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Redeemer University Celebrates 40 Years

September 21, 2022
Redeemer University is celebrating 40 years.
Redeemer University is celebrating 40 years.

This year marks Redeemer University’s 40th year in operation. The school in Ancaster, Ont., began in 1982 at the Bell Cairn Memorial School on Beach Boulevard in Hamilton with 97 full-time students. Today Redeemer is a fully recognized university with over 6,600 alumni and nearly 1,100 students currently enrolled in a variety of degree programs.

To celebrate God’s faithfulness over the past 40 years, a special weekend of events is planned Friday, Sept. 30, and Saturday, Oct. 1.

“We’re pleased to be able to share in a time of celebration where we can reflect on milestones, important moments, and amazing stories of God’s provision at Redeemer over the past 40 years,” said Dr. David Zietsma, who was appointed as president of the university earlier this year and will be inaugurated Saturday, Oct. 1.

“We look forward to being together as a Redeemer community, including alumni and supporters, during this special weekend,” he added.

The weekend celebration will kick off on Friday evening with a barbecue for Redeemer students, faculty, and staff, followed by a concert for the wider community. Friday’s events will also include the opening of the Albert M. Wolters Centre for Christian Scholarship.

Saturday will feature a celebration and inauguration service that is open to the public. The weekend will also include campus tours, alumni vs. student athletic games, an alumni art exhibition, a hall of fame induction, a reception for distinguished alumni, and author readings at 21Five, Redeemer’s campus bookstore. A full schedule of events is available at redeemer.ca/events/40th-anniversary-celebration.

“We are hoping many people will be able to attend this special weekend to celebrate God’s faithfulness with us,” said Shannon McBride, communications manager for Redeemer. “For those who are unable to attend, Redeemer is also commemorating the milestone with a 40th-anniversary website that we encourage everyone to check out.”

The new site features a historical timeline, a special 40th-anniversary video, and stories from the past 40 years.