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From 1923-1930, 21,000 Mennonite immigrants from the Soviet Union ("Russlaender") arrived in Canada seeking respite from war and turmoil. The current in-person exhibit at Conrad Grebel University College reflects this topic and is called “What They Carried: The Archives of Russlaender Mennonite immigrants.”

Ontario Mennonites received and billeted 1,340 of these immigrants in 1924. Many stayed in Ontario, moving between different communities, but others headed to western Canada. By 1927-1928, many who had gone west returned to Ontario. Meanwhile, still others were arriving from the Soviet Union, though this flow slowed significantly by the end of 1927. By 1939, 1,253 Russlaender families were counted in Ontario.

They carried what most immigrants carry: portable reminders of home and family, recipe books and other forms of practical knowledge, songbooks to sustain faith and culture. They also carried painstakingly-acquired documents vital for the crossing of borders. Less tangibly, they carried experiences of grief and loss along with feelings of trepidation and anticipation, from which new stories would grow. The exhibit links stories with documents and objects donated to the Mennonite Archives of Ontario.

Before attending Ontario Mennonite Music Camp at Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, campers Julia and Jaren thought the idea of making close friends there seemed too good to be true. Little did they know, they were entering an environment where friendship and music come together to create a sense of belonging for everyone, no matter their age or musical experience.

On March 12, 2025, three University of Waterloo students based at Conrad Grebel University College competed in the Annual C. Henry Smith Oratorical Speech Contest established by the late C. Henry Smith in 1974. Each student presented their speech to a panel of judges along with an audience of staff, faculty, and students. Teena Faust, a second-year Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) and Philosophy student, Ella Funk, a fourth-year English Creative and Professional Writing student, and Lucas Shumaker, a third-year international student studying Environmental Engineering, competed in the contest. Prizes awarded included: 1st place - $1000, 2nd place - $500, and 3rd place - $300!

If there’s anyone who likes breaking down barriers and seeing what’s on the other side, it’s Benny Skinner (BA 2019, MA 2023). They are a human rights advocate, award-winning rugby player on an inclusivity-driven Premier League team, and Indigenous Research Advisor who positively affects the world through activism. Benny’s commitment to social justice was enhanced by Conrad Grebel University College’s Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) program, the place where they learned how to challenge and change a society where injustice runs deep. 

Conrad Grebel University College’s Student Council prepares to present the Canadian premiere of The Clockmaker’s Daughter, a musical written by composers Micheal Webborn and Daniel Finn, this March. The musical's producer, Thao My Vu, and the lead, Maya Valdez, gave insight into the production and shared what makes Grebel musicals unique and worthwhile.

Riley Koop, a third-year Chemical Engineering student, says attending the University of Waterloo and living at Conrad Grebel University College is the best of both worlds. "I don’t have to make a choice between quality education or a thriving spiritual and community life here," he said. As a member of Vineland United Mennonite Church, Riley feels comfortable in his home away from home because of Grebel's "strong commitment to being a Mennonite institution," which allows him to deepen his faith "in a space that encourages questions while still being rooted in the same Anabaptist-Mennonite values that are important."

Chloe Shantz, a fourth-year Music and English Literature student at the University of Waterloo shares her experience as a musician in Conrad Grebel University College's music program. She is a soprano vocalist and violinist who has been a highly involved member of the Music Department's Chamber Choir, Instrumental Chamber Ensemble, Orchestra Ensemble, and Chapel. Chloe is also the vocal director of Grebel’s upcoming production of The Clockmaker’s Daughter: The Musical, which will be premiering in March.

Beginning in summer 2025, Grebel is looking for one or two people who are energized by living in a community! People who enjoy being surrounded by lots of students and who are content to stay home and play board games, binge on movies, attend coffee houses, or visit over tea will thrive in this role. The Campus Host(s) represents the College during non-business hours and functions as a building superintendent. In return for these services, the College provides rent-free accommodation in a one-bedroom apartment and covers utilities. The Campus Host role is contracted for a term of two years. 

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.