The First Lady of TWU
September 20, 2006
Lauren Thompson
Trinity Western University is not only welcoming a new president’s wife this school year, but it is also gaining a new professor as Irene Raymond steps into the classroom to teach introductory Spanish.
Raymond, who holds an MA, has been teaching since she was 21, only taking time out to raise her two children. She is eager to continue this role on the TWU campus.
“Teaching [beginner] Spanish is fun, not work,” she shared, noting how exciting it is to see students bond over the elementary ideas of a new language. Raymond views herself as a “perpetual student of the language,” learning alongside the students she teaches.
The language and its people are very close to her heart, as Raymond completed her masters’ thesis in Mexico while studying the perceived social environment of the Mexican family. Her love for the language stems from her passion for the Spanish-speaking culture, which she describes as “warm, loving, accepting, and vibrant.”
The impetus to teach also comes from her conviction that learning a second language is an integral part of complying with Christ’s command to disciple others. She explained that having this skill “adds a whole new universe” of people to share experiences with and to reach out to.
In addition to her position as professor, Raymond is also assuming the role of president’s wife, a responsibility that she is “just beginning to figure out.” This is the second time she has had this role, as Dr. Raymond served as president of the much smaller Booth College in Manitoba from 1999-2006.
While coming to TWU is far more demanding because of its size, Raymond is certain of her most important duty.
“My main role is to be supportive of [Dr. Raymond] so that he can run the university as God would want him to run it,” she said. This will include opening her home to various members of the TWU community once she has fully settled into her new place. Hosting events will allow Raymond to get to know people from across the campus spectrum, including faculty, staff, administration, and most importantly, students.
As well, Raymond plans to continue her previous practice of having Spanish students over for authentic Latin American food, music, and movies.
“Being around [college age students] is like a good cup of coffee,” she said. Reflecting on the refreshing energy she sees on this campus, Raymond is assured that “God can use this idealism.”
Although Raymond shared that she “doesn’t know how [this year] is going to develop,” she is confident that God brought her family to B.C. for a reason. “It just felt right [coming here],” she said. “We know God is going to revise Trinity Western University.”
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