Connections Archive

Kimberley Ellison
Editorial intern

Dr Ray and Carmel Roennfeldt are no strangers to Avondale, but Ray admits his new role as college president--from January 1 next year--is going to take some getting used to.

"I realise this is going to be an enormous task," he says, "but it's also something I'm looking forward to."

The Roennfeldts met at Avondale as students and married in 1974. They then spent eight years in Papua New Guinea where Ray (pictured) taught at a village Bible school. He describes these years as "the most formative for Carmel and I [as it shaped] us into the people we are now," adding it was like "living in Old Testament times."

He believes firmly in the importance of mission, calling it a "vital" part of spiritual growth and expressing a desire to create more ways for Avondale students to experience it.

After Papua New Guinea, the couple spent four years at Andrews University (Berrien Springs, Michigan, USA), where Ray completed his PhD before returning to Avondale in 1991 to teach.

"Giving up teaching is going to be hard," admits Ray. However, he is "relishing" the thought of working with an "awesome group of students, a completely committed staff, and an excellent administrative team."

He cites Romans 8:38-39 as his favourite Bible text, saying, "I live by the assurance that absolutely nothing can separate us from the love of God."

Ray is currently dean of and a senior lecturer in the Faculty of Theology at Avondale. Carmel teaches religious studies at Macquarie College, and she is completing a Master of Arts in theology.

Credit: Ann Stafford