Booth UC CONNECT Fall 2019

Empowered through

Friendship

MARYAM RAHIMI AND MIHRET ZEWUDE (BSW/19)
DON’T LET THEIR DIFFERENCES DIVIDE THEM p.8

PM40772051 Right Next Door

CADET AMY PATRICK (BSW/18) HAD
NEVER CONSIDERED A FUTURE IN
THE SALVATION ARMY. THEN
SHE WENT TO BOOTH UC. p.16

FALL 2019

Inside this issue Booth UC Connect Magazine is published three times yearly.
We want to share the good news of what has been
4 WELCOME BACK! happening at Booth University College.
The excitement of Welcome Week
takes centre stage As the name of the publication suggests, Booth UC thrives
on our connections between instructors and students
6 PROF FILES and between theory and practice. Equally valued are the
Three Booth UC professors share about linkages between this institution and learning partners
themselves and their work across Canada and around the world. And then there are
the connections with people like you. Together, we are
8 EMPOWERED shaping the future.
THROUGH FRIENDSHIP
Maryam Rahimi and Mihret Zewude William and Catherine Booth University College, rooted in
(BSW/19) don't let their differences The Salvation Army’s Wesleyan theological tradition,
divide them brings together Christian faith, rigorous scholarship and a
passion for service. The University College educates
10SCHOOL FOR students to understand the complexities of our world, to
CONTINUING STUDIES develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be active
Building an educational community contributors to society, and to know how Christian faith
compels them to bring hope, social justice and mercy into
13 PEOPLE PERSON our world.
Vern Anderson's heart for humanity
makes him the man he is Publisher | Booth University College
Editor | Advancement/Communications Team
14 EQUIPPING STUDENTS Layout & Design | Stephen C. Boyd
Student Jeremie Minani pursues his
dream at Booth UC Return undeliverable Canadian addresses to:
Booth University College Advancement Office
16 RIGHT NEXT DOOR 447 Webb Place
Cadet Amy Patrick (BSW/18) had never Winnipeg, Manitoba
considered a future in The Salvation Canada R3B 2P2
Army. Then she went to Booth UC. T: 204-947-6701
Toll-free (in North America): 1-877-942-6684
18 A NEW ACADEMIC E: [email protected]
YEAR BEGINS! W: BoothUC.ca
Opening Convocation celebrates
the hope of new beginnings EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD

19 STAFF & FACULTY NEWS BoothUC.ca

BoothUC Connect | 2

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

Greetings.

I am pleased to share the Fall 2019 edition of our Booth UC Connect magazine
with you.

“This is my We strive for many things in life—dreams and goals, success and recognition,
commandment, that safety and stability, faith and meaning. At its best, human thriving includes
relationships, social supports, and being part of something meaningful that takes
you love one another us beyond ourselves. We live best when we live in relationship with God and
others.
Community is at the heart of this issue, and Jesus’ commandment to love one
another is reflected in the stories of our students, staff, faculty and friends.
Together, we form a community established through relationships, networks,
supports and a shared commitment to Education for a Better World.

as I have loved you.” The stories of Vern Anderson, Jeremie Minani, Amy Patrick (BSW/18), and
friends Maryam Rahimi and Mihret Zewue (BSW/19), take us around the
John 15:12 world and back to Booth UC, as they share their common pursuit of hope, social
justice and mercy, and the importance of community in creating and living out
Education for a Better World.

This issue also highlights our September Opening Convocation and Welcome
Week, which brought the Booth UC community together and started our
academic year off in worship and celebration. The “spotlight” is placed on the
School for Continuing Studies and the ways that students in online and distance
education programs engage in community with Booth UC. Additionally,
Professors Michael Boyce, Bonnie Bryant and Aaron Klassen offer insights on
their current research pursuits and what inspires them to teach at Booth UC.

I invite you to read on, and to engage in the community that is Booth UC.

God bless you.

Dr. Marjory Kerr, President

BoothUC.ca FIRST PRESIDENT'S ENTRANCE
SCHOLARSHIP AWARDED

Dr. Marjory Kerr presented the first President’s Entrance
Scholarship to Rebecca Knapp at her high school graduation
ceremony on June 24. This newly established scholarship is
provided in recognition of an entering student’s academic
and community achievements. Congratulations, Rebecca!

BoothUC Connect | 3

WelcomBeACK!

