A Story of a Dream No Longer Deferred

Eric recalls, “Forty years ago, President Neville Matthews talked of needing a new library. He invited Keith Clouten, a librarian from Australia, to come and begin the process. Mr. Clouten organized and updated the library holdings (a herculean task!), but the dream of a new building was deferred. Several more attempts, especially in the last 25 years, were also aborted.”

He continues, “When Burman’s current president, Dr. Loren Agrey, shared what had by now assumed great urgency, I saw an opportunity to invest in the future of young people and to honour those who, before my time, had given so much to my future.”

Vic, too, was motivated by gratitude. He explains, “The three greatest decisions of my life were made here: my dedication to Jesus as my Lord and Saviour, my decision to be a teacher in the Adventist education system, and my choice of a life companion. I covet for each student the privileges and opportunities that were mine and want to help provide the best facilities and programs for them. So the choice to become involved was really an easy one.”

Capital Campaign Update

Burman University’s $11 million capital campaign, Shaping the World, has three separate components: a new library, student success, and faculty/program support. Under the leadership of Eric Rajah and J.D. Victor Fitch, the $6 million goal for the library was met (counting cash and pledges). In introducing Burman’s new senior development officer, President Loren Agrey says, “I am happy that Adam Deibert will continue their work as he leads out in our efforts to meet the goals for the remaining two components.”

(Still) Shaping the World

The continuing campaign for Burman University

The final piece of the student success component is internships and missions. For many years, Burman’s students have served internationally as student missionaries (SM), but their number has dwindled. An ongoing source of financial support would create a win-win-win situation: Burman would win from a vibrant SM program as a co-curricular enrichment of the student experience, students would win from the experience of serving, and the communities served would win from their service. Closer to home, support for internships would give students opportunities to gain valuable employment skills even as they study.

Goal for Faculty/Program Support

At first glance, J.D. Victor (Vic) Fitch, an educator, and Eric Rajah, a businessman, appear to have little in common. Vic was born in Central Alberta; Eric’s family immigrated to Canada when Eric was a teen. Although both are alumni of Burman University, Vic first arrived on campus in 1949; Eric, not until 1978. Yet their shared vision forged a deep friendship despite their differences: to turn a longdeferred dream into reality.

What wasn’t easy was the task they set themselves: a wellplanned and staged fund-raising campaign. A new library would cost millions of dollars. Nightmares of starting a building and leaving it unfinished, or of incurring a huge debt for Burman, drove them daily. Covid compounded their fears. They couldn’t conduct group meetings that are so critical to fund-raising endeavours. But they had faith that God was in this project. They saw Him at work in their committed and talented team members who didn’t shirk hard work and long hours. They also saw Him in donors who gave from their hearts. Eric writes, “The generosity of our alumni and friends moved us greatly. Every gift, from the largest of $1.3 million to the smallest of $3.41, spoke of commitment to our youth.”

Once all outstanding pledges have been honoured, the team will have surpassed their goal. Students have used Burman University’s new, beautiful, spacious, and debt-free library since January 2022. It was dedicated at last year’s Homecoming. In addition, another $2 million was raised for projects such as scholarships, program improvements, and better access for students with disabilities.

Vic concludes, “We learned that, when we do our part, with God all things are possible. Also, that giving is very personal. Some give generously from their abundance; others, like the widow, give generously of what they have. We praise and thank God. May He bless each as they are blessing future generations through their magnificent generosity."

Introducing Adam Deibert Adam Deibert has an almost 25-year history with Burman University. He arrived as a freshman in 1999 and graduated from religious studies in 2003. His first pastoral assignment took him to Edmonton, Alberta. After completing graduate studies, Adam returned to Burman as chaplain in 2013. Now, 10 years later, Adam Deibert is again in a leadership role as Burman’s new senior development officer. He is committed to Burman’s mission to provide students with the best possible opportunities to “think with discernment, believe with insight and commitment, and act with confidence, compassion, and competence.”

Goal for Student Success Component: $3 Million

The $3 million earmarked for student success will give students barrier-free access to all necessary spaces on campus through projects such as elevator service to the Administration Building and West Hall.

Student success also depends on financial accessibility. A student aid endowment would provide consistent support to qualified students each year.

For more than 100 years, alumni of Burman University have shaped the world in myriad ways. Donor contributions to this campaign will continue this legacy.

Student Success: $ 3 Million

Component: $2 Million

Each year, Burman faculty produce (often with student participation) an exceptional amount of research, from peer reviewed papers and articles to posters and presentations at international conferences to book chapters and even whole books—all in addition to their teaching loads. Adam Kiš, the director of faculty research, points out, "Our research is only as limited as our funding allows."

