Black Alumni Weekend 2025: Schedule
Rooted in Excellence: Reawakening our Legacy, Rebuilding our Community
Friday and Saturday
8 a.m.–5 p.m.
Registration and Information Desk Open
Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC), First Floor Lobby
Stop by the registration desk to pick up your schedule and materials, for answers to questions you have, and for any support you need.
8 a.m–midnight
Respite Room
Edith Renfrow Smith ’37 Library, Kimbo Black Cultural Center
We have created a Respite Room at the BCC for anyone who needs a quiet space to take a break from the events and programs of the weekend. The room will be located at the Edith Renfrow Smith ’37 Library in the BCC and will be open from 8 a.m. to midnight. Please note that the Library is upstairs and is not handicap accessible.
Members of the Black Alumni Weekend planning committee pictured during the planning weekend in March 2025.
Friday, October 3, 2025
9–10 a.m.
Coffee with the College. Rooted in Her Memory: Edith Renfrow Smith and Early Black History in Grinnell
Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, Renfrow Hall, 1033 Broad Street
Much of the early history of Black life in Grinnell—both in town and on campus—has been preserved through the memories of Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith ’37, DHL ’19. In this casual presentation, Dr. Tamara Beauboeuf, Louise R. Noun ’29 Chair of Gender, Women’s, and Sexuality Studies and Valeriya Woodard ’25 will share what they’ve learned from listening to Mrs. Smith’s stories of her hometown and alma mater, collected over her remarkable 111 years.
10 a.m.–4 p.m.
Class Visit Opportunities
JRC, First Floor Lobby
Relive your Grinnell educational experience. Weekend attendees are invited to join select classes with current students. Spaces are limited and are first come, first served.
1:45 p.m
Uncovering Untold Histories: A Landmark Tour of Black Grinnell Stories
Departs from the Conney M. Kimbo Black Cultural Center (BCC)
Join Rachael Dhakal ’97 and Valeriya Woodard ’25 for a campus tour honoring the stories and lives that have shaped Grinnell—many of which have gone unrecognized. We’ll visit the BCC, Burling Library, Renfrow Hall, and other key locations. Along the way, we’ll reflect on the past, celebrate the present, and look toward the future. The tour will highlight Black Grinnell figures like Edith Renfrow Smith ’37, DHL ’19, Conney M. Kimbo, and Dr. Kesho Scott. You’ll also be invited to share your own memories to add to our collective history.
Gather at the BCC at 1:45 p.m. for snacks and refreshments.
Guided tour will begin at the BCC at 2 p.m.
The tour will go from the BCC, to Kershaw Hall, and the JRC to highlight the Smith Student Art Gallery. It will continue to the HSSC, the Forum, Burling Library, and end at Renfrow Hall.
If you are unable to join at 2 p.m., you are welcome to join at any point in the tour. You are also welcome to take a self–guided tour on your own time.
2–5 p.m.
Crowdsourcing Photos
JRC Lobby
Help the Burling Library special collections and archives staff identify photographs from your time at Grinnell. Staff from the special collections and archives will host a table asking alumni to help identify people, places, and events found in our photograph collection. Please stop by and lend a hand.
4–6 p.m.
Artist Talk: Anthony Nsofor
Staying Original in A Place Where Nothing is New: My Journey
Katherine Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion, Renfrow Hall, 1033 Broad Street
Anthony Chukwudinma Nsofor, a Nigerian contemporary painter and fine arts graduate from Nsukka, creates work that blends personal storytelling with cultural memory. Rooted in but not confined to the Uli tradition, his art reflects the Black experience through themes of childhood, community, festivals, and rituals. In this talk, Nsofor will share his creative process, the role of originality in his work, and how African worldviews shape his exploration of the spiritual within the material world.
The talk will be followed by a reception and the opportunity for conversation with Mr. Nsofor.
6:30–8 p.m.
Welcome Dinner
JRC, Room 101
Join us for an evening of good food, great company, and even greater connections as we officially kick off Black Alumni Weekend. This gathering is a chance to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and set the tone for a meaningful weekend together. We’ll hear remarks from leaders of the Grinnell Black Alumni Network, as well as from Jenée Spencer, Director of Intercultural Affairs and Black Student Support Specialist, who will share words of welcome and reflection. Come ready to celebrate our community, strengthen connections across generations, and begin the weekend with warmth and energy.
Saturday, October 4, 2025
8–9:30 a.m.
Breakfast and Social Hour
Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC), Global Living Room and Atrium
Start your day with good food and even better conversation at our welcome breakfast. Whether you’re an early riser ready to go or still recovering from last night’s late arrival this is the perfect space to ease into the weekend at your own pace. Consider using the questions provided above to guide you through conversations but feel free to share your own stories and memories as you settle in. Stroll in, grab a plate, and enjoy a recipe prepared by Heaven Maye ’27, Marcus Global Kitchen intern.
