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The decision to apply to – and ultimately attend – a master’s program at the International Space University (ISU) in Strasbourg, France was a major turning point for Joshua Rasera (BASc 2013, MASc 2015). After completing his MASc in Mechanical Engineering at the University of Waterloo, Josh was unsure of his path forward. “I've always been fascinated by science and science fiction, especially anything related to space – I had always wanted to work in the space industry but didn’t know how to get there,” Josh said. “The program at ISU helped me find the specific area of space exploration that I was interested in, and ultimately started the journey that has shaped the last nine years of my life.” Josh has occupied many academic and professional spaces since graduation and living at Conrad Grebel University College. 

Melody is familiar with the role of a listener and mentor. As a Master in Peace and Conflict Studies (MPACS) student at Conrad Grebel University College, being amongst those in her cohort who were new to the MPACS and dispute resolution space, Melody seized the opportunity to absorb each moment with her fellow classmates and professors, gaining valuable insights from every class discussion. Melody found these discussions impactful, as they helped to shape and challenge her perspectives.

Grebel's Master of Theological Studies program is careful to include indigenous perspectives in the curriculum. This is part of the College’s commitment to following Call to Action #60 of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission that addresses theological schools and “the need to respect Indigenous spirituality in its own right.” In particular, courses like TS 732 - “Theologies of the Global South,” and TS 733 - “Indigenous Theologies and Methods” explore Indigenous theologies with attention to experience, history, the nature of the spiritual, key figures, and important themes. MTS students who have taken these courses reflected on some of their key learnings. 

On May 27, Fiona Li earned the second-place prize at the Map the System Canada competition in Calgary, Alberta. As the winner of the University of Waterloo’s Map the System campus finals, Fiona’s achievement on the national stage not only brought awareness to the over-representation of Indigenous women in Canadian prisons, but it also highlighted how programs like Peace and Conflict Studies are crucial in furthering education on how to research, understand, and present these critical issues. 

Before entering a life of public service and ultimately becoming Canada’s first independent Senator in 2016, Peter Harder (BA 1975) moved from the small town of Vineland, Ontario to the slightly larger city of Waterloo to live at Conrad Grebel College and study Political Science at the University of Waterloo. At Grebel, he practiced leadership skills, and learned to think globally and act ethically. Throughout his career in numerous governmental roles – in Canada and internationally – Peter fostered a deep sense of social responsibility, wrote and enacted policies for a welcoming country, and worked to shape a new vision for the Senate. “I gained insight into the highest table in the sense of global symmetry,” Peter summarized.

Spring at Conrad Grebel University College has been filled with fond memories of the past, as several gatherings of alumni have been held on and off the College’s grounds. These events give Grebelites the opportunity to reconnect with former roommates, classmates, and faculty members, strengthening the longstanding community of the College. 

If it wasn’t for Grebel’s stance on welcoming all people from different backgrounds – 2SLGBTQ+ people, people of colour and & marginalised races, international students, students with accessibility needs, and people from all walks of faith – I would not have considered living here. 

“I had never contemplated being a lawyer. Not once. Not growing up, not as a teenager, not until the very end of my undergrad studies,” said Brad Regehr (BA 1993) who is a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Saskatchewan, a partner at Maurice Law, and former President of the Canadian Bar Association (CBA).

Early on a gloomy Saturday morning in late May, a group of eager Conrad Grebel University College students rolled up their sleeves and began spreading icing on hundreds of cream buns and long johns. Working tirelessly without stopping – not for the rain, not for friends who stopped by, and not even for a taste of the sweet treats – these students volunteered to work in the cream bun tent at the 2024 New Hamburg Mennonite Relief Sale.

Imogen Sloss, an undergraduate student who recently completed a degree double majoring in PACS and Psychology, has been awarded the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal for the highest GPA of the 2024 graduating Arts students at the University of Waterloo. The award recognizes a student graduating from the Faculty of Arts with the highest overall average. Imogen also attained the top cumulative average of all Arts students who finished in spring 2023, fall 2023, and winter 2024— by extension, she is also receiving the Department Award for Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) and the Currie Scholarship.