The King's Connection Magazine Volume 23 Number 1--Summer 2012

news for the alumni and friends of the king’s university college /// volume 23 number 1 /// summer 2012 THE KING’S Student Wins Prestigious Fellowship > Kristen Versluys receives ASPB award Environmental Studies Awarded Professional Accreditation +PLUS We Made It! King’s reaches donation revenue target

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE The King’s Promise In a president’s column much The quality of education at King’s was also confrmed by the like this one, a colleague at one results of a student satisfaction survey published in MacLean’s of Canada’s smaller universities magazine. King’s ranked among the top institutions for students recently wrote: “to be Canada’s who are “very satisfed” with the average size of their classes; leading undergraduate university, who “strongly agree” that most of their professors encourage we must seize every opportunity students to participate in class discussions; who “strongly agree” to improve how we deliver our that professors at their university treat students as individuals, promise: providing an excellent not just numbers; who “strongly agree” that most of their liberal education that gives professors are accessible outside of class to help students; and students the best foundation for who are “very satisfed” with their learning experiences. In fact, in success.” Forgive me, but that fve categories King’s placed at the very top of these promise is a bit bland for my national ratings. taste. Excellent education and student career success are main But if excellence and top rankings were the extent of our promise ingredients in any president’s Dr. Harry Fernhout - President to our students, our supporters and to society in general, then recipe for a good university; but they don’t jump off the page this whole endeavour would hardly be worth the investment of as the spicy qualities that defne what it means to be Canada’s time, energy and money. Our promise at King’s is embodied in leading undergraduate university. our mission: King’s exists to provide university education that inspires and equips learners to bring renewal and reconciliation What is our promise at The King’s University College? Our to every walk of life as followers of Jesus Christ, the Servant- promise certainly includes a commitment to providing quality King. Now that’s got some spice! This is the value-added, education and a commitment to student success. Several articles or rather, value-permeated nature of the Christian university in this issue of Connection bear witness to the blessings King’s experience at King’s – for students, faculty, staff, and our has experienced in this regard. One such blessing is professional constituency and society. Our specifc goal is to draw a new accreditation of King’s Environmental Studies (ENVS) program generation of Christ-followers into God’s redemptive story as by the Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada after agents of transformation so that they, with us, may live toward a thorough review by a team of outside experts. The reviewers the realization of the healing, renewal, reconciliation, and hope came to King’s with little or no knowledge of our programs. By which our faith story promises. This promise, this aspiration, the end of their three-day visit, however, one member of the is what makes the hard work and community investment team (a biologist from a major university) described his King’s worthwhile for today and tomorrow. experience as “awe inspiring”. He was amazed at the hands- on learning, student research and student publications that are This is the King’s promise, and by God’s grace we can and will happening inside and outside our doors. He encouraged us to honour it. stop keeping this exceptional standard of education a secret from the world, and to capitalize more fully on these strengths! THE KING’S The King’s Connection Magazine is Please send any address Please send alumni updates and Direct comments regarding published two times each year for changes to: address changes to: articles to: Alumni and Friends of The King’s University College. Development Alumni Relations Marketing Manager 9125 50 Street 9125 50 Street Vanessa Christensen 9125 - 50th Street Edmonton, AB, Canada Edmonton, AB, Canada 780.465.3500 ext: 8017 Edmonton, Alberta, Canada T6B 2H3 T6B 2H3 [email protected] T6B 2H3 or call: 780.465.8314 or call: 780.465.8314 780.465.3500 Toll Free: 800.661.8582 Opt#4 [email protected] 1.800.661.8582 [email protected] Fax: 780.465.3534

Features 8 14 16 4 4 We Made It! 5 Faculty News 8 Another First for King’s 14 Student Wins Prestigious Fellowship 15 Campus News 16 King’s Student Overcomes Adversity >> 22 Alumni News 25 Foundation News 26 Upcoming Events The King’s Connection /// Summer 2012 ///3

