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. The following profiles highlight a small sampling of alumni who support Grebel through their generosity. We asked alumni to reflect on why they give, people and experiences that influenced their decision, and how the Grebel experience affected who they are today. We also asked what they hope their support makes possible for current and future students.
Ernie Kalwa (BMATH 1987)
Elora, Ontario, IT Professional, Musician
During my undergraduate time at Waterloo, Grebel gave me a community where music and academics weren’t separate pursuits—I could major in Computer Science with Music as a minor area of study. Giving back with the Woodwind Award is my way of making sure current students don’t have to choose between the two either.
Many of the professors in Grebel’s Music faculty were instrumental (pun intended!) in the development of my music studies. Besides being able to improve my saxophone skills in Grebel’s practice rooms after completing my math homework, participating in the Jazz Ensemble and in small chamber groups was a real highlight. Grebel’s small, close-knit environment made it easy to find people who encouraged my music development, and that support is what I want to extend to today’s students.
Momentum in my musical development while at Grebel led me to enrol in Jazz Studies at Humber College after graduating from Waterloo. Since then, I’ve not only studied in the US with some great jazz and classical saxophone teachers, I’ve spent my career split between two disciplines—running my own IT company, while also touring and performing as a concert and jazz saxophonist. Grebel is where I learned that both my passions could coexist rather than compete, and that knowledge has shaped how I’ve built my professional and creative life ever since.
Student life is full of challenges. I hope the Woodwind Award gives students one less thing to worry about—whether it’s an instrument repair, or the ability to buy sheet music, study books, or lessons—so they can keep pursuing music alongside their academics.
Louise Wideman (BA 1985)
New Hamburg, Ontario, Pastor
As a Grebel Board Member, I catch an up-close glimpse of the ongoing life of faculty, staff, and students in this educational community. Since I graduated in 1985, Grebel has changed in many ways to adapt to a changing culture. Faculty have developed innovative classes to engage student curiosity. Staff have been creative in their support of new routines. And yet, the core values of belonging and community remain the same—the weekly Chapel and Community Suppers continue. This reality is inspiring.
Following my years at Grebel, I studied, lived, and served in the United States from 1986 to 2014. Contributing financially to Grebel was one way of remaining connected to my Canadian roots. When attending church gatherings south of the border, I ran into Fred Martin, former classmate and then Grebel Development Director. Catching up on life at Grebel inspired me to continue my financial support.
For this young farm girl, my years at Grebel were my first taste of a broader life experience. Classes and studies with people from a variety of ethnic and denominational backgrounds in the context of a small and loving community helped create a kaleidoscope of relationships. I built a network of friends who cared deeply about global and interpersonal reconciliation and peace making. The Grebel experience was a strong foundation for my future role as a pastor.
My hope is that future students discover the space Grebel provides for asking questions, testing leadership gifts, and trying new ways of being. My hope is that Grebel community life—studies, suppers, and socials—plants seeds for living as beacons of light wherever life may lead. I am grateful that my support will help create that possibility for future students.
Jason Booy (BSC 2008)
Toronto, Ontario, Family Physician
Just as I have changed since living at Grebel twenty years ago, the reasons I support Grebel financially have changed as well. At first, my giving was rooted in nostalgia and gratitude. Grebel had been my home, my community, my source of support, and the place where I formed lifelong friendships.
Over time, however, my motivation has become more intentional. I have come to appreciate the specific priorities that Grebel has chosen to embrace. When I was a student, there was no visible queer presence at Grebel. Today, Grebel has gender-neutral floors, a queer student group, and a Pride flag flying outside the chapel. I am proud that Grebel has committed to being a place where students at the intersection of faith and queerness can safely explore their identities, build community, and know that they belong.
Choosing to affirm LGBTQ+ students can carry financial consequences for religious organizations. That is precisely why I believe it is more important than ever for alumni to demonstrate their support—not only with words, but also through financial giving that reinforces the values and priorities Grebel has chosen to uphold.
Photo includes l-r: Jason Booy, Daniel Engel, and their children
Alina Balzerson (BA 2012)
Kitchener, Ontario, Registered Midwife
Giving to Grebel began sometime after graduation for me. As I became more established in my career, wanting to contribute to Grebel became an important step in supporting my community. Additionally, my mother, also an alum, was moved to create an endowment fund to assist students from Western Canada in attending Grebel. We have also been happy to support larger projects such as the Windows to the Future campaign.
