News

Not only does Grebel have a long legacy of talented and engaged professors, but many students in Grebel courses and dorm rooms have gone on to become distinguished scholars in their own right. We were delighted to hear from alumni studying very diverse topics—reflective of the conversations students might have around the lunch table. We asked them to explain their scholarship to a non-expert and to share a question that is the basis of their work right now. We wanted to know if their work today relates to what they studied as an undergraduate student and how Grebel might have influenced their career path. These profiles are just a glimpse into the scholarship of some of the many Grebel alumni inspired by curiosity in their work. 

For more than two decades at Grebel, Peter Hart has been a consistent, kind presence for residents. As a custodian at Grebel for 24 years, Peter was initially in charge of cleaning the residence wing, where he made genuine connections with students. For decades, Peter has been invested in student lives and their successes.  

As rain seeped into clothes and muddy rivulets ran down the path, 31 Grebel alumni and friends were taking a slippery hike into the mountains of Bäretswil, Switzerland. Their destination was a hidden cave known as the “Täuferhöhle,” where Anabaptists once worshipped in secret. In the dim, damp cavern, the group sang hymns and shared a meaningful communion service, breaking bread with others who had also made the trek.

With intramural teams, athletic facilities, and a supportive community, there are countless ways to have fun and stay physically active at Grebel. Students share their experience of playing in an intramural team, enjoying the gym, and living at Grebel while playing varsity. 

At the Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA), knowledge gained through research is valued. Even more important is that knowledge becomes practice, to enhance life for older adults. Research generated through the RIA’s Spirituality & Aging program housed at Grebel is directly supporting spiritual care in long-term care (LTC) through resources provided online to the LTC sector.

Funding building and infrastructure upgrades in buildings that are more than 60 years old isn’t always exciting. However, Grebel alumni and donors have helped to embrace this challenge. With a late summer pledge of $500,000 from John Marshall (BES 85), we have eclipsed our $4M minimum fundraising goal! With this strong support, we are also able to upgrade the lounge furniture and internet infrastructure in the residence. 

Professors often step into leadership positions in scholarly associations, a demonstration of their commitment to service. When Jeremy Bergen began attending Canadian Theological Society (CTS) annual meetings during his doctoral studies, he didn’t expect that he would end up as its president. “It was a supportive environment for me to present work, test ideas, and meet other scholars,” he shared.

Other Grebel professors also serve in their respective scholarly organizations, reflecting Grebel’s mission to seek wisdom in service to church and society. “Serving on a music board is important for making connections and for supporting others,” said Karen Sunabacka, Associate Professor of Music at Grebel. “It fosters creativity and excitement and allows me to support others in their own creative work.”  

Grebel faculty are experts in Music, Church Music and Worship, Peace and Conflict Studies, History, Theological Studies, Mennonite Studies and Religion, Culture, and Spirituality. Not only are they dedicated professors, but they are esteemed scholars in their respective fields, working on a wide variety of research projects. 

Research is an important way we can better understand—and take action on—the growing number of challenges our world faces in building peace. As the Centre for Peace Advancement’s dynamic community of participants continues to evolve, we look forward to growing our research capacity and impact. 

E. Paul Penner, a pillar of Grebel, retired in March 2024, leaving a 36-year legacy of commitment, care, and hospitality, as well as memories of pranks, laughter, and classic movie nights. After living at Grebel as a student, he returned in 1988 as Business Manager, then transitioned to Operations Manager in 1995, and finally to Director of Operations. His primary responsibilities were managing the staff, operations, and buildings of the College, but to Paul, the job was a mission of hospitality, service, and community-building.