THE GROWING
EDGE A publication for alumni and friends of Atlantic Baptist University
www.abu.nb.ca
Meet the ABU Student
Development Team... See page 11.
Inside: Convocation Celebrations .........................3 The Tide is High ...................................... 10 Churches Making a Difference ............. 12 Alumni Updates........................................ 14 The Growing Edge
Page 1 1 Spring 2003, Volume 15 Issue
From the President s Desk
the challenges of getting established, attracting a student body, and providing adequate facilities. In the late 50’s the Board felt it needed to limit enrolment because there were more students than could be adequately accommodated. Within a few short years educational needs changed, and enrolment dropped to a low of 41 students in 1968-69.
Dr. Brian D. MacArthur
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hallenges and blessings are often linked. As we face challenges and overcome them, we experience blessings that last after the challenges have faded in memory. It was a joy for me to greet our graduates on the platform at Convocation and to add a personal “Congratulations” following the Chancellor’s official conferring of their degree. Each has faced a series of personal and academic challenges in their semesters at ABU, but the fact they are graduating is evidence that they have learned to use challenges to their advantage, allowing themselves to be pushed into new frontiers of thinking and development. It’s interesting to look back and trace someone’s journey of growth. Their testimony normally includes ups and downs, successes and failures, laughter and tears. The pain of struggle helps to produce an enduring spirit and a greater confidence. Part of the pleasure for me in greeting our graduates is that I know they will do well in the future. As they face future challenges, they will experience God’s blessing. Their journey is not unlike that of ABU itself. The University’s history has been one of constant challenge, and yet great blessing. In the early years there were
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In 1970 the name was changed to Atlantic Baptist College and the purpose for the institution clearly established as a junior liberal arts college. By the 1971-72 academic year the enrolment had tripled from 1968-69 to 131 students. That meant it was time to build again! In 1983 ABC received its charter to grant baccalaureate degrees and enrolment crossed the 200 mark for the first time in 1984-85. The ups and downs of enrolment continued, reaching a new high of approximately 225 in the last year on the old campus. Having accepted the challenge of relocating to a new campus, and with the name changed to Atlantic Baptist University, enrolment jumped again by almost 100 students, crossing the 300 mark. This past fall, starting our 7th year on the new campus, enrolment reached 538. Challenges and blessings! The growth has been constant, pushing us to new dimensions of faith and trust. This has been a year of great blessing with one final challenge before the end of our fiscal year on June 30th. It is that of reaching a level of donor response for the year that will enable ABU to prepare for an even larger enrolment this fall (applications are up!) while starting to pay down an accumulated operating deficit from previous years. We trust that this challenge will also be overcome and lead to even greater blessing.
The Growing Edge is the newsletter of Atlantic Baptist University. Its purpose is to inform alumni, donors and friends about the University and to keep them in touch with the life of ABU, its family and friends. Alumni letters, unsolicited manuscripts, art and photos are welcome for possible inclusion. Items for “Alumni Updates” should be identified by class. Free subscriptions to The Growing Edge are available upon request. Changes of address should be sent to: Jennifer Marr, Editor The Growing Edge Atlantic Baptist University Box 6004 Moncton NB E1C 9L7 Tel: (506) 858-8970 1-888-968-6228 Fax: (506) 858-9694 E-mail: editor@abu.nb.ca
Production of this issue of The Growing Edge: Editor: Jennifer Marr Student Writer: Matt Crawford, 3rd year Communication Studies Layout, Design & Production: Jennifer Marr P.R. Committee: Roland Rackham, Gilda Ryder, Chris Cudahy, Bob Murray, Amy Lean MacArthur, Robert MacDonald, Jennifer Marr Printer: Print Atlantic Publication Number: 1485768 CANADA POST
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Recognition THE 2003 VALEDICTORY ADDRESS BY TREVOR COOK The following is an exerpt from the Valedictory address given by Trevor Cook, who graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in English (Honours).
from our mistakes, so now we rejoice in those many hellos that were said at ABU. It was here that we said hello to professors, educators and mentors as well as new friends. These may not be people we can take with us but, although their presence will be missed, their influence, like those before them, will follow us all of our days. They will not be forgotten.
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oday, many of us say goodbye to the world of academia and hello to what our friends and family in the workforce would have us not forget is the “real world.” Goodbye play. Hello work. To those few who may be concerned about our future success in the real world, however, we ask, “What is the nature of the ‘real world?’” In a well documented and fully researched essay of no less than 4000 words, discuss appearance versus reality. Paper is due before 5:00 p.m. a week from today. Please consult the calendar for the school’s policy on academic dishonesty. Four years ago we said goodbye to the comfort of familiar surroundings to enroll in an academic program that promised to stretch our minds and strengthen our faith. Thus, with great haste and enthusiasm, we said goodbye to our family and friends. The car was packed the night before. The next morning it was found running. No doubt the radio could be heard blaring, “hey, hey, hey, goodbye.” The rubber had only to hit the road and we were gone. Sometime long ago we had gone to bed a child and woke up an adolescent. It was not until we arrived at the dorm, however, that we felt the nagging suspicion that something had been left behind. Not something we forgot to pack but something we soon realized could not be packed. Without realizing it at the time, we had said goodbye to our own quiet room, our own personal twenty-four hour taxi service, free laundry, home cooking, and a steady source of small personal loans. These were the services of love that had unfortunately been taken for granted. Now, knowing how important people are in our lives and all the blessings that accompany community, it is harder to leave ABU. Packing is deferred. Our stereos belt out mournful songs that could easily be mistaken for country music. ABU, we will miss you.
