New sign unveiled at the Providence University College and Theological Seminary.
A new sign, designed to carry the Providence name into the future, was unveiled at the Providence University College and Theological Seminary campus this past week.
The unveiling of Providence University College and Theological Seminary’s new campus sign took place on a beautiful and remarkably warm Thursday, March 22. Approximately one hundred staff, faculty, and students came out to be part of the unveiling on highway 303. The sign was erected Wednesday and kept undercover until the Thursday afternoon event.
Heath Holden, Vice President for Facilities Management, welcomed everyone and explained the project and how it was accomplished. President August Konkel explained how the name change came about. Providence began in Winnipeg in 1925. A number of well-known Christian institutions such as the Canadian Sunday School Mission and Briercrest Schools grew out of or in connection with this school. In 1948 Providence was the first school in Western Canada to be granted a legislative charter to offer theological degrees. In 1970 the school moved to its present campus in Otterburne. In 1972 Providence began graduate training in ministry which eventually was called Providence Theological Seminary. In 1978 the charter was amended so that Providence could offer any degree that would further its mission. Since 1978 the undergraduate curriculum of Providence has moved more and more to include arts courses and a number of undergraduate arts majors have been added.
In June, 2011, Providence was granted authority by the Manitoba legislature to change its undergraduate school name to Providence University College. As part of the name change process a new sign was designed and installed that will carry the Providence name into the future. This new sign is a precast concrete structure that stands nearly 9 feet tall and is 21 feet long. It is very impressive with intricate masonry work and contrasting bold black lettering.
This new sign is a substantial addition to the Providence campus. It was designed and fabricated by Barkman Concrete and would not have been possible without a generous donation by Barkman Concrete of Steinbach.
