Moncton – Celebrations included a gala dinner, community BBQ, alumni reunions, and more.
This weekend, Crandall University hosted a series of events celebrating the 75th Anniversary of the institution’s founding.
Originally opened in 1949 on Moncton’s Salisbury Road as the United Baptist Bible Training School, the institution that would become Crandall University began as a high school at a time when secondary education was not widely accessible. Over time, and as the needs of the community evolved, UBBTS grew into a junior college, taking the name Atlantic Baptist College in 1970, and in 1983 ABC was chartered by the Province of the New Brunswick to grant Bachelor’s degrees. In 1996, the College moved to a new campus on Gorge Road in Moncton, expanding not only its capacity but also its degree programs, taking the name Atlantic Baptist University. Finally, in 2010, ABU expanded its campus and took on the name by which we know it today: Crandall University.
On Friday evening, the celebration gala featured three video vignettes, each highlighting the story of a person with a different connection to Crandall. The event included an update from President Fawcett, who announced a major update and refresh coming to Colburne House and invited those present to join together in supporting the project. In addition, Chancellor Don Simmonds shared a message with the nearly 400 guests in attendance.
“Canada as a nation is only 157 years old, so reaching 75 years as an institution is no small thing,” said Chancellor Simmonds from the platform during his address at the gala.
He went on to share that the history of Crandall is marked by a series of “defining moments,” each moment leading to the next, over the course of those 75 years. But more important than those moments were for the institution is the fact that Crandall has at its core the ability to prepare students to face the “defining moments” that will shape each of their lives.
The evening concluded with the announcement that Crandall has finished paying off the mortgage on campus facilities. The announcement was celebrated with the burning of the mortgage documents.
The rest of the weekend had a community focus, with alumni and community members joining together for a BBQ and an afternoon of activities. Alumni reunions covering the various eras took place at different locations on and off campus, and families were invited to Magic Mountain for an afternoon of mini golf and arcade games, as well as a free treat at the Magnetic Hill Wharf Village.
Reflecting on the weekend celebrations, Dr. Robert Knowles, Crandall’s Executive Vice President expressed his gratitude for everyone who took part in the festivities: “We are thrilled that so many were able to come out and take part in the celebrations this weekend. For 75 years, this institution has been in the business of transforming lives, and all of those who came out to show their support are testament to that legacy of faith and education. To everyone who has called this school their home over the last 75 years, we are truly grateful to have been part of your journey.”
