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Previous | Next Annual Mennonite Brethren Schools Report
Bright days ahead
As hot summer days wane into colder autumn days, students across North America return to classes in pursuit of an education. Educating our future leaders is an important task for Mennonite Brethren. Currently, we support eight educational institutions in Canada and one in Fresno, Calif. These range from elementary and secondary levels to post-secondary and seminary education. New this year is Canadian Mennonite University, a federation of Concord College (operated by the Manitoba MB Conference), Canadian Mennonite Bible College and Menno Simons College; and the fact that MB Biblical Seminary – BC, is a member of ACTS (Associated Canadian Theological Schools).
Mennonite Educational Institute
Abbotsford, B.C.
Growth, change continue at MEI
Mennonite Educational Institute in Abbotsford, B.C., continues to experience the blessings of God as the school builds the body of Christ by discipling young people for works of service. MEI also continues to deal with the problem of a large enrollment and not enough space to meet the demand. To this end, the MEI Board has adopted a “Strategic Plan for Christian Education”, which will see new initiatives in the areas of curriculum, support programs and facilities during the next 8-10 years.
An immediate requirement is more classroom space at both the elementary and secondary schools. Several portables have been added to the elementary school, providing space for a new kindergarten and a grade 5/6 classroom. The secondary school needed room for the expansion of the International Program, which now has 30 students from Korea, Japan, Taiwan, Russia, Switzerland, Brazil and Belarus. Administrative offices were also expanded to provide more office space for the finance and development departments.
All of this expansion is targeted towards a new middle school to be opened in September 2003.
Enrollment
1345 students are enrolled in kindergarten to grade 12. The elementary school has 505 students and the secondary school has 840 students. The strategic plan would allow MEI to restructure to form a new middle school for grades 6-8.
Transitions
The secondary school went through a transition this year with several staff retirements. Wally Sawatsky, principal 1979-1990, served during the construction of the secondary school on the present campus. Al Peters came to MEI in 1980 and served as counsellor for 20 years. Art Dick joined the staff as a woodworking teacher 10 years ago, serving the applied skills students well. Larry Bulat has been the math teacher and math department head for the past 14 years. After providing 39 years of secretarial service, Mary Nickel has retired. She has had the longest tenure of service of any staff member during the 56-year history of the school. These individuals will be missed at MEI.
Ruth Froese and Abby Chan have taken a leave-of-absence and Marie Grim is on a maternity leave. Norbert Bargen has returned to his roots in Winnipeg to take up the position of principal at MBCI. Karen Bozak and Matt Born have left the elementary school to take up new teaching positions on the Sunshine Coast and Sao Paulo, Brazil, respectively. Waldo Neufeldt, the director of development, has taken a new position as the western representative for the new Canadian Mennonite University.
The following are new teaching assignments: Nicole Baart, secondary English; Tim Burghardt; secondary drafting, woodworking; Kristen Meindertsma, secondary girls physical education; Darlene Naylor, secondary girls P.E.; Micheal Opp, business education; Andrew Penner, secondary mathematics; Myrna Rempel, secondary counsellor; Mary Stobbe, secondary English; Randy Thompson, youth worker; Jennifer Baerg, kindergarten; Susan Krause, Grade 6 and P.E.; Christa Toews, Grade 5/6; Grant Wardle; elementary vice-principal; and Kathy Whittome, Grade 6/7.
The MEI Board has also changed the titles for the administrative team at MEI: Peter Froese, superintendent; Have Wiens, secondary principal; David Erickson, elementary principal; Dave Loewen, secondary vice-principal; Grant Wardle, elementary vice-principal; Dan Guggenhiemer, comptroller; and Alan Wilson, director of development.
Plans for this school year include an accreditation visit from the Ministry of Education to review the organization and program of the school. The missions committee is also developing plans to send four or five teams of students to many of the locations that the school visited last year including Haiti, Honduras, Ukraine, Philippines and Mexico. Athletic and fine arts staff have planned many events to challenge the talents athletic and music students.
However, MEI recognizes that the greatest contribution we can give to our students is an environment where Christian truth and love are shared on a daily basis. It is only when our staff models Christian love, dignity and respect for our students that we truly fulfill our role as teachers at MEI. – Peter Froese, superintendent
MB Collegiate Institute
Winnipeg, Man.
