THE GROWING EDGE A PUBLICATION FOR ALUMNI AND FRIENDS OF CRANDALL UNIVERSITY | FALL 2023
VOLUME 36 EDITION 1
FOUNDATIONS FOR LIFE
2023's Fall Grads, Crandall Goes Camping, and more!
AN EXPANDED AND REFRESHED LIBRARY
Dr. Bruce Fawcett ('88) President and Vice Chancellor
A library is not just about storing books and journals; it is a space to cultivate research skills, a quiet place to read and write, and it creates a culture of study and learning that is essential to a university’s identity and a student’s growth.
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hen I was a student on the old Salisbury Road campus our library was located in the basement of the “Ladies Dorm”. The space wasn’t all that attractive, and the collection was small – but I loved it there! The library was a place where I could sit at my favourite old wooden table among books, ponder my assigned readings, and write my term papers. It was also a place where I could laugh with my friends while not-so-quietly debating the ideas we encountered in class. In 1985, my second year as a student, Ivan Douthright arrived and began 36 years of service as the first full-time librarian in the history of our school. He presided over a collection that grew slowly due to budget constraints, but which took several major leaps forward thanks to large donations of books from people like former President Stuart Murray, former professor Jim Beverley, and former Queen’s University professor George Rawlyk, for whom our library is named. When Ivan retired, the University searched for a new University Librarian and called David Purdy
books and journals; it is a space to cultivate research skills, a quiet place to read and write, and it creates a culture of study and learning that is essential to a university’s identity and a student’s growth.
to the role. David came to us from Redeemer University in Hamilton, Ontario where he was serving as Assistant Librarian. After spending his first year settling in and his second year hiring and training two of our alumni to join his team, the administration and the Board of Governors thought it was time to embark on an expansion and refreshment of our library. We wrestled at first with the idea of investing over a million dollars in our library. After all we have some 200,000 volumes that are available electronically. Was there a future for a physical library at Crandall? Eventually we concluded that a library is not just about storing
This summer all the books were packed into boxes which were generously donated by a supporter and then moved to Stultz Hall for storage. This allowed our contractors to expand the library into rooms formerly used for other purposes and to refresh the entire space. The Rawlyk Library is now much larger and open. It is equipped with new furniture and has both a new archives room and rare book room as well as group study space. It is a beautiful space filled with natural light where our students and our staff can work. My favorite old wooden table from the 1980s is now gone, but a new generation of students now have a beautiful space where they can read, write, and study with their friends. Thank you to all of you who gave generously to Crandall last year allowing us to enrich this important aspect of student life and learning!
Dr. Bruce Fawcett ('88) has served as President and Vice Chancellor since 2012.
The Growing Edge | 1
Spring 2023
CONTENTS
President's Letter
01
Two Families, One Foundation
06
Athletics Update
08
Eaton Family Skies of Blue Prizes
14
Faculty News
17
Alumni News
18
Dr. Bruce Fawcett ('88), President & Vice Chancellor
Dr. Sam Reimer writes of two sets of sisters that took Crandall University academics by storm from the years 2012-2021.
Director of Athletics, Jim Druart, recounts the start of the 2023-2024 athletics season.
Robert Eaton introduces his family's generous new prizes for Crandall students.
04
Crandall Goes Camping Dr. Robert Knowles ('89) sits down with members of Crandall University’s camp team to follow up on their summer tour.
16
Faculty Highlight YEUNG
Dr. Isaac Soon unveils his musical alter-ego.
Credits Frannie Branswell ('20), Marketing & Communications Associate Erica Scott ('15)
09
Fall Convocation 2023
See this year's 2023 Fall Graduates.
12
More Than Just an Internship
Professor Don Moore speaks with Graduate students concerning their internship placements.
Darrell Nevers ('08), Marketing & Communications Manager Cover Photo: Md Shorab Hossain (MM '23) with Chancellor Don Simmonds. Convocation photography by Dale Preston. Changes of address should be sent to: Alumni Relations Crandall University Box 6004, Moncton, NB E1C 9L7 Tel: +1 (506) 858-8970 | 1-888-968-6228 Email: alumni@crandallu.ca The Growing Edge is the magazine of Crandall University. Its purpose is to inform alumni, donors, and friends about the University and to keep them in touch with the life of Crandall, as well as its family and friends. Alumni letters, unsolicited manuscripts, art, and photos are welcome for possible inclusion. Items for "Alumni News" should be identified by graduation class year. © 2023 Crandall University. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission is strictly prohibited. Printer: Advocate Printing Publication Number: 40006990
The Growing Edge | 3
CRANDALL GOES CAMPING DR. ROBERT KNOWLES ('89) SITS DOWN WITH MEMBERS OF CRANDALL UNIVERSITY'S CAMP TEAM TO FOLLOW UP ON THEIR SUMMER TOUR.
