Briercrest welcomes 560 college students to campus

Posted: September 21, 2010

By Amy Robertson


Caleb Vetter (left) and John Ottens (right) discuss the upcoming school year. Photo by Amy Robertson.
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riercrest College and Seminary welcomed 560 new and returning college students back to campus last week.

They joined nearly 300 high school and seminary students to form a total student body of over 800.

College classes began Friday, Sept. 3 after two days of orientation, and there’s a feeling of anticipation among staff and students.

John Ottens, originally from Terrace, B.C., is heading into his final year of a BA in Biblical Studies with a minor in English Literature.

He interned under Briercrest’s president, Dr. Dwayne Uglem, this summer, and he is excited for several opportunities to lead the student body this year. He’ll be working with student government for the third year in a row, and in addition to his duties as the vice president of student life and academics, he’ll also serve his dorm as a dorm pastor and preach several times in student chapel on the Gospel of John.

“It feels good,” he said.

“I’m so excited.”

I’ll be fine. Academics is so fun. You can like, learn about theology and English and philosophy, and it’s all here!

Caleb Vetter, originally from Wyoming, is in his fourth year at Briercrest. He spent two years in the Music program, then switched to a BA in Humanities after discovering how much he loved to study the arts. He’ll graduate this year after completing 14 classes plus a teaching internship under a literature professor—a huge undertaking considering full academic load is 10 courses.

Vetter isn’t worried, though.

“I’ll be fine,” he said. “Academics is so fun. You can like, learn about theology and English and philosophy, and it’s all here!”

Vetter laughed after some good-natured teasing from a friend standing nearby.

“It’s changed my life; it really has!” he exclaimed. “It’s no joke.”

David Cole, Briercrest’s newest vice-president, took over the Student Development department this summer after spending several years as the president of a college in Eugene, Oregon.


David Cole (centre) with two team members: Tracy Taylor (left), the college's community life director, and Sarah Driedger (right), Cole's administrative assistant. Photo by Amy Robertson.

Welcome Week was his first experience with Briercrest students.

“It’s been wonderful all the way through,” he said.

“I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the student leaders and the student government leaders. They are mature and committed to the mission [of Briercrest College and Seminary] and doing a great job.”