History Month
Black History Month originated in 1926 as Negro History Week, created by historian Carter G. Woodson to highlight African American achievements. It was timed to coincide with the birthdays of Abraham Lincoln and Frederick Douglass. During the Civil Rights Movement, the week expanded, and in 1976, President Gerald Ford officially recognized Black History Month in February. Canada followed in 1995, and the UK adopted it in 1987 (celebrated in October). Today, it honours Black history, culture, and contributions while addressing ongoing struggles for racial jus-
Black history month is an important time to recognize the contributions and achievements of Black individuals that are often overlooked. Like, did you know that the person who invented traffic lights was black?? Everyone would be driving like a maniac. Or did you know that Pacemaker Control Units were also invented by black people?? Or what about super soakers? Where do you think those are from? Yeah, that’s what I thought. We wouldn’t have so much fun in the summer without them. Black History Month also seeks to educate individuals on black history, which is often marginalized and/or excluded from the mainstream media. Finally, Black History Month is about unity and reflection. It encourages our society to reflect on the past, acknowledge injustices, and work
Frederick Douglass, American social reformer, abolitionist, orator, writer, statesman, and leader of the movement for African American civil rights in the 19th century (1818-1895).
Banquet Outfit Inspo
By Renee Hall
One of the most exciting nights on campus (well, off campus, you know what I mean) is coming up fast. March 1st is our annual Burman Banquet, an excuse for us broke college students to avoid homework, assignments and studying to get all dressed up! If you are short of ideas on what to wear, look no further. I got you. The theme: Starry Night. So, I was thinking of navy blue, black, and gold, much like the painting by Vincent van Gogh. You don’t have to dress according to the theme, of course; these are just mere suggestions.
Harana
Written by Teresa Bruce
On February 9th, The Filipino Cultural Club put together a romantic event titled Harana. This eventful evening was hosted in the hideout, and the venue was decorated with delicate lighting and elaborate table designs. Hosted by HM and Jayden, the event put both the beauty and talent of Filipino culture on full display. Throughout the evening, guests were serenaded and served delectable plates. Guests had ample food options to choose from, and club members took on the role of servers to ensure guests were taken care of. There was a wide range of performances, which included singing (obviously), a band, a saxophone, and a viola. The entertainment continued with some crowd participation, and the game “word association” was a hit. If you ask around, you may be able to find video proof of Brandon and Kyle belting an Adele song. The event concluded with some good old karaoke, and people left feeling refreshed and rejuvenated for their midterms.
WISE January 2025
The Speakers:
Monday: Elijah O’Sullivan Amaya
Tuesday:
Kyrianna Reimer & Jake Choi
Wednesday: Melissa Duarte Penna
Thursday:
Darry Davis & Maranatha Odong
Friday:
Dania Pandala
Saturday: Emmanuel Olivier-Jacques
The Newly Elected 2025-2026 BUSA Team Introducing...
Written by Emma Mowat
Get to know our new Student Association for the 2025-2026 school year! I asked them, “what does serving your peers mean to you?” Here’s what they had to say...
President
Elena Quiyono Kolokolova
“Hi everyone! For me, serving my peers means putting other’s interests above my own, valuing everyone and taking action toward positive change. Philippians 2:3,4 says:
“Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit. Rather, in humility, value others above yourselves, not looking to your interests but each of you to the interests of the others.”
Leadership should embody a servant-hearted approach where people are lifted up, heard, and empowered to be the change.”
Executive VP
“If I were asked, ‘What does serving my peers look like to me?’ I would say it’s all about the three main values that I believe make up leaders, and that is listening, advocating, and following through. Listening means genuinely hearing the voices, concerns, and ideas of my peers to understand their needs and ultimately just to hear them out and be that listening ear. Advocating is about standing up for those voices, ensuring that they are represented and valued in every step and decision, and most importantly, following through means turning our words into action as that truly speaks louder— being reliable, accountable, and making sure the realistic promises I make and what BUSA makes lead to real results that positively impact Burman as a whole.”
Joshua Martin
Communications VP
“I believe the Lord has called me to serve humanity. Jesus reminds us in Mark 12 of the law “Love your neighbour as yourself”. In this, serving my peers means being the change, being the support, being the love and the community that I love to see or want to see among us as Burman students.”
Financial VP
“Serving my peers means trying my best in helping others whenever I can.”
Social VP
“Serving my peers means leading with humility, listening with intention, and creating spaces where everyone feels valued and included. It’s about putting others first, turning ideas into action, and fostering a community that uplifts and supports each other. For me, service isn’t just about events. It’s also about building connections, making a difference, and reflecting the love of Christ through action.”
