It is recognized as unique in the world and represents a collective storehouse of knowledge for academics exploring these topics. According to van der Meer, a professor in the departments of biology and philosophy at the College, it has been a smooth transition for the Pascal Centre, since he works closely with Botha and remains actively involved in developing and promoting the bibliographic database as a tool for scholars all over the world. He welcomes the new arrangement since it allows him to spend more time in research and writing on the engagement of science and religion. Dr. Danie Strauss, Director of the Dooyeweerd Centre since it was established in 1994 is continuing in the Centre as General Editor. He will work with Dr. Botha in making the works and insights of the 20th century Dutch philosopher Herman Dooyeweerd more accessible to the broader academic community.
Cooper is enthusiastic about the new structure.
These changes in administration for both the Pascal and Dooyeweerd Research Centres reflect the maturity of their development as valuable research facilities and underscore Redeemer's commitment not only to excellence in undergraduate teaching but to scholarly research and faculty development. We are pleased that Dr. Botha is serving both the College and its research centres in this capacity and see Redeemer faculty and students benefiting from her contributions. On behalf of the Board of Governors and the Senate, Redeemer President Justin Cooper announced today that with the approval of the provincial legislature Redeemer will hereafter be officially known as Redeemer University College. Legislation approving the change to Redeemer's charter was passed on June 22. Commenting on the new name Cooper observed that it was a natural extension of changes made in 1998 when the provincial legislature recognized Redeemer's liberal arts and science programs as meeting the high standards of Ontario universities.