Menno Simons College graduates 53; CMU development goals surpassed

Menno Simons College, the college of Canadian Mennonite University that offers Conflict Resolution Studies and International Development Studies on the University of Winnipeg campus, celebrated 53 students completing its programs June 5.

That same weekend was the installation service for Lloyd Axworthy, the new president of the U of W. Axworthy is a former professor at the U of W, and is best known for his many years in federal politics, most notably as Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Trade. Axworthy served as guest speaker for the MSC ceremony, where he congratulated the college for providing training in conflict resolution and international development.

He said those sorts of skills are particularly needed in global hotspots because “development projects stop when conflict erupts.”

CMU president Gerald Gerbrandt said that MSC’s mission to deliver a combination of conflict resolution and international development is shaped by the values of the Mennonite community that founded it nearly 15 years ago.

“We have a Christian faith and a 500-year-old story which shapes how we view the world, and how we understand ourselves to live in it,” he said. He congratulated the graduates on their commitment to “make a difference for justice and reconciliation.”

Brent Scott is congratulated by CMU president Gerald Gerbrandt, who is flanked by University of Winnipeg president Lloyd Axworthy and Dean Peachey, Menno Simons College vice-president and academic dean.

Goal surpassed

President Gerbrandt has also announced that CMU has surpassed its annual development goal of $1 million by raising $1,038,159. This is in addition to $250,000 donated by the Mennonite Brethren Church of Manitoba and $350,000 by Mennonite Church Canada.

Last year, $922,177 in donations had been raised during the same time period. “We recognize the pivotal role that our constituencies play in our success as a university and we are extremely grateful for their ongoing support,” said Gerbrandt. “This investment is critical to enabling us to fulfill our mission.”

—Kevin Heinrichs, CMU Communications