Passing the Torch
TRINITY SAYS GOODBYE TO ITS LONGEST SERVING PRESIDENT
April 12, 2006
Alison Fraser
As his presidential term ends, Dr. Neil Snider will say goodbye, at least for a time, to the students and staff of Trinity Western University, which he has served for the past 32 years.
From the beginning of his presidency in 1974, Dr. Snider had a vision for the school to become a “first class institution, one that is unapologetically and passionately Christian.” He wanted for the school “to be like Daniel, standing tall in the midst of culture.”
Dr. Snider’s vision extended past the school, to its students, to what he calls, “whole person development.” Dr. Snider said he believes that “God’s call on every person’s life is to become the person he uniquely created them to be.”
This approach made Snider popular among those who got a chance to have a dorm meeting at his house, or to have him and his wife Marlie join them on a dorm date.
Third year Norman Van Eden Petersman remembers such a dorm date.
“It was an all-star date and we were hula dancing for some reason,” he said, “and in his stately way, he hula danced.”
For fourth year student Matthew Triemstra, Dr. Snider “embodies Trinity Western University.”
“He always had time for students and you were always guaranteed a smile if he was in a hurry,” said Triemstra, “What other president looked forward to inviting entire dorms to his house once a week?”
The Snider home was visited not only by students, but also by faculty and staff.
“I remember Dr. Snider and his wife opening their house regularly,” says English professor Dr. Holly Nelson. “I enjoyed a truly blessed time at his home.”
Outside of TWU as well, Dr. Snider will be remembered as a genuine people person.
“He meets people where they’re at so that they don’t see him as President, but see him as a friend,” said Dwight Johnson, Director of Development and Church Relations. Johnson, who has been friends with Dr. Snider since 1972, came with him to TWU in 1974.
Whether at TWU or away, Dr. Snider loves to share his mission and vision for the university.
“[Our] unique mission statement and our ability to communicate our vision for personal development effectively makes Trinity worthwhile,” said Dr. Snider, who believes this is why students are continuing to choose to come to TWU.
“My family and I came with a heart for seeing Trinity succeed,” said Dr. Snider of his mission for the school. “We were deeply committed.”
Snider is also passionate about sharing the great history of Trinity, one which he helped shape.
“[He] dedicated his energies to transforming the university from a small college with a limited impact on society to a significant spiritual and academic force,” said Nelson.
This transformation was a process, which Snider believes “God used for his glory.”
The campus today is a far cry from the two-year Trinity Western College of 1974.
“It was a hard time to get an institution started,” said Dr. Snider of his vision to get a bill passed that would turn the college into a degree granting four-year University.
This bill would need to be supported by the provincial government.
“I met every cabinet minister,” said Dr. Snider, “Every legislator.”
Despite lack of government cooperation, the bill was passed in 1979.
“No way should it have ever happened,” said Dr. Snider, “We found out that 20 minutes before the legislature closed that they had approved it.”
TWU continued to move forward as more changes took place. The approval of TWU into the Association of Universities and Colleges in Canada (AUCC) in 1984, or the decision in 2001 by the Supreme Court approving TWU’s education program were victories for the school.
“God has made it possible for us to exist, and to exist well,” said Dr. Snider.
Over 3,500 students now attend from around the world to study at the school that has changed and evolved under the leadership of Dr. Snider.
History professor Dr. John Klassen has been able to see much of this change first hand, as he is currently in his 30th year at TWU. Klassen said he was impressed by the “quality of academic deans he hired, all of whom played an important role in Trinity’s development.”
For Klassen, it is also due to the strength of Dr. Snider’s mission that faculty and students continue to come to TWU. The mission’s “commitment to the Bible and its uncompromising academic integrity makes a difference,” he said.
Klassen also remembers when the faculty played volleyball every Thursday at lunch.
“Neil joined us,” remembers Klassen. “He positively related to faculty.”
It’s these things that Dr. Snider will miss as he leaves. “I have wonderful colleagues. I’ve been here when we’ve hired every one,” he said. “My staff are bright and committed.”
Snider admits he will not miss the very busy schedule he has had as president, and is looking forward to a restful summer spending time with his family.
“I’ve had a hard year,” said Dr. Snider. “I look forward to the break.”
He spoke of the difficulties of the transition, of the challenges he has been personally faced with.
“Losing your wife is not an easy thing,” he said of his late wife, Marlie Snider, who passed away last June.
“I’ve learned that life doesn’t always seem fair. I don’t always understand it.”
True to the way he has always faced challenges, Dr. Snider has continued to rely on God.
“I had to trust the Lord, who helped me to keep focused on him rather than on the disappointing things – God doesn’t allow us to have a martyr spirit,” he said.
“I’ve managed to be much more enthusiastic and anticipatory for the future than I am about the past,” he added. “I’ve learned that I never stand alone – maybe the Lord allows these things to happen so we don’t become independent of him.”
Dr. Snider is grateful of his time at Trinity and excited about what he was able to accomplish as TWU’s president. “I’m a very fortunate person who had the opportunity to be used by God in unique ways.”
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