The COVID-19 pandemic has had a fiscal impact on the College. Closing the residence in the spring term and operating at 50% capacity in the fall has cut our revenues substantially, and costs for additional labour, cleaning supplies, and PPE have increased expenses.
Grebel’s budget has included generous support for our students, especially in our graduate programs. “I’m proud of the fact that we have been able to distribute over $500,000 annually in student bursaries and scholarships over the past few years. The cost of higher education continues to climb, and scholarships and bursaries help our students manage student debt,” said President Marcus Shantz in a letter to supporters.
Much of this support is provided through the annual Grebel Fund, which also supports other programs that do not receive government support.
This year, more than ever, we will be relying on support from our alumni and donors who include Grebel in their charitable giving.
Visit grebel.ca/giving or watch for a letter from Marcus Shantz in your mailbox.
This fall, students who received scholarship awards submitted videos of thanks to donors. Please visit our “Legacy Giving” page to see this video compilation and experience the impact donations have on our students.
Donate Online or connect with Fred W. Martin, Director of Advancement
NDAGIRE BRENDAH, MASTER OF PEACE AND CONFLICT STUDIES
“My hope for the future is to continue to conduct research centering the experiences and stories of women at grassroots levels who are leading peace-building processes in their communities. I want to create space for them to tell their story and experience with everyday violence and what actions they are implementing to contribute to a just peace and coexistence.”
NEIL BRUBACHER, SYSTEMS DESIGN ENGINEERING
“As I enter my final year, I look to the future with hope that the technologies on the cusp of development today be used for good tomorrow—that digital connectivity is leveraged to deepen authentic relationships rather than erode them, that AI enhances human creativity rather than replace it, that data is used fairly to foster peace, not oppression.
This hope has largely been kindled at Grebel through meaningful conversations with peers across disciplines of study, uniquely engaging elective courses taught by Grebel professors, and access to an incubator dedicated to social impact.”
AWARD SUPPORTS STRING MUSICIANS
Erma Stutzman and her late husband John were great lovers of music, especially string music. Late in life, John took up the cello. When they moved to Waterloo, Erma’s home, from Normal, Illinois, they became regulars at many community concerts.
Their gift provides support and encouragement for talented string musicians with preference given to Music majors or minors and those living at Grebel. “We’re really grateful to have this new award to attract and support talented string musicians in our studio program,” noted Mark Vuorinen, Chair of the Music Department.
ESTATE GIFT ESTABLISHES HELEN MARTENS CHORAL MUSIC AWARD
Choral music was a passion of Helen Martens, the founding Music Department Chair at Grebel. As the beneficiary of a gift from her estate, Grebel has established an endowment in Helen’s honour to provide a scholarship award for a chorister who exhibits a passion for choral music, demonstrates vocal excellence, and shows leadership.
“I remember singing under Helen Martens’ direction in the Inter- Mennonite Children’s Choir,” noted Fred W. Martin, Director of Advancement. “It is very meaningful to be able to direct Helen’s estate gift to something that symbolizes her love of choral singing.” Alumni and other donors are welcome to add to this endowment. Contact Fred if you are interested in helping augment Helen’s legacy!
