2024-25 Ambrose Seminary Viewbook

AMBROSE

SEMINARY

2024/25 VIEWBOOK

ambrose seminary

AMBROSE

SEMINARY

Why Ambrose?

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I AMBROSE UNIVERSITY

Pursue your calling with purpose and excellence.

Ambrose Seminary provides accredited graduate theological education designed to combine academic rigour with real-world application. You will join a vibrant and diverse community of faculty, students, and practitioners dedicated to helping you achieve your personal, spiritual, and vocational goals.

Navigate your education with flexible learning options including online, in-person, hybrid courses, part-time and full-time studies.

Ambrose Seminary centers your learning experience around four goals: • Nurture theological depth and breadth • Cultivate a heart after God • Foster vocational clarity and effectiveness • Inspire redemptive action

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AVERAGE AGE

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61% PART-TIME STUDENTS

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MALE-FEMALE DEMOGRAPHIC

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PROGAMS

& COURSES

AVERAGE AGE

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Prepare for your future in pastoral ministry as a lead, associate, youth, or children’s pastor in a domestic or intercultural context.

Ambrose Seminary’s highly regarded Master of Divinity program offers two areas of focus: pastoral ministries and intercultural ministries.

Examine the current issues of pastoral or intercultural ministry while you are immersed in biblical and theological studies.

Learn in an environment that both teaches and models the academic, spiritual, and practical aspects of ministry life from faculty that have vast experience in ministry settings.

MASTERS

Master of Divinity (MDiv) 90 credit hours with a three to five-month internship.

(Available in Chinese language)

An MDiv gives you the opportunity to engage in a wide variety of courses covering topics such as: biblical languages, biblical studies, theological studies, and personal and professional formation. The MDiv is a widely recognized ministry credential in many denominational settings.

Ambrose Bachelor of Arts: Christian Studies graduates receive 30 credits of Advanced Standing with Credit.

Master in Leadership & Ministry (MLM) 60 credit hours with a three to five-month internship.

(Available in Chinese language) This program is designed to enhance the ministries of experienced pastors and to prepare others for ministry roles such as education and discipleship, counselling or leadership, chaplaincy or community development.

Develop your leadership abilities alongside various ministry skills for effective Christian service in church ministry, non-profit work, chaplaincy, and other churchrelated ministries.

Specialize in spiritual care or poverty studies. You will be equipped to understand your vocation and identity in Christ, and to integrate the personal and theological dimensions of your life.

The flexibility of the program allows you to tailor the program to fit the areas that will make the most of your gifts, interests, and calling.

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MASTERS

Master in Intercultural Ministries (MIM) 60 credit hours with a three to five-month internship

Master of Christian Studies (MCS) 60 credit hours (Available in Chinese language)

Master of Theological Studies (MTS) 60 credit hours (Includes thesis)

Complement your biblical and theological studies with an understanding of what it means to witness to people in different religious, social, and cultural contexts.

Deepen your understanding of your faith and build practical skills to respond to cross-cultural needs in Christian ministry.

Designed for students focused on personal growth and spiritual formation, the MCS program develops deeper knowledge in areas of interest such as biblical languages, Old Testament, New Testament, preaching, and theology. Invest in your spiritual formation, pursue roles in lay ministry, and develop greater biblical and theological fluency.

Build on your prior theological education as you broaden and deepen your understanding of the Bible and theology. Complete advanced studies in one of three program streams: New Testament, Old Testament, or theology.

The MIM program will equip you to serve in specialized cross-cultural ministries in North America or in international contexts.

This program can fulfill the educational requirements to be licensed as an international worker with The Christian and Missionary Alliance.

As an academic and professional program, no internship is included, instead students engage in a final capstone project that works to incorporate the full scope of their learning.

Work closely with a supervisor to develop a thesis in your chosen stream, while building the skills needed to study at the doctoral level as you continue toward a career in academic research or teaching.

This thesis-based master’s program is designed for students with an academic background in biblical and theological studies who want to pursue further study or teaching. To enter the MTS program, you need an undergraduate degree that includes two classes in each of the following categories: Greek, Hebrew, New Testament, Old Testament, and theology.

Theological Studies in Chinese (TSC) Four programs are offered entirely in Mandarin:

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES IN CHINESE

• Master of Divinity (90 credit hours) • Master in Leadership and Ministry (60 credit hours) • Master of Christian Studies (60 credit hours) • Diploma in Christian Studies (30 credit hours) • Certificate in Leadership (15 credit hours) For more information, visit: ambrose.edu/program/tsc

恩道神學院中文神學研究

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‫ی‬ଳ॔ㄥஓИ‫॔ކ‬ㄥू९ ‫ی‬ଳ॔ㄥஓИ‫॔ކ‬ㄥू९

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Graduate Certificate in Intercultural Studies 21 credit hours

This program is intended to develop skills for professional practice in the growing field of chaplaincy. Incorporate skills to provide spiritual and emotional support in pursuit of the spiritual health and well-being of individuals.

