Redeemer University College President OP

THE INSTITUTION
THE HISTORY OF REDEEMER UNIVERSITY COLLEGE
The desire for a Christian institution of higher education arose out of the conviction of
the Dutch Canadian immigrant community. Their vision reflected a Reformed worldview
championed by the Dutch theologian and statesman Abraham Kuyper which declares
that every square inch of life falls under the dominion of God and is influenced by our
understanding of the saving work of Jesus Christ. Education therefore is not a neutral
activity, but must instead be shaped by biblical thought and understanding. This worldview
led the immigrants to establish Christian grade schools and high schools not as a means
to insulate their children from the secular world, but as a way to prepare them to influence
and participate in the secular world as agents of change and reconciliation.
The desire to extend Christian education to the university level in the province of Ontario
was finally realized in 1982 when Redeemer College opened its doors for the first time.
In 1985 the college purchased 78 acres of land in Ancaster for the construction of a new
campus. The college occupied the new facilities in August 1986.
REDEEMER OPENED WITH 97 FULL-
TIME AND 63 PART-TIME STUDENTS.
THE NEW CAMPUS WELCOMED
279 FULL-TIME STUDENTS IN ITS
FIRST YEAR.
IN NOVEMBER, 1986, THE COLLEGE
HELD ITS FIRST COMMENCEMENT,
WITH 40 STUDENTS GRADUATING.