In July 2014, Cairn University took yet another step toward impacting communities in our region and across the globe with its mission of serving Christ. A new Strategic Partnerships Initiative was begun, spearheaded by the new Associate Vice President for Strategic Partnerships, David Urban, and the Senior Vice President for Marketing and Enrollment, Paul Neal.
Over the past year, the initiative has had great success, forming over a dozen mutually beneficial relationships with other mission-driven organizations committed to Christ, His gospel, and His Word. Here, we’ve featured some highlights of developments in the partnership program since summer 2015.
CAIRN ANNOUNCES NEW PARTNERSHIP WITH CHOICEONE PREGNANCY AND SEXUAL HEALTH RESOURCE CENTERS
On October 27, Cairn announced a new partnership with ChoiceOne Pregnancy and Sexual Health Resource Centers, located in Bucks County (PA) and Mercer County (NJ). ChoiceOne is a Christ-centered, life-affirming ministry designed to share God’s love unconditionally with young women and their partners who find themselves facing an unplanned pregnancy. Cairn and ChoiceOne share a central commitment to the person and work of Jesus Christ, the authoritative and sufficient Word of God, and the calling to serve Christ in the church, society, and the world.
In an effort to strengthen both the work of ChoiceOne and educational opportunities for Cairn students, the partnership includes:
- Scholarships and tuition discounts for young mothers and ChoiceOne staff and volunteers
- Childcare and academic support for qualifying ChoiceOne clients
- Internship opportunities for Cairn students
- ChoiceOne services (education, testing, and counseling) offered for all students through Cairn University’s health center
COMING SOON: MAKE A DIFFERENCE IN THE LIFE OF A YOUNG MOTHER!
This spring, join Cairn University friends, alumni, students, faculty, staff, and other supporters for the ChoiceOne 5K, Fun Run, and Virtual Challenge.
Be sure to check eNews as more information becomes available. All proceeds benefit ChoiceOne Pregnancy and Sexual Health Resource Centers.
GRADUATE COHORT FORMED AT HONG KONG INSTITUTE OF CHRISTIAN COUNSELORS
In 2015, Cairn launched its first international cohort of students earning an MA degree in Religion (MAR). Through this partnership with the Hong Kong Institute of Christian Counselors in Kowloon Tong, students can earn an MAR with a concentration in counseling in as few as two years. Taught by both Cairn and HKICC faculty, courses will be held online and on the HKICC campus.
Previously, international cohorts focused exclusively on the Master of Science in Education (MSEd) and Master of Science in Educational Leadership and Administration (MSELA) degrees. Building on the success of Cairn’s summer international graduate campuses in Germany, Thailand, and Hong Kong, the first year-round cohort was formed in 2011, using the facilities of Pan American Christian Academy in São Paulo, Brazil. After its success was demonstrated by the cohort’s graduation in May 2014, a second cohort was formed that fall for Canadian teachers. Cohort students currently meet at Sussex Christian School in New Brunswick, Canada.
STUDENTS SERVE AT CAMP-OF-THE-WOODS
Since 2013, Cairn has had a fruitful partnership with CAMP-of-the-WOODS, a year-round Christian resort and conference center located in the Adirondack Mountains of upstate New York. Benefits have ranged from offering Cairn credits to participants in CAMP-of-the-WOODS’ Leaders in Further Training (LIFT) program, which disciples students aged 19–26, to the performance and recruitment efforts of Cairn student worship bands during the resort’s busy summer season.
This May, the partnership took a hands-on approach, as over a dozen Cairn students traveled to Speculator, NY, to help with the extensive preparations for the resort’s summer season. Workers stayed at CAMP until the first week of June, assisting with various aspects of remodeling, restoring, and maintaining the facilities.
One major project involved restoring an older cafeteria into a much larger and more efficient dining space. Students helped hang drywall, paint, and relocate appliances. In addition, students worked alongside Jim Hammond, president and executive director of CAMP, to furnish, hardscape, and landscape a new dorm building and its exterior. Other students were in charge of housekeeping and maid services for the extensive resort facilities, cleaning the buildings and washing linens.
INTERESTED IN VISITING CAMP-OF-THE-WOODS?
Join President Todd J. Williams
for CAMP-of-the-WOODS’ Annual Presidents’ Day weekend event
on February 12–15, 2016.
For more information, call 518.548.4311 (ext. 0) or visit www.camp-of-the-woods.org.
TUITION DISCOUNT OFFERED TO SUPPORT CHRIST-CENTERED ORGANIZATIONS
In light of Cairn’s mission and commitment to equipping students and leaders, Cairn offers tuition discounts for staff of our partner organizations. Cairn University is proud to support the professional development and quality services of faith-based organizations whose missions are aligned with our own, including*:
- Access Services
- Association of Gospel Rescue Missions
- CAMP-of-the-WOODS
- Christian Camps and Conferences, Inc.
- Christian Educators Association International
- Esperanza Health Center
- Harvey Cedars Bible Conference
- MAI Charlotte Eagles
*Not an all-inclusive list