Covenant News

CBC-Midwest Operating at Full Capacity

WINDSOR, CO (September, 1998) - The Midwest campus of Covenant Bible College in Colorado is operating at full capacity since opening its doors in September, reports its executive director, Rev. Paul Lessard. The new college is located in Windsor, one hour north of Denver and just 15 minutes from Fort Collins, site of several CHIC events over the years.

The new campus is an outgrowth of Covenant Bible College of Canada and is the fulfillment of a dream that originated nearly a decade ago. Recent dedication ceremonies celebrated completion of a major portion of work on the facilities that began less than one year ago - the footings on the first of three buildings were poured in March this year, beginning the transformation of the former cornfield into an exciting college campus environment. Apart from a loan from National Covenant Properties, no formal denominational money is involved, Lessard points out. Donations came from Covenanters in Canada and the United States.

A number of Covenant conferences expressed interest in partnering with CBC in establishing a second campus. "The further we got into the process, the more apparent it was that the Midwest Conference was the right choice," Lessard said. Donation of six acres of land by the Everitt Companies of Fort Collins affirmed the decision.

The campus is home to 44 students, three full-time faculty, two adjunct faculty, two deans/resident assistants and one office administrator. Part-time assistance is used in custodial, food service and accounting areas. Between the two CBC campuses, 132 students are registered, compared to 32 students just eight years ago.

The college operates an eight-month program with students receiving up to a full year of transfer credit, which includes transfer to North Park University in Chicago and some 60 other institutions. "We are more than an academic institution," Lessard said. "We're a school of discipleship. We're about shaping character and helping people to be like Jesus," Lessard added. The college's sole objective is to teach theology and discipleship in the context of community and friendship.

"What has been started here will continue to impact the world for Christ long beyond our lifetimes," said Dr. Glenn R. Palmberg, president of the Evangelical Covenant Church, in his remarks during the dedication ceremonies. "When you invest in people, it is a memorial that never ends," Palmberg said, adding that it is "a privilege to walk into a project that has already succeeded!"

Other comments, gleaned from formal remarks and casual conversation, help capture the mood at opening day ceremonies:

• "The vision of CBC is wrapped up in people. We are about sowing seeds of Jesus Christ in the hearts of students and discipling them" - Rev. Kenneth Carlson, Midwest Conference superintendent
• "Dreams do come true!" - David Everitt, president, Everitt Companies
• "To be here is unbelievable – so much was accomplished so quickly" – David Johnson, president, National Covenant Properties
• "I had goose bumps all weekend as the dedication of what God had done was honored. I look forward to seeing the impact the discipled students will have in the years to come, wherever they go" –Karen Johnson, CBC-Midwest School Board member
• "As we look at this campus, it is evident how much God loves us – we have been given a home overflowing with support, challenges, love and a family" – Katie Lindahl, student from Batavia, Illinois
• "We are proud to have CBC here in our town – I hope this day will be the beginning of a great and long partnership" – Mayor Wayne Miller, Windsor, Colorado
• "Changed lives is what excites me as people become real with God, themselves and one another at CBC" – Kelly Ogg, Class of 1995 and dean of women at CBC-Midwest
• "Unbelievable excitement!" – Glenn Peterson, Class of 1994 and dean of men at CBC-Midwest
• "I am utterly overwhelmed. I am thrilled to see what God has done and I am looking forward to my own children coming to CBC" – Rev. Keith Robinson, pastor to students at Hillcrest Covenant Church, Kansas City, Kansas
• "To see what God and His people can do together - when the vision is clear and from God - is astounding and exciting" – Joel Rude, Class of 1979
• "God put CBC in the right spot, and we hope and pray that God will prosper (it). We hope that CBC will do well here – we enjoy having you as part of our community" – David Shoup, Windsor Town Council
• "It is a joy to be a part of CBC. The love that is coming back to us is the greatest" – Fran Simpson, Windsor

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