The program enables you to pursue chaplaincy in a variety of contexts.

The Certificate in Intercultural Studies prepares students to work in a variety of intercultural vocations both domestically and internationally. Courses completed as part of the Certificate in Intercultural Studies program may be applied to the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies or to the requirements of the Master in Intercultural Ministries, Master in Leadership and Ministry, Master of Christian Studies, or the Master of Divinity programs. The Certificate in Intercultural Studies can meet the educational requirements for licensing as an international worker with The Christian and Missionary Alliance.

The Certificate in Spiritual Care can be taken concurrently with one of our full-length programs.

Students can take courses that would meet the requirements for the Certificate in Spiritual Care as part of the MDiv or MLM program and earn both credentials.

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Clinical Psycho-spiritual Education (CPE) Ambrose has partnered with AHS to enable students to take this AHS offering and incorporate it into an Ambrose Seminary program.

For more information, or to apply to a CPE course of study visit: albertahealthservices.ca/ services/page13213.aspx.

To see how these CPE units can be incorporated into an Ambrose program visit ambrose.edu/ seminary-academiccalendar/internshipprogram/clinical-pastoraleducation)

Graduate Certificate in Leadership 15 credit hours (Available in Chinese language) Get equipped with the basics to serve in ministry.

Courses taken as part of the Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies may be applied to the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies or to the requirements of the Master in Intercultural Ministries, Master in Leadership and Ministry, Master of Christian Studies, or the Master of Divinity programs.

FLEXIBLE STUDIES

Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Care 21 credit hours

Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies 15 credit hours (Available in Chinese language)

Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies 30 credit hours (Available in Chinese language)

Get equipped with the basics to serve in ministry.

Courses taken as part of the Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies may be applied to the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies or to the requirements of the Master in Intercultural Ministries, Master in Leadership and Ministry, Master of Christian Studies, or the Master of Divinity programs

Become equipped to serve in ministry and direct your studies to the areas that interest you most. Courses completed as part of the Diploma in Christian Studies program may be applied to the requirements of the Master in Intercultural Ministries, Master in Leadership and Ministry, Master of Christian Studies, or the Master of Divinity program

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Gain credentials with every class you take We’re flexible! As your classes add up, so do your credentials. Five classes gives you a certificate. At ten you have a diploma and at 20 you’ve completed a full degree.

Choose from a flexible schedule - regular daytime, week-long, evening, and weekend.

1 to 3

Reach 5

(Open Studies)

(Five total courses)

Start with one to three courses

Five classes earn you a certificate

Plus 5

Plus 10

(Ten total courses)

(Twenty total courses)

Take five more classes to earn a diploma

Take ten more classes to earn a full degree

Flexible classes help accommodate various schedules allowing students to pursue their theological education amidst the complexities of life.

• Online (synchronous and asynchronous options) • Evenings • Weekends • Week-long modular

FLEXIBLE

STUDIES

• In-person

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QUALITY IMPACT

FACULTY

At every level of education, those that teach have an immense impact on the quality of your education. Ambrose Seminary faculty combine scholarly research with years of practical ministry experience to help ensure the quality and relevance of your studies.

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FACULTY Ambrose faculty continue to engage the issues that face the church and society through both their scholarly work and their involvement withing the broader community

Rob Snow PhD

Christina Conroy PhD

Dean of Theology

Associate Professor of Theology

Rob’s academic discipline is New Testament studies with a specialization in the Gospel of Mark, apocalyptic literature and the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament. Rob is particularly interested in the ways that the literature, culture, and religious environment of the later Second Temple period influences the theology of the New Testament writings, particularly the Synoptic Gospels.

Stuart Williams DMin Associate Dean of Theology Stuart holds a Doctorate of Ministry, from the Nazarene Theological Seminary where he was awarded a Dissertation of Distinction for his work. His dissertation work focuses on Intercultural ministry in the local church, and is titled “The Intercultural Congregation: Thinking, Living and Loving Racial Diversity with the Local Church: Developing an Intercultural Ministry Framework for Life Together.”

Stuart also has over 15 years of pastoral ministry experience.

