CMU announces $11-million capital project

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) has made public its plans for a major new capital project that will significantly enhance CMU’s infrastructure for delivering quality post-secondary education. This important new campus asset will also serve as a valuable resource to the broader Manitoba community.

“Building the new CMU Library and Learning Commons, along with a pedestrian bridge linking both sides of CMU’s Shaftesbury campus, are key next steps in building a CMU for the future,” says Elmer Hildebrand, fundraising campaign chair for the capital project and chief executive officer of Golden West Radio.

“CMU is grateful for the dedicated and effective fundraising leadership of the campaign executive of ‘Connect: The campaign for CMU,’ ” says president Gerald Gerbrandt. “We’re looking forward to our public campaign in the coming months and sharing further announcements from our campaign team.”

The library and learning commons will provide:

• Study carrels, worktables and lounge seating in an attractive setting, stimulating students to connect with ideas and thinkers from around the world.
• Small group rooms that will invite students to work together in teams at important questions and issues.
• New computer, wireless and peripheral technologies that will support study, research, and collaboration.
• A seminar room to enable small classes to meet in proximity to necessary library resources.
• Significantly increased space, with natural light and controlled temperature and humidity, to allow for future expansion and growth.
• A prominent and welcoming entrance and gathering area to invite students and the general public to make use of its resources.
• A book store and resource centre with the most extensive selection of theological resources anywhere in the province.
• An inviting café to welcome students, faculty, staff and members of the community to gather and discuss the issues of the day.

The pedestrian bridge will link the two sides of CMU’s campus currently partitioned by a busy thoroughfare, thus providing a safe, accessible route across Grant Avenue. It will also signal the presence of CMU in the community, serving as a symbol for an institution that connects people with ideas and each other over issues that matter.

The campaign executive has been actively fundraising in support of the project and expects to publicly launch the Connect campaign within the year. CMU anticipates beginning construction on the new facility and bridge in 2013.