Physical Accessibility

Financial Accessibility Internships and Missions

Program Development and Enrichment Faculty Research Endowment

Faculty and Programs: $2 Million

Program development and enrichment will support Burman’s ongoing efforts to offer students cuttingedge learning experiences. This requires constant evaluation both in and out of the classroom, and providing the necessary learning spaces and resources for students to have a progressive educational experience. Donations to date have been used to enhance learning spaces (e.g., upgrades to classrooms in McKibbin Centre and West Hall, the greenhouse at Chan Shun) and provide technology (e.g., the purchase of iPads for the sciences, Chromebooks for education, and lab equipment for biology) that keep students current with educational trends.

Adventist Pastors

Gather for National Conference at Burman

In June of 2009, the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Canada (SDACC) held its ministerial convention on the campus of Burman University. More than 300 pastors and their families descended on the hilltop as the campus, for five days, was transformed from a university into a convention centre. Behind the scenes was a logistical operation of almost 90 people in housing, food services, transportation, seminar locations, recreation, and customer service.

Dan Jackson, SDACC president at that time, envisioned a convention designed to help with the challenges of ministry in the 21st century. The session's goal was a renewed outlook and a refreshed spirit for each pastor's ministry.

Burman/Kettering Partnership Graduates First Cohort B.S.N.

On December 15, 2022, Dr. Sandra Acquah, assistant professor of biology and coordinator of the Burman/Kettering nursing degree partnership, attended a graduation ceremony at Kettering College School of Nursing in Ohio. Seven of “her” students from Burman University were graduating; three with honours, and one with Kettering’s “Christian Care” peer award. All had jobs waiting for them.

The seven graduates were the first cohort of Burman students who, after studying for one and one-half years at Burman University, availed themselves of the unique opportunity to complete a nursing degree at Kettering. The agreement between the two schools, entered into in 2019, has several significant benefits for students:

• Lower tuition for the first part of their program (even without taking the exchange rate into consideration)

Unlike Esther, Ornela Fankem and Chantelle Martens were close to completing undergraduate degrees at Burman when they decided to take advantage of the agreement with Kettering even before the first official cohort started.

Examining the role of the church in today’s complex environment, the pastoral role, and how Burman University contributes are key elements of the July conference.

Restored and Empowered Restauré et Habilité Restaurado y Empoderado

The July 2 - 5 summit will provide opportunities for sharing, learning, connecting, and networking across the Canadian Adventist ministerial landscape. The convention’s objectives are to renew commitment to ministry, revive and strengthen skills, and relate with one another through ministry across the nation.

Opportunities for dialogue and shared experience is a valuable aspect of the event.

After a 14-year absence, the convention is coming back to campus July 2 - 5. Current SDACC president Paul Llewellyn is excited about what Burman hosting this convention could accomplish for the future of the university. “The SDACC is choosing to have its 2023 Ministerial Convention at Burman University because Burman is ‘our’ university. Burman serves all of Canada, and with the university being the central focus of training for our young people, we want to ensure that Burman is the central focus of ministry for the church in Canada.

“Also, the SDACC has not had a ministerial convention since 2009. After the 2009 convention, Burman's enrolment experienced a marked increase for the next five years. We want to make sure Burman is again highlighted as Canada's university for training our young people,” writes Llewellyn.

Dr. David Jeffrey, director of diplomas, certificates, and institutional research for the university and lead of the planning committee for Burman, echoes Llewellyn's statement. He states, "Within two years of hosting the conference, enrolment by Canadian students increased by 34 percent, with particular gains among students not attending Adventist academies.

"We plan to showcase the Burman experience for our pastors and their families in July 2023 and hope that a taste of Burman hospitality will have a similarly significant impact. Many of Canada’s pastors have never been to Burman University. We stand ready to welcome them as they are renewed and refreshed at this year’s ministerial convention.”

• Low student-faculty ratio for more individualized instruction at Burman (particularly important for freshmen students)

• Smaller campus to learn and practice leadership skills before transferring to a larger one

Esther Boateng, founder and president of Burman’s first Nursing Association club, found that applying for a student visa meant completing a lot of paperwork. But, she reports, both Burman and Kettering “made sure the experience was not very difficult and was handled professionally.”

A full academic program, extracurricular activities (such as the nursing club Esther started and participation in the choir) as well as part-time work made Esther’s three semesters at Burman very busy. She reports that her classes in microbiology, anatomy and physiology, and medical terminology gave her a solid foundation for her nursing program at Kettering. She was well-prepared for the transition to a larger campus.

