LOCATING PROVIDENCE OVER 100 YEARS From Winnipeg to Otterburne & Back Again on pg. 9
50 YEARS OF SPORT The Establishment of Prov Athletics on pg.31
40 YEARS OF COUNSELLING Meet Founders Masterson & Sawatzky on pg. 34
EYE WITNESS 2025 CENTENNIAL EDITION
Publication Mail Sales Agreement No. 40010809 | EYE WITNESS is published once annually.
Executive Editor: Kathryn Mulolani, Director of Marketing
Lead Editor: Mike Powell, Marketing & Communications Coordinator
Writing Contributions: Kent Anderson, Kathryn Mulolani, Mike Powell, Miriam Reimer & various faculty.
Designer: Leah Christensen, Visual Media Coordinator
Cover Photo: Grand Opening of Providence’s Otterburne Campus in 1970
PROVIDENCE | 10 College Crescent, Otterburne, MB R0A 1G0 | Prov.ca
A CENTURY OF PROGRESSION
A MESSAGE FROM THE EDITOR
There is a common assumption that the past is stationary and unchanging, as if there’s a permanence or fixed state to historical people, locations, and events. From the vantage point of the present – whether knowingly or unconsciously – it is supposed that life for others from years ago
same over time. However, given anyone’s experience of self-awareness, living is known to be dynamic and complex. Multiply this by everyone who ever existed, exists and who will exist, and what becomes clear is that the only constant is transformation; like a river, there is both continuity and constant motion.
“Regardless of the buildings that were opportunely provided and the programs that were pioneered over the past 100 years, it’s the legacy of the people who served and studied at each location that will endure.” is reduceable to recorded words and still images, and that certain individuals or groups remained the
Founded in 1925 as the Winnipeg Bible Training School, the institution has undergone much progress over a century. From performing several name changes, to occupying various sites and buildings, to launching new programs, to the countless students, faculty and staff who have learned and worked here throughout its 100 years, Providence is well familiar with change. Development, after all, is a key aspect not only of our earthly existence but of faith itself. While many across generations long for stability during uncertain circumstances, like George Bernard Shaw is remembered to have said: “Progress is impossible without change.” In other words, adaptation and growth is the mark of vitality, and this is an unmistakable feature of our history.
As with a growing family or church community, the space that’s needed to thrive as an organization changes given its participants, vision, and goals. When Providence first began, rented rooms in downtown Winnipeg homes and churches was sufficient – until acquiring its own land and property became a necessity due to increased student enrolment. Growth was what led to the purchase of Evergreen Place in 1947, the Otterburne Campus in 1970, and expanding back into Winnipeg through renting Winnipeg’s historic Massey Building starting in 2023.
An aim toward growth was also the motivating factor behind such initiatives as Providence’s Athletics department, the Seminary’s Counselling program, and the school’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) degrees. At the time, founders of each project couldn’t anticipate how important each new initiative would be to progressing Providence’s mission. Yet, through
passion and perseverance, these are examples of how the University College and Seminary remain devoted to pursuing innovative ways to transform people into leaders of character, knowledge, and faith.
What is in store for Providence in the years ahead? That remains to be seen. But regardless of the buildings that were opportunely provided and the programs that were pioneered over the past 100 years, it’s the legacy of the people who served and studied at each location that will endure.
MIKE POWELL Marketing & Communications Coordinator
LEGACY IN MOTION
A MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT
Legacy is a rich word, especially when you have 100 years of it. A century is a long time by most measures. You don’t make it that far without getting some things right. It might be easy to rest in our history, appreciating the stories and blessings of the past – and we should. I’m deeply grateful for those who have come before, upon whose shoulders we now stand.
But legacy isn’t static. It doesn’t sit quietly in the past like a closed book on a shelf. Legacy is in motion. And if we spend too much time looking backward, we risk missing the opportunities that God has for us just ahead.
I love the idea of motion. Everything in creation is moving – forward or backward. Stasis is an illusion. In a world God designed to turn, we are either gaining ground or giving it up. There’s no neutral.
God himself is on the move. His Spirit hovers, stirs, and acts. He is bringing his Kingdom – right now, in real time – on earth as it is in heaven. In such a world, Providence must be a community not only formed by our legacy but propelled by it.
The theme of this issue – Legacy in Motion – reminds us that we are stewards of a living, breathing story. I have been privileged to steward a few of these years, and I feel the weight of responsibility for the years to come. My hope is that we will not only honour our foundation, but build on it – faithfully, courageously, creatively – as we respond to God’s call.
The future will look a little different than the past as we pursue new opportunities both here in Manitoba and beyond. Our call is unchanged: to prepare the people Jesus calls in knowledge and character for leadership and service. We have a big imagination as we look to move into partnership with missionary
friends to develop these leaders around the world, as we partner with industry to deepen the capacity and values of employees and labourers in law enforcement, agriculture, business, and more, and as we build trust with First Nations communities to train up Indigenous leaders for effective service across Canada.
We imagine the continued growth and development of our Buller School of Business, our Health Science program, our renowned professional Counselling
“Legacy is in motion. And if we
spend
too
much time looking backward, we risk missing the opportunities that God has for us just
ahead.”
program, our Centre for On-Demand Education, and of course, our core programs in Bible and Theology. We want to continue to invest in our thriving student life initiatives through which students are encouraged to share together in discipleship to our Lord. We will do these things in faithfulness to our calling and in obedience to Jesus Christ who is the fixed point around which our motion finds its orientation.
Even as this motion takes us forward, we remain rooted in the place and purpose God has given us in Otterburne. As the university for Southern Manitoba, we recognize the richness of our rural heritage and the importance of sustaining a strong Christian culture and place of study on our beautiful campus. More than half of our legacy has been spent here in Otterburne, the staging ground out of which more than 12,000 alumni have launched their personal mission and movement out into the world. We are looking to continue investing in this special place with your support and encouragement.
I would invite you to consider joining our Holding Fast, Pressing Forward Centennial Campaign as we seek to raise $20 million over the next four years. Through this first phase of the campaign, we will support student scholarships, develop exciting forward-moving academic programs, reset our spiritual environment including a major redevelopment of our chapel, the centrepiece of our campus worship, while refreshing our overall campus environment as we look to begin the next 100 years of service to our Lord and to the people he has called us to serve.
Thank you for being a part of this movement. Your prayers, your gifts, and your ongoing trust allow Providence to continue shaping lives that will shape the world.
A few weeks ago, one of our graduating students came to see me. He was one of our best students, a leader on the basketball court and a core member of our campus community. As he began to speak, he opened up his personal journal, showing me a diagram that he had inscribed. “Jesus Christ is my North Star,” he said, “and I’d like you to help me think about how he is calling me into his mission.” Talk about a moving experience for me as president. It called to my mind all of the others God had filled with vision in this place, many of you among them. I resolved in that moment to continue to give my all to seeing Providence continue to be that place that God is using to see his Kingdom come.
Let’s keep moving, together then, with purpose, with hope, and with eyes fixed on Jesus.
