October 2013

contents
CrossRoads
4 start with 'why?’
5 how we greet the new school year
6 what’s new at mci
8 where we went
9 what we create
10 who gathered
12 upcoming events
13 mci alumnus receives honorary degree
14 alumni news & updates
on the cover: MCI Students, Samuel Kifle (Grade 11) and Karina Letkeman (Grade 12), enjoy a canoe ride
during the Christian Life Retreat. Photo by James Loewen (Grade 12) & edited by Vienna Peters (Grade 10).
CrossRoads thanks Bernie Loeppky, Rebeca Giesbrecht, & Danielle Goerz for their work in capturing excellent photos.
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to receive CrossRoads electronically, simply email your request to alumni@mciblues.net.
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We trust that this
school year,
which has already
been filled with much
beauty and much pain,
will be one in which
God’s presence guides
us more and more
into the
community of love we
are called to be, in
our rejoicing and in
our grieving.
Because that is
precisely the ’why’
behind all that we do.
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Start With “Why?“
During a recent sports event at MCI
a visiting coach asked me, “Why
do kids come to MCI?” The coach
is also a teacher, and uses the term
‘kids’ in the friendliest of ways. I
follow suit.
This is not a new question, especially
from folks who are new to the
school. As a result, my answer is a
practiced one. There is a long list of
reasons, but most of these fall into 4
categories.
Alumni kids
After hearing their parents’
stories, knowing the great
experience they had, kids
often can’t wait to get into it
themselves.
Friends
Often kids are interested and
then a friend or two makes the
decision, and they come along.
Music & Sports
It is common to hear parents
and kids describe their interest
in music, musical theatre and
sports (especially volleyball).
They come knowing about high
quality activities here.
Individual need
This is a broad category of
personal stories that include
bullying, loneliness, lack of
personal instruction in learning,
looking for safety in faith
development, needing greater
care for one’s heart & soul…not
just the test, assignment or grade.
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Do you recognize yourself or your
children/grandchildren in any of
these categories? Or, like me,
do you find them in all of these
categories? If so, consider the
suggestion that these categories
point to the true ‘why’ of MCI; that
it probably lays a little closer to the
heart. Each of these signals a much
more basic, more profound need we
all share. We all need to experience
meaning in our lives, as children in
God’s image, within a community
shaped by the abiding love and
endless compassion of the God who
loves us.
Folks need an education. Most of
us need more than a high school
education. However, we all need
an education which embraces our
spiritual well-being to round out
intellect, aesthetics and athletics.
Parker J. Palmer laments, “…a
system of education so fearful
of things spiritual that it fails to
address the real issues of life –
“
dispensing facts at the expense of
meaning, information at the expense
of wisdom.” (Evoking the spirit in
public education, Educational Leadership,
1989/99).
MCI is all about embracing the
spiritual, so that it finds its proper
place: integration with the rest of
adolescent development in a loving
community.
Again, this fall, I hear familiar
words from new MCI parents. I
hear words of surprise and gratitude.
“I can’t believe the change in
my kid, already!”
“The happy kid we used to
know is back!”
These are expressions of thanks
to God for a Jr. & Sr. high school
experience rooted in Christian
community. These are expressions
of thanks to God for a unique
opportunity.
I think that’s why…
We all need to experience
meaning in
our lives, as children in
God’s image,
within a community shaped by
the abiding
love and endless compassion
of the God
who loves us.
“
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how we greet the new school year
September arrived, as usual, much sooner than anyone had
ever imagined. Yet with ready hearts and hands, the staff
of MCI welcomed a new school year with energy and
enthusiasm. Student leaders arrived and spent two days
preparing, training, discussing, planning, brainstorming,
creating, learning, and praying. The residence staff (Kieran
and Amanda Reynolds and Lyle and Ashley Wiens) led
activities and sessions for the student leaders. Then student
leaders welcomed the rest of the student body who arrived
for registration and the following first day of school. Already
in the first weeks of school, MCI staff and students were
jumping right in. The frenzy of autumn activity, including
several events, seven sports teams, and increased enrolment,
welcomed new and old students and staff into this thriving
community.