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Dr. MacArthur presenting Trevor with the ABU Honours Society Award
It was here at ABU that we learned to say goodbyes of another kind, whether for better or for worse. We said goodbye to sleep. We said goodbye to breakfast. We got to be well-acquainted with Kraft Dinner and said goodbye to healthy eating. When that failed we said goodbye to fast food and hello to the gym. Eventually, we said goodbye to the comfort of our social circles and introduced ourselves to the library, if only for a moment. We greeted indexes and summaries and said goodbye to books that were either too thick or too boring, and to all those that were both. In total, we said goodbye to a little over $40, 000. At some point, however, we said goodbye to lower standards. We said goodbye to ignorance and ill-founded ideologies. The superficial was exchanged for the profound, and gradually our faith came to mean something more than believing what Christians had always believed. It was through the refining process of constructive criticism and careful evaluations from the professors that we discovered why and how we could be sure of what we hope for and certain of what we do not see. This is what the ancients were commended for. They did not believe blindly but acted on what they had tested and found true. Christ was preeminient. They said goodbye to everything else. Today, we are faced with a different kind of goodbye, one that looks to the future without forsaking the past. We have learned
To our friends and family, thank you for your support and encouragement. You have made this possible. Thank you for believing in us, for being patient with us when we thought we knew it all. Thank you for comforting us when we found out we really didn’t know anything after all. You welcomed us home during breaks, you accepted our dirty laundry. You helped us move, you sent care-packages, you helped us pay bills, you prayed for us and checked up on us and for these things we thank you. You were our first teachers and without you we would not be here today. To the staff and faculty, thank you for being less so that Christ might be more. Thank you for showing us what it means to be a disciple: to be disciplined and follow the example of a master. In you we see the Rabbi and the Rabbi sees a student in you. In the work you have done, the time you have spent with us, the patience you have had with us, we see His mercy and grace. Thank you for testing us, even when it was painful. You are a powerful example. We received more than a degree from you, we received an education. Now we face the moment of parting. Let us be careful not to see this as an end or a beginning but the continuation of a lifelong journey. Today we celebrate what have been perhaps the most difficult but rewarding four years of our lives. Let us never leave this behind but let it strengthen us as we go into all the world. Our future promises to be bright because Christ has already gone before us.
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Recognition THE ATLANTIC BAPTIST UNIVERSITY GRADUATING CLASS OF 2003 Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies (Honours) Cindy Ruth Dockendorff* Bachelor of Arts in Biblical Studies Allison M. Kirkbride Jarvis Lepper Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Honours) Autumn Grace Kenny Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies (Honours) and English Anthony James Dickinson Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies Christopher Roy James Kristal Pearl Alyson Murray Anthony R. Reicker Joel C. Trail Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and English Lorie K. Ward Bachelor of Arts in Communication Studies and Music Deborah JoAnne Slater Bachelor of Arts in English (Honours) Trevor James Neilson Cook*
Bachelor of Arts in English Brent James Farnham April Yvonne Lane Tanya Lee MacKinnon Beth Snowdon*
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology (Honours) Charleen Beth Broad Asheley Patricia McNeill Rebecca Joy Skinner
Bachelor of Arts in English and History Holly Lynn O’Neill*
Bachelor of Arts in History (Honours) and Psychology Sarah Beckett*
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology Jane Katherine Babington Tanya Dawn Crowley Joel Haines Amanda Hanson* Matthew G. Hiltz Sue-Leanne LeBlanc Drew Anthony Mersereau Laurie Moreton* Melinda L. Nelson Becky Lyn O’Blenis Kyla Potter
Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies Tyson Starling
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology and Sociology Amber Rose Coote
Bachelor of Arts in Organizational Management Barbara Clark-Landry James Harrison Conlon Phyllis Louise Holder Fyffe France G. Hannon Valorie Leger-Jones Mark Andrew Lloyd Laura Anne Lutes Gilda Odelle Ryder Andrew Alfred Welch
Bachelor of Arts in Religious Studies Mitchell Ryan DeWare*
Bachelor of Arts in History (Honours) Susan L. Joudrey* Beth A. Robertson* Kimberly Claire Smart*
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology Kristy Anne Harris Tara Hicks* Erica Jill Trail Bachelor of Business Administration (Honours) Sarah Joan Laidlaw* Kathryn Jane Younker* Bachelor of Business Administration Timothy Trainor Alanna Jayne Vander Ploeg Joel Alexander White Bachelor of Science Christa Lynn Fitzsimmons Amy Hendsbee Youth Leadership Certificate Mitchell Ryan DeWare Anthony R. Reicker Amy Woodworth * Graduating with distinction (cumulative GPA of 3.50 or higher). Graduates’ names appear as per their degrees and certificates.
