January saw the start of a new season for many people, but this season is particularly special for Crandall University, as 2024 marks 75 years since a small Baptist school on the Salisbury Road opened its doors to students. In its first year, the United Baptist Bible Training School served 12 students. Over the years, the institution has grown to over 1,400 students and has gone by many names; the United Baptist Bible Training School became Atlantic Baptist College, then it moved to a new campus on the Gorge Road and became Atlantic Baptist University, and now Crandall University serves students from dozens of countries all over the world. Despite all of the growth and changes over the years, one thing has remained the same: Crandall’s mission has always been about serving others, and the 75th anniversary celebrations aim to have that same focus.
“A lot has happened in 75 years – name changes, program growth, new campus, and, ultimately, lives changed,” said Dr. Robert Knowles, Vice President for Advancement. “Through it all God has been faithful, and we have stayed true to the original vision.”
To kick off the celebrations, students returned from their winter break to a campus decorated for the occasion. In the coming months, the university will work to bring people together through initiatives and events focused on community. Alumni are invited to connect and celebrate together, and there will be opportunities for the wider community to take part as the festivities extend to Greater Moncton as well.
Storytelling will also be an important component of the celebration over the course of the year, with students, alumni, faculty, staff, and more sharing a bit of their part of Crandall’s 75-year history.
All of these celebrations will culminate in several large events this fall with the goal of bringing the whole community together to celebrate the history of the university and to thank the community for its continued support.
