Carolyn (Alley) MacDonald
Bachelor of Science in Biology, Class of 2001
Bachelor of Education, Class of 2002
After a visit to Crandall University in the spring of 1996, my adventures began that fall at Crandall. I cannot even fully describe the joy and life changing moments that followed in my years of education, and spiritual growth. These years were just a stepping stone into all that God had for me.
Little did I know that the girl in my pod in my first year would become my sister-in-law, and that her brother, now my husband of 20 years, would become a business professor at Crandall! Together Robert and I have three beautiful, animated, wonderful children (Alley, Daniel and Aiden).
What have you been up to since you left Crandall University?
My first program of study was biology, with an intention to be a lab technician. However, my love for biology grew into the desire to teach children that they do have the ability to learn and apply science, and that led to the addition of the “new” Education Degree in my third year. Since that time, I have stayed in my beloved Moncton. I have taught for many years as a middle school & high school teacher in the areas of math & science starting in 2002. After teaching in the public system, I began teaching at Moncton Christian Academy. I can honestly say it became my “school home” and I am now going into my thirteenth year as a teacher and assistant administrator.
Aside from life as a teacher, mom, and wife, I have been a part of church ministry. Being a pastor’s kid means I have been in that role all my life, but as an adult God had prepared me for other types of roles. After the great experiences of being in Crandall choirs, Student Ministry Teams, and Worship Teams, I went on to lead Worship Teams, Choirs and other singing groups in the many churches we have been a part of over the last 20 years. We currently are at Petitcodiac Baptist Church.
My hobbies and life experiences do not involve travelling the world, climbing mountains, or skydiving. They encompass campfires and home baking, singing and laughing, teaching and reading, listening and learning. I am a lifelong learner and have loved expanding my mind with research, further courses, and reading many, many books. I am a believer in keeping life simple and enjoying the moments, being there for my kids in all the silly little ways they may need, or for those big conversations that spring out of nowhere. I am a strong believer in family and do anything I can to get cousins, grandparents and friends together around the table whenever possible. These are my favorite milestones.
How did Crandall prepare you for the future?
Crandall University prepared me for the future through not only the academics that I learned and loved, but also the relationships that I developed. I still quote lines from Dr. Mel Schriver. I smile at how many times Dr. Dempster talked about Genesis 3:15, and shake my head at the many, many hours living in the lab with my science profs. All my professors encouraged me in that I could succeed, but sometimes I would need to dig deep and lean on God for the strength to work through it. They prayed with me, laughed with me, and helped me see the bigger picture. I developed lifelong friendships with so many people – so much so that every time we go somewhere, my kids say “you know everyone!!!” I still sing with my university friends, chat with them and pray with them.
I was among the first in the science and education programs at Crandall, and it was the best education decision I ever made. I am so very happy that Crandall sent a recruiter to a little town on the Eastern Shore of Nova Scotia, where they found a simple country girl longing for a solid Christian education in New Brunswick. You never know what God has planned for you, so take that step, sign that paper, and breathe deep. The things He has in store are so much more wonderful – and challenging – than you can ever imagine.
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” Jeremiah 29:11
