Walter Klaassen Religious Studies Award

Walter Klaassen and Ed Janzen in the chapel.
In 1964 Walter Klaassen began a distinguished career as chaplain and professor at Conrad Grebel College until his retirement in 1987. He and his wife Ruth, began a long legacy of supporting students in their personal lives, nurturing faith and their academic pursuits. Walter embodied the link of the residential and academic programs.

In that spirit of integration, the current chaplain, Ed Janzen and his wife Kathy have initiated the “Klaassen Religious Studies Award” to encourage students in the residence program to enroll in Religious Studies courses at the College.

When I note, over time, the number of former students in significant leadership roles in the church, who learned in our classrooms, who developed leadership gifts in our student life program, I am firmly convinced of the benefit for the church in supporting our religious studies students. Simple scholarship support will animate enthusiasm for religious studies beyond quietude to certainty of purpose and impact. I would like to be part of making this happen.” -Ed Janzen, Chaplain

Klaassen family members
This award supports students who are involved in the residence program and enrolled in a Religious Studies course at Conrad Grebel University College.

The award is given to:

  • Students who are holding an upcoming one term contract for a residence or apartment space at Grebel
  • Students who are enrolled in a Religious Studies course taught at Conrad Grebel
  • An upper-year student and first-year student

Visit the Donation Page to support the Klaassen Religious Studies Award.

Please select "Other" from the drop-down menu, and specify the Klaassen Religious Studies Award in the field below.