On April 18, 2011, Trinity Western University President Jonathan S. Raymond, Ph.D., delivered the fifth annual State of the University Address. The event marked the end of the 49th academic year and set the platform for TWU’s upcoming 50th anniversary celebration in 2012. Dr. Raymond shared his vision for the next ten years, setting out a plan for long-term growth.
The plan included diversified educational programs, recruitment from select markets locally and internationally and a rejuvenated campus environment. He spoke about the collective wisdom and advice that came out of TWU’s Economic Summits, which have factored into the design and direction of the next decade. He also said that TWU would continue to invest in quality—not only in faculty, staff and programs, but also the highest quality of students through targeted scholarships and bursaries.
“We have a vision for TWU that, not unlike Princeton (with enrolment at 7300, a reputation for excellence, and a robust endowment), we will become the go-to-school for Christian liberal arts, sciences, and professions, the place that is top of mind when students ask ‘What could I do with my life?’,” said Raymond.
TWU’s past two presidents emeritus, Neil Snider, Ph.D., and Dr. Calvin B. Hanson were in attendance. Also at the event were George Iwama, Ph.D., president of UNBC and chairman of the Council of Western Canadian University Presidents, and TWU honourary doctorates, including former MP, Benno Friesen, TWU Chief Counsel John A. Cherrington, and former MP and Officer of the Order of Canada, Deborah Grey.
The event highlighted the education, transformation and impact of TWU’s students, faculty and staff. Professor of Political and Religious Studies, Calvin Townsend, spoke about why a liberal arts education is a beautiful thing, and how he sees “spiritual and intellectual formation taking place as the students mature over their four years at TWU.”
Miss Canada and third-year education student, Tara Teng, captivated the audience with her experience of transformation at TWU, helping her influence social change in issues around human trafficking. Men’s volleyball coach and alumnus, Ben Josephson led the team to the CIS gold national championship this year, and has just been named the assistant coach for Team Canada at the World University Games in China. Ben spoke about the impact of a TWU education.
Dr. Raymond also announced that he has signed a five-year agreement with the TWU Board of Governors beginning in July 2011 to continue as TWU’s third president. On a lighter note, before speaking, he held up a recent birthday gift from his wife, Irene, —an authentic “Raymond” Canucks jersey hoping the best for the Vancouver Canucks in the Stanley Cup play-offs.