Embracing Change with Togetherness – 2024 Grebel Convocation
As the sounds of a clarinet, violin, and piano trio filled the Humanities Theatre with vibrant music and joyful preparation, Conrad Grebel University College welcomed family, friends, staff, and faculty to celebrate one of the most anticipated events of the year: Convocation. As students approached the last of their exams and assignments, they took the afternoon to congratulate each other on the completion of their many exams, assignments, and papers and to cherish the countless relationships developed over their time at university.
Grebel President Marcus Shantz began the ceremony by welcoming the audience, commending the graduates on their academic triumphs, and reflecting upon their combined contributions in embodying the Grebel spirit. “You’ve each been important members of our college community over the past few years, and we are grateful for the privilege of knowing you,” he said.
Keynote speaker Betty Pries offered advice and encouragement, speaking about what she called a “loneliness epidemic” within today’s society. Pries, a Master of Theological Studies alum and Grebel’s 2011 Distinguished Alumni Service Award winner, explained how growing adults are oftentimes encumbered by their daily stresses, which hinders personal growth. “In our busyness, we can be tempted to focus on only whom we agree with, or those with whom we are already close,” she said. “If we are not careful, we risk falling into loneliness.”
Pries referenced an essay named “All I Ever Needed to Know, I Learned in Kindergarten” and noted how practices of kindness taught to children can be used as lifelong remedies to alleviate feelings of isolation. “It is true, no matter how old you are, that when you go out into the world, it is best to hold hands and stick together,” she quoted.
There were a wide variety of future plans in the works for this year’s graduating students. Some were looking forward to a momentary rest, while others yearned to further their education at a variety of national and international schools. Master of Theological Studies students anticipated continuing their ministry work with their newly developed perspectives on theological topics. Students with refined musical skills were excited about the variety of creative opportunities awaiting them, and students who learned about alternative methods to violence and peacebuilding practices were ready to enact positive change in the world. Whether they were just finishing the first step in their studies or at the end of their academic journey, the graduates shared a gratitude for their collective experiences at Grebel, and an eagerness for the future.
“Grebel is a collection of people and traditions that can change over time,” said Colin Funk, Grebel’s 2024 undergraduate Valedictorian. Colin was an active member of the Grebel community who lived at Grebel, was Student Council President, was a co-director for the Grebel musical, served as a don, and was a Chapel Committee member. Colin reminisced about painting the cafeteria walls, Sunday Night Hymn Singing, and late-night conversations with peers that changed their perceptions of health, peace, and justice. “The little things, the daily community-building conversations, are what stand out to me over the last five years.”
Fatoumatta Camara, this year’s graduate Valedictorian, shared her experience of traveling from Gambia to Canada, leaving behind the familiar in the pursuit of knowledge and personal growth. “It was a leap of faith made possible by the unwavering support of my family and the welcoming embrace of this amazing community.” Fatoumatta urged her fellow graduates to celebrate this milestone by carrying forward lessons learned, and the relationships they’ve cultivated with the spirit of gratitude that binds them together.
While Convocation marked the end of one road, the 2024 Grebel graduates felt comfort knowing their future endeavours would be forever supported by an ambitious, compassionate, and determined community of individuals.
By Jiho Mercer