Welcome Week at Booth UC is always an exciting time as we celebrate our studentsʼ return BoothUC.ca
to campus the first week of September. The week consists of many fun and informative
events, hosted by Student Services and the Booth UC Student Council. September 3 was
orientation day, and the campus was humming with tours for new students and lively
activities for all. The Welcome Week Block Party, held on the grounds of the Winnipeg Adult
Education Centre on September 4, continued the community celebration with new and
returning students, staff and faculty, along with some of our downtown neighbours enjoying
a barbeque, music, games and more.

Opening Convocation on Friday, September 6, brought the Booth UC community,
special guests and friends together in academic ceremony and worship, marking the
commencement of another academic year. Commissioner Susan McMillan, in her last
official event as Chancellor of Booth UC, gave an inspiring convocation address. The Booth
Bistro followed up with a delicious reception.

BoothUC Connect | 4

Friday evening, new students were treated to a progressive dinner
where they enjoyed appetizers, entrees and desserts at various homes,
including the Student Council President, staff and faculty. It was a
highlight of the week for many students as they met new friends and
got to know the people who work and teach at Booth UC.

BoothUC.ca BoothUC Connect | 5

PROF FILES We asked a trio of Booth UC professors
to tell us about themselves. Here's what
they said:

ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR DR MICHAEL BOYCE

A SHORT BIO: PROFESSOR BONNIE BRYANT

I was born in Toronto and grew up in Oshawa, Ont. I spent A SHORT BIO:
my early academic years in southern Ontario. I completed
my BA and MA, both in English Literature, at Wilfred I was born in Windsor, Ont., where I trained to be
Laurier University. I moved to Winnipeg in 1999 and a registered nurse. I attended the College for Officer
completed my PhD at the University of Manitoba in Training (CFOT) in Toronto and was appointed to our
English Literature with a dissertation in film. social institutions. I pursued a BA in Sociology and
Bachelor of Social Work from McMaster University. Upon
Q:What are your areas of research? completion of my degree, I was transferred to Winnipeg in
1985 where I began my MSW degree at the University of
My areas of research include British film, film genre, film Manitoba. I was appointed to Booth UC in 1989 to teach in
adaptation, literature, religion, popular culture and the Social Work Program.
television. I am currently working on a book-length
study of representations of World War II and postwar Q:What are your areas of research?
Britain in contemporary British television, as well as an
ongoing project on faith and the faithful in films like My primary area of interest is pedagogical research. I love
John Michael McDonagh’s Calvary and Steve Coogan’s the opportunity of looking at the best ways of presenting
Philomena, using Charles Taylor’s A Secular Age as the material that encourages the development of skills for
philosophical framework. lifelong learning. It involves being aware of the teaching, and
learning literature, best ways to present material to support
Q:How does your research help student learning, how to respond if students have problems
“Education for a Better World”? learning, and evaluating and adopting new teaching
Culture and cultural artifacts communicate what is methods. I’ve used peer review as an assessment tool to
important in society, what people are thinking about, and provide enhanced learning experiences with students in
reflect, for better or worse, how the world is changing. I use
literature, films and popular culture to explore larger Q:upper-level courses.
cultural issues with students. How does your research help
“Education for a Better World”?
Q:What inspires you to teach at Booth UC?

The students inspire me to teach. I love introducing them to
new ways of seeing the world, to different ways of interpret-
ing texts, and watching them make connections with the
material in thoughts and applied learning. It’s great to see
students get excited about things they never knew about
before—whether it’s a novel or film they didn’t know existed,
or ideas. I also like helping them find the confidence to talk
about their own interests and speak passionately about
things they care about.

Q:Outside of teaching and research, what are
you interested in?
I enjoy listening to podcasts, and hanging out with my wife
and my dog. When I’m able, I go to the movies. I’m also an
avid Fringe Festival attendee (Winnipeg has one of the best
Fringes in North America). And I drink a lot of coffee.

