Student stories

Three students standing side by side smiling at the camera

On March 12, 2025, three University of Waterloo students based at Conrad Grebel University College competed in the Annual C. Henry Smith Oratorical Speech Contest established by the late C. Henry Smith in 1974. Each student presented their speech to a panel of judges along with an audience of staff, faculty, and students. Teena Faust, a second-year Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) and Philosophy student, Ella Funk, a fourth-year English Creative and Professional Writing student, and Lucas Shumaker, a third-year international student studying Environmental Engineering, competed in the contest. Prizes awarded included: 1st place - $1000, 2nd place - $500, and 3rd place - $300!

Group of students gathered around a chair, raising their hands and singing

Conrad Grebel University College’s Student Council prepares to present the Canadian premiere of The Clockmaker’s Daughter, a musical written by composers Micheal Webborn and Daniel Finn, this March. The musical's producer, Thao My Vu, and the lead, Maya Valdez, gave insight into the production and shared what makes Grebel musicals unique and worthwhile.

Students lined up in front of Grebel on one knee each with their arms raised. They are welcoming new students during Orientation Week

Riley Koop, a third-year Chemical Engineering student, says attending the University of Waterloo and living at Conrad Grebel University College is the best of both worlds. "I don’t have to make a choice between quality education or a thriving spiritual and community life here," he said. As a member of Vineland United Mennonite Church, Riley feels comfortable in his home away from home because of Grebel's "strong commitment to being a Mennonite institution," which allows him to deepen his faith "in a space that encourages questions while still being rooted in the same Anabaptist-Mennonite values that are important."

Chloe Shantz throwing leaves into the air during summer. She is wearing a bright red shirt that says "Grebel."

Chloe Shantz, a fourth-year Music and English Literature student at the University of Waterloo shares her experience as a musician in Conrad Grebel University College's music program. She is a soprano vocalist and violinist who has been a highly involved member of the Music Department's Chamber Choir, Instrumental Chamber Ensemble, Orchestra Ensemble, and Chapel. Chloe is also the vocal director of Grebel’s upcoming production of The Clockmaker’s Daughter: The Musical, which will be premiering in March.

Maya’s three years at Grebel have been everything she wished for in an exciting university experience because of the benefits of living among an active and supportive network of individuals. “I always have good things to share about Grebel: meaningful interactions, talented people, and memorable moments with not just my friends, but anyone in this residence,” she said, reflecting on her sense of belonging within the community.

“I really loved the movie, Cars. When I became a member of the Grebel Orientation Committee, I knew straight away that Cars simply had to be the O-Week theme,” explained Isabel Song, a third-year Honours Science student who lives at Conrad Grebel University College. “Planning O-Week required significant time and effort, but when I sat in the Grebel dining hall, watching the movie Cars, surrounded by Cars-themed decorations, people wearing Cars-themed t-shirts, after a week of Cars-themed games, and skits performed by people in Cars-themed costumes, I knew it was all worth it.”

Abuk, Gemma, and WUSC picking Abuk from the airport

“Having lived in Canada for a few months now, I am thrilled by the diverse cultures and the friendly vibe,” remarked Abuk Angok, who is living at Conrad Grebel University College and studying at the University of Waterloo. “My life’s journey has been a difficult struggle, filled with hopelessness, suffering, and disillusionment. Despite all this, my passion for education has never dimmed.”

“I began my schooling in 2009 in South Sudan, before fleeing due to civil war,” remembered Abuk. “Unfortunately, in August of 2013, our domicile was burnt down by the brutal pastoralist men who mercilessly attacked our village and raided various herds of cattle. Many children, youths, and women were killed, maimed, and displaced.”

“I've never considered music as a serious option for me until I gave it a try,” Michael Wu reflected. Michael is a third-year Math student at the University of Waterloo who is actively involved in the Music program at Conrad Grebel University College and also lives at Grebel.

Michael’s interest lies in vocal music, which is why he has immersed himself in all the choirs that Grebel offers: Chapel Choir, Chamber Choir, and University Choir. He was also involved in the production of “Something Rotten!,” a musical put on by Grebel students two years ago. “I enjoy singing much more than just listening to music,” he explained. “Part of that is because I love creating music; when I sing my part and hear it blend perfectly with the other voices to form chords, it feels incredible. Singing those notes myself adds to that joy; it makes the experience even more fulfilling."

