alumni.grinnell.edu News Archive

Please enjoy past stories posted to the Grinnell Alumni site. We also have an extensive list of stories to support our campaign which can be found on the Our Stories page on campaign.grinnell.edu. If you are looking for a story but cannot find it, please email us at darwebteam@grinnell.edu.

2024

January

2024 Alumni Awards

Grinnell senior invested in educating peers about financial markets

2023

December

2023 Wall Awards presented to four alums pushing for inclusivity, expanded knowledge

Grinnell Rainbow Alumni becomes first alumni affinity group

Gates Tower once again aglow for the holidays

Joe Beggs ’19 and a seat at the table

November

Alumni Council Fall 2023 Summary

Get to know Bernadine Douglas

Togetherness celebrated at Multicultural Reunion 2023

Internship fund allows Grinnell student to explore Bali, Borneo, and beyond

Volunteering as CFD has led to classmate bonding for Jenny Ross ’83

October

Oldest living woman Marine is a 1941 Grinnell College graduate

Grinnell’s multicultural student history documented in online archive

Grinnell students gain field study experience thanks to long-term National Science Foundation grant

September

Remembering Gwenna Ihrie ’15

Grinnell alumna presenting education in disability culture through short films

Music, history, and volunteerism keep Grinnell front and center for family

August

Beyond the silver dollar

Lessons in peacemaking

July

Our community provided life-changing experiences for students

Summer picnic takes on different meaning for Iowa City family

Nominations/applications underway for five different Grinnell awards

Six new members join Grinnell Alumni Council

Two 1993 Grinnell grads awarded Schwab Alumni Grants

June

Technology pioneer

Baking with politics

Reunion 2023 brings together alumni for weekend of reuniting

May

1,400 alumni and guests returning to Grinnell College for 143rd Reunion weekend

What are Grinnellians’ favorite alumni events?

Class of 1997 established endowed scholarship fund for 25th reunion

April

Food trucks, yard games highlight Block Party plans at Reunion 2023

Grinnell alumna from Shoshone-Bannock Tribes is helping bring back ancestral language

D.C. Grinnell alumni enjoy interacting with students during Rosenfield tour

Cuisine from around the world on the menu at College’s Global Cafe

Remembering the compassionate and humane Emily Pfitsch

March

Newly renovated Norris Hall has become a more inviting place to live

Alumni Council Spring 2023 Summary

Exploring the common good (while having a common good time) on Grinnell president’s tour

Feeding the world after disasters and wars

Team SOL’s ECN care packages embrace Latinx culture and identities

February

Who tells our story?

50 years after inception, Grinnell’s CFD program continues to flourish

How ice cream and a pub crawl create a community

Perry family has become enthusiastic Grinnell ambassadors

January

The long and win(e)ding road

Class of 1967 Legacy Scholars Scholarship Fund to support underserved students

2022

December

Arctic Lights return to Gates-Rawson Tower

2022 Wall Award recipients addressing shortcomings in mental health, education

How passion propelled Beth Sauerhaft ’85 from the forest to the farmland

November

Right at home in Grinnell

As 10-year anniversary approaches, Jack Taylor ’15 reflects on his basketball scoring frenzy

Student internship focused on interfaith dialogue honors Harold Kasimow

International student award established as tribute to Nancy Schmulbach Maly ’61

Marlú Abarca ’14 inducted into the Iowa Latino Hall of Fame

Student class ambassadors take pride in bringing their peers together

October

Summer internship with alumnus was a slam dunk for Grinnell hoopster

Grinnell students gain cherished involvement in brain, autism research

Indiana doctors’ paths have intermingled since Grinnell student days

Golden Reunion attendees ‘have a blast’ in return to Grinnell

September

First-year Grinnell roommates reconnect a decade after national newspaper photo

Alumni say first all-sports Athletics Reunion was a ‘home run’

