News

Peace is not just a theory for Maria Lucia Zapata Cancelado (DPCS 2001); it is a daily mission. As a Colombian lawyer and peace scholar, Maria is the Director of the Institute for Human Rights and Conflict Resolution at Javeriana University in Bogotá. Her work at the Jesuit school focuses on restorative justice and post-conflict peacebuilding. Maria earned her PACS diploma from Conrad Grebel University College in 2000, where she developed an interdisciplinary approach that reshaped her perspectives on law and peacebuilding. 

Think about a time when you attended a worship service in a community that was new to you. What stood out as different? What is most important about worship for you? Now imagine you’re 13-29 years old. Would you answer differently? 

Two Grebel alumni, Sarah Kathleen Johnson (BA 2007, MTS 2008) and Mykayla Turner (BSC 2020, MTS 2024), are asking these very questions through a collaboration on the Young People and Christian Worship study. This research project aims to shape better conversations about teenagers, emerging adults, and Christian worship by valuing their experiences as an important theological voice. 

The Mennonite Archives of Ontario, housed at Conrad Grebel University College, is now home to a traditional Mennonite Wanduhr (wall clock), thanks to Kenneth Friesen (BSC 1997) and his father Bert. While the clock had been on loan in the Archives since 2017, the Friesens formally transferred ownership in September as 2025 marks 100 years since the arrival of some of their ancestors in Canada. 

Now in her fifth year, Abby Krueger reflects on her experiences in student leadership at Conrad Grebel University College. “Grebel has given me a space where I can learn exactly who I am and where I want to end up in the world. I can’t imagine my university experience any other way.”

Two historic academic journals — The Conrad Grebel Review and Mennonite Quarterly Review — will merge into a single open-access publication in 2026 through a new collaboration among their three founding institutions: Anabaptist Mennonite Biblical Seminary in Elkhart, Indiana; Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario, Canada; and Goshen (Indiana) College.

For 24 years, Fred W. Martin served Grebel in fundraising and advancement. As the Director of Advancement, Fred has been a tireless advocate for Grebel, building strong relationships with donors, alumni, students, churches, and community partners.

“Grebel is a small college, but there is more diversity and difference here than is obvious on the surface,” said President Marcus Shantz, building on the theme of “Who is my neighbour?” “We come from many places, cultures, and countries. We express a rich range of personal identities. Some of us carry deep faith commitments; others are unsure. All of us belong.” 

Chris Brnjas, a double Grebel alum, is returning to campus as the new Director of Development at Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo. Chris will lead fundraising and alumni relations for Grebel by building relationships through donor engagement, major gift strategy, planned giving, and alumni events.

Dr. Kathryn Ladano (BA 1999) began her academic studies in Music at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo with a clear vision.

A sunny Labour Day weekend saw students new and old moving into Conrad Grebel University College for another year of learning and growing together. There was no shortage of returning students to welcome first-year residents and lend a helping hand moving belongings into dorm rooms.