Jennifer Ball has moved on from her role as Assistant Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies at Grebel after seven years. She is wellrecognized for her work and expertise in the use and development of Circle practices, both as a conflict resolution process and as classroom pedagogy. Students appreciated Jennifer’s knowledge and her engaging approach to teaching, and they valued the relationships she cultivated inside and outside of the classroom. She continues to lead workshops in Grebel’s Conflict Management Certificate Program.
Stephen Jones “turned the page” this summer, into retirement. Steve served at Grebel for 27 years, many stellar years as the Managing and Copy Editor of The Conrad Grebel Review, where he showed phenomenal attention to detail, graceful persistence, good-natured humour, and great wisdom and tact. Steve was commended for his “effortless effort,” a breadth of connections, and his talent for nurturing the voice of writers and editors. At his farewell, speakers described Steve as a contemporary Renaissance thinker—someone who embraces knowledge from many different areas.
After five years as Director of Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre, Kyle Gingerich Hiebert stepped down from this role. Kyle oversaw a number of significant initiatives and transitions during his time at TMTC, including development of the Fellows Program and the TMTC Public Lecture. Reflecting on his time at TMTC Kyle said, “it has been an enormous privilege to work alongside so many talented graduate students.” Kyle has accepted a new position as editor of The Conrad Grebel Review.
The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging and Grebel are pleased to announce the renewal of Jane Kuepfer as Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging. Jane’s research in the area of spiritual care and aging has contributed greatly to the quality of life of older adults and especially residents in senior living communities. As part of her teaching at Grebel, “Jane’s courses on spirituality and aging have given students valuable training that is necessary for serving the growing aging community,” noted Troy Osborne, Dean at Grebel.
The Grebel Board of Governors reappointed Professor Troy Osborne as Dean for a second term of four years, until December 31, 2026. “Troy has supported and mentored faculty during particularly difficult circumstances over the past several years,” commented President Marcus Shantz. “Faculty appreciate his sincere interest in their work, his thoughtful advice, and his advocacy on the wider University campus. Troy is a conscientious administrator who tends carefully to small details and also promotes the larger strategic goals of the College.”
Professor Emeritus Calvin Redekop passed away on July 19, 2022, at the age of 96 years. Cal was a sociologist, writer, teacher, and activist, and he tirelessly worked for environmental change and sustainability. He taught sociology at Grebel from 1979 until 1990. Cal was a prolific writer and continued authoring books until his death. Topics included creation and the environment, Mennonite faith and economics, Mennonite and Indigenous relations, Mennonite identity and society, entrepreneurship, and finding meaning in work.
