Welcome to Grebel

“It has always fascinated me how beautiful and vast the universe is and how little we know about it,” said Angelica Lee, a fourth-year Accounting and Financial Management student at the University of Waterloo. Angelica, who lived at Grebel for two terms, was recently nominated for the Student Leadership Category for the Women’s Aerospace Network. The award highlights the contributions of students who demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities that enrich campus life and leave a lasting impact. Not only is this a remarkable feat on its own, but Angelica is also a non-Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) student and is the only Canadian student nominee in this year’s competition. Her perseverance, self-determination, and love for space are inspirations to students pursuing unconventional career pathways.  

Ralph Torrie has over 40 years working as an analyst, communicator, and advocate for sustainability. He has been involved with several organizations to help create a greener future. After connecting with a classmate during a Peace and Conflict Studies class at Conrad Grebel University College, Ralph continued to find innovative and creative means to handle the environmental crisis. His consulting firm, Torrie Smith Associates, developed software to help local governments, environmental groups and Indigenous organizations take strategic approaches to reduce their greenhouse gas emissions. He was a candidate for the Green Party in the 2008 and 2011 federal elections. He lives with his partner Judy Smith in Cobourg, Ontario and has two grandsons who live nearby. 

Grace’s experience is a part of an annual MDS student service trip organized by Grebel. In partnership with MDS, the College also offers a scholarship of $4,500 to students who volunteer for at least four weeks (between May and August) on an MDS Project, with the goal of promoting service and volunteerism.