Mark Buchanan MCS Associate Professor of Pastoral Theology Mark’s most recent area of research is on Christian pacifist resistance to Nazi oppression in WWII France.

He also has a deep love for Canada’s First Peoples. His writings gather and blend all of these influences.

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Christina works in the area of contemplative and constructive theology with expertise in residential school history, the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of Canada, and Indigenous-Settler relations. Current research interests include the intersection of neuroscience, epigenetics, and trauma with Christian theology.

Charles Cook PhD Professor of Global Studies and Mission; Director, Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives Charles has been involved in establishing communities of faith in a variety of places around the world building on his own experience living in places like Colombia, Ecuador, and Peru. On returning to Canada, he assumed the role of Professor of Global Studies and Mission at Ambrose University.

His research revolves around Canadian Churches in mission.

Jon Coutts PhD Associate Professor of Christian Theology As a result of spending life with one foot in the systematic-political and the other in the pastoral-practical, Jon’s teaching tends toward these intersections. In his current research, Jon is looking into Bonhoeffer’s theology of “mandates,” Jesus’ teaching on inter-personal forgiveness, and the films of the Coen brothers (and other directors).

Jonathan Lo PhD

Arch Wong PhD

Associate Professor of New Testament

Professor of Practical Theology Associate Director, Flourishing Congregations Institute

Jonathan has taught New Testament studies inter- nationally for over 10 years. His research interests include biblical intertextuality and the insight it yields into New Testament texts and beliefs, the historical origins of Christianity, and the phenomenon of contemporary biblical contextualization, especially within Hong Kong Christian communities.

Beth Stovell PhD Professor of Old Testament and Chair, General Theological Studies Beth specializes in biblical Hebrew poetry, biblical hermeneutics, the use of the Old Testament in the New Testament, and the use of biblical metaphors, particularly in Prophetic Literature and in John’s Gospel, John’s Letters, and Revelation. She cares about bridging the gap between the academy and the Church. Beth writes for scholarly journals and books, for commentaries, and for popular magazines such as Faith Today, Christianity Today, and Bible Study Magazine.

Ric Strangway DMin Associate Professor of Theology, Chair of Continuing Education, Coordinator of Field Education Ric cares deeply about the local church and formation for Christian ministry, particularly as it relates to the Story of God. With a passion for nurturing and equipping church leaders, Ric integrates his own experience into his teachings.

Arch’s current research is in the areas of discipleship/spiritual and character formation, pastoral care, congregational studies, flourishing congregations, pastoral and teacher well-being, qualitative and quantitative research methodologies for practical theology and education, and Western/Indigenous/Asian epistemologies.

Paramount to the Ambrose experience is faculty Investment in the spiritual formation of students that is deeply formative, encouraging vitality and longevity, during their time at Ambrose and beyond.

ambrose seminary

Alice Kung MALM Lecturer, Children and Family Ministries

ambrose seminary

Alice has continued her research with particular interest in current trends and movements in children and family ministry. Alice brings vast experience in children and family ministries in local church contexts.

Julie Dykes Lecturer, Old Testament Julie has a passion for studying and teaching the Old Testament as a vital, enriching, and necessary part of Christian theology, especially by discussing the metaphors of Scripture. Her dissertation focuses on the use of metaphors that describe Yahweh as creator in Isaiah 40-55, particularly those that draw on builder and familial language.

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& SCHOLARSHIPS

FINANCE

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100%

Ambrose University offers robust financial aid programs to help students pursue their academic goals, with average annual scholarships of $1,700. With a range VARSITY TEAM STUDENT TO MINUTES TO OF PROGRAMS of scholarships, opportunities,THE Ambrose SPORTS FACULTY RATIO grants, and work/study ROCKY helps reduce INCLUDE WORK financial barriers that may hinder students’ access toMOUNTAINS quality education. INTEGRATED

50

15

#4

40%

700

LEARNING OPPORTUNITIES

Full Year Tuition and STUDENT Fees DENOMINATIONS REPRESENTED (Based on a full course load -15 credits each semester) MOST LIVEABLE CLUBS CITY WORLDWIDE LOCAL PARTNER Note: Tuition and fees are subject ORGANIZATIONS Seminary to change without notice. Listed $1608.00 Single course tuition and fees are valid for 2023-2024 academic year.