Gratefully,
KENTON C. ANDERSON, PhD President
Year: 1926
LOCATING PROVIDENCE OVER 100 YEARS
FROM WINNIPEG TO OTTERBURNE & BACK AGAIN
Starting in 1925, what’s known now as Providence could be found at many sites throughout Winnipeg before relocating the main campus to Otterburne in 1970. Since that time, Providence has significantly expanded its facilities on this 100-acre rural property, and in recent years has been present in the city of Winnipeg again at its Providence Downtown location.
Year: 1925
The Early Years (1925-1946)
During the first couple of decades, what started as the non-denominational Winnipeg Bible Training School in 1925 – soon after becoming known as the Winnipeg Bible Institute in 1929 – rented
Location: 580 Spence Street, Winnipeg, MB
space at various houses and churches in the West End of Winnipeg. Graduating classes grew steadily over these years, leading to the need to acquire its own property for expansion, which Providence eventually found on the south side of the Assiniboine River in 1947.
The main physical addresses the school has held are: 299 Young Street, 580 Spence Street, 590 Furby Street, 789 Preston Avenue, 241 Balmoral Street, 103 Furby Street, 590 Burnell Street, and 102 Marjorie Street.
Evergreen Place (1947-1967)
During its 20-year residency at 2 Evergreen Place (19471967), the school became the first Bible institution in Canada to grant bachelor’s degrees (1948), built its own
administration building beside the estate house where it operated (1956), and was renamed Winnipeg Bible College to reflect its degree-granting status (1964).
Year: 1931
Location: 789 Preston Ave, Winnipeg, MB
Year: CIRCA 1968
Location: 135 Doncaster Street, Winnipeg, MB
Year: 1946
Location: 102 Marjorie Street, Winnipeg, MB
Year: 1945
Location: 590 Burnell Street, Winnipeg, MB
Year: CIRCA 1934
Location: 241 Balmoral Street, Winnipeg, MB
Unfortunately, none of the former buildings at this location remain today (as it was since developed as a high-rise apartment complex).
The Barracks (1967-1970)
Due to the growing need for more space and improved facilities, WBC made the decision to sell its Evergreen Place location in 1967. For the next three years, the school found temporary accommodation at the Fort Osborne Barracks near Assiniboine Park (135 Doncaster Street). Initially, the plan was to purchase a tract of land on the outskirts of Winnipeg and to build a new campus on this property, at which time 100 acres in Otterburne came up for sale.
Year: 1939
Location: 103 Furby Street, Winnipeg, MB
Year: 1947
Location: 2 Evergreen Place, Winnipeg, MB
Otterburne Campus (1970-present)
In 1970, Winnipeg Bible College acquired the former St. Joseph’s College in Otterburne (a.k.a. Maison SaintJoseph). The school opened the Seminary in 1972, rebranded itself as Providence College and Theological
Seminary in 1991, constructed a number of new buildings on site over the years (e.g. gymnasium, library, residences, student life centre, etc), and as of 2011, it came to be known as Providence University College and Theological Seminary.
Founded in 2007, the Buller School of Business operates at both the main Otterburne campus (for undergraduate-level business degrees) and out of the Massey Building at 294 William Avenue (for international post-secondary and graduate business programs). This location in downtown Winnipeg is also where Providence presently offers its Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) programming.
Year: CIRCA 1973 Otterburne Campus, MB
Year: 1970
Grand Opening, Otterburne Campus, MB
Providence Downtown (2023-present)
DISTINGUISHED SERVANT AWARDS
CELEBRATING KEY FIGURES FROM OUR HISTORY
Twenty-six remarkable individuals, whose contributions span a diverse range of fields and accomplishments, are being honoured in Providence’s Centennial year with a Distinguished Servant Award – the highest recognition our institution bestows.
Established by President Kenton Anderson in January 2025, the Distinguished Servant Awards not only celebrate the founders of our institution but also honour those who have played a transformative role in the spiritual, academic, and social development of our community throughout the years.
“These 26 exemplary individuals remind us that meaningful impact comes in many forms,” said Dr. Kenton Anderson. “Their diverse contributions are a testament to the power of service and are truly worthy of recognition and celebration.”
The individuals selected were nominated by an advisory committee and approved by Providence’s Corporation. Given the many deserving members of our community, narrowing the list to just 26 was a significant challenge. Plans are already in place to recognize additional honourees in the years ahead.
R. WESLEY AFFLECK began as a student at Providence (then, the Winnipeg Bible Institute) in 1931, and over the next 30 years served the institution in various capacities – including as a professor, assistant principal, dean, acting president (1941-1947), and president (1949-1961). Wesley is remembered as someone with “deep spiritual discernment and strong convictions,” and was responsible for the school’s incorporation – allowing WBI to officially grant degrees in the province of Manitoba in 1948. During his presidency, Wesley was also involved in radio ministry with The Radio Bible Class that was broadcast on CJRC between 1943 and 1949 and began an annual Missionary Conference in 1951. After his time at WBI, Wesley moved to British Columbia to work at the Burrard Inlet Bible Institute and Okanagan Bible College, and in 1975, Providence (known then as the Winnipeg Bible College and Seminary) conferred upon him a Doctor of Divinity degree for his significant contribution as an administrator and educator. One of the chapels in the Hanna Centre on the Otterburne campus is named in his honour.
faculty for 19 years, deeply shaping the institution’s academic and spiritual life. She was instrumental in developing a joint degree in Asset-Based Community Development in partnership with NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community (formerly the North American Institute for Indigenous Theological Studies), where she also served as a founding board member and journal editor. Wendy held a BA in Biblical Studies and an MA in Theology from Providence and later completed her PhD at Asbury Theological Seminary. Known for her wisdom, joy, and fierce dedication to justice, she was a mentor, colleague, and friend to many. Her legacy continues through the lives she touched and the work she championed. Wendy’s husband recently passed away, but she is fondly remembered and survived by her children Melanie, Chad, Cory, and her many grandchildren.
WENDY BEAUCHEMIN PETERSON was a cherished Providence alumna, respected scholar, and passionate advocate for Indigenous education and community development. A Red River Métis woman, Wendy served on the Providence
MARTIN BERGEN was a high-rise developer and philanthropist who was responsible for building multiple apartment complexes in Winnipeg between 1962 to 1988 (including the iconic threetower development with rotating restaurant, Fort Garry Place). Martin arrived in Winnipeg in October of 1953, where he started working as a contractor – installing drywall and painting houses. By 1962, Martin was in a position to launch his own development corporation with partner Jake Letkemann called Marlborough, which is responsible for constructing dozens of multi-unit residential buildings in Winnipeg and managing thousands of rental properties via Edison Rental Agency. Providence’s former Bergen Hall was named after Martin, which he built and donated to the school in 1984. This building functioned as a men’s residence and retreat centre for many years, until it was unfortunately lost to a fire in June 2017. In 1989, Martin was also awarded the Manitoba Order of the Buffalo Hunt, given to those in the province who have demonstrated outstanding skills in leadership, service, and community commitment.
