Reunion FAQ

Categories

What to Know About Coming Home to Grinnell

What is Reunion Weekend?
When and how do I register?
How do I get to Grinnell if I’m flying or taking the train?
How do I coordinate a carpool to Reunion?
Is there a way to see who’s coming?
I haven’t received Reunion emails or mailings. Why?

Designing a Reunion That Fits You

How much does it cost to attend?
Why is there a registration fee, and what does it support?
Is it possible to come for just one day or a few events?
What accessibility support is available during Reunion?
If I need to cancel, what should I do?
I've already registered, but I would like to add to my registration. How do I do that?

Arrival & Check-in

Where do I check in?
What are the Registration desk hours?
Where is parking available?
Where can I eat on Thursday night?
What if I arrive outside Registration Desk hours?
Can I still attend if I didn’t pre-register?

Back to the Dorms (If You Want To!)

Where will I stay?
What are the dorm amenities?
What should I know if I’m bringing a guest, child, or pet?
May I request to room with friends?
Is there shuttle service available for off-campus housing?

The Reunion Weekend Lineup

What’s happening during Reunion Weekend?
What is the Alumni Assembly and Alumni Awards?
Are there family-friendly activities?
What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?
Who can I contact about programming for my class?
Will the Grinnell College Bookstore be open?
May I sell my art during Reunion?
May I display my books during Reunion?

Meals

Do I need to purchase meals when I register?
Will I need to pay for my children’s meals?
What accommodations are available if I have a dietary need?
May a friend join me for just one meal?

Still have questions?

What to Know About Coming Home to Grinnell

What is Reunion Weekend?

Reunion is our most cherished annual gathering, where Grinnell alums return home to reconnect with old friends, enjoy a variety of lively events, and experience the vibrant spirit of the College and community as it is today. It’s a wonderful time to celebrate lifelong friendships and the enduring Grinnellian bond.

Reunion Weekend begins on the Thursday evening following Memorial Day. To ensure a meaningful and balanced opportunity for all alumni to reconnect, classes are invited back on a rotating basis—so that no class goes more than six years without a Reunion celebration. Curious when your next reunion is? Find out when your next reunion will be by visiting the Reunion Calendar.

Attendance at Reunion is not limited to one’s designated class year. The GRAEYs are a self-named group of alumni who return to Reunion every year or as often as possible. GRAEY stands for “Grinnell Reunion Any/Every Year.”

When and how do I register?

Registration opens February 1 and stays open right through Reunion Weekend itself. You’re welcome to register online or stop by in person at the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC) during Reunion.

Please note: Registering by May 15 helps us plan thoughtfully for housing, childcare, meals, and shuttle service. Shuttle reservations are guaranteed until May 1 and close completely after May 15. After May 15, late fees apply to registration and services, and on-campus housing may no longer be available.

How do I get to Grinnell if I’m flying or taking the train?

The Reunion shuttle service is available for Reunion attendees from Des Moines and Cedar Rapids airports, as well as the Ottumwa Amtrak station. Reserve before May 1 to guarantee a seat; May 15 is the last possible date to reserve a shuttle.

Renting a car from Des Moines is another option. If you have extra seats, consider posting on the Grinnell College Reunion Rideshare page.

How do I coordinate a carpool to Reunion?

It’s easy! Head to the Grinnell College Reunion Rideshare page to share your travel plans, offer a ride, or connect with others in your area who are also making the trip. It’s a great way to save on travel costs, reduce your carbon footprint, and meet Grinnellians before you even arrive.

Is there a way to see who’s coming?

Yes! The “Who's Coming” webpage shows real-time registration updates once registration opens on February 1. If you prefer your name not be listed, you may opt out during registration.

I haven’t received Reunion emails or mailings. Why?

You might need to update your contact details or communication preferences. Please update your information here.

Designing a Reunion That Fits You

How much does it cost to attend?

Reunion is designed so you pay only for what you choose to enjoy. Your registration fee covers the Saturday All-Reunion Dinner, a digital class photo, many fun events, and helps offset equipment, entertainment, and staff costs. You can also opt in to on-campus lodging, meals, the airport/Amtrak shuttle, childcare, and special events — all selected individually during registration.

Why is there a registration fee, and what does it support?

For guests, the registration fee includes the Saturday evening All-Reunion Dinner, a digital download of your class photo, and access to the wide variety of Reunion events.

This fee helps keep Reunion sustainable by partially covering the real costs behind the scenes - like golf cart and equipment rentals, tents, sound systems, entertainment, and wages for the amazing Reunion Student Staff who help bring the weekend to life.

Grinnell College proudly underwrites a portion of Reunion expenses to make the celebration as accessible and memorable as possible. Your registration fee, combined with the College’s support, helps ensure a joyful and meaningful experience for all who attend.

Is it possible to come for just one day or a few events?

Yes! A day rate is offered on-site during Reunion, not available in on-line registration. Head to the Reunion registration desk in the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center to pick up your day-pass.

What accessibility support is available during Reunion?

