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Full-time equivalency (every 12 units of course work taken by part-time students is considered equal to one full-time student) is 88.95 on the Fresno campus, two more than 1996 and six more than 1995. The FTE at MBBS's British Columbia Centre is 2.50 this fall, compared to 4.38 last year and 5.87 the year before. The FTE in B.C. is expected to rise with courses that are scheduled to start later in the fall. Total FTE, combining Fresno and B.C. is 91.58 this year, compared to 90.21 last year and 88.7 in 1995.
The following figures are based on 142 credit students, and do not include six cross-registered from Fresno Pacific University and one letter of permission. The percentage of MB students has decreased this year to 43% (62 students). Last September, 68 MB students were enrolled (52%). Part-time students continue to increase. Last fall, there were 72 full-time and 60 part-time students; this year there are 67 full-time and 75 part-time students. Seventy percent of students are married; 62 percent are male. The number of international students has decreased this year to 13, with 15 others of non-Anglo culture. Last year, there were 25 international students and an additional 16 non-Anglo. The Canadian percentage has decreased from 26% last year to 23% this year. Kent H. Gaston, Director of Communications
A special tribute was paid to one of the teachers, Geoffrey Champion, who died on Aug. 29, just after the school year started. Julian Hudson, one of Geoff's friends and colleagues, commented on the contributions Geoff made to MBCI as a Christian teacher concerned about integrating faith into all of life. Geoff taught science at MBCI from 1988 through 1997. In the summer of 1989, he was diagnosed with a form of lymphoma. Over the next eight years, he fought a heroic battle against the cancer and won the admiration and respect of his colleagues and students for his courage and determination. A biblical text that provided the theme at Geoff's funeral came from II Timothy 4:6-8: "I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race. I have kept the faith."
Don Peters announced that the staff of MBCI have initiated a Geoff Champion Memorial Science Scholarship that will be awarded annually to a grade 7 student who excels in science and demonstrates a commitment to Christian values. Contributions from the broader constituency for this scholarship fund are invited.
New teachers introduced this year were Kimberly Bergman, grade 8 science and mathematics; Chris Duester, junior high social studies, English and biblical studies; Nicole Ens, music and science; and Phil Peters, an educational assistant. Harry Wall is back teaching senior high mathematics after a year on deferred salary leave.
One of the special annual events in fall is the grade 8 outdoor education program. A group of 89 students, 10 teachers and some parent volunteers spent three days at Red Rock Camp Sept. 24-26, participating in outdoor activities, daily devotional times and small group meetings.
"Focus days", on which students go out to do voluntary service, have been planned for Oct. 15 for junior high students and one day during the first week of December for senior students. One of the highlights for the students in Concert Choir and Concert Band will be participation in the music festival of the Canadian Association of Mennonite Schools in April, 1998 in Kitchener, Ont. M. Friesen, Vice-Principal
Enrollment remained relatively static this year, with 813 students enrolled in grades 8-12, compared to 817 last year.
There were a number of changes to the teaching staff as three teachers left in June and another three joined the staff this fall. The new teachers are Gary Funk, English and social studies; Janet Garrard, learning assistance; and Christa Toews, physical education and English.
W.A. Sawatzky, publicity
Guest speaker Art Reimer spoke on "Accepting Jesus as your Teacher". Reimer, senior pastor of River West Christian Church in Edmonton, said, "It is important to become an apprentice of Jesus." He referred to Luke 4:16-22, reminding those present that Jesus had no formal training, no credentials and no degrees, yet He held everyone's attention and has kept the interest and devotion of speakers, authors and students for centuries.
Board chair Ray Lepp reminded the crowd of Bethany's 70th anniversary, and thanked them for the generous support that has allowed Bethany to "stay in the black" for three consecutive years.