JONATHAN BONK began working as an assistant professor of Bible and Missions, and the acquisitions librarian in 1972 – two years after the Winnipeg Bible College acquired its Otterburne campus. Born in Saskatchewan and raised in Ethiopia by missionary parents, Jonathan earned his first degree at Briercrest College, a Bachelor of Religious Education from WBC in 1969, a MA from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Chicago, and a PhD in Missionary Anthropology from the University of Aberdeen. Jonathan was also a missionary to Ethiopia himself, and while he taught missions, anthropology and world religions at Providence, he is best remembered as a “stimulating teacher who combined a keen mind, quick wit and lively humour with a deep love for God.” After moving on from Providence in 1997, Jonathan worked as Director of the Overseas Ministries Study Center, Director of the Dictionary of African Christian Biography, Editor of the International Bulletin of Missionary Research, and author and editor of various books, such as Missions and Money: Affluence as a Western Missionary Problem (1991).
HERB BULLER is a distinguished entrepreneurial leader and philanthropist whose influence spans into areas of business and community leadership. Hailing from Winnipeg, with a BSc and Certificate in Education from the University of Manitoba, he initially taught before launching Midland Concrete Products, a successful concrete manufacturer that
he later later sold in the late 1980s. Herb also cofounded Kitchen Craft of Canada, which grew to $100 million in sales by 1999 when it was sold to investors. In 2004, together with his four sons, he acquired Norcraft Companies, growing it into a North American industry leader before exiting in 2015. His accumulative business experience earned him an induction into the Manitoba CME Hall of Fame for visionary leadership and innovation. Herb and Erna actively support various initiatives related to education, healthcare, and faith-based leadership/ recreational programs. Their legacy at Providence includes establishing the Buller School of Business in 2007, where Herb played a hands-on role in its design, vision, and financing. Currently serving as president of the Buller Foundation, Herb continues to foster Christ-centred leadership and learning. His resilience – overcoming personal adversity including cancer – has shaped a legacy of integrity, service, and transformative impact in Manitoba and beyond.
AGNES DEFEHR served as a member of Providence’s Board of Governors between 1995 and 2012 – starting while Larry McKinney was president. She and her husband Frank have been significant financial donors to the school over the
years and were responsible for contributing a large amount of furniture in the 1970s when Providence (then Winnipeg Bible College) first acquired the 100-acre campus in Otterburne. The Study Wing was dedicated in honour of the DeFehr family as part of the construction of the Learning Resource Centre during Providence’s “Pursuit of Excellence” fundraising campaign (1997-2000). Agnes was on the hiring committee when Gus Konkel was hired as Providence’s 12th president in 2001. The DeFehrs were also good friends with the subsequent president, David Johnson, as well as the ones who established first contact with Herb Buller (founder of the Buller School of Business) who they initially invited to a Providence banquet. “What has really impacted me about the school is that it is so missionminded,” Agnes once shared about Providence. “You can be academic and still have a vibrant faith.”
BILL DERKSEN served for 34 years at Providence, starting at Winnipeg Bible College in 1974. Bill’s commitment to the craft of music, composition and arrangement blessed many students throughout the years as he led the Music and Fine Arts Departments. Self-taught from a young age, Bill went on to study and teach music (and science) in numerous places throughout the world and received a Doctor of Philosophy in 1986. Driven by a vision for creativity and expansion, Bill led his choirs on tours throughout North America, Europe and beyond, bringing Providence music to international audiences. In addition to his contributions at Providence, he also contributed to the local Southern Manitoba region by creating the Steinbach Community Orchestra and the Steinbach Community Choir, which still exist today. Bill holds the title of Professor Emeritus, and
his legacy at Providence is defined by visionary leadership, a deep commitment to students, and the enduring influence of his work.
WILLIAM EICHHORST devoted his life to Christian education, leadership, and faithful service. After graduating from Dallas Theological Seminary in the early 1960s, he began a decadeslong relationship with Providence – then Winnipeg Bible Institute – taking on formative roles as dean of students, professor of theology, academic dean, seminary dean, and ultimately president from 1979 to 1993. Bill’s leadership spanned pivotal moments in Providence’s history, including the transition to the Otterburne campus, institutional renamings, and key developments in infrastructure. He was instrumental in launching Providence Theological Seminary, introducing its Counselling major, and securing accreditation with the Association of Theological Schools (ATS). A builder of both people and programs, Bill also served as chancellor and left
a lasting mark with Eichhorst Hall named in his honour. Remembered for his warmth, integrity, and teamwork – on campus and on the WBC fastball team – his life testified to steady faith and servant-hearted leadership.
KEN HANNA began his journey with Providence – then known as Winnipeg Bible College – as a faculty member. In the pivotal year of 1966, when the institution faced significant uncertainty, he
stepped into the role of president, a position he held for 13 years. During his tenure, Ken provided steady, visionary leadership that shaped the future of the institution. Some of his key accomplishments included securing accreditation through the AABC, relocating the school to its current Otterburne campus, growing enrollment from 70 to 400 students, founding the Theological Seminary, and overseeing the construction of the women’s residences, gymnasium, and student centre. In addition to his presidential duties, Ken continued to serve the broader Church by teaching Pastoral Ministry and working as a pastor. His impact also extended beyond Providence, as he later served as president and chancellor of Bryan College, and as vice president and dean of education at Moody Bible Institute.
ALBERT HIEBERT worked at Providence for 26 years – from 1969 to 1995 – as a professor who taught philosophy, logic, theology, world religions, and apologetics. Before he was hired full-time at Winnipeg Bible College in 1971, Al had earned
a diploma from Prairie Bible Institute, a BA in Philosophy and Psychology from the University of Manitoba (1967), and a MA in Philosophy of Religion from Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois (1969). Al was also a beloved director of Red Rock Bible Camp for eight years (1963-1971) and completed his PhD in Education via New York University in 1978. He was there during the historic transition from the temporary home of WBC at the Fort Osborne Barracks to its new campus in Otterburne, and serving as academic dean for undergraduate studies for 20 years – as well as vice president of administration – Al played a key role in the accreditation process of the institution, ensuring that courses would be transferrable to universities like U of M, and initiating the partnership with Harv’s Air to launch Providence’s aviation program.
SAMSON HKALAM is a prominent Kachin Christian leader, educator and advocate for peace and justice in Myanmar. A 1999 graduate of Providence Theological Seminary (MA in Theology), he also holds a Doctor of Ministry and has served as Chair of the Kachin Baptist Union and General Secretary of the Kachin Baptist Convention – representing more than 400,000 Christians in northern Myanmar. Deeply committed to training leaders, he founded a Bible college, mentored missionaries, championed the rights of displaced persons in conflict zones, and advocated for drug eradication in Kachin State. His leadership has included high-level meetings with global diplomats and government officials to advance humanitarian aid and educational access for refugee children. Widely respected for his integrity, vision, and courage, Samson was awarded an honorary doctorate from Providence in 2017 in recognition of his extraordinary service and enduring impact. In 2022, he was unjustly detained by Myanmar’s
military junta. He was sentenced to six years in prison but was released under a general amnesty in July 2024. His courageous witness and servant leadership continue to inspire not only the Kachin Christian community and global partners, but also our Providence community who’ve had the privilege to be a part of his journey.
