Alumni and friends from the Bay Area took part in a lively celebration Thursday, Feb. 27 at the Fairmount San Francisco that introduced the Campaign for Grinnell College.
Hosted by retiree trustee Clint Korver ’89 and Miriam Rivera, the event demonstrated how Grinnellians come together to serve the College and the greater good.
Korver told the audience about his initial visit to Grinnell as a prospective student. Right off the bat, he was impressed by the quality of engagement.
“Students, faculty, staff, and the whole community did not take things for granted,” he said. “They thought deeply. They cared deeply. It was a community that grappled with the important questions in life. It was a community I wanted in my life.”
Looking back now as an alumnus, Korver said Grinnell has indeed played an important role in his life.
“I’ve heard that one measure of philanthropy is that the donor feels he’s received more than what he has put in,” he said. “That has certainly been true for me.”
Speaking from a student perspective, Angela Frimpong ’20 eloquently shared her journey from Ghana to Grinnell.
“When I got to Grinnell, I found a place where you could come as you are,” she said. “People don’t judge you here, and everyone is here to learn and support one another. It is my hope that you realize your support is helping to write stories like mine. Your support helped secure my financial aid package, helped me advance and grow academically, and put me on a pathway where I can focus on opportunities and grow professionally.”
The comprehensive campaign comprises all gifts made to the College from July 1, 2013 through June 30, 2021. There are six philanthropic campaign priorities: Scholarships and Financial Aid; Individually Advised Teaching and Learning; the Center for Careers, Life, and Service (CLS); the Institute for Global Engagement (IGE); World-Class Facilities; and the Pioneer Fund.
Event attendees also had a chance to directly interact with College leaders at several engagement zones. Joe Bagnoli, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission and financial aid, chatted about scholarships and financial aid, while Xavi Escandell, associate professor of anthropology and director of the Data Analysis and Social Inquiry Lab (DASIL), demonstrated how students integrate data into research and classroom work. Mark Peltz, Finkelman Dean of Careers, Life, and Service, discussed how CLS staff members work with students to design a life that encompasses their personal, professional, and civic ambitions. Jaci A. Thiede, vice president of development and alumni relations, talked with guests about the campaign and the opportunity to get involved.
Thank you for being with us. With your partnership, we are ensuring current and future Grinnellians have the kind of life-changing opportunities and experiences that will enable them to pursue their purposes, passions, and make a meaningful difference in the world.
We truly believe that together, we are greater.