Max and Katiana posing by QuAQ sign during 2024 Open Doors Event

“QuAQ is the group for queer and allied Grebelites!” explained Maxel (Max) White. “It was created with the intent to be a safe space for anyone and everyone, with a focus on creating a community between the queer, trans, and allied residents of Grebel. We hold weekly meetings designed to get people talking and create a space where everyone can be themselves without any judgment.” Max and Katiana Wieczorek are QuAQ (Queer, Allied, and Questioning) reps on the Student Council at Conrad Grebel University College this term.

Lying on the chapel floor surrounded by electric candles, listening to a chanted service of Compline (night prayer) with other Conrad Grebel University College students, Amani reflected on how this moment was the result of their planning and hard work as a member of the Chapel Committee.

After one last check, the countdown started: five, four, three, two, one—a rocket shot upwards as students erupted in cheers. This was the scene at the Launch Canada Competition on August 20, 2024, where the University of Waterloo Rocketry Team launched the first liquid engine rocket (liquid bi-propellant rocket) in Canada. The rocket, named the Borealis, reached 5,855 meters in altitude and won first place in the Advanced Category. Two students from Conrad Grebel University College were involved in the project: Ash Lang, a second-year Mechatronics Engineering student, and Lucas Shumaker, a third-year Environmental Engineering student.

Located on the campus of the University of Waterloo, Conrad Grebel University College fosters community, academic engagement, and personal growth. Grebel is a residence rooted in the Mennonite tradition and offers courses to UWaterloo students in Arts, Music, History, Mennonite Studies, Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS), Religious Studies, and Sociology.

If it wasn’t for Grebel’s stance on welcoming all people from different backgrounds – 2SLGBTQ+ people, people of colour and & marginalised races, international students, students with accessibility needs, and people from all walks of faith – I would not have considered living here.

Imogen Sloss, an undergraduate student who recently completed a degree double majoring in PACS and Psychology, has been awarded the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal for the highest GPA of the 2024 graduating Arts students at the University of Waterloo. The award recognizes a student graduating from the Faculty of Arts with the highest overall average. Imogen also attained the top cumulative average of all Arts students who finished in spring 2023, fall 2023, and winter 2024— by extension, she is also receiving the Department Award for Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) and the Currie Scholarship. When asked how it felt to be recognized for such achievements, she shared, “I was shocked to be the recipient of these awards and felt rewarded for my hard work over the past four years.” Imogen continued, “I am someone who loves learning, and have so benefitted from my experience as a student at Waterloo and Grebel.”

The date of convocation has arrived, and Conrad Grebel University College faculty, staff, and students recognize the hard work and achievements of Grebel’s graduating class of 2024. The University of Waterloo is proud to present the class of graduates at its Convocation Services, which are recognizing the achievements of several notable individuals with ties to Grebel. “Our hope at Grebel is that students will develop as whole people, and thriving academically is an important part of that whole,” explained Jessica Reesor Rempel, Director of Student Services at Grebel. “It is exciting to see that these students who took the time to engage as student leaders in Grebel’s academic and residence programs also excelled academically during their time at University.”

Lucas accepting award from Grebel staff.

“There are a variety of injustices different people face,” said Lucas Shumaker, a third- year Environmental Engineering student at the University of Waterloo from Lancaster, PA. “Sometimes, certain problems are somewhat invisible to those who don’t face them.” At Grebel’s April End-of-Term Banquet, Lucas was presented with the 2024 Abundance Canada’s Spirit of Generosity Award, which is given to students who have been generous with their time and talents in the Conrad Grebel University College community and beyond.

“It has always fascinated me how beautiful and vast the universe is and how little we know about it,” said Angelica Lee, a fourth-year Accounting and Financial Management student at the University of Waterloo. Angelica, who lived at Grebel for two terms, was recently nominated for the Student Leadership Category for the Women’s Aerospace Network. The award highlights the contributions of students who demonstrate exemplary leadership qualities that enrich campus life and leave a lasting impact. Not only is this a remarkable feat on its own, but Angelica is also a non-Science, Technology, Engineering, or Math (STEM) student and is the only Canadian student nominee in this year’s competition. Her perseverance, self-determination, and love for space are inspirations to students pursuing unconventional career pathways.