Enrolment
Enrolment increased this year to a student body of 142. The
middle years combined classroom, in its second year, saw
an increase of over 50%. Last year, MCI had 13 students in
grades 7 and 8. This school year began with 20. Teacher Erin
Funk-Weiler is enthusiastic about the new year, describing
the grades 7 and 8 students as “a high energy group of diverse
students.”
team with a lot of veteran leadership.”
A small cross country team also began training this fall under
the leadership of Coach Lloyd Letkeman. They will compete
in their first meet in early October.
Homecoming
Alumni weekend was another fantastic success as new
students brushed elbows with returning alumni. Stookies of
all ages enjoyed the volleyball tournament, the homemade
goodness prepared by the kitchen, the reminiscing, and the
evening fundraiser concert of classical sacred music featuring
outstanding local performers. Taking home the coveted title
of Champions of the Alumni Volleyball Tournament, the
Class of 2005 was exhilarated and completely exhausted.
In summary, the beginning of the 2013-14 school year has
been nothing short of beautiful. It has also been crazy busy
and has had its share of missteps. Yet through all the chaos
and change, MCI continually urges staff and students to
cling to the reasons why we do what we do. We dive into a
new year with the energy of knowing that the Creator of all
that we dream and do is the center of our every move, of our
every plan, of our every new start.
Get Acquainted Social
The social committee heads, Jonae Hochstetler and Paige
Mierau Friesen, led the student body in an evening of fun
at the “Get Aquainted Social.” Nearly all the student body
joined together to play games.
“We do the Get Acquainted Social so that students from
different grades can get to know each other. It creates an
environment where kids can get to know each other, laugh
together, and be goofy together,” said Jonae.
When asked why they facilitated this event, the social heads
said, “We want to help build a student body that is connected
and has a community atmosphere. We create events that
give people the opportunity to get closer, where people can
be themselves, and feel comfortable in their school.”
Sports
In Blues sports, soccer and volleyball are off to a great start
under the leadership of Athletic Director Dan Tessmann. Both
soccer teams have worked hard and showed improvement in
skills and teamwork. Most recently, the girls team had two
shut outs in a row against Shevchenko and Roseau Valley
School.
In volleyball, Blues teams have started out very strong. The
junior varsity (JV) boys team won their first two tournaments
in Elm Creek and at Miller while the JV girls won both of
their first two games and their first tournament at Miller. The
varsity teams have had solid starts as well with both playing
well in the MCI Alumni Volleyball Tournament. Coach
Toby Wiens sees the boys team “already being a hard-hitting
Above: The victorious
Class of 2005 Alumni
Volleyball team smiles
after a challenging final
game against the staff
team.
Left: Students having
a laugh at the Get
Acquainted Social.
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what’s new at mci
With the new school year, MCI welcomes several new updates and additions to the MCI community.
newly covered facilities
Thanks to the generosity of our community of support,
the residence and the gym both got new roofs over the
summer. A renovation sorely needed, the faculty, staff,
and students of MCI are grateful to those who have given
to this project. The new residence roof is a 20-year
metal roof. The new gym roof replaces the 33-year-old
previous roof which was put on as a 25-year roof.
new connection
The new year brought with it a new kind of partnership
with Border Land School Division (BLSD). At this
very moment, fibre optic lines are being laid to Gretna
as part of the BLSD unified communications upgrade.