Ornela talks of the “village of support” at Burman and professors “instrumental to my academic success.” She also reports that Dr. Acquah helped her “stay on track while transitioning. She even checked up on me throughout my Kettering program.”

Now working for the Kettering Health Network in Ohio, Ornela advises students to “embrace change and get comfortable being uncomfortable because there is so much growth that happens when you do—especially in a career as fulfilling as this one.”

Burman’s Acrobatics Team Plans Golden Jubilee Reunion

1973-2023

On tour and at home games, Burman University’s acrobatic team, the Acronaires (formerly the Olympix), has thrilled and inspired audiences for the past 50 years. A weekend of celebration and reunion is planned for March 8 – 10, 2024.

Coach Ron Schafer says, “We hope to have hundreds of former team members return for this major event.” He invites all former team members to send their contact information to rschafer@burmanu.ca or call/ text 403-391-6909. “And if you know the where-abouts of former members and have their email addresses or phone numbers,” he adds, “please share those also.”

The Back Story

In 1965, Landon Ritchey, founder of the Olympix, first arrived on the hilltop as a Grade 10 student. When a touring group of acrobats from Pacific Union College Academy (PUC Prep) under Hawaiian Coach Robert Kalua arrived on campus, Landon was mesmerized by what he saw. He couldn’t believe his eyes when the PUC Prep student bunking with him for the weekend casually practiced his balance on the back of Landon’s dorm chair with a one-armed planche. His father enjoyed tumbling with the boys, but this was totally different. And then, when Landon saw the PUC team’s performance on Saturday night, he was hooked. The lights, the music, the acts! Landon had found his calling: acrobatics would be his future.

to San Pasqual Academy in Southern California, Landon hitchhiked south for his Grade 12 year with a suitcase in one hand and his guitar case in another. One year later, after graduating from high school, Landon followed Coach Kalua to Andrews University in Michigan.

Coach Kalua, in building his team, looked for young men and women who were talented not only in acrobatics, but also in music and public speaking. Few were gifted in all three areas. But touring meant weekend presentations at Seventhday Adventist academies. So they presented lively music and thought-provoking spiritual talks at Friday evening vesper services and Saturday morning church services. On Saturday evenings, they performed their acrobatics. Afterwards, they brought out their guitars and taught students Hawaiian love songs. It became quickly evident that an acrobatic team on tour was a powerful recruitment tool for Andrews University.

Landon says, “I had two of the skills Coach Kalua was looking for: acrobatics and music. For the past two years, I had had practice. Even public speaking was becoming less scary!”

In 1973, then president Dr. Neville Matthews of Canadian Union College (CUC, now Burman University) invited Landon to start a touring group. Under Landon’s leadership, the Olympix flourished. He selected 30 students from the 60 that tried out. His criteria were those of his mentor Robert Kalua: acrobatics, music, public speaking— and not necessarily all three, nor in that order.

Together with Wayne Culmore, the men’s residence hall dean he recruited to be the team’s chaplain, Landon created a team with cachet. Being a team member meant hard work, but it also meant the admiration and respect of the campus. Landon says, “It meant wanting to be on the team so much that you’d do almost anything, including praying in public and leading out in church services . . . and then finding out that God’s Spirit was working in your life.”

He says, “I know many lives have been changed because of the team. Helping young adults to know God better through acrobatics was the whole purpose. Sometimes the routing was circuitous. Nonetheless, the thrill of seeing kids make a decision for God was worth it.”

The team’s current coach, Ron Schafer, was in high school when he made the Olympix in 1973. He, too, chose to attend Andrews University to study under Coach Kalua and returned to CUC to coach CUC’s team. Under Ron’s leadership, the team changed its name to Acronaires to avoid confusion with the more common Olympics. The name was changed, but Landon’s purpose “to change lives” is still very evident. Landon concludes, “Seeing the team’s 50 successful years of longevity has been the ultimate blessing.”

For his Grade 11 year, Landon returned home to Kelowna because Al Stoops, another Hawaiian, was principal there. When Landon discovered that Coach Robert Kalua had moved

Seniors Fitness Class Returns to Full Strength

The “Seniors Fitness” class, meeting every Tuesday and Thursday, is once again back to pre-pandemic numbers, with new participants joining every day. On each of the two days, 50 to 65 seniors attend this free class. Activities that promote cardiovascular fitness, muscular endurance, coordination, balance, reaction time, and flexibility are incorporated into each 75-minute class.

Offering the class free of charge, ensures that no senior is kept out of the Burman Fitness Centre for financial reasons. Director Ron Schafer says, “Our oldest participant is 93 and the average age would be the mid to upper 70s.”