Windows to the Future Campaign
Funding building and infrastructure upgrades in buildings that are more than 60 years old isn’t always exciting. However, Grebel alumni and donors have helped to embrace this challenge. With a late summer pledge of $500,000 from John Marshall (BES 85), we have eclipsed our $4M minimum fundraising goal! With this strong support, we are also able to upgrade the lounge furniture and internet infrastructure in the residence.
“Grebel is an amazing place and was foundational to my life—not only my studies but my social life and networks of friends. And I’m glad to support this important fundraising campaign that will help Grebel’s students,” said John. As a student, John was deeply involved in student life in the residence and was impacted by the academic support of professors like Walter Klaassen.
This summer, four washrooms were renovated and preliminary work was done for the heating, ventilation, and air conditioning upgrades. The second stage of upgrades will occur in summer 2026 when air source heat pumps will be installed in all of the residence rooms and the final two washrooms will be upgraded.
The residence plumbing infrastructure was in dire need of replacement—even more evident during construction.
In thanks to John Marshall for his gift, the fourth-floor lounge will be called the "John Marshall Student Lounge"
It has been gratifying to see alumni from all eras band together to help fund the cost of renewing our residence for a new generation of Grebelites. For example, Tim (BMATH 2015) and Jessica (Clancy) (BSC 2017) Dyck along with Rebekah (Winter) (BSC 2016) and Chad Bender sponsored a room. Tim, who served as Student Council President noted, “We are feeling blessed to be in a position to give back to the place we called home, and the place we first met! We drive by every day, so we are constantly reminded of the role Grebel has played in our lives.”
“Renovating the bathrooms wasn’t just a slight upgrade, it was something that has now made our lives easier and the space more functional,” said Gillian Devich, a current residence don.
Roy Hoffman (BASC 1964) from Montreal, sponsored a room in memory of his wife Sandra (Funk) (BA 1966) who passed away in 2023. “I’m happy to be able to do this,” said Roy, who was part of the third graduating class from Engineering at Waterloo.
Approximately 15 rooms have yet to be sponsored, and these donations will fund other capital upgrades to the residence and apartments. “Our capital reserves are depleted and additional support for this project will provide needed resources for any future infrastructure issues that may arise,” noted Mimi Browne, Director of Operations.
“Fundraising campaigns are usually about building new things, but we’ve raised over $4 million to replace old plumbing and boilers,” said President Marcus Shantz. “We’re so grateful to have generous donors who understand the importance of good stewardship.”
Help to upgrade Grebel's HVAC system and improve air quality in the residence.
Pledge on your own or together with friends or a past roommate!
- $10k per room
- $5k with your roommate