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his summer, Crandall University sent a ministry team of five students to nine Christian camps throughout the Maritimes including Camp Shiktehawk, Camp Pagweak, Greenhill Lake Camp, Caton’s Island, Camp Seggie, Kingswood Camp, Camp Wildwood, Bayside Camp, and Camp Tulakadik. The team’s job was to spend the summer providing live worship for the camps, since many rely on pre-recorded worship music out of ease and convenience and tend to lack a personal worship experience. The initiative was not only a great way for some of our Worship Apprenticeship students to gain some real-life worship and ministry experience, but also to introduce camp staff and campers to Crandall University. Recently, Crandall University Vice President for Advancement Dr. Robert Knowles, sat down with members of the team to discuss their summer on the road. Robert Knowles (RK): So, out of all the jobs that you could have applied for this summer, why did you choose the Camp Team for your summer job? Benjamin Wilson (BW), BBA '24: I chose this job because I loved the idea of working at different summer camps around the Maritimes and serving in whatever way I could. This desire for a "Christian Adventure" of sorts started at the beginning of 2023 and I was blessed that my desire was fulfilled in this position.
Rebekah Swanson (RS), BBA ‘23, BEd '25: This job was provided by God when I was not sure what other job options I would have this summer. I was thankful to not only be offered a job, but to also be offered one that sounded interesting and beneficial to me and my faith. RK: That’s great! I’m glad that you were both excited to take on the role. It sounds like there were most likely plenty of memories made, but what would you say were some of your best memories from the experience? BW: Some of my best memories were seeing the Holy Spirit work in the lives of the campers and spending time with my teammates! I also had the opportunity to be a camp pastor for a week, which showed me how God can use me to do amazing things! RS: I cherish star gazing on a lake dock and singing around a campfire, those are the memories that taught me to love camp. I also really enjoyed just playing music with my wonderful team members and worshiping God with a different community of amazing people each week. RK: Both of your answers seem to involve the social and community aspect of camp and your team, how would you say your experience was as a group in terms of chemistry, team building, and playing to each other’s strengths? BW: I felt like God put the best possible group together for this adventure! We worked really well together and are now great friends as a result of this ministry. RS: The experience I had with this particular group was definitely one of my favourite parts of the summer. I was able to build wonderful, godly relationships with the people I worked with, and it was so beneficial to learn how to live and work closely with people who may do things differently than I do. I have no doubt that God put the team together because our strengths and weaknesses complimented each other
Crandall's summer camp team: Rebekah Swanson, Joshua Sabu, Brogan Ohlhauser, Benjamin Wilson, Izabella Falle
I think this was an invaluable opportunity for me, and, as someone who heard about Crandall through a representative at a youth event, I believe many youth who would not have otherwise heard about Crandall can now consider coming to school here because of our journey this summer."
perfectly and we were able to really help each other grow in beautiful ways while we worked.
a place they could consider to be their community! RS: I think this was an invaluable opportunity for me, and, as someone who heard about Crandall through a representative at a youth event, I believe many youth who would not have otherwise heard about Crandall can now consider coming to school here because of our journey this summer.
RK: That is great to hear! Obviously after spending a summer on the road at various camps, you learned a lot about summer camp, but did you have any camp experience before this summer? BW: I worked as a Leader in Training at Camp Tulakadik for one summer and attended as a camper 6 years prior. It was really cool seeing how each camp was unique, from having late night corn boils at one camp, to campfire Q&As with the Camp Pastor at another. RS: Before this summer, my previous camp experiences were minimal. Since I had such little experience, it was so nice to be able to expand my understanding and see the different ways summer camps can be operated! RK: Now that the summer is over, are there ways that you think the experiences that you gained helped prepare you for the school year at Crandall? BW: Since the summer, I have felt challenged to be bolder in how I interact with people on campus and to take risks for Jesus.
RS: Through this experience I was able to grow in ways that helped better prepare me for this upcoming school year. I was able to grow closer to God, learn the importance of nurturing godly relationships in my life, and learn how important it is to develop the skills God has given me to further His Kingdom. RK: Aside from how the experience benefitted you personally, how do you think visiting these camps will impact the University? BW: This summer was a great way to not only help our local camps with worship and serving, but also to make lasting connections with kids and teens that will truly impact how they view Crandall. As a result of the work that we did this summer, more youth see our school as
The Camp Leaders shared in the students’ sentiment that the summer was a positive and impactful experience. Jenna MacLeod (’21), Summer Director of Shiktehawk Bible Camp, shared, “The Crandall team came during our staff training week which was a huge benefit to our staff. We run our own worship team during the summer program, but it is always a bit of a stretch to have the team together and practiced in time for our chapel sessions. Having the Crandall team alleviated a lot of pressure and allowed all our staff to be able to fully engage in worship. They brought spiritual depth to our chapel discussion groups after the message and participated in most of our games and activities as well. There are so many things I could pick as my favourite part of having them here, but I think fellowship and friendship were the biggest highlights!” The Growing Edge | 5
TWO FAMILIES, ONE FOUNDATION
Dr. Sam Reimer Professor of Sociology
DR. SAM REIMER PONDERS THE UNIQUE ACADEMIC HISTORY OF TWO SETS OF SISTERS AT CRANDALL UNIVERSITY AND FOLLOWS THEIR LIFE PATHS STARTING WITH THEIR SHARED CRANDALL FOUNDATION AND BRANCHING OUT TOWARD THEIR INDIVIDUAL PROFESSIONS.
