��ݮ��Ƶ

On April 13, 2025, Conrad Grebel University College faculty, staff, students, and guests gathered for Grebel’s Convocation Service in the Humanities Theatre to celebrate the achievements of students who have connected with the College during their studies, either as an undergraduate student, graduate student, or resident. 

As Grebel President Marcus Shantz noted in his opening speech, this year’s Convocation marked a distinct cohort of graduating students. Many of them stepped foot into the College and started their post-secondary studies during the peak of a pandemic. While this world-changing event shaped Grebel students into the resilient people they are today, they had to experience adjusting to an entirely different lifestyle. 

For public health and safety, Grebel’s traditional-style residence rooms that were originally built to create close relationships among students and foster community, were transformed into single rooms, cutting residential capacity in half. Thick plastic shields divided the dining room tables and online learning meant that students could only meet their classmates through a computer screen. The efforts students made to push past the obstacles the pandemic presented were recognized by everyone in the Grebel community. 

“I want to thank you for enduring everything that you had to put up with during the pandemic,” shared Marcus. “More importantly, I am deeply thankful for your part in keeping the spirit and energy of the College alive through hard times. We are grateful that you have been part of our community these last few years.” 

César García, General Secretary of Mennonite World Conference, presented the keynote address to the graduating class of 2025, which is also the year of Anabaptism’s 500th anniversary that marks the beginnings of the Anabaptist movement. In his speech, César shared motivational encouragement as well as a Bible passage about the pursuit of leadership and explained why rising to every occasion with hopeful thinking is necessary in our current society. 

“Your story, choices, aspirations, and dreams have all shaped this day. Now you gaze toward the future with expectations and new dreams accompanied by different goals and hopes for what lies ahead,” he began. “Unfortunately, we are living in uncertain times. This uncertainty makes it difficult to envision the future with hope in the wake of a global pandemic. During these challenging times, there is an urgent need for new leaders who can inspire hope by imagining new futures and motivating others to join them in creating those possibilities.” 

César, referring to a passage in the book of Exodus about Moses, encouraged students to be courageous when being called by God to lead, serve, and participate in solving challenges. “It seems that success both in scripture and in everyday life is not measured by the absence of failures, but by the capacity to recover and rediscover a renewed sense of purpose. Let us unite as instruments of God’s promise, rising to meet the challenges of our time with courage and conviction,” he expressed. 

“At Grebel, filling the table, being intentional, being curious, and opening our doors creates belonging and a place to feel seen, heard, known, and loved," shared Selah Woelk, the 2025 undergraduate valedictorian. Selah has been highly involved in the Grebel community as a Student Ambassador, Orientation Week Leader, Chapel Committee member, Don, member of Grebel musicals, and co-op student in the Kindred Credit Union Centre for Peace Advancement. She reflected on how community and belonging lie at the heart of Grebel. “Community takes courage; opening yourself up to being seen and heard is scary, but when done intentionally, you end up with a network of support that can carry you through tremulous times,” Selah said. 

Devin Hogg, this year’s graduate valedictorian, spoke about his experience in the Master of Theological Studies program and as the student representative for the Theological Studies Administrative Group. “We collectively worked toward increasing understanding and empathy and identified possibilities for increasing justice and love in the world. As we discussed challenges and crises that seemed hopeless, we aimed to make a way out of no way. I encourage us all to carry with us the values and practices we have developed during our time at Grebel,” Devin urged. 

As part of the ceremony, all undergraduate and graduate students took the stage and shared plans for their future. Many of them are awaiting time to rest, spending time with family, or pursuing hobbies. Others are excited to embark on new careers or academic journeys through master’s or PhD programs. Some students are eager to travel to Europe or Asia with partners or family members, while others planned road trips with fellow Grebelites. And as usual, there are a few summer weddings happening as well. Many Master of Peace and Conflict Studies graduate students plan to continue humanitarian, peace, and advocacy work, and most Master of Theological Studies students plan to implement theological expertise into their current workplaces. 

As the ceremony concluded and students made their way to Grebel for a reception, they soaked in what it means to belong to something bigger than themselves. They reflected on the values they learned from conversing with peers at Grebel’s dining room tables, absorbing new concepts taught in classrooms, serving on student council or in clubs, and participating in Chapel service, which will all carry with them as they move forward.

By Zoey Pearce