ALAN HOWISON emigrated to Manitoba from the United Kingdom in 1953. He was a member of the Providence Board of Governors between 1977 to 1984 and 1992 to 2000 – serving as its chair for eight years. Alan’s leadership during a time of national economic recession provided stability and increased enrolment for the College and Seminary. While he was on the board, the new Eichhorst Hall women’s residence was constructed, and the $2.5 million “Pursuit of Excellence” capital campaign was launched, which included the construction of the Learning Resource Centre as well as a number of other campus improvements. Alan was also the executive director of the Winnipeg Foundation from 1976 to 1989, a board member at Westwood Community Church and Young Life, a trustee for the City of Winnipeg and the Winnipeg School
Division, and in 2005, he was posthumously recognized by Providence with a Distinguished Christian Leadership award. The main meeting room in the Student Life Centre on the Otterburne campus is named in his honour.
DAVID JOHNSON served Providence with distinction for 31 years, culminating in his role as the institution’s 14th President. His journey with Providence began in 1990 when he joined the
Seminary faculty to teach New Testament and Greek. He was appointed professor of New Testament in 2000, became dean of the Seminary in 2002, and was named provost and executive vice president in 2007. From 2012 to 2013, he served as interim president before being officially installed as president on September 15, 2013. During his presidency, Providence experienced significant growth and transformation – including the launch of the Buller School of Business, the Bachelor of Science degree program, the construction of Muriel Taylor Hall, and the successful completion of the $14.5 million “Impact 2020” Campaign. David’s leadership was marked by humility, wisdom, and deep faith. David holds the title of President Emeritus, and his legacy lives on through the students he shaped, the initiatives he led, and the community he faithfully served.
GUS KONKEL, the 12th president at Providence from 2001 to 2012, was not only an enthusiastic teacher of preaching ministry, but also a key driving force in several historical initiatives including:
degree recognition with the University of Manitoba, the construction of the Reimer Student Life Centre, the advancement of interactive online education through the support of the Federal Government’s Knowledge Infrastructure Program, as well as the establishment of the Otterburne campus as a model for green energy technologies. Gus’ influence extended beyond Providence to the wider Church. He played a key role as a translator for the Book of Job in the New Living Translation and authored numerous publications on Job and the Old Testament, shaping both scholarship and ministry. During his inauguration speech, Gus said that his goal was “to lead Providence to further advancement in the training of men and women in all that is good, lasting, and enduring.” He has since since been awarded President Emeritus status.
CAMERON MCKENZIE served Providence with distinction for 40 years as a member of the University College faculty, academic dean, provost, and earned the title of Professor Emeritus. A committed follower of Christ, Cameron’s faith shaped every aspect of his leadership, scholarship, and relationships. His deep love for Providence and its mission was evident in his dedication to academic excellence, faculty development, and the spiritual life of the institution. Known for his wisdom, gracious spirit, and sharp wit, Cameron enriched the Providence community in countless ways – whether in the classroom, at campus events, or through thoughtful conversation. A gifted scholar and communicator, he inspired others to think deeply, listen well, and pursue truth with humility. Beyond Providence, his long-standing involvement in pastoral ministry reflects his enduring commitment to the Church.
Cameron’s legacy is one of integrity, kindness, and quiet strength. When he concluded his formal role at Providence, he left behind a stronger, wiser, and more vibrant community – one deeply grateful for his four decades of faithful service.
STEVE MASTERSON is a pioneering Christian educator whose leadership helped establish one of Providence Seminary’s most impactful programs; namely, counselling. A 1971 graduate of Providence, he served as dean of students before co-founding the department in 1983 with colleague Don Sawatzky. Drawing on his training at Grace Theological Seminary under Dr. Larry Crabb, Steve helped shape a curriculum that integrated scriptural depth with clinical excellence. The program grew quickly, becoming the Seminary’s largest – producing generations of faith-informed counsellors across Manitoba and beyond. In 1997, Steve transitioned into service with Promise Keepers Canada, where he was the Director of Spiritual Formation for many years, continuing his passion for mentorship, encouraging spiritual maturity, and facilitating relational integrity. Born in Sexsmith, Alberta, his
life has been a testimony of grace, resilience, and servant leadership. His enduring legacy is one of Christ-centered care, vocational humility, and transformative influence in both academic and ministry settings.
LARRY MCKINNEY served as the 11th president at what was then Providence College and Theological Seminary between 1993 and 2001. Before arriving in Otterburne, Larry earned a MA in Educational Ministries from Wheaton
College in Illinois (1974), a Doctor of Education from Temple University in Philadelphia (1986), and worked as vice president of student development at the interdenominational Philadelphia College of the Bible. During his eight years at Providence, a number of major campus improvements were implemented – including the construction of Eichhorst Hall (i.e. a new women’s residence) and the launch of the “Pursuit of Excellence” campaign to build the Learning Resource Centre as part of Providence’s 75th anniversary. Following his time at Providence, Larry was the executive director at the Association for Biblical Higher Education (20012006), the president at Simpson University in California (2006-2013), and currently works as a higher education consultant who specializes in institutional effectiveness, strategy, and change for Christian colleges and universities.
MARGARET MOODY was a trailblazing educator and missionary whose deep faith and passion for teaching shaped generations of Christian leaders. Raised in Winnipeg, she earned her first-class professional teaching certificate at age 18, later
pursuing biblical studies at Moody Bible Institute in Chicago. She then served 12 years in Kenya with Africa Inland Mission, leading the Boys’ School at Kijabe, eventually learning their local language and preparing them to take on leadership roles. When she returned from the mission field, she joined Providence – then Winnipeg Bible Institute – becoming one of its first full-time female faculty members. For over two decades (1941-1961), she taught Bible, English, public speaking, and missions, and also served as registrar and dean of women. Her wit, wisdom, and unwavering perseverance made her beloved and indispensable. After her time at Providence, she went on to become the founding superintendent of the Good News Centre, which later became the Christian Youth Centre operated by the Union Gospel Mission. Remembered for her missionary heart and spiritual depth, she inspired countless students toward lives of faith and service. She died in 1990 and a section of Bergen Hall at Providence was named in her honour to perpetuate her memory.
SARA PASICIEL was the catalyst in the creation of Providence’s highly renowned drama program. She started at Providence in 1978, after working as a missionary in Cameroon with her husband and having attained MAs in both Communications and Religious Education. Upon her and her husband Ernie’s arrival at Providence, she quickly jumped in to teach both communications and missions. In 1986, she returned rejuvenated from a sabbatical and set about creating a drama department with her first series of annual productions, including The Lion, The Witch, and the Wardrobe by C.S. Lewis. Sara continued to teach communications alongside of writing, producing, and directing an annual play. She also created a Drama Resource Centre to equip others in using drama as a tool for mission and
outreach. Sara’s work has made a profound impact at Providence and on the lives of many theatre arts students.