BoothUC Connect | 6 BoothUC.ca

My role as an educator is to prepare and equip students to Q:What are your areas of research?
maximize their potential. This involves being sensitive
to the changing needs of students and creating a climate I am interested in music and social change. More specifi-
that maximizes learning. Pedagogical research and cally, I am interested in the ways in which sound mediates
experiential learning exposes students to problems they the body in terms of biographical and institutional change,
will face in the world upon graduation. Through the something I refer to as musical self-transformation. This
development of critical thinking and problem-solving process begins when we’re young, and tends toward a
skills, students devise innovative solutions and learn greater sense of individuality or of community, depending
how to utilize these skills to build a better world, on the circumstances. Right now, I’m focusing on musical
challenge injustice, value diversity and recognize the self-transformation as a practice that ranges from specific
dignity of every individual. techniques, such as when and how music is listened to, to its
role as part of a wider culture or ethos.
Q:What inspires you to teach at Booth UC?
Q:How does your research help
My inspiration for teaching comes from my students. “Education for a Better World”?
I learn from them in every class I teach. I’m inspired In the context of the widely reported “crisis of youth,” that
to teach in an institution that values social justice being spiking rates of suicide, opioid abuse and populist
and teaches students to advocate for the marginalized and movements, musical self-transformation allows us insight
oppressed members of society. I’m excited when I see into the ways in which young people transition from
students making connections between their learning childhood to adulthood, resisting certain “truths” while
in the classroom and the application of this learning in adapting to others, speeding up the process in some senses
the field. I’m inspired by what our graduates are doing while slowing it down in others. While it is perhaps easy to
in the community. think of music as a controlled self-care practice, what I find
interesting is to explore those instances where it relates
Q:Outside of research, what are directly to specific challenges, whether on an individual,
you interested in? community or institutional basis, and in terms of race, class
I enjoy spending time with friends and my tiny toy or gender.
poodles, Princess and Lucy. You may see them around
Booth UC, particularly after my evening class. I Q:What inspires you to teach at Booth UC?
enjoy knitting, reading, music, theatrical productions
and time at the baseball park watching the Winnipeg Teaching at Booth UC represents an opportunity to put
Goldeyes play. into words the challenges that young people face today. It
ASSISTANT PROFESSOR DR AARON KLASSEN has been stated that a lot of the song and dance that came
out of modern slavery, including what we now call gospel
A SHORT BIO: spirituals and the blues, provided the very material with
which those slaves could perform self-work to resist the
I’m a born and bred Winnipegger, third-generation harshness of their conditions. Similarly, today, a lot of
settler Canadian. While I held a variety of jobs after high young people are coming out of their childhoods with the
school, a constant thread throughout that period, and expectation to know their selves in order to change
some my fondest memories, is of performing with great the world while at the same time facing an increasingly
musicians in some great bands. One such memory is of precarious labour market and political landscape. That’s no
performing in Eastern Europe, including the Baltics, small task! Teaching allows us to put into words the terms
where music played a vital role in facilitating the country's of this new landscape as a practical matter of problem
independence from the former Soviet Union. For me, it solving on the road to building a better world. Perhaps the
was here that the seeds for researching music and social most important key in this process is the capacity to
change, and for becoming a professor, were planted. empathize with others facing similar or worse challenges.

Q:Outside of research, what are
you interested in?

Performing music is still a passion of mine and something
I’m privileged to do as worship leader at my church and
while staging dance parties at home with my wife and kids.
I also quite enjoy carpentry. I recently finished building a
bunkbed for my boys that is suspended from the ceiling
by an aircraft cable in order to maximize the space for
playing below.

BoothUC.ca BoothUC Connect | 7

Empowered through

Friendship

MARYAM RAHIMI AND MIHRET ZEWUDE (BSW/19)
DON’T LET THEIR DIFFERENCES DIVIDE THEM

They have different religious beliefs,
personalities and ethnicities. One is more
introverted and follows the Islamic
faith. The other is a Christian with an
outgoing nature.

By all accounts, particularly in todayʼs
world of fierce divisions, they shouldnʼt be
the best of friends. But Maryam Rahimi and
Mihret Zewude are exactly that—strong,
loyal and supportive friends who donʼt let
their differences divide them. In fact, it is
often what brings them closer together.

Their friendship began almost immediately.
Maryam, a social work student, was just
starting at Booth UC and waiting for a
social work clinical class to begin. Mihret,
in her second year, sat down beside her.
“I donʼt even think we said hi,” states
Mihret. “We just started talking and the
connection was automatic.”

As a new student, Maryam recalls, “I was
nervous because I thought I might be the
only Muslim girl at school, I remember
telling Mihret that I was going to try and
participate more.”

