Anthem - Winter 2023

WINTER 2023 THE MAGAZINE OF AMBROSE UNIVERSITY

A Christian Urban University Bringing people and new ideas together to make a positive impact in communities near and far

Stars of wonder | Notable connections | Avatars on stage

insideanthem The links between the heavens, earth and faith were well known; this was their YouTube and ancient peoples used it to communicate.

Dr. Stephen Jeans

Read about why we’ve always wondered about stars on pages 18–19.

SPOTLIGHT:

Instituting Change Ambrose University is home to three institutes blending research, public engagement and action to be powerful forces for change — and have a deep and lasting impact in communities near and far, 4

Canadian Poverty Institute: Building resilience to help prevent vulnerable people from sliding into poverty, and to improve the lives of those who are already struggling

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Flourishing Congregations Institute: Looking into the heart of churches to provide knowledge and tools to help congregations change, grow and thrive in an increasingly complex world

12 Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives: Launching new ideas, collaborative initiatives and new ways of looking at God’s global mission

16 Reframing salvation Downey Lectureships invite Christians to unlearn and relearn — to better know God and reframe the vision of what it means to be Christian 18 Stars of wonder Why does looking up at the heavens hold us in such rapt attention? Perhaps because it’s because it’s good for us 20 Notable connections Royalties from two new choral compositions support Ambrose Music students and enrich a vibrant learning environment 21 Avatars on stage Researching recent developments in music-making — holographic performances — will help define ‘live’ concerts

Cover ‘city’ photo by Brayden Law (Pexels)

22 Campus notebook 24 Family & friends 26 Coming events 28 Looking forward

Acting on passion for storytelling

by Katherine Winston Acting Diploma program

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

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SP TLIGHT

Instituting Change

A Christian URBAN university We are strategically placed where … we can equip our students to be residents of redemptive change.

What does it mean to be a Christian university in the city?

In the case of Ambrose University, it means that we are in Calgary, at the west end of the light rail transit line from City Hall, the main branch of the public library, Arts Commons and the financial district. We are very much a university that recognizes that in the providence of God we have been placed in this city — and that our identity and vision is surely one where we seek to be salt, light and a kingdom witness to and within the city.

We build bridges, not walls. We actively ask: how and in what ways is Calgary a better place because Ambrose University has been placed here?

This translates into how we equip our students to be all that they are called to be. Wherever they go, it is our hope that they know what it means to be an urban Christian who, in the words of Jeremiah 29, “seek[s] the peace of the city to which God has taken them” wherever God takes them — whether it is to another Canadian city, across the world to Bogota, Bangkok or Beirut, or, perhaps just down the road from Calgary to a smaller city or rural community.

We are located in the fourth largest city of Canada, strategically placed where we can make a difference not only in our city or province, our country and our world, but also where we can equip our students to be residents of redemptive change within whatever urban context God takes them to.

Doing so means that we are full residents, eagerly building bridges and points of connection. We ask how we can connect with city hall and with the arts community and with the businesses and schools of this city. We equip students in our Theology faculty to establish and cultivate church communities that, in like manner, are a redemptive presence in the city — again, either here in Calgary or wherever God takes them.

INSTITUTING CHANGE Ambrose University contributes much and in many ways to the well-being of this place we call home. Turn to the Spotlight feature starting on page 4 to read about three leading-edge institutes, all centred at the University, which are improving lives and bettering communities through innovative, collaborative and meaningful initiatives.

Gordon T. Smith, PhD President Professor of Systematic and Spiritual Theology

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

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SP TLIGHT

Instituting Change

Canadian Poverty Institute

Building resilience to help prevent vulnerable people from sliding into poverty, and to improve the lives of those that are already struggling MISSION: a compassionate and just society where the material, social and spiritual gifts and needs of all people are realized.

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Ambrose University

Making an impact requires that we get all the different solutions, all the different parts, working together. This is ‘collective impact’ and we can see it.

Derek Cook

Much of the CPI’s work centres on knowledge mobilization. “In many cases, we don’t need more research,” Cook notes. “We have the information. We just need to connect it with people who can use it to make a difference.”

Building partnerships, building trust The CPI brings together myriad stakeholders, government agencies, non-profit organizations, academics, students, churches, communities and businesses to wrestle with ideas, develop solutions, and take knowledge out to where it will do the greatest good: informing public policy and advancing best practices pivotal to preventing and eradicating poverty.

Putting knowledge into action The Canadian Poverty Institute (CPI) is Canada’s only academic-based national institute that focuses on poverty. Grounded in compassion, justice and reconciliation, CPI aims to help heal poverty through interdisciplinary research, teaching and practice, with a sharp focus on making a difference in people’s lives and an impact in communities. “We look at poverty — material, social and spiritual poverty — holistically,” explains Director Derek Cook. “We talk about homelessness, financial security, food security. Because we’re in a faith-based institution, we look at spiritual poverty not in terms of faith traditions, but in terms of having meaning and purpose in life.”

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

Initiatives include three roundtables on issues of prime concern (Energy Poverty, Fair Access to Insurance and New Economy), research (including the impact of COVID-19 on the newly vulnerable and the role of the Church in poverty reduction), consulting services to enable organizations to improve their effectiveness and grow capacity, poverty studies programs at Ambrose University, developing a host of resources and publications, and a partnership with York University to build the Canadian Poverty Hub, an online repository of data and research on poverty.

Because the CPI believes that poverty must be addressed through the restoration of trust relationships that build resilience by strengthening the bonds of community, Ambrose is an ideal home. This grounds the Institute in the Christian tradition of extending compassion while seeking justice and reconciliation for the marginalized and oppressed.

Growing a legacy of poverty reduction Building capacity within organizations working diligently to reduce poverty and inspiring government policy change is a measure of success — but seeing real impact in people’s lives and within communities is the CPI’s most enduring legacy.

“We’re not on the frontlines running programs,” Cook notes. “Rather, we’re creating the supports that others need to do the work they’re doing, and to do it more efficiently and with better results.” That includes helping policy-makers and a host of organizations see and think about poverty in a different and holistic way, challenging assumptions and equipping future generations of leaders who can be change agents in the community.

“Issues like poverty are complex and there is no single solution,” Cook says. “Making an impact requires that we get all the different solutions, all the different parts, working together.

This is ‘collective impact’ and we can see it.

