a view of the Grebel residence wing, through the trees on a summer day
Celebrate 60 years of inspiring community.
Sunday, September 10, 2023 2:00 pm - 7:00 pm EDT (GMT -04:00)

60th Anniversary Alumni Picnic

Registration has now closed for dinner, but for the free events taking place in the afternoon! 

Grebel alumni are invited to return to Grebel for a celebratory picnic, marking 60 years since the College first opened its doors. 

Enjoy family-friendly activities, tours, a hymn sing, re-connecting with professors, and exhibits highlighting Grebel's past and present, and a picnic dinner. Don't forget the Ultimate Frisbee tournament!

Activity Schedule

  • Registration | Atrium
    • Sign in to get a nametag and free Grebel souvenirs 
  • 2:00 PM – Ultimate Frisbee | Grebel/United Green
    • If you pre-registered, you will have already been put on a team
    • But you are welcome to just show up and play!
  • 3:00 PM - Activities
    • Displays and memorabilia from Grebel's past and present
      • Library landing | books and archival materials
      • Paetkau Seminar Room - rm 2201 | yearbooks, Acts of Community, Facesbooks, photos
      • Private Dining Room - rm 2400
      • Level 1 hallway | All-College photo gallery
      • Dining Room | photo slideshow across the eras
    • Pop up shop | Atrium
      • Get your Grebel gear! Grebel mugs and clothing will be for sale at our pop up shop table, including Grebel apparel items from W-Store, and a limited edition t-shirt.
    • Reception | Patio
      • Relax and visit with others on the patio
    • Hymn sing | Chapel
      • Led by Professor Emeritus Len Enns
      • Planned with Ann L. Schultz, Jennie Wiebe, Mykayla Turner, Professor Kate Steiner, Professor Laura Gray
    • Tours | Meet in the Atrium
      • See what has changed at Grebel and what has stayed the same
      • Tours depart on a rolling basis
    • Kids activities | Grebel Courtyard and Dining Room
      • Bouncy castle
      • Games and activities
  • 4:00 PM - Retired Faculty Panel | Great Hall
    • Hosted by Professor Emeritus Jim Pankratz
    • Starring Professors Emeritus: Tom Yoder Neufeld, Carol Ann Weaver, Hildi Froese Tiessen, Lowell Ewert
  • 5:00 PM - Program | Dining Room
    • Hosts Pete and Kendra Whitfield Ellis
    • Presidential greetings from Marcus Shantz
    • Video: "60 Years of Impact"
  • 5:30 PM - Picnic | Patio
    • featuring BBQ chicken and Grebel's famous salads and cookies!
    • You must have registered in advance for the meal.
    • You're welcome to bring your own picnic and join us if you didn't purchase a meal ticket in advance.
  • 7:00 PM - Thanks for coming!
Black lines and shapes form a leaf, dove, and the Grebel peaked rooves. There is a rainbow of colours in the windows, with red flowing shapes above. Reads: Conrad Grebel University College, Inspiring community since 1963, and 60 in bold, red.

Your hosts

A woman and man laugh while standing next to each other outside.

Enjoy a pre-dinner program, with hosts Pete and Kendra Whitfield Ellis (pictured), and President Marcus Shantz.