Jessica Reesor Rempel has been appointed as Conrad Grebel University College’s new Director of Student Services. She has already served with distinction as Interim Chaplain, Chaplain, and, for the past few months, as Acting Director. Jessie brings a wealth of experience in pastoral care, social services, and organizational leadership.
Another of the former Kitchener-Waterloo Symphony youth orchestras is set to continue practicing together as Conrad Grebel University College offers them rehearsal space amidst the symphony’s recent bankruptcy.
Grebel's 60 Stories Project | Devon Spier is a 2012 PACS and Religious Studies graduate from the University of Waterloo, a bestselling author, theologian, and rabbi-to-be. They currently teach students to write their own theology through poems, prose, and digital images. A recipient of peacebuilding awards from YMCA and Interfaith Grand River, they were recently honoured by the Ontario Government with a "Leading Women, Building Communities" award. Devon's poetry books are currently used in religious communities and academic courses taught in Asia, Europe, and North America.
The number of Christian-affiliated Canadians has dropped by more than 200,000 people. 800,000 affiliates have left the United Church of Canada since 2011. Canada’s Catholic representation is down 15% since 1996 and statistics predict the Anglicanism could be gone by 2040. While a selection of media reports may sound daunting, is the situation really that dire?
Brad is a member of the Peter Ballantyne Cree Nation in Saskatchewan and a survivor of the Sixties Scoop. In his distinguished career as a lawyer spanning more than 25 years, he was part of the legal team that successfully defended a challenge to a First Nation’s tax laws under the First Nations Fiscal Management Act, is a Partner for Maurice Law in Winnipeg, and is the first Indigenous lawyer to hold office as President of the Canadian Bar Association. Brad is also the Chair of the Indigenous Advisory Group for United College at the University of Waterloo and was recently appointed King’s Counsel by the Province of Manitoba.
Hundreds of UWaterloo staff, faculty and students gathered in the Arts Quad this past Wednesday to advocate and raise awareness for “The Urgency of Social Justice.” Initiated by the Arts Faculty and co-hosted by the Peace and Conflict Studies (PACS) department and the Gender and Social Justice (GSJ) program, booths from various departments were setup with educational materials on gender, equality, equity, and social justice. Dr. Laura Mae Lindo, former NDP Member of Provincial Parliament for Kitchener Centre, activist and UWaterloo Philosophy Professor, opened up the event with vitalizing words on racial equality.
Grebel's 60 Stories Project | Ron Tiessen has lived for 44 years on Pelee island where he has farmed and led a variety of community initiatives, like the Heritage Centre. He and his wife Kathryn, also a retired teacher and native of Pelee Island, raised 3 boys there.
The first week of September brought an atmosphere of excitement to Conrad Grebel University College as a new batch of Grebelites arrived at the residence, joined by their parents and greeted by enthusiastic upper-year students. A spirit of new possibilities could be felt in the air—a spirit that has been gracing Grebel’s doorstep for the last 60 years.
Grebel's 60 Stories Project | Steph Chandler Burns (they/them) graduated from the University of Waterloo in 2012 with a Bachelor of Arts, majoring in Social Development Studies and minoring in Peace and Conflict Studies. After working in medical records keeping for a few years following graduation, Steph returned to Grebel for a Master of Theological Studies degree in 2015. During Masters studies, Steph began exploring Queer Theology, looking at the intersections between queer identity and faith. Steph has a number of publications and presentations exploring the topics of Anabaptist faith, queer identity and the nature of God. They have worked at the intersections of faith and marginal identity since graduation in 2017, working with people on parole, in congregational ministry, and most recently with Pastors in Exile, an affirming, community-based ministry with young adults in Waterloo Region. Steph enjoys conversations about God, faith, meaning and activism. They also enjoy collecting tattoos, and are particularly proud of their Grebel stained-glass-inspired quarter sleeve. They live in Kitchener with their spouse, Greg, cat, Lulu, and over 200 board games.
Grebel's 60 Stories Project | Paul Born is the co-founder of the Tamarack Institute and for 20 years was the CEO/Co-CEO. An author of five books, he is also the co- founder of Vibrant Communities Canada. Paul is semi-retired and continues as a coach and trainer providing practical support to communities and organizations interested in achieving large-scale change. Paul is married to Marlene Epp and they have two sons, Lucas and Michael, and Daughter in laws, Betty and Laura. In his leisure time, Paul loves to volunteer in his community, cook Paella for large groups, visit with friends and go for long walks. He wishes he was a better golfer and plans to join the pickle ball craze. He is a member at Rockway Mennonite Church.