Last Updated: Wednesday - 01/05/2011

Former police chief named Newman v-p

EDMONTON — Former Edmonton police chief John Lindsay is the new administrative vice-president of Newman Theological College.

He was appointed by the college in late November following a national search.

"I came to Newman because I'm called to help to build the Church and to also labour in (the Lord's) vineyard," Lindsay said Dec. 3

"I know that this is where the Lord is calling me to be. He is asking me to try and do my best work and that's exactly what I want to do."

The Venezuelan-born Lindsay, 48, who resigned as a police chief in January 2000 after five years as chief and more than 23 years in the department, will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the college, including human, financial and physical resources. He will also oversee the operations of the foundation of Newman and St. Joseph's Seminary.

"I'm looking at the business side. I'm looking after finances, budgeting, planning, people, computers, technology and fundraising," he explained.

"The only thing that I haven't had a lot of experience in from my past is fundraising. That's a new thing for me.

"I am looking forward to that though because it's a wonderful opportunity to circulate in the Catholic community and to encourage people to learn more about Newman Theological College and St. Joseph's Seminary and to support it.

"My big job is obviously to have Newman better known in the community so people would have the choice of knowing that they can support it."

The son of a Venezuelan Gulf Oil engineer who was constantly on the move, Lindsay lived in Europe for most of his teens until he came to Winnipeg at age 21.

He joined the Catholic Church in 1975 while studying at the University of Winnipeg.

A year later, he joined the Edmonton Police Service as a patrol officer, becoming chief of police in 1995. Married for 25 years, Lindsay and his wife Louise have four children and attend St. Joseph's Basilica.

A graduate of the University of Alberta School of Law, Lindsay was named a Queen's Counsel in 1998.

Following his resignation as chief, he remained employed by the police department as a special consultant until June, when he retired with a full pension.

"I'm thrilled and I am excited and I am delighted by the opportunity to serve at Newman Theological College," he said.

Lindsay describes himself as "a Catholic and a family man committed to making God's place on earth a source of joy and compassion."

His said his main objective as Newman's administrative vice-president is to "serve the president" and "to ensure that Newman Theological College grows and prospers." He also wants to be "a source of Christian inspiration" for others.

Newman College offers programs in theology and religious studies from the certificate level through graduate level. It shares its facilities with St. Joseph's Seminary.

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