Class agent Indhira LaPuma ’00 has a winning formula for engaging classmates

Parents establish scholarship in son’s name as graduation gift

Trio of 1972 alumnae explain inspirations to name spaces in HSSC

August

Welcoming the class of 2026

Grinnell students become first interns for Black History Research Collective

Grinnell faculty and staff members rack up national awards

Grinnell College Alumni Council welcomes eight new members

Models of resilience

July

Philanthropic support for Grinnell College reaches new heights 

Summer Picnic strengthens New Mexico’s Grinnell community

300 episodes in, AirGo shows no signs of slowing down

Grinnell hosting first Athletics Reunion that encompasses all sports

2022 Schwab Alumni Grant recipient improving nutrition in Micronesia

June

Being back together brings joy at Young Alumni Weekend

Class of 2020 makes long awaited return to Grinnell

A matter of public health

Alumni relish reuniting throughout riveting Reunion 2022

May

Alumni ready to return Grinnell for Reunion weekend

Grinnell student group creating keen awareness about college for middle schoolers

Pioneering a new kind of digital greeting card

Something fun for everyone at Reunion 2022 Block Party

April

New career clothing closet provides professional attire for students

Delivering global lifelines

Holocaust survivor Sam Harris ’58 honored

New Jersey priest enjoying planning his classes’ 35th reunion

Seoul 2 Soul food

March

Scholarship endowment from Joe Fell ’58 honors his father

$13.7 million gift will create endowments for Grinnell faculty, Museum of Art

LGBTQIA+-themed care packages express support from network of alumni

February

Grinnell Singers spring break tour returns with five concerts

Hoop Dreams

California couple embrace hosting Grinnell parent receptions

Bringing history to life

Desire for being together on campus sparks return of in-person Reunion

Fore! a good cause

Having a “perfect back” helped Louise Goodwin McKlveen ’35 attend Grinnell College

January

Alumna helping students harness creativity at international school in Germany

Auto industry policy analyst credits Grinnell for giving him set of convictions

On the vaccination trail with investigative reporter David Heath ’81

Two CLS Career Communities sustained with $1 million in philanthropy

2021

December

2021 Wall Service Awards presented to four alums pushing for change

Arctic Lights return to Gates-Rawson Tower

Grinnell’s giving nature front and center during National Philanthropy Week

Museum of Art Leadership Council launches DEAI Fund in honor of Lesley Wright

November

Parents Facebook group co-moderator looks at role through anthropological lens

Grinnellians enthusiastic about ARH, Carnegie renovations

Triumphs of Edith Renfrow Smith ’37 celebrated at art gallery rededication

Alums develop connections during Multicultural Reunion 2021

My Jeopardy! experience

Grinnell-in-Los Angeles revives Hollywood Bowl concert tradition

October

Six professors lauded at joyous installation ceremony

Diversity work before it had a name

Nature photographer Cornelia Clarke 1909 gaining acclaim thanks to a community effort

Six professors lauded at joyous installation ceremony

September

Alumnus helping students explore careers in environmental fields

Five generations of Grinnell women

Installation ceremony will celebrate achievements of six Grinnell professors

Multicultural Reunion Q&A with Robert Quashie ’86 and Opeyemi Awe ’15

Student Alumni Council making plans for year ahead 

Newest Hall of Fame members reminisce about Grinnell days

August

The Activist Generation

Welcoming the class of 2025

Stepping up to the plate

Work underway on substantial solar farm near campus

Camaraderie always on menu for Washington D.C Lunch Bunch

Five new members join Grinnell College Alumni Council

July

Grinnellians remain committed to philanthropy throughout turbulent year

Marathon Man

House gift from 1980s will benefit future Grinnellians

2021 Schwab Alumni Grant recipients addressing racial equity

Longtime class agent relishes connecting classmates

June

Grinnell alumni embrace atypical virtual format for Reunion 20/21

National honors pour in for Grinnell faculty members

Nominations and applications open for three Grinnell College alumni awards

Grinnell provides heartwarming experiences to Gifford family

Honoring a life of public service

Alumni Assembly goes virtual June 3 to start reimagined Reunion

May

Weekly Shakespeare Zoom reading group provides connection during pandemic

Mobile app developed by alumnus brings barbers to students of color

April

Young alumni candidly share feelings toward Grinnell during listening sessions

Reunion Committees adjust on the fly in planning class gatherings

March

Alumna uses career experience to give back to Grinnell students

Gift from alumnus fosters greater diversity and inclusion on Grinnell swim and dive team

