Alumni Donors Pay It Forward

Elora, Ontario, IT Professional, Musician 

During my undergraduate time at Waterloo, Grebel gave me a community where music and academics weren’t separate pursuits—I could major in Computer Science with Music as a minor area of study. Giving back with the Woodwind Award is my way of making sure current students don’t have to choose between the two either.

Many of the professors in Grebel’s Music faculty were instrumental (pun intended!) in the development of my music studies. Besides being able to improve my saxophone skills in Grebel’s practice rooms after completing my math homework, participating in the Jazz Ensemble and in small chamber groups was a real highlight. Grebel’s small, close-knit environment made it easy to find people who encouraged my music development, and that support is what I want to extend to today’s students. 

Momentum in my musical development while at Grebel led me to enrol in Jazz Studies at Humber College after graduating from Waterloo. Since then, I’ve not only studied in the US with some great jazz and classical saxophone teachers, I’ve spent my career split between two disciplines—running my own IT company, while also touring and performing as a concert and jazz saxophonist. Grebel is where I learned that both my passions could coexist rather than compete, and that knowledge has shaped how I’ve built my professional and creative life ever since.

Student life is full of challenges. I hope the Woodwind Award gives students one less thing to worry about—whether it’s an instrument repair, or the ability to buy sheet music, study books, or lessons—so they can keep pursuing music alongside their academics. 

Alina Balzerson (BA 2012, Music and Women's Studies Majors)

Kitchener, Ontario, Registered Midwife

Giving to Grebel began sometime after graduation for me. As I became more established in my career, wanting to contribute to Grebel became an important step in supporting my community. Additionally, my mother, also an alum, was moved to create an endowment fund to assist students from Western Canada in attending Grebel. We have also been happy to support larger projects such as the Windows to the Future campaign. 

My parents especially influenced my decision to give to Grebel. They are so passionate about education supported by the Mennonite community. Most of my family in the last three generations has attended one or more Mennonite institutions and believe in the importance of this. 

Grebel has provided me with such deep and abiding friendships that I am so grateful for. I hope that future students also find community and home at Grebel. By supporting both an endowment fund as well as projects, I hope that students are excited to live away from home and make strong enduring connections.