Students Stop Paying for Their Education
Mark Tuition Freedom Day on November 24
On November 24, students at the Shaftesbury Campus of Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) organized a forum to announce that they have stopped paying for their education.
They weren't protesting the high cost of university education, however, and they didn't call for lower tuition fees. Instead, they took time to say thanks to all who make it possible for them to go to university.
“We think it is appropriate to stop and say thanks to all who make it possible for us to attend CMU,” said Student Council President Zachary Peters of Winnipeg about Tuition Freedom Day, a student-organized event where students expressed gratitude to those who support CMU.
“It’s great to be able to go to a Christian university and study in a small community environment, have a close relationship with professors, enjoy small class sizes . . . it’s a remarkable experience,” he added.
The students selected November 24 for the event since that's date in CMU’s budget year, which runs from May 1 to April 30, when tuition fees paid by students no longer cover the university's expenses. After that date, funds from the Manitoba government, churches and conferences and individual donors take CMU through to the end of the budget year.
In his address to the students, CMU President Gerald Gerbrandt noted that “post-secondary education is a hugely expensive venture.” CMU’s 2008-09 budget, he noted, is about $12 million, with only about 40 percent of that coming from tuition. The remainder, he added, comes from the Government of Manitoba, donors, student housing and rental income.
As part of the event, students heard from, and thanked, several people who represented various donors.
David and Milly Dyck of Winnipeg attended Mennonite Brethren Bible College (MBBC), one of CMU’s predecessor colleges, in the 1960s. They were asked to represent individuals who give to CMU.
“CMU makes it enjoyable to contribute,” said Dave, offering one reason why they give. “MBBC was an important part of our training,” added Milly.
The couple, members of River East Mennonite Brethren Church in Winnipeg, also give because CMU enabled them to make a “ meaningful” contribution through the creation of a scholarship in memory of David’s brother, Ernest; because two of their three children were impacted by the university; and, said Milly, because “it still serves us.”
Bidhu Jha, Member of the Legislature for Radisson, represented the Government of Manitoba at the event. He thanked the students for taking time to express their gratitude, and praised the “spiritual emphasis” at CMU. He went on to say that the Provincial Government is committed to "making sure the quality of your education continues."
Karen Martens Zimmerly, denominational minister for Mennonite Church Canada, said that conferences and churches support CMU because “the church needs you . . . we need your insight through training that is founded on Jesus Christ.”
At the same time, she reminded students that “you need the church to figure out how to join in God’s service and mission in the world.”
CMU student Kirsten Hamm of Altona, Man. responded by thanking the Dycks, Jha and Zimmerly. She noted that Tuition Freedom Day helps students “realize we are cared for and supported . . . donors believe that CMU has the ability to change our lives and equip us with what we need to make a difference wherever we may go.
“They believe in us . . . it’s an amazing and powerful thing that is worth celebrating,” she concluded.
The event ended with students writing notes of gratitude on a "Wall of Thanks" at the university, and on thank-you cards that were mailed to donors.
A total of 618 students take courses at or through CMU’s Shaftesbury Campus, including 94 who are part of Outtatown, CMU’s year-long adventure and discipleship school. Another 1,060 take one or more courses at Menno Simons College, CMU’s campus at the University of Winnipeg.
Comments from students on Tuition Freedom Day
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| Lexi Grambart of Alkmaar, The Netherlands (foreground) and Noelle Koop, Winnipeg, sign the "Wall of Thanks" during Tuition Freedom Day. |
“CMU is a wonderful learning experience.” Coreen Froese, Didsbury, Alta.
“My time at CMU has been of inestimable value to me. I feel I’ve gained a wealth of knowledge, both from the classes and the community at CMU. Thank you so very much!” Stefanie Heide, Alymer, Ont.
“I have made many friends and memories at CMU. I hope that my education will help me to have a positive influence on the world.” Megan Klassen-Wiebe, Winnipeg
“It has been awesome to be part of CMU.” Abby Hanna, Winnipeg
“Without people like you, people like me could not get an education.” Adam Klassen, Winkler, Man.
“It’s such a blessing to be a student at CMU. Thank you for making it possible!” Jenn Cline, Nanaimo, B.C.
“Thank you so much for making my education at CMU possible and affordable. CMU is an awesome experience!” Erin Weaver, Red Lake, Ont.
“Your support has allowed me to not only to get a post-secondary education, but also to apply my education in several outreach and ministry events.” Janelle Hume, Winnipeg
Posted November 27th, 2008
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| David and Milly Dyck, representing individual donors | Bidhu Jha, representing the Government of Manitoba |
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| Karen Zimmerly, denominational Minister, MC Canada |
Students sign thank-you cards |
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| Students sign the Wall 'O Thanks | The Tuition Freedom Day choir, aka Student Council |