February 

Where every professor knows your name

Sojourn to Cajun country sparks photography book 45 years later

Grinnell provides heartwarming experiences to Gifford family

Trivia Togetherness

1993 Grinnell alumnus planning ahead in support of class scholarship fund

First-year students accepting of different Grinnell campus experience

January 

Alumni Council all in for supporting racial justice student internships

2020

December

Arctic Lights on Gates-Rawson Tower inspires gingerbread replica

1993 Grinnell alumnus planning ahead in support of class scholarship fund

Financial stress reliever

Grinnell to welcome first-year students to campus in February

2020 Wall Service Award recipients redesigning teaching methods in South Africa, Pakistan

November

National Philanthropy Week goes virtual with showcase of student talent

Alumna creates endowment to help students gain nonprofit leadership experience

Grinnell alumnus guides Hong Kong school through pandemic complexities

From Facebook to the Pioneer Fund: Grinnell mom finds multiple ways to give back

From shark trainer to role model

Global citizen stays connected to Grinnell through volunteer roles

October

Fostering the College’s tech growth

New Grinnell Crossroads sculpture intersects College and community

Baseball takes center stage for parents

Student Alumni Council transitioning to virtual events

September

Art from Lake Michigan’s ‘Left Coast’

Welcoming the class of 2024

The Power of Community

August

Community spirit flourishes in aftermath of derecho

Family legacy creates anthropology endowment, names HSSC classroom

Technological access for all

Grinnell assistant professor forecasting models of COVID-19 spread at colleges

Seeing the world through the eyes of others

Grinnell College Alumni Council welcomes in five new members

1970s alumni create new theatre and dance fund in honor of Sandy Moffett

July

A conversation with President Anne Harris

Last cohort of Posse Scholars reflect on experiences at Grinnell

Honoring a family’s legacy

2020 Schwab Alumni Grant recipients empowering their communities

June

What it's like to work in health care fields during a pandemic

Appetite for food justice will bring 2016 alumna to Spain on Fulbright grant

Grinnell wins CASE awards

1997 Grinnell grad takes stock in what the College meant to him

Volunteering with Grinnell rekindles friendships -- and sparks new ones for 1989 CFD

Storyteller with the heart of a poet

May

Video Messages for the Class of 2020 - Alumni

Video Messages for the Class of 2020 - Trustees, Faculty, and Staff

HSSC faculty office continues legacy of Dr. Kevin Sterk ’91

Helping others a full-time occupation for 1960 Grinnell graduate

Extensive ARH, Carnegie Hall renovations nearly complete

Young alumna makes planned gift to Grinnell before her 10th reunion

April

Lowe Family Scholarship Fund assists math and physics majors

Alumni and families from China send thousands of face masks to Grinnell

Creating community and purpose through ritual

March

What role can parents play in preparing their students for distance learning?

Moving Mountains: How the Grinnell community mobilized for student safety

Grinnell student able to return home in time for birthday cake

Students thankful for immediate help from Supporting Our Students Fund

Alumni Council Spring 2020 Summary

Creation of the SOS Fund - Supporting students at Grinnell College

With an array of stringed instruments, Karen Hirshon shares her musical gifts

Couple takes on class agent duties together

2017 Grinnell grad happily goes from care package recipient to sender

February

Grinnellians bond at winter parties across U.S.

