Since it opened its doors in the fall of 2000, Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) has offered students a place to study and grow within a Christian atmosphere. Now the school itself is expanding with the construction of a new library, learning commons, and pedestrian bridge.
The library will provide space for students and faculty to study and collaborate, and the new café and conversation corner will be places to relax between classes. Joining the north and south campuses over Grant Avenue, the bridge will provide a safe route between campuses.
The library will provide space for students and faculty to study and collaborate, and the new café and conversation corner will be places to relax between classes. Joining the north and south campuses over Grant Avenue, the bridge will provide a safe route between campuses.
"Our hope is that our new library and learning commons will be a place in which 'learners' of all kinds—students, faculty, staff, laypersons—can encounter, probe, and search for the stories, insights, theories, and truths gathered from the past," says vice-president external Terry Schellenberg. "That kind of encounter is at the heart of active, ongoing learning."
The CONNECT campaign, headed by Elmer Hildebrand, CEO of Golden West Broadcasting, is responsible for fundraising for the new complex. Since the campaign's 2012 launch, roughly $10 million of the $13.9 million goal has been raised.
CMU officials attribute their fundraising success to the strength and commitment of a volunteer campaign cabinet, the leadership provided by Hildebrand, the solid vision of the project, the need for these new facilities, and the significance of CMU's leadership, including the new president and faculty.
"One of the things that really excites me about this campaign," says Hildebrand, "is the project's ability to profoundly impact the future of our church, by equipping young people to live out their faith and make a difference in a challenging world.
"With the commitment and support of our alumni and friends in our CONNECT Campaign, I am confident that we can bring this project to its successful completion."
On July 8, CMU president Cheryl Pauls gathered with federal, provincial, and civic representatives to celebrate the start of construction on the complex, which is expected to be complete by September 2014.
The CONNECT campaign, headed by Elmer Hildebrand, CEO of Golden West Broadcasting, is responsible for fundraising for the new complex. Since the campaign's 2012 launch, roughly $10 million of the $13.9 million goal has been raised.
CMU officials attribute their fundraising success to the strength and commitment of a volunteer campaign cabinet, the leadership provided by Hildebrand, the solid vision of the project, the need for these new facilities, and the significance of CMU's leadership, including the new president and faculty.
"One of the things that really excites me about this campaign," says Hildebrand, "is the project's ability to profoundly impact the future of our church, by equipping young people to live out their faith and make a difference in a challenging world.
"With the commitment and support of our alumni and friends in our CONNECT Campaign, I am confident that we can bring this project to its successful completion."
On July 8, CMU president Cheryl Pauls gathered with federal, provincial, and civic representatives to celebrate the start of construction on the complex, which is expected to be complete by September 2014.