9:45–11:15 a.m.
Lift Your Voice: A Student Panel
HSSC Auditorium, Room A2231
Let’s bridge generations and build the future together by hearing from a panel of current Grinnell students, representing first through fourth years. These students will speak authentically about their Grinnell experiences—what excites them, the challenges they face, and the kind of support they hope to receive during their time on campus.
This is a unique opportunity for alumni to step into the shoes of current Grinnellians, listen to their hopes and priorities, and gain insight into the student experience today. Come ready to listen, reflect, and connect across generations.
11:30 a.m.–1 p.m.
The Cookout @ the BCC
We’re taking over the block with amazing food, great music, and all the energy of Black joy! Dig in and savor a spread from local Black–owned Iowa businesses. Come hungry, bring your (new) friends, and celebrate community, culture, and connections.
The cookout will also be an opportunity to have ‘mini–reunions’ with the programs and organizations that you may have been involved with during your time at Grinnell including (but not limited to) African Caribbean Student Union, Athletics, Black Student Union, Concerned Black Students, Grinnell Science Project, International Pre Orientation Program, Peer Connections Pre Orientation Program, Posse, Questbridge, or the Young, Gifted and Black Choir.
1:30–3:15 p.m.
Intergenerational Alumni Panel and Conversation
JRC, Room 101
Hear from a dynamic panel of alumni representing a wide range of industries—from medicine and law to the arts and beyond—and spanning decades from the 1960s through the 2010s. Panelists will share both their professional and personal journeys, reflecting on how Grinnell shaped their paths, what they remain curious about, the impact of the work they do today, and the value of their Grinnell education and network.
This conversation offers a unique opportunity to bridge generations and industries, giving attendees insight into the many ways a Grinnell experience can unfold over a lifetime. Following the panel, continue the discussion through an engaging networking exercise, where you can connect directly with alumni, ask questions, and gain perspectives that can help shape your own journey. Current students and recent graduates will especially appreciate seeing the long–term impact of a Grinnell education—and realize that their own experience is just the beginning of what’s possible.
3:15–3:30 p.m.
Coffee break
JRC, Second floor lobby
Refuel with some coffee and a light snack. Feel free to pop in and take a look at the multicultural suites.
3:30–5 p.m.
Administration Panel on Recruitment and Retention of Black Students
JRC, Room 101
Bring your questions, your vision, and your voice—this is your chance to engage directly with key college leaders. Moderated by Bernadine Douglas, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations, the panel features Marc Reed, Vice President for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and Chief Diversity and Inclusion Officer; Brad Lindberg, Associate Vice President of Institutional Initiatives and Enrollment; and JC Lopez, Vice President of Student Affairs.
Alumni will hear where the College has been, where it is now, and where it’s headed in recruiting and retaining Black students. The discussion will explore historical trends, current strategies, and dream together about what success could look like in the near future. This is an opportunity to offer input and help shape a future that supports current and future Black Grinnellians.
6–7 p.m.
Cocktail Hour
Grinnell College Golf Course, 933 13th Avenue
Start the evening with a lively cocktail hour—sip, mingle, and enjoy the vibrant energy of the Grinnell Black alumni community. This is the perfect time to reconnect with old friends, meet new ones, and enjoy an evening in good company. Dress is smart casual.
7–8:30 p.m.
Dinner
Grinnell College Golf Course
Join us for dinner featuring remarks from Grinnell Black Alumni Network (GBAN) leadership, President Anne F. Harris, and Bernadine Douglas, Vice President for Development and Alumni Relations. Alumni can look forward to an evening of meaningful dialogue, celebration, and recognition of the accomplishments and contributions of Black Grinnellians.
9 p.m.–midnight
BCC Movie and Game Night
BCC
The BCC is back with all your favorite vibes! Grab some snacks, settle in, and enjoy the fun—whether it’s the friendly competition of Spades and Uno or the thrilling stress of deciding on the perfect movie to watch. Come ready to laugh, play, and soak up all the nostalgia.
9 p.m.–1 a.m.
Sneaker Ball
Main Hall, Gardner Lounge and Bob’s Underground
Get ready to dance the night away in high–top style and full comfort! Show off your style across decades—sneakers encouraged, creativity celebrated. With 25 hours of music lined up, you’re bound to hear something that gets you moving, plus we’ve got plenty of other fun activities to keep the energy high. Need a break from the dance floor? Catch up with friends or rest your feet at Bob’s before diving back into the fun!