Fall 2022 Grebel Now

Editorial

This issue of Grebel Now focuses on tech for good, and highlights the many interesting ways that students and alumni are using technology to benefit society and the world—either as a profession or a passion. This issue also includes the 2021-2022 Annual Report, stories about the work of our professors and some new scholarships, and we bid farewell to a number of long-serving members of the Grebel community.

Editorial Team

Grebel Now is published annually by Conrad Grebel University College.
Send all comments, submissions, and ideas to: grebel@uwaterloo.ca

Managing Editor and Designer
Jennifer Konkle

Advisor
Fred W. Martin

Two students standing in front of movable stained glass sculpture

Many Grebel alumni have brought technological expertise to pressing problems in fascinating ways. Building on this experience, we now operate the Grebel Peace Incubator and the PeaceTech Living-Learning Community. In this issue of Grebel Now, you’ll find profiles of alumni who have tried to apply science and technology to good purposes. I hope you are as intrigued and inspired by their stories as I am.

Paul sitting at desk at teh front of the room speaking to crowd

“The role of technology in contemporary society is expanding every day, and critical reflection on the impact of technology now pervades a growing number of scholarly and popular contexts. Not only is it a struggle to keep up with accelerating technological developments, we can be overwhelmed by a deluge of observations, opinions, and analyses of these developments. Indeed, thanks to the rise of new technologies like social media, there are many more ways that our attention is being drawn to the impact of technology.”

Jared Baribau standing in front of various tech

Grebel alumni are involved in many interesting initiatives that use technology for good—in start-ups, projects, support roles, research, and hobbies. The following profiles highlight some alumni who are involved in activities that use technology to make a difference in society and the world.

Until recently, technology and older adults were unlikely friends. Now I’m not surprised when a 96-year-old scrolls through their tablet to show me their latest great-grandchild, or asks their smart tech device to play some music. For many, technology has become a vital link to their faith community.

Throughout my four years at Grebel, of the many hats I have worn, the one that has had the most impact has been as a PeaceTecher. You might wonder, what is a PeaceTecher?

Issa holding out a can of meat to a female prisoner

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.

“I’d rather repair something than replace it” is an uncommon statement to hear in a throwaway society, yet it is one voiced by Grebel resident Liam Armstrong.

balzer family posing in front of landscape

Sara Froese Berg (1893-1979) had an unfulfilled dream to receive an education. This dream was fulfilled as granddaughter Geraldine Balzer and great-granddaughters Kerstin and Alina graduated from the University of Waterloo and attended Grebel.

Paterson's posing beside kinetic sculpture "We Are All Engines of Joy"

A glowing, curious object sits above the fireplace in the corner of the Grebel’s dining room. Its oranges, blues, and greens call from across the space, inviting closer inspection of the whimsical and intricate arrangement of shapes.

image of students in grad robes and caps

For two high school students who connect to House of Friendship programs in Waterloo Region, a substantial grant from the Lyle S Hallman Foundation will make the dream of a Grebel residence experience and a University of Waterloo degree a reality.

Archivist-Librarian Laureen Harder-Gissing with Rene and Sandy Eby, and Lynda and Kim Eby.

This map of Waterloo County from 1861 Includes landmarks, buildings and lot demarcations along with the names of settlers.

Derek posing with anabaptists in Thailand

Grebel Professor Derek Suderman is passionate about connecting with global Anabaptist churches and contributing to cross-cultural teaching. This summer, he taught courses in Cuba and Thailand to resource the Global Mennonite Church.

three musicians playing the piano, violin, and cello and a spoken voice performer on a stage

As part of the Indigenous-Mennonite Encounters conference organized by Grebel in May 2022, Indigenous and Mennonite musicians offered a concert addressing relationships, beauty, nature, hope, and betrayal.

two musicians looking at sheet music sitting at an organ

In addition to classroom teaching, faculty and other academic personnel at Grebel accomplish a wide range of scholarship and service in the academy, church, and community. Here is a sampling of recent activities and achievements.

huge group of students outside Grebel building kneeling on one knee with one arm raised up

The energy that comes with starting something new continued all week and was evident across the entire University of Waterloo campus.

It took a multitude of events to properly say goodbye to Mary Brubaker-Zehr, Grebel’s Director of Student Services since 1996.

The Grebel community celebrated Professor Marlene Epp’s 27 years of service at the end of June.

Various new job transitions and reappointments in 2022.

kitchen team gathered around Cheri in front of a table full of food

In August 2022, Grebel celebrated Cheri Otterbein’s 32-year career as Food Services Manager at the College!

It’s been a joy to connect with many Grebel alumni and friends at gatherings and reunions during the past 6 months. Keep your eyes open for more events in 2023!

Editorial

Editorial Team

If at First You Don't Succeed...

Tech for Good

Alumni Changing The World With Tech

Tech, Spirituality, and Older Adults

Breaking Down Silos with PeaceTech

Issa Ebombolo: Building Peace in Zambia and Malawi

Small Fixes Can Lead to Large Solutions

Award Honours Grandmother's Dreams

Sculpture Completes New Dining Room

Students from House of Friendship Programs

Tremaine Map Finds a Home in Mennonite Archives of Ontario

New Perspectives on a Familiar Story

Concert Highlights Indigenous-Mennonite Relationships

A Sampling of Scholarship

#Grebelife

Leading with Empathy and Care

Inspiring Academic Leader Marlene Epp Retires

Transitions and Reappointments

Cheri Otterbein Retires

Alumni Gatherings and Reunions

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