What's New in Advancement
Columbia Bible College strengthens Church & Donor Relations: July 15, 2007
Neil Matthies, a former Columbia Bible College music faculty member, has rejoined the Columbia team and is responsible for Church and Donor Relations. After 18 years as President of a training company in Winnipeg, Neil and wife Ann returned to the Fraser Valley, where he has continued to provide personal and professional effectiveness training to his clients across North America. Neil was inspired by the Church and Donor Relations opportunity and chose to come out of semi-retirement because, he says, “My background of 20 years of teaching music at Columbia, Goshen College and Bethany College, plus 18 highly successful years as a business owner, seemed like the ideal blend of experience for this ministry. I love people and strongly believe that the best gift I can give to another person is to ask them to share their gifts and abilities, whatever those happen to be. I look forward to connecting with churches and friends of Columbia, and finding ways for them to contribute and become meaningfully involved in the mission of this great Bible College!” Columbia Bible College began in 1936 and currently has an enrolment of over 500 students. Ron Penner, President, comments, “We are fortunate to have a person of Neil’s experience, gifting and passion for Christian education to join the Columbia team.”
Columbia Celebrates 70th Anniversary
On October 14, 2006 Columbia Bible Colege welcomed over 270 guests to celebrate its 70th Anniversary. Dr. Walter Unger, President Emeritus, walked through the past seven decades and recounted the numerous changes that the College has undergone from its inception in 1936. Columbia Singers, under the leadership of Tony Funk and student muscians under the leadership of Nelson Boschman, provided the musical entertainment for the evening. Gerald Thiessen and Columbia Catering provided yet another a fabulous meal. It was truly an evening of remembrance, celebration and looking ahead to the future. Columbia Bible College will celebrate its 75th Anniversary in 2011.
