Faced with adversity and resistance from the beginning, St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi Colleges at the University of British Columbia have persevered and continue to deliver quality Catholic higher education.

As the two schools celebrate significant anniversaries — St. Mark’s 70 years as the graduate school of theology and Corpus Christi a quarter century as a liberal arts undergraduate college — they celebrate “a community that believed in the legacy of Catholic education,” said Dr. Gerry Turcotte, principal and president of the two schools.

“We have proven that the light of Christ shines through the story of post-secondary education even as opponents have at times suggested that our faith life shouldn’t be present in the world of university education,” said Turcotte. “The irony, of course, is that the Catholic Church created the first universities over 1,000 years ago, and it did so because it understood the important role that faith and reason play in the formation of extraordinary citizens and the building of ethical societies.”

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He praised the efforts of the Basilian fathers who “worked heroically to gain approval and support from UBC itself” and then negotiated “a difficult secular environment” in order to establish two thriving Catholic colleges, now endorsed by the Jesuits of Canada.

At the beginning of the school year, some 250 guests joined Turcotte to mark the anniversaries. An opening Mass, the unveiling of a new statue, a community barbecue and an anniversary launch were all part of the Sept. 13 festivities. Those in attendance heard Fr. J-Pierre Ducharme, minister provincial at Franciscans of Canada, note the rich foundation that legendary figures such as Fr. James Hanrahan, Fr. Henry Carr and Fr. David Bauer built, even as their vision was resisted by the secular community of the day. 

“Jesus tells His disciples, no good can come from bad,” said Ducharme. “All good is based on a solid foundation. The students of today, as in every generation, need no more than an open mind and heart to learn and grow. For St. Mark’s and Corpus Christi College, and all those who believe in this mission, that foundation is and always will be our faith.’

Dr. Nicholas Olkovich, who holds the Marie Anne Blondin Chair in Theology, founded by the Sisters of St. Ann through a $3-million endowment, spoke of the powerful impact St. Mark’s College has had on the community. 

“Catholic education aspires to form disciples and citizens for service to the common good,” said Olkovich. “For nearly 70 years, St. Mark’s College has done just that — forming leaders, lay and ordained — for faithful and creative ministry in an increasingly complex and diverse world.

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“We’ve managed to cultivate a community of learning that allows ministers and leaders from across B.C. and even other provinces to listen to and learn from one another online. Folks from every one of these constituencies have noted that theological education has deepened their understanding of and appreciation for Scripture and the Christian tradition and has helped them develop important pastoral skills that increase their confidence in ministry and the effectiveness of their practice.”

Dr. Judith Scholes, professor of English, spoke on behalf of Corpus Christi College, which “for 25 years has provided undergraduates in their first two years of university with a supportive, holistic and values-based liberal arts education. With over 100 university-transfer courses and counting, and a foundational Associate of Arts degree that students can tailor to enter their BA program of choice, our students — whether they are with us for one term or two years, whether they come from Vancouver, from across the country or the world — they learn to address complex problems, collaborate with others and serve their communities — and their own learning — with compassion and creativity.” 

One of the college’s star alumna, Renai Jose, speaks of the impact the college had on her educational journey. Jose shares how, through the college, she was inspired to found not one but two major charity projects, to participate in (and win) Oxford University’s Map the System global competition and to transition successfully into UBC’s Integrated Sciences program. 

“Corpus Christi College did not just give me an education, it gave me a voice. It shaped me into a leader, a servant and a person who believes that small beginnings can lead to extraordinary impact,” she said.

“My time at the colleges has been nothing short of transformational. It has shaped me as a student, as a leader and as a person of faith and service. In 2022, I came to Corpus Christi College fresh out of Little Flower Academy. I was blessed to receive the Circle of Fellows Scholarship, a recognition that not only celebrated academic excellence, but also leadership rooted in service, a value that has always been the pillar of my life.” 

The colleges have seen at the start of this academic year the unveiling of a new statue by famed Canadian sculptor Timothy Schmalz. Vancouver Archbishop Richard Smith blessed the remarkable bronze statue created by Schmalz, whose works are featured throughout the world, including in St. Peter’s Square. Schmalz spoke of how moved he was that the statue of St. Mark should grace the entrance to the colleges. 

“As a Catholic sculptor, this particular work of mine has special meaning, and I feel blessed to share it with all of you,” he said.

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Beyond the 70- and 25-year celebrations of the college, there are a number of other anniversaries being marked this year, including: the Micallef naming of the Theology Library is celebrating 20 years; St. Mark’s BA in Theology & Culture is celebrating 10 years; the Sisters of St. Ann $3-million endowment is celebrating 10 years; the first cohort of Permanent Deacons marks 10 years; the Jesuits of Canada endorsement agreement is into its fifth year and has been renewed for another five years; and the Centre for Christian Engagement is celebrating five years. 

This year is also the 25th Anniversary of the Annual College Breakfast, and the keynote speaker will be Smith presenting his inaugural Chancellor’s Address.