“The poverty rate in Canada is trending downward in recent years.

This is good news. And it’s not because of any one organization or any level of government. It is because of all of our collective contributions.”

More Canadian Poverty Institute on the following page >

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SP TLIGHT

Instituting Change

Drawing on the power of community to help people recover from disaster Finding the

answers to problems by engaging the community to lead, drive research that will bolster resilience in a changing world

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On the evening of June 13, 2020, the skies over Calgary blackened and a monster storm fired a ferocious barrage of hailstones, some as big as tennis balls, at northeast Calgary. It wrecked roofs, tore apart siding, shattered windows, hammered vehicles and shredded trees and gardens. At the time, it was considered the fourth costliest natural disaster in Canadian history.

But it didn’t take long to fall from media and public attention. After all, isn’t hail covered by insurance and everything will be back to normal quickly? Those who lived through the disaster know a different reality.

Even today, many homes have yet to be fully repaired, many people still live with the ongoing impact of trauma and many lives have been disrupted in unimaginable, and sometimes tragic, ways. This is an event that cannot be forgotten — and thanks to community advocates and the CPI, it won’t be.

Ambrose University

We hope this adds to the discourse by providing one more perspective and resource at a crucial time.

Laura Nauta

was catastrophic: one woman and her son ended up homeless after the storm swept them into deep poverty.

The resulting community-based participatory research project took the form of an impact study to help document people’s stories and nuanced experiences, and help with recovery. It was led and driven by the community, with all benefits accruing back to the community. Funding from The Co-operators supported the initiative, which launched formally in December 2021. The final report was published in mid 2022.

“We were approached to help support people who were struggling with the storm’s aftermath,” explains Laura Nauta, CPI Researcher and Project Lead for the Calgary Hailstorm Impact Study. “The storm happened in June 2020, during the height of COVID, when finances were really tight for many people.

Some people couldn’t afford to pay their deductibles, and with depreciation, some needed money they didn’t have in order to make repairs.

“Many people in this community devote a high percentage of their income to housing. They were just doing okay and then this disaster hits.”

In addition to financial impacts, people reported emotional, social and mental health impacts. Children and parents alike were impacted by profound trauma, many reliving the storm’s nightmare every time dark clouds rolled in. For some, the event

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

“At the same time as we were building community capacity about the research process, we were also learning more about the community, how best to engage people and what outcomes would be most useful,” Nauta explains. “We know that with extreme weather events, not everyone is impacted the same way or recovers the same way. For many people, this project was their first time to talk through and mentally process what happened.”

Sharing the stories is helping to inform changes in policy, government practice and, importantly, insurance, so it is better positioned to help people in the future. “There is not a lot of information about insurable disasters, and hail specifically,” Nauta says. “It is unique because it is covered in most policies, unlike other natural disasters where government steps in to help.

“We hope this adds to the discourse by providing one more perspective and resource at a crucial time. We know that extreme weather events are increasing in frequency and severity, and most often people who are less advantaged are going to bear the impact disproportionately.” p

Insuring access, equity Does the typical model of insurance, requiring premiums and deductibles, work for lowincome Canadians? Is appropriate insurance coverage accessible and equitable for all? Is the financial risk greater for some than for others?

An unexpected outcome of the Calgary Hailstorm Impact Study is a new initiative, the first-ofits-kind Fair Access to Insurance Roundtable (FAIR), funded in part by The Co-operators and the City of Calgary. The Canadian Poverty Institute is bringing together industry, government, non-profit organizations, people with lived experience and academia to look at whether insurance works for everyone.

Meeting monthly, FAIR aims to improve the social and financial resilience of vulnerable households by addressing barriers to personal insurance coverage and by building community resilience to mitigate the impacts of emergencies.

“Ideally, as we work directly with the insurance industry through FAIR, we want to see changes in practice so people have access to insurance in a way that’s not going to put them at risk of poverty, homelessness or worse,” says Derek Cook, CPI Director. povertyinstitute.ca/fair.

Learn more about the Canadian Poverty Institute and its work at povertyinstitute.ca.

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SP TLIGHT

Instituting Change

CONGREGATIONS INSTITUTE Canadian Data. Theological Reflection. Practical Application.

f lourshing CONGREGATIONS INSTITUTE

Flourishing Congregations Institute

Looking into the heart of churches to provide knowledge and tools to help congregations change, grow and thrive in an increasingly complex world MISSION: to gather, curate, and share Canadian data, theological reflection, and practical application on the Canadian Church for the Canadian Church.

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Ambrose University

‘We don’t hold all the answers. We want to leverage the voices of others.

Joel Thiessen

Knowledge fuelling change Church attendance across Canada has been in decline for some time.

A real desire to help church and denominational leaders better understand the religious scene in Canada — and in particular Canadian congregations — lies at the heart of the Flourishing Congregations Institute (FCI) at Ambrose University.

Founded in 2016 in partnership with the University of Saskatchewan, FCI aims to gather and share knowledge church leaders can use to grow, inspire and engage their own congregations, building on best practices found across the country. “This kind of work is rare in Canada,” notes Dr. Joel Thiessen, Professor of Sociology and FCI Director.

“There is a general eagerness for data, theological reflection and practical application.”

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

Making a difference together

Impact ripples far and wide

The distinctive environment at Ambrose makes it an ideal home for the FCI, given the convergence of Arts and Science faculty, undergraduate School of Ministry, theological preparation and Seminary offering the diverse perspectives needed to research and understand complex and evolving societal change. Scholars nationwide are also drawn to this one-of-a-kind centralized hub.

Data is powerful, with the potential to help or harm depending on its application. “We have a responsibility to help churches and leaders understand and correctly interpret data, and to provide some sound points of departure in tangible ways,” Thiessen notes.

An intentionally collaborative and ecumenical approach ensures research is conducted in partnership with different Christian communities, creating new opportunities for interaction and dialogue. In addition, a formal partnership council of church and denominational leaders from across the country, as well as many financial partners, ensure voices from outside academia are at the decision-making table.

FCI unleashes the power of data through reflection and analysis.

“We harness our academic skills to provide broad and deep understanding, and to understand processes, mechanisms and structures, to help churches process and apply the data,” Thiessen explains. “We carefully consider what the data mean in a theological environment, and how different congregations are thinking, acting and behaving.