Grinnell is committed to making Reunion welcoming and accessible to all. Please review our visitor accessibility website and interactive campus map, or contact us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu or (866) 850-1846 with any special requests.

Golf cart service is available throughout the weekend to Reunion attendees whenever the registration desk is open. Once on campus, simply call the Transportation Desk (641-269-4403) to request a ride.

If I need to cancel, what should I do?

Please reach out to us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu or call (866) 850-1846. Full refunds, including housing and meals, are available through May 15. After that, only the registration fee is refundable. In the unlikely event that the College must cancel Reunion, all fees will be fully refunded.

I've already registered, but I would like to add to my registration. How do I do that?

This link will only make sense if you've already registered! Update my registration.

Arrival & Check-in

Where do I check in?

Please check in at the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC), located at 1115 8th Ave.

What are the Registration desk hours?

Thursday: 8 a.m.–11 p.m.
Friday: 8 a.m.–11 p.m.
Saturday: 8 a.m.–11 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

Where is parking available?

During Reunion, parking is available in student and faculty/staff lots. Please be mindful of spaces reserved for accessible parking or short-term parking only. This interactive campus map may help you get your bearings. You may also download a PDF version of the campus map, with the parking areas listed.

Where can I eat on Thursday night?

Meals start with breakfast on Friday. On Thursday evening, please enjoy dining downtown or at the Spencer Grill (open until 7 p.m.). Complimentary shuttles run every 30 minutes from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. to get you downtown and back. You can check out the variety of local restaurants any time.

What if I arrive outside Registration Desk hours?

No worries! If you arrive after hours, visit Campus Safety at Mears Cottage (1213 6th Ave.) to be let into your dorm. Then, you can check in at the JRC the following morning.

Can I still attend if I didn’t pre-register?

Absolutely! We welcome you to join even if you didn’t register ahead of time. Just know that housing, childcare, meals, and shuttle options may be limited or unavailable. You can register online or stop by the JRC when you arrive.

Back to the Dorms (If You Want To!)

Where will I stay?

Whether you're coming solo, with family, or ready to reconnect with your classmates, we've got a variety of housing options to suit your needs:

Class Dorms (assigned by reunion year)
GRAEY Dorms (open to all years)
Family Dorm (for alums with young children)
Accessible Housing
No Preference (we’ll aim to place you near your class)
Off-campus lodging View a list of off-campus options.
RV parking is not available on campus but can be found at the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds, which offers electric and water hookups.

Want to get a sense of where you might be staying? Learn more about each residence hall.

What are the dorm amenities?

Your dorm room will be simple - a bit like stepping back into your student days, but now with air conditioning! All dorms have either central air or a window unit, so the classic need for fans at Reunion is a thing of the past.

Each guest receives:

Linens, including a lightweight summer blanket, one pillow, and a couple towels.

Bathrooms:

Most bathrooms are shared and they are not stocked with toiletries or paper towels, so please bring your own essentials.
Friendly reminder: bring a towel from your room with you when you head to the bathroom!

Closet Space:

Dorm rooms don't include hangers, and closet hooks are mostly non-existent. If you’d like to hang up clothes during your stay, we recommend packing a few hangers.

Room Setup:

Rooms are single occupancy unless you request a roommate or register with guests.
All beds are twin-sized.
While the walls may be bare, the halls will be full of laughter, memories, and the joy of reconnecting.

Forgot something? The Reunion Information Desk in the JRC has a limited supply of basic toiletries, like shampoo, conditioner, toothbrushes, toothpaste, and even a few warm blankets.

What should I know if I’m bringing a guest, child, or pet?

Guests: All guests - including partners and friends - are warmly welcomed and must be registered.

Children: The Family Dorm (also known as the quiet dorm) is available for those with small children. Children who don’t need a bed stay free. Bring your own crib or reserve a pack-and-play by contacting reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu. Family dorm rooms and pack-and-play availability are both limited, so early registration is encouraged.

Pets: Pets are not allowed in campus buildings, with the exception of service animals. However, some off-campus lodging options do allow pets—please check with individual hotels or listings for details..

May I request to room with friends?

Yes! Just request your preferred roommate(s) during registration. They must also request you when they register. Guests included with your registration are automatically housed with you.

Is there shuttle service available for off-campus housing?

Yes! Free shuttles, coordinated by the Reunion Transportation Team (641-269-4403), run between campus, area hotels, and the Poweshiek County Fairgrounds during the following hours:

Thursday: 11 a.m.–11 p.m.
Friday & Saturday: 8 a.m.–11 p.m.
Sunday: 8 a.m.–1:30 p.m.

The Reunion Weekend lineup

What’s happening during Reunion Weekend?

Choose your adventure:

Guided campus tours and open houses
Faculty and alumni panels, lectures, and workshops
Opportunities to connect with beloved professors, coaches, and staff at events and meals
Active fun like the 5K, BRAG (Bike Ride Around Grinnell) bike ride, water aerobics, and yoga
Class receptions and dinners
Musical performances, Drag Show, Harris Dance Party
Alumni Assembly

Check the preliminary schedule here — updated as events are confirmed.