New school year brings excitement
At Mennonite Brethren Collegiate Institute in Winnipeg there is a great deal of excitement about what the new school year will offer. The school has a rich Christian education tradition with the cornerstone being Christ. The teachers, staff and administrators are committed to following Jesus’ example in every aspect of the school. As models of Christian living, our goal in the educational program is to continue “fostering excellence” (the school’s motto).
This year’s theme text is 2 Corinthians 5:18: “All this is from God, who reconciled us to Himself through Christ, and has given us the ministry of reconciliation.” Learning to get along with others and being willing to forgive others is an important part of life. Through chapels, school life group meetings and special emphasis series, the theme of reconciliation is examined. The hope is to learn more about how Jesus, through the work of the Holy Spirit, can change broken relationships into trusting, meaningful ones where Christ is the centre.
Student enrollment remains strong. There are 557 students at MBCI, five of whom are German exchange students. Of the total, 259 are male and 298 are female. The students are distributed by grade as follows:
Level
|
No. of students
|
|
Grade 7
|
55
|
|
Grade 8
|
76
|
|
Senior 1
|
102
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Senior 2
|
105
|
|
Senior 3
|
121
|
|
Senior 4
|
98
|
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Several new staff have joined this year: Norbert Bargen, principal; Harry Hirsch, network administrator; Marcia Loewen Thomaschewski; social studies, English; Averil McCann, physical education, social studies, math; Elisha Thiessen, English, history, biblical studies; Lori Unger Brandt, secretary; and Steve Warkentine, science, math.
Opening program
The evening of Sept. 18 was a time for the school’s constituency to come together for the opening program. The program featured choirs from Grade 7 and Senior 1, conducted by Elizabeth Bergen. The Concert Choir was led by Tim Taves. Andrew Klassen led the Concert Band. All groups did a terrific job, having had little time to rehearse. Norbert Bargen, newly appointed principal, addressed the students, staff and parents with a challenge of being “strong and courageous in the Lord” (Joshua 1:9). Teachers Averil McCann and Steve Warkentine shared testimonies of how God had led them to MBCI. Neil Janzen, moderator of the Manitoba MB Conference, led in a prayer of dedication for the school year.
MBCI choirs at opening program on September 18. |
During the month of September, the school life groups focused their thoughts on the book of Proverbs. Proverbs 3:3-4 give direction: “Let love and faithfulness never leave you; bind them around your neck, write them on the tablet of your heart. Then you will win favor and a good name in the sight of God and man.”
As the new school year begins, it is the desire of the MBCI community to let “love and faithfulness” be the guide so that God will be pleased with all that takes place. – Norbert Bargen, principal
Eden High School
St. Catharines, Ont.
Eden shares school facility
Eden High School has moved for the second time in the last five years. The District School Board of Niagara has relocated Eden to a large secondary school (with a capacity of over 1200) in the north end of St. Catharines, Ont. Eden shares this modern facility with Lakeport Secondary School, whose enrollment has fallen to about 400 students. Eden occupies the second floor of the academic wing and shares the three gyms, cafeteria, library, small theatre, music room and extensive technical facilities on the main level. To provide sufficient room for the daily chapel, the Ontario MB Conference has donated $704,000 for building a chapel adjoining the cafeteria. The seating capacity of the combined chapel/cafeteria will be about 600-700. Architectural plans have already been drawn. Construction is expected to be completed by next summer.
The District School Board has raised Eden’s enrollment capacity to 500 students, but still many students had to be turned away. Due to the larger enrollment, several part-time teachers have been hired: Jim Dowling, librarian; Elizabeth Fraser, English, guidance; and Robin Tucker, French. Laurie Anne Penner, Eden’s spiritual life director for the past decade, has relocated east of Toronto following her recent marriage. Carolyn Goosen, a recent graduate of Concord College in Winnipeg, has been hired as a part-time associate to work with Ed Heinrichs.
Staff, students and parents are extremely pleased at how smoothly and amicably the sharing of the facility has begun. Eden students have been invited by Lakeport coaches to join their championship football and wrestling teams. Eden students have accessed Lakeport’s Transportation Technology program and senior Lakeport students have opted to take many of their academic classes with Eden. While Eden and Lakeport will continue to offer opportunities for students to broaden their curricular and extra-curricular programs, the parents of both school councils have clearly stated that they intend to remain two distinct schools. The School Board has underscored its support of the concept of two distinct schools sharing a single facility by constructing new administrative offices for Eden on the second floor.