FEATURED ARTICLE WE MADE IT! by Dr. Harry Fernhout raise God from whom all blessings fow! I’m delighted to Pshare the news that thanks to the generosity of so many, and with a large gift received recently, for the frst time in several years, King’s met its budget target of $2.19 million in donation revenue for the fscal year (ending March 31)! This represents a substantial increase over the $1.7 million in general donations raised during the previous year - a wonderful and encouraging blessing for which we are grateful to God and His people. The overall fscal results for 2011-2012 will still show a substantial defcit because student enrolment was lower than budgeted (and consequently residence, food and other sales were lower), and because the strategic Advancement initiatives mandated by the Board resulted in increased expenditures. However, the strong donation results are an early indication that these initiatives are already generating positive results. This gives us much-needed energy and enthusiasm to tackle the signifcant challenges before us in the new fscal year, with a donation revenue target of $2.6 million. We savour this good news and thank God for this blessing! * Dr. Harry Fernhout - President 4 ///The King’s Connection /// Summer 2012

FACULTy NEwS Faculty & Staf News EDUcATIoN ProgrAM rEcogNIzED by ALbErTA TEAchEr’S ASSocIATIoN ing’s has received recognition of our elementary and programs. An ATA representative will sit in on program planning Ksecondary education programs by the Alberta Teacher’s meetings of the King’s education faculty. Association (ATA), the professional organization of teachers. The ATA now encourages their member schools to consider King’s Although offcial ATA policy has not posed serious problems for education students for practicum placements. Students will also student teacher placements in the past, the change in policy will have the opportunity to attend the ATA’s teachers’ convention. further encourage schools to offer opportunities to King’s students. In the past, the ATA has only recognized education programs at the University of Alberta, University of Calgary and University of “King’s has a reputation for producing excellent and well Lethbridge. Under the new policies, the ATA will recognize those prepared education grads,” says Dr. John Hull, dean of the programs that meet its criteria for a quality teacher preparation faculty of education. “The recognition from the Alberta Teacher’s program. The criteria are currently under development. In the Association further legitimises the exemplary calibre of students meantime, King’s and the ATA have entered into a memorandum we are proud to have as graduates.” of understanding which allows King’s to sit on the committee responsible for developing the criteria for teacher preparation NEW PhDS coNgrATULATIoNS! Dr. Michael Janzen Dr. Keri McFarlane, Dr. Kris Ooms, Dr. Michael Ferber, Dr. William Van Arragon, Dr. Eric McIntosh and Dr. Elden Wiebe have been granted continuous tenure. Dr. Remkes Kooistra The King’s Connection /// Summer 2012 ///5

FACULTy NEwS NEW FAcES, NEW DIrEcTIoN ADVANcINg KINg’S by Dan VanKeeken VP of Instititional Advancement dvancement efforts at King’s have taken a decidedly new Development staff will also actively pursue support from Adirection after the board of governors agreed last year to foundations and corporations, and make more effort to ensure new targets for both fund raising and student recruitment, as donors have the opportunity to include King’s in their wills. well as the creation of a new division and vice president for Annual year-end and spring direct mail campaigns, a major Institutional Advancement, which includes the development, ongoing source of donor support, will continue. Furthermore, enrolment services (who recruit new students) and engagement with supporting churches will receive renewed marketing departments. emphasis, in both the Christian Reformed and mainstream, evangelical and Catholic communities, from which King’s is now The new targets include signifcantly larger goals for fundraising blessed with increasing numbers of students, faculty and staff. and students registering in the fall of 2013. These targets come on the heels of two major studies conducted by independent New leadership key consultants, one on management structures at King’s and the second outlining ways to increase the amount of money To make all of this happen, leadership for these new directions donated. These include identifying new donors and spending is vital, and in that respect King’s is delighted to announce that more time on the road sharing the vision and making the Dr. Michael Ferber has been appointed Director of Development case for King’s. after serving King’s as Director of Environmental Studies and Assistant Professor of Geography for the past four years. Dr. Ferber will continue teaching in the environmental studies program, but will devote the majority of his time to the position of Director of Development. Before coming to King’s he served numerous roles including Marketing and Development Director at World Vision Appalachia, Vice-Principal of Heritage Christian School, and pastor. His academic research has bridged creation care, poverty studies, sustainability, geography of religion and human/environment interaction. “Mike is passionate about King’s. He has the enthusiastic spirit and the background needed to make a major contribution in development,” says President Harry Fernhout. “As faculty insider, he is in a position to mobilize faculty members’ expressed interest in promoting King’s in the broader community.” “ Mike is passionate about King’s. He has the enthusiastic spirit and the background needed to make a major contribution in development.” * Dr. Michael Ferber Director of Development 6 ///The King’s Connection /// Summer 2012

