Facilitating engaging classes is just one of the ways that Lowell Ewert cares for and supports students in achieving their goals. Lowell is Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo. Originally a lawyer, he researches the ways that peace interacts with human rights, law, and civil society. His teaching and in-class discussions empower students to apply what they are learning in whatever vocation they find themselves. “Lowell made me believe that my ideas were important and that I could achieve just about anything I set out to do,” reflected Taylor Legere. This motivation led her to change her major to Peace and Conflict Studies.
Taylor is in her 4B term of Honours Arts and Business with a PACS major. One of the first things that she noticed about Lowell is the way he encourages students to be active members of civil society rather than simply despairing over the many conflicts they see. “Lowell has impacted me by continuing to be a very positive and hopeful person in spite of all of the conflict that we are surrounded by. His unwavering optimism and excitement about peace work helped me find my own excitement about helping the world be more peaceful.” Taylor said that he also taught her the importance of peace as a cross-disciplinary mindset. “Lowell helped me understand that peace and conflict studies is relevant in all career paths.”
The impact Lowell makes on student learning goes beyond the classroom setting. He makes an effort to encourage students in future studies. Taylor remembered that Lowell wrote a reference letter for her scholarship application one year. “I really appreciated the time he took to write such kind things about me as a student.”
Margie McClosky took PACS 301: Human Rights, Humanitarian Law and International Criminal Prosecution with Lowell and enjoyed how the small classroom setting led to many meaningful conversations. “Lowell’s insights during these discussions were always very perceptive and helpful, and I feel like I learned so much during these class times because of the meaningful nature of the conversations.” It was through this class that Margie realized the career she wanted to pursue. “In listening to Lowell speak about how law can intersect with agents of peace to create meaningful change and justice, I became inspired to follow a career path that was reflective of this intricate relationship. With encouragement from Lowell, I decided to pursue a law degree in the next phase of my education.”
Lowell’s interactions with students in class spill into conversations with them throughout Grebel community. Grebel presents many opportunities for professors and students to connect – as faculty, staff, and students share at least one meal together each week. 4th year PACS student Madeleine Neufeld noted that “sitting and enjoying a meal with Lowell has been special to me, as I have gotten to connect with him over shared interests.” Madeleine explained that she continues to carry the lessons she learned from Lowell about connecting with co-workers and how to approach academic study. “They have informed my entire scholarship throughout my undergrad and his wisdom has influenced my decision making in what I plan to do after graduation.”
Grebel presents unique opportunities for students to converse with faculty in small classroom settings and around the College. Lowell is a superb example of a professor who goes above and beyond his lecture time to assist his student’s future studies and careers. Students like Madeleine find that “Lowell has a wealth of real world experiential knowledge and his classes feel more like a conversation with an expert rather than a lecture.” These classes provide knowledge and inspiration as students refine and explore the paths available for their future vocations.
Lowell will retire at the end of June 2020.
By Elizabeth Robertson