The opening ceremony was completed with the enthusiastic sounds of an all-school choir singing two songs of praise and celebration.
| Church | 1997-98 | 1996-97 |
|---|---|---|
| MB | 97 | 116 |
| Baptist | 8 | 7 |
| Alliance | 6 | 2 |
| Mennonite | 7 | 8 |
| EMC | 6 | 6 |
| EMMC | 1 | 0 |
| Evangelical Free | 1 | 1 |
| Other | 42 | 19 |
| Total | 168 | 159 |
| BC | AB | SK | MB | ON | USA | FOR | TOT | F | M | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Freshmen | 7 | 14 | 39 | 28 | 7 | 1 | 1 | 97 | 49 | 48 |
| Junior | 3 | 11 | 21 | 14 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 52 | 26 | 26 |
| Senior | 2 | 1 | 11 | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 19 | 10 | 9 |
| Total | 12 | 26 | 71 | 45 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 168 | 85 | 83 |
Jim Vincent began working as the new business manager on July 2. Jim and his wife Jean moved to Hepburn from Caronport, Sask., where Jim had served as accounting manager at Briercrest Bible College.
The new food services director is Martha Schultz. Resident deans are Daphne Plett, Shannon Eichendorf, Jeremy Wiens and Jason Giesbrecht. Bethany's new receptionist and faculty secretary is Carly Koop. The resource department secretary and Saskatchewan MB Conference secretary is Beverly Funk. Moureen Aritonang of Jakarta, Indonesia will be assisting in the library. Moureen is working in Canada for one year under the MCC International Visitor Exchange Program and will be in Hepburn for six months. She is a member of the Filadelfia Muria (Mennonite) Church in Jakarta.
This fall, Bethany will be presenting the dinner theatre "A Change in the Wind". This prairie romance, written by Sara Pasciciel, will be performed Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 at Bethany Place. The Christmas program "Celebrate the Light" is planned for Dec. 6-7.
A total of 131 students are considered Concord students, in that they are working toward completing a Concord program, while the remaining 114 are visiting students (primarily registered at the University of Winnipeg). The 131 Concord students come from various parts of Canada as well as abroad: B.C. 13; Alberta 4; Saskatchewan 4; Ontario 12; Manitoba 95; China, Kenya and Germany 1 each. Another 5 from Lithuania are enrolled for January. Enrollment from each of the provinces, except Manitoba, is up this year.
"Concord enrollment patterns," explains president Harry Olfert, "vary with specific course offerings available. Certain General Studies courses and Religious Studies courses are not offered each year. As an example, the History of Science course, which meets the B.A. science requirement, was offered last year but not this year; it had an enrollment over 35. The same is true for a Religious Studies course, Introduction to Conflict Resolution."
"I am encouraged," continues Olfert, "when I see the strong enrollment in our Music and Religious Studies programs. It was great to hear professor Ian Ritchie asking where to place the more than 40 students in his Christian Worldview course. We also have more students living in residence this year, which makes community life more vibrant.
"I sense a relaxed optimism about the future on our campus," adds Olfert. "There are occasions when our location near the city core causes anxiety for staff and students, but our campus community's faith commitment and faithful Christian discipleship provide appropriate nurture and support. This commitment, along with the opportunities within the anticipated federation of Mennonite colleges, is exciting."
IBL also welcomed Eric Wingender as part of the full-time faculty this year. Last year, after Pierre Gilbert was called to MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif., Wingender was asked to assist on a half-time basis. This decision was motivated by financial uncertainties. However, in order to assure the continued health of the school, the Board invited him to move to full-time for the 1997-98 school year. With the help of regular supporters as well as new ones and by being very selective in expenses, the financial needs will be met.
IBL has recently concluded another agreement with the Universit de Montral, which brings to a total of two years the number of courses that students can cross-register at the university. (That is, IBL is able to offer two years of a three-year B.A. Previously IBL could offer only one year.) This is one of the reasons for the increase in the student body this semester.