“Many of us are not church practitioners, so we do this with a high degree of caution and by leaning heavily on the practitioner in our network. We don’t hold all the answers. We want to leverage the voices of others.”

As data comes in, it is helping church leaders think more carefully about the social and cultural environment in which congregations live, and to be more intentional about their practices and foundational support systems. The level of engagement with church leaders is increasing and the appetite for what the FCI is doing is growing.

“There is lots of joy in this,” Thiessen says of work that is beginning to take on a life of its own. Positively framed stories, supported by data, that emphasize what’s going right in congregations, offer something of incalculable value across Canada: hope, promise and potential for thriving congregations.

More Flourishing Congregations Institute on the following page >

“Scholarly research and analysis is the bedrock of what we do at Ambrose. Being embedded within a scholarly community gives credence to what we learn and say.”

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SP TLIGHT

Instituting Change

Diving deeper to understand the nuances of congregational life Finding out what

works — and doesn’t — is an integral part of understanding why congregations flourish

The Flourishing Congregations Institute’s information gathering (typically through surveys, interviews, focus groups, observations and document analysis) offers insights into congregational life in Canada.

Case studies now underway (begun in 2021 because of pandemic delays), supported by substantive research grants from the Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council of Canada and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities, are taking an even closer look at what’s happening in the nation’s churches.

The FCI has brought together scholars from across the country to take part in a dozen studies, from Vancouver to Halifax. They’re attending services and conducting surveys and indepth interviews with leaders and congregants to get into the nittygritty of church life.

“Local research teams in different regions are looking at the deep parts of congregational life, including

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Ambrose University

It’s not all good news all the time. It’s helpful to know about and understand the granular nuances over time.

Joel Thiessen

While the process of the research itself can be useful, often giving rise to questions that otherwise may not have been asked by church leaders, the real value of the case studies lies in providing greater clarity on the structures and mechanisms, often unseen, that contribute to flourishing congregations. (See the Flourishing Congregations Construct graphic for details.)

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“We are working with churches that are perceived to be flourishing in different ways, for example, in communication, discipleship or leadership, to better understand their success. This quality of data and ST RU CT UR analysis doesn’t exist right now.”

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While it is tempting to think of flourishing as a static state, Thiessen explains that through research there UN MM is increasing CO E BL I TA SP HO awareness that there’s an ebb and flow to flourishing. “It’s not all good news all the time,” he says. “And it’s helpful to know about and understand the granular nuances over time.”

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The FCI’s research shows that many variables contribute to flourishing congregations, as illustrated in this construct. structure, polity and leadership changes, over 6–12 months,” explains Dr. Joel Thiessen, Professor of Sociology at Ambrose University and FCI Director. “It’s different from the snapshot surveys we do, and really exciting to get that level of access and to look at congregations through a scholarly lens.”

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

A timeline will be developed for each participating church, charting highs and lows and noting how key events, both internal and external, have contributed to or detracted from congregational flourishing. “The pandemic served as a great reminder that external events can have a traumatic impact on congregations, through no fault or intent of churches,” Thiessen says.

Thousands of pages of data are expected to be collected by the summer of 2023, followed by analysis and then writing and sharing learnings over coming years via books, articles, videos and public events that will help all churches across the country.

“This is thorough and exhaustive research, well beyond what any pastor would be able to do on their own. We hope it will be an important part in taking informed, intentional actions to grow and sustain flourishing congregations.” p

New videos prove popular A well-received new video series, launched in August 2022, is getting helpful information into the hands of church practitioners — and into action — more quickly and easily.

Short, accessible, digestible five-minute videos — featuring scholars and practitioners from across theological traditions and Canadian regions — share research, offer thoughts on practical application of that knowledge, direct people to resources, promote events and increase the profile and awareness of the FCI and Ambrose.

Learn more about the Flourishing Congregations Institute and check out videos, reports and resources at flourishingcongregations.org.

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SP TLIGHT

Instituting Change

Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives

Launching new ideas, collaborative initiatives and new ways of looking at God’s global mission The JAFFRAY Centre is … a collaborative project development, training and research centre seeking to make a difference in the lives of students, local communities, the Canadian Church and its partners around the world.

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Ambrose University

Because we’re an incubator, we have become good at throwing mudballs at the wall and seeing what sticks.

Charles Cook

were working independently,” explains Dr. Charles Cook, Executive Director of the Centre and Professor of Global Studies and Mission at Ambrose.

Making a difference together Calling Ambrose University home positions the Jaffray Centre as a “bridge” between two worlds: academia and community. “The convening power of the Centre is our strength,” Cook notes. “Because we are embedded in a university and look outward to the community, churches and NGOs, we find we’re able to bring people together in ways that other organizations are not able to do.”

Kindling creativity, innovation The Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives was launched at Ambrose University in 2008, responding to a desire by many in the Canadian church to find new ways to engage in mission in the increasingly connected, complex and changing 21st century world. A combination incubator/greenhouse, the Centre is a place where new ideas, collaborative initiatives and fresh ways of looking at God’s global mission are explored, developed and nurtured. “We bring together the ‘three Ms’ — marketplace, manse and missions — to look at today’s concerns and issues, and to inspire change that otherwise wouldn’t be possible if these entities

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

Strategic and intentional partnerships both local and international engage people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives. Through research, workshops, seminars, training programs, books, symposia, teaching exchanges and other activities, the Jaffray Centre fosters conversations and develops resources that make it easier to explore God’s work in the world and participate in his mission of sharing the Gospel in innovative and creative ways.

Kairos course in Canada, partnering with the MK Network to help the children of International Workers transition more easily back to life in Canada, creating an accounting program for new Canadians to upgrade their skills, or mobile theological training for pastors working in the hard places of the world, the Centre’s sights are set on creative new initiatives which can be sustained and replicated.

A current initiative focusing on digital mission is a prime example of how the Jaffray Centre is on the leading edge of change. As the world becomes more digital and people’s day-to-day lives are affected, the Centre finds itself in an ideal position to help the Church understand and advance the use of digital technology in missions.

“Few people are talking about this, but digitization is part of life,” Cook explains. “So the Centre is delving into the subject to better understand the issues. This is a new tool and, like any tool, we need to learn how to use it well.”

“We develop partnerships that value the Other, and bring together diverse cultural voices to come up with new and creative initiatives,” Cook says.

