @RedeemerUniv. I enjoyed his chapel address and lunch talk with faculty so much I forgot to take pictures! But here’s a great action shot our team got from chapel!
Dr. Vahagn Asatryan
@avahagn
Faculty Workshop @RedeemerUniv w Justin Bailey from @dordtuniversity which will be publishing our upcoming book, with my chapter on @marketing in it.
Redeemer University
@redeemer_u
Yesterday was Take Your Kid to Work Day, and Redeemer’s group of Grade 9s got to sit in on classes, worship in chapel, attend a career panel and do other fun team-building activities! #redeemeru #kidstowork
Hank de Jong
@hankdejo
Campus is looking sharp. Maintenance crew doing a fine job leading up to 40th anniversary celebration at @RedeemerUniv this weekend. And meet art - pictured here.
Redeemer University
@redeemer_u
Today, Redeemer began the new academic year with the first Opening Convocation since 2019! New students, faculty members and staff members were welcomed into the school community, and President Dr. David Zietsma spoke on “All Things New,” the theme for the year based on Revelation 21:1-5, and how God is able to renew us in a way that nothing else can.
Dr. Vahagn Asatryan
@avahagn
#461 attending Synapse pitch competition @iF_hamont Innovation Factory @MIP_Hamilton w Redeemer School of Business students from @RedeemerUniv
Redeemer University
@redeemeru
LAUNCH 2022 Recap
Redeemer University
@redeemer_u
Yesterday’s chapel, led by President Dr. David Zietsma, was on the transformative power of personal prayer. One of the highlights included Samantha Brinkman, (pictured last), a fourth-year student and member of the chapel team, sharing how prayer has impacted her life throughout the past year. 📸 @abbyciona
Redeemer University
@redeemer_u
Yesterday, at First Hamilton Christian Reformed Church, the Redeemer Concert Choir and an instrumental ensemble from Redeemer’s music program performed choral music reflections and congregational hymns that celebrate the journey of Lent and Easter. If you were unable to attend, the entire service is available to view online. Link in bio. You’ll also have the opportunity to hear more from Redeemer’s music program this weekend! Come out to the Spring Concert on Friday, March 31, to see music by the concert choir and several Redeemer music faculty. Learn more and reserve your tickets via the official web event. Link in bio. #redeemeru 🎼
Redeemer University
@RedeemerUniv
During their first-ever game at @TimHortonsField against cross-town rivals the @MoMountaineers, the @RedeemerRoyals women's soccer team earned a draw, and the men's team defeated the Mountaineers 5-0. A truly astounding effort by all! #redeemeru #royalfamily 🦁 🔥
Redeemer University Student Senate
@rustudentsenate
The 2022/23 team. Here by and for the fantastic student body @RedeemerUniv
Redeemer University
@redeemer_u
It's move-in day! A warm Redeemer welcome to all of our students! #redeemeru
Redeemer University
@redeemer_u
In a partnership with @edudeo_ministries, Redeemer's retired microscopes are getting new homes and helping to support science education in Africa. Link in bio. #redeemeru
Redeemer University
@redeemeru
40th Anniversary Video - Short Version
Redeemer Royals
@RedeemerRoyals
Great turnout for the @RedeemerRoyals women’s volleyball alumni game as part of the @RedeemerUniv 40th Anniversary #verticalpurpose #ruroyalfamily
Redeemer University
@redeemeru
40th Anniversary Recap
Amber Bowen
@amber_bowen
A wonderful time of celebration at @RedeemerUniv over the institution’s 40th anniversary and the inauguration of President Zietsma!
Redeemer University
@redeemeru
40th Anniversary Celebration Service and Presidential Inauguration - Dr. David Zietsma's Speech
Redeemer University
@redeemer_u
Despite Saturday’s snowfall, a group of enthusiastic students and Leo the Lion still proudly represented Redeemer at the Hamilton Santa Claus Parade. #redeemeru #santaclausparade 🎅❄️
Dr. Wiebe Boer
@DrWiebeBoer
Great meeting today with @RedeemerUniv President David Zeitsma to discuss collaboration opportunities with @Calvin_Uni
Redeemer University
@redeemer_u
Celebrations for Redeemer's 40th anniversary kicked off yesterday with a packed room for the launch of the Albert M. Wolters Centre for Christian Scholarship and inspiring words from Dr. Gayle Doornbos and Dr. Al Wolters. Students, faculty and staff gathered together for a barbecue with a visit from Leo the Lion. The community joined together in worship to conclude the night with DOE and Paul Baloche!
Abby Ciona
@abbyciona
I’m in the middle of directing my first short film at @RedeemerUniv. I love that our small class sizes allow us to experience every role in a film production crew! #filmmaking
Gerry Gysbers
@G_VanderUnit
Seasonal traditions; library vibes. @RedeemerUniv
Thank You
Redeemer is grateful to God for the work he has done over the past year through its students, faculty, staff, alumni and supporters.
