Education

WHENPEOPLEARESUFFERING YOUNEEDTOBREAKDOWN BARRIERSTOPROVIDE COMFORTANDCARE CHALLENGERSDO. DeterminedtoalleviatesufferinginAfrica,Dr.TitoDaoduchallengedthe statusquotoensureshecouldtakeherskillswherethey'dbeneededmost. TheeducationshereceivedattheUniversityofManitoba'sFacultyofMedicine gaveherthemeansandtheconfidencetotakeactiontoassistthoseinneed. ByreturningtoprovidecareinherhomecountryofNigeria,Titoisproofthat youcanovercomeallobstacleswhenpassionsetsyourpath. Followyourheart. The Brandon University Chorale choir rehearses with conductor Andrée Dagenais in the Lorne Watson Hall. Brandon University photos can be a one- or two-term program," said Kilbrei. "The students learn about some of the countries' cultural issues and meet with local officials and teachers." In past years, some students had dinner with South African social rights activist Archbishop Desmond Tutu, he added. "Their global awareness is obviously heightened. It's an opportunity they'd otherwise never experience," Kilbrei said. "They get to understand the world and each other." The university continues to expand its science offerings as well. Students can now take biochemistry at CMU. "We've been growing our science program to meet the needs of what's being sought. We're reacting to the demand," said Kilbrei, adding that many people don't know that CMU also offers pre-professional programs. These programs include first- and second-year university courses in a variety of disciplines, and sometimes third- and fourth-year classes as well. Some of the programs available are in agriculture, law, medicine and nursing. "There is a lot of course work needed to get into these professional streams. People don't realize you can take your pre-med courses here," Kilbrei said. CMU celebrated the grand opening of its brand new library on Nov. 29. This $14.5-million project features a learning commons, seminar rooms, the university bookstore and a café. A pedestrian walkway over Grant Avenue now connects the north and south sides of the campus, which is expected to increase student safety, said Kilbrei. "Our students cross Grant Avenue over 700 times everyday. This walkway will give them a safe crossing," he explains. "The new facility will be open and fully functional for the start of the new school term, which starts on Jan. 6." The 10,000 square-foot space contains 100,000 print volumes and 20,000 audio and multimedia resources. Even with the advances in ebook technology, Kilbrei said libraries are essential places of learning. "The library still has a function as a learning centre. It has a large group meeting and student study area that creates a new environment for the students to study and collaborate with each other," he said. "Libraries need to be responsive to new technology." Many people are still under the impression that you must be Mennonite to attend CMU. "You don't need to be Mennonite. Only 45 per cent of our students self-identify as Mennonite. Over 17-18 per cent have no faith. We have quite a diverse mix of students," said Kilbrei. "It's a smaller university, so you get to know the people around you." The university offers several upcoming campus visit days for those who are interested in attending CMU. Campus visit days will be held on Jan. 20, Feb. 27, and March 13. "We usually have 40 to 60 students visiting the school on those days. It's a little more interactive than what an open house would normally be," Kilbrei said. "It's an opportunity to interact with the environment and with the faculty as well." For more information on CMU, please see their website at www.cmu.ca. ● Students take part in a biology class at the Canadian Mennonite University. Photo by Darcy Finley Winnipeg Free press - saturDaY, December 6, 2014 7 << CONTINUED FROM PAGE 5

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