CMU student's vision becomes a collaborative songwriting retreat
At the end of April, 14 CMU students participated in a transformative collaborative songwriting retreat with renowned Indigenous musicians and CMU faculty members. The event was conceptualized by alumna Bryna Link, who convocated with CMU's Class of 2026 just days before, and brought to life by Link and CMU Assistant Professor of Music Dr. Anneli Loepp Thiessen.
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Stories of neighbourly love: David Balzer interviewed by Matt Galloway on The Current (CBC)
The Current with Matt Galloway:
"David Balzer of Winnipeg is spending his summer recording people's stories of gratitude. Since 2023, the associate professor of Communications and Media at Canadian Mennonite University has set up a mobile recording studio at community events and invites people to share a story of a kind neighbour. He records in hopes they will share it with the neighbour to generate appreciation and community connection."
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New Mini CMU program focuses on creativity, science, and community (CHVN)
Canadian Mennonite University is opening its campus to young learners this summer with the launch of Mini CMU, a new day camp program designed to combine learning, creativity, and outdoor exploration.
The six-week program will run from July 13 to Aug. 28 and is open to children ages six to twelve. Camp days will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with science and arts-themed camps alternating each week.
"We really want kids to belong and feel like they're in a safe and welcoming environment so that we can kind of grow the whole person, socially, emotionally, creatively," said Hannah Alexander, coordinator for the Mini CMU program.
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Enriching research at CMU through cross-disciplinary inquiry and process
For many researchers, ethics review is seen as a required step before a project can begin. At CMU, ethics review reflects a broader commitment to thoughtful scholarship, meaningful dialogue, and respect for the people at the centre of research. It is a cornerstone in the foundation of the institution's identity.
Lee-Anne Dowsett, Chair of the CMU Research Ethics Board (REB) sees ethics review as an opportunity to make the research that happens at CMU stronger.
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How a camper-turned-recording studio became a gratitude mission on wheels (CBC)
Inside a golden yellow circa 1978 camping trailer, strangers are sharing moments of gratitude.
And armed with a microphone and a few prompting words of encouragement, David Balzer is capturing their stories.
Chatterbox — a mobile recording studio — is Balzer's antidote to social isolation and bad vibes.
Balzer, an associate professor of communications and media at Canadian Mennonite University, parks the camper-recording studio at community events and block parties and invites people to share a story of gratitude about a neighbour.
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