We are thankful for God’s provision of a much improved, larger facility for Eden. The highly amicable relationship between the two schools’ students, staff, administration and parents is an answer to prayer for many. – Ray Smith, principal
Columbia Bible College
Abbotsford, B.C.
Believing God for a favourable future
The mission statement of Columbia Bible College in Abbotsford, B.C., is “Preparing people for a life of discipleship, service and ministry in the church and in the world”.
When students from Canada, various parts of the US and a number of other countries arrived at the beginning of September, staff was not quite ready for them. The campus is undergoing major changes, and the spirit of optimism and cooperation is evident everywhere.
To make room for the Gymnasium Project, the “Ark” – a temporary portable men’s residence – was moved to a farm on the Matsqui flats, and the “Shed” – the former Columbia Counselling Centre, more recently a ministry team’s practice facility – was relocated next to the tennis courts. Half of the “Back 40” was re-graded into a freshly turfed athletic field with a built-in sprinkler system. The other half was made into a spacious, well-lit parking lot for students and visitors.
Construction of a gymnasium complex is scheduled to begin in November. This is the first phase of the campus development master plan that the Board has put in place during the past year. As of Sept.1, all of the capital debt has been committed to. A donor couple is moving ahead with the Gymnasium Project, and several major donors are fulfilling their capital debt commitments. By April 1, 2001, Columbia will be debt free.
Reunion choir
The 70s Alumni Choir Concert is scheduled to perform Sunday, Feb. 4, 2001 at South Abbotsford MB Church. The reunion choir will be led by Rudy Baerg, Columbia’s choir director during the 70s, 80s and early 90s. An offering will be taken for a designated college project.
Team Thailand
In May, a team of students from Columbia served on a mission trip to Chiang Mai, a city in northern Thailand. They worked with The Centre, a joint ministry that was begun in 1994 by Youth With A Mission and Asian Outreach. Funds for this mission trip were raised by personal supporters and from Columbia’s “Workday for Missions”. The goals of Team Thailand were evangelism, discipleship and support for long-term ministry workers. Relationships with Thais were built through ESL classes and Friday youth nights. Three students accepted Christ and a number of seeds were planted through these avenues. The team also worked with a new church plant and Partners ministry, a refugee aid mission to the Karen refugees from Burma.
Team members deliver food, clothing and medical supplies to Karen refugees. Pictured are (l-r): Mike Lewis, Greg Toews, Jenni Kornell, Kevin Friesen, Angela Esau and Ben Froese. Also pictured are Asa and Em, staff with Partners. |
New staff
Gareth Brandt joins the faculty and will also serve as youth work department head; Ali Cumming is director of Kingdom Players; Merri-Ellen Giesbrecht from Briercrest is enrollment associate; Adel Letourneau (1999 grad) is a resident director; Sandra Plett, CBC alumnus, is a resident director; Karin Gregory, who recently completed her graduate studies at Trinity Western University, is now career centre director; Robert Betts joined CBC last September as director of information technology systems; Michelle Klassen, who previously served at TWU, is constituency relations executive assistant; and Richard Thiessen became our new library director in August.
Reasons to celebrate
Tony Funk (music instructor) completed his M.A. in Music from the University of British Columbia this past summer. Janet Boldt (instructor) is on study leave this fall at Associated Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Ind. Karin Gregory (career centre director) has had her master’s thesis accepted and will defend it later this fall.
Enrollment explosion
Enrollment at Columbia has exploded with a total of over 500 students as of Sept. 15. There are 278 first-year students, 138 second-year, 54 third-year and 40 fourth-year students. Resident students number 262, with the balance being commuters. Due to the record enrollment, Columbia has leased 20 townhouse units for 60 resident students. The Student Life Department has also grown to include 19 head residents and 22 resident assistants.
Quest
When Northwest Baptist Theological College in Langley, B.C., decided to close its undergraduate College in February, Columbia was approached about adopting the Quest program that it had run for the past four years.
Quest is a one-year program using classroom studies, adventure-oriented learning, intense personal and group mentoring and a short-term mission. Thirty-three students take courses Monday through Thursday and on weekends choose a variety of activities such as backpacking, rockclimbing, canoeing, kayaking, sailing, caving, snowboarding and a high ropes course. Each week, discipleship groups meet with a staff member, and each student meets with a staff mentor. There are two cross-cultural mission trips: one to Mexico during spring break and the other to Africa following spring semester. Mike Richardson is Quest director. His background is in pastoral ministry, counselling and teaching. Deanna Lewall is director of outdoor activities. Andrew Hayes is director of discipleship. – from reports
Bethany Bible Institute
Hepburn, Sask.
