Ryan Talsma, a fourth year volleyball player for the Redeemer Royals, has been named the Ontario Colleges Athletic Association (OCAA) 2009-10 Male Athlete of the Year. This award caps an exceptional year, and career, for Talsma, who was also named the OCAA Men’s Volleyball Player of the Year, and who finished his career at Redeemer as a three-time All-Canadian, and as the OCAA leader in Kills and Total Points. Ryan also ends his career as one of the most nationally recognized OCAA volleyball players of all time.

Gord Pauls has never shied away from a challenge. 

He has crossed the finish line at the Boston Marathon 10 times.  He has trained to swim, bike and run his way through 2 gruelling Ironman competitions.  He has helped to establish Canada’s fastest Boston Marathon qualifying course, the “Road 2 Hope Marathon”, raising thousands of dollars for children in Hamilton and Haiti.

But now the 56 year old co-owner of The Runners Den has set a goal for himself that makes all the others pale in comparison.  In August 2010, Gord is suiting up for a TRIPLE IRONMAN to raise $250,000.

All monies received are tax receiptable and will be used in Haiti to help the poor climb out of poverty. This is achieved by implementing sustainable micro-credit development projects.

Hubert Krygsman to become new President of Redeemer University

Dr. Hubert R. Krygsman, currently the Associate Provost and Director of the Andreas Center for Reformed Scholarship and Service at Dordt College in Iowa, has been appointed to become the third President of Redeemer University College. This five-year appointment will take effect on June 14, 2010 following the retirement of Dr. Justin Cooper, who has served as Redeemer’s President for sixteen years.

Hamilton’s oldest black church celebrates 175 years

Stewart Memorial plans year-long celebrations, major fundraiser

Lincoln Alexander is accompanied by fellow church members Vivienne Lewis, Ona Allen and Altair Morgan in cutting the cake to mark the start of celebrations marking the 175th anniversary of downtown Hamilton’s Stewart Memorial Church.

“The church’s history reflects the history of black people in Hamilton,” says Myrie, who is also a member at Stewart Memorial. “The church was founded by fugitive slaves in the early 1800s and throughout the generations opened its doors to people who often faced adversity in the wider community. It has been a place of community protest, a centre for solace, a light for leadership and a force for positive change.”