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Maya’s three years at Grebel have been everything she wished for in an exciting university experience because of the benefits of living among an active and supportive network of individuals. “I always have good things to share about Grebel: meaningful interactions, talented people, and memorable moments with not just my friends, but anyone in this residence,” she said, reflecting on her sense of belonging within the community. 

Larry Cornies is a master of his craft. Over the span of 45 years, he has sustained a distinguished career in journalism, teaching, and community service. His vocational path wasn’t direct, but his choices contributed to the depth and perspective that he brings to his work. Cornies is the recipient of Conrad Grebel University College's 2024 Distinguished Alumni Service Award, recognizing his significant contributions to the field. 

In early November, seven students from Conrad Grebel University College attended the New Horizons of Impact conference by the Mennonite Economic Development Associates (MEDA) in Atlanta, Georgia. "I had good conversations with the representatives at the conference. They actively tried to connect with the younger generation and inspire us,” reflected first-year student Jonathan Issak. 

“I constantly encounter learning that happens outside of classrooms at Grebel,” shared Paul Heidebrecht, Director of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement at Grebel, who accompanied students to the conference. “I am always eager to help students find contexts such as the MEDA convention where theory and practice are brought together.” 

"It's hard to describe, but it hit me right in the heart. I just thought, sometimes things can look one way, but then with a little more context or information, it can completely change your perspective," reflected Nancy Williams on a statue she saw at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City during a multi-day student seminar hosted by Mennonite Central Committee. The statue, pictured on the left, was recovered from the 1945 Nagasaki bombing. "How can something look so perfect from one side but then on the other side, you know there's just absolute tragedy?" 

Dr. Carol Penner has been seconded to the role of Chaplain at Conrad Grebel University College for the next three years, beginning May 2, 2025. Penner has taught at Grebel since 2016 as Assistant Professor of Theological Studies and as Director of the Theological Studies (MTS) program since 2022. She will continue in those academic roles on a reduced workload while serving as Chaplain. 

“I am excited to work with Carol as Grebel's next Chaplain,” said Jessica Reesor Rempel, Director of Student Services. “Carol brings expertise in both worship planning and teaching, which will allow her to be an engaged mentor to students on the Chapel Committee and beyond. Her many years of pastoral care experience will be a valuable resource to the students who will seek out her support as Chaplain.” 

“Having lived in Canada for a few months now, I am thrilled by the diverse cultures and the friendly vibe,” remarked Abuk Angok, who is living at Conrad Grebel University College and studying at the University of Waterloo. “My life’s journey has been a difficult struggle, filled with hopelessness, suffering, and disillusionment. Despite all this, my passion for education has never dimmed.” 

“I began my schooling in 2009 in South Sudan, before fleeing due to civil war,” remembered Abuk. “Unfortunately, in August of 2013, our domicile was burnt down by the brutal pastoralist men who mercilessly attacked our village and raided various herds of cattle. Many children, youths, and women were killed, maimed, and displaced.” 

E. Paul Penner, a pillar of Grebel, retired in March 2024, leaving a legacy of commitment, care, and hospitality, as well as memories of pranks, laughter, and classic movie nights. Before his 36-year career in operations, Paul was a University of Waterloo student (BA 1983) who lived at Conrad Grebel University College while studying Economics and Sociology. His service to the College began while a student, serving as Student Council President in 1982-83. After graduating, Paul worked in maintenance in the St. Clair-O’Connor Community as Environmental and Maintenance Services Supervisor and Apartment Rental Coordinator. He completed his Certificate in Business at the University of Toronto in 1987. He returned to Grebel in 1988 as Business Manager, then transitioned to Operations Manager in 1995, and finally to Director of Operations. His primary responsibilities were managing the staff, operations, and buildings of the College, but to Paul, the job was a mission of hospitality, service, and community-building. 

“I really loved the movie, Cars. When I became a member of the Grebel Orientation Committee, I knew straight away that Cars simply had to be the O-Week theme,” explained Isabel Song, a third-year Honours Science student who lives at Conrad Grebel University College. “Planning O-Week required significant time and effort, but when I sat in the Grebel dining hall, watching the movie Cars, surrounded by Cars-themed decorations, people wearing Cars-themed t-shirts, after a week of Cars-themed games, and skits performed by people in Cars-themed costumes, I knew it was all worth it.” 

“In 2004, when we started Orchestra@UWaterloo, we had a conductor, Erna Van Daele, and a concertmaster, new faculty member Romy Shioda, but really nothing else — no budget and no rehearsal space. Luckily, Catharine Scott, Associate Provost of Human Resources and Student Services, was willing to support me — a computer science prof with the unlikely ambition to manage an orchestra,” reflected Anna Lubiw, one of the professors who started Orchestra@UWaterloo. 

Transition is both a natural and challenging part of life, and it is something that PACS alumni Bonnie Klassen has become very familiar with. After 27 years living and working in Colombia, Bonnie recently moved back to Canada, bringing with her years of experience working towards justice and peace in a global context.

Bonnie’s PACS journey began in the 1990s. Short trips abroad in high school had sparked Bonnie’s interest in global learning experiences and motivated her to apply for the PACS internship program. Although Colombia was not at the top of her travel list, encouragement from a trusted family friend motivated Bonnie to take the leap and intern there. Supported by Mennonite Central Committee (MCC), she spent the next 3 months working with an organization called Justapaz, an experience which she describes as pivotal in her life’s journey.