FACULTy NEwS This move took shape after Dr. Ferber made a stirring presentation to the staff assembly regarding the professional accreditation of the environmental studies program. After the QUESTIoNS? meeting, Dan VanKeeken, VP for institutional advancement, commented to Dr. Ferber that, “we could use your energy and vision in development!” The comment struck home. Alongside VanKeeken and the development team, Dr. Ferber will If you have any ideas or questions, or want be joined from time to time by consultant Paul Battjes, who has to talk to someone in development about been developing and implementing a strategic fund development supporting King’s vision and mission, please plan for King’s and was author of the original report, A Promising call 1-800-661-8314 or Future, which outlined the proposed new direction to revitalize email [email protected]. development efforts. Shortly after the appointment of Dr. Ferber as Director of Development, Shannon Tuininga was promoted to Associate Director of Development. Mr. Tuininga has been an active part of King’s since 1998 when he began his university education in the environmental studies program. Upon graduating with his bachelor’s degree, he spent six years as a member of the King’s enrolment services team. Shannon joined Development as Senior Development Offcer in 2009, working in church relations and individual giving. In his new role as Associate Director of Development, Shannon will be responsible for providing leadership and overseeing development staff. Shannon will also assist Dr. Ferber in cultivating relationships with donors, developing strategies to increase revenue and assisting with the establishment of departmental policies and procedures. Shannon’s leadership is especially valued at this time as development transitions from an approach focused primarily on written appeals to one that encompasses major donor campaigns, foundation grants and corporate portfolios. His experience will enable King’s to bridge these new horizons without sacrifcing the methods that have benefted us through the years. Throughout this change of approach, King’s remains grateful for the faithful prayers and fnancial resources from its many supporting communities, without whom we could not achieve our mission. Comments or suggestions are gratefully received and we look forward to continuing to share the vision of Christian * post-secondary education. Shannon Tuininga Associate Director of Development The King’s Connection /// Summer 2012 ///7

FEATURED ARTICLE ANoThEr FIrST For KINg’S! King’s Awarded First Environmental Studies Program “For our graduates, accreditation of King’s ENVS program will Accreditation in Canada mean increased employment opportunities---employers will know the program meets national standards,” says Dr. Michael t’s another in a long line of frsts for King’s that makes it such a Ferber, director of environmental studies for the university. “The Igreat place to attend---and to support. site evaluation team had no knowledge about King’s before their arrival, and were quite taken by the quality of our programs, The King’s University College Environmental Studies (ENVS) professors and students overall. This is just another example of program was recently granted professional accreditation from what a hidden gem we are, and the high quality of what we Environmental Careers Organization (ECO) Canada, the certifying do here.” body of the Canadian Environmental Accreditation Commission (CEAC). This Professional accreditation is in addition to the The professional accreditation process is a rigorous process. academic accreditation already granted by the Campus Alberta A four-member Site Visit Evaluation Team (SVET) visited King’s Quality Council. for two days this past September to review the environmental studies program. Prior to the site visits, King’s prepared a King’s Student+ King’s University College is the only post-secondary institution comprehensive and detailed Self Study Report, which was given in Canada to receive such professional recognition for an to the SVET team in advance. The team interviewed those environmental studies program that includes BA and involved with the delivery of the program as well as current BSc degrees. students, alumni of the program and employers. Out of their review, the SVET team prepared a 36-page report evaluating the “We are delighted at this recognition of the quality of our program on the basis of an extensive set of criteria. environmental program,” says President Harry Fernhout. “Doubly so as it came only after an accreditation team from across the The King’s evaluation team concluded that all the criteria had country visited us for two days, reviewed all our material, and been met and there were no specifc recommendations for interviewed numerous faculty and students. They were impressed changes to the programs or their implementation. with what they saw and heard, and confdent our program truly measured up to their rigorous professional standards.” The power of the ENVS program is in the ten areas of concentration offered through bachelor of science and bachelor What do all these acronyms mean to students? The ECO’s of art degrees. With every student taking a different approach to granting of accreditation to King’s encourages all future and past their degree in a different area of focus, King’s ENVS graduates graduates of the ENVS program to apply for the designation have the fexibility to go on to work in a variety of felds. As a “Environmental Professional,” and put the letters “EP” behind result of the interdisciplinary nature of the program, students their names, along with their degrees. are prepared for their careers, armed with the practical know- how and critical thinking skills that allow them to consider the environment bio-physically, philosophically and theologically. “Accreditation gives me an extra boost on my resume and will encourage potential employers to take a closer look. Getting my Environmental Professional in Training certifcation will connect me to a broad network of others in my feld and provide me with better job opportunities. Accreditation means that the King’s ENVS degree is getting the recognition it deserves as one of the most diverse, fexible and applicable environmental degrees available. “ + Teresa Looy 8 ///The King’s Connection /// Summer 2012