Partnering with this project, MCI will be purchasing
fibre optic lines for school use. This will mean roaring
fast internet, improved cell service, and overall better
connection, making life for students and staff more
efficient for many years to come. The work is already
underway and Principal Darryl Loewen anticipates the
new service will be in place before the snow flies.
newly decorated transportation
Adding new zest to away games, the MCI van received
a make-over this summer. MCI decals, designed
by Tammy Rempel, former staff, were added to the
exterior of the van. Tammy worked with Image
Promotions of Morden, MB. Students and staff now
refer to the van as, “Hot Wheels.”
new ranking
Both JV volleyball teams are ranked very well in the
province already by the Manitoba High Schools Athletic
Association (MHSAA). The boys team is ranked first
in the province and the girls are ranked second. Both
teams have demonstrated the ability to play hard and are
poised to finish the season with energy to spare. To see
the current MHSAA rankings, visit the website at www.
mhsaa.ca or find the link on MCI’s website.
“God is love. When we take up permanent residence in a life of love, we live in God and God lives in
us. This way, love has the run of the house, becomes at home and mature in us...” (1 John 4:17 MSG)
As we head into a new school year, we have been reminded that there is more to our work here than to just teach,
learn, study, practice, read, and write; our work here is to be love within our school and without. While these new
additions to the school enhance the ‘what’ of what we do, the ‘why’ of what we do remains unchanging, centered
on our God of love whose grace and love are new every day.
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Right: Resident Deans
Amanda Reynolds and
Ashley Wiens with
2013 MCI Graduate,
Kaiti Rieder.
new way to stay in touch
Parents, alumni, and friends have been given a
new venue to connect to residence life at MCI. On
August 27, Residence Dean, Ashley Wiens launched
the “Res Life as We Know It” blog. With new posts
every few weeks, Ashley hopes “that this blog will
reach far and wide: MCI students, staff, parents
and relatives of students, MCI alumni, and beyond.
[We] want to keep you informed as to the many
happenings and events throughout the year that take
place in residence. It is also my wish that you will be
blessed by the stories that come out of this year; the
meaningful relationships and bonds created between
students that can only happen in a school like ours.”
Parents are encouraged to follow the blog as a way
of travelling along on the journey taking place in the
residence of MCI.
check out the res blog at:
www.mcireslife.wordpress.com
new faces & new positions
The board and staff of MCI eagerly welcome new people
and new tasks as we do the work of teaching and learning.
Conley Kehler began his work at MCI as business
administrator this fall. Shanda Hochstetler started work
in community development through communication,
admissions, and alumni. Marne Mierau Friesen took on a
new role coordinating both student and financial services.
As administrative staff work together, roles continue to be
refined and adapted. The new staff team is energetic about
growing together and making this year a great one.
Keep up-to-date with MCI happenings by liking MCI on
Facebook.
www.facebook.com/MennoniteCollegiateInstitute
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where we went
2013 christian life retreat
The annual all-school Christian Life Retreat was held
again at Red Rock Bible Camp in the beautiful Whiteshell
on September 17-20, 2013. One hundred forty one
students, eighteen staff and six parent volunteers
attended. Pastor Phil Campbell-Enns served as the
retreat speaker, sharing messages about Old Testament
prophets. Phil urged students and staff to grow their
understanding of the Old Testament and allow it to
speak relevantly in their current lives. Christian Life
Committee heads, Laura Friesen and Paige Bergman,
led the event. “The retreat is a unique opportunity for
us to get to know each other and to build relationships
with each other and with God,” Laura said.
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Favourite activities at the retreat included the annual
staff versus student football game, the talent show,
canoeing, polar bear swim, night games, friendship
walk, and fireside chats.
Students and staff returned to MCI invigorated for the
year ahead and exhausted from the activities of the
retreat. The presence of God drawing this community
together was evident in both the vigor and the
exhaustion. Thanks to the hard work of the Christian
Life Committee and Vice Principal, Cheryl Braun, the
MCI community will head into this new school year
with close friendships already started and with our focus
on the God who called us to be in community together.
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what we create
East to West
Sun’s slow appearing above ocean roar,
Thick blanket obscuring faint bursts of light;
Powerful wall of waves crashing down below,
On swirling foam of seething salty brine;
Shrieking blast of distant fog horn,
Echoing thru disturbing impatient air.
