News

Renison University College welcomes the Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry into his new role as Renison’s 12th president and vice-chancellor.

Dr. Jerry began his duties on Tuesday, July 2, after a 2700 km drive from Saskatchewan with his wife, Marnie, and daughter Carmen. Dr. Jerry arrived at Renison following a successful full term as president of Luther College, a federated college of the University of Regina. Dr. Jerry holds degrees in economics with specializations in econometrics and quantitative methods, and graduate degrees in theology, and has over 25 years of experience in post-secondary teaching, research, and administrative experience. 

Congratulations to each of our graduates - thanks for letting us celebrate with you during Spring Convocation!

This week, we will celebrate with Renison grads who will walk across the stage and receive their degree during Spring Convocation. Congratulations to each of you!

We are so grateful and proud to have you as part of the Renison community of alumni – and we can’t wait to see what you do next!

We are also happy to announce our Spring 2023 Student and Faculty Award Winners, each of whom embodies the values of Renison in a special way.

On Wednesday evening, Renison celebrated Founders' Day in the Atrium. The event was well attended with over fifty donors, alumni, staff, faculty and community members in attendance. Founders’ Day celebrates the founding of Renison University College and recognizes members of the Renison community who have distinguished themselves by advancing the values of Renison in the broader community. Honors were presented to: John Neufeld (Honorary Senior Fellow); Aurra Startup (Young Alumni); Ajirioghene Evi (Distinguished Alumni); and Nauroz Tanya (Distinguished Alumni). The evening’s keynote speaker was John Neufeld, Renison alumni and Executive Director of the House of Friendship. Our student speaker was Wallis Zheng, Renison peer leader and resident. Over $3,000 was raised towards our Students First Appeal. Thank you again to everyone for your support and participation.

With the completion of our new Strategic Plan, Renison stands on the cusp of a new chapter. We have defined our core commitments, our strategic goals and our institutional objectives and priorities.

Since 2014, Dr. Wendy L. Fletcher has held the position of President and Vice-Chancellor at Renison University College. She has provided
steadfast leadership including guiding Renison through the global pandemic and one of the most difficult, complex, and challenging periods in our history. After a well-deserved sabbatical, Wendy will return to her teaching responsibilities at Renison and will oversee the newly created Centre for Spirituality and Wisdom Practices. Before she steps away, Cort Egan (Director of External Relations and Communications) asked about her time at the helm of Renison University College.

Before Dr. Fletcher’s term ends in June 2024, we have asked community members to reflect on what her leadership has meant to them, and offered a word to describe her (shown in the word cloud above). We had a huge response; the following is just a small selection of what was submitted, but demonstrates the lasting impact of President Wendy L. Fletcher. 

In March, 2024, Renison launched its new Strategic Plan, designed to lead the College through to the end of 2027.

Quilting is a handicraft with a long history. Some sources suggest it emerged during Medieval times as a quilted garment under armor, but there is evidence that stitching padding and fabric together could date back as far as 3400 BCE! Since the beginnings, quilted items have been practical and beautiful, and provided a focal point for social interaction. Ever heard of a quilting bee? It’s a gathering where quilters share skills and techniques, and generally catch up. 

It’s no wonder why this craft has such longevity. Two members of the Renison community, Brenda Maciel and Julia Williams, have picked up the needle and found peace (or perhaps piece) in patchwork.

Joseph Olubobokun is a Renison Board member and a generous donor to the College. Time and money are both finite and therefore valued possessions. The decision to give both to a single organization is meaningful; Joseph’s story is worth sharing.

The road that led Joseph Olubobokun from Lagos, Nigeria to Waterloo, Ontario is long and complex and included lengthy detours in London, England; Tulsa, Oklahoma; Woodstock, Ontario and North Portal, Saskatchewan. Throughout his sojourning, three sign posts were constant companions on Joseph’s journey: faith, networking, and a universal language.