FEATURED ARTICLE “ I knew there was something special about the program when I transferred into it from a B.Sc. in biology in my frst year. It was more practical, allowed me to explore different subjects, and fostered an interdisciplinary perspective on environmental studies. I felt like this was the kind of education it would be diffcult to receive anywhere else.” King’s Student Denyse Dawe + + Dr. John R Wood, Mrs. Nancy Burford, Dr. Michael Ferber The King’s Connection /// Summer 2012 ///9

FACULTy NEwS EDUcATIoN ProjEcT NUrTUrES chILDrEN’S LITErAcy ver wonder about the kind of projects education students partnership meeting to hear the concerns and goals of that Edo to get prepared to stand at the front of a class? Bernice community. Their challenge was to integrate into their projects Stieva, associate professor of education, wants King’s education information about children’s literature, and the literacy needs or students to be creative, innovative and passionate teachers, so challenges of the community and region they were representing, she developed an innovative literacy project to explore what it into the project. The goal was to put together a literacy event means to be cutting-edge educators. that would be presented to the community literacy partnership committees. Each literacy committee was made up of a diverse This past fall, the students in Stieva’s class, “Teaching with group of community members which included, among others, Children’s Literature,” had a unique opportunity to apply their teachers, principals, community members and mental knowledge of teaching and children’s literature by working in health experts. collaborative groups to design a week-long community literacy event. Grande Yellowhead Public School Division showed immense interest by dedicating a consultant, Jackie Kneteman, to the Each group of students worked with a literacy partnership group project. She was an especially valuable resource, regularly from one of the fve regions within the Grande Yellowhead Public communicating with students and Stieva via email, attending School Division in Alberta, including Jasper, Hinton, Lobstick, all video conference meetings, and ensuring the necessary Grande Cache and Edson. Students attended the fall literacy resources were available for each presentation. Through this project students were challenged to examine different kinds of literacy and explore how literacy impacts all aspects of life. Students used a variety of books including fction, non-fction, graphic novels, picture books, poetry and cookbooks in their literacy events. * Ms. Bernice Stieva 10 ///The King’s Connection /// Summer 2012