BoothUC Connect | 8 BoothUC.ca

“And I told her,” counters Mihret, “that I love to talk and am going to try and
participate less!” In that moment, the women became friends and have been like
sisters ever since.
Although Mihret was a year ahead, the School of Social Work was their instant
common ground. A Bachelor of Social Work is a demanding degree that takes a lot
of dedication to pursue.
“I was worried because I was never really good in school,” explains Maryam. She
had been studying at the University of Winnipeg, but found herself struggling,
unsure about her future. That’s when she heard about social work at Booth UC. She
went for a tour and was immediately drawn to the friendly staff and faculty, and
small class sizes. She thought, “I’ll just try it and see how it goes.” Then came that
first class where she connected with Mihret, and the rest is history.
“It was her help and encouragement that gave me the confidence to push myself
and keep going.” And, with each other’s support, they both thrived. Maryam has
since taken a leadership role at Booth UC as part of the student Social Justice Club.
Mihret successfully graduated in 2019 with her Bachelor of Social Work.
The fact that they are both minorities is something else they share. “We have a lot
of empathy for each other because we both understand what it means to be a
minority. We can support each other that way,” explains Mihret.
Yet, surprisingly, it is their differences that brought them even closer together. Both
women recall spending hours discussing faith, theology and their diverse life
experiences. Mihret is a practising Christian. “I knew walking into this friendship
that we would not always agree but I’m not the kind of person to shy away from
that,” she states. “It is important for me to know and love people as they are.”

“I knew walking into this friendship that we would not
always agree but I’m not the kind of person to shy
away from that… It is important for me to know and

love people as they are.” - Mihret Zewude (BSW/19)

It is something both women are emphatic about—engaging with each other about Most of Maryam’s family is in Iran. When a devastating
the things that make them unique. “It’s one of the things that makes our friendship earthquake struck the country in 2017 and hundreds of
authentic,” continues Maryam. “As an example, we can talk for hours about our people lost their homes, “Booth UC was right there for
views of who Jesus and God are to us, and no one walks away angry or upset. It me while I was going through a lot of worry and stress
doesn’t change our friendship or how we feel about each other.” for my family. I was able to get some extensions on
This openness to dialogue is another thing that helped them navigate their studies assignments. Everyone was so understanding.”
at Booth UC. Trying to organize and comprehend courses, timetables, assignments With Maryam set to graduate in 2020, and both women
and practicums can be stressful. But Maryam and Mihret both credit their success planning careers in social work, they are excited about
to time spent together. what the future holds. No doubt their unwavering
“The stress can make things tense,” explains Maryam. “And it would really help to friendship built on trust, respect and admiration will
just sit and talk and help each other understand things.” They are also incredibly continue to empower them and remind them that, as
thankful for the support provided by the Booth UC campus community. Mihret Mihret concludes, “At the end of the day we’re supposed
recalls a time when she was struggling with housing. Karen Ng, Dean of Students to honour all creation, to do what we can to build
at the time, “worked miracles” to help Mihret find what she needed. “If Booth UC others up, and to see them, no matter our differences,
was different or a bigger institution, I don’t think I would have gotten that support.” as beautiful.”

BoothUC.ca BoothUC Connect | 9

BoothUC Connect | 10 SCS

SCHOOL
FOR CONTINUING
STUDIES:

Building an
Educational
Community

The Booth UC community is unique. It is shaped by a
number of distinct features: our faith; our physical
location in the heart of downtown Winnipeg; our
modest size; the remarkable people among our
faculty, staff and student body; and our shared
commitment to both the transformation of individuals
and the betterment of society.

Students and instructors in the School for Continuing Studies
experience the Booth UC community primarily through digital
media. They are scattered across the country and the world,
communicating with each other through online discussion forums,
video conferencing and email. And, while they often go through
an entire course without ever seeing each other in person, they
nevertheless experience a sense of community that is shaped by the
Booth UC ethos.

