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Providence Announces Centennial Year

Jan 17, 2025 | Institution / General, News

Otterburne, MB — Providence is excited to announce that 2025 marks its centennial and that plans are underway to celebrate 100 years of empowering students through faith-based education. This historic milestone commemorates a century of academic excellence and community impact since its founding on January 4, 1925 as the Winnipeg Bible Training School.
For a century, Providence has remained steadfast in its mission to “grow students in knowledge and character for leadership and service,” while embracing innovation and growth. What began as a small Bible training school has grown into a vibrant university offering a wide range of accredited undergraduate, graduate, and theological programs. Today, Providence serves as a dynamic educational hub for students in Manitoba, across Canada and around the globe.

A Rich Legacy of Faith and Learning

From its early days in Winnipeg to its longstanding campus in Otterburne, Providence has remained true to its founding values of faith, diversity of thought, community, exploration and academic excellence. Key milestones in its history include:

  • Becoming the first Bible School in Canada to grant bachelor’s degrees in 1948.
  • Expanding to its current 100-acre campus in Otterburne in 1970.
  • Establishing the seminary with new graduate-level programs in 1972.
  • Strengthening the undergraduate degrees within the university, expanding its offerings in liberal arts, humanities and social sciences.
  • Beginning an Aviation program in partnership with Harv’s Air (Steinbach) in 1984.
  • Launching the Buller School of Business in 2007 and the institution’s first Bachelor of Science program in 2017.
  • Returning to its roots in Winnipeg with the opening of the Providence Downtown site (on 294 William Avenue) in 2022.
  • Starting up a Centre for On-Demand Education (CODE) in 2023/24.

“Providence has always been about more than education,” said Dr. Kenton C. Anderson, President of Providence. “It’s about transforming lives, shaping leaders, and preparing students for meaningful service in their communities and beyond. As we celebrate our centennial, we are grateful for the generations of alumni, faculty, and supporters who have contributed to this legacy.”

Centennial Celebrations and Community Involvement

The centennial year will feature a series of events, including:

  1. A Centennial Gala: A formal event planned for September 5th at the RBC Convention Centre, celebrating Providence’s impact and announcing future initiatives.
  2. A Homecoming Weekend: Alumni, students, and community members will gather on the Otterburne campus on September 6th to celebrate the past and envision the future.
  3. Special Music and Chapel Service: Other plans include a Saturday night concert event and Sunday afternoon service to reflect on Providence’s faith-filled journey and honouring its spiritual heritage.

Providence invites alumni, friends, and supporters to join in these celebrations and be part of its next chapter. “This centennial is not just about looking back but also about pressing forward,” said Anderson. “We invite everyone who believes in our mission to partner with us in shaping Providence’s future.”

A Global Impact

Providence’s reach extends far beyond Manitoba. Students from around the world come to Providence for its Christ-centered education and diverse, inclusive community. Many alumni have gone on to become leaders, educators, and changemakers in their home countries, reflecting Providence’s commitment to global service.

Join the Celebration

As Providence University College and Theological Seminary celebrates its 100th anniversary, it remains committed to fostering knowledge, character, and leadership rooted in faith. Together, we look forward to a future of continued growth, service, and academic excellence.

For more information on centennial events, visit prov.ca/100.

Providence
publicrelations@prov.ca
@provmanitoba