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Recognition GRADUATING CLASS OF 2003 CONTINUED CONVOCATION AWARDS HIGHEST STANDING IN: FIRST YEAR CLASS Candace Webster
SECOND YEAR CLASS Heather Currie
THIRD YEAR CLASS Jessica Dempster
FOURTH YEAR CLASS Angelique Ross Bachelor of Education Melissa Erin Beale Suzanne Beaudet-Bernier Lindsay Marie Burke Tamara Lynn Carter Jason Chapman Silvia Coughlan Jodi Lynn Daley Jennifer Hamer Paula May Haynes Tara Hicks Amy Tricia Holmes Andrea Shiann Holmes Jennifer Leigh Jones Jillian Jean Little Joshua Neil Little Jeanie M. MacCallum Elizabeth Anne MacLean
Sarah Dawn Anita McGuigan Heather Allegra McIntyre Jody Lee Mitton Laurie Moreton Jennifer Lynne Parker Cathi Poplar Kyla Potter Jill Kathryn Quiring Nicole Saulnier Rebecca Joy Skinner James Edward Small Stacey Dawn Small Beth Snowdon Lisa Pauline Steeves Jill Kristen Stewart Kelly Anne V. Thibodeau Kimberly Ann Wright
HIGHEST STANDING IN FIRST YEAR BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION PROGRAM Andrew O’Neill
ATLANTIC BAPTIST UNIVERSITY HONOURS SOCIETY Trevor Cook
ALPS HONOURS SOCIETY AWARD Cohort 1 - Mark Lloyd
THE MORRISON EDUCATION DISTINCTION AWARD Jodi Daley Amy Holmes Jillian Little Laurie Moreton Jill Stewart
ETHEL SPERRING MEMORIAL MUSIC AWARD Wesley Perry
THE LEVY PRIZE FOR THE BEST ESSAY IN BAPTIST HISTORY Sarah Beckett
MALE STUDENT OF THE YEAR Mitchell DeWare Dr. MacArthur with male student of the year, Mitchell DeWare and female student of the year, Autumn Kenny
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FEMALE STUDENT OF THE YEAR Autumn Grace Kenny
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Recognition ABU DEAN’S LISTS FALL 2002 Jennifer-Rose Baillie Sarah Barnes Sarah Beckett Jennifer Carson Natashe Chevarie Garth Christie Trevor Cook Abigail Cormier Greg Cunningham Heather Currie Melissa Currie Geoff deJong Mary DeMerchant Jessica Dempster Amy Derrah Mitchel DeWare Jennifer Dickinson Cindy Dockendorff Cara Duffy Cory Fevens Jennifer Flanagan Lorna Fox Ashley Gallant Amanda Hanson Elizabeth Haché Lachelle Harris Jennifer Hawkes Tara Hicks David Hills Andrew Hiltz Natasha Hiltz Chris Hooper Sarah Hudgins Mandy Jonah Susan Joudrey
WINTER 2003
Julie Kelly Sarah Laidlaw Winston MacEachern Susan Mader Karan Maguire Heather Martin Christine McInerney Asheley McNeill Jeremy McWilliams Mitchel Mealey Joni Mersereau Emily Michaud Jonathan Milke Laurie Moreton Barbara Morrisey Bethany Newman Holly O’Neill Michelle Patterson Dan Pyke Lynn Reade Anthony Reicker Beth Robertson Angelique Ross Sylvie Schofield Alissa Shea Wayne Silliker Kimberly Smart Susan Smith Beth Snowdon Ben Stevens Natache Thebeau Alanna Vander Ploeg Pam Walker Candace Webster Erin Wilson
Jennifer Adams Tyler Arbuckle Jennifer-Rose Bailie Cynthia Baldwin Sylvia Ball Sarah Barnes Sarah Beckett Charlene Broad Jennifer Carson Natasha Chevarie Anna Collette Abigail Cormier Hilary Cougle Heather Currie Melissa Currie Geoff deJong Mary Demerchant Jessica Dempster Mitchell DeWare Cindy Dockendorff Cara Duffy Erin Edgar Corey Fevens Jennifer Flanagan Ashley Gallant Amanda Hanson Lachelle Harris Jennifer Hawkes Sara Heinrichs Tara Hicks David Hills Andrew Hiltz Matthew Hiltz Natasha Hiltz Chris Hooper
Sarah Hudgins Mandy Jonah Susan Joudrey Julie Kelly Sarah Laidlaw Francis LeBlanc Sue-Leanne LeBlanc Susan Mader Karan Maguire Jolene Marshall-Forgie Heather Martin Asheley McNeill Juanita McKnight Mitchel Mealey Emily Michaud Barbara Morrisey Whitney Morrison Holly O’Neill Wesley Perry Dan Pyke Jeremy Quiring Lynn Reade Anthony Reicker Beth Robertson Angelique Ross Sylvie Schofield Alissa Shea Wayne Silliker Rebecca Skinner Debbie Slater Kimberly Smart Amber Smith Andrew Smith Charity Smith Susan Smith
Beth Snowdon Natacha Thebeau Joel Trail Alanna Vander Ploeg Pamela Walker Candace Webster Charity White Caroline Wicherek Erin Wilson Avery Wolaniuk
ABU CHOIR PRESENTS A SPRING CONCERT The Atlantic Baptist University Choir, under the direction of Dawn RameyCrowell, held its annual Spring Concert on May 2, 2003. The concert served as a culmination of a year’s worth of practice and musical activity which also included the Christmas presentation “Celebrate the Promised One,” held at the Moncton Capitol Theatre, and the ‘Spring MiniTour’ which occurs each year during the start of the students’ March Break.
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This year the Spring Concert also featured a number of pieces from an allwomen’s ensemble. Dr. MacArthur welcomed the audience and thanked them for braving the nasty weather to come and enjoy the choir. He also took time to thank Dawn Ramey-Crowell for her many years of work and faithful service with the Choir. At the end of the concert Ms. Ramey-Crowell thanked the audience as well for their presence and the choir for their hard work and dedication over the
year. She concluded with a special word of thanks to Mark Lloyd who, while no longer with the Choir, had been instrumental in helping her start the choir again in 1996, after several years of dormancy. All told, a wonderful evening was had by all present, with several attendees stating that they enjoyed this Spring Concert the most of any in recent memory.
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Recognition LEADERSHIP AWARD PRESENTED TO ACCOMPLISHED SCHOLAR
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r. Bilezikian’s life as a teacher/scholar began in his native Paris. There he taught for seven years at the European Bible Institute, while serving as well as the Minister of Christian Education at the American Church in Paris. He returned to the United States in 1961 as pastor of the Loudonville Community Church in Albany, NY. He then joined the Wheaton College faculty where he taught for 20 years until his retirement in 1992. At this same time he was made Professor of Biblical Studies Emeritus. During his tenure at Wheaton he was honoured twice as the Senior Teacher of the Year. On two occasions he chose to accept short-term appointments elsewhere. The first was as President of Haigazian College in Beirut, Lebanon; then, later he taught at Trinity College in Deerfield, Illinois for two years. In addition to his skill and passion for teaching, Dr. Bilezikian is an accomplished author of numerous articles and several books, two of which, Beyond Sex Roles and Community 101, were award winners
Dr. MacArthur presenting Leadership Award to Dr. Bilezikian
in France. His book Christianity 101 has been used as a textbook at different universities, including Atlantic Baptist University. One well-known fact about Gilbert Bilezikian is the crucial role he has played, along with Bill Hybels, a former student of his, in the development of the Willow Creek Community Church. Under Hybels’ pastoral leadership, Willow Creek has been one of the fastest-growing and most
innovative churches in the United States. A lesser-known reality, however, is the fact that Dr. Bilezikian has shown interest in, and offered help and guidance to, many other church ministries around the world. In fact, during his seminary years he was also involved in the French Baptist Work in New Brunswick, and as a result has maintained a continuing interest in this work. He continues to be invited to speak at colleges, universities, and churches throughout North America and beyond. He has been characterized as a “gentle, kind, meek . . . individual” who believes that Christians working together in loving communities can accomplish great things for their Lord. For exemplary service in teaching, scholarship, church ministry and vision, Atlantic Baptist University was pleased to present to Dr. Gilbert Bilezikian the Atlantic Baptist University Leadership Award during our Convocation ceremonies.