INTERNATIONAL Full year (30 credit hours) $17,430.00 KILOMETRES OF STUDENT BODY To see a full breakdown of BIKE PATHS STUDENTS our tuition and fees, OF please visit SAID WORK ambrose.edu/tuition-fees INTEGRATED LEARNING HELPED THEM SUNLIGHT HOURS GET A JOB PER YEAR

120+ 71%

2.3K

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AVERAGE SCHOLARSHIP

$1.4M ASSISTANCE AWARDED

NORTH AM BUSIEST

88%

OF STUDENTS RECEIVE A SCHOLARSHIP

[

(Statistics Canada Survey, 2018)

Seminary Scholarships

37.6

AVERAGE AGE General Entrance Scholarship: Academic and Leadership – receive up to $3,000 OF CALGARIAN • $2,000 based on undergraduate GPA for students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 •

$1,000 for involvement in leadership within ministry contexts

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Church Servant Leadership Scholarship – up to $4,000 LANGUAGES • For full-time students, based on church nomination and sponsorship; SPOKEN up to $2,000 yearly is matched by Ambrose Church Partner Program Scholarship – up to $600/ year •

Up to $100 of church donation per course is matched by Ambrose

Continuing Student Scholarship – between $500-$10,000 •

For returning students based on academic achievement, leadership, and program funding

Student Financial Assistance – between $500-$10,000 •

Supporting students with demonstrated financial need

Finish Free Scholarship – $16,080 •

For MDiv students entering their third year who have completed 60 credits of the program at Ambrose, with a minimum GPA of 3.0

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REQUIREMENTS

ADMISSION

General Requirements

Your application must demonstrate a personal commitment to Christ that has existed at least one year prior to your projected date of enrolment. You should also have reputable character, and a motivation to learn.

Upon submission of an application the following documentation will be required to demonstrate these criteria are met: • A two to three-page testimony.

• A letter of reference from a pastor or denominational leader.

• A letter of reference from an employer or professional acquaintance.

Academic Qualifications • A baccalaureate degree or its educational equivalent from a recognized or accredited university, college, or Bible college.

Additional Requirements for Applicants to the Master of Theological Studies • A baccalaureate degree or its educational equivalent from a recognized or accredited university, college, or Bible college with a 3.0 CGPA on a 4.0 scale.

• 30 credits in bible, theology, and language studies with a minimum 3.0 GPA in these courses.

• A writing sample in one of the concentration areas (Old Testament, New Testament, Theology.

If successful, the individual can then pursue one of the following programs:

Mature Student Requirements Should you not have an undergraduate degree there is the possibility to pursue admission via the mature student admissions pathway.

Mature students are generally 28 years of age or older.

• Master of Christian Studies • Master in Intercultural Ministries • Master in Leadership and Ministry • Master of Divinity

Anyone seeking admission to a Seminary program at Ambrose University as a mature student must first complete either the Graduate Certificate in Christian Studies, Graduate Certificate in Leadership or Graduate Diploma in Christian Studies, achieving a minimum CGPA of 2.7.

• Graduate Certificate in Spiritual Care Additionally, students seeking mature student admission to the Master of Theological Studies are required to first complete the Master in Intercultural Ministries, Master in Leadership and Ministry, Master of Christian Studies, or Master of Divinity program with a 3.0 CGPA.

• Interview may be required.

English Language Proficiency If English is not your first language, you must demonstrate English proficiency through one of the accepted options.

For more details and information, visit: ambrose. edu/seminary/admissions

• A minimum GPA of 2.7 on a 4.0 scale in your last 60 credit hours of study.

Special Admission Students who have completed a baccalaureate degree or its educational equivalent (with a minimum of 90 credit hours) from a recognized or accredited university, college, or Bible College with a GPA greater than 2.0 and less than 2.7 on a 4.0 scale may be considered for admission as a Special Admissions Student. Speak to an advisor for more information.

DEADLINES

Personal Qualifications

Canadian Applicants August 1

for Fall Semester

December 10

for Winter Semester

USA Applicants July 15

for Fall Semester

November 15

for Winter Semester

Applicants from outside Canada or the USA March 1

for Fall Semester

July 1

for Winter Semester

Master of Theological Studies Early Deadline January 15

for Fall Semester

September 15

for Winter Semester

Regular Deadline April 15

for Fall Semester

November 1

for Winter Semester

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Thrive academically, socially, and spiritually Ambrose Seminary offers a vibrant campus life that fosters a close-knit community and rich cultural experience. Being embedded within Ambrose University allows seminary students to interact with seminary and undergraduate students utilizing the many resources campus has to offer.

Chapel services center the institution around communal worship. Seminary commons provides a place on campus for seminary students to participate in community events, study, and connect with one another.

COMMUNITY

& CULTURE

Our campus library provides students access to one of the largest private collections in Western Canada.

