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Alumni in their own words - Jacqueline Sookermany (CMU '15)

Thursday, September 10, 2026 @ 9:00 AM

Where has life taken you since you left CMU?

During my studies at CMU, I developed a deep passion for prisoner justice and prisoner abolition while working for Correctional Service Canada at Stony Mountain Institution in their Programs department for my practicum. After I graduated with my four-year Arts and Sciences degree, I took a job at EPIC Opportunities, working at one of their day service locations. I hadn't previously considered working in the disability sector, but I found that I loved the work. I was able to support people in finding connections in their communities that were meaningful to them, expanding their hopes beyond employment. In this role, I was able to learn more about the world of disability justice and advocacy, which solidified my passion for the disability sector. After a few years, I took a position at Initiatives for Just Communities (IJC) in their disability outreach program, Touchstone, and it was at IJC that I began to think about pursuing a Master of Social Work. I moved to Victoria, BC, to complete my master's degree. My work in disability and corrections had left me skeptical of the social work profession. Over the course of my studies, I had the opportunity to see that social work is making bold strides toward becoming a field where people with lived experience are directly influencing the policies that shape their services, and that many social workers are actively working to decolonize the profession. My journey has led me back to the place where I decided social work was the correct path for me—IJC—as Director of Services for their Winnipeg programs. I am currently overseeing four programs that span work in disability support and advocacy, community education, and restorative justice. It is a bit dreamy to have a role that allows me to engage in many of the sectors I am passionate about.

CMU welcomes its largest incoming class

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 @ 10:00 AM

Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) is celebrating its largest incoming class since the university's formation. This week, CMU welcomed 221 new undergraduate students to campus, contributing to a total student body of 775 on its main campus for the 2026/27 academic year.

The historic incoming class includes a full cohort of new Bachelor of Education after-degree students, as allocated by the Province of Manitoba, alongside 187 new students entering CMU's three- and four-year undergraduate degree programs.

Alumni in their own words - Chloe Friesen (CMU ‘22)

Monday, June 29, 2026 @ 10:10 AM

Where has your life taken you since you left CMU?

Since graduating with my Bachelor of Arts in 2022, I have been working full-time as an associate producer with CBC Manitoba in the Current Affairs department. During my final year of studies, I worked casually as a radio show technician, so it was exciting to continue doing what I loved at CBC in a larger capacity. Since then, I've taken on a variety of roles within the public broadcaster, including producing stories and interviews for radio programs, directing live radio shows, writing and presenting for television, editing social media content, and—my favourite—filling in as host for Information Radio, Radio Noon, and Up To Speed. I've also had the opportunity to write, host, and produce my own hour-long radio documentary, The Case for Cursive. For someone who has always been fascinated by radio, it has been a stellar opportunity.

CMU alumna earns national recognition as a rising writer

Thursday, June 18, 2026 @ 12:16 PM

A national writing award is helping CMU alumna Emma Siemens take the next step toward a career in journalism.

The 2023 social sciences graduate is the recent recipient of the Wendy Elaine Nelles Award from the Word Guild, an organization of Canadian Christian writers and editors. The award recognizes emerging writers studying journalism, literature, media, and communications in Canada and includes an $850 prize to support their professional development.

Alumni in their own words - Marnie Klassen (CMU '21)

Monday, April 6, 2026 @ 10:42 AM

Where has your life taken you since you left CMU?

After graduating I very quickly got a job doing communications and admin support with A Rocha Manitoba, a Christian nature conservation organization. I was eager to explore volunteer and service opportunities elsewhere, and through some encouragement I applied and was accepted to the worker program at Romero House in Toronto. Taking this step felt so big for me, in a wonderful way. In the one-year term, I lived and worked with refugee claimants in Toronto's west end. I was the volunteer coordinator for the organization, which had me managing a team of over 140 volunteers, and was a settlement case worker for several claimant families. I learned a lot about the refugee claimant system in Canada, and a lot about interfaith and intercultural relationships. During my time in Toronto, I made connections at Eglinton Saint George United Church and ended up getting a job with that congregation as the Growth Initiatives Project Coordinator, which meant I was coordinating and running food justice-based events and programs through the church. All during this time I began freelance writing and preaching for organizations and churches, mostly exploring the themes of faith and climate. When the contract at the church came to an end, I decided to move back to Winnipeg and focus on developing a podcast called 'The Schism Between Us', which explores religious polarization in Canada, particularly within the Mennonite community. I've also recently taken on work as communications assistant for a worship resource hub called "Together in Worship."

CMU launches Voices for Peace, a rapid-response community choir

Tuesday, March 10, 2026 @ 10:24 AM

At a time when many communities are wrestling with fear, polarization, and uncertainty, CMU is inviting community members to lend their voices to a new rapid-response community choir called Voices for Peace. This choir may be called upon to sing at community events, peaceful demonstrations, and public moments where shared song can help foster courage, solidarity, and hope.

From song to strategy: CMU offers free nonviolent resistance training in response to growing injustice

Thursday, February 19, 2026 @ 1:00 PM

Following the strong community response to its Singing Resistance gatherings, Canadian Mennonite University is offering a new public initiative that moves from collective expression to practical preparation. Living Resistance: Nonviolent Resistance Training will be offered over four Monday evenings in March, inviting participants to actively learn and practice the skills of disciplined nonviolent action.

Winter 2025/26 alumni updates

Thursday, February 19, 2026 @ 9:46 AM

Readers of CMU's The Blazer magazine often say they flip right to the Alumni News section before reading anything else.

In the most recent, 25th anniversary issue of The Blazer, we were unable to squeeze in alumni news. Below is a compilation of updates provided to CMU by alumni.

CMU launches Mini CMU summer day camp program for children ages 6-12

Friday, February 6, 2026 @ 10:33 AM

CMU will launch Mini CMU, a new summer day camp program for children ages 6-12, beginning July 2026. Mini CMU is designed to provide a structured, engaging camp experience that combines hands-on learning, creativity, and physical activity in a safe and welcoming environment.

Mini CMU was developed in response to growing demand from families for full-day summer programming that combines structured learning with creative and physical activity. The program also builds on the unique values and existing strengths of CMU in education, arts, and athletics, positioning the university as a compelling first-choice option when families begin to consider post-secondary pathways. Mini CMU also creates meaningful leadership and employment opportunities for CMU students.

Alumni in their own words - Alex Tiessen (CMU '16)

Thursday, February 5, 2026 @ 2:07 PM

This installment of Alumni in their own words features Alex Tiessen who graduated from CMU in 2016 with majors in English and Counselling Studies. In March 2026, Alex will return to CMU as its new Director of Advancement.

Where has your life taken you since you left CMU?

Right after I graduated from CMU, my life brought me straight back to campus. I took a role at CMU as an Admissions Counsellor, an opportunity that opened up in part because I had been a student ambassador. That work really set me up well. It allowed me to lean into my natural ability to connect with people—working with churches, meeting families, and inviting students into CMU. I quickly fell in love with that work and discovered that admissions and advancement were places where my skills and interests aligned.

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