Spring at Conrad Grebel University College has been filled with fond memories of the past, as several gatherings of alumni have been held on and off the College’s grounds. These events give Grebelites the opportunity to reconnect with former roommates, classmates, and faculty members, strengthening the longstanding community of the College. 

At the end of May, Grebel alumni, staff, and students volunteered in the cream bun tent at the New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale. With buckets of icing and bags of buns, this hearty crew enjoyed working together with the shared purpose of raising money for Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) initiatives. 

Grebel’s Alumni Committee held a Beer and Bites event, where alumni and friends enjoyed craft brews, delicious food, and good company. Seth Ratzlaff (BA 2014, MPACS 2018) joined Grebel in partnership with Short Finger Brewing Company, and Grebel ambassadors shared about what life is like at Grebel today. 

The night was filled with conversation and laughter as alumni visited the different University Colleges to sample cold beverages and delectable treats like hot honey chicken skewers with grilled pineapple, crispy fish tacos with mango salsa and lime crema, peppercorn beef sliders with caramelized onion, and corn and roasted jalapeno fritters.  The Grebel group included former roommates/housemates, numerous past student leaders, and a few alumni who met their partners at Grebel. Plans are already underway for next year’s event on June 6, 2025. (Mark your calendar!) 

The next day, more than 60 alumni from the early ’90s returned to Grebel for an afternoon of visiting, reminiscing, favourite Grebel treats like whoopie pies and Rice Krispie swirls, and an unforgettable line-up of entertainment that included music, ‘90s trivia, and heart-felt reflections. 

The audience enjoyed a revived banjo performance from Charles Conrad (BSC 1995), an unforgettable tap-dancing performance from Lisa Shantz (BA 1996) accompanied by Sarah Lichti (BA 2000), and speeches about memories at Grebel. So many people came back to reconnect and share memories, and it was rewarding to see how many of the friendships formed at Grebel had lasted through the years and decades. The fun afternoon would not have been possible without reunion planners Tamara Awad-Lobe (BA 1994), Marnie Gerster (BA 1996), Duane Heide (BA 1994), Shauna Leis (1998), and Marcus Shantz (BA 1995). 

The program was recorded and photos were posted in a Facebook gallery if you want to experience the day – or re-live it, for those who were able to make it – and be sure to give the reunion playlist a listen! 

In mid-June, Grebel alumni, families, and friends joined other UWaterloo University College alumni from “across the creek” to watch the Blue Jays face the Cleveland Guardians on their home field in Toronto. With a stellar view of from the outfield, attendees enjoyed the game from the WestJet Flight deck. Highlights of the day included Jr. Jays activities for kids, cheering wildly after a grand slam by Varsho, and dancing with the J. Crew cheerleaders on the jumbotron during the 7th-inning stretch. 

These events were a welcome reminder of Grebel’s close community and confirms “once a Grebelite, always a Grebelite.” Make sure to check Grebel’s social media and keep an eye out for more fun events that the College will be hosting this fall! 
 

By Natasha Forth