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n my 27 years of teaching sociology at Crandall, I never would have predicted such an unusual experience, and to my knowledge, nothing like this has happened before at Crandall and it is unlikely it will ever happen in the future. I had the privilege of teaching two sets of Steeves sisters, all four of whom received Crandall’s prestigious Honours Society award, given to the undergraduate student whom the faculty selected as the top overall student in that year’s graduating class. What are the chances? The Honours Society Award is based on three criteria: academic achievement, service, and Christian character. All four sisters were A/A+ students, a rare accomplishment, especially in Sam Reimer’s classes! They were all active in service—on worship teams, sports teams, outreach to the community, leadership positions, and three of them supported my work as Teacher’s Assistants. All showed (and continue to show) exemplary Christian character. Let’s start with the elder Steeves sisters, Kathleen (Steeves) Duong and Hannah (Steeves) Bartlett. Kathleen, or Katie, graduated in 2011 with a double major in English and Honours Sociology. After graduation, Katie earned her Master’s degree (2012) and PhD (2017) from McMaster University in Sociology. She worked as a sessional instructor at McMaster in the Social Psychology program for a few years before starting
as a tenure track assistant professor of sociology at Trinity Western University. What a joy for a prof to teach a student who now is an academic colleague! I see Katie at professional conferences, and we are working together on the Canadian Flourishing Congregations Study, and Katie serves as Associate Director of Research for the Flourishing Congregations Institute. Katie states: "During my undergrad, I was encouraged by my Sociology professors to pursue a career in academia and research that I have now started. I would not have seen this possibility for myself without their guidance. The small class sizes and strong background I received [at Crandall] in theory and methodology helped me be (over) prepared for graduate school, and the modeling of faith integration and mentorship helped prepare me as I now teach and mentor my own students and research assistants in a Christian education environment." Her younger sister, Hannah (Steeves) Bartlett graduated in 2016 with a double major in Biblical Studies and English (along with the Youth Leadership Certificate). After Crandall, Hannah received her MDiv from Acadia Divinity College and is now Next Generations Pastor at Cornerstone Baptist Church in PEI. Hannah was ordained with the Canadian Baptists of Atlantic Canada in 2021. While Hannah was not a sociology major like the others, I got to know her in my Christian Spirituality,
6 | Crandall University
I am a much more confident individual Sociology of Religion, and Evangelicalism Cassidy remembers feeling like she classes. Hannah writes that was very quickly welcomed into the today than I was the inherCanada courses at Crandall helped her community as a student, sharing; first year I started prepare for ministry: "Very early on I found the professors studying at Crandall. "The courses I took were relevant to and willing to help, both for I thank God for my vocational calling and helped me to approachable academic guidance and for life guidance. develop critical thinking, consider how I felt very supported by professors. the opportunity for to communicate well, and to value a for professors (Cassidy was an transformation, diversity of perspectives. The integration Working assistant for three professors) taught me faith in every course helped me to more skills than I would have learned not just education." ofgrow spiritually and helped affirm my in class. Even though Crandall is small, calling into ministry. The community at Crandall provided me with lifelong friends and various leadership opportunities outside the classroom where I could practice leading. Staff and faculty truly cared about me as a person and encouraged me to pursue my gifts for ministry. My season at Crandall was a time of personal growth and affirmation of my call into ministry that I am still so grateful for today!"
Kennedy
Cassidy
Hannah
Katie
Sisters Cassidy Steeves and Kennedy (Steeves) Albinet both graduated with sociology degrees in 2020 and 2021 respectively. As my teaching assistants, Cassidy and Kennedy (affectionately called “the Cassennedys”) helped me develop new courses, mark assignments, develop research, and even organize public lectures! After graduation, both worked for Crandall University. Cassidy became the Registrar’s Office Assistant, and Kennedy recently completed her role as Assistant for the Admissions Department. Kennedy is now working toward certification in Reflexology. Crandall has a history of hiring some of our top graduates! Other sociology majors who currently work at Crandall include Marybeth Lebouthillier (Registrar), Sarah MacKenzie (Registrar’s Office Administrator), Nathan Weaver (Maintenance Coordinator) and Moriah Ohlhauser (Student Success Centre).
there were lots of opportunities to be involved in groups with other students and staff/faculty (like the sociology society executive). I felt like a valued and cared for part of the Crandall community." When asked what she is thankful for in relation to her time at Crandall, Kennedy responded: "The opportunity to learn from some of the country's top scholars and educators at the university-level…Upon reflection, I can see how much I grew and developed as a student and as an individual overall. I broke through barriers and limitations in my own mind that had held me back, as I was prone to listening to lies of doubt and unbelief about my capabilities (intellectually, socially, etc.), and I am a much more confident individual today than I was the first year I started studying at Crandall. I thank God for the opportunity for transformation, not just education." These four Steeves sisters are among the hundreds of delightful students that have been in my classes; students who have gone from Crandall to make the world a better place by expanding God’s Kingdom in their diverse callings. We at Crandall are thankful for whatever small role we have had in their formation.
