Virtual Alumni College
Virtual Alumni College is a lifelong, learning experience that allows Grinnellians to stay connected. Grinnell’s faculty showcase their excellent teaching and scholarship by recording 30-minute lectures for alumni to view once you have registered. Virtual Alumni College is an immersive, “return to the classroom” experience. It provides the chance for participants to re-experience the intellectual stimulation of the classroom with Grinnell College faculty members and fellow alumni.
For the spring 2023 series of lectures, we welcome eight of Grinnell’s faculty/staff to share their scholarship. Scroll down to register for the lectures and discussion sections, which will be held in March and April 2023.
Registration for lectures
An unlimited number of alumni may register to watch each pre-recorded lecture. Once you fill out the registration form, you will be sent a confirmation email that contains the URL for the pre-recorded lecture that you can watch at any time.
Pre-recorded lectures should be viewed before attending a discussion session, so that you are able to formulate questions and engage in the discussion with the faculty member and fellow
Registration for discussion sessions
An hour discussion session will be held for each pre-recorded lecture. Discussion sessions are not recorded. You should only sign up for a discussion session only if you are available at the date and time listed below. If more than 50 alumni register, a lottery will be held and a waitlist created. DAR limits the amount of alumni who can participate in an online discussion because this allows for more intimate conversation. It also allows for all voices that want to be heard to be included in the discussion.
Discussion sessions are facilitated by a DAR staff member and lead by the faculty member who gave the lecture.
For past sessions, you can continue to register to watch the lectures, listed on the Virtual Alumni College archive page. Thank you for continuing to make this program a huge success. #GrinnelliansStayConnected
If you would like to submit ideas for future Alumni Colleges, please send us an email, or if you have specific questions, contact Jennie Jackson, assistant director of alumni and donor relations, at jacksoje@grinnell.edu.
Virtual Alumni College Spring 2023 Lectures
Registration for the Virtual Alumni College spring 2023 lectures is now open. You can find the links for the lecture videos in your confirmation emails. For a few of the lectures, we will be sending the links out in the next week or two as they become available.
The Legal Violence of Immigration Controls
Ryan Solomon, associate director of service and social innovation
Discussion date: Tuesday, March 28, 1 p.m.
Learn more about Ryan Solomon and see a full description of the lecture on the The Legal Violence of Immigration Controls registration page. After you register, you will receive an email with the link to watch the lecture at your leisure. If you sign up for the discussion section, please watch the lecture before attending.
Translating a 17th-Century French Novel for 21st Century College Students: La Princesse de Cleves Goes Digital
David Harrison, professor, French and Arabic
Discussion date: Thursday, March 30, 7 p.m.
Learn more about David Harrison and see a full description of the lecture on the Translating a 17th-Century French Novel for 21st Century College Students: La Princesses de Cleves Goes Digital registration page. After you register, you will receive an email with the link to watch the lecture at your leisure. If you sign up for the discussion section, please watch the lecture before attending.
Built for Whom? Library Discrimination of the Past and Present
Kayla Reed, assistant professor of discovery, systems & digital strategy librarian
Discussion date: Tuesday, April 4, 1 p.m.
Learn more about Kayla Reed and see a full description of the lecture on the Built for Whom? Library Discrimination of the Past and Present registration page. After you register, you will receive an email with the link to watch the lecture at your leisure. If you sign up for the discussion section, please watch the lecture before attending.
The Enduring Power of Cole Porter’s Music
John Garrison, professor of English, digital studies, peace & conflict studies
Discussion date: Wednesday, April 12, Noon
Learn more about John Garrison and see a full description of the lecture on the The Enduring Power of Cole Porter’s Music Registration page. After you register, you will receive an email with the link to watch the lecture at your leisure. If you sign up for the discussion section, please watch the lecture before attending.
The Journeys of Grinnell’s Odd Couple, Will Freeman and Kesho Scott
Will Freeman, associate professor, physical education and Kesho Scott, senior faculty, sociology and American studies
Discussion date: Thursday, April 20, 7 p.m.
Learn more about Will Freeman and Kesho Scott and see a full description of the lecture on the The Journeys of Grinnell’s Odd Couple, Will Freeman and Kesho Scott registration page. After you register, you will receive an email with the link to watch the lecture at your leisure. If you sign up for the discussion section, please watch the lecture before attending.
The Archaeology of Old Chinatowns and New Villages
Laura Ng, assistant professor of anthropology, east Asian studies
Discussion date: Thursday, April 27, 2 p.m.
Learn more about Laura Ng and see a full description of the lecture on the The Archaeology of Old Chinatowns and New Villages registration page. After you register, you will receive an email with the link to watch the lecture at your leisure. If you sign up for the discussion section, please watch the lecture before attending.
It’s a Family Affair: The Evolution of Policies for Families in Europe
Andreas Jozwiak, assistant professor of political science
Discussion date: Tuesday, May 2, 11 a.m.
Learn more about Andreas Jozwiak and see a full description of the lecture on the It’s a Family Affair: The Evolution of Policies for Families in Europe registration page. After you register, you will receive an email with the link to watch the lecture at your leisure. If you sign up for the discussion section, please watch the lecture before attending.
How Democratic is the U.S. Electoral College?
Sheahan Virgin, assistant professor of political science
Discussion date: Thursday, May 11 at 5 p.m.
Learn more about Sheahan Virgin and see a full description of the lecture on the How Democratic is the U.S. Electoral College? registration page. After you register, you will receive an email with the link to watch the lecture at your leisure. If you sign up for the discussion section, please watch the lecture before attending.