Carrie Snyder (BA 1997) has spent her career telling stories. In recent years, she has also used her skills to help immigrant and refugee women in Waterloo tell their own stories through The X Page. This work, along with her career as a writer and teacher, has earned Carrie Grebel's 2026 Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
Dr. Kathryn Ladano contributes to her community artistically, musically, and practically. Since graduating, she has consistently given back to Grebel and UWaterloo, offering expertise, championing musical exploration, and providing mentorship to emerging musicians.
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.
After receiving her bachelor's degree in Social Development Studies at the University of Waterloo in 1999, Angie Koch sought a different career path. Despite not having any experience in the field, she decided to become a farmer. In 2008, Angie founded Fertile Ground Farm, a local organization that aimed to give its customers the “freshest, highest-quality produce” that they could grow. Getting her hands caked with dirt was Angie’s way of giving back and making her mark in the Waterloo Region. For her sustained contributions toward supporting her local community, Angie is the recipient of the 2023 Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
To look back on Issa Ebombolo’s (MPACS 2017) career thus far is to look back on a journey of leadership, collaboration, and great accomplishments. From developing a peace curriculum, helping develop programs and support for refugee camps, and now, in his current role, working with Mennonite Central Committee (MCC) as Peacebuilding Coordinator for Zambia and Malawi, he has helped promote peace and restorative justice in all that he does. It is fitting that he has been chosen as the 2022 recipient of Conrad Grebel University College’s Distinguished Alumni Service Award.
Pursuing a career in music education was a dream for Ann L. Schultz (BA 1990) who was always passionate about making music. After finishing a degree in music at Conrad Grebel College, Ann completed a Bachelor of Education and began her teaching career at Rockway Mennonite Collegiate in 1991, becoming head of the music program there in 1997.
Theology scholar Sarah Kathleen Johnson has always been interested in religion and Christian worship. In her pursuit of education, her many different involvements at Conrad Grebel University College deepened, clarified, and expanded those interests, through courses, innovative chapel experiences, and late night conversations.
John Neufeld (BA 1996) has continually served the communities around him, whether that be through leadership or behind the scenes, at Grebel or in the broader Waterloo Region. In recognition of his generous and dedicated service, Conrad Grebel University College has named John the 2019 Distinguished Alumni Service Award winner.
Dean Peachey is a familiar face to many Grebelites. Initially he spent only his third year of university at Grebel (1974-75), participating actively as a resident. After graduating from Eastern Mennonite College, in Virginia, Peachey’s positive experience at Grebel and Waterloo brought him back in 1978 for graduate studies. While studying, he served as Senior Resident with his wife Melissa Miller (1978-1980).
Since graduating from the University of Waterloo just over a decade ago, Amanda Kind (BA ’06) has grown into an inspirational leader for young performers in her community. In recognition of her generous and dedicated service, Conrad Grebel University College has named Amanda the 2017 Distinguished Alumni Service Award winner.