Are you contemplating your future as you near high school graduation? Do you want to gain advanced skills in a particular ministry discipline? The Salvation Army’s Booth University College might be right for you. Join hundreds of officers and thousands of students who have chosen Booth UC to launch their careers or enhance their academic standing to be better prepared to face a complex world.

In April, I participated in the 2024 Booth UC convocation ceremony in Winnipeg. As chancellor of Booth UC, it was my honour to award certificates and diplomas to those whose accomplishments were culminating in the joy of graduating from their chosen programs. I also had the privilege of installing Rev. (Dr.) Rob Fringer as president during the baccalaureate service and witnessed the installation of Dr. Linda Schwartz as vice-president, academic and dean. A determined and dedicated staff and faculty looked on as they keep their focus on their commitment to “Education for a Better World.”

As a cadet, I was one of the many who gathered for the college’s groundbreaking at the 1982 territorial congress in Winnipeg. There was a wonderful buzz of excitement with the thought that our territory would have its own higher education, degree-granting school. It was called Catherine Booth Bible College at first, then William and Catherine Booth College and, since 2010, Booth University College. Two young, accomplished academics and committed Salvationists, Donald Burke and James Read, joined Colonel Earl Robinson, the first president, and Colonel Benita Robinson, along with Captains Bruce and Kathleen Brydges, Bram Price, Gwen Holland, Renata Kroeker and Aux-Captains Evelyn and Russ Sutherland, as the journey of Catherine Booth Bible College commenced.

How grateful we are to the visionaries who inspired territorial leadership with a dream of what could be as the Canada and Bermuda Territory charted a course for Christian academic advancement, forever changing the dynamic of our movement. For more than 40 years, Booth UC has enriched the lives of countless people, equipped leaders for the rigours of ministry and service, and prepared students to make positive contributions in their communities.

At home and around the world, Booth UC remains a vital piece of our strategy to fulfil our mission mandate. Throughout the years, presidents, faculty, staff and students have worked hard to embody the mission statement that carries us forward: “Booth University College is a Christian university college rooted in The Salvation Army’s Wesleyan theological tradition. It brings together Christian faith, rigorous scholarship and a passion for service. The university college educates students to understand the complexities of our world, to develop the knowledge and skills necessary to be active contributors to society and to know how Christian faith compels them to bring hope, social justice and mercy into our world.”

As I have travelled within our territory and internationally, I have been amazed by the number of people I’ve met who have encountered or graduated from Booth UC. Here is just a sampling: Major Shari Russell, our first territorial Indigenous ministries consultant, is one of hundreds of officers who are graduates. Dr. Isaiah Allen, who holds a bachelor’s degree from Booth UC, is now a New Testament scholar and assistant professor at the college. Marion Cooper is the chief executive officer of the Canadian Mental Health Association across Manitoba.

People readily share testimonies of the vital spiritual formation, practical preparation for embracing life and the transformational difference Booth UC made in their lives. This ever-growing fellowship of students and graduates speaks highly and fondly of their educational experiences. Booth UC offers programs in biblical and theological studies, Christian studies, chaplaincy and spiritual care, social work, leadership, business, behavioural science, and more. If you are looking for an intimate university college experience to prepare you for ministry and service, Booth UC could be for you.

At this year’s convocation ceremony, 88 women and men graduated, with 54 there in person to be publicly congratulated by family and friends. Graduands, having met all their requirements, were greeted by the president, chancellor and Booth UC board chair, and awarded their degrees and certificates. It was a joyous celebration.

Booth UC is a dynamic, thriving centre of educational excellence, ever striving to better serve the community, territory and international Salvation Army.

To learn more, visit BoothUC.ca.

Commissioner Lee Graves is the territorial commander of the Canada and Bermuda Territory.

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