What is it?

The Alumni Network is made up former students who have completed a minimum of 18 credit hours at MBBC, CMBC, Concord College, Outtatown or CMU.  As well as all past and present employees of MBBC, CMBC, Concord College, Outtatown or CMU.  The purpose of the Network is to advance the mission of CMU by strengthening communication with alumni and between alumni and CMU.  The network is led by alumni nominated to represent various provinces.

Tell me more...

The Alumni Network Leadership Team is excited to be connecting with alumni in their region.  Besides planning and participating in regional events, the Leadership Team is eager to hear from you! Your local Alumni Network Rep is interested to hear your ideas, suggestions, and concerns and look forward to hearing from you.

Meet the Leadership Team

Chip Bender (CMBC ’95) Ontario dbender@cmu.ca
Chip is a native of Waterloo County in Ontario who spent the first half of his life being formed at East Zorra Mennonite Church. After a year of involvement with Mennonite Disaster Service in various locations across the United States and another year with MCC SALT International in Taiwan he attended CMBC to study theology and graduated with his BTh in 1995. The following year he received his BA from U of Waterloo and a decade after that his Masters of Theological Studies from Conrad Grebel. He has pastored for 14 years in Ottawa and, more recently, Waterloo. Currently he resides in Kitchener where he devotes his time to chaplaincy, carpentry and raising two young boys along with his wife Wendy Janzen. The thing that most excites him about CMU is the opportunity for young people to hear God's call to make an impact in the world with whatever gifts they have been given in an expanding number of fields.

Martha Dyck (Goossen, MBBC ‘83) British Columbia mdyck@cmu.ca
After MBBC, Martha completed her teacher training at Brandon University, her Post-Baccalaureate Diploma at University of Manitoba and her ARCT with Heidi Klassen (MBBC grad and teacher). Martha and her husband Andrew (MBBC 1980-1983) lived in Winnipeg until 1994 working as teacher and physiotherapist. They spent the next two years studying and working at Eastern Mennonite Seminary which led them to Abbotsford, BC in 1996. Martha is an elementary school teacher and music specialist. For the past three years she has also directed the Columbia Singers of Columbia Bible College. Martha and Andrew have three sons: Theo, graduating from CMU in 2011; Jonathan, third year science at UFV; and Philip, Grade 12. Martha and Andrew have always been involved with their local congregations working in the areas of music, small groups and pastoring. Martha appreciates how CMU gives students an opportunity to explore and solidify their faith convictions in a stimulating, academic setting.

Stephanie Dueck (CMU 09) Manitoba sdueck@cmu.ca
Stephanie spent most of her growing up years in Leamington, Ontario, but also spent some time in Asunción, Paraguay where her father taught music. After graduating from United Mennonite Educational Institute, Stephanie participated in CMU’s Outtatown program and traveled to Guatemala with a group of thirty students and leaders. In the following four years Stephanie studied history and biblical and theological studies at CMU. At CMU she was involved with student council and was elected valedictorian for her year. In the year after CMU, Stephanie did a pastoral internship at Vineland First Mennonite Church, took some courses at Conrad Grebel University College, and volunteered as a music teacher at the Spanish-speaking Mennonite New Life Church in Toronto. Stephanie has moved back to Manitoba, and is currently the youth pastor at Morden Mennonite Church.

Lorne Friesen (CMBC ’79) Saskatchewan lfriesen@cmu.ca
Lorne graduated with a BTh. After teaching at Westgate Mennonite Collegiate and Rosthern Junior College, he, together with his wife Lillian, is now co-administrator at Shekinah Retreat Centre. He is also an organic farmer, growing alfalfa seed, wheat, and hemp seed. Lorne has a passion for environmental issues, creation care, and food sustainability. Lorne attends Eigenheim Mennonite Church and is actively involved in the worship and building committees. Both of their children, Jaron and Dara, have attended CMU, with Jaron graduating in 2010. Lorne says “It is exciting to be involved with a place like CMU. This small university allows students to get to know their Prof's and explore their gifts. It not only gives students a chance to get involved with sports and music but also encourages them to find their passion. CMU allows students to develop a faith marked by intellectual credibility and a curious wonder.”

Joani Neufeldt (Goerzen, CMU ’06) Alberta jneufeldt@cmu.ca
Graduating with a BA, Biblical & Theological Studies major, Joani returned home to Alberta and spent several summers working at Camp Valaqua. Her desire to become a Spiritual Director has led her to continue her studies in the field; taking courses at Newman Theological College and Taylor Baptist Seminary. Joani has also taken Doula training (professional labour coach who assists women and their partners during childbirth) and is in the process of getting internationally certified. She is married to Paul; they have an infant son, Cayden. They attend First Mennonite Church in Edmonton where Joani is involved in the Christian Education and Worship committee, helping with the planning of the Sunday worship services, guest speakers, music, and the Sunday school programs. Joani also serves as a member of the Community Building Committee for Mennonite Church Alberta; working with the Tuition Assistance program which provides bursaries to Alberta students. Joani is excited to connect and re-connect past, present and future alumni with each other.