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Deepak Wanner (BASC 1986) is a serial entrepreneur who started five technology companies throughout his dynamic career. Deepak lived at Grebel while earning his BASC at the University of Waterloo, and the values he picked up around the dinner table stuck with him as he became a prominent leader in his technological endeavours. He takes pride in his family and the strong values of community, sharing, and social responsibility that he has passed down.

The second week of September is Mennonite Heritage Week. At Conrad Grebel University College in Waterloo, Ontario, this week is an occasion to share about Mennonite history and culture. Offering several ways to engage with Mennonite history, the College is hosting a book launch this week has two Mennonite-themed exhibits on display.

“Grebel has been interwoven with my vocational path in powerful ways,” Barb Smith-Morrison (BA 1994, MTS 2008) shared. Barb arrived at Conrad Grebel University College in her first year of university with a calling to pastoral ministry that grew out of United Church youth camp experiences. She had little experience being part of a congregation or intergenerational faith community and Grebel was her first introduction to the Mennonite tradition. "The College introduced me to the faith tradition in which I made a home,” Barb shared. Previously working for Grebel as the Interim Dean of Students from 1994-1996, and as a pastor within Mennonite Church Eastern Canada for 28 years,  Barb is now the Executive Director of Brooksong Retreat and Cancer Support Centre, located in the Haliburton Highlands.

“Sharing aviation with others” are words that Jessalyn Teed (BES 2017) has long stood by, navigating through a career in aviation that started in the Geography and Aviation Program at the University of Waterloo. She is currently a Pilot at Sunwing Airlines, where she supports newcomer pilots through building and assisting a mentorship program, where she connects with each new pilot and fosters a support network for their success. “This is one of the pieces of my role I am most passionate about, and find fulfilling, in my career,” Jessalyn described. “I look back to my time at Conrad Grebel University College, where I was a Don and supported residents through a challenging, transitional experience – and the skills built from being a Don have helped me both identify and utilize this passion to support others through new experiences.” 

Congratulations to Ellen Marguerite Siebel-Achenbach on receiving The Sandra Burt Prize in Gender and Social Justice for her project on “Sisters of Wisdom: Female Hymnists of the Middle Ages.” Ellen graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2023 with a double major in Visual Culture and Medieval Studies and minors in both Fine Arts Studio and Church Music and Worship (CMW). She recently finished her master's degree in Art History at the University of Toronto. 

“My first exposure to the University of Waterloo was at Grebel,” reflected David Fransen (BA 1976, MA 1977), encapsulating Conrad Grebel University College’s impact on his life. In fact, David recalled, “the only time I crossed the creek was to go over to Hagey Hall or to the library – it was my initial perspective of the Waterloo campus.” Since graduating, David’s career has taken him to many places and positions beyond Grebel – including to the other side of campus 30 years later – serving as a senior executive in government research and education while working across Canada and the US.  

For Gina Nighswander Driedger, “Grebel was so much more than the educational experience.” Living at Conrad Grebel University College while studying at McMaster University, Gina went the extra mile – literally – to participate in the welcoming community Grebel had to offer. Starting her post-secondary education at the University of Waterloo in 2004, Gina studied Fine Arts and Music for a year before switching schools to study healthcare. While Gina was enrolled in McMaster’s nursing program at their satellite campus at Conestoga College, she felt that Grebel was still her place. Fortunately, she was able to convince Mary Brubaker-Zehr, the Director of Student Services, to let her continue to live at the College until she graduated in 2008.  

“You’re never too old, only too young,” Karla Del Grande nee Peters (BA 1974) stated, reflecting on how she began her career as a masters sprinter at the age of 50. Karla has since found her place in the Ontario and Canadian Masters Athletics Halls of Fame, and on the Wall of Fame at Variety Village, the fitness facility where she trains. She was named the World Masters Athletics (WMA) Female Sprint Athlete of the Year in 2019, and WMA Female Athlete of the Decade 2010-2019. “This latter award recognized my longevity and continued excellence in my sport,” Karla explained.

“The Creator used Grebel for me to find my footing again so I could keep walking in a faith way,” said Rick Martin (BA 1983). After exploring and working in India as a young adult, Rick felt “a sense of calling to some kind of mission work.” Rick heard about professors at Conrad Grebel University College who were “informative good thinkers,” and soon found himself at the College. His path led him to many communities after Grebel, finding his place in Healing Circles and reconciliation at MSC Canada, an organization that supports Local Church Driven Missions.  

“Biking and walking represent a lot of ideas about living in connection with the earth and with others,” Madeleine Bonsma-Fisher (BASC 2014) described. Her career in sustainability was sparked at Conrad Grebel University College, when working with a team of fellow students to purchase and install solar panels on the College’s roof. Making a big career shift after the completion of her PhD, Madeleine is now a postdoctoral researcher at the University of Toronto, using data analysis to understand where more bike infrastructure is needed. “Most people are unwilling to bike in an environment that feels dangerous,” Madeleine explained. “That’s the purpose of my work – to try to make it possible to get the whole length of your route from A to B on safe infrastructure.”