CUC Changes Status and Official Name to Burman University

On December 15, 2014 the CUC Board of Trustees approved changing its name from Canadian University College to Burman University. 
 
The university is named after Charles A. and Leona Burman the husband and wife team who founded the institution in 1907. Charles A. Burman served as the first and third President (Principal) of the school that would be known as CUC.  Leona Burman taught English, science, language, geography, physiology, and acted as school nurse.  Both Charles and Leona devoted their entire lives to the work of the Seventh-day Adventist Church.
 
“It was because of their selfless dedication and sacrifice that the first school on this hilltop was established,” said CUC President Mark Haynal. “In every season of their ministry both of these individuals exemplified the mission of our school.  They thought with discernment, believed with insight and commitment, and acted with confidence, compassion and competence.”

On July 2, 2014 the Alberta government granted CUC permission to change the institutions status and name from "university college" to "university."

"Referring to ourselves simply as a university will more clearly reflect our degree-granting status and enable our students to pursue graduate school and employment without having to repeatedly explaining what a 'university college' is," says Haynal. "Because 'university college' means markedly different things in different regions, potential students and administrators of post-secondary institutions across Canada and around the world have always been uncertain and often confused by our name."

The name "Burman University" was chosen after an intensive process of focus groups held in three regions of Canada. Faculty, staff, students, alumni, friends and citizens of Lacombe joined the process, suggesting more than a hundred possible names.

CUC will continue as Canadian University College for the remainder of the 2014-2015 academic calendar year. Full implementation of the new name will take place May 1, 2015. The name change process will be fully complete after petition for amendments through a private bill moves through the Alberta legislature.