Sam Reimer is a Professor of Sociology at Crandall and has been teaching here for the last 27 years.
The Growing Edge | 7
A HIGHER PURPOSE
DIRECTOR OF ATHLETICS, JIM DRUART, RECOUNTS THE START OF THE 2023-2024 ATHLETIC SEASON
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his has been another year of growth for Crandall University Athletics. This year we welcomed a record 61 first-year athletes into our program, with now over 120 athletes competing for and representing Crandall University! Our athletic facility renovations were completed this summer with the installation of a new air conditioning system in The Court thanks to a grant from the Atlantic Baptist Foundation. As a faith-based university, we continue to believe our student-athletes are called to a Higher Purpose, to excel in academics and athletics and become leaders and mentors in the wider community. We are pleased to announce that 22 student-athletes received the CCAA National Scholar Award last year. This award is given annually to student-athletes who participate in varsity athletics and have also achieved excellence in academics. This year, our men’s and women’s Cross Country teams were crowned league champions at the ACAA Cross Country
Championships in Truro, NS. This was the second consecutive banner for our women’s team and the third consecutive banner for our men’s team. We launched our men’s Volleyball program this fall, competing in league play for the first time in November. Our Boxing team is a part of the National Collegiate Boxing Association league and competes against colleges and universities from across the U.S. Our teams have faced some successes and some challenges. They continue to show great resiliency, strength, and character as they build upon the foundations they have laid. Our expectations are high and we continue to work hard to create a culture founded in faith, integrity, respect, and community. On behalf of the coaches, staff, and student-athletes of Crandall University Athletics, I once again wish to express my sincere and deep gratitude and thanks to the Crandall community for your continued support and commitment to athletics. Jim Druart has served as Director of Athletics and Recreation since 2019.
Fall Athletic Honours
Women’s Cross Country Second Consecutive ACAA Conference Title Men’s Cross Country Third Consecutive ACAA Conference Title ACAA Cross Country Champion, ACAA Runner of the Year Luke Purdy Women’s Cross Country All‑Conference Mary Fillmore, Mikaela Allen, Clareta Livingstone Men’s Cross Country All-Conference Luke Purdy, Jackson Culberson, Luc Blanchette Women’s Soccer First Team All‑Conference Rebekah Deveau Women’s Soccer Second Team All‑Conference Simona Romano Men’s Soccer First Team All‑Conference Ethan Druart Men’s Soccer Second Team All‑Conference Luke Knowles
FALL CONVOCATION 2023 The Growing Edge | 9
FALL 2023 GRADS Bachelor of Arts
Armando Martin Balcázar Urquidi
Zahra Mahdavi
Karen Blacklock
Nancy Batra
Shivani Makkar
Sarah Catherine Hebert
Karan Beer Singh Bhullar
Jayeshkumar Jivanbhai Mandani
Stacy Keeler
Neethu Bipin
Sneha Anna Manoj
Chantal LeBlanc
Suchitra Biswas
Fahaduddin Faiz Mohammed
Monique LeBlanc
Anantkumar Bharatbhai Chauhan
Lalit Mohan
Tina Marie LeBlanc
Anju Davis
Neeraja Narayanan
Jordan MacPhee
Vatsal Bharat Devi
Pritika Nayyar
Joshua William MacPhee
Jennifer Eid
Fatemeh Niknam
Nancy Annette Milliea
Jose Gerardo Escobar Lopez
Noora Nizar
Allana Mary Nicholas
Sylvia John Fernandes
Oludolapo Olufunke Ojo
Maria Catalina Ordonez Torres
Meenal Gambhiri
Irene-Ann Afuluchi Okanu
Amy Elizabeth Reid
Sarath Gopinath
Iniobong Michael Okon
Marley Emily Elaine Warman
Vibha Goswami
Osarome Mercy Olapade-Aiwerioba
Rinki Sen Gupta
Funmilayo Adetunmbi Olomola
Bachelor of Business Administration
Mansi Rameshbhai Hadvani
Olubusayo Janet Onifade
Graham Mitchell Bulley
Rohit Hooda
Purvi Dharmikbhai Pandya
Fabion Clarence Chung
Md Shorab Hossain
Harshkumar Thakorbhai Patel
Utoma Aniekan Ihe
Raj Kiritbhai Patel
Shalinkumar Babubhai Jasani
Abrarkhan Jabbarkhan Pathan
Kevin Joseph
Neethu Paul
Master of Education
Piyush Ghanshyambhai Kakadiya
Juan Esteban Pérez Álvarez
Colleen Louise Mitchell
Shikha Kapoor
Kartik Pillai
Erika Marie Colette Murphy