Bay overlooks brown rock at lapping shore,
Soaring cadence floating to great delight;
Of colourful costumes dancing to string and bow,
Red and green clad lad and lass in perfect line;
Tangy scent of roasting fish on sultry morn,
On glowing coals for all to relish and share.
Sweeping expanse of endless prairie door,
Azure sky brushed with gliding fluffy white;
Afternoon laze of grazing cows in grassy flow,
Field of bobbing golden heads...fall’s perfect sign;
Breezy drift of perfumed blue flax is borne,
Huge orchard in variety of apples rare.
Impressive sparkle of ringed purple peaks soar,
Sure footed goats speed on edge in flash of flight;
Rhythmic trickle of beading cascading glow,
Over a sea of bright umbrella bob and shine;
As hazy overcast sky empties without a warn,
Dewing beaded roses with innocent flair.
Story
And in that moment
Orange leaves scratched
Dry paved etched
Roads along which died
The last of the green grass
And the trees sighed, contented
Under thundery blue
Skies which bore a smell of rain
Without the rain
A cold crisp dying drying
Loud fragrant sweaty outdoor
Smell of rain
And in that moment
Warm and covered pages
Glanced out at crisp cool air
And smiled
And gave their secrets
Quietly urgently perfectly
With a lonely sort of magic
Which died and did more
In death
And left a kind of poetry in the air.
Written by Amelia Pahl (Grade 10) in English Language
Arts taught by Tim Wiebe
Sun’s slow descent over mirrored ocean floor,
Majesty of brilliance in dazzling height;
Calm placid waters in glassy turquoise show,
On sandy shore are lovers sipping nature’s wine;
Before eternal golden knot of life is sworn,
When thay as one into dreamy future stare.
Written by Betty Paetkau Krahn (‘62)
Photo by Bryn Friesen (Grade 9) in Digital Photography
taught by Toby Wiens
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who gathered
reunions of the classes of 1947, 1953, 1963, 1983 & 2003
Class of 1947 By Lawrence Klippenstein
We were a Grade 12 MCI class of 47 students in 1947. The
valedictorians of the class had part of their talks published
in the alumni newsletter, Ich Sende Euch, later in the year.
We are still looking for copies of Ich Sende Euch needed for
sets begun at several libraries, including the one at the MCI.
If you have old copies you don’t need, do send them to MCI.
The group pictured below is part of the class of 1947, most
of which now live in Winnipeg. The group pictured below
gathered on May 27, 2013. Graduation ages of the students
ranged between 16 and 26 or older.
The Gerhard Ens Gallery at the Mennonite Heritage Village
in Steinbach deserves mentioning. If you have not visited
there, by all means do. It was opened several years ago
and is very capably served by the MHV senior curator, Dr.
Roland Sawatzky, with his very knowledgeable assistant,
Jessica McKague. It deserves tour visits from MCI classes
and others as well.
Above, Class of 1947, left to
Elizabeth Friesen, Phyllis and
Ammeter, Susan Hildebrandt,
Margaret (Enns) Peters. (Photo
our graduation, there was a lot that had stayed the same.
Needless to say, physically we have all changed a lot, but
personality-wise, we are still like we were in Grade 12. The
MCI campus has changed completely. However, the mission
and goals of our Alma Mater are very similar to what they
were 60 years ago. We expressed our gratitude to God for
visionary leaders, for a strong supporting community, and
for students choosing MCI for their education.
We compiled some statistics of the class of 1953. We
thought you, CrossRoads readers, might enjoy them. Of the
18 graduates present, we chose the following professions:
agriculture (3); education (7); medicine (1); technology (4);
and church-related activities (16). In 1953, we were 18
persons; in 2013, we represent 186 descendants!
