News

Union Co-operative, a Grebel Peace Incubator participant, strives to impact the Waterloo Region by purchasing properties to maintain permanent affordability. “Our investment with Union Co-operative is a great example of how we can participate in addressing housing affordability challenges in our local community,” explained Roger Kehl, the Chair of Grebel’s Investment Advisory. The College has invested $100,000 from its endowment portfolio in this initiative.

Toronto Mennonite Theological Centre (TMTC) will end its operations this spring, following a decision of the Conrad Grebel University College Board of Governors at its February meeting.   

Conrad Grebel University College has felt like home to Joel Woods since he was 12 years old. Following in his sister’s footsteps, Joel attended Ontario Mennonite Music Camp (OMMC). For the next five years, Joel returned to Grebel each August for OMMC, shaping exciting summer memories, his creativity, a love for music, and eventually his post-secondary path.  

Part of the Renewing an Inspired Community strategic plan at Conrad Grebel University College focuses on the renewal of key partnerships. One foundational partnership is with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC).

Supporting Grebel programs and capital campaigns has always been a priority for Grebel alumna Anita (Lehn) Tiessen (BA '81) and her late husband Bob Tiessen (BMath '74). In February 2023, Anita established the "Robert J Tiessen Archival Community Education Endowment Fund" in honour of Bob’s passion for Mennonite history.

This year, Conrad Grebel University College and Canadian Mennonite University (CMU) came together to explore new pathways for learning by offering cross-listed graduate courses in which students from both institutions could enrol.

“I love, love, love music! It feeds my soul and nourishes my spirituality in a way that doesn’t always need words,” expressed Susan Allen, a Conrad Grebel University College alumna who earned a Liberal Studies degree with a minor in Church Music and Worship from the University of Waterloo.

2023 marks the year of the 10th International Conference on Ageing and Spirituality. The conference has taken place every two years since 2000 and brings people together from all over the world to share knowledge of spirituality and aging: expert researchers and scholars, as well as experts-by-experience such as seniors, practitioners, policymakers, faith communities, and care partners. This year’s theme is Challenges and Choices: Spirituality and dignity in later life.

Dr. Darla Schumm, Associate Provost and Professor of Religious Studies at Hollins University in Virginia, visited Conrad Grebel University College in early February. She was the 2023 Rodney and Lorna Sawatsky Visiting Scholar. During her time at Grebel, she gave lectures in several graduate classes, spoke at a Faculty Forum, and attended the weekly Chapel service alongside staff and students.

“Grebel is beyond what I wanted; it’s what I needed,” said Elizabeth Ahing, a current resident at Conrad Grebel University College. She is also an upper-year student at Wilfrid Laurier University, working toward a BA in Communication Studies and a minor in Leadership.