Paul Penner’s Legacy of Service
E. Paul Penner, a pillar of Grebel, retired in March 2024, leaving a legacy of commitment, care, and hospitality, as well as memories of pranks, laughter, and classic movie nights. Before his 36-year career in operations, Paul was a University of Waterloo student (BA 1983) who lived at Conrad Grebel University College while studying Economics and Sociology. His service to the College began while a student, serving as Student Council President in 1982-83. After graduating, Paul worked in maintenance in the St. Clair-O’Connor Community as Environmental and Maintenance Services Supervisor and Apartment Rental Coordinator. He completed his Certificate in Business at the University of Toronto in 1987. He returned to Grebel 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.
“Paul told me, many times, that the purpose of operations is to make sure that our programs succeed, and that people come together, and that we show hospitality to everyone who lives, works, and visits here,” reflected President Marcus Shantz at Paul’s retirement party, which took the shape of an epic alumni talent show called Paul-a-Palooza.
Tributes to Paul upon his retirement were wide-ranging and spanned decades of students. Rebekah DeJong, alum and former employee, noted that while Paul’s work focused primarily on Grebel buildings, “he made it about the people. He cared deeply about the experience of every student who lived there, every Grebel employee, and every visitor. He cared about their development as humans, their sense of belonging, their voice.”
“Paul believes in students and advocates for them,” added Marcus. “And he has had a heartfelt belief in the goodness of bringing university students together to create a welcoming, intentional community here at Grebel, year after year. It's good for the students, because they find belonging and connection and purpose here. It's good for the world, because the world needs people who know how to create community and how to bring people together,” Marcus said. “That's why Paul always thought expansively about his work. It's the reason why his job didn't end at keeping the lights on – he got involved with faculty, staff, and students in programs and projects. When student council had a crazy idea, Paul would listen.”
Always looking for ways to improve the student experience, Paul was a champion of Student Council ideas and projects. “I have particularly fond memories of working on projects through my time at Grebel which were only possible because of Paul’s encouragement and support, including Solar Grebel and the new beach volleyball court,” said alum Aaron Neufeld. “Paul so clearly has had the best interests of students, staff, and faculty at heart.” As a parting gift to the Grebel community, Paul and his wife Dolores Harms Penner established an endowment fund where the annual earnings can be used by Student Council to purchase equipment and furnishings to enhance the residence.
Many of Paul’s achievements are easily visible. During his career, Paul led four major building projects: the patio addition and kitchen and dining room renovation (1992), the atrium, short end extension, and apartment construction (2003), the academic wing expansion (2014), and the dining room renovation and kitchen expansion (2021). He also oversaw smaller improvements, repairs, and initiatives. Paul demonstrated patience and expertise when working with the many trades needed to maintain or build an academic and residential institution, resulting in a well-functioning space. “It has been gratifying to work with Paul on so many projects at Grebel,” reflected Fred W. Martin, Director of Advancement. “From building projects to scholarships to special initiatives, Paul is enthusiastic and passionate about seeing things through and making Grebel better.”
With a focus on caring for the planet, Paul worked with Grebel to be on the forefront of many environmental initiatives, including creating a pollinator garden, installing solar thermal panels, instituting recycling programs, composting food waste, joining Sustainable Waterloo Region, building a green roof, and leading the Green Team. During his time as an administrator, Paul also kept a focus on staff. He strengthened the custodial team, hired employees, and supported Grebel staff in finding their voice by leading staff meetings, gathering staff input on policies, and supporting the creation of a Staff Representative to the Board position.
"Paul will be known for going far above and beyond in service to the community – from offering to drive our group of MEDA Convention attendees to the airport at 5 am, to responding to calls of fire alarms at all hours," shared alum Hannah Hill. Indeed, at the sound of a fire alarm during off-hours – day or night – Paul would usually beat the firetrucks to Grebel. Paul’s dedication was experienced by all who interacted with him, as he attended every event, welcomed students and families to the College and into his home, mentored student leaders, pitched in wherever needed, and kept in contact with decades of alumni.
In retirement, Paul, alongside his not-yet-retired wife Dolores, is looking forward to relaxing on the beach without answering work emails, attending a multitude of theatre productions, visiting family far and wide, maintaining a hearty social calendar, baking up a storm, cheering for the Leafs, and besting his partners in squash. Not one to sit still, Paul has also been volunteering as a fundraiser for Grebel’s Windows to the Future capital campaign by meeting with alumni and donors to raise money for improvements to the residence’s aging air handling systems, washrooms, and plumbing infrastructure.
As Paul moves into retirement, he leaves a lasting imprint at Grebel – evident in the beautiful buildings, a supportive employee culture, ongoing sustainable initiatives, and welcoming community. As someone who saw beyond the building he managed, Paul has impacted generations of Grebelites with his leadership, mentorship, and friendship. His inspirational spirit of service and connection will continue to shape the College’s future for years to come.
By Jennifer Konkle
