The Fill the Table campaign has evoked a level of nostalgia as alumni from years past re-connect to further an important community space at Grebel. Alumni, family groups, friends and roommates from throughout Grebel’s history have joined together to name tables—a symbolic level of donation to the kitchen and dining room project. One of these tables has been named for Arnie Dyck (1945–2017) by his family and friends. Arnie was part of the first cohort of students at “Conrad” in 1964 and went on to a career as a well-loved Computer Science professor at the University of Waterloo.
Arnie is remembered around UWaterloo for his innovative re-design of the CS100 course, allowing it to be accessible for students not in the Computer Science program. His contributions of teaching and expanding the University’s Computer Science curriculum have aided UWaterloo’s reputation for innovation. Arnie introduced the practicum to the Computer Science program and was known as a “pleasure to work with” by faculty members and staff. Arnie’s students appreciated the knowledge and encouragement he brought to class.
His fellow Grebelites also remember the unique ways Arnie contributed to the College’s community. While he was a Grebel resident, he created a punchcard randomizer to mix up the Community Supper seating plan.
Naming a table for Arnie is a fitting way to honour him, given the ways that he took “making space for community” to heart during his time at Grebel. His wife Louisa, noted that “Arnie, the foodie, would have been supportive to the idea as well.”
The Fill the Table campaign has been an opportunity to honour his legacy as beloved student, professor and Grebel board member.