GERALD REIMER was on the Board of Governors for more than 20 years – from Winnipeg Bible College’s acquisition of its temporary home at “The Barracks” in 1967, to its relocation to Otterburne from Winnipeg, to WBC being renamed Providence College and Theological Seminary in 1991. During 1973 to 1980, Gerald also served as chair of the board, during which time the College experienced a significant amount of growth and included the founding of the Seminary in 1972. Professionally, Gerald worked for many years alongside his brothers at Reimer Express Lines, was part of both the Manitoba Trucking Association and the Canadian Trucking Association, served as president of the Winnipeg Chamber of Commerce in 1980 to 1981, and was a board member of the Winnipeg Foundation for 20 years. The Student Life Centre on
the Otterburne campus is named in his honour and was dedicated by the board of directors from Reimer World Corporation in January 2009 in remembrance of his longstanding support of a Christian vision of excellence in education.
DON STREUBER joined the Providence board of directors in 1993 as a member of the Finance Committee. Vocationally, Don worked at Sill &
Company Chartered Accountants for 18 years and served in the role of vice president of finance at Bison Transport – focusing on strategic planning and special projects. He served on Providence’s board for 20 years, moving from finance committee member to vice chair, and ultimately, to chair of the board in 1999. Don’s business and accounting savvy, his heart and dedication for service, and his good sense of “off the cuff” humour was an asset to the board of directors time and time again. Don’s commitment to Christian education comes from, as he put it, “a high place in my heart for the ministry of the school. I’m willing to do what I can to make sure it continues.” Don’s generosity and keen adaptation of business principles to a non-profit educational context continues to be extremely effective and valued.
MURIEL TAYLOR was from Halifax and served as one of the founding faculty members of Providence – then Winnipeg Bible Training School – when it opened in 1925. As one of the first three instructors, she helped lay the foundation for biblical teaching at
the institution and remains one of the longest-serving female biblical studies professors in Providence history. Her heart for ministry and youth extended beyond the classroom through her work with One Hope Canada (formerly Canadian Sunday School Mission), where she held the position of general secretary and helped build a lasting relationship between the organization and Providence. Beloved by her students for her quick wit, warm smile, and unwavering encouragement, Muriel dedicated over 25 years to shaping lives through teaching. She passed away in 1972, but her influence endures to this day. In 2020, the women’s residence on the Otterburne campus was named in her honour –recognizing her faithful service to God, her students, and the mission of equipping young people for lives of Christian witness and service.
GAIL TIESSEN is the visionary founder of Providence’s TESOL program, where her leadership and innovation laid the foundation for one of Canada’s most respected English language teaching programs. Arriving at Providence in 1989, Gail brought extensive experience in English instruction, curriculum development, and global missions. Her proposal to launch a TESOL course soon blossomed into a thriving certificate and master’s program, preparing Christian educators to serve around the world. Gail’s influence shaped national standards for TESOL education in Canada, and she integrated English language learning with biblical literacy in groundbreaking ways. A mentor to many – including long-time faculty member Dr. Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler – Gail inspired excellence, cultural sensitivity, and a deep sense of calling. Her contributions have been recognized with numerous awards, including the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Literacy. Though now retired, she continues to impact the field through curriculum work and her enduring legacy of faith-driven education and Providence has awarded her Professor Emerita status.
ELMER TOWN S came to Manitoba from the United States to serve as president between 1961 and 1966. Under his leadership, Winnipeg Bible Institute and College of Theology was officially renamed Winnipeg Bible College (1964) and is remembered to have “launched the institute upon a new course of greater academic excellence while still maintaining a high level of spirituality.” Adoption of the song “Great is Thy Faithfulness” as the school hymn can be traced back to Elmer’s presidency, as it was often sung during chapel services in the early to mid 1960s while WBC was facing low enrolment and financial trouble. During his time in Winnipeg, Elmer was also directly involved in the process of WBC becoming a member of the Accrediting Association of Bible College (AABC), which later became the Association for Biblical Higher Education (ABHE). Elmer left Providence a couple of years before the
sale of the property at Evergreen Place to pursue a PhD at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School in Illinois, and he went on to promote and popularize the church growth movement. Elmer was awarded an honorary doctorate by Providence in 2002.
H. L. TURNER was the visionary founder and first president of Providence. Struck by post World War I inflation, social unrest, and waning religious commitment, this clergyman – then pastor at Glad Tidings Church in Winnipeg –
felt a profound spiritual burden. Convinced God was calling him to action, on January 4, 1925, Harry launched the Winnipeg Bible Training School in a modest downtown chapel with 26 students and two faculty colleagues, Percival Cundy and Muriel Taylor. Guided by a firm evangelical conviction, he envisioned a school to equip young men and women for church leadership, missions, and faithful witness. Though Harry resigned after one year, his legacy endured: the school evolved –renaming itself Winnipeg Bible Institute in 1929, later expanding into a full degree granting school and eventually becoming Providence University College and Theological Seminary. His courage in answering God’s call set the spiritual and educational foundations that have now seen tens of thousands graduate and serve across the globe.
RAY WARD served on Providence’s Board of Governors for 32 years from 1979 to 2011. Being
a successful businessman and farmer, Ray was a key contributor to many of the building projects and initiatives on the Otterburne campus. Always keen to provide assistance no matter how small the project, Ray was instrumental in the water filtration system upgrade and the post-boxes for our students. He spearheaded the campaign for creating the Student Learning Centre, even being the first person to donate to its construction and dedicating a wing to his beloved pastor, Jim Scobbie. In addition to his business acumen, he is also known for being an enthusiastic encourager of others, sharpening and edifying in everything that he did.
THE HERITAGE OF LANGUAGE
PROVIDENCE’S TESOL PROGRAM
For more than three decades, Providence University College and Theological Seminary’s Teaching English to Speakers of Other Languages (TESOL) program has served as a beacon of academic excellence, cultural connection, and Christian service. At the heart of this legacy stand two remarkable women: Gail Tiessen, the program’s visionary founder, and Dr. Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler, one of its most dedicated educators. Together, their passion, leadership, and tireless commitment have helped shape generations of teachers who, in turn, have touched lives across the world.
A Vision Takes Root
In 1989, when Gail Tiessen arrived at what was then Winnipeg Bible College, she did not yet realize she would pioneer one of the school’s most influential programs. Initially invited because of her husband’s faculty position in theology, Gail’s own extensive experience in English language instruction, curriculum development, and missionary work quickly found a place at Providence.
Dr. Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler
Her idea was simple but profound: if English had become a global language, and if Christian service required both skill and cultural sensitivity, then it made sense to train Christian teachers to teach English effectively. With that vision, she approached the administration and proposed a course in
TESOL. To her delight, not only was the idea welcomed, but it soon flourished. What began as a single course rapidly expanded into a full-fledged certificate program, and later, a master’s degree in TESOL.
“The demand was overwhelming,” Gail recalls. “Mission organizations, local ESL programs, and even governments were looking for qualified English teachers. We had to turn people away because the classes filled so quickly.”
A Passion for Excellence
Gail’s impact extended far beyond the classroom. She was instrumental in setting national standards for English language instruction and helping to shape TESOL accreditation in Canada. She also initiated curriculum development that integrated English language learning with biblical literacy, a groundbreaking approach that allowed students to learn language skills while engaging deeply with scripture. Her work was recognized with accolades, including the Lieutenant Governor’s Medal for Literacy (2006) and the TEAM Manitoba Teacher of the Year Award (2000).