“Because we’re an incubator, we have become good at throwing mudballs at the wall and seeing what sticks.”

The Centre intends to help lead in the development of a code of best practice for digital mission to help organizations harness the strengths of this significant new resource.

“Given our role as an incubator/ greenhouse, initiatives like this are well suited to what we do. It’s part of our DNA.”

Fanning the flames of change

More Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives on the following page >

The Jaffray Centre’s core project management, intercultural education and research work is integral to making a meaningful difference.

Whether helping to facilitate the first

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SP TLIGHT

Instituting Change

Learning to think, act differently in an intercultural world Global migration compels new ways of seeing the world — and interacting with diverse communities

“In times of rapid change, it is too easy to fall back on what we’ve always done because there’s a comfort in that,” says Charles Cook, Executive Director of the Centre and Professor of Global Studies and Mission at Ambrose University. “But the question facing us is how we engage in a new world with new ways of communicating old truths.”

The Jaffray Centre is leaning into the challenges of a changing world, which includes an emphasis on intercultural connections. Efforts centre on a symposium, a diaspora network and helping partners develop greater cultural fluency.

The third installment of the JaffrayAng Symposium, Beyond Culture: Kingdom Values in a Fractured World, will be held in 2023.

The thread linking all the symposia is a key question: How do we get multiculturalism to work? “We’re exploring how we break down our

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Ambrose University

You can look at cultural fluency as a skill that enables one to engage in meaningful intercultural conversations.

Charles Cook

the Jaffray Centre continues to do significant work in this area. “It is similar to learning a language,” Cook explains. “You become more fluent and better able to function when interacting with people from different cultures. You can look at cultural fluency as a skill that enables one to engage in meaningful intercultural conversations.

“We are all ethnocentric to some degree and everyone, regardless of their background, needs to work on this. We need to be more intentional in how we see the world and reflect on how we engage in it as we understand how our culture has shaped us.”

silos of multiculturalism to create genuine intercultural communities,” Cook explains. “Canada is rapidly changing as immigration patterns shift. So how can we, the community of faith, get past latent racism and the issues underlying it? How can we help people understand that we are all created in the image of God, and there is immense value and worth in interacting with everyone?”

“The Jaffray Centre is helping people recognize assumptions they may have held for a long time,” adds Lauren Umbach, Research and Program Coordinator. “We are encouraging people to think about the fact that we all came from somewhere, we all have a cultural lens, so we need to foster conversations and work towards understanding where others are coming from.”

“The challenge for us in Canada is that if everyone continues to keep their cultural framework, we will continue to create silos, and miss out on opportunities to interact with each other. We are convinced we simply can’t continue to do things the way we always have. And fanning the sparks into flames of change is exactly where the Jaffray Centre is most valuable.”

With support and encouragement from the Jaffray Centre, more churches are exploring what it means to be more intercultural. “We’re having success helping others to be open to exploring change in their own contexts,” Umbach says.

Doors, dialogue, diaspora Some 160 diaspora congregations exist in the Calgary area, and typically have little contact with one another. A recent seminar hosted by the Jaffray Centre brought pastors and leaders from different ethnic churches together as part of a Diaspora Network initiative that will look at common issues facing them all.

“We recognize that bringing diverse groups together could create a context that demonstrates how people, regardless of ethnicity, can all work, engage, live and flourish together as members of the body of Christ,” Charles Cook explains.

“Every new-Canadian group thinks that the issues they’re facing are unique to them. Canada has a long history of immigration and these experiences have been shared by previous waves of immigrants. The Jaffray Centre has an important role in bringing people together to have these conversations, to learn from and support each other.”

Learn more about the Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives and its work at jaffrayglobal.com.

“That congregations, regardless of founding ethnicity, are becoming more open to others is our greatest joy,” Cook says. “We love to see a congregation be attentive to its neighbourhood, change with the times and be more welcoming.” p

Helping churches, organizations and NGOs develop cultural fluency is one means to that end, and

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Reframing

salvation

Downey Lectureships invite Christians to unlearn and relearn — to better know God and reframe the vision of what it means to be Christian Group photo (L–R): Dr. Jon Coutts (Associate Professor of Christian Theology, Ambrose University), Dr. Willie Jennings (Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies, Yale University), Dr. Gordon T. Smith (President, Ambrose University).

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Ambrose University

Jennings offers us a map to be able to take this journey together and with less fear.

Near-capacity audiences were treated to thought-provoking and challenging ideas Oct. 12–13, 2022, at Ambrose University’s 2022 Downey Lectureships.

Dr. Willie Jennings, an ordained Baptist minister and Associate Professor of Systematic Theology and Africana Studies at Yale University, and author of acclaimed books including The Christian Imagination: Theology and the Origins of Race and After Whiteness: An Education in Belonging, presented keen insights into race and theology that are especially relevant in society today.

Photos by Elise Fitzgerald, Hannah Svensson

Reframing Salvation was the overarching theme. In Reframing the Journey of Learning (Oct. 12) and Reframing the Journey of Embodiment (Oct. 13), Jennings shared knowledge gleaned over years of extensive research, which underpins his diagnoses of current challenges and is instrumental in charting a path forward.

“Jennings has done a great amount of historical work, including going to original sources to read the accounts of both missionaries and slaves, to understand how Christians got caught up in slave holding and colonization,” explains Dr. Jon Coutts, Associate Professor of Christian Theology at Ambrose. “He was able to detect the ‘diseased imagination’ that invaded Christians’ thought processes at the time. To move forward today with a new vision about cross-cultural encounters, he says it is not enough for us to have good intentions. To be faithful in our time, we have to think critically and look inside ourselves and our systems.”

There is no denying that the conversation about race is difficult and that people can become defensive when their heritage or perceptions are challenged or they feel attacked. Although Jennings speaks with intensity, his kind, warm and generous approach invites people to join him on a journey of thought.

“Reframing salvation is thinking of God’s work in terms of learning and taking a journey with others,” Coutts says.

“According to Jennings, our view has been distorted by assumptions about humanity that prioritize what he calls the ‘dismal virtues’ of possession, control and mastery. That in the Western world, to be fully human you have to control others and have mastery of knowledge. This has distorted the ability to learn from others because the settler mindset was trained to enter a foreign space as the teacher, not the learner.”