Student Life VP
“Serving begins with putting others before yourself. Like every other student, I attend school to gain a better education and move forward in life. I understand the struggles of school, and I want to help make Burman University a place that elevates the post-secondary experience. I love Burman and want to share that love and the incredible experiences I’ve had here with others!”
Ben Manzanares-lanza
Prince Caro
Lidia Cofles Gualtera
Kyle Bacalso
Student Spotlight
featuring Emma Duchesne, interviewed by Renee Hall
Please could you state your full government name for the records of public Burman knowledge?
Emma Lucie (emphasis on the “e”) Duchesne.
What is your major, and what year are you in?
Pre-professional Religious Studies, 2nd Year.
Why did you choose Burman?
Number 1: I got bad high school grades. Number 2: My dad came here. Number 3: I did not have a passport, so not much of a choice there. Number 4: Came here for a friend, but uhm… pfft, anyway. So what’s the next question?
When you were little, what did you want to be?
Oh my gosh, it changed a lot. When I was six, it was a pastor because my dad is a pastor. At fifteen, I wanted to be a forensic scientist; I wanted an “intellectual” job. But then I went to get my blood drawn and noticed it was not my calling. At sixteen, I wanted to be an author (let’s be for real here: what am I going to do with that?). Seventeen, nail
tech/hairdresser. Eighteen, well, here I am.
What was a total “freshie” move that you pulled when you got to Burman?
Oh… cringe. Well, besides coming here for a friend, uhm… I didn’t socialize, and I stayed friends with the RA squad. Shows how much I left my room, which was never. I literally did not leave my room; the only thing I did freshman year was avoid people. Oh, wait, I thought as a freshman I was invincible, so I worked 20 hours a week on top of school. LOL.
So you said you were an RS Major: what’s it like for a female?
This, as question six, is wild. I would say that it is hard; I do have it easier than most due to having three other girls in my year compared to other years where there weren’t any. I do have to be more mindful about what I say around other people because, in most conferences, it’s harder for women to be hired than men. In most conferences in Canada, it is harder for women to be hired in the smaller, rural communities, so when it
comes to being hired, I have to think about a lot that factors into that. I have to think of my digital footprint and what I say or do around campus because for a guy it would be a little easier as there is a shortage of pastors. I’m just a girl; it’s rough.
What acquired skill would you like to achieve one day somewhat?
I would like to be more charismatic. Uhh.. I want to be able to relate and empathize with people more. Cause as I said, freshman year, I hid in my room. But I’m happy to say that I am getting better at it. Writer’s note: (She really is, guys, I can attest to this statement.)
If the dorm’s fire alarm had to go off, what is the first thing you would want to save while running out? (It’s not standard procedure, but we all want to save something).
My stuffed shark, Lewis. You know what: it’s lightweight, and it means a lot to me. Mightily important to me.
What was your first job?
McDonald’s crew member at
sixteen. I worked there and worked my way up to team leader from sixteen to eighteen. Then quit three days before I came to Burman. Got to Burman, worked at Lacombe’s McDonald’s for another eight months. It was one of the most stressful things I’ve done. There are targets to hit, and if you don’t hit them, you are shouted at. I like to say that my normal is everybody else’s slow… so… yeah…
What is your biggest pet peeve?
My biggest pet peeve… when people don’t take my opinion seriously. It peeves me immensely because, as a middle child, I am used to being ignored, and as I grow up, I am starting to tolerate that less.
One thing you love but rarely buy for yourself?
I do not buy myself clothes often. I only buy them when I truly need them. That does, however, exclude hoodies. When a hoodie, hoodies. Ifykyk.
and do things.
What is the worst gift you have ever received?
Stares at the interviewer in “gagged.”
OH, I remember… my grandmother got me a reusable grocery bag.
Interviewer is in shock.
What’s it like living in the dorms?
Uhm, the food sucks, particularly because I have allergies. I do not like to ignore said allergies because of the lack of variety of food. Also, it would be nice to not hear people screaming at one in the morning.
Would you instead do a project in a group or individually? Why?
Individually. I think everyone can relate to this. Because we all have varying levels of importance in how we see our degrees. I really want good grades but it is not everyone’s priority, so it makes it harder to work in a group.
ly because they can fly, everyone keeps learning freaky facts about them, and they’re nocturnal.
If you had a three-meal course with one main ingredient, what would that ingredient be?
Cheese. My lactose-intolerant self loves cheese.
What vegetable makes pickles?
Cucumbers?
What advice would you give to someone who is new at Burman?
It goes by really quickly. Join as many things as you can in first year so that by second year you can start to narrow things down as your classes get harder. Leave your high school drama at home, people.
