Marc poses with Reni Moose outside Moose Tracks at Renison.
By Renison President and Vice-Chancellor, The Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry
This has been a year of transition for my family. Almost year ago, my wife, Marnie, daughter Carmen and I loaded up our 2008 Dodge Journey for the 2,600 kilometer journey from Regina, Saskatchewan to Waterloo, Ontario. When it comes to bonding moments, little can compare to 50 hours in a mid-sized vehicle.
The distance I travelled from Luther College to Renison University College now seems incidental when compared to the distance we have travelled as a College since my arrival. In addition to the practical demands of unpacking boxes, finding a local parish, and updating license plates, I had a college and community to get to know.
When I arrived, Renison had just completed its three-year strategic plan. With 28 strategic priorities and growing debt, my first objective was to engage the Renison community in prioritizing these goals. Engagement sessions included students, staff, faculty and Board members; well over 100 voices were heard and we saw clear patterns begin to emerge. Our role in fostering a strong, inclusive and healthy community as we nurture transformative student leaders was solidified.
Renison plays a critical role in the University of Waterloo’s campus and academic life; we provide exceptional teaching, learning, and research opportunities for our students, as well as a safe, inclusive and close-knit community for our student residents. Without a doubt, we make a positive difference in the lives of our students.
Like so many post-secondary institutions in Ontario, Renison is struggling to overcome the financial constraints of a global pandemic, frozen tuition fees, chronic underfunding of the sector, and changes related to international students.
We are now working on a roadmap that will lead us to a more financially secure future. As we embark on this journey, we set out in a spirit of hope and possibility. We invite you to join us.
2025 Renison Reports
This is part of the 2025 Renison Reports publication. Return to the Renison Reports page for other articles.