Student mentoring part of new program
On September 3, 400 parents, friends and guests celebrated the new school year at Bethany Bible Institute in Hepburn, Sask. Fifty-nine freshman began studies as well as 35 juniors, returning for the diploma program. The three-year degrees in biblical studies and Christian ministry have a total of 23 students registered. Eight fourth-year students kicked off the new Bachelor of Arts program which involves a four- to eight-month internship. Two international students joined the students from across Canada.
Testimonies were given by Cordella Friesen, student body president, and JR Peters, a second-year student from Winkler, Man.
President Rick Schellenberg called for the Bethany community to join in prayer for God’s direction and supply for the coming year’s opportunities. New initiatives for the college include a revised Web site at www.bethany.sk.ca and the internship dimension of the B.A. degree program.
New to Bethany faculty and staff for 2000-01 are Scott Derksen, Grace Low and Jonathan Neufeld (residence deans), Darrel Braun, Tanya Bargen, and Tim Braun (fine arts instructors), Nathan Reynolds and Mark Thiessen (business office), Allan Friesen (adjunct faculty), Craig Glen (admissions counsellor), and Dorothy Fehr (custodial services).
Students at Bethany continue to be nurtured as disciples of Christ in their understanding of Scripture and their ministry in the church and the world.
The breakdown of enrollment is as follows:
Class
|
Freshmen
|
59
|
Juniors
|
35
|
Seniors
|
23
|
Interms
|
8
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Total
|
125
|
(Last fall, Bethany had a total of 146 students.)
|
|
Gender
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Female
|
67
|
Male
|
58
|
|
Program
|
Diploma of Biblical Studies
|
94
|
Bachelor of Biblical Studies
|
7
|
Bachelor of Christian Ministries
|
10
|
Bachelor of Arts
|
14
|
(6 third-years; 8 fourth-years)
|
|
Denomination
|
MB
|
82
|
EMMC
|
2
|
Mennonite
|
12
|
Other
|
29
|
|
Program status
|
Full-time
|
117
|
Part-time/interns
|
8
|
|
Changes
The self-study process leading to Bethany’s full accreditation with the Accrediting Association of Bible Colleges last February reaffirmed Bethany’s continued vision for nurturing disciples, biblical studies and leadership training for ministry. Bethany initiated several program changes for the fall 2000 semester. Bethany now offers a four-year Bachelor of Arts degree with majors in pastoral ministry, cross-cultural ministry and ministry arts (music/worship). At the heart of this degree program is a four- to eight-month internship in which churches, parachurch organizations and mission agencies, such as Youth Mission International, provide students with practical ministry experience alongside gifted leaders. Students also have greater options in the three-year degree programs with the new Bachelor of Biblical Studies added to the Bachelor of Christian Ministries degree.
Bethany is also giving its mentoring program a higher profile this year. All students will have the opportunity to participate in a mentoring relationship with another student or faculty member.
Praise and Worship at BBI |
Mission trip
About 25 students from the senior class, along with Andrew Hershey-Bergen and Daphne Plett, will be travelling to India in February for a three-week mission trip in conjunction with Church Partnership Evangelism. The students will also be working together with MBMSI missionary and former Bethany instructor Gordon Nickel in Hyderabad. – Bethany release
European Bible Institute
Gouvieux, France
EBI moves to new campus
In September, the European Bible Institute moved from Lamorlaye, France, to a one-hectare campus in Gouvieux, a nearby town 30 minutes by train from Paris. This is the result after months of visiting potential sites.
Four main buildings are surrounded by gardens. The facility has three classrooms, a library, a cafeteria, housing, offices and parking. All buildings have been modernized within the last two years.
European Bible Institute in Gouvieux opened to students on October 6. – from a release
École de Théological Évangélique de Montréal
Montreal, Que.
Expanding programs
École de Théological Évangélique de Montréal (ETEM) – formerly Institut Biblique Laval – is located on the island of Montreal, at the core of Canada’s second largest metropolitan area. As an urban theological school, ETEM caters to the needs of an evangelical population that is diverse in culture and denominational affiliation. French-speaking Quebecers form the largest group of students at ETEM. However, students whose main language is Creole, Spanish, Lingala, Cambodian or Italian are also welcome. Most of ETEM students are adults who study part-time. Several are pastors and others often have a ministry in their churches.