What is the Alumni Assembly and Alumni Awards?

The Alumni Assembly is a cherished Reunion tradition—an elegant and heartfelt gathering in the beauty of Herrick Chapel, held Saturday at 4:30 p.m. This meaningful occasion honors recipients of the Alumni Awards and features reflections from President Anne F. Harris, Alumni Council representatives, a performance by the Alumni Choir, with prelude and postlude music performed on the gorgeous Herrick Chapel organ. It’s a moment to celebrate the enduring spirit of Grinnell College, the lifelong impact of a Grinnell education, and the remarkable paths Grinnellians forge in the world.

The Alumni Awards honor alums who exemplify Grinnell’s mission of lifelong learning and service. You’re invited to nominate someone special here.

Are there family-friendly activities?

Absolutely! Highlights include:

Friday’s Block Party with inflatables, art projects, face painting, and yard games
Saturday’s Mac Field Chill Time
Access to the pool, gym, and game room
Free activity bags for kids ages 3+ at the JRC Help Desk
Childcare available Friday and Saturday evenings by reservation for children ages 6 months to 6 years

What happens if the weather doesn’t cooperate?

Rain or shine, the celebration goes on! Events may move indoors if needed, but our Grinnellian spirit and ingenuity, along with excellent rain plans, always keep the weekend full of warmth and joy.

Who can I contact about programming for my class?

Reunion Planning Committees consist of dedicated classmates who have volunteered their time and effort to customize and enhance the Reunion festivities for your class or cluster Reunion. Discover who has been contributing to the planning by visiting the Reunion Committee Volunteers page. When viewing the online Reunion schedule, use the "Filter by Class" feature to find activities of special interest to your class.

Will the Grinnell College Bookstore be open?

Yes! The Pioneer Bookshop, now located downtown, will be open during Reunion, with hours listed in the schedule. Don’t miss the Grinnell Authors Display while you’re there!.

May I sell my art during Reunion?

While there isn’t an official space at Reunion for selling art, the Grinnell Farmers Market warmly welcomes alum vendors! If you’re interested, please apply to be a vendor by April 25.

May I display my books during Reunion?

Alums have the opportunity to showcase one or two of their published books in the Grinnell Authors Display at the Pioneer Bookshop during Reunion Weekend. To be included, please submit your application here by May 1.

Meals

Do I have to purchase meals when I register? Can’t I just wait and purchase them when I get there?

Food and resources are conserved when people purchase their meals ahead of time. This practice allows us to plan food quantities appropriately throughout the weekend.

Meals can be purchased à la carte, or if ordered before May 15, at a discounted rate with the All-Meals package. Meals will also be available for purchase during Reunion. With the exception of the Reunion Block Party meal and additional block party tokens, any meals purchased after May 15 or on-site will incur an additional $5 charge per meal.

If you are thinking of waiting to purchase your meals, we advise you to purchase any special meals your class might be hosting in advance. For these meals, College staff need to be able to judge what space is needed, how many tables will need to be set up, and how much food to prepare in order to create the experience that our alumni have come to expect. Availability for these meals is limited.

The Spencer Grill, located in the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center, offers a variety of breakfast and lunch options, including sandwiches, salads, yogurt, and more. However, it is not designed to handle large crowds, so wait times may be long during busy periods. The Global Café, located in the Humanities and Social Studies Center (HSSC) atrium offers treats made from recipes created by international students, showcasing flavors from around the world. Open hours for both are posted in the online schedule.

Will I have to pay for my children's meals?

Children 4 years old and younger eat for free. Children ages 5-12 eat at a discounted rate.

What accommodations are available if I have a dietary need?

We strive to accommodate a variety of special diets and are happy to offer vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and gluten-free meal options. Additionally, we can accommodate most food allergies. To help us plan appropriately, please indicate any dietary needs on your registration form.

For those with nut allergies, please note that our kitchen handles nuts and serves peanut butter at every meal. While we take precautions to minimize cross-contamination, we cannot guarantee that all meals will be completely nut-free.

We recognize that some dietary needs may be highly specialized and beyond the scope of our food service. In such cases, we are dedicated to making alternative arrangements, such as ensuring access to a dorm kitchen for individuals to prepare their own meals.

If you have specific dietary needs or concerns, please contact us at reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu. We are here to help!

May a friend join me for just one meal?

Yes, as a general guideline, guests who only join for a single meal do not need to register. This assumes they will spend just a couple of hours on campus and make limited use of the resources provided for registered alumni.

However, if your friend plans to stay for two meals or spend the entire afternoon and evening on campus, they should register as a guest and pay the registration fee. For the safety of all attendees, students, and staff, everyone attending Reunion must be a registered guest. Those who are not registered and not wearing a name badge may be asked to leave campus.

Still have questions?

Contact the Office of Development and Alumni Relations:

(866) 850-1846
reunionhelpdesk@grinnell.edu.