Welcome to Grebel

“Sharing aviation with others” are words that Jessalyn Teed (BES 2017) has long stood by, navigating through a career in aviation that started in the Geography and Aviation Program at the University of Waterloo. She is currently a Pilot at Sunwing Airlines, where she supports newcomer pilots through building and assisting a mentorship program, where she connects with each new pilot and fosters a support network for their success. “This is one of the pieces of my role I am most passionate about, and find fulfilling, in my career,” Jessalyn described. “I look back to my time at Conrad Grebel University College, where I was a Don and supported residents through a challenging, transitional experience – and the skills built from being a Don have helped me both identify and utilize this passion to support others through new experiences.” 

Congratulations to Ellen Marguerite Siebel-Achenbach on receiving The Sandra Burt Prize in Gender and Social Justice for her project on “Sisters of Wisdom: Female Hymnists of the Middle Ages.” Ellen graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2023 with a double major in Visual Culture and Medieval Studies and minors in both Fine Arts Studio and Church Music and Worship (CMW). She recently finished her master's degree in Art History at the University of Toronto. 

“My first exposure to the University of Waterloo was at Grebel,” reflected David Fransen (BA 1976, MA 1977), encapsulating Conrad Grebel University College’s impact on his life. In fact, David recalled, “the only time I crossed the creek was to go over to Hagey Hall or to the library – it was my initial perspective of the Waterloo campus.” Since graduating, David’s career has taken him to many places and positions beyond Grebel – including to the other side of campus 30 years later – serving as a senior executive in government research and education while working across Canada and the US.