News

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.

When students moved into Conrad Grebel University College this fall, they were met with gleaming new washrooms and bright corridors. After four months of construction, four of the six washrooms in Grebel’s residence building have been completely renovated, improving both student experience and building operations.  

The year 2025 marks 500 years since a group of young radicals gathered secretly in Zürich, Switzerland. This year, for Mennonite Heritage Week, Conrad Grebel University College has prepared a self-guided Mennonite Art Tour for visitors interested in learning about the history, culture, values, thought, and religion of Mennonites.