Bernie Wiebe led the group in a meditation on how
our lives had been and continue to be influenced by our
experiences at the MCI. After a delicious supper prepared
by the MCI, we bid farewell to each other. It was a day well
spent. Was this the last reunion of the 1953 class? Who
knows? AUFWIEDERSEHN!
right: Lois (Dyck) Peters,
Herb Peters, Lydea Enns
Anne (Bergmann) Froese,
Above, Class of 1953, left to right: John Janzen, Vern Fast, Gert
Martens, Wilf Schaefer, Bernie Wiebe, Peter Sawatzky, Rudy
Friesen, Robert (Bob) Warkentin. Second row: Ruth (Peters)
Kroeker, Anna (Peters) Dyck, Clara (Peters) Penner, Marie
By Virginia Ilchena & Louise (Peters) Friesen (Goerzen) Zamuda, Rita (DeFehr) Fast. First row: Rita (Klassen)
Meeting your classmates for your 60th Grade 12 reunion is Friesen, Mary Ann (Hooge) Goerzen, Virginia Ilchena, Louise
(Peters) Friesen, Susan (Peters) Wiebe. (Photo by Rebeca Giesbrecht)
courtesy of Susan Hildebrand)
Class of 1953
a big deal. It conjures up a host of emotions: anticipation,
trepidation, curiosity, even dread! The reunion of the 1953
class took place at the MCI on Sunday, September 22, 2013.
Out of a possible 28 classmates that graduated together, 18
graduates, plus 7 spouses registered for the event.
What a reunion! It was good to be together. The warmth
and hospitality we experienced was most heartwarming.
We shared stories and milestones about our lives since the
MCI days. We listened attentively. We laughed and cried
together. We agonized with each other.
Although much had changed in the 60 years since
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Above: Members of the class of 1953 sharing a laugh. (Photo by
Rebeca Giesbrecht)
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Class of 1963 By Henry Banman
On August 18, I drove to Gretna early to spend some quiet
time walking down memory lane on the campus of MCI.
Having moved to Edmonton thirty-five years ago, the present
facility was new to me. I noticed how huge and straight the old
cottonwoods stood along the North perimeter on the mature
yard. They sheltered the buildings and students from many
fierce Manitoba storms and bore the inscriptions of many love
notes. That was before
Facebook and Twitter.
They also reminded
me of the promise in
Psalm 1. Those who
walk in God’s ways all
their lives are like these
majestic trees. In some
ways, this school has
provided safety and nourishment for young inquiring minds.
It transplants and transports the faith and values to all parts
of Canada and around the world. This was confirmed during
the formal and informal sharing of our last fifty years as the
graduates of ’63.
I paused at the trophy case in the front hall that displays
winnings over the past fifty years. Why only the last fifty, you
may ask. Well, the school burned to the ground just before our
final examinations and our graduation. The gym was a separate
building where we finished our year, wrote our exams, and
graduated. During our sharing we saw some trophies of our
class accomplishments. These will also be forgotten when we
are gone, but the faith and values that we continue to plant in
future generations will survive the test of time. Granted, the
school wasn’t the only influence for the strategic development
of our character during our high school years; it clearly left a
lasting impression and guiding light for all who were here for
the reunion.
After some warm greetings, Susie Friesen treated us to a
tour of the school. The first stop at the residence building
brought back many memories of friendships fostered by small
community living. Many churches have tried to copy this
small group model in a variety of different forms by as many
different names. We do better in groups where we support each
other. In our companies we also encourage people to work in
teams. Wow! To think back and be able to say that I learned
this life-skill as a resident student at MCI back in 1963.
The Memorial Service for five grads and two other students
was a reminder that all of us are in the “ third-third” of our
lives. Four of the five were well known to me. Art Toews was
my first roommate, Dorothy (nee Friesen) was my grad date,
Arnie Neufeld and Calvin Zacharias were close friends.
From the sharing time it became clear that our values remain
even as our goals have changed. Many of us now find
fulfillment in volunteering at home and abroad. We focus on
leaving a legacy through our families and our contributions
to organizations that propagate our beliefs and our values.
A very delicious lunch and supper allowed for more sharing
in small groups. I know that Don and Rudy had a key role
in organizing this amazing homecoming. A very special
thank-you to you and all others who helped with the details.
