Conrad Grebel University College

09/30/2026

Today, Grebel students, staff, and faculty joined the broader University of Waterloo community to commemorate the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. This included a Sunrise Ceremony, a Commitment Polishing Ceremony, a walk around Ring Road together, and a Round Dance with drumming. This day, organized alongside the Office of Indigenous Releations, is a way to acknowldege the tragic and painful history, continued impact, and intergenerational trauma of Canada's residential school legacy.

Grebel Chaplain Carol Penner offered these words of prayer in Chapel:
"Show us a way forward
from inequality to compensation,
from racism to celebration of differences,
from ignorance to understanding,
from suspicion to trust.
Give us a longing for truth and reconciliation
so deep that we feel it in our bones
and in our communities.
A hope-filled future is bright on the horizon;
help us reach it."

09/25/2026

Do you find yourself wishing that the bread and cookies in your life were just a bit bigger?

Have you found your dinners recently needing a bit more community feel?

Well you're in luck, because there is still some space left at Grebel's Alumni Community Supper, only three weeks away on Wednesday, October 14, from 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m.

Join fellow alumni and families for homemade bread, a delicious meal cooked by our amazing kitchen staff, and an opportunity to be a Grebelite for an evening once again.

Who's the speaker? Residence and MPACS alum Darren Kropf ('07) will share his experiences working in Active Transportation and Development at the City of Kitchener.

Register by October 4 to save your seats!

uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/alumni-community-supper

09/24/2026

Ron Schlegel knew that community is foundational to building a strong and caring world. Conrad Grebel University College is deeply grateful to Ron and the Schlegel Family for their longstanding support of Grebel and for the many ways their generosity can be seen and experienced throughout the College. Some of their contributions have supported multiple building projects, including the recent renewal of Grebel’s residence, and the Schlegel Community Education Room which carries Ron and Barbara’s name.

Ron’s commitment to the well-being of older adults is reflected in the Schlegel Specialist in Spirituality and Aging position, a joint Grebel and Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging role supported by the Schlegel family. He was also a member of Grebel's Board of Governors 1972-82. We will miss Ron and are grateful for the community he helped to build at Grebel and far beyond it. We extend our condolences to the Schlegel family and to all who knew him.

It is with deep sadness that we announce the passing of our founder and dear friend, Dr. Ron Schlegel. Ron passed away peacefully on September 19, 2026.

While we mourn this tremendous loss, we also celebrate a life well-lived and reflect on his incredible legacy. The Schlegel-UW Research Institute for Aging (RIA) stands today as a living testament to Ron’s visionary spirit, generosity, and determination to advance research and enhance quality of life for older adults.

On behalf of the entire RIA community, we extend our heartfelt condolences to the Schlegel family and to all who had the privilege of knowing Ron. We will carry forward his compassionate heart and visionary spirit, ensuring his dedication to older adults lives on in everything we do.

Read more about Dr. Ron Schlegel’s impact and lasting legacy: https://ow.ly/Mn8H50ZPOAv

09/24/2026

Whether you are a fan of top-a-potato or not, it certainly brought together these Grebel associates! Last week associates harvested potatoes from the Grebel garden and hosted their own campfire top-a-potato lunch. A new tradition in the works?

09/23/2026

Last Thursday, the Library and Archives officially launched a new gallery exhibit, "Glenn Fretz, Graphic Design for Mennonites". Archivist-Librarian Laureen Harder-Gissing and Designer Glenn Fretz spoke briefly, before guests explored the many installations around the library.

This exhibit tells and shows the story of Glenn Fretz’s fifty-year career as a graphic designer and consultant, focusing on his work with Mennonite and non-profit organizations. It also gives a nod to his most ubiquitous work – his redesign of the Trillium symbol for the government of Ontario.

The exhibit runs until April 30, 2028, and is welcome to the public during library hours. Guided tours are available by appointment. More details at uwaterloo.ca/grebel/news/glenn-fretz-graphic-design-mennonite-community

09/22/2026

“Each fall brings the excitement of new friendships, ideas, and opportunities for learning and growth,” said Troy Osborne, Grebel's Acting President. “At Grebel, faculty, staff, and students work together to create a social ecosystem where everyone can thrive and support one another. The roots of belonging and community that students plant at Grebel cultivate their passion for learning, sense of vocation, and personal agency.”

Read all about Grebel's fall start-up activities and hopes for the year!

Grebel is intentional about beginning and ending well, while creating and maintaining meaningful traditions.

09/18/2026

This year, students joined faculty and administrators on and off campus for a choose-your-own-adventure afternoon. On-campus activities included painting, board games, and music jam. Off-campus activities included soccer, an escape room, ice cream, thrift shopping, coffee, the art gallery, or a nature walk.

Following a coffeehouse and dinner, the annual student vs. staff volleyball game closed out the day, with the students taking back the winning position from last year.

09/16/2026

Last week Grebel marked the beginning of a new academic year with an opening celebration. With the theme "rooted and growing", the community of students, faculty, and staff were invited to reflect on what it means to be rooted in community, with the flexibility to grow and be open to change.

Festivities began with a special chapel service, followed by words of welcome by student and college leaders. Special guest Bill Roseheart, President of the University of Waterloo, encouraged students to take advantage of community life with one another.

As a reminder of this year's, students, faculty, and staff helped plant two service berry trees out front of the residence, before enjoying dinner together.

09/15/2026

This Thursday, September 17, the Mennonite Archives of Ontario launches it's latest exhibit: Glenn Fretz: Graphic Design for the Mennonite Community.

This exhibit tells and shows the story of Glenn Fretz’s fifty-year career as a graphic designer and consultant, focusing on his work with Mennonite and non-profit organizations. Meet the designer, curator, and tour the exhibit during this official launch event. All are welcome.

7:00 PM
Community Education Room,
Conrad Grebel University College, Waterloo

Details: uwaterloo.ca/grebel/events/glenn-fretz

09/14/2026

This Wednesday, September 16, The Andromeda Trio and special guests will perform works composed by Associate Professor of Music Karen Sunabacka. The concert will feature five pieces of repertoire, with violin, cello, piano, and narration.

All are welcome. The concert is free, starting at noon in the Grebel Chapel.
More details at uwaterloo.ca/music/events