September marked a significant milestone for Tyndale Seminary as the community came together to celebrate 50 years of equipping ministry leaders to pursue their calling to serve.
Throughout the month, a series of special events brought together staff, faculty, students, supporters and alumni to reconnect and reflect on the Seminary’s legacy.
Festivities kicked off with a special university night at the Rogers Centre on September 14, as the Tyndale community came together for some outdoor fun to watch the Toronto Blue Jays face the Detroit Tigers. Those in attendance cheered on the Blue Jays while wearing a special edition anniversary hat, which featured both the Tyndale Seminary and Blue Jays 50th Anniversary logos.
On September 22, Tyndale hosted a special Chapel Service to thank God for His constant grace over the years and to celebrate the impact that Seminary alumni are making around the world. During the service, Dr. Janet Clark, Dean Emerita, was presented with Tyndale University’s Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her stellar leadership, faithful service, and enduring contribution to theological education and the global church.
The celebrations continued on September 25 with a special banquet. It was a delightful evening dedicated to honouring the people and the stories that have shaped the Seminary over the past five decades. Nearly 400 guests gathered to celebrate the milestone, reconnect with classmates and professors, and share memories of their time at Tyndale Seminary.
Laughter filled the room during the “Many Stories. One Mission.” segment, which included reflections and congratulations from special guests representing different communities within the Tyndale network.
Special guests included the following:
- Harriet Thornhill, Chancellor
- Rev. Dr. Frank Yamada, Executive Director, Association of Theological Schools
- Rev. CY Yan, Alumni Association Chinese Chapter
- Dr. Terry Leblanc, Director Emeritus, NAIITS: An Indigenous Learning Community
- Dr. Van Johnson, Dean, Master’s Pentecostal Seminary
- Dr. Jean Lee, Principal, Canadian Chinese School of Theology Toronto (CCSTT)
- Dr. David Guretzki, President and CEO of the Evangelical Fellowship of Canada, was the keynote speaker. His message reflected on the Seminary’s history and its ongoing mission to provide students with a unique and comprehensive theological foundation.
Congratulations to the alumni award recipients:
Global Impact Award
- Ann R. White (BTh 1970)
- Rev. Ramnarine Kalap (BTh 1982, MTS 1984)
Lifetime Impact Award
- Captain (Ret’d) Philip C. Ralph, CD (BTh 1981, MDiv 1983)
National Impact Award
- Dr. Aileen Van Ginkel (DMin 2012)
Horizon Award
- Jeremiah Tomas (BA 2020)
Community Impact Award
- “Kuya” Julius Vincent Obar Naredo (BA 2009)
- Rev. Erinn Oxford (BRE 1997)
September’s month-long activities concluded with Homecoming on September 26, bringing alumni and the wider Tyndale community in the same space once again for a full day of connecting and celebrating. This event was also an opportunity to honour our 2026 Distinguished Alumni whose work and contributions have made a significant impact in their communities and beyond.
These events offered more than a chance to take a walk down the 50-year memory lane. They were a reminder of the people, relationships, and shared longing to answer the call to work wherever God leads.
As we reflect on the Seminary’s achievements over the years, we give God thanks for His faithfulness and blessings for the last 50 years, and are appreciative of everyone’s role in making this milestone possible.
Thank you to our sponsors, speakers, and everyone who attended. Your support strengthens our vision for the years to come.
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