FIRST ALPS GRADUATES REACHING NEW HEIGHTS
First ALPS graduates
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dult Learner Professional Studies (ALPS) program director Cathy Rogers can identify with the immense sense of achievement that her program’s first graduating class is feeling at the culmination of their long sought after university degree. Rogers spent 17 years immersed in various government occupations and parttime studies before quitting her job to
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complete her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees. Rogers’ own life has mirrored many of the students that she teaches, which makes her aptitude in adult education highly merited. “They’re so excited,” says Rogers of the first graduates from the ALPS program. “They’ve gained a new thirst for knowledge and the majority of these students probably would not have otherwise ever completed their degree.” Launched in January of 2001, the ALPS program is the only one of its kind in Canada. It is an accelerated and intensive program, which runs for 24 months consecutively. ABU is currently offering a B.A. in Organizational Management through this program. It has heavily impacted the lives of students by giving them the cherished opportunity to maintain their families and careers while filling the space on the wall that was reserved for that coveted diploma. Students like Jim Conlon, who began his university career in 1971 and currently works for the Department of Fisheries and Oceans. “It has helped me to satisfy a need that was
hiding just beneath the surface,” says Conlon. “For me it is the immense personal satisfaction.” Throughout its two year existence the program has received accolades all around in its appeal, from both instructors and participants alike. ABU Biblical Studies professor, Dr. Steven Dempster, remarked that the interactive, participatory learning style that ALPS employs, epitomizes what education is supposed to be all about. Students are already reaping the benefits of their efforts, even before graduating. According to Ms. Rogers, several ALPS students have received promotions as a result of their involvement in the program. With plans already in the works for expansion, it seems apparent that the ALPS program will continue to assist those dedicated and determined enough in reaching their educational summit, no matter what stage of life they’re in. by Matt Crawford, 3rd year Communication Studies
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Reflections A GRADUATE’S REFLECTIONS
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our years at ABU has been like writing a paper. In the beginning, we have no real idea where we are going or how we are going to get there. We have done our research, consulting numerous voices, opinions and views but it is always difficult to get started on our own. For that matter, it is always easy to put it off and worry about it later. Once we have started, the next step is relatively easy. We have chosen a direction and have begun to filter out those voices that distract us from our goal, whether for better or worse. This is the bulk of our experience and we are sustained by the mere inertia of it all. We learn and un-learn, revise and edit, critique and evaluate – cut and paste – and look forward expectantly to the end. Sometimes the end arrives slowly. We stretch what we already have just to fulfill the requirements. Other times, the issue is so vast that the word limit approaches quickly, the end catching us by surprise. In either case, there is a sense of anticipation as the conclusion is within sight; sometimes it is climatic, sometimes it is not. These have been my experiences. When I first arrived at ABU as a freshman in the fall of 1999, I was certain that I would pursue a degree in Biblical Studies, studying English on the side. As a freshman, I was certain that the former was my Christian calling, the latter merely a hobby. It was not long, however, before I was shown, by example, that Christ had use for disciplined reading and writing. I did not have to be
He was also a carpenter. Apart from his mind being stretched, his hands were also calloused. He studied the scriptures and people, his surroundings and his leaders. He sought counsel and gave counsel. He helped and was helped.
divided between faith and learning. The two are co-dependent. It was in my second year that I began my “career” as an English major and since then I have been forced to continuously learn and un-learn what it means to be in this
Christ was, of course, and continues to be, interested in the sciences and the arts. He cares about the Word, about reading and writing, he cares about the mental, physical and spiritual well being of individuals and social cohesiveness. He cares about the environment and the interaction of molecules, cells, and genomes. He is the leading Authority, by very definition, in every discipline. He is creator omnipotent and omniscient. He is also “Rabbi,” our Teacher, and He will be grading our papers. For this reason, I hope that during these four years I have done my best to present myself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handled the word of Truth. by Trevor Cook B.A. in English (Honours)
world but not of it. This was also my “sophomore” year, the year all of us are “wise fools” with confidence enough to think we know what we are doing but having no real idea what there is to be done. This was also true of my third year, and there is, no doubt, remnants of the same in my senior year. Now that the end is within sight, knowing that I do not know and will never know all there is to know, I stand here in awe of the glory and the wonder of it all. Not only that the universe is vast but that it is created and there is a Creator who knows all and knows me. Christ, the Son of God and our Saviour, was a public intellectual and a social activist - he was “published,” as we say, “posthumously.”
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Academic WATCHING GOD IN ACTION IN ALBANIA
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magine a country that has emerged from an oppressive government, suffered civil unrest, and saw “ethnic cleansing” of its people in a neighboring country- all within the last ten years. This same country was declared atheist for a quarter century. And yet, it is said that its inhabitants are hopeful and enthusiastic. They have a strong pride in their national identity. This place is Albania, a small country in Eastern Europe that is surrounded by Greece, Italy, Yugoslavia and Macedonia. So then, what does Atlantic Baptist University have to do with Albania? Well, for Evelyn Downie, Dan Pyke (Sociology students) and Rebecca Alward (Residence Coordinator), it is the place where they will be spending a portion of their summer. Through the ABU Cross-Cultural Certificate, they will be traveling to Albania on May 7. Evelyn and Dan will be there for four weeks, while Rebecca will be with them for the first two weeks. They’ll be working with the Malcolm and Steeper families and
staying with Albanian families, where we can enjoy the full cross-cultural experience. We’ll be working with the programs that are in the Lezhe church, and help them in developing a weeklong children’s and youth program with a gypsy community in the area.”