We greatly appreciate what you did for all of us.
Class of 1983 By Tannis Charles
The 1983 grad class met at Nicolino’s on
Pembina Hwy in Winnipeg on June 1, 2013,
for our 10 year reunion. (Okay, maybe it was
our 30 year reunion, but truthfully nobody
felt that much time had passed!) Over fifty
people were in attendance with about 30 of
them being graduates. One was in attendance
via skype. (Mr. Hiebert never mentioned this
possibility in computer science!) It was a warm gathering
and reuniting of people with a history of attending MCI
together. For many of us, our paths have forked and this
was a great opportunity to reconnect and catch up. I think
we have sorted out who is the most recently married, who
has the oldest grandchildren, who has the coolest car and
speculation was made about who has changed most and
least since our MCI days.
The food, music, and last but not least, the company was
great! Warren and Dale have agreed to plan the next
reunion. We are looking forward to the event! No need to
wait another 10 years to do this again.
“....this school has provided
safety and nourishment for
young inquiring minds."
Above, Class of 1983, left to right, back row: John Enns, Ted Janzen,
Bernie Rempel, Richard Warkentin, Lyndon Baerg, Dennis Janzen.
Middle row: Heather (Wiebe) Hildebrand, Charlotte (Zacharias)
Klassen, Ang (Wiebe) Teichroeb, Tannis (Dyck) Charles, Elenore
(Wiebe) Dyck, Carla (Schulz) Reimer, Ray Klassen, Rob Harms,
Merle Neufeld, Dale Townsend, Warren Neufeld, Greg Heinrichs.
Front row: Kathy (Elias) Penner, Mary Jane Toews, Shirley
(Dyck) Enns, Diane Hildebrand, Arlene (Warkentin) Woodcock,
Patty (Martens) Wiebe, Velvet (Neufeld) Sulymka, Kim
(Heinrichs) Pokrant, Pam (Warkentin) Friesen, Lynette (Dick)
Wiens, Marge (Klassen) Bock. (Photo courtesy of Patty Wiebe)
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Left, Class of 2003, left to
right, front row: Melissa
Peters, Nicole Heinrichs,
Todd Rempel, Shannon
Neufeld, Candice Thiessen,
Tina Dyck, Joanna Friesen,
Susie
Martin,
Jennifer
Friesen,
Jessica
Wiebe,
Amy Bergman. Back Row:
Stacey Rance, Dustin Wiens,
Jeremy Voth, Nathan Reimer,
Chris Enns, Eva Xia, Trevor
Thiessen, Alicia Nickel,
Matthew Giesbrecht, Lyle
Wiens, Derek Peters, Cody
Falk, Matthew Wiebe, Kaylee
Friesen, Melissa Thiessen.
(Photo submitted by Lyle Wiens)
Class of 2003 By Lyle Wiens
On September 22, 2013, the class of 2003 gathered for our 10 year reunion at Noah and Joanna Ginters’ yard. Long
lost friendships were rekindled and MCI memories relived. Rick Heppner Mueller also joined us, stating that we were
indeed his favorite class so far. (Though, to be clear, we are pretty sure he says that to all his classes.) The time capsule
was opened with much excitement. However, to no one’s surprise, it contained very few items of interest. A National
Geographic from 1994 made it in... oh, how clever we thought we were back then!
October 18
Union Gospel Mission presents
Amanda Stott in Concert
Novemeber 1
MCI Fall Concert featuring all
MCI student choirs
November 28, 29, 30
Cottonwood Community Drama
presents Parfumerie,
the dramatic comedy which inspired
the hit movie, “You’ve Got Mail.”
