Please note, this schedule is subject to change. Check the Reunion 2023 app or printed schedule for finalized programs, times, and locations.
2-3 p.m.
Walking Tour of Downtown Grinnell
Departs from the Goodnow Hall front portico, 1118 Park St.
Enjoy a walking tour of downtown Grinnell hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research. Bring your questions and your camera. You'll likely see some of your old haunts as well as new businesses and buildings that are part of the thriving culture of Grinnell. This will be a walking tour, rain or shine.
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 in the JRC lobby, asking alumni to help identify people, places, and events found in our photograph collection. We will have photos available from every class or cluster at Reunion, so please stop by and lend a hand!
3-6 p.m.
Grinnell Farmers Market
Central Park, Fourth Avenue and Broad Street
This market is a 100% producer’s market; all vendors must sell products that they produce themselves.
- 7-9 p.m.
30th Reunion Welcome Event
Kington Plaza, Humanities and Social Studies Center
- 7-9 p.m.
25th Reunion Welcome
Solera Wine Bar, 829 Broad St.
- 7-9 p.m.
15th Reunion Welcome Event
Langan Hall Tent
- 7-9 p.m.
10th Reunion Welcome Event
Gates Hall Tent
The 10th Reunion Planning Committee invites you to bring your own beverages to this event.
6:30-8 p.m.
Multicultural Reception
JRC, Room 101
Build community with alumni who are BIPOC, LGBTQIA+, from various religious affiliations members of the disability community, and who were first generation or international students. We will eat yummy food, share amazing stories, laugh too much, and get to know some of the staff members from Intercultural Affairs; Accessibility and Disability Resources; the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice; and the Office of International Student Affairs.
7 p.m.
Music in the Park featuring Marc Janssen and the Locals
Central Park Band Shell, Fourth Avenue and Broad Street
Friday, June 2
7-8 a.m.
Yoga
Bear Multipurpose Dance Studio
Led by Karl Mering, Assistant Swim Coach and yoga instructor, who practices yoga with the Swim/Dive team as part of their active recovery. This class has been designed to leave you feeling good, energized, and ready to enjoy the rest of your time at Reunion!
7:30-9 a.m.
Breakfast in the Marketplace (first meal served for Reunion)
JRC, Marketplace
8-10:30 a.m.
Trip to Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA)
Departs from front of JRC
Join faculty from the Department of Biology in touring the College's biological field station. The one-mile hike will take you through reconstructed prairie, restored savanna, along Willow Creek and Perry Pond, and through two experimental plot arrays, ending with a brief tour of the Environmental Education Center.
8:30-9:30 a.m.
Open AA/Al-Anon Recovery Meeting
Goodnow Hall, Room 109
Alumni, their families, staff, and students are welcome to attend.
8:30-10 a.m.
25th Reunion Breakfast and Class Photo
HSSC, Multipurpose Room (A1231)
The class of 1998 celebrates its 25th Reunion with a special welcome breakfast featuring honored guests and familiar faces. There will be a short program at 9:30 a.m.
8:30-10 a.m.
Bike Ride Around Grinnell (BRAG)
Bikes To You, 921 Broad Street
In this guided ride, you will get a chance to get some exercise while exploring Grinnell and the Iowa countryside. The group will bike approximately 10 miles on paved roads while Craig Cooper, owner of Bikes to You and past Grinnell Chamber of Commerce president, shares interesting historical and community information. Helmets are required; both helmets and bikes are available for rent. Call or email Bikes to You at 641-990-4820 or craig@bikestoyou.com for rental information (limited number of bikes available).
9:30-11 a.m.
10th Reunion Brunch and Class Photo
Main Hall, Quad Dining Hall
The classes of 2012 and 2013 celebrate their 10th Reunion with a special welcome brunch featuring honored guests and familiar faces. There will be a short program at 10:30 a.m.
9:30-11:30 a.m.
Grinnell Stories: 1967-68-69
HSSC, Auditorium
These short, 15–18-minute TED-like talks will showcase stories and ideas worth sharing inspired by the works and interests of classmates. Featured speakers include ViAnn Beadle ’67 on Changing Plans, Memo (Guillermo) Mendoza ’68, MD on From Asthmatic Townie through Grinnell and Grinnell cohort in Innovative Med School to Fulfillment, Judith H. W. Crossett ’68 BA, MA, MS, MD, PhD on How I Succeeded in Getting All those Initials without Really Trying, Don Kraitsik ’69 MD on From Grinnell to 43 Years with the Indian Health service on the Navajo Reservation and Kathy Karlson ’69 MA, PhD on Painting. Age. Joy.
