Welcome to Grebel

In early November, seven students from Conrad Grebel University College attended the New Horizons of Impact conference by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) in Atlanta, Georgia. "I had good conversations with the representatives at the conference. They actively tried to connect with the younger generation and inspire us,” reflected first-year student Jonathan Issak. 

“I constantly encounter learning that happens outside of classrooms at Grebel,” shared Paul Heidebrecht, Director of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at Grebel, who accompanied students to the conference. “I am always eager to help students find contexts such as the MEDA convention where theory and practice are brought together.” 

"It's hard to describe, but it hit me right in the heart. I just thought, sometimes things can look one way, but then with a little more context or information, it can completely change your perspective," reflected Nancy Williams on a statue she saw at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City during a multi-day student seminar hosted by Mennonite Central Committee. The statue, pictured on the left, was recovered from the 1945 Nagasaki bombing. "How can something look so perfect from one side but then on the other side, you know there's just absolute tragedy?" 

Nancy Williams, a Master of Peace and Conflict Studies student at the University of Waterloo and Conrad Grebel University College, and Natalie Nichol, an undergraduate UWaterloo student minoring in Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS), attended the seminar along with several other students from Grebel. The theme was “Peacebuilding: Does the United Nations Matter?” This unique educational opportunity featured several UN speakers, a tour of the building, and daily group discussions. 

Dr. Carol Penner has been seconded to the role of Chaplain at Conrad Grebel University College for the next three years, beginning May 2, 2025. Penner has taught at Grebel since 2016 as Assistant Professor of Theological Studies and as Director of the Theological Studies (MTS) program since 2022. She will continue in those academic roles on a reduced workload while serving as Chaplain. 

“I am excited to work with Carol as Grebel's next Chaplain,” said Jessica Reesor Rempel, Director of Student Services. “Carol brings expertise in both worship planning and teaching, which will allow her to be an engaged mentor to students on the Chapel Committee and beyond. Her many years of pastoral care experience will be a valuable resource to the students who will seek out her support as Chaplain.”