Amandeep Kaur
Manas Pillai
Emily-Ann Ascah Ricketts
Gurmeet Kaur
Amrita Rajendran
Kayla Rhea Robichaud
Ramandeep Kaur
Ekta Rani
Katherine Loris Ward
Ravneet Kaur Rupinder Kaur
Mohammad Arhaanali Hashmatali Saiyad
Master of Management
Sandeep Kaur
Maria Jain Rose Sebastian
Rahul
Sukhbir Kaur
Himanshu Sethi
Jairo Andres Alvarez Torres
Khashayar Khabbazy
Abhay Sharma
Marnia Alves Rocha
Sagar Maheshbhai Kher
Shaileja Sharma
Md Avinaba Khan Antar
Nidhi Lingwal
Damanpreet Singh
Sheka Mercina Augustine
Aman Mahajan
Harvinderpal Singh
Amandeep Kaur Aulakh
Anuj Mahajan
Kirandeep Singh
Ashish Pravinbhai Babariya
Amineh Mahdavi
Bharat Sirwani
Zuly Mireya Badillo Rivero
Monireh Mahdavi
Samantha Racquel Smith
Bachelor of Organizational Management Natasha Marie Smith
10 | Crandall University
Yanneik Sherika Smith Paras Tanwar Prashant Upadhyay Rachel Victor Anahita Yassari Maria Theresa Yu
CONVOCATION AWARDS
The Dr. Dannie Brown Graduate Studies Award in Management Jennifer Eid
The Dr. Roger Russell Organizational Management Honours Society Award Allana Mary Nicholas
Master of Organizational Management Kehinde Akhere Abu
Adeola Olabisi Adekolu Aarzoo Aggarwal Wuraola Bolatito Ajayi Ibrahim Abdulmumini Aminu Olajide Olayiwola Funminiyi Awowade Henry Efe Bello Adeola Bolanle Dairo Clara Oluwabusayo Ebyn-Ahisu Atinuke Christabelle Faleye Shagufta Farooqui Prabhujyot Kaur Layal Onyemowo Majesty Obah Isioma Petra Obokoh Kofoworola Aminat Olaniyan Soumya Pandey Krupali Rameshbhai Patel Jasjeet Plaha Rukayat Ojuolape Yussuff
MORE THAN JUST AN INTERNSHIP PROFESSOR DON MOORE SPEAKS WITH GRADUATE STUDENTS CONCERNING THEIR INTERNSHIP PLACEMENTS.
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uring the final semester of their two-year graduate program, most Master of Management students complete a fourmonth internship within their field of study. Don Moore is often the first point of contact with the businesses and organizations that host these interns and has witnessed many exciting situations unfold for these students, many of whom have had their internship lead to full-time positions following graduation. Students report back on their experiences as part of their program and, out of a desire to tell a few of these stories, Don sat down with a handful of these students to learn more about their specific placements.
Rupinder Kaur from Haryana, India (MM, ’23) Rupinder’s internship started at the beginning of April 2023 when she was taken on as an Event Coordinator at Lloyd’s of Moncton. When asked what type of work she did during her internship, she shared that she had the opportunity to be involved in administrative support, planning, communication, logistics, creative input, problem-solving, and post-event evaluation.
Wanting to dive into the community aspect of her role, Don asked Rupinder about which part of her job she found herself the most passionate about. Rupinder shared that it was the fact that she was able to create meaningful, memorable experiences for people, saying, “through well-organized events, I can bring communities together, foster connections, and promote positive engagement. My job helps the community by enhancing social interactions, supporting local businesses, and contributing to the overall wellbeing and vibrancy of the area. It's fulfilling to see the impact of my work in building a stronger and more connected community.” Finally, Don concluded by asking about Crandall and how Rupinder feels her education prepared her for her internship and employment in Canada. She explained, “the Master of Management program equipped me with a comprehensive understanding of Canadian business principles, leadership skills, and effective communication. This academic foundation, combined with practical coursework and networking opportunities helped me in developing problem-solving abilities, project management skills, and the confidence to excel in my internship role. Additionally, the career advice provided by you, Professor Moore, assisted me in securing this internship.” When she looks back at her time at Crandall, Rupinder thinks fondly of the Graduate Student Society, which helped her build a network of friends when she first moved to Canada.
