Welcome to Grebel

“You’re never too old, only too young,” Karla Del Grande nee Peters (BA 1974) stated, reflecting on how she began her career as a masters sprinter at the age of 50. Karla has since found her place in the Ontario and Canadian Masters Athletics Halls of Fame, and on the Wall of Fame at Variety Village, the fitness facility where she trains. She was named the World Masters Athletics (WMA) Female Sprint Athlete of the Year in 2019, and WMA Female Athlete of the Decade 2010-2019. “This latter award recognized my longevity and continued excellence in my sport,” Karla explained.

“The Creator used Grebel for me to find my footing again so I could keep walking in a faith way,” said Rick Martin (BA 1983). After exploring and working in India as a young adult, Rick felt “a sense of calling to some kind of mission work.” Rick heard about professors at Conrad Grebel University College who were “informative good thinkers,” and soon found himself at the College. His path led him to many communities after Grebel, finding his place in Healing Circles and reconciliation at MSC Canada, an organization that supports Local Church Driven Missions.  

“Biking and walking represent a lot of ideas about living in connection with the earth and with others,” Madeleine Bonsma-Fisher (BASC 2014) described. Her career in sustainability was sparked at Conrad Grebel University College, when working with a team of fellow students to purchase and install solar panels on the College’s roof. Making a big career shift after the completion of her PhD, Madeleine is now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto, using data analysis to understand where more bike infrastructure is needed. “Most people are unwilling to bike in an environment that feels dangerous,” Madeleine explained. “That’s the purpose of my work – to try to make it possible to get the whole length of your route from A to B on safe infrastructure.”