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CMU breaks ground for new library, learning commons, and bridge

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WINNIPEG

The library and learning commons will be "the hub of the campus,"says CMU president Cheryl Pauls.

The library and learning commons will be “the hub of the campus,”says CMU president Cheryl Pauls.

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) president Cheryl Pauls, with MP Rod Bruinooge and City of Winnipeg councillor Paula Havixbeck, broke ground July 8 on the university’s $13.9-million expansion project. They were observed by some 100 friends and supporters from the university and the broader community.

Joining president Pauls were local businessmen Elmer Hildebrand, the capital project’s campaign chair, and Art DeFehr who is vice-chair of CMU’s board of governors.

“What is being done today really sets the pace for the future,” said MP Bruinooge, who chairs the federal government’s post-secondary education caucus. “I’ve seen many different schools across Canada and I know that the people here care at such a deep level — it brings such life to our community.”

CMU president Pauls said, “The range of activities being planned for this library and learning commons will make it the hub of the campus — linking the learning of the classroom with cutting edge research techniques that cross people and books and e-resources with invigorating forms of collaborative engagement.”

Havixbeck affirmed this vision which “goes beyond bricks and mortar as education is the life blood of our community. I am excited about this project.”

Planned for the heart of the CMU’s Shaftesbury campus in South Winnipeg, the Library and Learning Commons will generate vital resources and services, study and collaborative spaces, and welcome the constituency and wider community into the life of the university. Meanwhile, the new pedestrian bridge will connect CMU’s Shaftesbury Campus, which is currently separated by Grant Avenue.

(l-r) Art DeFehr, vice-chair CMU board of governors; Elton DeSilva, MB Church Manitoba executive director; Cheryl Pauls CMU president; Elmer Hildebrand, CMU capital campaign chair; Willard Metzger, executive director MC Canada; Paula Havixbeck, City of Winnipeg councillor; MP Rod Bruinooge.

(l-r) Art DeFehr, vice-chair CMU board of governors; Elton DeSilva, MB Church Manitoba executive director; Cheryl Pauls CMU president; Elmer Hildebrand, CMU capital campaign chair; Willard Metzger, executive director MC Canada; Paula Havixbeck, City of Winnipeg councillor; MP Rod Bruinooge.

To date, roughly $10 million has been raised. This funding comprises donations from private donors and foundations, as well as the Winnipeg Foundation, the Richardson Foundation, and the C.P. Loewen Family Foundation. The target for the project’s completion is September 2014.

—Canadian Mennonite University

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1 comment

Bob Smith July 11, 2013 - 19:13

Thank you for updating us on this important project.

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