Alumni Council Spring 2026 Meeting Summary

The Alumni Council gathered on campus Thursday, March 27 through Saturday, March 29 for its spring meeting. President Kate Goddard ’91 presided over the meeting, which was attended by 25 members of the Council. 

A group photo of the 2025-26 Alumni Council.
Alumni Council members posing for a group photo during the Fall 2025 meeting in Kington Plaza outside the HSSC Atrium. 

The following is a summary of the meeting:

  • The Council kicked off its meeting with visits to Student Health and Wellness (SHAW), Special Collections and Archives, and the Grinnell College Museum of Art. At each space, members connected with faculty and staff who are working to build community in these spaces and through the services and programs offered at each;
  • Council members began Friday by joining the campus and extended Grinnell community for Coffee with the College, a weekly gathering that fosters informal dialogue among students, faculty, staff, and community members. The session featured Susan Baley, director of the Grinnell Museum of Art, who shared insights on teaching, museum studies, and course-embedded travel experiences;
  • Dean Ruth P. Feingold met with the Council for an introductory meeting and a discussion on academic affairs and ongoing initiatives to enhance teaching and learning at the College;
  • The Council passed a resolution to pilot a new officer position, the Alumni Council Trustee role. This new role will assume responsibility for the Council’s engagement with the College’s Board of Trustees. Jeremy Youde ’99 was elected as the inaugural Alumni Council Trustee for a three-year term;
  • Student engagement remained a central focus of the weekend. Council members connected informally with students during a Global Café gathering and participated in a Political Science SEPC-sponsored alumni panel, as well as Saturday lunch roundtables offering insight into career pathways and post-Grinnell experiences;
David Calbert ’75, left, Atavia Whitfield ’06, and Ed Atkins ’66
David Calbert ’75, left, Atavia Whitfield ’06, and Ed Atkins ’66 take a photo in front to the Global Cafe after informally talking with students.
  • The Council joined students, faculty, and staff for a dinner hosted by the Institute for Global Engagement, strengthening connections and understanding of the College’s global learning programs, collaborations, and off-campus study opportunities;
  • The Council committees and task forces each met and reported on their work to the Council. Highlights include:
    • The Career Exploration Task Force reported on ongoing improvements and recommendations for the Council’s collaboration with the College to host the fall 2026 Second-Year Spotlight Conference, a targeted conference focused on career exploration and skill development for second-year students. In partnership with DAR and the CLS, the Task Force also secured 37 externship opportunities (from 26 alumni hosts) for hands-on career exploration experiences for students.
    • The Philanthropy Committee celebrated its success in raising over $16,000 for the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS) Grants Program, which provides need-based support to help students partake in professional development and postgraduate exploration activities. Stewardship strategies and opportunities for next year’s project were also discussed. Finally, with the committee’s leadership, the Council issued a Scarlet & Give Back Day giving challenge for students, raising over nearly $7,000 from its members to match every student gift over $5.
    • The Alumni Awards committee reviewed nominations and selected two senior students to receive the Alumni Senior Award as part of the Commencement 2026 activities.
    • The Membership Development Committee oversaw the election of six new members to Council: Janet Welsh ’83, Abel Smith ’85, Angela Matsuoka ’04, Margo Gray ’05, Lisa Eshun-Wilson ’14, and Ishaan Tibrewal ’21.
Scott Shepherd ’82, left, Becky Reetz Neal ’65, Ben Vaughn ’15, and Ed Atkins ’66
The stylish foursome of Scott Shepherd ’82, left, Becky Reetz Neal ’65, Ben Vaughn ’15, and Atkins, pose for a photo at their final Alumni Council meeting.
  • President Anne F. Harris joined the Council to provide a campus update including discussion of the College’s continued legislative strategies, collaborations, and partnerships at the state and federal level;
  • The Council met with Bernadine Douglas, vice president for development and alumni relations, for a deep discussion about donor participation and opportunities for inspiring new and sustained philanthropic support for Grinnell through the campaign;
  • Ellen de Graffenreid, vice president for communications, met with the Council to review data and plans for the continued evolution of the Grinnell College brand;
  • Sasha Aslanian ’90 was elected as the next President-Elect of the Alumni Council;
  • The Council concluded its meetings by celebrating and recognizing its four departing members: Becky Reetz Neal ’65, Ed Atkins ’66, Scott Shepherd ’82, and Ben Vaughn ’15.

Please let us know if you have any questions. Our thanks for your continued interest in the work of the Council.

Warm regards,

Kate Goddard ’91, Alumni Council President
Jayn Bailey Chaney ’05, Assistant Vice President of Alumni and Donor Relations