Welcome to Grebel

“Having lived in Canada for a few months now, I am thrilled by the diverse cultures and the friendly vibe,” remarked Abuk Angok, who is living at Conrad Grebel University College and studying at the University of Waterloo. “My life’s journey has been a difficult struggle, filled with hopelessness, suffering, and disillusionment. Despite all this, my passion for education has never dimmed.” 

“I began my schooling in 2009 in South Sudan, before fleeing due to civil war,” remembered Abuk. “Unfortunately, in August of 2013, our domicile was burnt down by the brutal pastoralist men who mercilessly attacked our village and raided various herds of cattle. Many children, youths, and women were killed, maimed, and displaced.” 

E. Paul Penner, a pillar of Grebel, retired in March 2024, leaving a legacy of commitment, care, and hospitality, as well as memories of pranks, laughter, and classic movie nights. Before his 36-year career in operations, Paul was a University of Waterloo student (BA 1983) who lived at Conrad Grebel University College while studying Economics and Sociology. His service to the College began while a student, serving as Student Council President in 1982-83. After graduating, Paul worked in maintenance in the St. Clair-O’Connor Community as Environmental and Maintenance Services Supervisor and Apartment Rental Coordinator. He completed his Certificate in Business at the University of Toronto in 1987. He returned to Grebel in 1988 as Business Manager, then transitioned to Operations Manager in 1995, and finally to Director of Operations. His primary responsibilities were managing the staff, operations, and buildings of the College, but to Paul, the job was a mission of hospitality, service, and community-building. 

“I really loved the movie, Cars. When I became a member of the Grebel Orientation Committee, I knew straight away that Cars simply had to be the O-Week theme,” explained Isabel Song, a third-year Honours Science student who lives at Conrad Grebel University College. “Planning O-Week required significant time and effort, but when I sat in the Grebel dining hall, watching the movie Cars, surrounded by Cars-themed decorations, people wearing Cars-themed t-shirts, after a week of Cars-themed games, and skits performed by people in Cars-themed costumes, I knew it was all worth it.”