Dr. Sam Reimer with (l - r) Evelyn, Dan and Rebecca
their programs with Canadian Baptist Volunteers. They’ll be mostly with the church in Lezhe, which is an hour north of the capital, Tirana. Rebecca will also work on ways to better improve the CrossCultural Certificate program for future students. “This opportunity is an experience of a lifetime,” says Dan. “While in Albania, we’ll have to learn how to shower without a curtain, and use ‘Turkish toilets.’ We’ll be
“We’re very thankful to the ABU community for their support and encouragement,” says Rebecca. “Dr. Sam Reimer, the faculty member who oversees the program, was an immeasurable help throughout this process. We’re also thankful to Michelle LeBlanc for her generous donation of clothing for a fundraiser we held.” Other students who have traveled overseas have said that their experiences were life-altering. For Evelyn, Dan and Rebecca, the excitement of visiting another country, and seeing God at work in His people is overwhelming.
YOUTH LEADERSHIP CERTIFICATE PROGRAM PRAISED
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BU’s Youth Leadership Certificate Program provides students the chance to cultivate their youth leadership skills in local churches. The four-year program eases students into ministry roles under the supervision of a senior pastor who can offer welcomed wisdom and encouragement. John Ferguson, Worship & Youth Pastor at Allison Baptist Church, has been involved with the program since its inception in 1996. “They (students) are given a chance to experience and grow their leadership skills that will equip them for youth work in church settings and beyond,” said Ferguson. This type of “supervised ministry” has proven extremely effective in equipping participants with the skills and tools needed to effectively apply their heart for youth ministry. Mitchell DeWare, who ran the senior high youth group at Brentwood United Baptist Church this past year, will attest to this statement. DeWare performed duties that
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as a youth leader in Woodstock, NB. McHarg says it has been encouraging for him to see DeWare acquire the “nuts and bolts” necessary to round his experience to the point where he can properly deal with the various challenges of youth ministry.
Some of this year s ABU Youth Leadership Certificate students, with Director of Student Development, Heidi Soggie (front left)
ranged from planning and organizing events and working with troubled teens to composing a ministry focus. He can easily identify his own personal growth throughout the program. “Working with the youth was oftentimes a big responsibility, but to see them grow and be a part of their lives made it all worthwhile,” DeWare said. Senior Pastor of Brentwood United Baptist Church, Darren McHarg, first met DeWare in 1995,
DeWare, who is going on to Acadia Divinity College next year, says his involvement in the program was highlighted this past winter, when his youth group retreated overnight to Springwater Lodge in Hillsborough. They also managed to raise $1300 in a 30-Hour Famine campaign by teaming up with an adult group from the church in April. Without restraint DeWare says he has found it to be a great program, and would recommend it strongly to anyone with a heart to minister and work with youth on a full-time or volunteer basis. by Matt Crawford 3rd year Communication Studies
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Student Life ABU ATHLETICS - THE TIDE IS HIGH
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BU athletics is taking a major step forward in the 2003-2004 academic year. The University has been accepted into the Atlantic Colleges Athletics Association (ACAA), which means we will be competing with teams from universities such as Mount Allison, St. Thomas, and Mount Saint Vincent, to name a few. The varsity teams we are entering for this year include; men and women’s basketball and women’s soccer. Besides pushing our varsity and other teams to a higher level of performance and competition, it will also raise the profile and influence of ABU.
The only question that remains is “Are we ready?” We believe we are! We had an exciting year of ACAA exhibition competition (2002-03) where we saw our women’s soccer team tie St. Thomas, who was ranked number one in the league at that time, and where we also saw our basketball teams compete quite well. Our varsity teams have captured New Brunswick Small College titles for the last three years and our basketball teams are reigning Maritime small college champions. We have shown that we can handle that level of competition, so now is the time to move up!
In preparation for entry into this new league, ABU will be announcing a new team name and brand new logo. With this new name, we are also aiming to unveil new team jerseys and a mascot in September. This promises to be an exciting new year for our teams!
The advantage of a smaller university is that it is more likely that an interested student will “survive the cuts,” make the team, and have the opportunity to develop their full athletic ability. It also permits a teaching atmosphere that focuses on intentional learning and building of relationships. The challenge
of a smaller university is that of resources for its teams, especially for ABU as a private Christian university that does not seek government funding for its programs. It is now one of our goals to build the financial base needed to allow our student athletes to have the most enjoyable and competitive year ever at ABU. To increase the caliber of the entire athletics program and accomplish ABU’s unique purpose for the students who participate in this program, players and coaches are working together to raise added support for the 2003-2004 season. If you want to participate in aiding our athletics teams and coaches to reach their goals or just want to check in on how we are doing, please visit our website www.abu.nb.ca or contact Bob Murray @ 506-858-8970 ext. 135 or by e-mailing bob.murray@abu.nb.ca.
