Conrad Grebel University College is pleased to announce its 2005 recipient of its Distinguished Alumni Award.
A native of Manitoba, Wiebe's interest for the arts began as a child who loved to journal and later grew into a following in music, and theology. Rooted in Christian education, music and the church, Wiebe graduated from the Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI) in 1978. Wiebe earned degrees in music and theology at Canadian Mennonite Bible College and a degree in education from the University of Manitoba. Wiebe studied at Conrad Grebel University College while earning his master's degree in Theology. Pursuant to these achievements, Wiebe earned his doctoral studies degree from the Toronto School of Theology. Throughout his educational pursuits, Wiebe taught at MCI, in Gretna Manitoba, and Rockway Mennonite Collegiate, in Kitchener, Ontario.
After returning from a trip to Russia with the MCI Faith and life Male Chorus group, Wiebe captivated audiences with powerful images and recounts of the trip that tied spiritual ideas with everyday events. Wiebe was soon asked to write a radio spot, later entitled Timsights, that first aired on October 8, 1993, in Southern Manitoba.
2,800 Timsights have been aired since 1993, leading Wiebe to publish his first book called The Timsights Treasury: 365 Devotionals and Delights. The book includes 365 parables and poems, that follow the calendar year. "In early April he focuses on Easter events through a historical lens; in October his vignettes celebrate Thanksgiving with poetry and a special thanksgiving tree brushed by the Master Painter," describes a fellow author, Eleanor Hildebrand Chornoboy.
The book, now available in stores, will support the Mennonite Collegiate Institute (MCI), with all proceeds going to the high school’s "Come and Learn" scholarship fund. MCI Principal Paul Kroeker spoke of Wiebe's "tremendous creativity" and commended the author for his generosity in contributing to the support of students with financial needs.
The Distinguished Alumni Service Award was established in 2002 to recognize former Grebel students who have, in some notable way, demonstrated the ideals and purposes of Conrad Grebel University College by making a unique contribution to the church, community nation, or world that is significant and worthy of recognition.
