Remembering the Legacy of Former President John E. Toews
It is with sadness that Conrad Grebel University College announces the passing of John E. Toews on September 29, 2024. He served as Grebel’s president from 1996 to 2002 and Academic Dean from 1971 to 1973. Toews most recently lived near Boston, Massachusetts, and is survived by his children Delora Toews Schneider, Dawn Toews Hartman, and Mark Toews, and was predeceased by his wife Arlene Toews.
Born in Hepburn, Saskatchewan, Toews pursued a mix of church ministry and post-secondary education in both Canada and the United States. With a BA from Tabor College, an MA from Wichita State University – both in History – Toews attended Mennonite Brethren Bible College for Theological Studies and achieved a PhD in New Testament Studies from Northwestern University-Garrett Theological Seminary.
Toews was an avid scholar with an interest in biblical studies (particularly the writings of Paul), history, theology, and church leadership. He was an editor of Power of the Lamb (1986) and Your Daughters Shall Prophesy: Women in Ministry in the Church (1992). In retirement, he wrote Romans: Believers Church Bible Commentary (2004) and The Story of Original Sin (2013).
Devoted to theological education, Toews was known as an effective administrator, quickly taking on leadership tasks at various institutions. Toews served numerous Mennonite Institutions during his career, including as teacher at Fresno Pacific University Biblical Seminary, Academic Dean at Grebel, teacher at Tabor College, Professor and then Dean at Mennonite Brethren Biblical Seminary, and finally as President at Conrad Grebel University College.
Toews arrived at Grebel in January 1996, during a time of difficult financial and administrative challenges. Under his leadership, Grebel’s budget was balanced, the donor base grew significantly, and the student residence expanded. During his presidency, donations to the College’s annual fund grew by almost 500%, and new endowments were established to fund programs and provide financial aid for students. These actions set the College on a path for future growth and success.
Financial circumstances demanded that Toews downsize operations at the beginning of his presidency. However, by 2002, Grebel was in a position to hire new faculty. Later program developments, including the creation of a graduate program in PACS and expansion of the PACS undergraduate program, a Peace Centre, and the expanded MTS program, were envisioned in a strategic plan that Toews developed.
Toward the the end of Toews’ presidency, the College embarked on an ambitious building expansion. The project included an extended residence building that added 24 beds, an eight-unit apartment building that held 32 more students, and a glass atrium that linked the residence and academic buildings together – a long-held dream for the community. In recognition of his transformational contributions to Grebel, the Board named it the “John E. Toews Atrium.”
“Those of us who live, work, and study at Grebel today owe a debt of gratitude to John Toews,” said President Marcus Shantz. “His leadership during a tough period ensured the long-term future of this place."
Named Professor Emeritus of Religious Studies in retirement, Toews continued his scholarship with the company of his wife Arlene in Fresno, California. He later moved to Massachusetts. The Grebel community delighted in Toews’ last visit to Waterloo in 2013 to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the College.