ABU WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM ON THE MAP
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n April 27, 2003 the ABU women’s soccer team capped off their most impressive season in the university’s history by pulling off the double (winning both the regular season and play-off trophies) in the Moncton Indoor Soccer League. The ladies ended the regular season undefeated and in the process set some amazing stats. In 15 games the team managed to score a whopping 101 goals, and only permitted 23. Jenn Ward won the league scoring title finishing the regular season with 29 goals. Jenn Duff, Julie Kelly and Heather Currie were the other ABU players in the top 5 scoring. Our goalie, Tiffany Doucet, was another stand-out in the league, allowing the fewest goals. As happy as the team was to win the league trophy, their hearts were really set
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ABU Women s Soccer Team with (l) Scott Legge and (r) Jacob Dockendorff
on winning the play-off final. The ladies wanted to avenge last year’s 7-1 defeat against the Moncton Rovers. The team won their semi-final 13-2 advancing them to the final and fittingly a rematch against the Rovers. The game was probably among the most entertaining sporting events in ABU history. ABU had an owngoal in the first minute of the game, and
despite relentless attacks at the net they could not draw level. To add to the problem, the Rovers managed to pop another just before half. With 20 minutes left Heather Currie deservingly got ABU on the board. An own-goal by the Rovers just 5 minutes later tied the score and set the stage for an exhilarating finish. Our captain, Julie Kelly, stepped up and scored the biggest goal ever for the team with just a minute and a half left in the game. Then with just seconds to go, Jenn Duff put the game out of contention with a booming shot just a few feet past half. A perfect end to a perfect season. WAY TO GO LADIES! by Scott Legge, B.Ed student Women’s Soccer Coach
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Student Development THE STUDENT DEVELOPMENT TEAM
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BU’s Director of Student Development, Heidi Soggie, does not like being stuck behind her desk. She recently discovered, however, that there are worse places to be stuck, like on a “sticky wall” of Velcro or duct taped to a wall. Soggie fully expected that her first year as ABU’s Director of Student Development would yield its share of sticky situations. The “sticky wall” accompanied many activities for fooddeprived participants to take part in during this spring’s 30-Hour Famine campaign. It was one of several of this year’s events spawned through the partnership of ABU’s Student Development Team and the Student Executive Committee. Composed of Soggie as Director, Bob Murray as Athletics Coordinator and Rebecca Alward as Residence Coordinator, the Student Development Team attempts to “bridge the gap” between students, staff and faculty in providing a Christ centered learning experience for students. Their ultimate goal, according to Soggie, is to endorse and facilitate learning experiences outside the classroom, whether through athletics, student government, ministry opportunities or simply through events like World Vision’s 30-Hour Famine. Soggie, who is currently in the process of completing her M.A. in Human Services
from Concordia University, will soon complete her first year as ABU’s Director of Student Development. She has enjoyed her first year and has been amazed by the opportunity to get to know many of the students on a personal level. Murray and Alward are each completing their third year at ABU, and have worked to establish a positive rapport with a variety of students. Murray, an ABU Alumnus (’97), also has
Rebecca duct taped to wall during 30-Hour Famine festivities
In exemplifying unity and cohesiveness, ABU’s Student Development Team aims to personify that students are genuinely cared for individually and that students are more than just a name on a course list. “Our goal within the department is to provide guidelines and direction that will encourage a cooperative, healthy atmosphere of trust and goodwill for students and staff,” says Soggie. Rebecca & Heidi during fall Adopt-a-Highway cleanup
a B.A. in Sports Ministry from Briercrest Bible College. He recognizes and relishes the fact that he is able to pass on much of the experience and knowledge he learned as an ABU student. Alward (’93), also an ABU alumnus, gained a firm background in youth leadership and student development on the Western front, obtaining her M.A. in Student Development from Providence Theological Seminary, before relocating to NB to be closer to her family.
Bob Murray during February ABU-in-View
The Growing Edge
...STICKS TO STUDENTS
With a year amassed, Heidi, Bob and Rebecca are already in full swing preparing to embrace next year’s challenges as ABU continues to expand. Much to the credit of Murray, ABU will compete officially for the first time this fall in the Atlantic Colleges Athletics Association. As well the dorm continues to swell to capacity with each passing semester. “Excitement is most definitely mounting as events to kickoff next fall are already well into the planning stages,” says Soggie. “What’s being called ‘Tidal Rush 2003,’ will undoubtedly get ABU’s Student Development Team acquainted with new students and reacquainted with returning students and not stuck to a wall or behind a desk.” The question is, which one of our Student Development Team will be in a “sticky” situation next? by Matt Crawford 3rd year Communication Studies
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Advancement TOGETHER WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE
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t was one of those typical late winter days in March when the snow is falling and the wind is trying to blow up a storm, that I sat down in the kitchen of the parsonage of the Springfield West-O’Leary Baptist Churches. My hosts were Rev. Murray MacDonald, and his wife, Shirley. Murray is the Pastor of this two church field; I was there to visit him in my capacity as Development Officer for Atlantic Baptist University. But when it comes to the Springfield West and O’Leary churches, a visit from the University’s Development Officer is really not work, but rather a friendly visit, and in this case a visit between friends in more ways than one. Murray and I have been friends for some time, and the churches in question and the University, well, that friendship goes way back. And dare I say, that in all respects the benefits of these relationships have been extremely important and mutually beneficial. Personally, I appreciate the insight and wisdom that I am able to glean from Murray each time we meet; and in terms of the University, the continued financial priority that these churches place on the provision for Atlantic Baptist University is simply astounding. Perhaps that is why these two churches in rural Prince Edward Island continue to be ranked as one of the University’s top five giving churches in the Convention. In fact, in 2002 they were number four, while in 2001, they were tied for the number two spot!
Pastor Murray MacDonald and the people of his churches strongly believe that “students are better equipped to handle the challenges of life within their professions because their education is founded on sound Christian principles.”
(l-r) Judy Paugh ( 73), Betty Cook, Organist/ Secretary, Elwood Cooke, Deacon and Rev. Murray MacDonald, Pastor
Baptist University continues to benefit from a significant portion of that budgeted amount. But again, why has ABU figured so prominently in the church budget? “We have had leaders from the congregation” comments Murray, “and they have kept the church informed of the value and importance of UBBTS, ABC, and now ABU.”
(l-r) Brian Ellis, Chairman, Trustee/Finance Board, Rev. Murray MacDonald, Pastor, Corinne Peters ( 72), Organist/Secretary, Frank Smallman, Chairman Deacon s Board
So why is this? Why are two of our smaller churches among the top supporters of ABU? “It has to do with the philosophy behind the educational approach at the university,” comments Murray. “We are quite concerned that education be backed by a Christian understanding of life and how it should be lived.”
It was affirming to hear what we at ABU already realize; that when the university is held up before the congregations of our Convention, and that when people are informed about the Kingdom importance of “quality education firmly rooted in the Christian faith,” they give. They are led to give of what God has blessed them with, so that others are blessed in turn.