BoothUC.ca

However, at four points during the year—January, March, April and While much can be
August—students are invited to gather together from their respective done in online courses
homes for week-long classes, where they spend 30 hours in class over to promote community
a five-day period. While much can be done in online courses to and connection, there
promote community and connection, there is something special about is something special
getting together for a week to meet classmates in a face-to-face about getting together
setting. During this time, a sense of connection to the Booth UC for a week to meet
community can develop in a distinct way among students, as well as classmates in a
between students and the instructor, and between all participants and face-to-face setting.
the institution.
These intensive hybrid courses play an important role in developing
the key features of community—a sense of belonging, a feeling that
members matter to one another and to the group, and a shared faith
that members’ needs will be met. By physically gathering together,
students are able to test their ideas in real time, get immediate
feedback on questions and concerns, and share stories.
There are two unique designs related to these courses. The first design
is associated with a number of the certificate programs offered
through the School for Continuing Studies, where students come for
one week to the Booth UC campus multiple times over a two- or
three-year period for capstone courses. During these weeks, students
build a bond with the other members of their cohort and thereby
strengthen their sense of connection to the group. These intensive
weeks can even become somewhat of a regular retreat to catch up with
classmates over meals and evening activities. For students coming
from out of town, there is the opportunity to stay on campus for the
week, which provides occasions to meet others in a casual setting
outside of class. There is a sense of togetherness that develops
through sharing similar experiences, covering topics related to the
specific course material—as well as other course material in
the program—and sharing unique situations regarding family and
broader educational and career issues.
This sense of community naturally, then, extends beyond the week to
impact and enhance the online aspects of their program. Once back at
home and taking other online courses, discussions within the courses
can take on more depth as there is a greater understanding of the
personalities within the cohort.

BoothUC.ca BoothUC Connect | 11

In addition to the benefit of camaraderie, many students come away School for Continuing Studies staff: Dr. Mariciel (Maria) Nuyda (left),
from these weeks of intensive learning with stronger connections Dr. Michael Glowasky (centre), Dr. Louis Svenningsen (right)
between them and their instructors; and, because instructors of the
intensive courses often also teach online courses in the same program, At the end of the week, students go out from Booth UC and bring a
this personal experience allows for more holistic feedback throughout little bit of the Booth UC community back to where they are living
the program, as there is greater knowledge of who the students are. and working. In a very real way, the Booth UC community is not just
The second design related to hybrid are courses open to all Booth UC those of us gathered in downtown Winnipeg; it includes students
students and contain an online component both before and after the living in every province, from Newfoundland and Labrador to British
intensive week. This design allows students to experience the best of Columbia and even beyond.
both worlds: they can engage with their classmates and instructor
through various online tools, and they can also reap the benefits of
meeting together in the classroom for five days. Having an online
component before the class physically gathers together means that a
sense of community can build even before students arrive on campus.
This allows for class discussion during the intensive week to occur in
a deeper and more thoughtful manner from the outset. Then, in the
weeks and months after that intensive week, students can prepare and
complete assignments that might require in-depth research and
writing. This also provides opportunities to maintain contact with
classmates and the instructor in order to share information, questions,
and new learning.
Being on campus for the week, therefore, allows students to develop
stronger bonds and experience more fully the Booth UC community.
Through opportunities to meet the staff and faculty, tour the campus
and the city, and participate in various social activities, students’
immersive experience also connects them more firmly to the features
that make the Booth UC community truly unique.

BoothUC Connect | 12 EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

On #GivingTuesday, December 3, 2019

Donate to the Education for a Better World Fund
BOOTHUC.CA

BoothUC.ca

PEOPLEPerson

Vern Andersonʼs heart for humanity
makes him the man he is

“I donʼt think I could do what I do if I didnʼt like people,” says Vern Anderson.
“You have to meet people where they are and try to understand where they
are coming from.

“Look at that woman,” he says, gesturing outside the window of the Booth
Bistro. “We donʼt know her story. Is she okay? Is she alone? Those kinds of
things, I think about.”

It’s this kind of mindset that helped make Vern the recipient of this from our school division who return here to study. While they were
year’s Frontier Achievement Award, given by the Frontier School here, they would see people they knew, and that put them at ease.
Division to acknowledge an outstanding career or lifetime The students are familiar with Booth UC when they are looking
achievement in a variety of fields. for a post-secondary school, and feel much better when there’s
After studying at Frontier Collegiate, he attended Brandon that familiarity.”
University and the University of Manitoba, and graduated from Red Besides his Frontier School Division duties, Vern is a member
River College with a diploma in Child and Youth Care. Vern went to of Booth UC’s Indigenous Advisory Council and has served as an
work in northern British Columbia as a child and youth care worker. external member since the Council was established in 2017.

“I feel very blessed because I’m helping to make

Booth UC an even better institution than it is now.”