Alumna returns to Grinnell to present Toni Morrison documentary

January

Young alumna makes planned gift to Grinnell before her 10th reunion

A life transformed

New Parents and Families Leadership Council increasing engagement

2019

December

Wall Award winners producing systemic change in education, environment

Campus Update: Diversity and Inclusion

Ceremony dedicates evocative sculpture in the HSSC outdoor plaza

November

Alumna sets up planned gift to encourage students to consider public service careers

Planned gift will allow more students to have global intellectual exploration

Campus Update: Center for Careers, Life, and Service

Grinnell College honors those who served

Students emphasize importance of philanthropy during week-long celebration

Identities celebrated at Grinnell’s second Multicultural Alumni Weekend

October

Alumni Council Fall 2019 Summary

Retired surgeon helps people with disabilities in developing nations

Financial aid and scholarships: making Grinnell a reality

The Campaign for Grinnell College now in full swing

Grinnell history professor wins debut award for student research mentoring

From swimming to the sciences, the Dixon-Anderson family shares a love of Grinnell

Three new members join Grinnell College Alumni Council

September

Grinnell alumni salute Will and Evelyn Freeman for 40 years of coaching

New anthropology travel fund allows students to examine foreign cultures

Alumni Book Club makes virtual debut

Experts-in-residence inform students what careers are really like

Campus Update: Welcome to the New Academic Year

Grinnell tennis players reunite to dedicate reconstructed tennis complex

Luther and Jenny Erickson’s inspiration inspires new professorship

Welcoming the class of 2023

August

At Pizzeria Paradiso, Ruth Gresser ’80 puts women, community at forefront

Two alums follow divergent paths to become self-made translators

Historic Carnegie Hall mailboxes refurbished for display inside HSSC

Class of 1969 funds MLK Jr. Endowed Scholarship as 50th reunion class gift

Stories along the route make RAGBRAI special for Grinnell alumnus

July

Alumna stays involved in Grinnell volunteering after relocating to Budapest

Continued philanthropic growth at Grinnell helps students explore issues of purpose

Colorado minister credits Grinnell for being ‘engine of opportunity’

Legal crusader

London Regional Network debuts as Grinnell’s first international alumni group

Schwab award recipients transforming lives through community projects

June

Grinnell alumna continues tradition of volunteerism

Young alumna names career exploration fund after former adviser, professor

Cat lounge a haven for felines and their fans

Grinnell students and alumni share time and talents for Global Day of Service

Alumni make new Grinnell memories during 140th Alumni Reunion

May

Alumni ready to reunite and reminisce during 140th Reunion Weekend

Edith Renfrow Smith ’37 Black Women’s Library makes campus debut

Amazon software engineer stays connected to Grinnell through regional network

Biography details Joe Rosenfield’s innumerable contributions to Grinnell College

Alumna’s planned gift jump started Class of 1974 scholarship fundraising

Retired judge helping pave the way for diversity on the bench

Author, friend of the Montaño family gives poignant ‘Mando’ Memorial Lecture

April

Cold case trial marked another legal test for Grinnell alumnus

Young Shanghai entrepreneur shares his knowledge with student externs

CLS program connects Grinnell-area organizations with paid student volunteers

‘Accidental philanthropist’ contributes to student health, data science initiatives

Students discover how alumni utilize data science on Seattle spring break trip

Young alumnus helping millennials to make giving a habit

March

Alumni Council Spring 2019 Summary

Longtime class fund director relishes relationships made with Grinnellians

Alumnus flips Colorado farmland to create Grinnell biology endowed chair

Alumna uses team approach to assemble 97 care packages

February

Global Citizen

How to succeed in business without really majoring it

HSSC pavilions opening ushers in new era of learning opportunities

Grinnell alumna writing authorized biography of Ruth Bader Ginsburg

Grinnell host family forms long-lasting friendships with international students

Ideas of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. helped transform 1969 Grinnell alumnus

January

Grinnell alumna enriching how physics is taught, researched

Storyteller explains the big picture of science through radio show

Numerous events for Grinnell alumni, friends on tap for 2019

Parents continue contributions as long-term commitment to education

Volunteering a high priority for Student Alumni Council president

New Admission and Student Financial Services Center making favorable first impressions