Supported by 105 offering numbers, the Springfield West – O’Leary Baptist Churches contribute $30,000.00 to the extended ministries of Association, Convention and Canadian Baptist Ministries on an annual basis. Atlantic
“The support,” comments Murray, “is indicated by the number of students that have been trained over the years. We have identified at least 25 with Lachelle Harris being the most recent student. She is in her 3rd year.”
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But more than strong beliefs, Murray is passionate about ABU and the relationships that must exist between the university and our churches. “We need to stand together as churches in helping prepare our young people to be leaders in their chosen fields. Together we can make a big difference in the direction our country goes through those we train to lead us.” When one considers the quality of education that the students of Atlantic Baptist University receive, and when one watches these students take that education with them to institutes of higher training, eventually obtaining law degrees, medical degrees and a vast array of other academic and professional designations, one thing becomes very clear, ABU is swimming in the big leagues, and placing! To reduce our operating budget to the very simplest of interpretations, the Advancement Department finds itself having to raise $2000.00 for each student that attends the university. This represents the difference between what the students pay in fees, and what we do not receive in the form of government funding. ABU takes its hat off to the generous and faithful friends that we have in these two churches in western Prince Edward Island. Their continued financial and prayerful support is a partnership that helps to make it possible for us to be faithful to the founding principles that continue to guide us today! Pastor Murray MacDonald and the people of the Springfield West and O’Leary Baptist churches shine as examples within our Convention of what partnering with ABU is all about! by Scott Ryder, Development Officer
The Growing Edge
Bits & Pieces FACULTY & STAFF UPDATES CONGRATULATIONS
consulting report which will be presented to the RCMP in the fall.
Congratulations to Dr. Dennis Bustin (’86), Assistant professor of History, who successfully completed his Ph.D. from Queen’s University in Kingston, Ontario. His doctorate research concentrated on 17th Century English History.
WELCOME
Congratulations to Dr. Carol (Stanley) Thorne (’64), Professor of Modern Languages, Linguistics and Anthropology, who, along with three professors from Dalhousie University, recently completed work on the 2nd edition of the university-level French textbook, Bonne Route. Her responsibilities included the revision of the workbook that accompanies the textbook, plus the preparation of a series of 17 cultural modules in PowerPoint format to go on a CD-ROM that will be packaged with the textbook. Congratulations is extended to Gilda (Bagley) Ryder (’83) (’03), Manager of Advancement Programs, who completed her B.A. in Organizational Management through the ALPS program. Dr. Gary LeBlanc, Professor of Economics and Sociology, wrote a book entitled “Grieving the Unexpected: The Suicide of a Son.” This honest and insightful book will help those who minister to hurting people better understand what families and individuals experience when confronted with terrible loss, and will testify to the sustaining comfort of God’s presence. It is available at the ABU bookstore. To purchase a copy, call 1-888-968-6228 Ext. 129. Robert MacDonald, Assistant Professor of Business Administration, is presently conducting a research project with the Codiac detachment of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police to study work effectiveness and organizational culture. He is being assisted by Sarah Laidlaw (’03) who is performing the role of Analyst on-site at RCMP Headquarters, Moncton. This research will result in a
The Growing Edge
Welcome to Jeff Melvin who has joined the IT Department as Computer Support Specialist. Welcome to Irene Ferguson (’58) who has joined the library staff as Assistant to the Librarian.
FAREWELL Farewell is extended to Christina Gallant (’99), sessional Psychology professor, who has accepted a counselling position with the Province of PEI. Best wishes are extended to Jennifer Clarke (’02), Recruitment Assistant, who has been accepted to attend Providence Theological College and Seminary to take her Masters of Arts in Specialized Ministry (Student Development). Best wishes are extended to Chris Cudahy (’00), Student Liaison Officer, who has been accepted at Duquesne University to take his Masters in Communication Studies. Chris has been awarded a renewable full scholarship and living expenses of approximately $30,000 per year. Best wishes are extended to Dannie Brown, Associate Professor of Business Administration, who has accepted the position of Director for the Centre of International Business Studies at the University of New Brunswick. Dannie, who has worked at ABU for the past 21 years, served as the Director of the Export Partnering Program and more recently as the Director of the Bachelor of Business Administration Coop Program. He will be commencing his new position at the end of July.
Atlantic Baptist University says farewell to a familiar face as this academic year draws to a close. Dr. Benne Faber, professor of English Literature, will journey to Ontario this fall to embark on a new stage of his calling. Upon this occasion, I, like many students before and after me, am reminded of Dr. Faber’s passion for teaching, his keen insight, and his sincere love for literature and learning. Throughout the course of my four years at ABU, however, my fondest memory of Dr. Faber is that of playing PingPong with him. It was during these times that I experienced who he truly is: a man genuinely interested in his students’ lives, a man who has devoted his life to the lives of others. For that, I value him as a role model, a mentor, and a friend. I am merely the echo of many of the lives you’ve changed, Dr. Faber. God speed, il miglior fabbro. You will be missed. by Nathaniel Miller (’01)
RECOGNITION ABU RECEIVES GIFT FROM RBC FOUNDATION
Atlantic Baptist University recently received a gift of $2500.00 from the RBC Foundation. Senior Account Manager, Mr. Jean Emond, Royal Bank of Canada, (center), Dr. Mel Schriver, Professor of Chemistry (left), are seen here viewing the Gene Cycler as Dr. Zhan Yang, Professor of Biology, demonstrates its use (DNA and cell biology study). The RBC donation was instrumental in helping the university purchase this piece of lab equipment.
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Alumni Updates Ronald Horton (’62) passed away on March 22, 2003. Sympathy is extended to the family.
Congratulations to Ron and Betty (MacPherson) Johnson (’94) who were married on October 21, 2002 at the Visitor Center at Itasca State Park in Minnesota.
Doris May (Wagner) Lathem (’52) July 4, 1926 - December 25, 2002
Congratulations to Rob and Lynn (Hudson) Urquhart (’96) on the birth of their second daughter Micah Alice who was born on March 21, 2003; a new sister for Samantha (2).