For full calendars, visit
the Buhler Hall and MCI
websites.
www.buhlerhall.com
www.mciblues.net
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December 12, 13 7pm
W.C. Miller Candlelight
Christmas Concerts
December 19, 20 7pm
MCI Christmas Concert
October 23 3-5:30pm; 6-9pm
Parent Meetings
Soup &
November 1
Pie Fundraiser and
Fall Concert
November 24
Chamber Choir Church Visit
December 19, 20 7pm
MCI Christmas Concert
December 21-January 6
*Christmas Break*
January 19
Chamber Choir Church Visit
January 27-31
Exam Week
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MCI alumnus receives honorary degree
Submitted by Rudi Engbrecht
At the University of Manitoba (U of M), Spring Convocation 2013, Henry Engbrecht (‘58) was awarded an
Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree. Henry grew up on the family farm near Boissevain and graduated from MCI
in 1958. He acquired a B.Mus. at Canadian Mennonite Bible College, Winnipeg, a BA at Bethel College, Kansas,
and a M. Mus. and M. Mus. Educ. from Southern Methodist University, Texas. He served as the University of
Manitoba’s Director of Choral Studies, 1978-2006.
Henry conducted the Manitoba Opera Chorus, the Winnipeg Philharmonic Choir, the University of Manitoba
Singers and the U of M Women’s Choir. On four occasions, he coordinated choirs from four universities in
Manitoba and North Dakota to sing with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra. He prepared choruses for more than
20 conductors at the symphony, the opera, and the ballet. He toured extensively with the University of Manitoba
Singers. In 1990, the University Singers won first prize in the CBC National Choir Competitions.
Henry found his wings, so to speak, for teaching and conducting while teaching at MCI, 1967-1971. His love of
choral singing, his passion to teach, and the administrative support from P. J. Schaefer and Gerhard Ens made
his MCI experience memorable. He introduced provincially accredited music courses at every grade level. With
Henry’s vision and mentorship, new choral ensembles supplemented existing choirs.
Henry added ensembles called School Chorus, Concert Choir, Chamber Choir, Girls’ Choir, Male Choir. They
sang at the Winnipeg Music Festival, gave a guest performance concert at the Provincial Choral Conference, and
performed at the Winnipeg’s Centennial Concert Hall twice. One of these included a performance of Das Lied
von der Glocke (The Song of the Bell) with solists Esther (Peters) Klassen, Arthur Janzen and Bill Thiessen. Das
Lied von der Glocke is a 50-minute cantata by Andreas Romberg, a contemporary of Beethoven; the text, an epic
poem by Friedrich Schiller. The text was part of MCI’s German language and literature courses.
In 1990 and 2005, he was awarded the Dr. and Mrs. D.R. Campbell Outreach Award. In 2000, the Government of
Manitoba bestowed on him the Prix Manitoba Award for distinguished service, and in 2006, he was honored with
Distinguished Service Awards from both the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and the Association of Canadian
Choral Conductors. In 1993, students elected him Professor of the Year. With his retirement in 2006, the University
of Manitoba awarded him Professor Emeritus status. At that time, and on the initiative of his daughter, Geraldine
(’81), the Henry Engbrecht Graduate Fellowship was established.
Presently, Henry conducts the Faith and Life Male Choir and The Canzona Singers.
A New Kind of Legacy
Become a Stookie Sustainer.
As part of the Growing the Legacy campaign,
MCI invites you to join the Stookie support circle through
automated giving of $100, $50, or just $25 each month
to help us reach our goal of $250,000 in 2014.
Visit your online banking site to set up automatic gift transfer
or contact MCI to ask more.
All gifts are receiptable for tax purposes.
(204) 327-5891 www.mciblues.net
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alumni news & updates
Births
Colton Riley was
born January 31,
2012, to Jeff (‘01)
and Tricia Falk of
Morden.
Daphne Noelle
was born July 22,
2013, to Brad and
Natalie (Enns,
‘98) Gerbrandt of
Winnipeg. Brad
and Natalie also
became co-owners
of Prairie Crossfit in
Winnipeg.
Weddings
Lisa Zacharias
(‘09), daughter
of Carl (‘78)
and Esther (‘80)
Zacharias, married
Matthew Wiebe in
Reinland, MB, on
August 9, 2013.