Grace’s experience is a part of an annual MDS student service trip organized by Grebel. In partnership with MDS, the College also offers a scholarship of $4,500 to students who volunteer for at least four weeks (between May and August) on an MDS Project, with the goal of promoting service and volunteerism.

Meeting new friends, getting involved in school initiatives, and making life-long memories are made easier with a roommate. Having a roommate helps build an early support system for students transitioning into university life. For Alex Wind, a first-year student in Urban Planning, and Barak Kline, a first-year student majoring in Economics and Peace and Conflict Studies, having a roommate at Conrad Grebel University College has been a highlight experience.

Three students studying in the Grebel dining room

For Kalkidan Ararso, a second year Arts and Business student at the University of Waterloo, the transition to university life was grounded in support and community. “Once I got a glimpse of the people and support system there, I formed an instant connection.”

Ever since he attended Ontario Mennonite Music Camp (OMMC) at age 12, Conrad Grebel University College student Joel Woods has entrenched himself within Grebel’s music community. Through joining numerous clubs, he has connected with others sharing that same passion for music while also finding an outlet to express himself in an artistic fashion. For these reasons, Grebel is excited to congratulate Joel as the recipient of the Abner Martin Award, a scholarship awarded annually to a full-time student in a graduate or undergraduate music program who is also affiliated with a congregation in Mennonite Church Eastern Canada.

Jessie Reesor-Rempel singing with students standing beside her in Chapel

When Timothy Khoo was choosing a university, he was looking for something that stood out. “I kept hearing about this Mennonite residence from my family and church community, and it piqued my interest,” he said. Tim is now a second-year Honours Physics student at the University of Waterloo and a returning upper-year student at Conrad Grebel University College.

Colleagues sitting at table with open laptop

Affiliating with the University of Waterloo makes residence at Conrad Grebel University College operate slightly different. With UWaterloo’s Co-operative Education program, the number of returning students often fluctuates based on whether they are on a study term or a work term. Grebel offers flexible housing contracts so that students can stay connected and have confidence that they will be welcomed back for another term.

Hand on a prayer shawl with 2SLGBTQ+ books in the background

As part of Pride month, Grebel’s first StuCo EDI Officer, an upper-year Health student, reflected on their experience of gender identity, self-realization, and support from the Grebel community.

Two geese flying above the Grebel residence

May 10, 2023

Cherished Spaces and Treasured Memories

Darley Dau playing violin outside Grebel with two students listening

Grebel’s student leadership and residence life are unimaginable without international students. Grebel is committed to developing a more culturally representative student body in residence and leadership roles. At the core, this initiative is about building belonging and celebrating diversity in the community.

Cast of Something Rotten, with all of their arms raised at the end of a song.

In the beginning of April, Grebel students took the stage and held four performances of the Broadway musical comedy “Something Rotten!”

Owen and Adam Roth and Grebelite friends at Grandma Roth's house for supper.

“When we came to Grebel, although the Grebel meals are fantastic, we still missed spending time at Grandma’s,” said Owen and Adam Roth. That is why Grandma Leola Roth was more than delighted to host suppers on Saturday nights for the Roth cousins and their friends. “Our goal has become to invite all sorts of Grebelites to Grandma’s for dinner in the same way that the Fill-the-Table tradition brings random Grebelites together!”

In January, Charles Biswas and Clare Malakar travelled from Dhaka, Bangladesh to Waterloo, Canada. As Conrad Grebel University College’s new Campus Hosts, Grebel staff and students made sure to greet them with a lively welcome at the entrance doors, warm clothing, and fresh homemade food.

When Kassim Ibrahim thinks of North America, he thinks of a land of freedom and vast opportunity. Kassim grew up in Kenya in a refugee camp. In the camp, Kassim cooked for his family and taught mathematics to other students. Education is highly valued in his community, but opportunities were scarce. With the goal to create more educational, economic, and empowerment opportunities, the World University Service of Canada (WUSC) program works in over 15 countries helping young people, and particularly young refugees, pursue higher education.

