Uploaded April 2025 | Updated September 2026, 6 days ago
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Grebel faculty, staff, and students gathered to recognize the hard work and achievements of Grebel’s 2025 graduating class at our Convocation celebration. The ceremony was held in the Humanities Theatre, followed by a delightful reception at Grebel. Here are some highlights from two speeches given at the event:
Selah Woelk, this year's undergraduate valedictorian, reflected on Grebel's community and how it has impacted her and her fellow graduates. "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. 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," she shared.
Devon Hogg, the graduate valedictorian, spoke about his experience in the Master of Theological Studies program. “We discussed important issues and challenging topics, collectively working toward increasing understanding and empathy, and identifying possibilities for increasing justice and love in the world,” he began. “We worked to develop and model community. We shared our own experiences and aimed to be mindful of the space we took up. We attended to and prioritized the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable. 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.”
César García, the general secretary of the Mennonite World Conference, shared inspirational words with the graduating class. "Let us unite as instruments of God's promise, rising to meet the challenges of our time with courage and conviction," he began. "Let us commit to meaningful action and be part of the solution our world desperately needs. Rather than seeking validation through performance, let us embrace our vulnerabilities as they can become powerful tools in God's hands, bringing hope and healing to our society today."
Congratulations to our graduates! We wish you all the best as you move forward👏
On Sunday, April 13, 2025, Grebel faculty, staff, and students gathered to recognize the hard work and achievements of Grebel’s 2025 graduating class at our Convocation celebration. The ceremony was held in the Humanities Theatre, followed by a delightful reception at Grebel. Here are some highlights from two speeches given at the event:
Selah Woelk, this year's undergraduate valedictorian, reflected on Grebel's community and how it has impacted her and her fellow graduates. "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. 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," she shared.
Devon Hogg, the graduate valedictorian, spoke about his experience in the Master of Theological Studies program. “We discussed important issues and challenging topics, collectively working toward increasing understanding and empathy, and identifying possibilities for increasing justice and love in the world,” he began. “We worked to develop and model community. We shared our own experiences and aimed to be mindful of the space we took up. We attended to and prioritized the voices of the marginalized and vulnerable. 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.”
César García, the general secretary of the Mennonite World Conference, shared inspirational words with the graduating class. "Let us unite as instruments of God's promise, rising to meet the challenges of our time with courage and conviction," he began. "Let us commit to meaningful action and be part of the solution our world desperately needs. Rather than seeking validation through performance, let us embrace our vulnerabilities as they can become powerful tools in God's hands, bringing hope and healing to our society today."
Congratulations to our graduates! We wish you all the best as you move forward👏
