Strengthening Faith Through Education

“Grebel really is the best of both worlds,” said Riley Koop, a third-year Chemical Engineering student who attends the University of Waterloo and lives at Conrad Grebel University College. “I don’t have to make a choice between quality education or a thriving spiritual and community life here.” 

As a member of Vineland United Mennonite Church, Riley feels comfortable in his home away from home because of Grebel's “strong commitment to being a Mennonite institution.” Grebel allows Riley to deepen his faith “in a space that encourages questions while still being rooted in the same Anabaptist-Mennonite values that are important” to him.

“While students at Grebel are diverse and come from many different denominations and faith traditions (leading to lots of really interesting conversations), Grebel’s Chapel services, Bible study groups, and public lectures are still based in the Mennonite tradition,” he explained. “This gives me strong and accessible opportunities to engage with social issues, new ideas, and questions in a way that aligns with my Anabaptist faith.” 

Embracing various extracurriculars offered at Grebel has been a fulfilling experience for Riley as well. “I’m thankful for the ways Grebel has given me opportunities to develop my skills as a student leader,” he shared. 

“Grebel’s affiliation with the University of Waterloo means I get the chance to challenge myself and grow academically by studying Chemical Engineering at one of Canada’s top universities,” Riley said. “Living in Grebel during my undergrad has been one of the best decisions I’ve made, and I would recommend it to anyone.” 

“Riley has contributed so much to Grebel over the last several years,” shared Jessica Reesor Rempel, Director of Student Services. “He’s sometimes been a leader in formal front and centre ways as a Chapel Committee member, Orientation Week Leader, and Peace Rep on the Larger Leadership Team of Grebel’s Student Council. Riley has also contributed in other behind-the-scenes ways such as supporting first-year Grebel Engineering students as they figure out how to balance a challenging course load with the rest of university life,” she shared. 

Grebel is a multi-year residence that welcomes students who study in any of the six faculties at UWaterloo. This mix of students creates a strong community rooted in meaningful traditions and gives students the opportunity to build leadership skills. “The Grebel experience people talk about is only possible with the help of upper-year students like Riley,” added Jessica.

By Zoey Pearce

Riley Koop (middle) lined up with Grebelites while welcoming new students during O-Week.

Riley Koop (middle) volunteering at the cream buns tent at the 2024 New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale.