Nominations/applications underway for two cherished Grinnell awards
July 21, 2026 — Two of Grinnell College’s most prized alumni honors are now accepting entries.
Nominations are underway for the 2027 Alumni Awards. Grinnellians are encouraged to nominate a fellow alum for consideration. Additionally, applications are being collected for the 2026 Joseph F. Wall ’41 Alumni Service Award. These should be submitted by the applicant rather than by a nominator. Both awards have submission deadlines of Aug. 31.
Celebrating classmates who are making a difference through their careers, their communities, the College, or a combination of these areas is deeply meaningful. Nominations and letters of support are welcome from anyone who can speak to the impact a Grinnellian is making.
“Recognizing the noteworthy Grinnellians in our lives is easier than you think, and more appreciated than you know,” says Guinevere Natarelli, associate director of alumni and donor relations for Reunion and awards.
Further details about each award are below.
Becky Reetz Neal ’65, left, and Kate Goddard ’91 lead the applause for Nancy Mills ’72 as she receives her Alumni Award.
2027 Alumni Awards
The Grinnell College Alumni Awards recognize individuals who embody Grinnell College’s mission of lifetime learning and service. Recipients, which date back to the class of 1900, have distinguished themselves by their service to their careers, their community, and/or the College.
Nominations are being accepted for the following classes, who will celebrate their reunions in 2027:
- 70th reunion: 1957-1958
- 50th reunion: 1977
- 45th reunion: 1981-1983
- 25th reunion: 2002
- 20th reunion: 2006-2008
- 10th reunion: 2017-2018
Complete an online nomination form to share details about the nominee. Letters of support may be sent to alumni@grinnell.edu by Aug. 31 to be considered for recognition at Reunion 2027. Current Grinnell College Board of Trustees and Alumni Council members are not eligible for an Alumni Award. Visit the Alumni Awards web page to find more information about the award and learn about past recipients.
The Grinnell College Alumni Council will select the recipients and share the news through an announcement in The Grinnellian e-newsletter early next year. The recipients will be presented with their awards June 5 at Alumni Assembly during Reunion 2027.
The 2025 Wall Service Award recipients. Left: Emily Harris ’98 and her daughter, Abby Harris ’28. Right: Yvonne Palm ’06.
2026 Joseph F. Wall ’41 Alumni Service Award
During Grinnell College’s sesquicentennial celebration in 1996, the Wall Award was established as a tribute to the College’s 150-year tradition of social commitment. The award was named in honor of Joseph Wall ’41, professor of history and longtime dean of the College, who inspired an ideal of social responsibility in his students.
Each year, a committee composed of alumni, faculty, and a student chooses the award recipients. They receive up to $40,000 prizes to either jump-start or complete a project that shows creativity and commitment to positive social change. Any graduate of Grinnell College is eligible to apply, as long as they will act as a principal of the project.
To apply, read through and complete the Wall Service Award application. Additional information about the award and a list of past winners can be found on the Wall Service Award webpage.
— by Jeremy Shapiro