IBL concluded the 1996-1997 financial year in the black. Since the budget was tight throughout the year, expenses were cut. A one-day-a-week position was eliminated, the allocated library amount was not spent, and Eric Wingender was hired on a half-time basis only. These and other cuts have made it possible to remain within the confines of revenue. Over the years, IBL has accomplished many things on a relatively low budget. This year, IBL needs to raise $72,615 to meet its budget. One Sunday in November is designated "IBL Sunday" to highlight the school in churches throughout the Canadian Conference and to help raise money to attain this financial goal. Another means is to appeal to private donors and foundations. For the second consecutive year, a third way to raise funds has been apple picking: A local apple farmer opens his orchard for a "pick-your-own-apples weekend". He dedicates 50% of these sales to support of IBL.
Since 1994, the Centre for Research and Curriculum Development has developed, written and produced a total of seven original 15-week programs that provide children ages 4-12 with a balanced spiritual diet and also serve as a training tool for adults involved in children's ministries. Although the intent at the outset was to service the French MB churches, the materials are presently being used in more than 20 denominations throughout the province.
Jean Theoret
Eden's student population has increased again this year. The Director of the Lincoln County Board agreed to allow the school to pierce its enrollment cap of 450. At the end of September, a total of 473 students were enrolled in Grades 9-12, necessitating the use of a second portable classroom. Unfortunately, Eden still had to turn away students wishing to attend.
Under the leadership of spiritual life directors Ed Heinrichs and Laurie-Anne Kavanagh, students in Grades 10, 11 and 12 have had the opportunity to attend three-day spiritual life and leadership retreats at Camp Crossroads. This new program has helped students cultivate new and deeper friendships and has also led to spiritual renewal and commitment.
In January, 1998, Eden will become part of a new, amalgamated Board of Education. While this change poses new challenges, it also will provide Eden with a larger community to serve.
Ray Smith
"Staff and faculty are much more concerned about the students than at another college I went to," says Joanna Forbes from Jamaica. Rachel Mwangi from Kenya agrees with her: "When I came first to Columbia, the staff were so good to me that I felt comfortable right away. They helped me find a part-time job. I was able to transfer courses and enter the second year."
Students from 11 different countries have come to Columbia Bible College this year. Jamaica, Germany, Kenya, Brazil, Korea, Austria, Russia, China and the US are all represented. An international student committee is seeking to find ways to serve them better, with increased transitional information, organized social events and lunches.
While the full-time enrollment is down to 268 from the record enrollment last year, the school's 60th anniversary year, the numbers are up from two years ago and well above the number three years ago. There are 125 women and 143 men. Full-time equivalency is 293.81, which includes the 74 part-time students. There are 93 students in the four-year degree program, 111 in the two-year diploma program and 64 in the one-year certificate program. Biblical studies (55 students), youth work (53), Early Childhood Education (63) and missions (20) continue to be the most popular programs. The denominational division of students is 109 (41%) Mennonite Brethren, 51 (19%) Conference of Mennonites, 12 (4%) other Mennonite and 96 (36%) other denominations.
The number of commuter students has increased to 90 (compared with 178 on campus). Fourth-year student Larissa Bergen is the representative who connects them with car pools, lockers and a voice-mail line which informs them of daily activities.
An attractive computer classroom with a lab has been created in the Resource Centre this summer. Also, several classrooms and the student life offices were carpeted thanks to a generous donor. The lighting has been improved on campus, and some painting and roofing has been done. The men's and women's dorms have been switched, and students have adjusted well to the change.
Outdoor Recreation Leadership is a new program that has started this fall. The courses will be offered in "modules".
Ron Penner, who was an administrator at MB Biblical Seminary in Fresno, Calif., began as academic dean in August. Carey Penner is the new instructor in psychology. Half-time in worship ministries is Nelson Boschman. Two new male residence directors, Rikk Kieft and Curt Teichroeb, serve in the dorm. Iain McPhail, a student in his last year at Trinity Western University, is leading the drama troupe, Kingdom Players. They will be producing "The Miracle Worker", the story of Helen Keller's life. Faculty member Gary Yamasaki is on study leave. Faculty member Ron Voth has returned from study leave, and Betty Suderman has been appointed musician in residence.
The faculty and staff show interest in students on a day-to-day basis, as well as in weekly discipleship groups where students have a place to talk, ask questions and pray together after chapel.
Susan Tucker Braid
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