The last entry in the memoirs of Doris May Lathem was on July 27, 2002. It reads: “I know there will be difficult times ahead. The power of prayer is amazing. The power of the Holy Spirit is my Comforter. God’s marvelous unfailing love is with me each step of the way.”
Congratulations to Eric Saemisch (’81) who obtained the professional accounting designation of Certified Management Accountant (CMA) in August 2002.
Congratulations to Carmela and Stephen Matthews (’87) on the birth of their son, Jonathan, who was born on August 10, 2002. Stephen’s e-mail address is matthews_96@yahoo.com.
Aaron (’96) and Sara (Parks) (’96) Ricker, Kim Hogg (’01), Liam Steele (’00), Sandra Lumsden (’01), Michael Peacock (’02) and Janice Hillmer (’99) are currently teaching English as a second language at a private children’s school in Korea. Congratulations to Michael and Stacey (Corey) Sullivan (’97) on the birth of their son, Luke Avon Allen who was born on November 29, 2002.
Congratulations to Ellen Kelly (’90) who recently completed her Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation. Congratulations to Svein and Lorainne (Foster) Sveinson (’90) on the birth of their son, Matthew Douglas, who was born on October 22, 2002.
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Congratulations to Jeremy Demont (’01) who was awarded the Business Development Bank of Canada’s Young Entrepreneur of the Year Award for New Brunswick. Congratulations to Christopher and Angelina (Broad) Davey (’01) who were married on December 14, 2002 at First United Baptist Church in Moncton. Officiating were Rev. Greg Geldart (’86) and Pastor Chet MacPhail.
The difficult times came to an end on Christmas Day 2002. At the age of seventy-six, surrounded by her family and with her favourite Christmas Carol, Silent Night, playing on the radio in her hospital room, Atlantic Baptist University’s first student, and long time supporter went home to be with her Lord. Doris will be long remembered for her energy, zest for life, and her trust in the Lord. ABU remembers a great friend, and we extend to her husband, Merrill, her son, Stephen, and her daughter, Esther, the assurance that they are being remembered in prayer.
Alumni, have you moved recently? Is there any news you would like us to share with fellow alumni and friends? Send your news to: Gilda (Bagley) (’83) (’03) Ryder Atlantic Baptist University Box 6004, Moncton, NB E1C 9L7 Fax: (506) 858-9694 e-mail: gilda.ryder@abu.nb.ca
The Growing Edge
Upcoming Events
Run the Race... ALUMNI
Second Annual ABU 5 & 10 K Run September 20 10:00 a.m.
Date to be announced. For more information contact Bob Murray, Athletics Coordinator 1-888-968-6228 Ext. 135
Alumni Softball Tournament
For more information contact the Recruitment Department (506) 858-8970 * All proceeds from the event go to Atlantic Baptist University
...Set Before You
September 26 & 27 For more information contact Bob Murray, Athletics Coordinator 1-888-968-6228 Ext. 135
ATTENTION ALL 1960-64 ALUMNI! This year’s reunion promises to be another exciting time, so be sure and mark the weekend of Sept. 20-21on your calendar. The reunion this year is in Pleasantville (near Bridgewater), Nova Scotia and one of the special activities is going to be a cruise of the Lunenburg harbour. However, if you prefer to stay on dry ground, there are lots of interesting things to see in the town of Lunenburg itself. Check the Alumni page on the ABU website (www.abu.nb.ca) if you wish further information about that weekend’s activities before you receive your letter with all the details and registration form.
November 28 & 29 For more information contact Bob Murray, Athletics Coordinator 1-888-968-6228 Ext. 135
LOOKING AHEAD... 55th Anniversary Celebrations September 24 & 25, 2004
Be sure and plan to attend - you won t regret it! The Growing Edge
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ABU
CALENDAR OF EVENTS SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER September 5, 6 & 7 ABU Women’s Soccer Team in Maine September 6 Residence Opens September 8 Orientation Day for first time students September 9 Orientation Day for returning students September 6-13 Orientation Week “Tidal Rush 2003”
Tidal Rush 2003 Activities will include: Residence Community Builder Mission Impossible Progressive Supper ABU Community Worship Night Games Campfire Songs The Major Quest ABU Adopt-a-Highway Cleanup Photo Scavenger Hunt Messy Night Banquet ABU Star Search Movie Madness Carnival Day
September 10 First Day of Classes September 19, 6:30 p.m. ABU’s first ACAA Game ABU Women’s Soccer Team vs. Nova Scotia Agricultural College (NSAC) being held at ABU
November 8, 6:30 p.m. Dinner & Fellowship with Dr. MacArthur, President, Mr. Roland Rackham, VP Institutional Advancement and Mr. Scott Ryder, Development Officer at O’Leary United Baptist Church
September 26 & 27 Alumni Softball Tournament
November 9, 9:45 a.m. Dr. MacArthur speaking at O’Leary United Baptist Church
September 28, 11:15 a.m. Dr. MacArthur, President, speaking at Beechwood United Baptist Church
November 9, 11:15 a.m. Dr. MacArthur speaking at Springfield United Baptist Church
September 20, 10:00 a.m. 5 & 10 K Run
November 15 ABU’s Fifth Annual Craft Fair 9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. To reserve a table, contact the ABU Conference Coordinator, Ramona Mitchell at (506) 863-6445
October 24 - 25 Dr. MacArthur, President, at Evangelical Fellowship of Canada Roundtable in Langley, BC
NOVEMBER/DECEMBER November 8, 9:00 a.m. Mr. Roland Rackham, VP Institutional Advancement, presenting a Will & Estate Planning Seminar at O’Leary United Baptist Church
November 21 ABU Christmas Presentation November 28 & 29 Alumni Basketball Tournament December 11 Last day of Classes
Quality university education firmly rooted in the Christian faith
Box 6004 Moncton, New Brunswick Canada E1C 9L7 Page 16
The Growing Edge