After two years of construction, a pandemic, and a decade of dreaming and planning, Conrad Grebel University College’s new kitchen and renovated dining room are complete. More than a thousand donors contributed more than $4.2-million to the Fill the Table capital campaign to make it happen.
On June 29, the Grebel community gathered virtually to celebrate the completion of the new spaces. Donors, alumni, students, faculty, staff and board members were treated to a virtual tour and words of introduction and thanks from Marcus Shantz and Fred W. Martin, Grebel’s president and director of advancement, respectively.
Savio Wong spoke about his experience as an alumnus and reasons why he joined the fundraising advisory group, while student council rep Mary McPhee shared how happy students are with the new spaces.
Cheri Otterbein, Grebel’s food services manager, noted the many people involved in the project and how pleased kitchen staff are to work in such a bright, beautiful kitchen.
Paul Penner, Grebel’s director of operations, and Bob Zehr from Nith Valley Construction spoke more about the many people involved and the satisfaction of completing such an intricate project, while alumnus Brian Rudy of Moriyama and Teshima Architects shared about why he was so excited to work on this challenging renovation and building design.
Paul Fieguth spoke on behalf of the Board of Governors, which supported this ambitious and vital endeavour from the beginning.
Each participant cut a piece of ribbon in front of their home computer, or in a different area of Grebel, showing how the project stretched out from Grebel into a supportive community of donors.
Ed Janzen ended the service with a prayer of blessing.
“Fundraising for the Fill the Table capital campaign over the last five years has demonstrated the commitment our donors have to help build not only buildings, but community at Grebel,” Martin said after the event. “This renovation and expansion would not have been possible without their support.”
To watch the virtual ribbon-cutting ceremony, visit https://bit.ly/3wk1k48.
Food Services Manager Cheri Otterbein cuts the ribbon in Grebel’s new kitchen on June 29. (Conrad Grebel photo)
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