Alumni Awards
Each year during Reunion, the Alumni Council honors alumni who have distinguished themselves by their extraordinary contributions of service to the College, their profession, or their community, whether in one or more of these areas. These awards are made possible through nominations from alumni, colleagues, mentors, friends, and community members who know Grinnellians and their impact.
Nominate a Grinnellian for an Alumni Award
Now Accepting Alumni Award Nominations for 2027 | Deadline: August 31, 2026
Do you know a Grinnell alum who should be recognized? Anyone may submit a nomination. We welcome perspectives from alumni and non-alumni alike on how Grinnellians are making a difference through service to the College, their profession, or their community.
How Alumni Award Nominations Are Reviewed
Nominations are reviewed in alignment with the Reunion calendar and an alum's next celebratory class year. You are welcome to submit a nomination at any time; nominations will be retained and reviewed by the Alumni Council Awards committee in the corresponding year.
Nominations are considered during two consecutive Reunion cycles in which the nominee is eligible, should the nominee not be selected in the first cycle.
What a Complete Nomination Includes
A complete nomination consists of:
- A detailed nomination form
- Two or more letters of support (one may be from the nominator)
- Optional supporting materials (e.g., news articles, awards, citations—PDF preferred)
Letters of Support and Supporting Materials
Anyone may submit letters of support or additional materials at any time, and all documents received will be added to the nominee's file. Nominators are encouraged to take the lead in gathering letters of support. The most impactful letters include personal stories or specific examples of the nominee's contributions.
Please note: A letter of support by itself does not activate a nomination. If no nomination form is on file, the letter will be saved until a nomination is submitted. Letters of support are not shared with honorees; if you would like them to see your letter, please contact them directly.
Send letters and materials to:
alumni@grinnell.edu
DAR Attn: Alumni Award Nominations
733 Broad St., Grinnell, IA 50112
Suggested Prompt for Supporters:
I'm inviting you to write a letter of support for [Nominee’s Name] as part of their nomination for a Grinnell College Alumni Award, which honors alumni who exemplify the College’s mission of lifetime learning and service. The most impactful letters include a personal story or specific examples. These can highlight their impact on the College, their profession, or their community, or a combination of those, whatever you feel best reflects their extraordinary contributions.
Eligibility Criteria
Current trustees and Alumni Council members are not eligible. Alumni who served on the Alumni Council or Board of Trustees within the last three years are ineligible, unless they are celebrating a Reunion beyond their 40th year.
Past recipients of the Alumni Award or Pioneer Award are not eligible to receive the award again. Alumni may receive the award only once in their lifetime.
Updating a Nomination
To update a previously submitted nomination, please contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations: 866-850-1846 (toll-free) | alumni@grinnell.edu
Alumni Award Recipients