Sheka Augustine from Hyderabad, India (MM, ’23) Sitting down with Sheka, Don discussed her role as a summer student at Master Packaging Inc. which she started in April of this year as part of her internship requirement for her degree. Sheka shared that during her internship, her role was vast; “I primarily focused on recruitment, which involved posting job listings, screening applicants, conducting interviews, and selecting candidates for different positions. Additionally, I managed paperwork, organized training for both new and existing employees, and worked with various software tools relevant to these tasks. I also made contributions to occupational health and safety initiatives within the organization and focused on employee engagement activities.” When asked what she is most passionate about concerning her internship, Sheka stated that being in HR allows her to make a meaningful impact on people’s lives: “by being involved in the recruitment and employee development processes, I help individuals find employment and grow in their careers,” shared Sheka. “This, in turn, contributes to the community by reducing unemployment and fostering personal and professional growth 12 | Crandall University
within it. It's rewarding to know that my job plays a role in strengthening the community by supporting individuals in their career journeys.” To bring the discussion full circle, Sheka was asked to speak on her education at Crandall, and how it helped inform her. Her response was simple: “I have a solid foundation of the appropriate skills and information required for my internship thanks to my studies at Crandall University. I gained the skills I needed to succeed in my internship role and significantly contribute to the business thanks to the coursework and real-world experiences that the Master of Management program provides.” She then concluded by saying that her favourite part of studying at Crandall was the smaller class sizes which allowed for more individualized contact with very supportive faculty members.
her internship. Although Zahra worked in two different roles at two different organizations, she felt that both positions required comprehensive management skills, including teamwork, scheduling, and budget management. Focusing on her second role at Collier Project Leaders, Zahra said that her internship predominantly involved assisting indigenous communities in rebuilding homes and undertaking various construction projects. She is passionate about making a positive impact and values the opportunity to make a difference. To conclude her conversation with Don, Zahra shared that her time at Crandall was instrumental in deepening her understanding of management, adding, “my experiences with distinguished professors like Dr. Seth Crowell (’73) were undoubtedly the highlight of my time at Crandall.”
When Don asked Shaileja what aspect of her internship she was the most passionate about, Shaileja shared a love of human resources, going back to her time in India: “I carry seven years of experience in HR from India. After coming here, I was fortunate to have obtained an internship in my field of study and experience. As an HR Coordinator for Oulton College, I ensured that we provided opportunities to newcomers and existing talents by attending job fairs, and providing training, such as the KAIROS Blanket Exercise to create awareness for First Nations and native people groups.” When considering how her time at Crandall prepared her for these tasks, Shaileja shared, “the various courses I took throughout my degree helped me understand concepts and theories which are applicable in the professional world. My professors went above and beyond to help me and my peers to understand the culture and work ethics in Canadian organizations.” Besides knowledge, Shaileja also added that the University works to keep students engaged and connected, which she feels helps international students to settle in well and feel accepted in the Crandall community.
Zahra Mahdavi from Tehran, Iran (MM, ’23) Zahra commenced her internship this past May. During the first part of her internship, she worked as an Assistant Restaurant Manager at Hilton Hotel restaurant, then she worked as an Assistant Project Manager for Collier Project Leaders for the second part of
Shaileja Sharma from Jaipur, India (MM, ’23) Shaileja began her internship at Oulton College as an HR Coordinator in May 2023. In this role, Shaileja explained that she single-handily performed HR duties for three campuses, including tasks like employee recruitment, performance appraisals, training, administration, and grievance handling.
EACH OF THESE STUDENTS' INTERNSHIPS EVOLVED INTO FULL-TIME ROLES AT THEIR RESPECTIVE ORGANIZATIONS FOLLOWING GRADUATION. The Growing Edge | 13
EATON FAMILY SKIES OF BLUE PRIZES by Robert Eaton
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he Eaton Family Skies of Blue Fund is establishing a group of annual prizes at Crandall University with the purpose of fostering the creative arts within the campus community.
The Skies of Blue Arts Prize, of which there will be two, will be awarded to a full-time student in any year of study who inspires others and enriches the Crandall community with a creative contribution to campus life through theatre, music, writing, or the visual arts. An eligible student may be one who captures
The Andrew Prize is named in memory
campus life through the eye of a camera; forms
of Andrew McGillivary. Well known
and leads a vocal group; writes and performs a
within the Crandall community, Andrew
short history of Crandall; creates a sketchbook
was instrumental in the creation of the
of student activities; or creates an artistic
University's physical campus as we see it
display on campus.
today. Andrew also designed the beautiful stained glass window in the MacArthur
As an architect, I have been blessed with the
Chapel. Andrew loved Crandall.
opportunity of working with the enlightened leaders of the Crandall community in bringing
The recipient of this prize will be a
forward the dream of a new campus on the
full-time student who aspires to be like
Colburne farm property. In my observation,
Andrew. More than a talented architect,
Andrew McGillivary in his architectural studio.