With his focus on renewing the Christian imagination, Jennings has helped many students recalibrate their understanding of salvation in terms of Christ’s reconciling of a wonderfully diverse creation.

“Coming down from some of our privileges, unlearning and relearning, thinking critically, looking out for others … all of this helps us get back to the heart of what Christians should be doing,” Coutts explains. “There is no nice, neat resolution to these issues, but Jennings offers us a map to be able to take this journey together and with less fear.

“People who accept this invitation to relearn who they are in relation to others, who take this thoughtful journey, who get beyond the loud voices who seem to dominate the airwaves, will, as the disciples did in the Book of Acts, ‘learn God’ — and make a difference in the world.”

The Downey Lectureships The Downey Endowment and Scholarship Fund and Lectureship Series honours the memory of Murray W. Downey, a founding member of the Canadian Bible College faculty in 1941. He was an instructor for 31 years, Academic Dean for six years and Director of Christian Service for 30 years.

In 1982, the Canadian Theological Seminary and Canadian Bible College established the Murray W. Downey Chair of Evangelism. The Ambrose University Downey Lectureships recognize Mr. Downey’s service, passion and commitment, and assist future M.Div. students.

Missed the lectures? Visit ambrose.edu/downey-lectureships to watch Dr. Jennings’ lectures.

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

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Stars ofWonder

Why does looking up at the heavens hold us in such rapt attention?

Perhaps it’s because it’s good for us

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Ambrose University

All students — the leaders of the future — need to understand the importance of the heavens.

It’s Dr. Stephen Jeans is in his happy place: a chilly, dark September evening and

outside, on Ambrose University’s Mahood Commons, surrounded by students, looking up into the night sky. It’s an impromptu and unplanned star party, wrapping up a Biology Movie Night, and the Lecturer in Earth and Space Science is delighted by every “ooh,” “aah,” “wow” and “no way — that can’t be real!”

Star party photo by Jesus Salazar (Ambrose alum)

“When students start to understand the motion of the heavens, that’s really significant,” Jeans says. “It opens their eyes to many different disciplines at the same time, and there is real excitement. Students connect with each other, and also with the natural world.”

They also connect with their faith. “The Bible was written at a time when people were in touch with the land and the sky and the world around them. The links between the heavens, Earth and faith were well known; this was their YouTube and ancient peoples used it to communicate.” Through star parties and other events open to the wider public throughout the year, Jeans shows how the sciences interact among each other and with faith, how science is a systematic pursuit of knowledge and how it can help students in their careers, regardless of path. (left) An image taken by the telescope on which Ambrose University students learned to capture research-based astrophotography, with the assistance of Rothney Astrophysical Observatory Director Dr. Langill. (above) Stephen Jeans’s star parties are always popular, but nothing beats the 450+ people who gathered on the Ambrose University campus on Aug. 21, 2017, to see a near-total eclipse of the Sun.

“Students don’t always understand the complex relationships among disciplines, but science can help them apply what they’re learning.” That includes opening doors to new avenues of learning (one of Jeans’s students was so captivated by Astronomy, she’s now working on her master’s in Astrobiology) and to tackling urgent global issues like climate change or species diversity.

Jeans is working with a team sponsored by the American Association for the Advancement of Science to study the connection between Seminary students and the science of climate change. “Seminary students who will be our leaders have questions, and perhaps misconceptions, about what it means to be good environmental stewards,” he says.

“All students — the leaders of the future — need to understand the importance of the heavens.”

Gathering outside, looking skyward, wondering about distant stars and planets, marvelling at the passing International Space Station and asking questions is a good start. p

Comet or not?

Debate has raged for millennia. What was the Star of Bethlehem that guided the magi to the place of Christ’s birth? A comet? A planetary conjunction? Something else? Dr. Stephen Jeans hosts a family-friendly Star of Bethlehem event every December, focusing on the astronomy of the message and delving into the intersection of science, education and faith.

As always, the presentation concludes with an opportunity to go outside — and look up at the stars. Watch for next year’s event, coming in early December 2023.

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

19

Notable

Score

Royalties from two new choral compositions support Ambrose Music students and enrich a vibrant learning environment

Both compositions were performed by the Ambrose University Singers, under the direction of Dr. Mark Bartel, in April 2022 as pandemic restrictions

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To that end, Andronikou is donating the royalties from two new choral works — God’s Grandeur (commissioned by Ambrose to put music to a challenging poem by Gerard Manley Hopkins) and Of Love and Nothingness — to support students. Royalties will be generated when the music is used for audio recordings, videos, performances and other uses.

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“Our art requires connection and people coming together,” says the sessional instructor of composition and theory at Ambrose University.

“During the pandemic, we all missed being together, learning together, performing together. I wanted students to know that they were not alone. One way to do that is to compose for them, to create something that says ‘this is for you.’”

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eased. “It was healing for all of us,” Andronikou says of coming together again as a group to perform. “We reconnected and I could see the shining eyes and faces of young people wanting to do music. It was very inspiring for everyone, and gave us hope.

“After seeing all the work the students put into these performances, I knew that these pieces really belonged to them. It was the least I could do for them.”

Both compositions have yet to be formally published and released, which is expected in 2023. This will make the scores widely accessible to choirs and others worldwide. While Andronikou expects the financial contribution from the royalties to be modest, and likely used to establish a new scholarship, he hopes others, particularly Ambrose alumni who have successful music careers, will lend their support to students as well.

But perhaps most important than money is how actions like this can

ª

When our program is more vibrant, more people will start doing music for the community, for the common good and for future students.

inspire and create an impact far beyond the campus. “Some of my students are already composing pieces they want to perform and film,” Andronikou says.

“Royalties are nothing compared to the vibrant atmosphere this creates at Ambrose. And when our program is more vibrant, more people will start doing music for the community, for the common good and for future students.” p Experience the creative spirit and vibrant atmosphere of Music at Ambrose.

Visit ambrose.edu/program/music to learn more.

Enjoy the music Listen to the Ambrose University Singers, under the direction of Dr. Mark Bartel, perform God’s Grandeur and On Love and Nothingness. Visit youtube.com and search for Andronikou.

Ambrose University

Photos courtesy Michalis Andronikou

CONNECTIONS

ichalis Andronikou is helping to put back together what COVID-19 pulled apart.