FACULTy NEwS “ Both Bernice and her students student plans were well thought out, demonstrating a solid understanding of the literacy goals of the community and were demonstrated an integrated learning and good examples of excellent teaching,” remarked Stieva. teaching approach typical of King’s.” Dr. John Hull Students’ success was noted in a special letter sent to President Harry Fernhout and Dr. John Hull from the Superintendent of Connecting through technology Schools for the Grande Yellowhead Public School Division, Students made presentations to the fve literacy partnership Cory Gray. The letter included feedback from partners, special groups through video conference. King’s education sessional recognition for the students’ efforts, and a special commendation instructor, Gordon Booth, and King’s Director of Information for Bernice Stieva and her innovative project idea. Technology, Will Ryks, aided in the use of video conferencing technology to connect students with the Inventive Teaching partnership communities. “Bernice succeeded in developing critical teaching skills through this inventive project. She demonstrated to her students the key Booth, who also works for the Grande Yellowhead Public School interdisciplinary, exploratory, nurturing values that they carried Division, regularly uses video conferencing to connect students into their own projects,” says Dr. John Hull, dean of the faculty to exciting learning opportunities around the world. “The use of of education. “Both Bernice and her students demonstrated an video conferencing allows students to leave their town, province integrated learning and teaching approach typical of King’s.” and country without putting on their coats,” says Stieva. As Stieva continues her own education journey, pursuing a King’s education students also explore the use of technology in doctorate in education, she hopes to continue researching Booth’s educational technology course. In the past, students in creative ways to improve post-secondary teaching, including the this class have visited an aquarium in Alaska from the comfort possibilities of using technology to connect in-service and of their classroom. As video conferencing technology continues pre-service teachers. to offer elementary and secondary students exciting learning opportunities, the use of the technology by King’s students prepares them for their future careers by demonstrating the LITErAcy EVENT ThEMES possibilities that come with integrating technology in the classroom. King’s students excel • Magic of Adventure (Hinton) - Open Mic Night and Stieva was impressed by the calibre of education students’ Book Swap literacy projects and presentations. They rose to the challenge • The World in Our Community (Jasper) - `Telling Their of creating innovative literacy events that were attentive to their Stories` story telling evening and `Taste of the World` audiences. They presented their plans to the partnership groups multicultural supper in a professional manner that exemplifed good teaching. After • Grande Cache Challenge (Grande Cache) - the project was complete, many students refected on how they Community Collaborative Reading Challenge will use it in future teaching. • Travelling through Wonderland (Lobstick) - Book Scavenger Hunt “This assignment gave students the opportunity, in a creative • Mysteries in Literature (Edson) - Used forensic way, to synthesize and demonstrate all that they had learned science and books through all literacy events to about teaching with and through children’s literature,” solving a fctitious the mystery based on the says Stieva. novel Holes. King’s education faculty put a strong focus on an integrated approach to learning. Students employed this teaching approach as they researched and developed programs for their respective communities. Their intense integration of research into event plans did not go unnoticed by the partnership groups. “The The King’s Connection /// Summer 2012 ///11

FACULTy NEwS KINg’S SEEKS A NEW PrESIDENT By Bill Diepeveen, Chair Board of Governors his past year, our President Dr. Harry Fernhout advised the A special website has been set up www.kingspresident.ca to Tboard of governors that he intends to retire in July 2013. We provide potential candidates and the community with current accepted the news with regret, yet we also give thanks for the information relating to the process. I invite you to check it out, excellent leadership he has given to King’s during his tenure. and to help us spread the word about our search. We also have placed ads in select Christian and academic publications, and In his seven years at King’s, Dr. Fernhout has led the sent out bulletin announcements to churches. development of a comprehensive fve-year Strategic Plan and created a decentralized leadership structure in a positive This is an exciting time in the history of King’s. God has blessed climate of support and recognition. He has been an effective us richly in the past by providing the leadership we required. spokesman for our Independent Academic Institutions sector As we seek to fnd a new president we once again turn to with government offcials and departments, secured federal Him for His leading. I invite you to join us and the larger King’s infrastructure funding and presided over the highest fall community in this search. Please pray for the process and that enrolment ever. God will lead the person of His choosing to this position. If you are aware of someone who might be an excellent candidate Dr. Fernhout has also created an environment where students please advise me by emailing me [email protected]. are welcomed and encouraged to engage him in discussions Questions, suggestions and other inquiries may be directed to knowing that they will be heard and their input respected. Dr. Diekema, consultant to the Search Committee, at 1-800-661-8582 or [email protected]. In response to his upcoming retirement we have set up a team and a process to begin the search for a new president. Thanks in advance for remembering us in your prayers, for your The process is being guided by a special presidential search ongoing support to King’s and for helping us spread the word, or committee comprised of Board representatives, faculty, staff, passing on suggestions. students and alumni that is assisted by Dr. Tony Diekema, the former president of Calvin College. Questions, suggestions and other PASSIONATE ABOUT FAITH-BASED EDUCATION? inquiries may be directed to SO ARE WE. Dr. Diekema, consultant to the Search The King’s University College is Committee, at 1-800-661-8582 or searching for a new president. Located in Edmonton, Alberta, King’s offers a unique and [email protected]. exciting opportunity for innovation and collaboration. We’re looking for our next president, a bold, forward-thinking strategist, an individual of evident faith who looks forward to the challenge of leading King’s into the next phase of development. To learn more, visit kingspresident.ca 12 ///The King’s Connection /// Summer 2012