June 24, 2009
Media contact: Melissa Beedle
604-504-7441 ext. 4141
melissa.beedle@ufv.ca
UFV signs historic agreement with Mennonite Faith and Learning Society
The University of the Fraser Valley signed an agreement today with the Mennonite Faith and Learning Society (MFLS) with the intent of establishing a Centre for Mennonite Studies, as well as a Chair, a certificate, and possibly a minor in Mennonite Studies.
The goal of the partnership is to jointly create an opportunity for students to study the rich heritage of the Mennonites and their contributions to the Fraser Valley and beyond.
“The Mennonite community has played an incredible role in developing the Fraser Valley,” said UFV president and vice-chancellor Dr. Skip Bassford. “UFV’s partnership with MFLS is a natural fit as we strive to remain an institution whose studies reflect the communities in which we live and serve.”
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Ed Janzen, Dr. Skip Bassford, and Dr. John Redekop sign the official agreement between
the Mennonite Faith & Learning Society and the University of the Fraser Valley. |
With approximately 25 percent of the population in the Abbotsford area alone identified as Mennonite, either religiously or culturally, the partnership is long overdue, according to Bassford.
“We are thrilled about this partnership with UFV,” said Dr. John Redekop, co-president, MFLS. “We have long sought to provide the community with access to Mennonite studies at a public university, and this is our chance to create greater awareness and enhanced presence in the community.”
The signing of the agreement is an historic occasion, concluding a year of discussions about the nature and direction of such a Centre and how it can best serve the university, the Mennonite community, and the Lower Mainland.
“This agreement establishes a framework for what we hope will become a source of Mennonite knowledge and new ideas for our communities. We are excited to move forward on the next steps in this partnership, including raising the funds to make this vision reality,” added Ed Janzen, co-president, MFLS.
As resources permit and community interest warrants, the Centre will undertake research and education related to history, religious studies, ethno-religious culture, philosophy, literature, fine arts, political studies, international development, peace and reconciliation, agriculture, music, and other disciplines of interest to the Mennonite community.
To learn more about this initiative, please contact UFV Acting Director of Development Ryan Koch at 604-851-6326, 1-888-504-7441, local 6326 or
ryan.koch@ufv.ca.
About the MFLS: the MFLS is a registered society of Mennonite business people, academics, clergy, and others who developed a vision for such a centre. The intent is to engage teaching, research, and preservation of Mennonite beliefs, traditions and contributions in Canada and beyond, but especially in the Fraser Valley and the Lower Mainland.
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