Last Thursday evening marked the celebratory launch of the Christmas season with Trinity Western University’s 2014 Christmas in the City Gala at the Fairmont Vancouver Hotel. Thanks to the generosity of attendees and supporters, the annual fundraiser was a tremendous success, exceeding its $1.2M goal. The event raised a total of $1,315,980.
The Honourable Stockwell Day, who received a Doctor of Laws, honoris causa, from TWU in 2012, opened the evening with a prayer. After vocal performances from alumnus Paul Ouellette (‘93) and friends, President Bob Kuhn encouraged attendees to believe in the work God is doing at Trinity Western University. “It is the mission-minded belief of faculty and staff, parents and patrons, and churches and charities,” he said, “that have built and sustained this very special place for more than 52 years.”
The theme “Believe” was emphasized throughout the evening in President Kuhn’s message, and musical guests Ouellette and Trinity Western University’s Chamber Choir, under the direction of Joel Tranquilla, DMA. At each table, current TWU students shared their stories of transformation with guests.
“I believe the best days are ahead for Trinity Western,” Kuhn said. “Days when no qualified student will be turned away because of financial need. Days when TWU’s scholarship will be globally recognized for its wisdom, and its research will clearly point to the genius of God’s design. Days when skeptics will be left speechless as our University thrives in the face of adversity.”
Kuhn noted several of the University’s accomplishments, such as the 17 per cent increase in new enrolments this academic year and that this year’s freshman class is the largest TWU has ever seen. He spoke about the 33 per cent increase in international students, and the increase in enrolment in every professional school and every faculty. Kuhn was thrilled to share that this year’s freshman class had the highest incoming average GPA of any student cohort ever.
“I am confident that God is doing more at Trinity Western than we can imagine and that we all have the opportunity tonight to share in God’s bigger vision for what will take place at and through Trinity Western,” said Kuhn.
Watch the video that kicked off the Christmas in the City Gala, below.