But perhaps Gail’s greatest legacy was her ability to inspire. Among those she mentored was Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler, who entered the program in the
GAIL TIESSEN
2024
Dr. Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler & Katy Shimp
mid-1990s and quickly emerged as both a scholar and a passionate educator. Under Gail’s guidance, Elfrieda completed her master’s degree, went on to obtain her PhD and has served on faculty for 25 years. She has taught and consulted in many countries including Paraguay, Ukraine, China, The Philippines and Greece, becoming a key contributor to the continued growth of Providence’s TESOL program.
TESOL program, she found not only a rigorous academic environment but also a mentor who saw her potential and pushed her to embrace it.
“She saw something in me that I didn’t even see in myself,” Elfrieda said of Gail. “She believed in her students in a way that made us believe in ourselves.”
“Teaching is more than instruction; it is an act of faith, an invitation to connect, and a commitment to making the world a little more open, one conversation at a time.”
-Dr. Elfrieda Lepp-Kaethler
Carrying the Torch Forward
Elfrieda’s journey into TESOL was shaped by her own experiences teaching literacy and secondlanguage acquisition in Paraguay. After moving to Canada, she sought a way to continue her passion for education and social justice. Entering Providence’s
As a faculty member, Elfrieda brought new dimensions to the program. She emphasized the intersection of language teaching and traumainformed education, particularly for refugees and displaced persons. She also integrated expressive arts into the learning process, creating safe spaces where students could heal through language acquisition.
Her commitment to excellence mirrored Gail’s, and her innovative approaches kept Providence at the forefront of TESOL education. Whether teaching
in Canada or training educators abroad, Elfrieda has remained committed to the idea that education is both a tool for empowerment and a ministry of hospitality.
A Global Impact
Together, Gail and Elfrieda’s contributions have left an indelible mark. The Providence TESOL program has trained thousands of educators who now serve in countries around the world—from Canada and the U.S. to Ethiopia, China, and beyond. These graduates teach in schools, lead ESL ministries, and develop resources that continue the legacy of excellence established by these two remarkable women.
Their influence is seen not just in the curriculum they created, but in the countless students who have carried forward their passion. The program’s emphasis on high standards and compassionate teaching has shaped a community of educators who, like their mentors, seek to uplift others through language and learning.
The Next Century of TESOL at Providence
As Providence celebrates its centennial, the TESOL program stands as a testament to the school’s commitment to academic rigor, global service, and Christian faith in action. The work of Gail and Elfrieda has laid a foundation that will continue to shape the next generation of educators.
Looking to the future, Elfrieda and her colleagues are dedicated to expanding the program’s reach, integrating new methodologies, and continuing to advocate for the importance of linguistic diversity and accessibility. Their vision remains clear: to equip teachers not only with knowledge but with the heart to serve in a world where language opens doors and builds bridges.
For Gail, now retired but still active in curriculum development, and Elfrieda, who continues to lead with passion, the legacy of TESOL at Providence is not just about teaching English. It is about shaping lives, empowering communities, and ensuring that the next 100 years of Providence’s mission will be as impactful as the last.
As Elfrieda often tells her students, “Teaching is more than instruction; it is an act of faith, an invitation to connect, and a commitment to making the world a little more open, one conversation at a time.”
Gail Tiessen in Ethiopia
FIFTY YEARS OF SPORT
It would be hard to conceive of a time when Providence did not have a thriving athletics program. For many, the Pilots are almost synonymous with the school itself, as these teams have put Providence on the map regionally, nationally, and south of the border. However, prior to 1975, students were not involved in any external leagues the way that they are today.
Most people know Dr. Dennis Hiebert from his 30 years of service at Providence as a Sociology professor, but some may not be aware that between 1975 and 1988 he worked as the founding Athletic Director. At that point in the university’s history, the gym in Otterburne was only in the early stages of being constructed and there were no full-time coaches.
“That first year, we had no gym,” remembers Hiebert.
“We actually rented the high school in St. Pierre for volleyball and basketball. At that time, physical education was also a requirement. During their three or four years, students had to take at least three onehour Phys Ed courses to graduate.”
In addition to teaching athletics in a classroom setting and organizing intramurals, Dr. Hiebert was the founder and served as Commissioner of the Manitoba Christian College Athletic Association (MCCAA), which allowed students to compete at a provincial level. Even in those early years, the teams consisted of both women’s and men’s basketball, soccer and volleyball, and at that time they were known as the “Freemen.”
The MCCAA would later be renamed the Central Plains Athletic Conference (CPAC) and then rebranded as the Manitoba Colleges Athletic
1980s
Men’s Soccer
Conference (MCAC) in 2008. As of 2019, the MCAC – which includes Assiniboine Community College, Brandon University, CMU, Providence University College, and Université de Sainte-Boniface – became an officially recognized member of the Canadian Collegiate Athletic Association (CCAA), and Providence hosted their men’s national volleyball championship in Niverville earlier this year.
Providence’s current Vice President of Operations, Scott Masterson, similarly served as Director of Athletics. “We spent about a decade leading the charge to join the CCAA, so that’s something I’m
very proud of. We’re excited to have been the first Manitoba school to host a national championship and to be hosting the women’s nationals in March 2026. It’s been an amazing journey.”
Sports at Providence is about more than simply competing. “The main reason why we are investing in student athletes is deeper than the sport itself,” shares Masterson. “People want to be part of something that’s successful while also pursuing academics and being in an environment that aligns with their character and faith development.”
“Sometimes the athletics program is the first thing people come in contact with related to Providence, so we want that to be a positive experience – to represent who Providence is, what our values are, what our mission is, and the quality of our education.”
-Scott Masterson
1970s
Women’s Basketball 1980s
Intramural Football
1990s
Women’s Hockey
For Masterson, being part of a varsity team is not only a great way for students “to learn life lessons, to be challenged and to develop leadership skills,” but it can also act as “the front porch of the university.” He explains: “Sometimes the athletics program is the first thing people come in contact with related to Providence, so we want that to be a positive experience – to represent who Providence is, what our values are, what our mission is, and the quality of our education.”
“Sport is a microcosm of life in many ways,” continues Dr. Hiebert. “It’s physical, it’s social, it’s cognitive. It pushes the player to a more intense, extreme experience than you would get just hanging out. Teams are both competitive and cooperative; good for physical fitness and character development. The challenge is to find balance and to be wellrounded in this specialized pursuit of excellence. To really grow, athletes have to engage beyond their team and sport.”
“We’ve always enjoyed being competitive,” states Masterson, “but I don’t think it’s ever been prioritized
over and above the mentorship that we want to accomplish that was initiated by people like Dennis and his vision for the program. It’s an incredible list of coaches who have served over the years. And what we’ve been able to accomplish during my time here is something I’m very proud of, and I think has set a foundation for the next group of leaders.”
Related to legacy, Dr. Hiebert concludes: “I sometimes shocked my athletes by saying, ‘This is not the most important thing’ before a championship game. But it’s about people, not the program. In the end, we’re all just passing through,” referencing a Leonard Cohen song.
