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At the beginning of the school year, students, staff, and faculty at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, ON took a deep breath and sang together – first in unison, and then in several different parts to build a new melody. The piece called “We all Sing” was written by Grebel Professor Karen Sunabacka and commissioned for the College’s 2018-19 integration initiative. This year marks the fourth year that Grebel has intentionally planned a year-long series of activities intended to offer meaningful ways for the different people and programs of Grebel to interact with one another, and with the University of Waterloo and the broader community.

Conrad Grebel University College is pleased to announce an exciting series of public lectures set for 2018-19, on a wide range of topics that reflect the College’s areas of interest and expertise.

Peace is not an absence of war, but the living process of freely interacting with others across borders seeking to understand their values and perspective, while striving for justice and truth.

Professor Troy Osborne, associate professor of History at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo, has been selected as Grebel’s new dean, beginning January 1, 2019.

In April, the University of Waterloo hosted its 10^th annual Teaching and Learning Conference. Each year, the conference brings together instructors from a variety of faculties and departments to share research and teaching strategies through interactive workshops and panel discussions.

Each April, the community at Conrad Grebel University College gathers together to recognize the achievements of all graduating students who have been involved in the College’s residence or academic programs, at both graduate and undergraduate levels. The Convocation ceremony took a surprise turn this year, as a rare mid-April ice storm shut down the University of Waterloo and Grebel for three days. With the celebration scheduled to take place right in the middle of the storm, the event was cancelled for everyone’s safety. About 70 students and a few of their families held an impromptu gathering at Grebel.  This provided an opportunity for them to hear valedictorian Jared Baribeau deliver his address. Jared left Canada the next day to work in Cambodia for Demine Robotics.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of Peace and Conflict Studies at the University of Waterloo, on April 20 Conrad Grebel University College hosted a sold-out gala dinner featuring the Honourable Bob Rae as keynote speaker. Focusing on the theme of “Pursuing Peace: Stories from Home and Abroad,” the evening included alumni stories, acknowledgements of those who have impacted the PACS program, as well as Bob Rae’s reflections on the pursuit of peace.

The Institute of Anabaptist and Mennonite Studies at Conrad Grebel University College announces the 2018/2019 recipient of the J. Winfield Fretz Fellowship in Mennonite Studies, Dr. Ben Nobbs-Thiessen.  A Latin American historian whose research focuses on the evolving history of the low-German Mennonite diaspora in the region, he completed his PhD at Emory University in 2016 and is currently a postdoctoral researcher in the School of Transborder Studies at Arizona State University. 

Conrad Grebel University College is hiring for 3 contract positions! The Office Assistant and Receptionist (9-month contract) ensures that the main office runs smoothly and efficiently while providing a warm and welcoming atmosphere to students and visitors. The Conference, Bookings, and Events Coordinator (10-month contract) ensures that conferences and events are well-planned and organized. The Administrative Assistant to Theological Studies & the Anabaptist Learning Workshop (2-year contract) is responsible for attending to the administrative tasks that of the Theological Studies department and the ALW program. This position requires an individual with strong organizational skills, excellent interpersonal skills and outstanding attention to detail. Apply by April 25, 2018. Read complete job descriptions at www.grebel.ca/positions.

Working toward reconciliation with Indigenous neighbours takes time and requires building awareness and understanding. Following the report from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission (TRC), Justice Murray Sinclair issued this challenge: “We have described for you the mountain. We have shown you the path to the top. We call upon you to do the climbing.”

Representatives of Anglican, United, Lutheran, and Mennonite Settler communities are lacing up for the climb. Muriel Bechtel, a retired Mennonite pastor says, “We are well aware that re-educating ourselves about our colonial history takes courage. We believe building awareness is a vital step in the reconciliation process for churches, governments, and all people who call this land our home.

Four productions of Discovery: A Comic Lament will occur in Waterloo Region from May 31 to June 3. As chair of the planning committee, Bechtel says “Only as we acknowledge our complicity in the displacement and dispossession of Indigenous communities, will we be able to move beyond our paralysis and confusion to deeper listening and action in partnership with Indigenous-led healing and justice efforts. We believe that this drama will inspire and motivate us for the climb ahead.”