This year, Grebel’s alumni committee initiated a "Distinguished Alumnus Service Award" and called for nominations from the alumni community. President, Toews, noted that "as an educational institution matures a group of alumni emerge who uniquely incarnate the values and vision of the school and make significant contributions to the local and global communities." The first awards were given to Ernie Regher, founder and current director of Project Ploughshares and to Jane Schultz-Janzen, who teaches music at Waterloo-Oxford District Secondary School (W-O) in Baden.
"Both Ernie and Jane are recognized as people who embody the Grebel vision for a more peaceful and humane world", observed Toews. Ernie Regehr was actually unable to attend because he was at the United Nations in New York as part of a negotiation team. Regehr has gained the trust of many national and international policy makers and is a key player in negotiations to limit the arms trade, and the use of violence to resolve conflict. This past March Project Ploughshares celebrated 25 years of peace research and advocacy.
Jane Schultz-Janzen is a graduate of Grebel’s Music program. Currently she administers the arts program Waterloo-Oxford, with responsibilities for drama, media, yearbook, visual arts, as well as music. The music department includes a variety of instrumental and vocal ensembles many of which she directs. Jane also spent 11 years leading the Inter-Mennonite Children’s Choir (IMMC).
"It was a real treat to see so many faces in Grebel’s Chapel Choir who came through W-O or IMMC", noted Jane after the convocation service.
Both Ernie and Jane are recognized as people who embody the Grebel vision for a more peaceful and humane world.