Two elements are being put into place this year that will allow ETEM to expand its ministry. The first is the addition of a bachelor’s degree program to the programs ETEM offers under its status as an off-campus centre of the University of Montreal.
Annual tradition apple picking fundraiser |
The second is an agreement between ETEM, the University of Montreal and Institut biblique Européen in France (see above). This agreement will allow students of IBE who are pursuing degrees through the University of Montreal to study at ETEM for one year in their three-year program and will give ETEM students enrolled in the bachelor program the opportunity to study in France for one year.
Fall brings with it an event that has become a tradition among Quebec MBs – the annual ETEM apple picking. Each September, a member of the Ste-Thérèse MB Church invites all the MB churches in the area to pick apples in his family-owned orchard in Saint-Joseph-sur-le-Lac with the intention of giving part of the proceeds to the school. What was first a fundraising event has become, over the years, a time of fellowship and fun in one of the most beautiful spots in the Montreal area. – Eric Wingender, president
Concord College
Winnipeg, Man.
CMU enrollment grows
Canadian Mennonite University, a federation of Concord College, Canadian Mennonite Bible College and Menno Simons College, has exceeded its enrollment projections for its inaugural year.
Currently, 254 full-time and 79 part-time students are studying at CMU’s Grant and Shaftesbury campus. Earlier projections had set enrollment targets at 200 full-time students and a total of 250 students on campus. In addition, Menno Simons College located at the University of Winnipeg campus has 683 students taking one or more of its courses in international development studies and conflict resolution studies. CMU also has 33 students taking seminary courses and 61 students participating in its School of Discipleship program, a one-year travel-study program operated by Concord College. In total, 1,110 students are being served through CMU.
CMU has a distinctive program where some degrees are contained wholly at the CMU Grant and Shaftesbury campus, while other degree programs require students to take some courses at the University of Winnipeg or the University of Manitoba.
School of Discipleship
The School of Discipleship offers students teaching in biblical and spiritual basics through short courses. In September, students spent time at a camp where they took a variety of courses, met outdoor recreational challenges and provided service to the camp. From October to December, students complete the majority of their classroom assignments while taking on additional service opportunities. From January to March students do service work in Guatemala, where they immerse themselves in the culture, live with a Guatemalan family and learn Spanish in a seven-week immersion program.
The staff for SOD consists of Wally Schmidt; director; Diane Kroeker, administrative assistant; and a team of mentors: Steve Dick, Kelly Gunter, Andy Notice, Megan Notice and Kara Snider. Students completing the School of Discipleship program are eligible to receive 12 credit hours through the CMU. – from releases
MB Biblical Seminary – BC
Langley, B.C.
Theological education for Canadian MBs
MB Biblical Seminary – BC is into its second year as a partner in the Associated Canadian Theological Schools (ACTS) consortium at Langley, B.C. The decision to make theological education more accessible to the growing number of Mennonite Brethren in Western Canada has been embraced enthusiastically by the constituency. This augers well for the future of MBBS-BC.
Enrollment
MBBS-BC began its first semester in fall 1999 with 17 students registered in its seminary out of an ACTS population of 250. Enrollment increased to 30 students the second semester. With the fall 2000 semester, growth continued with 34 students registered. Of these 22 are full-time. Fourteen of the total students are women. Of the over 30 denominations represented at ACTS, Mennonite Brethren represent the largest denominational group.
Maintaining essential values
Because many of the functions at ACTS are pooled, including instruction, the question of how to maintain denominational identity in a multi-denominational institution necessitates some discussion. The goal of the
Bruce Guenther |
ACTS consortium is to help each partner achieve its mission in training workers for its denomination. MBBS has addressed this issue in a number of ways. For those registered in the Master of Divinity program, an MB mentor is provided for the ministry formation segment. In addition, a number of MB courses are offered utilizing the expertise of MBBS-Fresno (Calif.) faculty or local adjunct professors. Furthermore, MBBS-BC is planning to add to its faculty representation at ACTS in the coming year. Currently, Bruce Guenther is the only MBBS appointed faculty member at ACTS.
Financing MBBS-BC
The operation at ACTS has two main sources of funding. Besides student fees, each of the five denominations also pays an institutional amount of $80,000 a year to sustain the operation. Each seminary may have additional administrative and other costs. Because MBBS is one seminary in several locations, many of the services available at the Fresno campus are also available at the B.C. campus. As an indication of its support for the venture at ACTS, the B.C. MB Conference contributes an additional $25,000 a year to the MBBS budget.
