Redeemer Pacific College

Langley, British Columbia, Canada

www.rpcollege.bc.ca

Overview
In the 2007 Newman Guide we were pleased
offer Our Lady Seat of Wisdom Academy as
a faithful Canadian alternative to Catholic
higher education in the United States. This
year we are delighted to also recommend a
western Canadian institution, Redeemer Pa-
cific College—a one-of-a-kind Catholic col-
lege embedded within an evangelical Chris-
tian university.
Located outside of the small city of
Langley, British Columbia, Redeemer Pacific quick facts
is an “approved teaching center” within Trin- Founded: 1999
ity Western University. RPC is one of several Type of institution: Very small college within
constituent parts of the 47-year-old Christian a small university
university, the others of which are typical fac- Setting: Suburban
ulties or colleges such as business and educa- Undergraduate enrollment: 60 (2008–09
tion. academic year)
Trinity Western offers undergraduate de- Undergraduate cost: C$26,250 (tuition, room
grees in 40 majors and post-graduate work in and board for 2009–10)
Undergraduate majors: Three certificates
16 fields. This private institution draws about
and coursework toward degree at their
21 percent of its 2,700 undergraduate students
affiliate university
from the United States, whose border is less
than a half-hour south. It is located within the Five Key Points
Vancouver, British Columbia, metropolitan
area and is about 45 minutes from that major 1. Small Catholic college components
city. within the framework of a larger
TWU is a member of the well-respected Protestant university.
U.S.-based Council for Christian Colleges & 2. Eight-course core curriculum that is
Universities. The mission of the CCCU, ac- faithful to the Magisterium.
cording to its website, is: “To advance the 3. Canadian college convenienty close to
cause of Christ-centered higher education the western United States.
and to help our institutions transform lives 4. Oriented to strengthening ecumenical
by faithfully relating scholarship and service relationships.
to biblical truth.” Aside from theological dif- 5. Associated with Franciscan University.
ferences, Catholic families will be pleased

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Redeemer Pacific University

with the emphasis of CCCU institutions on

authentic Christian identity and attention to From the
students’ moral development.
Financial Aid Office
Redeemer Pacific College, founded in
1999, provides a program of Catholic studies
“At Redeemer Pacific College, we under-
within Trinity Western University. The col-
stand the value of Christian higher edu-
lege offers more than 25 courses for students
cation. That’s why we have put together
dually enrolled at the college and university.
a financial awards program designed to
The college is housed in one building, which
better enable you to gain a solid founda-
includes a classroom, faculty offices, student
tion in Catholic thought and teaching.
lounge, supplemental library and a chapel.
Ranging from $250 per course to $12,500
“The mission of Redeemer Pacific Col-
over four years, our awards provide
lege,” as explained on its website, “is to devel-
you with significant financial assistance
op dynamic Catholic leaders through higher
throughout your education at TWU and
education. Men and women committed to
RPC.
lifelong Christian growth and intellectual
formation who strive to bring to all whom “As a student at RPC and TWU, you are
their lives touch into vital relationship with able to receive financial assistance from
the Lord and his Church.” both institutions, as well as access out-
Among its core values are a commit- side funding such as government student
ment to Jesus Christ, support for scriptural loans. We encourage you to explore how
authority and developing Catholic and evan- RPC can help you achieve your goal of
gelical ties. Perhaps it is not surprising that obtaining Christian higher education by
Redeemer Pacific academic coordinator Dr. contacting us directly, or by visiting our
Robert Stackpole has written, “Paradoxically, website: www.rpcollege.bc.ca
we can actually become better Catholics by
humbly learning from devout, grace-filled “How to apply: simply go to our web-
Protestants!” site, click on Financial Aid, and then Ap-
Entering its 10th year, Redeemer Pacific ply Online. You will be guided through
president Tom Hamel says the college “is still a step-by-step process that is quick and
small and personal!” The 2008-2009 enroll- simple. All award amounts and descrip-
ment was 60 students, and there were five fac- tions are also accessible on our website.
ulty members. About one-fifth of the students
“For more information, please email us at
are from the United States, mostly from the
awards@rpcollege.bc.ca or call us toll free
West Coast.
at 877-477-7212.”
In addition to its affiliation with TWU,
Redeemer Pacific also has an “associate col-
ity Western. Also, the college offers three
lege” partnership with Franciscan University
certificates—liberal arts, theology and educa-
of Steubenville. This is as a result of its par-
tion—and its courses can be used to satisfy a
ticipation in Franciscan’s Christus Magister
new minor in Catholic studies in TWU’s re-
Foundation for start-up colleges. Two Francis-
ligious studies department. We understand
can faculty members serve on the RPC board
that the student retention rate is about 80-85
of governors.
percent.
RPC does not offer its own degree, but
In addition, Redeemer Pacific provides
courses can be applied to a degree from Trin-
coursework for a Catholic Teacher Education