Give freshman you a solid piece of advice:
GET OUT OF YOUR ROOM. Join some clubs, bro. Get out
If you could be an animal, what would you be and why?
Some of my friends said I am like a koala. An owl, particular-
By Thirsa Ward
A Doll’s House: Part Two
Written by Teresa Bruce
Cassie Hall as Anne Marie Denora Tanihu as Emmy
Ammon Olson as Torvald
Yandira Campos as Nora
On Saturday, January 25th and Sunday, January 26th, Burman’s Drama Society performed their first production of the year: “A Doll’s House Part Two” by Lucas Hnath. Back in 2016, Burman’s Drama Society performed “A Doll’s House,” so this most recent production picks up where the last one left off. The story of the play takes place 15 years after Nora Helmer closes the door on her family. Instead, she knocks on the door of her old home and has a request which will ensure she can continue to live the life she has built. However, she first has to deal with the family that she had left behind. A Doll’s House explores themes of consequences, independence, and unresolved tensions in relationships. The Drama Society had a talented crew who evidently poured their hearts into the production. Cassie Hall played Anne Marie, Yandira Campos played Nora, Denora Tanihu played Emmy, and Ammon Olson played Torvald. There were many other people who worked behind the scenes, and without them, this play would not have been the success it was. So, to all those involved in those two nights, thank you for sharing your talent and passion with us! The Drama Society still has one more upcoming production, so I encourage you to stay tuned and check your emails!
Cultural C
Collision
Written by Teresa Bruce
On February 1st, the Burman Black Student Alliance organized Cultural Collision! This event was hosted in the Burman Gymnasium, and attendees were met with an unforgettable evening that highlighted culture, creativity, and connection. The theme of this event was “Roots and Rhythm,” reflecting the rich history of ancestral roots and the vibrant energy of cultural traditions. The event was well attended, and the gym parking lot was packed! This event was open to the community, and Burman put on a show for them. The gym was studded with elaborate booths filled with delicious cultural cuisines and creative merchandise. There were various performances given, and my personal favourite was the traditional African wedding (shout out to the amazing bride, Maeva and the groom, Daniel). The acrobatic team also shared an impressive performance where their strength and flexibility were on full display. This event facilitated a beautiful space where people could explore, connect, and celebrate!
What’re your reading break plans?
Written by Martin Santomin
NBA game
My birthday That’s about it
- Kenny Torres
Basketball and Lebron James
Going to Calgary and Banff trip with the “friends” (glutting involved) and Drumheller museum
- Chelsea Alberastine
- Brandon Weibe ******* and ******* ****
- Anonymous Indonesian
Probably go home and spend some time with my dog and family. Catch up on homework and go to the gym.
- Aaron Park
Going to the dog park with my dog
- Dania Pandala
Since I got through all my midterms these last two weeks, I have time to take a little break from the hectic Burman lifestyle. As much as I love the motion-filled life Burman has, it’s always good to take a break and reflect. By that, I mean having the most motion-filled week as possible. Hit the mountains, shop, hoop, boulder, travel to yeg/yyc just for food, and anything that I can think of. It will be a very restful week :)
I’ll be in California all break to visit my girlfriend, but it’s a little cursed cause she’s busy the whole time, and I really don’t know many people in Cali, so really I’m just gonna eat, thrift, and wander around by myself. Maybe do assignments, hard maybe, tho.
- Jezreel Brown
- Kyle Bacalso
a cool thermal
Guys we don’t have to always wear graphic tees or whatever “vintage” shirt you swear you washed after you got it from the thrift. Or v-necks. Get rid of that, gary vee lookin ahhh boy. Or ladies, we don’t gotta wear crop-tops all the time because everyone knows you’re cold and you look goofy. Thermals are nice long sleeves that you can layer nicely with under your fit and they’ll keep you extra warm. You can get some nice thermals or waffle knit long sleeves at the Gap, Uniqlo, Aritzia or if you wanna get spicy, some streetwear brands like Stussy.
Geller
fuzzy socks
winter
Hey guys, we’re back at it again with winter edition, but this edition is even er!! Omg!1!! So here is my list of winter throughout your seasonal depression away from your family and
Fuzzy socks are a great alternative to your Aritzia or Haines socks. They’re warm, fun, stylish and give you personality. They could also be a good conversation starter. Boys, it’s not just ladies who can enjoy fuzzy socks; we can as well. Be confident in yourself. Honestly, I would just buy fuzzy socks from the dollarstore or Amazon, but keep it fun, guys.
ugg tasmans
To be honest, I wouldn’t wear these out on a regular occasion like some people, but they are a nice alternative to slides. They would keep your feet warm going from class to class or when you just want to do work at a cafe and put a lazy fit on.