10 a.m.
50th Reunion Memorial – An Opportunity to Remember Absent Friends
Peace Grove (between Burling and Bucksbaum)
10 a.m.–noon
Disability Cultural Center Open House
Steiner 209
The Grinnell College Disability Cultural Center aims to form a diverse, disability-centered community for students, faculty, and staff. We seek to empower our community by expanding our views of normality and success. We aim to foster campus connections and revolutionize Grinnell’s view of disability. Through advocacy, we will make Grinnell College’s disability culture prominent and respected.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Stew Makerspace Open House
Stew Makerspace, 927 Broad St.
Join Program Manager Craig Gibbens ’95 for an open house at the Stew Makerspace to learn about its role as a creative, multipurpose space in downtown Grinnell, and make a special souvenir to celebrate Reunion 2023. The effort is a collaboration between the Grinnell Area Arts Council and the Wilson Center at Grinnell College. It serves as a space for fabrication, tinkering, and more for community members, students, and faculty.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oral History Project
Burling Library, Recording Studio
Come share your story. The Alumni Oral History Project aims to better understand and share the history of Grinnell College by recording and preserving oral histories with members of the Grinnell College alumni community. The Recording Studio is located on the lower level of Burling Library.
10:30-11:30 a.m.
Campus Tour
Departs from the JRC Mailroom
11:15 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
Admission and Financial Aid Presentation: An Introduction to the College Planning Process
Admission and Student Financial Services Center, 1227 Park St.
Join members of Grinnell’s admission and financial aid offices for an introduction to the College process for parents and/or their “chips.” Topics covered include college research, the college essay, financial aid, the importance of extracurricular activities, and more.
11:15 a.m.-12:45 p.m.
50th Reunion Luncheon and Class Photo
JRC, Room 101
A special celebratory luncheon for the class of 1973.
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Lunch in the Marketplace
JRC, Marketplace
1-2:30 p.m.
Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice (CRSSJ) Open House
CRSSJ, 913 8th Avenue
Stop by the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice to take a tour of the space. See the Lending Library, the Food Pantry, Muslim and Hindu Prayer and cultural rooms, meditation spaces, and enjoy a beverage in our comfy chairs.
1-2:30 p.m.
Alumni Choir Rehearsal
Herrick Chapel
Join John C. Rommereim, Blanche Johnson Professor of Music to rehearse for the Choir’s performance during Saturday afternoon’s Alumni Assembly event.
1:30 p.m.
Gumaa Prayer
CRSSJ, 913 8th Avenue
Gumaa prayer will be hosted in the Muslim Prayer Room.
1:30-3:30 p.m.
Golf Scramble
Grinnell College Golf Course, 933 13th Ave.
Preregistration required. In the case of inclement weather, this event will be canceled.
2-5 p.m.
Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC) Open House
HSSC
Stop by and take a self-guided or guided tour of the newest building on campus. Tour size is limited, so to ensure your spot, please sign up for a tour time at the display in the entrance to the JRC lobby.
2-4:30 p.m.
Science and the Liberal Arts Panel and Poster Session
HSSC Auditorium and Second Floor
Join Dean Beronda Montgomery and members of the 50th reunion class for a panel discussion on alumni careers in science, health, and public policy. Following the panel, explore alumni research and work in the sciences at a poster session from 3:30-4:30 p.m.
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 in the JRC lobby, asking alumni to help identify people, places, and events found in our photograph collection. We will have photos available from every class or cluster at Reunion, so please stop by and lend a hand!
3-5 p.m.
Math Lab Open House
Noyce 2012
The Math Lab in Noyce Science Center is open for a casual reception. Gather with Math Lab staff and friends to visit the space and share memories of Katherine McClelland, Math Lab director and lecturer in Mathematics.
3:30-4:30 p.m.
Campus Tour
Departs from the JRC Mailroom
3:30-5 p.m.
Pioneer Athletics Reception with Coaches
BEAR Athletic Center Lobby
Join the athletics staff, current coaches, and former coaches for a reception honoring Grinnell athletics. There will be a short program. Preregistration is encouraged.
