Waterloo’s Convocation has arrived, and Conrad Grebel University College faculty, staff, and students recognize the hard work and achievements of Grebel’s graduating class of 2024. The University of Waterloo Convocation services this spring are recognizing the achievements of several notable individuals with ties to Grebel. “Our hope at Grebel is that students will develop as whole people, and thriving academically is an important part of that whole,” explained Jessica Reesor Rempel, Director of Student Services at Grebel. “It is exciting to see that these students who took the time to engage as student leaders in Grebel’s academic and residence programs also excelled academically during their time at University.”
Several recipients of the University of Waterloo 2024 Departmental Awards for Distinguished Academic Achievement in Arts have lived at Grebel or studied in Grebel administered programs.
Kate Bradley, recipient of the Departmental Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement in History, has worked throughout her degree to make historical storytelling “purposefully feminist, de-colonial, and critical.” Kate is particularly interested in using feminist archive theory in her historical scholarship to uncover women/femme experiences that have been ignored in historical narratives of the past. Kate reflected on her achievement and noted, “I am so proud to receive this award in recognition of my ability to craft historical narratives that resonate with peers and professors I deeply admire.” She credits her mentors in the History, Gender and Social Justice, Indigenous Studies, and Communication Arts departments for helping shape her into the confident, focused, and radical historian she is today. Kate shared, “I am endlessly grateful for their support, and the support I received from my community at Grebel who encouraged me to put my heart into my work.”
Veronica Champagne earned the Departmental Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement in Music and is excited to become a teacher who inspires a love of music in others. Veronica was raised in a house filled with music. “It’s how my family spends time together, how we enjoy small moments,” she noted. She described Grebel as a nurturing and supportive community and explained that she will be taking the lessons learned with her on her next endeavor. “The people in my life pushed me to be better and to keep learning and I am so grateful for their support,” Veronica reflected. “Receiving this award is an honor and a beautiful acknowledgement of the hard work that I put into my education the last four years.”
Yasmin Wallace received the Departmental Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement in Legal Studies and explained that pursuing a double major in Legal Studies and Peace and Conflict Studies allowed her to approach these subjects from an interdisciplinary perspective. Throughout her degree, Yasmin has explored how many of the approaches used in society to achieve justice are not peaceful and inflict further violence. “This award is a validating and rewarding conclusion to my studies at the University of Waterloo,” Yasmin shared. “Studying at UWaterloo has connected me with amazing mentors and lifelong friends who have supported me immensely throughout this process, and they have sparked my passion for learning and academia.” In the fall, Yasmin will continue her academic journey at the University of Toronto, where she will pursue a Master’s degree in Sociology.
Quinn Andres won the Departmental Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement in Theatre and Performance (THPERF), graduating with an Honours Arts degree in THPERF, minoring in Gender and Social Justice. Throughout their time in the program, they specialized in acting, performing leading roles in several mainstage productions including Bitter/Sweet Fools (as part of the Upstart 2020 Festival), EVERYBODY, She Kills Monsters, and Immolation. In the latter two shows, he also served as fight captain. “The Theatre and Performance program taught me so much about communication, collaboration, and leadership, while also building practical skills in acting, dramaturgical analysis, technical work, and design,” Quinn recalled. Quinn lived at Grebel during most of his studies and currently works in the Library as the Spring Term Library Assistant. They are honoured to receive the award, and stated, “on a personal level, I have also gained a great deal more confidence in myself and my artistic ability.”
At the UWaterloo spring ceremonies, one undergraduate representing each of Waterloo’s six faculties receives an Alumni Gold Medal, which recognizes top graduating students for academic achievement. Not only were numerous Grebel students celebrated at Convocation for academic achievements in their individual programs, but several Grebelites also received top honours in their faculties.
Isobel Flindall, with a double major in Gender and Social Justice and Communication Studies, received the Faculty of Arts Alumni Gold Medal. They were involved with Grebel throughout their entire degree, as a resident, an off–campus associate, and on-campus associate/apartment dweller. “I’m honoured to have received this award, and appreciative of everything that I learned during my time at Waterloo, both in formal academic settings and in the communities I was a part of,” Isobel shared. They are particularly grateful for all of the “lovely folks” they met at Grebel, thanking them for “all of the shared meals, tea, and thoughtful conversations.”
Simon Friesen, earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Kinesiology, was awarded the Alumni Gold Medal for the Faculty of Health. He is an athlete, a musician, a dedicated student, and a fun-loving person who found a home at Grebel over the last five years. Simon not only lived at Grebel for all school terms, but he was also involved in its student life as an Orientation Week Leader, a Gents Rep, an Athletics Rep, captained 8+ intramurals teams, landed the role of “Brother Jeremiah” in Grebel’s rendition of the musical Something Rotten, and a section leader in then University Choir. Simon is incredibly honoured to receive the award, and stated, “although a medal is hung on a single person, this was not an individual award.” He continued, “my family had my back every step of the way, encouraging my work ethic while also advocating for a balanced life. And close friends I made at Grebel were beacons of wisdom, inspiration, and joy whenever I needed them most.”
Imogen Sloss, with a double degree in PACS and Psychology, was awarded the Governor General’s Academic Silver Medal for the highest GPA of the graduating Arts class. She is also receiving the Departmental Award for Distinguished Academic Achievement in Peace and Conflict Studies and the Currie Scholarship by extension. When asked how it felt to be recognized for such achievements, she shared, “I was shocked to be the recipient of these awards and felt rewarded for my hard work over the past four years.” Imogen continued, “I am someone who loves learning, and have so benefitted from my experience as a student at Waterloo and Grebel.”
These students are just a few of many outstanding individuals who found their place at Grebel, not only to grow and thrive, but also to add to the community that supported them in return. Along with the rest of Grebel and Student Services, Jessica Reesor Rempel hopes that current students will be “inspired by these exceptional students to see extracurricular involvement at Grebel as something that can enhance academic success.”
By Natasha Forth