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61% PART-TIME STUDENTS

50%

MALE-FEMALE DEMOGRAPHIC

45

AVERAGE AGE

100

YEARS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

215

SEMINARY STUDENTS

16:1

FACULTY TO STUDENT RATIO

1.64M

68%

MILLION PEOPL

INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

[ 29

60

MINUTES TO THE ROCK MOUNTAIN

DENOMINATIONS REPRESENTED

5

CONTINENTS REPRESENTED

[

#4

MOST LIVEABL CITY WORLDWID

2.3K

SUNLIGHT HOUR PER YEA

Ambrose University offers a vibrant campus life that fosters a close-knit community and rich cultural experience. Being embedded within Ambrose University allows seminary students to interact with seminary and undergraduate students utilizing the many resources campus has to offer.

Chapel services center the institution around communal worship. Seminary commons provides a place on campus for seminary students to participate in community events, study, and connect with one another. Our campus library provides students access to one of the largest private collections in Western Canada.

Community Our community is a vibrant tapestry of diverse backgrounds, passions, and callings. Students, staff, and faculty come together in a spirit of collaboration and mutual support. Ambrose Seminary promotes community-driven activities such as lunches, retreats, and times of worship. During your time at Ambrose, you will learn from your community as much as from your textbooks.

International Students As you pursue theological studies, you will gain a global perspective, expand your cultural understanding, and forge lifelong connections with students from around the world. Ambrose is a designated learning institution with the Government of Canada, which opens up various opportunities for international students.

“Ambrose taught me a Rule of Life – personalized rhythms of prayer, Sabbath, hard work, and good rest – that is a platform I’ve continued to build on. It’s been critical as I navigate ministry with a full portfolio and raising a young family.”

Justin Fox Local Pastor – Master of Arts in Leadership and Ministry (Class of 2023)

International Student Advisor: internationaladmissions@ ambrose.edu

Spiritual Formation Ambrose prioritizes spiritual formation as an integral part of your educational journey.

We provide intentional spaces and practices that invite you to deepen your relationship with God, nurture spiritual disciplines, and cultivate a vibrant faith. Your time at Ambrose will immerse you in a holistic approach to ministry and personal transformation..

Support Services Ambrose has many support services focused on assisting with resources for your personal, physical, spiritual, or academic well-being.

You are able to access services such as counselling, crisis supports, and mental health services. Our Student Academic Success team provides tutoring, workshops, accessibility supports, and various other services to assist you in your studies. Seminary 101 courses can assist you in learning essential skills to help you succeed at the graduate level.

Find out more at: ambrose.edu/international

Recruit Me

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Ambrose campus is located on the traditional territories of the people of the Treaty 7 region in Southern Alberta, specifically the traditional land of the Blackfoot people. The City of Calgary is also home to the Metis Nation of Alberta, Region III.

& BEYOND

Located in southwest Calgary, just minutes from public transportation, you can easily access the core of the city, as well as the nearby Rocky Mountains. Ambrose University seeks the health and well-being of the city. Faculty, staff, students, and alumni invest in local churches across the city and other organizations that continue to have an impact on countless people. Ambrose is home to the Canadian Poverty Institute, Flourishing Congregations Institute, and Jaffray Centre for Global Initiatives, all of which are invested in researching and implementing local, national, and global initiatives.

CALGARY

61% PART-TIME STUDENTS

50%

MALE-FEMALE DEMOGRAPHIC

16

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45

AVERAGE AGE

100

YEARS OF HIGHER EDUCATION

215

SEMINARY STUDENTS

16:1

FACULTY TO STUDENT RATIO

68%

[ 1.64M

29

60

INCREASE IN INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS

DENOMINATIONS REPRESENTED

5

CONTINENTS REPRESENTED

MILLION PEOPLE

MINUTES TO THE ROCKY MOUNTAINS

#4

MOST LIVEABLE CITY WORLDWIDE

2.3K

SUNLIGHT HOURS PER YEAR

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Come Visit Ambrose University Come visit Ambrose University! Campus visits are an essential step for prospective students seeking an enriched educational experience. On your visit, you can take in the vibrant campus atmosphere, connect with faculty, explore our facilities, and get a glimpse of your future as part of our welcoming community. Learn more about programs, admissions, financial aid and more. Book through the QR code below or contact our Admissions team today to book an in-person or virtual campus tour, or sign up for our seminary events.

Questions?

Contact a member of our Admissions team at: Phone: 403-410-2900 Toll Free: 800-461-1222 Email: enrolment@ambrose.edu

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ambrose seminary

150 Ambrose Circle SW Calgary, Alberta T3H 0L5 www.ambrose.edu