Graduates will Face Future Adventures Together

Convocation is a long-standing Grebel tradition. It is a chance to come together as a community and offer a final show of support before graduates face life’s next great adventure. On Sunday, April 9, 2017, Grebel said goodbye and good luck to 76 undergrads, seven MPACS students, and six MTS students.

While graduates receive their official Waterloo degree at ceremonies later in the year, Grebel’s convocation is still an important occasion. It is a time to celebrate the accomplishments of those who have enriched the Grebel community for one to five years. Students stand alongside Grebel friends, regardless of their discipline, and commemorate their time and achievements together.

As students crossed the Humanities Theatre stage this year, they shared a few words about their next steps. Travel was the buzzword for many, with students heading to Bali, France, Ireland, China, Malawi, Nepal, and India. For others, it was further studies in physiotherapy, teaching, medicine, law, and social work. Some students, like Craig Peterson, will head into the workforce. “Come fall, I will be working for an accounting firm in Mount Forest, and,” he paused, “probably missing seeing so many Grebel friends on a regular basis.”

“Grebel has been a place where our perspectives have been challenged, our passions nurtured, and our relationships developed,” noted undergraduate valedictorian Rachel Trites. “My hope is that you will leave this place in peace, knowing you will not face the future alone.” The enthusiastic cheering from the crowd was testament that the love and backing from friends, family, and the Grebel community will continue on long after they graduate.

Looking back at her time at Grebel, graduate valedictorian Joy De Vito said, “I truly had no preconceived idea of what I hoped to find here. I was simply looking for a place to explore and experiment, and I was given that gift in immeasurable proportions.” She then offered a deeper, personal reflection. “I recognize that I have no concept of the implications of all that I have experienced. I have faith, however, that someday I will be able to speak to someone with words that are rooted in this place, and I have faith that those words will meet a need.”

Convocation speaker Margaret Nally addressed the graduating class, offering insight on themes of community, purpose, conversation, courage, and hope.

“Community, a web of relationships, is part of all forms of life,” she explained. “Your challenge, and the challenge of our age, is to see the possibility and potential for transformation that is offered when we create resilient and adaptive communities that welcome diversity.”

“As you move on from these precious and special years having acquired not only the skills and knowledge you need to succeed, but just as importantly, about yourself as a capable and gifted person, know that wherever you go God goes with you.  Take with you as much as you can of Grebel’s philosophy,” she urged. “Learn the good lessons of inclusive community, conversation, clarity of purpose and courageous hope. These qualities are what the world needs from you for it to be a place of freedom for all.”

Known for her exceptional work as a spiritual caregiver and community animator, Margaret Nally has enriched organizations serving thousands in Waterloo Region. Her vision, dedication, and compassion have shaped the Waterloo region and the Grebel community.

The Convocation ceremony concluded with a hymn led by Grebel’s Chamber and Chapel Choir, and a prayer of blessing from Chaplain Ed Janzen. “Thank You for the beauty of this day. Thank You for the work of our students….Bless them with those things that make life good: friendship, purpose, kindness, joy, contentment, food, shelter, and above all a grateful heart.”

Our thanks go out to everyone who supported these students both at convocation and throughout their academic career. As Interim President Jim Pankratz noted in his convocation remarks, “They didn’t do this alone. Their achievements, like all of ours, are shared achievements.” It was a great pleasure having these young people as part of the community at Grebel, and we wish them well in their future endeavours.

Following the ceremony, students, family, friends, staff and faculty gathered at the College for a reception. At round tables, they shared good conversation, well wishes, and always delicious baked goods from Grebel’s kitchen.

In keeping with the theme of hope, parents offered their hopes for graduates. As Tammy Neal, mother of music student Caroline Schmidt, commented, “I hope for her and all of her friends here that they find their path. And they have a wonderful time on the way.” Marnel Müllar’s father Arnold extended this wish: “My hope for [Marnel] is that she is very happy in any way possible and that she accomplishes what God intended for her. And I have that same hope for the class.”