Renison’s President and Vice-Chancellor, The Rev. Dr. Marc Jerry, joined our community in July 2024. Now, having finished two full academic terms and nearly a year on the job, we wanted to know more about what his first year has been like. Sibaal, a Renison student and Student Experience and Housing co-op during the Winter 2025 term, helped us get to the bottom of things in a special interview. You can see the full interview in the video, below is the conversation, edited for clarity.
Sibaal: It’s been almost a year since you started at Renison, tell us what it’s been like to get to know the Renison community.
Marc: It’s been marvelous! It’s been a really great chance to get to know people. In the summer we did some video projects featuring [Renison mascot] Reni Moose; we went around and toured all of the different areas of the college. Reni even beat me at ping pong in the Moose Room!
Sibaal: How have things changed since you started at Renison?
Marc: Great question. It may be a question to ask the community, but from my perspective we’ve been really focused on making sure Renison is sustainable for the long term.
Sibaal: What has surprised you most about Renison?
Marc: I would say the deep connections to the community. Every time I go to an event people will say “Oh Renison – I took classes there/I lived in the residence there/I met my spouse there.” It’s been really great to see how deep into the community we go.
Sibaal: What is your favourite thing about Renison?
Marc: I have to say the people. It’s such an incredible community – wonderful students, wonderful faculty and staff – it is a very special place to be a part of.
Sibaal: With the academic term coming to an end, what is one thing you would like students to know if they’re thinking about coming to Renison, or will be here in the Fall?
Marc: Great question. Renison is kind of like a small community neighbourhood inside the larger University of Waterloo campus. In particular, it’s a safe space for people to be – an inclusive spot, and I’m very proud of that.
Sibaal: Now we want to move on to our 10 rapid fire questions. Answer these as quickly as you can with whatever comes to your mind first. Ready?
Marc: Ready.
Sibaal: Cats or Dogs?
Marc: Dogs
Sibaal: Coffee or tea?
Marc: Coffee
Sibaal: Are you a morning person or a night person?
Marc: Night person
Sibaal: At a movie, do you go for candy or popcorn?
Marc: Popcorn
Sibaal: What is the best time of year at Renison?
Marc: Christmas!
Sibaal: What is your favourite dish in the Renison cafeteria?
Marc: Butter Chicken
Sibaal: What would you sing at Renison karaoke night?
Marc: Can You Feel The Love Tonight!
Sibaal: What is your signature dance move for Renison Wind Out?
Marc: Probably a Mr. Bean dance
Sibaal: What are you most looking forward to in your second year at Renison?
Marc: Continuing to get to know people and watching Renison grow and flourish.
Sibaal: What is one word you would use to describe Renison?
Marc: Family
Sibaal: That’s all of our questions. Thank you so much Marc.
Marc: Thank you!
2025 Renison Reports
This is part of the 2025 Renison Reports publication. Return to the Renison Reports page for other articles.