“As an international student, my goal was to study in a place that wasn’t exactly like my home country,” said Darley Dau, a first year Honours Arts and Business student from Vietnam. Conrad Grebel University College was just the place Darley’s passion for learning was looking for — a residence where she could be open-minded and learn about a variety of people’s interests, skills, religions, cultures, and more.

Jane playing the guqin, a traditional Chinese instrument

When studying abroad, finding community may seem daunting at first. However, sharing cultural traditions and practices with others is a way to connect and empower both international and domestic students. As an International Student Representative in the Larger Leadership Team at Conrad Grebel University College, Jane now supports international students who live in residence at Grebel and plans cultural events at the College.

Conrad Grebel University College has felt like home to Joel Woods since he was 12 years old. Following in his sister’s footsteps, Joel attended Ontario Mennonite Music Camp (OMMC). For the next five years, Joel returned to Grebel each August for OMMC, shaping exciting summer memories, his creativity, a love for music, and eventually his post-secondary path.

“Grebel is beyond what I wanted; it’s what I needed,” said Elizabeth Ahing, a current resident at Conrad Grebel University College. She is also an upper-year student at Wilfrid Laurier University, working toward a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in Leadership.

Joshua Cheon at the Mennonite Central Committee United Nations Office Seminar.

January 20, 2023

Student Reflection: Joshua Cheon on Peacebuilding and Pacifism

January 11, 2023

A Reflection on Peace

December 9, 2022

Breaking Down Silos with PeaceTech

December 1, 2022

Small Fixes Can Lead to Large Solutions

I’ll admit it – I was nervous when I accepted the offer to live at Conrad Grebel. I had visited a couple of times and knew the rooms were lovely, the food was fantastic, and the people were friendly. But as a bisexual person who grew up in a faith community, I had some doubts about how my queerness would be viewed in the Grebel residence. I moved into Grebel at an important time in my life – one where I was learning to accept who I am and to live with pride.

“Being an international student can usually be challenging, but having a supporting environment eases your adaptation,” said Thalia Stefania Criollo Guerrero an international student from Galápagos Islands, Ecuador. She is pursuing a Bachelor of Arts degree in Music at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo.

Each year, Conrad Grebel University College welcomes new students into its vibrant community and becomes a home away from home. Grebel’s residence is enthusiastic, welcoming, and dedicated to helping students grow and connect with others. “From a parent's perspective, the community is amazing at Grebel. Community makes a huge positive impact on mental health,” said Evelyn Fehr, parent of Cole and Sydney. “Also, you know that your kids will never go hungry. They do not have to shop for groceries or cook, leaving more time to focus on their studies.”

March 28, 2022

Student Profile: Abbey Tiernan

“It feels great to be back teaching in person,” said Alicia Batten, Professor of Religious Studies and Theological Studies. “It is much easier to communicate with people, even with masks on. It was a bit odd coming back to the classroom in the middle of the semester, however.

How do peace and technology interact? What are the social and environmental implications of new technologies? In what ways does military research and development undergird technological advancements? These are a few questions that students wrestle with in the PeaceTech Living-Learning Community at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo. PeaceTech Living-Learning Community aims to reduce violent conflict around the world at the intersection of technology, media, and data. It is a collaborative environment where students and mentors work together to imagine, develop, and launch tools to implement social change through the fields of peace and technology. PeaceTech Peer Leaders Timothy Peters, Devin Blankespoor, and Hannah Bernstein share how their time in PeaceTech has shaped their understanding of peace and technology in today’s society.

February 10, 2022

Creating Music is a Joyful Experience

Through the Arts First program, the University of Waterloo’s Faculty of Arts provides a wide spectrum of courses each term with an emphasis on developing inquiry and communication skills. First-year students have an opportunity to explore a variety of topics based on a professor’s expertise, with each course taught in a small seminar setting where students build social awareness and ethical engagement. These courses are often a gateway to learning about potential majors students might pursue, including Grebel’s programs such as Music, Peace and Conflict Studies, Mennonite Studies, and Religious and Theological Studies.

