This updated design of the academic building includes an entire 4th floor that will house the peace centre. Read more about the Next Chapter Building Project or view detailed floor plans.
Mennonite Savings and Credit Union (MSCU) and Conrad Grebel University College (CGUC) are pleased to announce the creation of the Mennonite Savings and Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at Conrad Grebel. MSCU’s one million dollar commitment will empower Conrad Grebel to create an accelerator centre committed to collaborative peace innovation with lasting impact.
We’re thrilled to make such a transformational commitment to peace building in our world. We believe the MSCU Centre for Peace Advancement will be an innovative expression of our core values and are gratified that we’re able to share our resources to enhance the Mennonite tradition of building peace-filled communities,
stated Brent Zorgdrager, chief executive officer of MSCU.
Together, MSCU and CGUC envision an MSCU peace centre that is a hub of entrepreneurial and interdisciplinary collaboration, fostering new ways to advance peace in a conflict-filled world. In addition to teaching and research facilities, the centre will provide shared seminar and project space for students and faculty, as well as space for community service organizations, pastors, and other peace builders.
Conrad Grebel is uniquely positioned to accelerate peace research and action. The college houses Canada’s oldest Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) program which interacts with theology, music, and other academic programs of the College to foster a fertile ground for growing ideas that reach beyond the campus. Grebel has a rich legacy of peace teaching and research, including the genesis of Project Ploughshares, Canada’s premiere ecumenical peace research and advocacy organization. Adding the Centre will now increase the current building plans to four floors, with construction slated to start in March 2012.
This is a new day at Grebel,
stated Susan Schultz Huxman, Grebel’s new president.
A day marked by a great partnership with MSCU to advance peace education and action here at home and around the world. Grebel and the University of Waterloo understand how interdisciplinary education and innovation work hand in hand. We’re excited to enhance our peace education work through this creative initiative!
MSCU and Conrad Grebel share a rich history and complementary values. Both organizations were profoundly shaped by the vision of J. Winfield Fretz, Conrad Grebel’s first president. They have worked in partnership over the past years, and from these shared roots, they look forward to preparing the next generation of community leaders, peace researchers, and social innovators.
About MSCU
Mennonite Savings and Credit Union is a Mennonite financial cooperative serving communities of faith across Ontario. MSCU provides every day banking services to over 18,000 members with the "barn-raising" mutual aid traditions of the Waterloo County Mennonite community. From modest beginnings in 1964, MSCU has grown in size to over $800 Million in assets under administration and rank seventh among credit unions in Ontario. MSCU has eight full-service branches and five sub-locations offering a complete range of banking, investment and loan products.
About Conrad Grebel University College
Founded in 1963 by Ontario Mennonites, Conrad Grebel University College is a Christian liberal arts college affiliated with the University of Waterloo. The college’s mission is “to seek wisdom, nurture faith and pursue justice and peace in service to church and society.” Grebel’s core values include inspired teaching, scholarly excellence, compassionate service, community building, active peacemaking and global engagement. These are expressed through the academic and student life programs. Today, Grebel is expanding its mission with a graduate program in Theological Studies and the development of a master’s program in Peace and Conflict Studies.
For more information contact:
Pam Fehr
Director of Marketing
Mennonite Savings and Credit Union
Phone: 519-772-5211
Cell: 519-588-3822
Email: pfehr@mscu.com
or
Fred W. Martin
Director of Development
Conrad Grebel University College
140 Westmount Road, Waterloo, ON N2L 3G6
Phone: 519-885-0220 x24381
Mobile: 519-572-7704
Email: fwmartin@uwaterloo.ca
A view from Westmount Road showing the new entry. The Mennonite Savings and Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement is on the upper (fourth) floor. The third floor houses the library with the Mennonite Archives of Ontario at the heart of this level. The main floor has a welcoming entrance.
An interior view from the existing atrium looking toward Westmount Road.
View of the new building from the parking lot.
View of the new building from Westmount Road.
View of the new building from the residence.
Floor plan for level one.
Floor plan for level two.
Floor plan for level three.
Floor plan for level four.
Aerial view of the Conrad Grebel University College with the new building.
Floor plan for level four in detail.
