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 2025 series of lectures, we welcome three of Grinnell’s faculty and staff members to share their scholarship. Scroll down to register for the lectures and discussion sections.
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 alums.
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 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 number 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, or have a question, please send us an email.
Virtual Alumni College Spring 2025 Lectures
Registration for Virtual Alumni College spring 2025 sessions is now open. You will find the links for the lecture videos in your confirmation emails. Live sessions will not have a corresponding video.
36 Questions for Civic Love
Vanessa Preast, associate director of the Center for Teaching, Learning, and Assessment
Discussion date: Wednesday, April 23, 7 p.m. CT
This Virtual Alumni College session will be a live event, with paired participants using a series of questions to get to know their partner. This event is also open to students! This is a first for VAC and we are excited to introduce this format!
Learn more about Vanessa Preast and see a full description of the lecture on the 36 Questions for Civic Love registration page.
Choreography Analysis: Form and Function
Kathleen Hurley, Lecturer, Theatre, Dance, and Performance Studies
Discussion date: Wednesday, April 30, 11 a.m. CT
Learn more about Kathleen Hurley and see a full description of the lecture on the Choreography Analysis: Form and Function 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 Achievement of Identity: Soul Work, Salvation, and Black Manhood in the Religious Imagination of James Baldwin
Darrius Hills, Associate Professor, Religious Studies
Discussion date: Tuesday, May 20, 6 p.m. CT
Learn more about Darrius Hills and see a full description of the lecture on the ‘Achievement of Identity’ 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.