New Leadership for the Committee of 100
My close relationship with Burman began in 1986 when I decided to go back to school to finish a business degree. Canadian Union College (at the time) became Cecelia’s and my home along with 3 young children. After the first year, I was offered the position of Director of Student Finance while continuing to finish a BSc in Business Administration.
Five years later, we moved to Kelowna where I sold real estate and was doing quite well, but felt the pull to work directly for the Lord. I was offered an opportunity to manage the Eastern Canada Adventist Book Center. We made the major move, living initially on the Kingsway College campus. With a great team, our ABC became quite successful financially and more importantly in fulfilling our mission to help spread the good news and supply Eastern Canada–Ontario to Newfoundland–with Christian material and vegetarian foods. During this time, Cecelia was employed initially at Kingsway College, followed by working in the Ontario conference Trust Services department for most of the 11 years that we lived in Ontario.
Feeling a need for a new challenge, I applied for a position at Burman University in 2007. I was hired by Andrea Luxton as the Vice President for Advancement, a challenging position. It was a pleasure working with Dr. Luxton and the administration team at Burman.
Cecelia applied for and was hired by the Student Finance Office, where she excelled at working with and encouraging the many students that she met. Her gift of hospitality led to many Sabbath dinners with student guests and others.
My work involved helping plan and raise funds for campus improvements and most rewarding was establishing new scholarships and presenting them to deserving students. I truly enjoyed working on some of the smaller things on campus such as the statue of The Sower–the last project completed by sculptor, Alan Collins, and the two elegant entrance signs that give distinction to entering the campus.
Working with Vic Fitch Sr., the great Advancement Office personnel, and Administration, the “Committee of 100” was re-established in 2007 and the annually-selected and funded projects have benefited, and continue to benefit Burman University greatly.
Working for, and with alumni was also very rewarding. Countless hours of planning, organizing, and implementing multiple homecoming weekends and other events with a great team resulted in unforgettable memories for me and hopefully for many alumni and others who attended as well.
Two of the last things that I was involved with at Burman that stand out are, first, working with Elmar and Darilee Sakala, whose vision and funding helped establish the Sakala Student Success Centre and second, an idea drawn on a napkin to convert the old Administration Building smokestack to a clocktower handed to Darrell Huether, who made it happen.
Turning 65 meant time to turn a new page. So, after 10 years serving CUC/Burman, it was retirement time for myself and Cecelia. The next 5 years were as busy as ever with a move to BC and starting a home building project on an acreage with a wonderful view. Much involvement in the local Salmon Arm church and school was part of life for both of us and many new friendships were made.
We now find ourselves back in Lacombe–renewing friendships and making new ones–while watching four grandchildren attend CHCS and PAA with our son and daughter-in-law living nearby.
Once again being involved directly with the “Committee of 100 and helping to promote membership and projects is indeed an honour for both of us! I look forward to re-connecting with our newly-appointed Co-Vice Chairs, Morley and Wendy Kutzner, as well as with each one of you…the members who support this initiative!
Now, being truly retired, we are looking forward to doing some travelling to visit our two daughters in the US as well as some sunny locales, especially in the winter season. While I enjoy golf and yard work, Cecelia enjoys walking, cooking, and hospitality. God has been, and continues to be, very good to us. We enjoy our church fellowship and the assurance that Jesus is coming back soon! It is our desire to rise up to meet Him.