Matthew
Zacharias (‘07)
son of Carl (‘78)
and Esther (‘80)
Zacharias, married
Amanda Escalle
in Irvine, CA, on
February 17, 2013.
Below: The Class of 2008 takes on the staff team at the alumni tournament.
Where are you living?
What are you doing? What
experiences would you
like to share with MCI
alumni & friends of
the school?
Email:
alumni@mciblues.net
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Deaths
time to participate in many choirs and was an active
volunteer after her retirement from nursing.
Katie (Kay) Wall (‘49) passed away on August 31, 2013.
She was the beloved wife of Art and mother of Doug &
On the morning of August 6, 2013, Julie (of BC), and Gerald & Darlene (of St. Catharines).
surrounded by family, Janelle Kay was a long time volunteer.
Breanne Knutt, daughter of Tony Mary (Neufeld) Penner (‘47) passed away on September
(current staff) and Terry Knutt, 17, 2013. Mary was married to Hank Penner. Throughout
stepped out of her earthly home into her life, Mary was known for her love and care of cats
her eternal home to be with Jesus. and for her musical talents. The family will long for her
Janelle will be dearly missed and smiling face, her warmth and kindness, her light-hearted
loved forever. Janelle was born on sense of humour, and her easily given friendship.
December 17, 1996, in Winnipeg.
She began her life on the farm near Emerson where David Winter (‘49) passed away on September 15, 2013.
she loved the outdoors, her cats, a vivid imagination, Husband, father, grandfather, teacher, principal, chaplain,
and time spent with her family. She accepted Jesus gardener, and friend. Dave faced his death as he had
Christ as her Lord and Saviour at the age of 3 1/2. lived: in relative simplicity, with much thoughtfulness,
Janelle had a love of adventure and was very creative. prayer, and consideration for others.
Some of her favourite hobbies included gardening,
sewing, designing clothes, and playing the ukulele. Peter Thiessen (‘52) suddenly and peacefully passed
Janelle’s friends and family were such a huge part away on September 5, 2013. Peter was born and raised
of her life. She loved spending quality time making on the family farm near Grunthal, MB. He attended MCI
fun and lasting memories with each one of them. She and later returned to teach there. He married Marlies in
helped with Sunday school singing, and played drums 1955. His teaching career spanned 13 years, including
during praise and worship at the Halbstadt Church, a principalship. He was a free spirit, an out-of-the-box
where she was also a part of the youth group. Janelle thinker, and a Blue Bomber fan. He will be sadly missed
had a smile and laughter that lit up her face and easily by family and friends.
spread to those around her. Thank you to all those who Susan Krahn Miller (‘44) of Tucson, Arizona, died on
had a part in Janelle’s life here on earth. Your love for June 12, 2013, surrounded by family. Susan was born
her helped to mould her into the young woman she had in the Ukraine on September 23, 1926. She grew up in
become.
Manitoba. She received her MA from the University
Mary Klassen Kroeker (‘62) passed away peacefully of Michigan and went on to teach at Bluffton College
on August 2, 2013, after a two-year battle with cancer. in Ohio, in Turkey, and in Saudi Arabia. She spent
her life travelling the world with her family. In 1959,
She will be lovingly remembered and missed.
she married James Virgil Miller. Susan will be fondly
Tina Enns (‘52) passed away peacefully on June 29, remembered for her keen intellect, her positive attitude,
2013. Tina was employed for 27 years as the Director and her adventurous spirit. She led an active lifestyle
of the Misericordia School of Nursing. She had a until the end. She loved life and was always ready and
tremendous love and passion for nursing. She made eager to learn new things.
Crossroads is printed in Canada by
FRIESENS FAST PRINT, Altona, MB
Managing Editor:
Shanda Hochstetler
MCI Box 250 Gretna, MB R0G 0V0
204-327-5891
mci@mciblues.net
www.mciblues.net
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Contact MCI Toll free in Manitoba:
1-877-MCI-BLUE (1-877-624-2583)
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