A virtual reunion of recent and long-time Tyndale alumni provided a shared experience of God's faithfulness at Homecoming on September 26, 2020.
The event began with an encouraging message from Kevin Kirk, SVP, External Relations, followed by a beautiful rendition of “Great is Thy Faithfulness” by the Tyndale singers.
Dr. Marjory Kerr expressed her thanks for the assurance of prayers, kind words, and warm welcome she received since becoming Tyndale’s new president. She also talked about her background, growing up in Vancouver, and the various roles that equipped and prepared her for serving in higher education.
Dr. Kerr then encouraged further reflection on Tyndale’s mission statement:
Tyndale is dedicated to the pursuit of truth, to excellence in teaching, learning and research, for the enriching of mind, heart and character, to serve the church and the world for the glory of God.
“We are a growing, diverse Christian higher education community, and we are passionate about our mission,” says Dr. Kerr. “Everything we do must link to our mission because this is the reason we are here, and this is what we're seeking to accomplish.”
Homecoming at Home celebrated the 25th anniversary of OTS and OBC Alumni, followed by the 50th anniversary of OBC Alumni.
Tuuli Hannula, Director, External Relations, then set the stage for the 2020 Distinguished Alumni awards. This year’s five recipients were a Bible translator for First Nations communities, a pastor-missionary to the deaf, a medical missionary who performs oral surgery in war-torn countries, a children’s and families’ pastor who equips others across her province, and a university director of theology, who is also a spoken-word and hip-hop artist.
The 2020 Distinguished Alumni are:
- Julia Ball Cole [BA 2014], Distinguished Alumnus: Horizon Award (Undergraduate Studies)
- Axel Kazadi [MTS 2015], Distinguished Alumnus: Horizon Award (Seminary & Graduate Studies)
- Andrew Lunau Smith [MTS 2005], Distinguished Alumnus: National Impact
- Sheena Li [MTS 2012], Distinguished Alumnus: Global Impact
- Rodney Bartlett [Diploma 1968, BRE 1969], Distinguished Alumnus: Lifetime Impact
"My heart overflows with thankfulness for what the Lord is doing through Tyndale alumni,” wrote alumni Krysia P. Lear in the Homecoming chatroom.
All recipients expressed their gratitude and shared their experiences in their work, serving the church and the world for the glory of God.
Finally, in what is becoming the anthem of the pandemic, seven decades of Tyndale University Alumni shared their heart for God and others through a special chorale of “The Blessing.”
It was a Homecoming like no other, and we look forward to more opportunities to connect!