“You do the best that you can in the context that you’re in and have a bit of a vision for what to build,” adds Masterson, “but it often takes the people who come after you to decide what the next step is. Myself – I’m really excited to see where that will be for the future of Providence Athletics.”
CCAA Men’s Volleyball National Championships
FORTY YEARS OF COUNSELLING
1980s
Steve Masterson & Students
MEET FOUNDERS STEVE MASTERSON & DON SAWATZKY
What began as a hopeful experiment during a time of institutional uncertainty has grown into one of the Seminary’s most influential and far-reaching departments. Founders Steve Masterson and Don Sawatzky revisit the early challenges and spiritual convictions that laid the groundwork for a program that continues to shape compassionate, wellequipped counsellors across Manitoba and beyond.
“I take great pride in knowing that the foundation we built remains; that the [Counselling] program is still running and that our vision to serve people
who want to care for others and to live meaningfully has been taken to the next level.” More than 40 years after the Counselling department was established, one of its founders – Don Sawatzky – reflects on the initially unforeseen legacy of Providence Seminary’s most successful academic program.
In the early 1980s – only a decade after the Theological Seminary’s founding – Don’s colleague and mentor, Steve Masterson, shares that enrolment numbers were low, several professors had left, and that the Seminary itself was on the brink of shutting down. Dr. W. R.
STEVE MASTERSON DON SAWATZKY
Don Sawatzky & Steve Masterson
class in the summer of 1983.
“The president came to me,” recalls Masterson, “because although graduates from the MDiv program over the years were well-prepared in subjects like Greek and Hebrew, they lacked the practical skills of being trained in counselling.”
Masterson and Sawatzky had just returned from Grace Theological Seminary in Indiana, where they were among the first graduates from a new biblical counselling program that was run by the late Dr. Larry Crabb.
“The counselling program grew very fast,” continues Sawatzky. “We were surprised at how it went from virtually nothing to classes being full of men and women from all sorts of backgrounds.”
“It was God’s anointing in his appointed time,” adds Masterson.
For Don Sawatzky, the Counselling program at its core was about integration and openness. There was a dual emphasis on having a high regard for both scripture and science, as well as providing opportunities for students to authentically bring who they are into the space they facilitated via practicums.
care for and relate to clients while leaning into the process of discovering oneself is life altering. Our vulnerability is probably one of the most sacred things about us; accepting our vulnerability without backing away…it’s one of the best lessons you can ever learn in life.”
Much has changed since Steve and Don began teaching counselling courses those many years ago. The growth that the department experienced since its inception was both rapid and sustained. While retaining its emphasis on faith-based therapy, course offerings became increasingly focused on areas of clinical psychology, and the need for new and more specialized faculty became a priority. Today, Counselling is the largest department in the Seminary, and a significant number of those who are certified counsellors in the province of Manitoba have either taken courses at or have graduated from Providence.
“It’s been 28 years since we left,” concludes Masterson. “But knowing how much hard work people put into their work here, I think it’s in good hands.”
“Some of the richest years of my life were spent here,” and turning to Steve, Don adds: “And I’m thankful that this man dragged me into it.”
Providence Seminary – Counselling
THE BELFRY
A HISTORY OF THE TWO TOWERS
Providence’s iconic bell tower is the first thing that one sees in the distance when driving towards Otterburne. This most distinctive feature of the school’s architecture was part of an early 1930s addition to the original 1912 three-storey Maison Saint-Joseph that was constructed by the Clerics of St. Viateur before Winnipeg Bible College acquired the property in 1970. However, what’s the story behind the ground-level bell tower on the east entrance of campus?
The small bell tower – that rings each day at 8:30am, noon, and 4:30pm – was built in 2005, but for a reason that some might not expect. Specifically, for many years after Providence relocated to Otterburne, the heavy and historically significant brass bell would routinely go missing because of student pranks.
“Students weren’t supposed to go up there because of liability,” shares Gary Schellenberg, who has worked at Providence since 1975. “But for many years, they found their way into the tower anyway, took down the bell, and then left it at various places around
campus. Then, we would put the bell back up. But one time, it ended up in President Gus Konkel’s office, and that was the final straw.”
Initially, the bell sat unused for several years in a room on the first floor of the Hanna Centre – until Dr. Konkel met Henry Harms, who was asked to spearhead a new project; namely, the construction of a replica tower. That way, the bell would be seen and heard once again, and secure in its new home, the original bell has remained in the centre of the traffic circle on campus for the past 20 years.
Tower Contributions
Ed Esau: Stonework
Wilf Giesbrecht: Pile drilling
Brad Harms: Tower design
Dave Harms: Bell hanging
Henry Harms: Project management
Dennis Hiebert: Landscaping
Neil Klippsenstein: Stucco
Janice Priess: Bell polishing
Frank Reimer: Cement
John Reimer: Roofing
Lou Reimer: Trusses
Aime Ross: Crane
Arnold Stahl: Electric
Josh Waldner: Welding
Donations
Gillam Quarries: Tyndall stone (tower legs) Oakridge Nursery: Shrubbery
Source: Eye Witness, Fall 2005
echoes PROVIDENCE’S MUSIC PROGRAM
College Singers with Dr. Henry Schellenberg
Music was and remains a central part of campus life at Providence, and while we currently do not have a formal music degree option for students, the echoes of times gone by still resound to this day. Whether or not one was involved in the choral music program, those decades in our history are significant, meaningful, and will always be fondly remembered.
While joined together during weekly community chapel services each semester, we still unite with those from long ago who sang songs of praise within these walls. As we sing the school hymn “Great is Thy Faithfulness” at every graduation ceremony, we
also collectively recall the provision that we have experienced over this past century.
In our centennial, we celebrate all those who participated over the years, such as our longtime beloved professors Dr. Henry Schellenberg and Dr. Bill Derksen, and all those who were part of touring choirs and ensembles – sharing their talents on campus, in local churches, at music festivals, and on tours of North America and the United Kingdom.
Take a glimpse into this notable part of Providence’s history.
1970-71
Music Tour
late 1960s
Wayne Wicks, Ron Gartly, Tom Titicomb
1980s
Gord Johnson, Dale & Lisa
Esther (Andres) Konkel & Wilma (Gerbrandt) Hébert
Theatre Production: Diary of Anne Frank
Lost
Ensemble with Dr. Bill Derksen 2016 Aslan’s Child
FACULTY DISPATCHES
RESEARCH AND TEACHING UPDATES
JOSHUA COUTTS, PhD
Associate Professor of New Testament
My research focuses on the Gospel of John, early Christology, intertextuality, and theological interpretation. This past year, I took a half-sabbatical for a book project on the challenge of Jesus’ absence in John’s Gospel (contracted with IVP). I presented a paper from this research at our own Fall Symposium, and the paper “Hearing the Shepherd’s Voice: The Transfiguration of Ezekiel in John 10” at the annual JSEC seminar in Birmingham. Recent articles include “John’s Gospel and Isaiah’s Report” (JTI, 2025) and “You Will See Heaven Opened” (in a forthcoming volume contracted with Routledge). I also had the privilege to give a series of talks on the distinctiveness of earliest Christianity in Achaia on location near Corinth and Athens. Outside the classroom and study, I regularly preach and deliver adult education in churches across southern Manitoba. And I enjoy a good DIY project and time with my family.