On Love an ns 13: 1-2 N d Nothingness ew Internat io

1 Corinthia

Researching recent developments in musicmaking — holographic performances — will help define ‘live’ concerts Natalie Cole sings a duet with her father. Roy Orbison and Buddy Holly perform a rock-and-roll dream concert. Tupac hits Coachella. Maria Callas goes on tour. ABBA returns to the stage.

Or do they?

Holographic performances — using technology to project a living, dead or fictional performer’s 3-D likeness onto the stage — are taking to venues worldwide, challenging the long-held notion of “live concert.”

Are these ‘real’ concerts or are they ‘fake?’ How do audiences understand and engage with concerts that don’t have live performers at centre stage? How will this format serve or constrain artists? The questions are many for Alyssa Michaud, Assistant Professor of Music at Ambrose University, who has received a $52,141 Social Sciences and Humanities Research Council grant to explore these new phenomena and their many implications.

“Holographic performance technology has grown from a niche technological stunt into a viable performance option,” Michaud explains. “For centuries, our whole understanding of live concerts has centred on the dynamic between a performer on stage and an audience.”

How do holographic performances, which are the same every time, measure up? “Live concerts are still about the dynamic of the moment, and audiences engage emotionally and collectively at holographic performances,” she says. “In those I’ve attended, I’ve been struck by how much audience members interact with each other. They attend with friends and family, and share a deeply meaningful experience that draws on treasured memories and feelings. What is most captivating at these shows is what is happening in the audience, not on stage.”

Given this flashpoint in the history of technology and performance, and that artists, critics and audiences are still working out how to react, Michaud’s project, “Live Experiences at Holographic Concerts: Artistry, Integrity, and Audience Immersion in Virtual Performances,” is timely. Over the next two years, she will explore the creation of immersive audience experiences in holographic concerts, revealing the implications of this emerging performance technology to offer a new understanding of the live concert’s function and future Ambrose students will be engaged in the project, honing their research and publication abilities. Ambrose Arts will contribute to the field of performance studies by advancing methodologies connected to the study of “audiencing” and listener experiences, and will break new ground for discussions related to participation, fandom and new media technologies. Doing so will shed light on holographic technology’s potential and future avenues that can benefit society as a whole.

“It’s exciting to try to make sense of something at the same time as it is unfolding,” Michaud says. “As a musicologist, I have always been most interested in exploring what matters in our world right now, and what matters to listeners and musicians.”

“Holographic performances are new and different. They are not all good or all bad, and can be very powerful experiences. But these are the early days. We have no idea where this will be in 5–10 years.” p

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

21

campusnotebook

*

For the latest news and information, visit ambrose.edu/news

Business school launch The School of Business had its launch party on November 17.

Alumni, students, faculty, and board members all attended to show support for this monumental occasion.

Dr. Murray MacTavish, Dean of the Ambrose School of Business, opened with a land acknowledgment and some words on the long journey the program has been on. President, Dr. Gordon T. Smith, spoke on the journey of the program with a special acknowledgment of the work Dr. MacTavish has done. Both former and current students spoke, high-lighting their experiences at Ambrose and how it has shaped their futures in business. There was a common theme between the students of the consistent encouragement from their Ambrose professors. Board member, Dale Meister, concluded the ceremony with a congratulatory message to both Dr. MacTavish and Dr. Smith noting their hard work and dedication to the School of Business.

Following the ceremony, a luncheon posed as a fun networking opportunity AMBROSE for students, faculty and board members. Guests were encouraged to give OF SCHOOL BUSINESS a word of advice for current business students as they complete their educations and discover their paths.

AMBROSE SCHOOL OF

BUSINESS Growing a deeper life

Deeper Life Day was held Oct. 5, 2022, integrating Christian faith and learning to help flourish in every way. Speaker Dr. O. Alan Noble, Associate Professor of English at Oklahoma Baptist University and DEEPER Editor-in-Chief of Christ and Pop Culture, set the tone for the LIFE DAY day’s many sessions with a talk entitled You Are Not GROWING Your Own: Why Belonging to Yourself is Unbearable.

A variety of sessions throughout the day delved into topics including How to Earth, How to Career (What kind of work am I being called to do?) and How to Tell a Good Story with Your Life. Learn more about Dr. O. Alan Noble the day at ambrose.edu/deeper-life.

Walking together toward truth and reconciliation Ambrose University students, faculty and staff recognized the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with two days of activities held Sept. 29–30 to acknowledge the profound injustice and harm caused by Canada’s Indian residential school system.

Recognizing the important role the University and its community have in moving forward with truth and reconciliation, the University undertook several meaningful activities, including: encouraging people to wear orange Kalyn Kodiak Rev. Tony Snow shirts to a special Chapel service led by Rev. Tony Snow, a member of the Stoney Nakoda First Nation,who spoke on “Blessed are the Poor in Spirit;” hosting a film screen of We Were Children and Holy Angels, followed by a light meal from Kokums Bannock Kitchen; encouraging the Ambrose community to watch “Remembering the Children,” a commemorative gathering broadcast live from Ottawa; and, offering a Plant Walk in Fish Creek Provincial Park, led by Kalyn Kodiak, Métis Herbalist and Cultural Guide, to learn how the Métis make and use natural materials of the land for medicines, clothes, food and shelter.

22

Ambrose University

New partnership opens doors to learning in Edmonton

Kicking off a new academic year

Ambrose and Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton have entered into an exciting new partnership to expand learning opportunities.

The Beulah Training Institute builds on 100 years of the church’s history to help people know Jesus deeply and be known by Him fully by providing a balance of knowledge, coaching and experience.

The Edmonton-based, part-time, holistic, affordable and accredited twoyear program will enable people to grow in their understanding of the Bible and theology, while deepening spiritual life and faith; develop strong leadership competencies; engage in an exciting ministry environment to practically apply knowledge; and, be equipped to live out their faith and share what you believe in everyday life.

Learn more beulah.ca/bit

Men’s and women’s soccer competition (the Lions taking on Lethbridge College), lawn games on the Ambrose campus, “the amazing taco bar,” an evening bonfire and live music were on tap on September 9, 2022, marking the start of the 2022–23 academic year. The fun and highenergy gathering set the tone for the coming year: coming together as community once again to learn and grow.

biblio Through publications, presentations and myriad other scholarly activities, Ambrose faculty and staff contribute to the expansion of knowledge worldwide.