Historic board meeting in B.C.
The MBBS North American Board made history this year when it met at Trinity Western University (ACTS) Sept. 27-30. The decision to meet in British Columbia sends a signal to the constituency about the future direction and nature of the Seminary and the significance the Board places on the B.C. operation. Even though there are many issues still to be resolved in terms of future governance, the Board is committed to establishing a strong viable seminary at ACTS.
Accreditation
Even though ACTS is an accredited institution, the establishment of a branch seminary at ACTS was considered a major change in the operation of MBBS by the Association of Theological Schools, the seminary accrediting agency. Consequently, MBBS was required to seek separate accreditation for all of the degrees it wishes to offer at ACTS. This past year, MBBS-BC gained accreditation for the Master of Divinity degree program. MBBS expects accreditation process of all ACTS degrees to be completed within the next two years.
Students preparing for ministry
Because the ACTS Seminaries do not have student residences, most students are commuters who have found housing in the area. However, students in MBBS-BC come from a variety of places in Canada and other countries. David Chow from Calgary spent two years teaching English in Japan with MBMS International. Jacqueline Falk from Kelowna, B.C., served as a youth pastor apprentice at Willow Park MB Church and is now in her second year in the Master of Theology degree program. Chen-Wen Liang, who comes from a Mennonite church in Taiwan, is currently helping pastor a church in Washington State while attending MBBS-BC. David Ens, formerly youth pastor at McIvor Ave. MB Church in Winnipeg, is preparing for ministry at Richmond Park MB Church in Brandon, Man., in January 2001. Arlynn and Ann van Enns, missionaries in northern Alberta, are utilizing their sabbatical to prepare for further ministry. Brad Naylor, a former youth pastor in Prince George, B.C., is training for future pastoral ministry. John Andres from Ferndale, Wash., is one of a growing number of Americans who are taking advantage of opportunities to study in Canada. Wally and Sylvia Nikkel, MBBS-Fresno students, have chosen to do some of their studies at ACTS before returning to Fresno. – Peter Enns, associate dean
MB Biblical Seminary
Fresno, Calif.
Enrollment up
MB Biblical Seminary’s combined credit enrollment in California and British Columbia has increased to 167 this fall from 141 in fall of 1999. The MBBS combined full-time equivalent (FTE) increased from 89.9 to 98.62, according to Lori James, registrar. If students who are auditing courses are included, there are 212 enrolled at Fresno (133 credit and 79 audit) plus 53 at MBBS-BC (34 credit and 19 audit).
The 133 count in Fresno is an increase of seven over final enrollment figures from fall 1999. However, the trend of recent years continued – more students taking fewer classes – resulting in the Fresno FTE to fall from 77.42 to 68.54. Ninety-two Fresno students are part-time, up from 55 per cent in fall 1998. The lower FTE was a disappointment, James said, because the campus had seen its highest-ever summer FTE of just over 22. At MBBS-BC, enrollment increased from 15 credit students in fall 1999 to 34, and the FTE jumped from 12.5 to 29.08.
The fall semester kicked off with MBBS’s annual retreat at Hartland Christian Camp in the Sierra Mountains. The theme was “All of your heart, all of your mind” from Luke 10:27. Speakers at the retreat were Henry J. Schmidt, MBBS president; Kevin Reimer, who joined the seminary counselling faculty this summer; and Lori James, a 2000 graduate who is in her first year as registrar. – MBBS release
Conrad Grebel College
Waterloo, Ont.
Numbers continue to climb
Conrad Grebel College, a school operated by the General Conference Mennonite Church and affiliated with the University of Waterloo in Waterloo, Ont., is again experiencing tremendous demand for both its academic and residential programs this fall. Over the past several years, there has been a substantial increase in the number of students wanting to live at and take courses at Grebel.
While the residence has always been in high demand, applications for residence at Grebel have increased 60 per cent over the last four years, from 160 in 1996-97 to 257 for the 2000-01 fall term. (These numbers do not include returning students.) Not only are total applications on the rise, but also the number of Mennonite students living in residence has increased from 40 per cent four years ago to 53 per cent this year. There has been a steady rise in the number of Mennonite students from Western Canada, especially Manitoba. Total undergraduate enrollment for the fall term is up 34 per cent over last year and 70 per cent over three years ago. – Conrad Grebel release
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Last modified November 29, 2000.
© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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