Rejuvenation and Possibility
Conrad Grebel University College's 2025 - 2026 Annual Report
Rejuvenation was a defining theme of 2025–26. In addition to intellectual and spiritual growth, Grebel renewed our physical spaces, creating a more sustainable college where students, faculty, and staff can grow academically, socially, and personally.
Throughout our programs, students explored new ideas in classrooms, around dinner tables, and across Grebel life. In conversations with professors and peers, students explored new perspectives about peacemaking, biblical justice, and the legacy of the early Anabaptists. Gospel and opera performances refreshed our spirits, while late-night residence activities sparked new friendships and strengthened old ones.
This spirit of renewal was made possible by the generosity of the Grebel community. Their support enabled us to revitalize our original buildings and ensure that students from diverse backgrounds can live at Grebel and enroll in our academic programs. Together, these investments in people and place empower us to live out Grebel’s mission in a rapidly changing world.
On behalf of the Board,
Troy Osborne
Acting President
Donny Cheung
Chair, Board of Governors
In May, 31 Grebel alumni and friends took a 12-day tour of Anabaptist sites in Europe, led by Professors Troy Osborne and David Neufeld. The tour ended with 3,500 Anabaptists from across the globe gathering to mark the 500th anniversary of the first adult baptism.
The Chapel Committee and Theological Studies hosted a panel discussion in March on Christian faith and 2SLGBTQ+ identity. “Christianity and Queerness” prompted thoughtful and challenging discussion with alumni, staff, faculty, and student panelists.
More than 100 donors and students gathered to honour scholarship recipients and express gratitude to donors. In this photo, Grebel retiree John Good, who co-established the Good Endowment with his brother Jim, is shown chatting with students.
Academic Highlights
Through innovative teaching, interdisciplinary learning, and community engagement, Grebel’s 15 regular faculty, four definite-term faculty, and 31 sessional instructors challenged students to think critically and make unexpected connections. Alongside programs in Music, Peace and Conflict Studies, History, Mennonite Studies, and Religion, Culture, and Spirituality, students had access to the Conflict Management Certificate Program, Spirituality and Aging, the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement, the Milton Good Library, and the Mennonite Archives of Ontario. Students benefited from financial aid and regularly applied their learning beyond the classroom through community partnerships and professional opportunities. Faculty contributed extensively to scholarship and public life, shared research through lectures and forums, and prepared to launch a new journal.
Four contestants competed in the C. Henry Smith Peace Oratorical Contest. Third-year PACS and Psychology student Faraja Sadi (second from right) won first place with: “In the name of Christ: What happens when the church aligns itself with state agenda.”
“Tending Tomorrow, Picturing Today” combined prose from Leah Reesor-Keller (BA 2008) and photos from Ndagire Brendah (MPACS 2021). Other Grebel Gallery exhibits: “Art is Always Conflict,” “Draft 6: Mapping Diasporic Identities,” “Shared Threads,” and “Looking at the Sky.”
Professor Jane Kuepfer’s class on Aging and the Spiritual Life drew a record enrolment from both graduate and undergraduate students, while the Encore webinar series she ran monthly attracted more than 400 participants worldwide each time.
Culture Fest celebrated outstanding work in Waterloo’s culture-focused courses. Students gave 3-minute presentations on topics like Polish horror cinema, the policing of the hijab, collective memory of the Salvadoran diaspora, and China beyond the headlines.
Rev. Dr. Braxton Shelley (above), the Rodney and Lorna Sawatsky Visiting Scholar, visited classrooms, lectured, and led a gospel workshop. Dr. Isaac Villegas gave the Bechtel Lecture in Anabaptist-Mennonite Studies on “Christian Politics of Care.”
In March, an eager crowd packed the church for “The Orchestra@UWaterloo Goes to the Opera,” a memorable collaboration between Orchestra@UWaterloo, the University Choir, and Grand River Opera that was one of the musical highlights of the year.
Student Services
Guided by the Student Services mission, the year’s activities encouraged leadership development, active citizenship, academic success, faith development, personal emergence, creative diversity, and meaningful engagement between students, faculty, and staff. More than one hundred students served in formal leadership roles, including Student Council, Chapel Team, dons, orientation leaders, residence leadership teams, and peer-support roles.
In addition to planning many events and activities, Student Council focused on several equity projects, including a review of the don role, and requesting a permanent pride flag outside the Chapel. Students, faculty, and staff also participated in a book study of North Wind Man, that included conversations with the authors and a visit to Crow Shield Lodge, an Indigenous land-based healing and education centre. Students initiated service opportunities, engaged with others across communities, and practiced welcoming and advocacy skills. Graduating students reflected Grebel’s commitment to personal emergence, leaving prepared to serve and lead in their chosen fields.
Operations
The first phase of Grebel’s Residence Renewal Project transformed four washrooms, modernized building systems, and resolved longstanding plumbing issues. Students reported positive experiences with the upgraded facilities, which operated without plumbing issues. During construction, crews uncovered structural deterioration and aging electrical infrastructure, which reinforced the importance of this project and future investments.
Operations also advanced Grebel’s environmental goals through heat-pump installations, drain water heat recovery systems, and preparation for future energy-efficiency upgrades. Through workforce transitions, technology upgrades, and ongoing campus demands, the team maintained services with minimal disruption while improving the student experience and positioning Grebel to exceed its greenhouse gas reduction targets.
Advancement
In a record fundraising year, donations to Grebel exceeded $3.28 million, surpassing the annual target by more than $1 million and bringing the Windows to the Future residence campaign to $4.2 million. Through gifts, pledges, workplace matches, and bequests, alumni and donors provided support for endowments, awards, and capital projects.
The year also marked a major leadership transition as Fred W. Martin retired after 24 years as Director of Advancement and Chris Brnjas began as Director of Development. Alumni from across Canada attended reunions and gatherings, including the Late-’90s Reunion which attracted nearly 100 alumni, an alumni Community Supper, and a donor appreciation event honouring Fred.
The Communications Office increased Grebel’s visibility through communications that supported recruitment, fundraising, academic programs, and events.
Finance
The College had positive fiscal results and ended the year with a modest, consolidated surplus of $320,028, due in large part to a large unplanned one-time donation and the continued careful work by all departments to manage Grebel’s financial resources. Donations and endowments are key to provide resources so Grebel can support programs and students. This year’s positive results gives stronger footing during a period of uncertainty in the post-secondary funding environment.
“University is very expensive and dealing with cost of living on top of tuition is difficult. I am incredibly grateful for the awards that I have received and the ways in which they have made university and living on campus more accessible. Being able to live at Grebel makes my university experience better for many reasons including proximity to classes and a wonderful support system.”
Georgia Wroe
Psychology, Grebel Resident
“Receiving scholarships and awards has made a meaningful difference in my student experience. This support helps reduce some of the financial burden on my family while also reminding me of how caring and supportive the Grebel community is. These awards motivate me to do my best in academics, relationships, and service to others.”
Yatlong Lam
Science and Aviation, Grebel Resident