Andrew was a Renaissance man – a
this is a place where students learn to think of others and make a difference in the world.
person of deep faith, quiet strength, and integrity. He pursued
My mother, Dr. Corrie Eaton, was generous in her support of
many passions with excellence: his family, Scottish heritage,
Crandall, creating a scholarship in her father’s memory (the
science, painting, reading, hiking, martial arts, travel, and
Idris James Morris Athletic Scholarship), funding the Science
community service. I was fortunate indeed to have worked
Centre in dad’s name, and the creation of Corrie’s Café. The
closely with Andrew through his developmental years from the
creative arts have been a lifelong passion, which I consider a
time he was an architectural student. He was a dear friend and
fundamental endeavor of understanding ourselves and the
is deeply missed.
world about us. It is a privilege to establish the Eaton Family Skies of Blue Prizes.
Robert Eaton is a Founding Director of Architects Four Limited in Moncton, New Brunswick.
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YEUNG
DR. ISAAC SOON UNVEILS HIS MUSICAL ALTER-EGO.
A
lthough I’m a New Testament professor by day, I have a musical alter-ego named YEUNG (after my middle name). YEUNG is a musical project that I’ve been wanting to pursue for the better part of a decade, but was delayed because of my academic work and starting a family. In a previous life, I was a song writing lecturer and teacher in a ministry school in Australia (Hillsong College), and I had the privilege of teaching budding songwriters from around the world.
Earlier this year, a colleague of mine, Ray Badham, started releasing his own music as an independent artist. Technology has made putting your own music online and distributing it via streaming services more accessible than ever, and I was inspired by Ray’s music to pick up songwriting again. At the end of Winter term 2023, I started to write new music in the Contemporary Christian Music (CCM) genre. To my own surprise and delight, new songs came! I ended up writing about nine songs for an album to be released in the spring of 2024. Most of them come from my own personal worship times in my basement—when the kids have gone to sleep and all is quiet. God’s spirit spoke to me as I reflected on ten years of growth, struggle, trial, and God’s grace. What I’m aiming for with this music is to combine both my theological and biblical training with catchy and modern musical sounds. The Christian music market is just that, a market. It’s a business, and so a lot of the music that is produced is for a particular kind of audience. As a theologian and Bible scholar, I often find a lot of CCM music lacking the kind of depth and biblical basis that it should have, especially since millions of people listen and sing along to them every day! I wrote some years ago that our songs in church and on the radio have become our creeds; people listen to this music more than they read their Bibles. So, we need our lyrics to be the best they can be. I hope that my music cuts to the heart of longstanding biblical truths while providing listeners with sounds and aesthetics that are enjoyable to listen to. I’ve released four singles so far “Alchemy,” “Noise,” “Genie,” and “Veins” (which can be found on Spotify, Apple Music, etc.). All the songs have been written and produced by me (I play all the instruments on them), mixed by Crandall alum Ron Scott ('14), and mastered by Drew Lavyne in New York City. Earlier this summer when I had just released “Alchemy,” the folks over at Joy FM in Fredericton gave me an opportunity to open for Jordan St. Cyr and have been an avid supporter of my music. My music has also been picked up by the Faith FM network in Ontario, and United Christian Broadcasters in the UK (“Genie” is currently Record of the Week on UBC1). I’ve also received messages from listeners of how the music has been impacting them. Some of my music is even being used in seminary courses, which is great to hear. I’m not expecting to make money from this music, and I’m definitely not interested in changing careers (don’t worry Dr. Fawcett!). I love being a teacher. My hope and goal with this music is just to serve Christian communities, perhaps those who feel the music they sing on a Sunday or listen to on a Monday could use a bit more theological depth or biblical grounding. Dr. Soon is Assistant Professor of Religious Studies, with a focus on New Testament scholarship. His music can be found here: 16 | Crandall University
FACULTY NEWS Marja Bertrand
Cathlene Hillier
Professor Marja Bertrand (MA, Western University) was awarded the JRSMTE Bronze Award for her article titled "STEAM camp: Teaching middle school students mathematics, science and coding through digital designs." She also presented nationally at the CSSE Conference at York University, North York, Ontario, and internationally at the Psychology of Mathematics Education, PME-46 Conference in Haifa, Israel.
Dr. Cathlene Hillier (PhD, University of Waterloo) presented work from her SSHRC funded project about children's use of technology at two conferences. First, Dr. Hillier presented a paper titled "Children's use of digital technology for learning: An exploratory case study using digital diaries" at the Canadian Sociological Association conference at Congress of the Humanities and Social Sciences, Toronto (Spring 2023). Second, Dr. Hillier presented a paper titled "Children’s digital lives: A comparison of three investigations using visual research in Canada" at the XX ISA World Congress of Sociology, Melbourne (Summer 2023).
Dannie Brown Dr. Dannie Brown (DBA, Anderson University) was awarded the honorary titles of Associate Professor of Management and Dean Emeritus at Fall Convocation 2023.
Alan Chan Dr. Alan Chan (PhD, Western) had a paper accepted for publication with the Canadian Political Science Review. He also had papers accepted for presentation at both the Atlantic Schools of Business Conference at MSVU and the Atlantic Canada Economics Association conference in UPEI.
