News

“On behalf of the Grebel Board of Governors,” shared Board Chair Paul Fieguth, “I am very pleased to announce the reappointment of Marcus Shantz as President of Conrad Grebel University College, supported enthusiastically and unanimously by the Board. The reappointment committee solicited and received input from a great many people, and there was overwhelming appreciation for Marcus’ leadership.

The University of Waterloo Music Department at Grebel spent the last month recording end-of-term ensemble concerts. Showcasing talent from two vocal groups, a string orchestra, a Balinese gamelan, a jazz band, and small instrumental chamber ensembles, these recordings are a musical treat for all. Participants include students from all faculties at UWaterloo, demonstrating the connection between science, technology, engineering, math, and arts! 

The famous skybunk can no longer be found in its original form in Grebel residence rooms.

Pursuing a career in music education was a dream for Ann L. Schultz (BA 1990) who was always passionate about making music. After finishing a degree in music at Conrad Grebel College, Ann completed a Bachelor of Education and began her teaching career at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in 1991, becoming head of the music program there in 1997.

When it comes to Grebel’s responsibility for a sustainable environment, there is a long (and expensive) to-do list. An engineering firm just completed an environmental audit of our campus. They have suggested dozens of ways we can reduce our carbon footprint and other environmental impacts—ideas that range from replacing residence windows, to upgraded heating and cooling systems, to smart thermostats, to solar panels. The list is long, but we know that future generations demand that we work at it. Present generations of alumni and students certainly expect us to act, and they have the expertise to help us.

Sit Spots, inspired by the work of Jon Young, a renowned nature connection and culture repair mentor, form a foundational practice of this course and the basis for our exploration of the connections between peace and conflict to the environment. This is part of what sets this course apart from other environmental courses offered at UWaterloo. 

At Grebel, sustainability and the environment are of great importance to students. From campfires after dark at Orientation Week, to weekends spent outdoors building community at Camp Trillium, to vibrant Environment Committee meetings, creation is a central part of life here.

Climate change is a threat to archives and other centres of knowledge. Around the world, cultural heritage and community memory is threatened by fires, floods, severe weather, and environmental conflicts.

This year, Grebel officially joined Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Regional Sustainability Initiative. As a member, Grebel will share and learn best practices with other like-minded organizations.

Grebel Alumni are scattered across the globe, pursuing a vast assortment of vocations and lifestyles. With a focus on the care of our earth, the following profiles highlight a just a few of the interesting, intentional, and invaluable work some Grebel alumni are pursuing.