Built on Generosity and Partnerships
The idea for Grebel started with an invitation from the University of Waterloo, extended to several Mennonite groups in Ontario. Grebel is now affiliated with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada and UWaterloo, and that leap of faith has grown into two strong partnerships that shape the College’s identity and work. UWaterloo embedded Grebel into a larger academic community while MCEC linked Grebel to a wider church community. Those partnerships remain important, alongside many other relationships that help to define the College today.
Grebel is also built on generosity: people giving their time, ideas, expertise, leadership, hospitality, and financial support. Generosity has given students space to learn in community and prepare for lives of inquiry, service, justice, creativity, and hospitality.
This issue of Grebel Now looks at ways that generosity and partnerships are part of life at Grebel today. Together, these connections help build peace, create music, study the Bible, and leave a legacy.
Cover: Act of Community: Grebelites planted two serviceberry bushes to put down roots for the year ahead and leave a gift for future students.
Editorial Team
Grebel Now is published annually by Conrad Grebel University College.
Send all comments, submissions, and ideas to Jen Konkle.
Managing Editor and Designer
Jennifer Konkle
Advisor
Troy Osborne
Contributors
Jennifer Konkle, Marcus Shantz, Margaret Gissing, Peter Mariano, Laureen Harder-Gissing, Susan Baker, Alison Enns
Photography
Margaret Gissing, Jennifer Konkle, Devon Grainger, Blair Allen, student and alumni contributors, Hiroshima University
Building Peace in Hiroshima
An initiative of Hiroshima University, the University Presidents for Peace conference gathered university administrators and scholars from six continents. The goal is to build a network of universities committed to “peace and sustainability through collaborative education and research.”
Dreaming a Bigger World Experience
Imagine the dreams that become possible when financial barriers are removed for students. Senator V. Peter Harder (BA 1975, Hon. LLD 2005) has committed $50,000 annually to support University of Waterloo undergraduate and graduate students connected to Conrad Grebel University College who are pursuing international learning opportunities.
The Crossroads of Friendship, Community, and Peace
Conrad Grebel University College was buzzing with music and conversation on November 29, 2025, as friends and family of Dr. Tom Lee joined together toward a shared purpose of celebrating Tom while also fundraising for the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement.
The Making of a Mennonite Literary Movement
The Mennonite Archives of Ontario has acquired an extraordinary collection of materials about many of the most influential figures in Mennonite literature and art. Amassed by Dr. Hildi Froese Tiessen over four decades and now donated to the Archives, these materials reveal the origins and growth of Mennonite writing and artistic expression in the twentieth century.
A Gift Rooted in Community
“In a world that sometimes seems difficult to change or have a meaningful impact, I knew I wanted to help push this campaign over the finish line,” said John Marshall.
Grebel’s Residence Gets Cooler
Humid summers spent studying in sweltering residence rooms will soon be a faint memory for students at Grebel. September marked the completion of the two-year residence renewal construction project and a significant environmental goal realized.
Alumni Donors Pay It Forward
Grebel alumni stay connected to the College and give back in many ways. Some encourage others to live or study at Grebel, some volunteer at the College, and some are inspired to “pay it forward” by extending the generosity they received to the next generation of Grebelites. These gifts help create similar opportunities, relationships, and experiences that make a difference for today’s students.
28 Years in Grebel’s Music Landscape
After 28 years teaching music at Grebel, Professor Laura Gray will retire in December. Not only has she designed key multidisciplinary courses like Music and Landscape, she has inspired countless students over decades towards a love and passion for music and music history.