- Vern Anderson

Moving back to Manitoba, Vern worked at New Directions as a Life Hailing from South Indian Lake in northern Manitoba, Vern is proud
Skills instructor and the Main Street Project, both in Winnipeg. of his Cree heritage and shares his knowledge with students and
“I was working at New Directions when a post opened as a student faculty alike.
supervisor for the Work Education Program at Frontier School “I feel very blessed because I’m helping to make Booth UC an even
Division (FSD), and I’ve been doing that since,” he says. better institution than it is now. I’m also learning as I go along, too;
As part of Frontier School Division’s program, students from Grades I’m learning as we go along.”
9 to 12 come from various parts of the province to Winnipeg to
participate in job placement opportunities. Vern coordinates Vern has a heart for helping people, and that goes back to the way he
the travel schedules for them and participates in post-secondary tours was raised.
of different institutions within Manitoba, all to better educate “Growing up, my mom and dad always had an open door policy,” he
the students. says. “If people dropped by, my parent’s would offer them tea. If they
Booth UC acts as the students’ home base. were hungry, they’d feed them. Treat people the way you would want
“It’s an awesome location because of its central location,” Vern says. to be treated.
“They’re housed and fed here. “The choice I make in life is to help other people” he declares. “If
“More importantly, Booth UC is a safe, inviting, warm and you’re negative, you’re not going to get anywhere in life. I want to be
welcoming place,” Vern continues. “The professors, staff and student a positive influence, to make the world a better place by doing things
body all contribute to that. We’ve had students who have graduated for other people.
“I try to be a better person than I was yesterday, to make a
BoothUC.ca better world.”

BoothUC Connect | 13

BOOTH UC

EQUIPS STUDENTS

TO HELP

THEMSELVES
AND THE WORLD

By Todd Lewys for the Winnipeg Thirteen years ago, Jeremie Minani came to Canada with a dream.
Free Press, originally published
August 10, 2019 In 2006—after fleeing political instability in his native Rwanda and
spending time in a refugee camp—Jeremie and his mother ended up
immigrating to Canada, ultimately landing in Winnipeg.

After all he’d been through—life in Rwanda had been tough—Minani nevertheless dreamed of one day
returning home armed with an education that would help him play a role in turning his native country
around. He filed that thought away in the back of his mind as he embarked on his new life in Winnipeg.
As exciting and peaceful as his new surroundings were, it was difficult to start over. Not only did he and his
mother have to adjust to a new country but they had to do it without his father, who’d been killed during an
armed conflict in Rwanda.
Even though life was fraught with challenges, Minani was a good student. He maintained excellent grades
in school, fuelled by his dream. As he approached high school graduation, he was looking for an educational
institution that would equip him with the knowledge and skills to make his dream a reality. After a brief
search, he happened upon Booth University College.
“Their commitment to ‘Education for a Better World’ really drew my interest,” recalls Minani. “I checked
them out, and they seemed like the right fit for me.” His intuition proved correct.
Booth’s educational philosophy seemed custom-fit to his unique set of circumstances.

BoothUC Connect | 14 BoothUC.ca

“Because my mom was a single parent who didn’t have a great
education, I had to work to help out to pay the bills in addition to
going to school full-time. After I was accepted into their accounting
program, they helped me out with bursaries and scholarships that
helped me afford to pay for my studies.”
Not only did Booth UC provide invaluable financial assistance but
staff members also supported him in his scholastic endeavours.
“At the college, they say that they’re there to educate and equip
students to not only help themselves, but the world,” Minani says.
“Everyone at the college lives that out every day. It’s also not
super-big, so you can connect with professors outside of class, where
they’re happy to make themselves available.”
Jeremie says the encouragement he’s received from teachers has
sustained him as he’s made his way through his first two years
of school.
“All my teachers have been so encouraging. They’ve all gone out of
their way to give me the knowledge, support and confidence I needed
to thrive. They really want to help students. It’s been very humbling
to have been so well-supported by the school.”
That support has been augmented by a curriculum that’s provided
him with the knowledge and skills that will be required to help trans-
form Rwanda upon his eventual return.
“I’ve been taking courses like marketing, artist management and
marketing after production,” says Minani, who is also into music, and
wants to help musical artists connect with record labels. “I’ve been
learning and applying the skills and have even been involved in a
number of events with music, travelling through Canada.”