PROVIDENCE STAFF AND FACULTY 2025
ROBERT DEAN, ThD
Associate Professor of Theology and Ethics
This academic past year, I had the privilege of receiving a half-year Sabbatical to continue my work on a book project at the intersection of theology and preaching. I was pleased to share some of my research at the annual meeting of the Academy of Homiletics in December, presenting a paper entitled, “Recontextualizing Contextual Preaching: A Theological Reappraisal of the Bridge-building Metaphor.” I also published an essay on racial reconciliation in the online journal Living in Truth, entitled, “The Crucifixion of Ideology” (https://livingintruth.ca/288). This summer, I served as a guest instructor in the Thanatology stream of the DMin program at Tyndale Seminary in Toronto. In June, I was elected to a two-year term to serve as President of the Canadian American Theological Association.
REBECCA DIELSCHNEIDER, PhD
Associate Professor of Health Science
From January to June of this year, I’ve been on sabbatical. My first! I worked alongside collaborators at CancerCare Manitoba and the Department of Immunology at the University of Manitoba Bannatyne campus to investigate immune cells in the blood of leukemia patients. My work discovered a particular type of T cell that correlates with advanced disease and worse outcomes in these cancer patients. These results help to explain why some patients progress faster and require treatment sooner than others. I am currently preparing this work for publication, and I’ve been invited by the University of Manitoba to lecture on this topic. I look forward to weaving these research experiences into my teaching and mentorship here at Providence. In other news, I continue to integrate science and faith in various ways, particularly through my involvement as a Fellow of the American Scientific Affiliation (ASA) and as the incoming Vice President of the Canadian Scientific and Christian Affiliation (CSCA). When I am not exploring science in a classroom or lab, you can typically find me toiling in my garden, curling at a rink, doing activities with my kids, or volunteering in my church.
ELFRIEDA LEPP-KAETHLER, PhD
Associate Professor of TESOL
My research continues to focus on integrating expressive arts and English language teaching for resilience with displaced learners. My colleague Kathryn Maria Shimp (Adjunct Professor of TESOL) and I published an article, “Heal to Learn, Learn to Heal: What Neuroscience Says about the Survival Brain, Language Learning, and the Arts” in MindBrainEd Think Tanks: Art and the Brain in Language Teaching, 11(4). I continue working with the NGO Beyond Borders whose mission is to provide education for learners in conflict zones. My Beyond Borders work includes writing with a team of curriculum developers to produce Journeys, an arts-based English language coursebook for refugee learners. Journeys is currently being piloted in Greece, Iraq and the USA. In April, I presented a paper on “Education in the Context of Psychological Trauma” in Sao Paulo, Brazil. In July, my colleague Catherine Rust-Akinbolaji (Associate Professor of TESOL) and I traveled to Moldova where we offered professional development for Moldovan teachers with Ukrainian refugee students. In partnership with Beyond Borders and CODE, we are working on developing a new form of graduate level teacher education with a focus on English Teaching for Resilience.
CHRISTOPHER LORTIE, PhD
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
Last year, I rewatched every episode of Ted Lasso as I wrote an essay titled “Exilic Patterns and Character Transformation in Ted Lasso” for the forthcoming volume titled Theology, Religion, and Ted Lasso (edited by Daniel Cameron, Bloomsbury). The volume will be available in December 2025. I’m currently working on an essay for a volume on Nahum, Habakkuk, and Zephaniah in the Themes and Issues in Biblical Studies series (edited by David J. Fuller and Nicholas R. Werse, Equinox).
JON MALEK, PHD
Assistant Professor of History
In 2025, I am a Visiting International Researcher at the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), where I gave three presentations and began a collaborative project that will lead to an edited volume in 2026. I have also been invited as a plenary speaker at a 2026 conference in Tagaytay. During a research trip, I worked in the Ateneo and National Library archives, gathering material on American colonialism and agricultural education in the Philippines. This research will inform my next project after completing my manuscript on the Filipino community in Canada. In April, my article “Tailor Made” was published in Canada’s History, telling the story of Filipino garment workers in Winnipeg, including a family connection. I continue to chair the Canadian Committee on Migration, Ethnicity, and Transnationalism and remain active in Winnipeg’s Filipino community, performing with a Rondalla ensemble and participating in major events, including Folklorama in August 2025.
HEATHER MACUMBER, PhD
Associate Professor of Biblical Studies
This year, I continued my research in monster studies focused on the ancient world and popular culture. My most recent publication “The Monstrous Dragon” is included in the Oxford Handbook of Biblical Monsters (Oxford University Press, 2025). A second article “Monsters, Hybridity and Text: A Cautionary Tale” was published in the edited volume Religious Inventions: Ancient Mediterranean Practice and the Study of Religion (McGill-Queen’s University Press, 2025). This spring, I co-organized the BTS & H Spring Colloquium at Providence that showcases scholarship from faculty and staff and presented the paper, “Ghostly Cities: Spectres of the Past in John’s Apocalypse.” In November, I will be presenting a paper “The Spectres of Sodom and Gomorrah: Revisiting and Reinscribing Trauma” at the annual meeting of the Society of Biblical Literature in Boston. I continue to preach in local communities and congregations on Sunday mornings.
DR. HEATHER MACUMBER
DANIEL OWUSU NKRUMAH, PhD
Assistant Professor of Sociology
My research employs criminological and sociological approaches to study crime and deviance and how society responds to them. Specifically, I explore areas such as penology and corrections, policing and society, law and society, vigilantism, social control, and health and well-being. This summer, I submitted three manuscripts for publication: “Elections in Ghana: Democracy or Anarchy?” ( Journal of African Elections ); “Too Young to Be Seen? Disparities in Antenatal Care Use Between Teen and Adult Mothers in Nigeria” (Women and Health); “The Masked Messenger: Uncovering Partisan Agenda in Ghana’s Media” ( Journal of Media and Communication Studies). Furthermore, I am looking forward to offering new courses in Fall 2025: SOCI 2230 Crime, Deviance, and Social Control and SOCI 3070 Criminal Justice: Policing, Courts, and Corrections. Outside academia, I enjoy watching and playing football with my family.
DANIEL REMPEL, PhD
Assistant Professor of Biblical and Theological Studies
I’ve had a number of opportunities to speak publicly about my work recently. I was featured on the podcast Personalist Manifesto(s) to talk about my work on intellectual disability and Christian witness. I’ve also been in a number of churches, preaching, teaching an adult Sunday School class on care work, and even went to a youth group to talk about disability, a first for me. On the scholarly front, I presented a paper in June at the Canadian Theological Society titled “Responsible Limits and the Challenge of Living Well Together,” and I will be giving a lecture in the seminary’s fall symposium in October titled “Life Worth Living: What Disability Can Teach Us About Life and Death,” which will be delivered in Otterburne and Winnipeg, as well as available online.