Aritzia Baby Waffle
Longsleeve in Heather Chrome, $35
Uniqlo Waffle T-Shirt in 30 Natural, $29.90
Stussy Garment
Dyed LS Thermal in Bone, $95
Gap Waffle-Knit
Raglan T-Shirt in Charcoal heather, $54.95
Amazon ANTSANG
Women’s Fuzzy Socks, $24.99
UGG Women’s Tasman Slipper in Chestnut, $135
fleece-lined stockings
Women’s winter wear hack alert!!! Ladies, ever wanted to wear that cute dress in the winter? Or perhaps that skirt that you thought you’d wear more in the summer. Well, look no further because you can wear fleece-lined stockings and still look awesome!! I would buy fleece-lined stockings on Amazon, honestly, but if you want to be boujee then you can get them from Aritiza.
Written by Martin Santomin
winter fits
with the fit suggestions. Now we’re doing warmer!! And the winter is even coldoutfits that will at least keep you swag depression and the fact that you’re 12,000 km and it gets dark at 3 pm.
fleece sweaters
Guys, we don’t have to wear our senior’s hoodies anymore. Let’s retire them and switch them. Fleece sweaters can be layered to keep warm, they can be dressed up and they can also be dressed down. Quite versatile if you ask me. You can find nice fleece sweaters at the Gap, H&M, Uniqlo or if you’re really boujee like that, then Aritzia and J. crew. It might honestly be worth it to splurge on one since you can get so much wear out of it.
Amazon CHLDYCST
Fleece Lined Tights
Women, $15.99
Aritzia Everyday
Merino Wool Tights in
Coal Grey, $98
Gap Textured
H&M Sweater in
Gray melange, $34.99
Uniqlo 3D Knit Crew
Neck Sweater in 30 Natural, $59.90
Aritzia Peggy Sweater in Whisper White, $128
J. Crew Heritage cotton crewneck sweater in Jcrew Green, $131.50
Film Festival
Written by Emma Mowat
The Business Club hosted the Burman Film Festival on February 2. This event included both Burman and PAA students and was an opportunity for students to express their creativity and showcase their film-making talents. Participants submitted their short films (under 12 minutes) on any subject they wanted (as long as it was PG, of course) to the judges and had the chance to win prizes. The short films were then shown to the public in the Admin chapel. The judges were Josh Rudasingwa, Danae Brousson, and Elijah O’Sullivan.
The Winners:
1st Place: Gabriel Manhilot
People’s Choice: Gabriel Manhilot
2nd Place: Emmanuel Olivier-Jacques and Samara Belhomme (tied)
Interest Club Week
Written by Renee Hall
Every school year, for one week only at Burman University, we have our very own Hunger Games. The tributes: The Interest Clubs. This year’s tributes:
- The Drama Society
- Theology Club
- Swimming Club
- Art Club
- Badminton Club
- French Club
- Zumba Club
These tributes fought to the death to prove which deserved the title: Best Club at BU. Okay, I’m kidding, but we did have Interest Club Week, in which each of our campus clubs gave each student the opportunity to try something new, meet new, amazing people and create long-lasting memories.
The week started off on January 25th with the Drama Society: They put on a phenomenal performance with the play adaption of A Doll’s House Part Two. The small cast did such a fantastic job they had us on the edge of our seats. I have not felt so many emotions during a ten-minute dialogue.
Jan 26th: We worked up a sweat in the gym with The Badminton Club. They hosted a tournament for men and women. Our winners: Women - Dana Rey and Men - Aaron Park.
Jan 27th: The Theology Club hosted an event in the Hideout to allow students to meet the conference executives of Canada. There was food and fellowship, along with some tremendous first-hand advice for our future church leaders.
Jan 28th: Zumba Club got our hearts racing with an afternoon dance class to have fun, let loose and take a break from the rush of the first couple of weeks of classes.
Jan 29th: The Swimming Club hosted a swimming session from 8-9 PM for all our verified water-benders (we really got our cardio in this week).
Jan 30th: The Art Club hosted their Shadows in Blue Workshop in the old art room under moody light fixtures! We learned how to make cyanotypes, which involved laying objects flat on paper and coating them with a solution. After exposing this artwork to UV rays, the solution left a masterpiece.
Jan 31st: Finally, the week of creativity ended with the French Club. They hosted a crêpes and Kahoot afternoon in the Hideout. After all that cardio, we deserved a little sweet treat.
We thank our Interest Club executives for taking the time out of their busy schedules to host these amazing events and giving each student a chance to experience something new and exciting.
this is the back