“All my teachers As he moves forward—he’s slated to visit Rwanda in the not-too-
have been so distant future—Minani wants to expand his entrepreneurial skills
encouraging. It's beyond music.
been very humbling “I want to start off helping people through music and the arts, but
to have been so also want to get involved in investing in businesses there, especially
well-supported by renewable energy. I also want to invest in young entrepreneurs,” he
the school. " says. “Ultimately, I want to help provide jobs so people can get an
education and better themselves.”
- Jeremie Minani The 20-year-old—who is going to be switching over to marketing to
add to his already formidable arsenal of skills—says the college is
helping make his dearly-held dream reality.
“I’m very excited about the future,” says Minani. “The education and
support the college has given me is going to help me make a
difference when I go back to Rwanda. They really get involved with
their students and are there to help in any way they can. I am so
appreciative of all the help they’ve given me.”

BoothUC.ca BoothUC Connect | 15

Even though Amy Patrick had been raised in The Salvation Army,
she had been unaware of Booth UC until her time at Pine Lake
Camp in Alberta, where she was working over summer.
“One of my friends, Sarah Taylor (BA/15), told me all about
Booth UC,” Amy explains. “At the time, I was still trying to
figure out what schools to apply to. Sarah was a Booth UC student
ambassador, and she was able to give me more information about
Booth UC.”
Upon her return home from camp that summer, Amy did some
research and discovered that Booth UC had a distinguished social
work program, which was the area she was interested in studying.
“I knew I wanted an education that would take me into the field of
helping people, but I wasn’t quite sure what that was going to look
like. I considered different options such as nursing, but it became
clear that social work was the avenue for me.”
Amy applied to a number of institutions but Booth UC accepted
her quickly.
“For me, that rapid enthusiasm confirmed that Booth UC was the
school I needed to attend.”

RightNext Door
Cadet Amy Patrick (BSW/18) had never considered a
future in The Salvation Army. Then she went to Booth UC.

Amy flourished at Booth UC.
“I lived on residence for the four years I was there,” she says. “It was
such a great experience.”
“Academics is not my forte,” Amy continues. “I have to study really
hard, I have to work for all my grades. But the great thing about
Booth UC is that the staff and professors know you by your work
ethic and they know who you are as a person, so they intentionally
build relationships and look out for you and help you. I couldn’t
have asked for anything better than that.”
Amy could have gone to an institution in her hometown of Calgary
where there might be hundreds of students in a classroom.

BoothUC Connect | 16 BoothUC.ca

“Instead, I came to Booth UC,” she says. “It makes a huge difference
that Booth UC professors call you by your name instead of by a number.”
Dr. Andrew Eason was one of Amy’s first professors at Booth UC and
she fondly remembers her first writing assignment for his course.
“It was very daunting,” she says now. “But he was accessible and the
fact that he genuinely wanted to help his students was amazing. He
took the time to guide me in the right direction and I could always
drop in to talk to him about where I was at.”
While at Booth UC, Amy took advantage of all the resources the
institution has to offer, including the Academic Learning Centre and
the library.
“It helped that I worked at the library for one year,” Amy laughs. “But
I did use the library a lot. I had my little routine down. On Saturday
mornings, the library opened up at ten. So I’d go down there and I’d
hunker down and I’d write my papers.”
“I also appreciated, the staff, who are a wealth of knowledge—they
know that library inside and out,” she continues. They also know the
teachers and their expectations, and that was helpful as well.”

“Seeing how The Salvation Army does so much
good work overseas made me realize that I
could combine my excellent Booth UC education
with officership and help people in a way
that I never could as a layperson.”

- Amy Patrick (BSW/18)

Amy graduated from Booth UC with a Bachelor of Social Work “But CFOT is literally right next door to Booth UC, and as my minor
degree. After a stint as a Teen Outreach Coordinator at her Salvation is in religion, I took a few classes with Salvation Army cadets,”
Army church in Calgary, she headed back to Winnipeg this fall to Amy says.
attend The Salvation Army’s College for Officer Training (CFOT), “When I saw what they were working toward, the degree that I was
with the aim of becoming a Salvation Army Officer. studying for fit into that,” Amy says, “and it soon became clear that
Booth UC was instrumental in that decision. that was where my aspirations were leaning, too.”
“One of the things that I really liked about Booth UC was the smaller “I wanted to use my Social Work degree to help people,” Amy says.
classes, which gives more opportunity to hear other people’s opinions “Seeing how The Salvation Army does so much good work overseas
and rattle ideas off of each other, which was really great,” Amy says. made me realize that I could combine my excellent Booth UC educa-
“It also opens one to new experiences, to hear what other people tion with officership and help people in a way that I never could as a
have to say.” layperson.”
Even though she had been raised in a Salvation Army family, “I wouldn’t be where I am now without my time at Booth UC,” she
becoming an officer wasn’t top of mind for Amy. concludes, “and I will always be grateful for that fact.”

