Groleau

"I really think we demonstrated the best that Tyndale stands for," said Groleau.

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Valedictorian Mark Groleau thinks Tyndale should host controversial figures, but they should be part of open "forums of academic inquiry" not promotional galas with "hand-picked distinguished guests."

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Valedictorian Mark Groleau thinks Tyndale should host controversial figures, but they should be part of open "forums of academic inquiry" not promotional galas with "hand-picked distinguished guests."

Will Braun: Canadian Evangelical School Cancels George W. Bush Visit Will Braun 2011

Groleau said the two discussed their differences in an open and respectful way.

Will Braun: Canadian Evangelical School Cancels George W. Bush Visit Will Braun 2011

Groleau, who is now a pastor at The Meeting House, Canada's most innovative mega-church, said that for the school to align itself with Bush in this way was "a huge tactical and marketing blunder."

Will Braun: Canadian Evangelical School Cancels George W. Bush Visit Will Braun 2011

Despite his criticism, Groleau said he had a very positive meeting with Tyndale president Gary Nelson on Sept.15.

Will Braun: Canadian Evangelical School Cancels George W. Bush Visit Will Braun 2011

"The major capital that Tyndale has is that it is transdenominational," Groleau said of the school's reputation as an objective institution.

Will Braun: Canadian Evangelical School Cancels George W. Bush Visit Will Braun 2011

The next day, the Star -- Canada's most widely read newspaper -- quoted Mark Groleau, Tyndale's valedictorian from just a few months earlier, and Arthur Boers, a Tyndale professor, who both opposed the event.

Will Braun: Canadian Evangelical School Cancels George W. Bush Visit Will Braun 2011

The next day, the Star -- Canada's most widely read newspaper -- quoted Mark Groleau, Tyndale's valedictorian from just a few months earlier, and Arthur Boers, a Tyndale professor, who both opposed the event.

Will Braun: Canadian Evangelical School Cancels George W. Bush Visit Will Braun 2011

"I really think we demonstrated the best that Tyndale stands for," said Groleau.

Will Braun: Canadian Evangelical School Cancels George W. Bush Visit Will Braun 2011