Recent highlights include:

biblio

Response of the Canadian Poverty Institute to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

Canadian Poverty Institute

Derek Cook

Matthew Morris

Gordon T. Smith

Beth Stovell

Response of the Canadian Poverty Institute to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy June 2022

The Art of Hope May 2022

Six freshwater fishes waterproof folding guides to native and introduced species for Idaho, Minnesota, Montana, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas, published

by Waterford Press.

2022

Your Calling Here and Now June 2022

The Book of the Twelve June 2022

June 2022

Canadian Poverty Institute

Canadian Poverty Institute Response to the Federal Sustainable Development Strategy

1

Calgary Hailstorm Impact Study Report June 2022

Visit the Lions Store for books and other materials authored by Ambrose faculty and staff: ambrose.edu/lions-store

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

23

family&friends

Read about some of the many people — friends, colleagues and classmates alike — who are part of the large and growing Ambrose University community. Tell us what’s new in your life by visiting ambrose.edu or emailing anthem@ambrose.edu.

Stay in TOUCH! facebook.com/AmbroseAlumni youtube.com/ambroseuniversity @ambrose_uni

Sherry Martens retires This Spring, Dr. Sherry Martens, Associate Dean of Education will be retiring. The Ambrose University Bachelor of Education program has been fortunate to have Dr. Sherry Martens’ guiding hand since its inception. Dr. Martens acted as a member of the Advisory Committee before becoming the Associate Dean, providing nearly 15 years of contributions to this community. Under her tenure she has expanded the program, staff, and faculty, supported faculty scholarship, and facilitated professional development in areas of Indigenous Pedagogies, school-based literacy, and leadership.

Dr. Martens was an advocate for land-based learning for both our students and our instructors and led by Indigenous community members. In her time as Associate Dean, our learning community experienced Blackfoot Crossing, Brown Bear Woman Learning Centre, Dodginghorse Ranch, Elders, Knowledge Keepers, as well as organizing Indigenous author book studies.

Dr. Martens has been a great encourager.

Our work, both internal and external, has always been recognized and celebrated.

The successes our students experience, whether it be the nomination for teaching awards, new personal milestones, or receiving offers of employment are always shared.

What’s new?

Is your family growing? Working on a new degree? Where do you work? Received an award? Published? Your Ambrose community is eager to know! Send a short note (and a photo, too, if you like) to anthem@ambrose.edu.

Dorothy Bentley (former student ’18) wrote a book for young adult readers, Escape from the Wildfire, about the recent fire in Lytton, B.C. The fictional account is based in part on her own experience of living through a wildfire, which led her to research the experience of Lytton residents and to write the story of a resilient teen surviving an environmental catastrophe.

@ambrose_uni

Bernie Van De Walle (Bachelor of Theology ’90) was awarded a Queen’s Platinum Jubilee medal by His Honour the Honourable Russ Mirasty, Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan (left in photo), on Oct. 21, 2022. The award recognizes the service he provided, as one of the Evangelical liaisons with the provincial government, to the larger Saskatchewan faith community, and to the C&MA in general, in helping to guide people through the challenges of COVID-19.

24

Ambrose University

Passing into the presence of Jesus Prayers and condolences are extended to friends and family of those who have passed away. Please submit your memorial announcements at ambrose.edu/anthem.

Dr. Dale Herendeen We mourn the passing of a former member of the Seminary faculty, Dr. Dale Herendeen, on Dec. 24, 2021. For me, this is personal. Dr. Herendeen was one of my professors when I was a Seminary student back in the 1970s. Two things come to mind when I think about his influence in my life and that of my fellow students. First, his obsession with 10 points. He believed all lectures and talks needed to have 10 points. And if there were only nine things worth saying on the topic, he was quite clever with coming up with a tenth; if there were 11, he knew how to merge two of them. We so enjoyed teasing him about this. But second and much more significant: all of us look back and realize that Dr. Herendeen introduced us to the best and most significant literature in the discipline. He had us reading the right books. From him, for example, I discovered Leslie Newbigen, likely the most influential and significant missiologist of the past century. When I think of Newbigen’s influence in my own life and ministry, I give thanks for Dr. Herendeen.

A significant section of my personal library has books recommended to me by this dear professor. He was clearly reading the best literature in the discipline and his gift to his students was to introduce them to these resources. We mourn the loss of Prof. Herendeen with deep gratitude for his teaching and influence in the lives of our Seminary alumni.

Gordon T. Smith, President, Ambrose University

Leona (Pekrul) Iseli (WCBI ’43) passed away in B.C. on May 4, 2021, days before her 101st birthday. Leona and her husband, Henry, were dedicated to God, involved in Music Ministry for 30+ years. Leona was also involved in hosting bible studies, women’s work, support of Vancouver’s Union Gospel Mission and attending women’s conferences.

Jack Klemke (WCBI ’50) passed away on July 5, 2022, lovingly remembered by his wife of 69 years, Carol, and their family. Jack had an unshakeable faith in Jesus.

His legacy will live on through his global Christian charitable work.

Velma Rust (CBC ’56) went home to her Lord and Saviour on July 6, 2022 at the age of 89.

Her greatest joy was loving and serving people, especially the wee ones.

She volunteered in the baby nursery of Edmonton’s Beulah Alliance Church for 56 years.

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

Irene (Schultz) Shareski (WCBI ’52) passed away on April 28, 2022. She and her husband Arni served in ministry for 44 years, including pastoral and missionary work. Irene worked in the C&MA national office for more than two decades, and her busy life included serving as district president of what is now Alliance Women in the Hamptons, N.Y. area. She passed away in Fort Myers, Fla., and is survived by Arni and their family.

Peter William Gillian (CNC ’77–’79) was welcomed into heaven by his awesome, Lord and Saviour on Nov. 26, 2021, at the age of 65, after a 14-month battle with ALS. Pete will be loved forever by wife Gloria (Davis) (CNC ’75–’79), children Kristi, Carolyn and Jeff, their spouses, and seven grandchildren. Pete served as worship leader for more than 40 years in the Church of the Nazarene and is now singing in God’s choir.

Starlit Dutton (spouse of alumni) was called home by her Lord and Saviour on Feb. 1, 2022, after a life filled with love for God and family.