BoothUC.ca BoothUC Connect | 17

A New Academic Year

At the start of each academic year, the Booth UC community gathers at
Opening Convocation to celebrate the hope of new beginnings at Booth
UC. We affirm our identity as a community of learners seeking to bring
together our passion for knowledge and a dynamic Christian faith.

Former Member of Parliament Dr. Robert-Falcon Ouellette brought greetings to “We gather as a
Booth UC. community, seeking
“I’d like to remind you that things are not always simple. You are doing great work God’s presence and
here,” he stated. “Working with young people can be a very difficult thing … and wisdom first, and
an inspiring thing!” then committing
Dr. Robert-Falcon Ouellette thanked guest speaker Commissioner Susan ourselves to pursue
McMillan for her spiritual leadership and for her work with Booth UC to help the fullness of
build communities that are in need of what our institution has to offer. Education for a
Commissioner McMillan, Chancellor of Booth UC, then gave an encouraging Better World.”
Convocation Address to the audience.
“Apply yourselves to your studies; don’t take lightly the investment that is being - Dr. Marjory Kerr
made in you and your future. There’s nothing wrong with enjoying yourself while President, Booth UC
you are here. Enjoy your new friends, but remember, what you apply yourself to
most is what you will learn best.” BoothUC.ca
At the conclusion of the Convocation service, BGen (Ret’d) Linda Colwell, Chair
of the Board of Trustees, expressed our thanks and appreciation to Commissioner
McMillan for her service and contributions as Chancellor over the past five years.
Following the service, a luncheon was served by the Booth UC Bistro. Guests
mingled, chatted and enjoyed the food.
As a community, we are pleased to be a part of Winnipeg, and to celebrate our
commitment to provide “Education for a Better World.”

BoothUC Connect | 18

Staff& FACULTY NEWS

Dr. Mariciel (Maria) Nuyda

In July, Booth UC welcomed Dr. Mariciel (Maria) Nuyda as the new Dean of
the School for Continuing Studies. Dr. Nuyda has previously worked at Booth
UC as Registrar and Instructional Designer. In addition to her academic
qualifications, Dr. Nuyda has held successive leadership and administrative
appointments in academic settings that align very well with the challenges of
her new role as Dean. Welcome back, Dr. Nuyda.

Dr. Aaron Klassen

Dr. Aaron Klassen is our newest Assistant Professor in the Behavioural
Sciences program, joining Booth UC full-time in July. Dr. Klassen has been
teaching as a sessional instructor for several years, and we look forward to
continuing to work with him.

Sandi Gendreau

Our new Field Education and Work Placement Programs Coordinator
at Booth UC is Sandi Gendreau. Sandi has a Masters of Social Work from the
University of Manitoba. She also has extensive experience working on
education access programs and has worked as a sessional instructor and field
supervisor in higher education. Welcome to the team, Sandi!

Kasen Neufeld

Kasen joined the admissions team as a new admissions counsellor. Kasen
holds a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology with a minor in Religion. She has
a wide range of volunteer experience, including mission experience in
Guatemala. Kasen is excited to help prospective students lay the educational
foundation to help others.

Darlene Johnson

Darlene Johnson came to Booth UC in August as our Human Resource
Generalist. Darlene has a wide range of experience in human resources,
including at Manitoba Start and Westoba Credit Union. Welcome, Darlene!

BoothUC.ca Thank you,
Commissioner
Susan McMillan
for your service over the last five years as Chancellor of
Booth UC. We appreciate your words of wisdom, your guidance
and your direction as our spiritual leader. God bless you in your
new appointment.

BoothUC Connect | 19

WHEN OTHERS
TURN THEIR BACKS, LEAN IN.

BOOTHUC.CA EDUCATION FOR A BETTER WORLD