4-5 p.m.
Grinnell Preschool Open House
Grinnell College Preschool Lab, 1022 Park St.
4:30-5:30 p.m.
LGBTQIA Alumni Reception
Younker Hall, Stonewall Resource Center (SRC)
Join current students and alumni from Grinnell LGBTQIA and ally community for this casual reception.
4:30-5:30 p.m.
Open AA/Al-Anon Recovery Meeting
Goodnow Hall, Room 109
Alumni, their families, staff, and students are welcome to attend.
5:30-8:30 p.m.
Reunion Block Party
8th Avenue and Central Campus
Join fellow Reunion attendees for a fun evening of music, yard games, and food trucks. There also will be a beer and wine tent. Wristbands will be required for this event, and each guest will have tokens to exchange for food and beverages from our diverse array of local vendors.
5:30-7:30 p.m.
Shabbat Service and Table
JRC, Room 209
The service will begin at 5:45 p.m. followed by a Kosher-style meal. This is a ticketed meal.
6-8:30 p.m.
60th Reunion Class Dinner and Class Photos
HSSC, A1231 (Multipurpose Room)
A special celebratory dinner for the classes of 1963 and 1964.
6-10 p.m.
55th Reunion Class Dinner and Class Photos
Hotel Grinnell
A special celebratory dinner for the classes of 1967-68-69. Dinner will end around 8 p.m. though guests are invited to stay at the Hotel for an extended social time.
8-9:30 p.m.
Too Many Strings Band
Main Hall, Bob’s Underground
Enjoy acoustic folk and bluegrass music performed by some of your favorite Grinnell professors. This is a substance-free event.
8:30 p.m.-Midnight
Class Socials
- 50th Reunion Social (1973)
Grinnell College Golf Course, Lounge Featuring the music of I-398.
- 40th Reunion Social (1981, 1982 and 1983)
Younker Hall, Tent and Lounge
- 30th Reunion Social (1992, 1993, and 1994)
Loose Hall, Tent and Lounge
- 25th Reunion Social (1998)
Haines Hall, Tent and Lounge
- 15th Reunion Social (2006, 2007, and 2008)
Langan Hall Tent
- 10th Reunion Social (2012-13)
Gates Hall Tent
10-11:30 p.m.
Grant O. Gale Observatory open hours
College Observatory
Shuttles will depart from the JRC parking lot approximately every half hour. Or feel free to walk out to the Observatory. Last shuttle will depart at 11 p.m.
10-11:30 p.m.
Drag Show
Harris Center
The classes of 2006-07-08 and 2012-13 are excited to present the second Grinnell College Reunion Drag Show. After more than a decade of biannual shows, the event has become a successful and enduring tradition for Grinnell College students since 2006. The extravaganza, which occurs in the fall and spring, raises money for various LGBTQIA+ organizations both on and off campus. It is an event that encapsulates the lasting spirit of Grinnell: a celebration of diversity with a commitment to social justice. Come see what all the fuss is about. This performance includes flashing lights and loud music. Capacity is limited, so please arrive early.
Midnight
Bakery Run 2.0
Meet at the steps of Herrick Chapel to head to Grin City Bakery, 934 Main St.
Revisit an old tradition at the new bakery. Grin City Bakery will serve some familiar favorites and some new, soon-to-be favorites, too.
Saturday, June 3
7-9 a.m.
Breakfast in the Marketplace
JRC, Marketplace
7:30-9 a.m.
Alumni Fun Run/Walk
Starting line: south side of Charles Benson Bear '39 Recreation and Athletic Center
A tradition for more than 20 years, the Alumni Fun Run/Walk is a great way to start your Reunion Saturday. In case of inclement weather, this event will be cancelled.
8-9 a.m.
Yoga
Bear Multipurpose Dance Studio
Led by Karl Mering, Assistant Swim Coach and yoga instructor, who practices yoga with the Swim/Dive team as part of their active recovery. This class has been designed to leave you feeling good, energized, and ready to enjoy the rest of your time at Reunion!
8-10:30 a.m.
Trip to Conard Environmental Research Area (CERA)
Departs from front of JRC
Join faculty from the Department of Biology in touring the College's biological field station. The one-mile hike will take you through reconstructed prairie, restored savanna, along Willow Creek and Perry Pond, and through two experimental plot arrays, ending with a brief tour of the Environmental Education Center. Space is limited. Please sign up at the Reunion registration area.
