The Ambrose Grand Opening Celebration Weekend brought the Ambrose community together with alumni, supporters and friends to mark the completion of phase one of Ambrose University College campus.

The weekend of November 7 - 9 began on Friday November 7 with an in-depth tour of the library that featured a talk from campus architect Carmel Gatt.  Librarians from as far away as Edmonton participated to gain information about the design of the library and in particular the moveable shelving system.

The morning and afternoon of Saturday November 8 featured a campus Open House that gave visitors an opportunity to tour the campus and learn about the educational offerings on the campus.  Each department put up displays and faculty were on hand to answer questions and provide program information.  At least 750 people were toured through the campus by a team of student and staff volunteers.

Helen Thiessen, Director of Enrolment Management reports that 16 online applications were received at the Open House alone. 

"We received numerous ‘info requests' as follow up to Saturday's Open House as well as ‘thank-you' e-mails from prospects, families and neighbours for an event well done", says Thiessen.  "All of these communications complimented the Ambrose community on the atmosphere and attitude of all involved."

Saturday evening the scene shifted to the gymnasium for a time of praise and worship led by Ambrose Chancellor Dr. Riley Coulter.  Highlights of the service included music from the Ambrose choirs, congregational singing, responsive readings, prayers and the celebration of the Lord's Table served by members of the faculty.

Sunday afternoon the community gathered again to officially open the campus.  The Honourable Doug Horner, Minister of Advanced Education and Technology from the Province of Alberta brought greetings from the government.  President George Durance received the keys to the campus from Lloyd Bazay from Elan Construction Ltd.  In his address to the gathering, Dr. Durance recounted the significant events: from the purchase of the land with little money in hand to the completion of the buildings on time and almost on budget, that together are evidence of the hand of God upon the school.

The celebration concluded with the ribbon cutting in the Sylvester Atrium and music from the Ambrose choirs and brass ensemble.

The Ambrose community expresses thanks to all who attended, some from as far away as New Brunswick.  A DVD of the weekend will be available for those who wish to experience this significant event in the life of Ambrose University College.

Contact: Gordon Dirks, VP External Relations
Phone: 403.410.2000
E-mail: gdirks@ambrose.edu