300 The Newman Guide


Program, in conjunction with Trinity West-
ern. The program was described by Arch-
bishop J. Michael Miller, C.S.B., Archbishop
of Vancouver and former secretary of the Vat-
ican Congregation for Catholic Education, as
“a wonderful opportunity to prepare teachers
for our Catholic school system… in an en-
vironment which is Christian and within a
context of a Catholic
understanding of the
philosophy of educa-
tion.”
President Hamel
proudly states that
his institution is “the
only Catholic college
that is an affiliate of
an evangelical uni-
versity anywhere
in the world.” And
by all evidence, this
seems to be a good
and mutually sup-
portive relationship.
There’s an added advantage for Ameri-
cans: given a favorable exchange rate with
Canada, Redeemer Pacific offers an attractive
price. Total tuition, room and board in 2009-
10 was C$26,250, or $24,124 in American dol-
lars as of August 2009.
Governance
The college’s 10-member board of governors
includes Monsignor Dennis Luterbach, a
Vancouver archdiocesan official and former
vocations director. The two Franciscan Uni-
versity members are Dr. Stephen Milectic and
Dr. Andrew Minto, both professors of sacred
scripture. Another board member directs
faith formation for a parish in Mercer Island,
Washington.
There also is a five-member advisory
board, including a Trinity Western Universi-
ty dean. Dr. Scott Hahn, a convert to Catholi-
The Newman Guide
Redeemer Pacific University
cism, prolific Catholic writer and Franciscan
University professor, serves as a special advi-
sor.
Tom Hamel, 59, is the founding and only
president of the college. A former recording
artist and businessman, Mr. Hamel received
his undergraduate degree from Trinity West-
ern and did graduate work in theology at
Franciscan Uni-
versity. He and his
wife Diane have
four children.
The chief aca-
demic officer is Dr.
Robert Stackpole.
Appropriate to the
college’s unique
circumstances, Dr.
Stackpole is a for-
mer Anglican pas-
tor who converted
to Catholicism in
1994, then earned
a doctorate in the-
ology from the Pontifical University of St.
Thomas Aquinas in Rome. As president of the
John Paul II Institute of Divine Mercy based
in Stockbridge, Massachusetts, he is a lead-
ing authority on the Divine Mercy message
and devotion initiated by St. Maria Faustina
Kowalska.
Public Identity
The college notes that it “adheres to the au-
thority of the Catholic Church in matters of
faith and morals in accordance with Canon
Law and the ‘General Norms’ of the Vatican
document of 1990 Ex corde Ecclesiae.” Staff and
faculty uphold the Magisterium and profess
an oath of loyalty, and professors of theology
have received the mandatum.
Former Archbishop Adam Exner of Van-
couver was a pivotal supporter of the college
in its formative stages. One of his successors,
301
Redeemer Pacific University

Archbishop Miller, said at a June 2008 dinner
for the college, “It’s really a great blessing for
us to have RPC in our midst as a Catholic col-
lege which is doing the Lord’s work. I pray
that it will continue in the years ahead to ma-
ture, to grow in stature, to grow in wisdom,
to grow like our Lord in grace. My God bless
its every endeavor.”
Among other recent speakers are Dr. Pe-
ter Kreeft, the noted philosopher and popular
writer from Boston College; Catholic evan-
gelist Mark Shea; and Father Raymond De
Souza.
Redeemer Pacific publishes a scholarly
ecumenical journal, Fideles, focused on scrip-
ture, metaphysics and theology. Fideles also
sponsors an annual symposium. The third
symposium, held in March 2009 and entitled
“The Roots of Western Culture,” brought
scholars from throughout North America.
The keynote speaker was Dr. David Walsh
of The Catholic University of America, who
spoke on “Socrates Meets Kierkegaard.”
Academics
Redeemer Pacific College classes are held in
one building adjacent to the Trinity Western

Message from the President

Dear Parents and Prospective Students:

In 1995 Pope John Paul II’s encyclical, Ut Unum Sint (on Commitment
to Ecumenism), called for Catholics to be open to cooperation in education
with other Christians (para. 74). Four years later, in the fall of 1999, Redeem-
er Pacific College, an Associate College of the Franciscan University of Steu-
benville, Ohio, opened as a dynamic, orthodox Catholic college affiliated
with Trinity Western University, one of our continent’s most academically-excellent Evangelical
universities—a three-time recipient of the Globe and Mail’s “A+” in Quality of Education.

Redeemer Pacific College offers a one-of-a-kind, international, cross-cultural educational

experience that is faithful to the teachings of the Catholic Church. Catholic students work side
by side with Evangelicals from North America and around the world, taking courses in Catholic
theology, philosophy, sacred art, history and other subjects from RPC while pursuing a proven
Trinity Western major that combines courses from both RPC and TWU. Our students don’t sim-
ply “receive” an education—they are part of an exciting work of Christian cooperation that will
surely help the world believe that God our Father sent His Son Jesus to redeem mankind (cf. John
17:20-21).

Is Our Lord calling you to be a part of this great adventure?

