News

“My life would’ve been totally different if it weren’t for the support of the Grebel community,” said Tom Iagovet, a third-year student double majoring in Computer Science and Combinatorics and Optimization. Tom has been connected to Grebel since his first year in university. He has made many friends at Grebel, actively involved himself in many extracurricular opportunities, and he deeply connected with Grebel’s values and traditions — ultimately transforming his student experience.  

When Timothy Khoo was choosing a university, he was looking for something that stood out. “I kept hearing about this Mennonite residence from my family and church community, and it piqued my interest,” he said. Tim is now a second-year Honours Physics student at the University of Waterloo and a returning upper-year student at Conrad Grebel University College.  

Conrad Grebel University College has set a 35% greenhouse gas reduction target by 2030, supported by Sustainable Waterloo Region’s Impact Network. This is Grebel’s first target as a Pledging Partner, matching the University of Waterloo’s GHG reduction goal. 

Affiliating with the University of Waterloo makes residence at Conrad Grebel University College operate slightly different. With UWaterloo’s Co-operative Education program, the number of returning students often fluctuates based on whether they are on a study term or a work term. Grebel offers flexible housing contracts so that students can stay connected and have confidence that they will be welcomed back for another term.  

Jessica Reesor Rempel has been named Conrad Grebel University College’s permanent Chaplain, starting immediately. She has held the role of Interim Chaplain since August 2021, offering insight, energy, and mindfulness in all her interactions with students, staff, and faculty. The Grebel community strongly affirms this appointment. "Jessica's understanding of chaplaincy is firmly planted in extensive experience and well-rounded training that includes both theological education and practical pastoral care and counselling,” said President Marcus Shantz.

Today we are, all of us, coming to terms with the violent attack on two students and a professor at Hagey Hall yesterday afternoon. This incident is deeply troubling, and it disrupts our sense of safety, security, and trust. Each of us may be affected in different ways. I am sure that you will be graceful and gentle with each other as we each process this in our own ways. This is a time when we are especially fortunate to have a strong community to rely on.

In July 2023, the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at Conrad Grebel University College will welcome the Centre for Community Based Research (CCBR) as a Core Collaborator.

Grebel's 60 Stories Project | Erin Brandenburg lived at Grebel in 1997 and graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2001 with a degree in Drama and Arts Management. She now works as a director and writer and lives in Toronto. Erin will be directing her first short film this summer on Pelee Island.

"As a Peace and Conflict Studies graduate student at Grebel  Waterloo, I presented a paper at the International Peace Research Association Peace Conference."

As part of Pride month, Grebel’s first StuCo EDI Officer, an upper-year Health student, reflected on their experience of gender identity, self-realization, and support from the Grebel community.