Bruce Fawcett (’88) President Fawcett's (PhD, University of Wales) article (co-written with Leslie J. Francis and Ursula McKenna) “Exploring the factor structure of the Adolescent Form of the Francis Psychological Type and Emotional Temperament Scales (FPTETSA) among Canadian Baptist youth: Full form and short form” was published recently in Mental Health, Religion and Culture.
Keith Grant (’96) Dr. Keith Grant (PhD, University of New Brunswick) had an article published in the journal Histoire sociale / Social History. “Poor Relief and ‘Cheap Labour’: Pauper Apprenticeship and Auctions in Early Nineteenth-Century Nova Scotia” explores how an early version of social welfare further marginalized communities that were already labouring under racist attitudes and the legacies of slavery.
Greg Maillet Dr. Greg Maillet (PhD, University of Ottawa) gave a paper on John Donne at the “literary apologetics” conference hosted by Wheaton College in June 2023. Dr. Maillet is conducting further research on Donne in a research leave in Winter 2024.
David Purdy David Purdy (MLIS, University of Western Ontario) attended the 2023 Association of Christian Librarians (ACL) Annual Conference in Cedarville, Ohio and presented a research project entitled “Faculty or Staff?: Librarian Identity in Christian Higher Education.”
Sam Reimer Dr. Sam Reimer (PhD, Notre Dame) has been invited to present on his research at Evangelical Fellowship of Canada’s President’s Day in Calgary in October, at the Mennonite Brethren Equip Study Conference in Abbotsford, also in October. He is also presenting a paper on Religion and Ethics at the Society for the Scientific Study of Religion in Salt Lake City, Utah in October. The launch of his new book Caught in the Current: British and Canadian Evangelicals in an Age of Self-Spirituality was held at Crandall University in September.
Isaac Soon Dr. Isaac Soon's (PhD, Durham University) first book, A Disabled Apostle: Impairment and Disability in the Letters of Paul, published by Oxford University Press, was released in September.
The Growing Edge | 17
ALUMNI NEWS
01
Nathan McEwen (’19) became the lead pastor at United Baptist Church of Minto in September 2022 and was ordained in August 2023. Nathan and his wife Maggie (Smith, ’19) welcomed their first baby, Bennett, inn February, 2023!
05
Josh MacLeod (’10) was a finalist on the television show Farming for Love in 2023.
02
Troy (’89) and Jan (Rigby, ’89) Dennis recently moved to Edmonton, Alberta. Troy was promoted to Major and posted to CFB Edmonton as the 1 Canadian Mechanized Brigade Group chaplain. Troy served churches in New Brunswick and Nova Scotia before joining the Canadian Armed Forces as a chaplain in 2014.
03
Sophia (Jones, ’23) and Jacob Dunn (’19) were married on August 5, 2023.
04
Dr. Dale Stairs (’94) was appointed Vice President for Student Life and Transformation at Crandall University in July.
18 | Crandall University
07
Nick (’15) and Aimee (Silliker, ’07) Dunfield started Dunfield Real Estate in 2018 after retiring from Youth Ministry in 2017. Dunfield Real Estate was nominated for business of the year and emerging business of the year by the Alberty County Chamber of Commerce in March 2023.
08
Kristen (Reddy, ’07) and Lorne Hammond (’13) welcomed baby Levi in March 2023!
06
09
Mallory (Moore) Schock (’22) married Nick (’20, ’21) on July 22, 2023.
Hayley (Hallett, ’23) and Evan Cook (’24) were married on August 26, 2023 in Barrington, Nova Scotia.
10
Nathan Weaver (’17) and his wife Lacey (Brannen, ’19), welcomed their third child, Nathan Robert Charles Weaver Jr. (Charlie) in June, 2023.
11
Julie (Rowe, ’22) and William Jardine were married on June 24, 2023 in Parrsboro Nova Scotia. Julie is pursuing her BEd at Crandall as William begins his engineering career.
IN MEMORIAM
Ruth (Warner) Allaby, '61 Esther (Sutherland) Bagley, '51 John S. Beers, '57 Sherri L. (Knapper) Girouard, '17
James Hirtle, '63 Wayne Hubley, '63 Claude Mathieu, '63 Margaret R. Morrow, '64
Ralston Nickerson, '85 Fred Steeves, '54 Maurice D. Stuart, '62 Ray Weaver, '55
STAY CONNECTED TO THE ALUMNI COMMUNITY Have you experienced a major milestone in your life?
Change of address | New career | Further education | Wedding | New baby Share your news – we'd love to celebrate with you! Your update may even be included in the next edition of the Growing Edge! Send your updates to alumni@crandallu.ca
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UPCOMING EVENTS Concert of Prayer
February 2
Distinguished Alumni Awards
May 3
Crandall University
Crandall University
Spring Convocation
May 4
Crandall University Golf Classic
June 20
Crandall University
Mountain Woods Golf Club
CELEBRATE WITH US SEPTEMBER 2024
For further details, please visit crandallu.ca/events or phone 506-858-8970
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