Conrad Grebel University College

Last week's annual Bevs and Bites was a hit!

A group of Grebel alumni across all eras enjoyed a beautiful sunny evening stopping by the affiliated colleges, sampling local brews, bevs, and delicious bites together. This fun, casual event had everyone full of great food and connection.

Thank you to United, St. Jeromes, and Renison for being great hosts. Same time, same place next year?

Earlier this year, the Theological Studies Department and the Chapel Committee at Grebel celebrated PIE Day, which stands for Public, Intentional, and Explicit when working toward being affirming, welcoming, and inclusive, particularly of 2SLGBTQIA+ identities in religious and church communities. 🏳️‍🌈

Read more about the event: uwaterloo.ca/theological-studies/news/christianity-and-queerness

Each spring Convocation, the University of Waterloo honours the top graduating scholar with the highest cumulative average in each honours program of study.

Representing Peace and Conflict Studies and Music respectively, Chiara McLean and Tiffany Chan have combined strong scholarship and dedication to their disciplines throughout their degrees. Congratulations!

Read more: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/news/students-honoured-academic-excellence

Earlier this spring, Student Council requested that a pride flag be displayed permanently outside the Chapel, as a way to support 2SLGBTQAI+ students in feeling safe in a religious space.

In collaboration with Grebel alum Shirley Grove (BA 1992), this beautiful new stain glass piece now hangs in the Chapel foyer.

We encourage visitors to take a moment to admire the piece and reflect on its meaning together.

During the first half of May, sessional instructor Terry LeBlanc, who is also a founding Chair and current Director of NAIITS and an elder with the Abegweit Mi’kmaw First Nation Healing Centre, taught TS 733 Indigenous Theologies, a two-week intensive course, at Conrad Grebel University College.

"We were asked to take ourselves into creation and appreciate the wisdom of the surrounding landscape,” shared MTS student Cynthia Breadner. "’Talk to the trees,’ we were told. Do not thank God for the trees, talk to them, and have a conversation. It was a beautiful experience as I felt the trees heard me and were not simply a product or result of God's creation but a piece of it deeply and ephemerally."

Read the full article: uwaterloo.ca/grebel/news/indigenous-theologies-terry-leblanc

Interested in pastoral training? Conrad Grebel University College at the University of Waterloo offers a two-year Master of Theological Studies degree for people from a range of academic backgrounds. Integrate academic study and practical internships to prepare for a pastoral role in congregations, chaplaincy in hospitals, prisons, or elder care facilities, or social service work in varied settings. Full-time Canadian/permanent residents are eligible for full tuition scholarships. Learn more at uwaterloo.ca/theological-studies.

Great news! Dr. Jeremy Bergen, Associate Professor of Religious Studies and Theological Studies at Conrad Grebel University College and the University of Waterloo, has been selected to serve as Grebel’s next Dean, starting July 1, 2026.

“Jeremy has earned the respect of colleagues, students and the wider academic community through his teaching, scholarship, and leadership in both academic and church-related roles,” remarked Grebel President Marcus Shantz. “He understands Grebel’s distinctive mission, values, and place within the University, and he brings the wisdom, collegiality and vision needed to help guide the College through a time that will likely present significant challenge and opportunity in post-secondary education.”

Read more: https://uwaterloo.ca/grebel/news/grebel-names-jeremy-bergen-next-dean

During June we recognize Indigenous History Month! At Grebel, we envision an equitable institution where all faculty, students, and staff can learn, grow, and thrive. We recognize Conrad Grebel University College is situated on the traditional territory of the Attawandaron (Neutral), Anishinaabeg, and Haudenosaunee peoples. The College and the University of Waterloo were built on the Haldimand Tract, the land granted in 1784 to the Six Nations that includes 10 kilometres on each side of the Grand River from its source in Dundalk to its mouth at Lake Erie.

Mennonites were the first permanent white settlers in the area we know today as Waterloo Region. Mennonites now live, and continue to settle, on the full length of the Haldimand Tract. The land was granted to support the Six Nations in perpetuity, but this did not happen. Our work at reconciliation with Indigenous peoples includes decolonizing our historical narratives, our minds, and our hearts. This is an ongoing process, and we have a long way to go.

This fibre piece hangs in the Grebel atrium. "Encounters Along the Grand", was created by local fibre artist Judy Gascho-Jutzi, in 2011.

Grebelites have always had the flair for drama. We’re looking forward to unveiling the 2027 student musical soon!

As part of marking the start of Pride Month and Indigenous History Month, the University of Waterloo re-raised their Intersex-Inclusive Progress flag and the Two-Spirit Pride flag. A group of Grebel faculty, students, and staff were present for the occasion. Shay Herold, a first year student, encouraged people to engage with resources about the S2LGBTQIA+ community.