Jessica Reesor Rempel (BA 2011) has been appointed Conrad Grebel University College’s new Director of Student Services. She has already served with distinction in the roles of Interim Chaplain, Chaplain, and, for the past few months, as Acting Director. Jessie brings a wealth of experience in pastoral care, social services, and organizational leadership.
“I’m delighted that Jessie will fill this important role in Student Services,” announced President Marcus Shantz. “The range and depth of her work and educational experiences are a very strong fit for the diverse demands and responsibilities of this role, and she has already demonstrated great integrity and good judgement while working in Student Services. I am also inspired by Jessie’s compelling vision for Student Services at Grebel and how this department fits into the larger mission and programs of the College and its many constituencies.”
Jessica has focused much of her career on young adults. She lived at Grebel, graduated from the University of Waterloo with a Peace and Conflict Studies degree, and earned a Master of Divinity at Emmanuel College at the Toronto School of Theology. She then co-founded Pastors in Exile, a progressive and affirming community-based ministry that seeks to empower young adults as they explore and deepen the spiritual meaning of their lives, world, work, and activism, which she led for eight years. Her past work experience includes offering mental health support, referral, and crisis intervention skills honed while working in an emergency shelter and a long-term care home, as well as leadership experience in several residential settings including at Grebel and Camp Micah. She has also held various roles with Mennonite Central Committee and Mennonite Church Eastern Canada, where she is an ordained minister.
“Grebel has been such a transformative place in my life, both in my time as a resident and Peace and Conflict Studies student, and in the two years I have spent working in the Student Services Department as Interim Chaplain,” reflected Jessica. “As Director of Student Services, I am excited to continue working closely with students in the residence program while also having the opportunity to support the mission of Grebel more broadly as a leader in this unique community. Relationships are at the centre of my vocation, and I look forward to continuing to build strong relationships with students, staff, and faculty at Grebel, as well as the broad network of families, alumni, and others who support the powerful work that happens here.”
“Jessie has both a calm, compassionate presence and keen insight into the challenges of administering a residence program,” added Professor Carol Penner, another member of the search committee. “We appreciate her commitment to the values Grebel holds and her wisdom in implementing them in our Student Services program.”
VISITING CHAPLAIN ANNOUNCED
Chip Bender (MTS 2006) will temporarily join the Student Services team in the role of Visiting Chaplain until the end of April 2024. Chip brings with him a broad diversity of skills and experience as a Mennonite pastor, a Spiritual Director, a street outreach worker, and more recently, as a Psychotherapist at Interfaith Counselling Centre.
“I am very much looking forward to Chip’s engaging and supportive presence on the Student Services team over the next six months,” said Director of Student Services Jessica Reesor Rempel. “Chip’s background in congregational ministry, as well as in community outreach and counselling settings, will richly contribute to the student experience here at Grebel.”