Yours in Christ,

Tom Hamel

302 The Newman Guide

 Redeemer Pacific University

University campus. Through its “First Year mandatum. Among these are Dr. Stackpole
Core Curriculum Program,” students can and Christopher Morrissey, a specialist in Ar-
take four RPC courses each semester of the istotelian Thomism.
freshman year to meet the core requirements Catholic students are awarded several
for a TWU degree. These courses emphasize scholarships. These include the Christifideles
“the Catholic heritage of faith and culture.” Laici Award, Father Gordon McKinnon Edu-
To qualify for a minor in Catholic stud- cation Award, Christus Magister Award and
ies, students need to take 24 credits in reli- Dr. Gordon and Annette Cram Award. The
gious studies courses such as those on the Old Pier Giorgio Frassati Pro-Life Scholarship,
and New Testament, “Catholic Spirituality” which commemorates a 20th-century be-
and “Theology of the Body,” and philosophy atified Italian, is given for pro-life contribu-
courses, including those on St. Thomas Aqui- tions.
nas. The college consults with Franciscan
University on Catholic content in courses.
The Catholic Teacher Education Program
Spiritual Life
helps students study Catholic perspectives on
Redeemer Pacific has a 22-seat chapel where
the philosophy and practice of education, as
a Dominican chaplain offers several Masses
part of the Bachelor of Education program at
during the week, hears confessions and leads
TWU.
monthly First Friday Adoration. Additional
Beyond the Catholic formation provided
Masses are available at two area parishes,
by Redeemer Pacific College, students com-
St. Nicholas in
plete their studies
Langley and St.
in TWU courses.
Joseph’s in Wal-
TWU offers a wide
nut Grove. Com-
range of majors in
bined, these two
schools of the hu-
parishes offer 12
manities and social
daily Masses, two
sciences, natural
Saturday vigils
and applied sci-
and six Sunday
ences, professional
Masses.
studies and per-
Students also
forming arts, busi-
go via shuttle bus
ness, education and
to a Benedictine
human kinetics (fo-
abbey, the Abbey
cused on physical
of Saint Joseph of
fitness and coach-
Westminster, at
ing). TWU has a se-
the Seminary of
mester-long program at its Laurentian Lead-
Christ the King in Mission, British Columbia.
ership Centre in Ottawa for students studying
TWU also offers a chapel and active
Canadian government and a variety of study
Christian ministry, including a variety of
abroad programs.
guest speakers and musicians. Catholic fami-
All Redeemer Pacific professors make an
lies will want to prepare students to make
annual oath of loyalty to the Magisterium of
good judgments about what activities are con-
the Catholic Church. Three of the five faculty
sistent with Catholic teaching and practice,
members teach theology, and they have the
but many students will find these ecumenical

The Newman Guide 303

Redeemer Pacific University
encounters to be uplifting and a healthy addi-
tion to the Catholic ministry.
Student Activities
Social activities at Redeemer
Pacific include recreation-
al events, such as informal
games nights, scavenger
hunts and cookouts. Students
and faculty mingle at the
sports activity called Bowlin’
with the Profs. Overall, there
is an attempt made to foster
a sense of community for the
RPC students as a supplement
to student activities at Trinity
Western.
Students, though, are
able to participate in univer-
sity-wide activities, includ-
ing a variety of clubs that are
mostly related to academic
disciplines, student govern-
ment and campus media. The
Spartans field men’s and women’s basketball,
soccer and volleyball teams. There are also
the typical diversions such as those reflected
in Theatre at TWU, Jazz Night and intramural
sports.
The campus is set in the shadow of the
North Shore Mountains, offering opportuni-
ties for skiing and hiking. The 157-acre cam-
pus includes 60 acres of protected natural for-
est and a lake circled by hiking trails.
Residential Life
Redeemer Pacific students live in Trinity
Western housing. Fewer than a third of TWU
students (about 850) live on campus, although
the university encourages it. One residence
hall is set aside for first- and second-year fe-
male students; the remaining halls are co-ed,
304
with men and women separated by floor or in
suites with separate bathrooms.
Policies are said to support Catholic
moral teachings. TWU requires all students
to sign a statement, “Community Standards,”
“that excludes premarital sex, the use of al-
cohol and other detriments
to academic and spiritual life
from their college experience,”
according to Mr. Hamel.
The Community
Langley, with a population of
115,000, is less than one hour
from the city of Vancouver
and about 20 minutes from the
Pacific Ocean. Among sites of
local interest are the Canadian
Museum of Flight and Trans-
portation, Fort Langley Na-
tional Historical Site and the
Langley Centennial Museum.
Major roads connect
Langley with Vancouver. The
Vancouver International Airport is a large
and modern facility which served 18 million
passengers in 2008.
The Bottom Line
Redeemer Pacific is guided by dedicated Cath-
olics who seek to provide intellectual ballast
to young men and women who want to live
and share their faith in the world. It certainly
helps that they draw inspiration and advice
from Franciscan University of Steubenville.
The personal attention students receive
is uncommon and refreshing among today’s
colleges and universities. For all these rea-
sons, Redeemer Pacific College is yet another
affordable alternative for Americans seeking
a solid Catholic education.
The Newman Guide