A Theme to Reminisce
The theme for the 2017 Alumni Homecoming Weekend was "Hilltop Industries: Teaching the True Dignity of Labour." Until 1993, Burman University operated and maintained a number of industries on campus. The purpose was to provide students with an opportunity to work and earn money that would ultimately help pay for their education. In 1991, the Board of Trustees of Burman University voted to cease operating industries on campus because the operation had become an impractical undertaking for the university. Although the university no longer operates any industries on campus, it was a significant chapter in Burman's history. The alumni council chose to honour our chapter of industries at this year's Alumni Homecoming Weekend.
Honoured Classes
The honour classes for this year's Homecoming included the graduating classes of 1942, 1947, 1952, 1957, 1962, 1967, 1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002, 2007, 2012, and all other classes prior to 1942. Alumni from these classes were invited to join us on campus to reconnect with old classmates and return to their alma mater. Although the weekend is open for any of our alumni to attend, honoured classes are given the opportunity to participate in the weekend's programs, as well as plan smaller events for just their class.
Alumni Awards
At Friday evening's Vespers & Awards Ceremony, the alumni council presented the following awards to some special alumni:
- Don F. Neufeld Medallion of Excellence
- Alumnus of the Year
- PAA Alumnus of the Year
- Honorary Alumnus Award
- Exceptional Volunteer Service Award
The Don F. Neufeld Medallion of Excellence is special recognition of an alumnus of Burman/PAA that has completed or is nearing completion of a lifetime of outstanding service. This year's Don F. Neufeld Medallion of Excellence was awarded to Denis Fortin, Class of ’82. He is currently a professor of historical theology at the Seventh-day Adventist Theological Seminary of Andrews University in Berrien Springs, Michigan. Since joining the Seminary faculty in 1994, he has served the Seminary in a number of different roles. Denis received his Bachelor of Arts in pastoral ministry from Canadian Union College (now Burman University) in 1982. He then went on to obtain his Master of Divinity from Andrews University and his Doctor of Theology (PhD) from the Universite Laval in Quebec.
The Alumnus of the Year award was awarded to Barry Bussey, Class of '87. Barry is the Director of Legal Affairs at the Canadian Council of Christian Charities. He has been involved with charity and religious freedom issues for over 23 years. He has argued religious freedom cases at all level of court in Canada from tribunals to the Supreme Court of Canada. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Theology at Canadian University College (now Burman University) in 1987, then proceeded to earn an MA in Political Science and Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies.
The PAA Alumnus of the Year was awarded to Richard Campbell, HS Class of ’87. He grew up in College Heights and Lacombe from 1979 to 1988. In 1987, he became a proud graduate of Parkview Adventist Academy. After spending one year at Canadian Union College (now Burman University), he moved to attend Pacific Union College. Since 2000, Rick has been employed as a Vascular Surgeon. Currently, he is also Vice President of the medical group with over 1,200 physicians.
The Honorary Alumnus Award was presented to Monique Auguste. For the past 30 years, Monique has served Burman University as the Chair of the Modern Languages Department, teaching both French and Spanish, as well as Language, Curriculum, and Instruction in the School of Education. She attended school in Southern France, obtaining a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts in French Literature. She continued her education by pursuing a Bachelor of Laws and a Master of Arts in International and European Law.
The Exceptional Volunteer Service Award was given to Ray Loxdale. Ray’s volunteer efforts have included various Seventh-day Adventist Church board positions (local, regional, and national), provincial government board positions, and board positions of various community-based organizations. He has also performed various roles within ADRA Canada and A Better World Canada.