8:30-10 a.m.
President’s Reception (for volunteers and leadership donors)
Grinnell House Lawn, 1011 Park St.
This reception, for Reunion volunteers and leadership donors, is by invitation only.
9-10 a.m.
Campus Tour
Departs from the JRC Mailroom
9-10 a.m.
Walking Tour of Downtown Grinnell
Departs from the Goodnow Hall front portico, 1118 Park St.
Enjoy a walking tour of downtown Grinnell hosted by the Chamber of Commerce and the Office of Community Partnerships, Planning, and Research. Bring your questions and your camera. You'll likely see some of your old haunts as well as new businesses and buildings that are part of the thriving culture of Grinnell. This will be a walking tour, rain or shine.
9-10:15 a.m.
Liberal Arts in Prison Program: Panel Discussion
JRC, Room 101
In keeping with Grinnell's mission and core values, the Liberal Arts in Prison Program provides liberal arts education at a local prison and a juvenile detention center. Five years ago, the program inaugurated its First Year of College Program, which brings for-credit Grinnell courses to incarcerated students at Newton Correctional Facility. Join former incarcerated students, program director Emily Guenther ’07, and faculty members for a panel discussion about the program's impact.
9:30 a.m.
Serenity Sisterhood - Women’s AA/Al-Anon Recovery Meeting
Online. Please contact Jill Petsel at petselji@grinnell.edu for the meeting link.
All women are welcome to this recovery meeting.
9:30-10 a.m.
Renfrow Story Time
JRC, Laurel Leaf Lounge
Come hear the story of Grinnell's oldest living alumni, 108 year old Edith Renfrow Smith. Author Monique Shore ’90 will read the story she has written, "No one is better than you: Edith Renfrow Smith and the power of a mother's words." This sneak peak at the book, scheduled for publication later this year, will include a reading of the text and sharing of illustrations. There will be coloring sheets and other book related items available.
10 a.m.–Noon
Pioneer Bookshop Open House: Featuring Grinnellian Authors
Pioneer Bookshop, 933 Main St.
The Grinnell College Bookshop is downtown! Stop by to pick up some new Grinnell gear and to meet some of the many Grinnellians (celebrating a Reunion this year!) who have published books. If you are a published author interested in being a part of this event, please visit alumni.grinnell.edu/grinnellauthors to sign up!
10 a.m.-Noon
Grinnell Farmers Market
Central Park, Fourth Avenue and Broad Street
The Grinnell Farmers Market will be from 10 a.m. to noon at the corner of Fourth Avenue and Broad Street in downtown Grinnell. This market is a 100% producer’s market; all vendors must sell products that they produce themselves.
10 a.m.-4 p.m.
Stew Makerspace Open House
Stew Makerspace, 927 Broad St.
Join Program Manager Craig Gibbens ’95 for an open house at the Stew Makerspace to learn about its role as a creative, multipurpose space in downtown Grinnell, and make a special souvenir to celebrate Reunion 2023. The effort is a collaboration between the Grinnell Area Arts Council and the Wilson Center at Grinnell College. It serves as a space for fabrication, tinkering, and more for community members, students, and faculty.
10 a.m.-5 p.m.
Oral History Project
Burling Library, Recording Studio
Come share your story. The Alumni Oral History Project aims to better understand and share the history of Grinnell College by recording and preserving oral histories with members of the Grinnell College alumni community. The Recording Studio is located on the lower level of Burling Library.
10:30 a.m.-noon
Real Talk with Grinnell Faculty: The View from Grinnell
Harris Center, Cinema
The Alumni Council invites Reunion participants to join this casual and intimate live conversation about teaching and learning at Grinnell today. Beronda Montgomery, vice president of academic affairs and dean of the college, Clark Lindgren, chair of the faculty and Patricia A. Johnson Professor of Neuroscience, Henry Rietz ’89, Drake Professor of Religious Studies, and Stephanie Jones, associate professor of education will share their thoughts and perspectives on everything from tutorial to technology in the classroom. This event will be offered to a live audience on campus and will also be livestreamed at www.grinnell.edu/livestream.
11 a.m.-2 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 in the JRC lobby, asking alumni to help identify people, places, and events found in our photograph collection. We will have photos available from every class or cluster at Reunion, so please stop by and lend a hand!
