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2010 JD Leslie Prize Winner - Stephen Lewis King

2010 JD Leslie Prize Winner Stephen Lewis Kring As a young Baptist minister in the late 1970's, Stephen Kring enrolled in his first correspondence course, and thereby began a journey that, in 2010, culminated in the achievement of a Bachelor of Arts degree in excellent standing - without ever stepping into a classroom!

Minister Kring's chosen degree in Classical Studies was a natural fit - as in his own words, he "wanted to understand as clearly as possible the world in which the New Testament scriptures were written. The Greek and Roman world provided the cultural and historical background for both Jesus' life and the travels and letters of His apostles. To be a better expository preacher, I wanted to understand that background."

When asked how he kept himself motivated over the years, Kring responded, "That really wasn't a problem. I guess I'm one of those weird people that enjoys studying. I have truly enjoyed spreading out my studying over 32 years. It's like going to a smorgasbord and simply taking your time to savour the selections that you find most appetizing!"

On 'Why Waterloo?', Kring explains, "The University of Waterloo was one of the few universities that I knew about that offered an entire BA program through (what at that time was known as) Distance Education. Since it offered a Classic Studies Major, I looked no further. Moreover, I worked full-time as the minister of a Baptist church in Delhi, ON (where I am still serving after 33 years), and therefore simply didn't have time to take on-campus courses. Distance Education offered a way for me to keep on studying and expanding my mind and horizons, while still working at what I love best!"

Three decades of study has afforded Minister Kring a unique perspective on, and participation in, the evolution of off-campus post secondary learning. "When I began studying at Waterloo," he muses, "I would receive the expected package of cassette tapes. My battery operated portable cassette player was my regular companion! Over the years we graduated to lectures on CD-Rom. Eventually, the Internet replaced even the CD."

When asked his opinion on the benefits of online learning, Kring replied, "The online approach certainly has many advantages, because the professors can easily update their material and can supplement it with information that is available on the web." Though the adoption of new course delivery technologies isn't always seamless notes Kring. However, "the online environment does offer interaction with other students taking the same course, so you don't feel so isolated as a remote learner." At the end of the day, "the value of the course and the expertise of the professor teaching it" are the main benefit for Kring.

But enough about his studies, here's a little insight into the man behind the JD Leslie Prize:

"I enjoy biking with my wife (we even have a bicycle built for two), playing basketball and tennis, and teaching at the chess club at the Delhi Public School. I also play the trumpet and help out with the High School band. And I won't deny that I enjoy doing my own home renovations - as long as I have lots of time to figure out how to do them! Tent camping for two weeks each summer in a different part of Ontario or the United States has been a constant part of our lives for many years. My wife and I have homeschooled our 5 children from K to Grade 3 and then have sent them to the public school/high school in our area. I am also the chaplain at the Delhi Long Term Care Centre and write a religious article entitled 'Looking Up' in the Delhi News-Record a couple of times per month."

When asked 'What's Next?', this life-long learner, now 55 years of age and a grandfather of two, admitted "I don't have any immediate plans to take more courses. However, there are several areas of independent study that I would like to pursue now that would involve the writing of articles and speaking at pastors' conferences."

As the recipient of the 2010 JD Leslie Prize, Minister Kring would like to extend "a special word of thanks to all of the professors and the many staff members who help to keep the Extended (Online) Learning program going. It serves a vital function for those who find it difficult to be on campus, but still desire a university education."

He also has some sage advice "for those of you who are ready to quit because you have too many irons in the fire – DON'T! Yes, maybe you will have to lighten your course load from time to time, but it can be done. Rome wasn't built in a day. Neither was my B.A!"

And finally, to his dear wife Cheryl, "who supported and encouraged me in all these years: I promise that I won't bring my textbooks to bed anymore!"

About the James D. Leslie Prize

The James D. Leslie Prize is awarded annually to a University of Waterloo graduate who has earned at least half of the credits for his/her degree through distance education/online courses and achieved an overall first-class standing.

The Prize is named in honour of James D. Leslie, who conceived of and launched the University's first correspondence program in 1968. As its inaugural Director, Professor Leslie helped develop the University of Waterloo's distance education program into one of the largest in Canada.