Spring 2021 Grebel Now

Editorial

It has been a difficult year for many people, as we continue to live through a global pandemic. At Grebel, many of us are studying, working, socializing, and building relationships online from home. Others of us are still showing up on campus to work with students or are living together in residence. This issue of Grebel Now highlights some of the experiences of students, staff, and faculty in both scenarios.

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

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Night Vision, Part Two

by Marcus Shantz, President

Exactly one year ago in this column, I suggested that living during a pandemic is like being lost in a forest at night. If you are calm and patient, your eyes can adapt. You begin to “see in the dark” and find your way.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Restorative Justice: At the Heart of the PACS Experience

by Nathan Funk, Peace and Conflict Studies Chair

A Restorative Justice (RJ) worldview is central in the undergraduate, graduate, and professional courses of study in Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at Grebel. Here are some of the ways RJ has grown in PACS programming with each passing decade.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Alumni Transform Conflict with Restorative Justice

by Jace Jaeden Ellis, Communications Co-op Student
Thursday, May 13, 2021

“No Justice, No Peace”: Bridging Restorative Justice and Peace Advancement

by Michelle Jackett (BA 2011), Coordinator of the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement, PACS Adjunct Lecturer

I first encountered Restorative Justice in a Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) class in 2010 at Grebel. The class stood out because it was taught in a way that reflected restorative values. Today, I can see how that learning environment drew me into the Restorative Justice field as much as the framework itself.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Restorative Justice: Celebrating a Twenty Year Partnership

by Jace Jaeden Ellis

Conflict occurs every day, all over the world, and it is important to have the skills necessary to resolve it. The concept of the Conflict Management Certificate Program at Grebel sprang from a Peace and Conflict Studies Department strategic visioning session that occurred in the late nineties.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

New Faculty Member Brings a Restorative Justice Focus

by Jen Konkle, Marketing and Communications Manager

Grebel announces the appointment of Dr. Johonna McCants-Turner to a tenure-track faculty position as Associate Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) at Grebel, beginning July 1, 2021.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Alumni Pursue Musical Careers

by Jace Jaeden Ellis

Faith, community, creativity—Grebel and the Music Department hold these values close to heart, including the freedom to explore different paths and combine passions.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Laws, Codes, and Christianity

by Abby Rudy-Froese, Communications Co-op Student

Master of Theological Studies students at Grebel choose from many interesting courses relating to ministry, the Bible, and theology.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Here, I Am Human

by Jace Jaeden Ellis

We are all human. We all want a chance for a fulfilling life. We all deserve to be treated fairly and equally. The World University Service of Canada (WUSC) Student Refugee Program aims to make this happen by supporting, empowering, and providing life-changing opportunities to refugees in countries all across the world.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Student Life amidst the Pandemic

by Jace Jaeden Ellis

With the Grebel residence at half capacity and in-person interactions restricted by varying amounts depending on provincial lockdown regulations, the winter 2021 term will not soon be forgotten. Students living in the Grebel residence and apartments, as well as at home, stretched their creativity to find meaningful ways of connecting, growing friendships, and building a sense of community.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Convocation 2021: We Are Resilience

by Jace Jaeden Ellis
Thursday, May 13, 2021

The Making of a Community

by Jace Jaeden Ellis

One of Grebel’s most treasured traditions is honoured at the end of every winter term when several graduating students are asked to reflect on their university and Grebel experiences.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Grebel Fund Giving Exceeds Goal

by Fred W. Martin, Director of Advancement

For many businesses and organizations, the COVID-19 pandemic has shone a spotlight on fiscal vulnerabilities. In Grebel’s case, we can clearly see that having a full residence is critical not only for a vibrant program but also for a balanced budget.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Construction is Complete!

by Jace Jaeden Ellis

After years of hammering, drilling, and intricate planning, the kitchen and dining room expansion at Grebel is finally complete.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

A Sampling of Scholarship

by Jen Konkle, Marketing and Communications Manager

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.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Working on Campus in a Pandemic

COVID-19 hit the world by surprise last year, and since then, numerous Grebel employees have remained on campus to keep the residence running smoothly. Working on-site throughout the pandemic has been stressful, but thanks to Grebel staff, the College has remained a safe and functioning environment for students living away from home.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Virtual Music Ensembles

by Jen Konkle, Marketing and Communications Manager

What do you do when your passion for music as an outlet for creativity is considered dangerous to your health? Like many other group activities, Grebel music ensembles went online.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Welcoming Washrooms

by Jace Jaeden Ellis

The 2020 “Welcoming Washrooms” project improved the accessibility of the Grebel campus by adding power-operated doors and washrooms in easy-to-access areas around the building.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Leave a Legacy

by Fred W. Martin, Director of Advancement

May is “Leave a Legacy” month and earlier this spring, alumni who have supported Grebel in the past received a mailing describing Grebel’s legacy-giving opportunities.

Thursday, May 13, 2021

Ageing and Spirituality Conference Goes Online

by Jane Kuepfer, Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality & Aging

From the other side of the world, to our own back yard, specialists in aging and spirituality are preparing to gather online in June 8-23 for seven 90-minute sessions spread over three weeks.