News

To look back on Issa Ebombolo’s (MPACS 2017) career thus far is to look back on a journey of leadership, collaboration, and great accomplishments. From developing a peace curriculum, helping develop programs and support for refugee camps, and now, in his current role, working with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as Peacebuilding Coordinator for Zambia and Malawi, he has helped promote peace and restorative justice in all that he does. It is fitting that he has been chosen as the 2022 recipient of Conrad Grebel University College’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award.

Grebel Professor Derek Suderman is passionate about connecting with global Anabaptist churches and contributing to cross-cultural teaching. This summer, he taught courses in Cuba and Thailand to resource the Global Mennonite Church.

“When our students think about the future, climate change is their single greatest concern,” noted Conrad Grebel University College President Marcus Shantz. “Grebel must respond in ways that generate hope and inspiration for our students.”

At the Annual General Meeting held on October 4, Conrad Grebel University College President Marcus Shantz provided an overview to Grebel’s new Strategic Plan.  Entitled “Renewing an Inspired Community,” Shantz noted that, “the main hope our stakeholders expressed was for Grebel to thrive in the future. No one advised us to radically change our identity, our programs, or our mission. Rather, they encouraged us to be good stewards of the College in the face of various challenges and pressures, so that it endures for the benefit of future generations.”  

During orientation week this year, master’s students in Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) and Theological Studies (MTS), plus faculty and staff at Conrad Grebel University College were invited to participate in a tour of the Brubacher House Museum on the University of Waterloo campus, followed by a virtual tour of the former Mohawk Institute Residential School, offered by the Woodland Cultural Centre. Participants were encouraged to stay afterward to discuss anything that may be coming up for us after these two tours.  

The air was buzzing at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo on September 3, as new students moved into the residence, accompanied by their parents and welcomed by enthusiastic upper-year students. The energy that comes with starting something new continued all week and was evident across the entire University of Waterloo campus, with groups of new students – many on campus for the first time – navigating new friendships, locating classrooms, and adjusting to life on their own.

In recognition of Mennonite Heritage Week in Canada, Mennonites in Ontario are highlighting the bicentennial of Amish immigration to Canada.

The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) and Conrad Grebel University College are pleased to announce the renewal of Jane Kuepfer as Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging.

Professor Emeritus Calvin Redekop passed away on July 19, 2022, at the age of 96 years. Redekop was a sociologist, writer, teacher, and activist, and he worked for environmental change for his entire life. 

Last month, the Theatre of the Arts at the University of Waterloo was brimming with thrumming beats, haunting voices, layered melodies, and a unique blend of electronic cello and traditional Indigenous music. As part of the Indigenous-Mennonite Encounters conference organized by Conrad Grebel University College, Indigenous and Mennonite musicians offered a concert that addressed relationships, beauty, nature, hope, and betrayal.