My parents especially influenced my decision to give to Grebel. They are so passionate about education supported by the Mennonite community. Most of my family in the last three generations has attended one or more Mennonite institutions and believe in the importance of this.
Grebel has provided me with such deep and abiding friendships that I am so grateful for. I hope that future students also find community and home at Grebel. By supporting both an endowment fund as well as projects, I hope that students are excited to live away from home and make strong enduring connections.
Angela Krone (BASC 2019)
Waterloo, Ontario, Software Developer
I give to Grebel so today’s students can experience the same supportive, home-away-from-home community that meant so much to me. It’s deeply rewarding knowing my support goes directly to students—whether through grants and scholarships, facility upgrades, or student initiatives.
Receiving financial support from Grebel made the decision to stay in residence far less stressful for me. Thanks to several scholarships and grants, I was able to call Grebel home for my entire undergrad.
Living alongside students from completely different disciplines taught me just how big the world is beyond my field. It reshaped my perspective to focus on listening first, learning constantly, and never assuming I have all the answers.
Besides making sure no one melts during spring term (I am incredibly jealous of the new air conditioning), I hope my support keeps Grebel a comforting “anchor” for students. Having that safe space and supportive community got me through the chaos of undergrad, and I want to make sure future students have the same experience.
Photo below includes l-r: Madeleine Neufeld (2020), Elaina Mohr (BA 2021), Anna Wright (BSC 2020) Angela Krone (BASC 2019), and Charlotte Baker (BA 2020)
Wendy Cressman Zehr (BSC 1989)
New Hamburg, Ontario, Retired
I choose to support Grebel financially for several reasons. I am grateful for the experience I gained from Grebel as a student, alum, and Board Member, and I want others to have similarly positive experiences. I admire and respect the role that Grebel plays within the broader academic and church communities. I value the identity, goals and challenges that Grebel models and offers to students, educators, researchers, alumni, and community partners.
I believe that what Grebel offers is unique and I really want it to continue. I believe Grebel offers a model of learning and living that allows for synergistic growth both in knowledge and relationship formation.
As a student, I found Grebel to be a safe and welcoming place to learn and grow, ask big questions, and make deep, long lasting friendships. A number of friendships that began in my first year at Grebel (over 40 years ago!) continue to this day. We may not live near each other or see each other very often but when we get together, it’s almost like no time has passed. Our common experiences as we launched into adulthood allowed for tight and lasting bonds to form.
With my support, I hope that Grebel will continue to pursue peacemaking and social justice as an accepting, inclusive, and welcoming community. As well, my hope is that Grebel will continue to offer the residence and associate programs to students in all years (versus first years only) in order to optimize growth within the Grebel community and beyond.
Photo below includes l-r: Kim Enns Hildebrand (WLU 1986), Ann Herten (BA 1987), Wendy Cressman Zehr (BSC 1989), Laurie Buhr (1986)
Maurice Koetsier (MPACS 2024)
Listowel, Ontario, Community Care Coordinator
I had a great educational experience at Grebel and know others gave so I could attend. It is my hope that I am in someway paying it forward for future generations.
I have great respect for the Master of Peace and Conflict Studies program and the professors who taught me. I also have great respect for the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement, and the ongoing work they do.
My Grebel experience changed the way I look at the world, and forced me to reflect on my place in it.
Since I was enrolled in the MPACS program, I’m probably biased, but I hope the program continues to educate future peace practitioners.
King Y Horiguchi (PhD 1969)
Shibukawa, Japan, Retired
In 1964, I began my PhD in Chemical Engineering at the University of Waterloo under Prof P.L. Silveston and R.R. Hudgins. I received a scholarship for $300 CAD a month starting in September 1964 until I graduated in March 1969 when the National Science Foundation of Ottawa granted me a Japanese PhD. I didn’t have to repay the scholarship, and I was very thankful for it.
I thought I should “pay it forward” as much as possible and more if the tax office in Japan permitted payment overseas (which they said wouldn’t be good for Japan). I haven’t donated to any other Canadian Institutes at all—it was only Grebel that I served.
Friends—that’s the key, and in particular, roommates made all the difference. My closest roommate was Eric Friesen in 1965, whose family we recently met in Japan two years ago. My second closest roommate was Mark Bender in 1964. I still value those friendships 60 years later.
