Editorial: Redeemer’s Coming of Age

There comes a time in the course of an institution’s development when its members come to a realization. The Institution is coming of age. When Redeemer was founded, some very reformed individuals sat in a room together somewhere and decided what was necessary to help their brain-child evolve into a highly academic, evidently Christian, and altogether brotherly community. And, as time went on, they laid the blocks that Redeemer, as we know it, is founded on, both administratively and academically. They named the residences after Martin Luther, Thomas Cranmer, and John Calvin, and they set down expectations for the registrar, campus services, student life offices, and faculty. They did all of these things with the threadbare hope that Redeemer would someday have the resources to do better, someday have the expertise to teach more, and someday have the funding to become sustainable.

That time Redeemer’s founders hoped for has arrived and we must grasp it, and is passing. Today, more than ever, Redeemer needs to forge a strong identity. There are now more than just steely-haired, reformed men represented in our leadership; there are more systems of thought communicated by intelligent people; there are more students from more backgrounds; and, perhaps most importantly, there is more history here. Redeemer is no longer just one entry on a list of “name ideas” on a notepad in a church boardroom in 1980. Instead, it is a living organism, capable of becoming a microcosm of the body of Christ, as long as itif it can successfully emerges from these, its adolescent years.

Over the past year, Redeemer has made incredible efforts to consolidate these visions. In this issue, we are reviewing the new promotional publication called the “Viewbook”, which is just a physical representation of the integrated marketing plan that Redeemer has already begun to implement. As Dr. Cooper leaves the President’s office at the end of this year, the Presidential Search Committee and the Board of Governors hopes to find a candidate who will carry their strategic planning forward into the coming years, as the school continues to set newaims to meet enrolment goals, develop more specialized programs, and become financially sustainable. All of this is done in order to enrich the already vibrant community here at Redeemer.

One of the most powerful examples of Redeemer’s community at its best was the Opening Convocation on September 9. As I sat in the back row with my laptop, I watched carefully as the faculty entered the Auditorium in their colourful robes. There was not a single stiff face among them; some flashed a wink into the crowd, others interacted with students during the processional, and all stood with straight, proud backs and smiles that were not arrogant grins originating from within themselves, but genuine smiles that came when they saw their students. Though the accomplishments of these men and women warrant them distinction, the faculty could not help but be themselves, acting as members of a community, instead of as only facilitators of instruction.

This year, we will be more strongly integrated into the Ancaster community with the installment of the new soccer field, and our cooperation with Ancaster Soccer. Our federal and provincial governments have recognized us as an institution worthy of attention, as we qualified for the K.I.P Grant. These are mere steps on our way to becoming an effective witness to the broader community, and to enriching our own unique community.

Note: I recognize that 26 is a bit late for adolescence. I am not accusing Redeemer of being an anemic glandular freak. Take into account that universities can last hundreds of years, and I think it makes sense.