It was a weekend full of reunions, memories, and big announcements as Providence University College and Theological Seminary in Otterburne celebrated its 100th anniversary. The festivities kicked off Friday night (Sept. 5) at the RBC Convention Centre in Winnipeg, where alumni and dignitaries packed out the room at their Centennial Gala. Kent Anderson, President of Providence, said, “We packed the hall in downtown Winnipeg with friends of Providence supporting us in all kinds of ways. There were government officials, vendors, friends, and donors. It was really something special.” Dr. Ken Hanna (centre), the 9th College President, attended the celebrations together with his wife Mary (right). Hanna is responsible for moving Winnipeg Bible College (now Providence) to Otterburne in 1970. Honouring 100 Years of Service Anderson notes that one of the highlights of the evening was the presentation of 26 Distinguished Service Awards. “So, we established something new; we call it the Distinguished Service Award. We went back across the 100 years of history at our school to identify the people who had made an outstanding impact on what Providence is today. Many of them have passed on, but we were able to gather grandchildren who are still around, and it was just a wonderful, emotional time of sharing together. They’ll be honoured in a permanent display on campus.” When asked how the 26 were chosen, Anderson admitted it wasn’t easy. “Obviously, in 100 years, there are so many people, so it was very difficult to narrow it down,” he said. “But we were looking for people who’d been here a long time and done something significant during their time. People who really stood out.” One of those individuals was former President (1966 - 1979) Dr. Ken Hanna, who was responsible for securing the Otterburne campus site in 1970. The main building is named after Hanna. Providence University College, Otterburn campus was busy with families, students, staff and alumni enjoying the day. Campus Party in Full Swing By Saturday, the celebration had shifted back to the Otterburne campus, where crowds packed the grounds. “This is so gratifying,” Anderson said, glancing around at the crowd. “So many people gathering here; former students, staff, community members. We’ve even got a car show going on right now, a bouncy castle, with lectures, and environmental tours inside. Across the road, our men’s and women’s soccer teams are both playing their home openers. It’s incredible.” The President said it’s not just about fun and games, it’s about reflecting on Providence’s lasting impact. “Friday night, one of our students, Dallas, told his story,” Anderson recalled. “He said he arrived at Providence a boy and left a man. That’s a beautiful thing to think about, what God is doing here and what’s happening in people’s lives.” Christian recording artist, Zach Williams performed Saturday night to a sold-out crowd at the Southeast Event Centre. Sold-out concert at Southeast Event Centre Saturday night Saturday evening, the celebrations extended to the Southeast Event Centre in Steinbach, where local Christian recording artist Jordan St Cyr took to the stage in front of a sold-out crowd. St Cyr gave a shout-out to his hometown, Niverville, his family, friends and supporters for coming to the concert. After which, Zach Williams, an American Christian recording artist, performed familiar favourites and new music. Local Christian recording artist, Jordan St Cyr performed at Prov's 100th anniversary celebration concert, Saturday night. Sunday Centennial Worship Service The weekend of celebrations wrapped up with a service of worship under a tent on the grounds of Providence. The afternoon included a time of praise and reflection through music, scripture, and a message, honouring the university's spiritual foundation. Providence University College and Theological Seminary, Otterburn campus building named after Dr. Ken Hanna. Big Announcement: $20 Million Project During the weekend, Providence unveiled a $20 million Centennial Campaign aimed at upgrading the campus. Anderson noted. “We’re focusing on all sorts of things here at the school, strengthening the student experience. We’re even putting in an elevator in our main building. It’s a 100-year-old building, and we joke that it actually has 12 floors in just four stories. So we need an elevator to make it more accessible. That’s just one thing, but also around the grounds, we’ll be creating a much more welcoming place.” President of Prov, Kent Anderson (left) together with Dr. Nicholas Greco (right), unveil a dedication plaque during Saturday's celebrations. Overall, those who attended the celebration weekend were inspired, with many visitors reigniting friendships with former students and staff at Providence University College and Theological Seminary. Anderson adds, "I'm just very grateful to my team of hardworking people, who just put everything they had into this weekend. They care about Providence, and they care about people, and they wanted to honour the Lord with all their efforts. I'm also so grateful to everyone who attended. Thank you so much." He concludes, "I sent out a little video to our staff this morning, to thank everyone and to say, 'This is day one of century two, and off we go, and we'll see what God wants to do.'"