January 13, 2022

Growing as a Musician

Two students walking through one of Grebel's gardens on residence rooftop

Fall 2021

Greening Grebel

Spring 2021

Here, I am Human

Looking at outside of Grebel building through stained glass window

Spring 2021

The making of a community

“University is a place where new struggles and challenges arise, and it is easy to get lost and distracted,” Merveille Mwankin reflected at the end of her first year attending the University of Waterloo. “As a Christian community, Grebel has helped and continues to help me nurture my faith by surrounding me with other believers and providing Anabaptist-Mennonite values such as love, peace, non-violence, and justice.”

Faith plays a central role in Sarah Driediger’s life. It has helped her meet new people, grow as a person, and reflect on experiences. Sarah is a first-year virtual resident at Conrad Grebel University College studying Biomedical Sciences. Several members of her family attended Grebel before her, and while growing up, they told her many exciting stories about the College.

three students play foosball in the games lounge

April 8, 2021

Hidden perks about living at Grebel

There is a story for everything. For students discovering Conrad Grebel University College as their university home, they each carry stories that are interesting and unique in their own ways. Regardless of the discovery experience, all students are welcomed enthusiastically with plenty of activities and exciting experiences.

March 23, 2021

R esidence fees - is it worth it?

Grebelites often consider each other to be their chosen family, but it is also quite common for true family—brothers and sisters—to encourage their younger siblings to choose Conrad Grebel University College as a home, while also leaving space for them to forge their own paths.

“At Grebel there is something for everyone!” Third-year Nanotechnology Engineering student, Sarah Odinotski, has tackled several formative co-op terms and actively participated in many clubs and activities offered by Grebel. She has learned much from her experiences and used her knowledge to strengthen the community, and improve herself and others for the better.

Rewarding experiences, everlasting friendships, skill-developing opportunities, and even a chance at love—“after everything the Grebel community has given me, giving back in the way of leadership just makes sense,” said Grebel resident, Josh Rampersad.

February 9, 2021

Telling others about Grebel

Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo provides countless opportunities for students to get involved in the community and gain valuable experiences. Hannah Bernstein, a third year Nanotechnology Engineering student, has taken advantage of the many activities Grebel has to offer.

January 25, 2021

Meet the winter 2021 ambassadors

student sppeaks at a pulpit in chapel with a lit candle nearby

November 27, 2020

Why a faith-based residence?

November 10, 2020

Remembrance Day
Reflection

Photo of online Grebel residence application

October 27, 2020

Finding the right University/Program

Kitchen staff serving food to students in the new kitchen

It has been almost a year and half since Conrad Grebel University College broke ground on the “Fill the Table” construction project. This ambitious fundraising campaign raised $4.2 million to expand and renovate the College’s kitchen and dining space to accommodate Grebel’s entire community.

Photo of Grebel ambassador Katrina Fluit

October 9, 2020

Blog post from Grebel Ambassador, Katrina Fluit

May 12, 2020

Graduating Students Share Stories of Personal Growth and Resilience

May 11, 2020

Mason C. - Inclusivity at Grebel

May 10, 2020

Katrina S. - Roommate Friendship

Grebel students take a selfie on a MDS tri[

May 3, 2020

Margie M. - Students in Service

April 29, 2020

Peter M. - Student Leader

April 29, 2020

R esidence rooms - Tips and tricks

April 9, 2020

Mykayla - Music Graduate

March 9, 2020

Lukas - Spring Team Champ

February 26, 2020

Stuart - Involved Associate

photo of Grebel residents in the residence

February 20, 2020

Applying to Grebel and UWaterloo Ranking

February 14, 2020

Ananya - Inspiring Volunteer

February 10, 2020

Lorena - Engaged Student

Four girls sit around a table holding bread

First year residents (l-r) Grace Enns, Amy Wiens, Melody Turner, and Sydney Martens enjoy a slice of bread as students gather for Grebel’s weekly Community Supper. Every Wednesday at 5:30pm, Grebel students, staff, and faculty gather together to share a meal called Community Supper. This tradition traces back to Grebel’s first president, J. Winfield Fretz, and began in the mid-1960s when the College was founded.

February 7, 2020

CONTACT

Conrad Grebel University College 140 Westmount Road North Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G6 519-885-0220

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

QUICK LINKS

Conrad Grebel University College is situated on the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples.

Conrad Grebel University College
140 Westmount Road North
Waterloo, ON, Canada, N2L 3G6
519-885-0220