Star had a zest for life and a rewarding career in the health care field. She is survived by the love of her life, Jim, and their family, a legacy of faith her greatest gift to them.

Maxine (Craig) Thomson (CBC ‘58) went into the presence of her Lord on Dec. 15, 2022, sadly missed by her husband of 53 years, Keith, and their family. A graduate of Edmonton’s Royal Alexandra School of Nursing, Maxine served as a missionary nurse in Vietnam for five years. She was active in her church, Alliance Women, the Gideon’s, a bible study which was responsible for the beginning of the Edmonton Vietnamese Alliance Church, and International Student Ministries Canada.

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coming events ACAC Men’s Basketball Championships Ambrose hosts eight schools from across the province as they compete for the 2023 ACAC men’s basketball title.

Ambrose Lions Den (Gymnasium) March 2-4

Athletics Alumni Reception Join us on March 2 at 7 pm MT for an opportunity to connect with all athletics alumni and support the Lions men’s basketball team in their first game of the ACAC Championship tournament. RSVP by scanning QR code.

Jazz at the Ironwood Featuring the Ambrose Jazz Combo, Ambrose Big Band and guests.

Ironwood Stage and Grill March 7 • 7:30 pm

Virtual Public Lecture Who Needs a Pastor? The Pastoral Vocation Today With the strong and right affirmation of the sacred character of all vocations, we rightly raise the question... what then of the pastoral calling? What is its character and purpose?

Presenter: Gordon T Smith, President March 16 • 6:30 pm (MDT) • Virtual

Edwin Gnandt Concerto Concert Featuring soloists Chelsea Woodard, John Cabalsa and the Ambrose Chamber Orchestra.

Calgary First Church of the Nazarene March 17 • 7:00 pm

Simpson Symposium Formative Feasting: How Biblical Meals Shape Moral Communities Presenter: Dr. Michael Rhodes Carey Baptist College March 21 • 1:30 pm Virtual

Featured Events Ambrose Golf Classic

Nazarene Assembly

Links of Gleneagles August 31, 2023

From June 9-12 join us in Indianapolis as part of the Nazarene General Assembly!

AMBROSE

AUC

NUC

For opportunities to connect AUC at assembly, please join our email list. Scan QR code for more information.

NUC

ambrose.edu/golf

26

Ambrose University

Earn both the BA in Christian Studies and the Master of Divinity in as few as five years!

In the Fall of 2023, Ambrose will begin to offer a new ministrypreparation track. Students who earn either a three- or four-year Bachelor of Arts in Christian Studies at Ambrose University, will qualify for 1 year of Advanced Standing in the Master of Divinity program at Ambrose Seminary. It will soon be possible for Ambrose students to graduate with both their BA and MDiv degrees in as few as five years. For more information, contact enrolment@ambrose.edu.

Ambrose is committed to creating new and innovative ministrypreparation racks that meet the growing need for highly qualified individuals for the church in a rapidly changing world.

2023 PASTOR’S CONFERENCE Join us on May 4 for the annual Ambrose Pastors Conference featuring Dr. Elizabeth (Lisa) Sung and Rev. Daniel Im. Stay tuned for full details and to register.

May 4, 2023 9:00 AM • Virtual • https://ambrose.edu/event/1734 Rev. Daniel Im is Lead Pastor of Beulah Alliance Church in Edmonton, Alberta. His passion is to create alignment and momentum within teams and churches by implementing )!strategies and systems to move the church towards multiplication.

Dr. Elizabeth (Lisa) Sung, Ph.D., is a systematic theologian and a spiritual director. She is Visiting Associate Professor in Theology at Regent College (Vancouver, Canada). In both academic and ministry contexts, she teaches theology to foster the lived reality of personal integrity and flourishing in Christ as the catalyst for missional living.

Anthem Magazine • Winter 2023

27

lookingforward

Acting on passion for storytelling

by Katherine Winston

I want to live a life in the arts, not just have it be a hobby.

Katherine Winston is in the final year of her two-year Acting Diploma program at Ambrose University. She is passionate in all she does, and loves storytelling. She is eager to share new stories with those around her, and has a particular passion for film, TV and theatre. A graduate of the Performing and Visual Arts program at Central Memorial High School, she has always had an affinity for the arts and is thrilled to be able to continue to cultivate her skills in Ambrose Arts. After graduation, she hopes to continue to share stories with the world in whatever ways she can.

After being a student at Ambrose University for about a year and a half now, one of the things that I think I will always remember is how amazingly supportive all of the professors and staff were. Everyone is so ready to assist with any problems that may arise, and that support has been incredibly helpful during my time at the school. The professors are willing to help with not only assignments or projects, but also with any personal problems that you might have, and their compassion and warmth is such an amazing thing to feel at this school. In this program, I felt challenged to do my best and to reach even further than I think possible. It makes me learn where my limits are and then push past them.

I’ve learned so much about myself in this program, not just from an academic standpoint (though I’ve also learned a lot in that regard), but also from a personal standpoint. I have learned about my tendencies and habits, and some personality quirks that I never realized I had. I’ve learned about the limits I’ve put on myself and continue to learn how to break through them. I think these realizations would never have happened, or would have taken much longer to occur, had I not done the program at Ambrose. I can only imagine that in the last semester and a half of my time at Ambrose that I will only learn more.

When I think ahead to graduation, the future seems a bit hazy and a little scary, but I also know that it’s full of possibilities. After I graduate, I plan to begin working in the acting industry. I want to get an agent and start putting myself out there; doing auditions wherever I get an opportunity. Telling stories is a passion of mine, and that is what I plan on doing after I graduate. Of course, everyone knows acting is difficult to break into, so of course, I will be enjoying it part time for some time as well. But I want to live a life in the arts, not just have it be a hobby. I want to encourage others to consider acting and the arts as a full-time career option, not just an unattainable dream. So while I can’t imagine being wildly successful right off the bat, I do think that making a life and a career in the arts is possible and that is my long-term goal.

Whether it be in theatre or in film and television, I do believe that making acting and art a full-time job is something that I can do and it is something that I am determined to make a reality. With the help of Ambrose University and its amazing Acting Diploma program, I believe that I can make my dreams a reality. I am gaining the skills and the knowledge I’ll need to make it in the industry, as well as making connections to help support that journey.

I am excited to see what amazing things await me in the future. p

28

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