11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m.
Lunch in the Marketplace
JRC, Marketplace
1-2 p.m.
Campus Tour
Departs from the JRC Mailroom
1-2 p.m.
Edith Renfrow Smith ’37: The community roots and life inspiration of Grinnell’s oldest living alum
JRC, Room 101
Edith Renfrow Smith was born and raised in Grinnell and became the first Black woman to graduate from the college in 1937. Her family story in Poweshiek County started in 1859 and includes passage on the Underground Railroad and multiple “firsts” for African Americans in this area. Monique Shore ’90 will share about her family, her upbringing, and her amazing 108 years of life.
1-3:45 p.m.
Class Photos: 40th Cluster, 30th Cluster, 15th Cluster
Roberts Theater, Bucksbaum
- 1 p.m. – 1981
- 1:15 p.m. – 1982
- 1:30 p.m. – 1983
- 1:45 p.m. – 1992
- 2 p.m. – 1993
- 2:15 p.m. – 1994
- 3 p.m. – 2006
- 3:15 p.m. – 2007
- 3:30 p.m. – 2008
1:30-4 p.m.
Mac Field Chill Time
Mac Field
Celebrate your Reunion by doing nothing! The 15th and 25th Reunion groups will hang out on Mac Field with some yard games and plenty of time to reminisce and (hopefully) soak in the sun. Bring your picnic blankets and bag chairs! Sponsored by the classes of 1998, 2006, 2007, and 2008
2:30-4 p.m.
Arc of the Grinnell Experience
Meet in the HSSC Atrium
This event is for the 50th reunion only. Join your classmates for informal group discussions intended to promote dialogue about the arc of the Grinnell experience over the last fifty years. Not simply then and now, but also points in between when having been a student at Grinnell made a difference in how you viewed and acted in the world. What impact did Grinnell and those you met there have on your choice of careers and career trajectory? How about politics, community involvement, and leisure-time activities? Other aspects of your life? Why was the impact of the college stronger at some points than at others? Sponsored by the 50th reunion.
2-4 p.m.
What’s next? – Scratching the 40-year itch Moth Storytelling Event
HSSC Auditorium
Join classmates for a Moth Hour-like storytelling event. Sponsored by the classes of 1981, 1982, and 1983.
2:45-4 p.m.
Microcosms of Change
JRC, Room 101
The class cluster of 1992-93-94 is holding an informal panel conversation about the changes their classmates are making in the world on all scales. This is an opportunity to talk and learn about the amazing things the amazing people you know are doing to make changes in their family, neighborhood, workplace, community, state, country, planet, galaxy, or something else!
4:30-5:45 p.m.
Alumni Assembly, Featuring the Presentation of the 2023 Alumni Awards
Herrick Chapel
The premier event of the weekend. All alumni are encouraged to attend. This event will also be livestreamed at https://www.grinnell.edu/livestream.
6-8 p.m.
All Reunion BBQ Dinner
8th Avenue
Join all Reunion attendees for a BBQ dinner! In case of inclement weather, this event will be moved inside to the Marketplace.
7:30-9 p.m.
Grinnell College Museum of Art Reception
Bucksbaum, Grinnell College Museum of Art
Experience how Grinnell College demonstrates commitment to promoting the arts and enhancing quality of life with a relaxing yet inspiring evening in the gallery. Gather at 8pm in the Rotunda for a brief talk about the summer exhibition by GCMoA Director Susan Baley.
8-9 p.m.
Open AA/Al-Anon Recovery Meeting
Goodnow Hall, Room 109
Alumni, their families, staff, and students are welcome to attend.
8:30 p.m.-Midnight
50th Reunion Party with I-398
Grinnell College Golf Course, Lounge
9 p.m.-1 a.m.
Reunion Dance Party
Harris Center
10-11:30 p.m.
Grant O. Gale Observatory open hours
College Observatory
Shuttles will depart from the JRC parking lot approximately every half hour. Last shuttle will depart at 11 p.m.
Sunday, June 4
8:30-11 a.m.
Farewell Brunch
JRC, Marketplace
End the weekend right. This is the perfect setting to say goodbye before heading home.
9:30-10:30 a.m.
Interdenominational Christian Worship Service
Herrick Chapel
Service organized by Deanna Shorb and the Center for Religion, Spirituality, and Social Justice.
1:30 p.m.
Residence Halls close