2018

December

History in the making

Gates Tower aglow for the holidays

Parent couple bring art expertise to Faulconer Gallery Leadership Council

Doubles partnership among Grinnell grads serves to create tennis gift

November

Grinnell-Hamline couple endows need-based scholarship for history students

National Philanthropy Week brings out generous nature of Grinnell students

Alumni Council Fall 2018 Summary

TEDxGrinnellCollege shines light on underpublicized topics

Family starts internship endowment for students to work with vulnerable populations

Recent grads cross borders with inventive payment platform in five African countries

Regional co-coordinator brings together Grinnellians on the Front Range

October

Alumni couple giving back in support of need-blind admission

Experimental learning gift encourages students to consider public service careers

Financial boot camp brings the world of investment banking to campus

September

Empowering artists as agents of social change

Retired engineer shares his love of the liberal arts with students in the sciences

Exploring issues of purpose with openness and civility

Alumnus connects with next generation of Grinnell students through GRASP program

Alumni innovators eagerly return to Grinnell to share wisdom with students

Grinnell celebrates proud athletics heritage during Hall of Fame ceremony

August

Class fund director embracing role in advance of 25th class reunion

Welcoming the class of 2022

KDIC inspires fun, freedom, and fond recollections during 50 years on the air

Doing the right thing

Alumnus pays tribute to father by establishing Kessler Family Research Lab

July

Grinnell College alumni reunite along rolling hills, small towns of Iowa - RAGBRAI

Caring touch

Class of 1968 raises over $1.7 million during 50th reunion year

Grinnell College philanthropy continues on the upswing

Alumni Council welcomes in four new members

2018 Schwab grant recipients taking active role in youth development

Chefs endow Grinnell scholarship to celebrate friendship forged over food

June

Alumna cherishes relationships formed during 41 years as a class agent

Invaluable educational experience inspires planned gift to Grinnell College

Grinnellians enthusiastically lend a hand during 2018 Global Day of Service

Grinnell College alumni reminisce and reconnect during 139th Reunion

Reunion 2018 in pictures

May

Despite hurdles, new Grinnell graduate ends up flourishing

Nearly 1,100 alumni returning to Grinnell College for Reunion 2018

Acclaimed author tells the story of his first guide dog during ‘Mando’ Memorial Lecture

Denver attorney leading by example for Grinnell College fundraising

Fourth annual Grinnell College Global Day of Service set for June 9

Shot entirely in Grinnell, Saints Rest movie draws praise at world premiere

Rising star attorney spreading knowledge through pro bono work

Touring the Whitney: Alumni experience Grant Wood in New York City

April

Grinnell’s Watson fellows reminisce, inspire during 50th anniversary celebration

Practicing what he preached

Running the distance

Watson fellows returning to Grinnell to share stories during 50th anniversary celebration

Alumnus, retired English professor sings virtues of humanities education

March

HSSC construction changing the landscape of Grinnell College campus

Grinnell Connect debuts mobile app

Family reflects on what College has meant to four generations of Grinnellians

Alumni Council Spring 2018 Summary

Grinnell Singers to perform concerts in six cities during spring break tour

2018 Grinnell College Athletic Hall of Fame Inductees

Alumni care packages brighten up demanding month for Grinnell College students

February

Volunteer Spotlight: Nancy Ying '95

Grinnell College senior discovers new perspectives by studying abroad in Botswana

‘Unsung hero’ of the American theatre inspires gift for future Grinnell College thespians

Kispert family brings philanthropic leadership to athletic excellence at Grinnell

January

Dr. John ‘Wah’ Peterson ’70 still marching to his own beat

Volunteer Spotlight: Karmi Mattson '97

New biology endowed chair created as tribute to friend, swimming teammate

2017

December

Grinnell alumnus connecting the globe with language-interpretation startup

Schwab alumni grant recipient reducing math anxiety through game play

Alumna sets up global fund to expand minds and opportunities with travel

November

Volunteer Spotlight: Mary Parker ’06

Alumni Council Fall Meeting Summary

Alumni swap stories, discuss inclusion during Multicultural Alumni Weekend

Grinnell College Alumni lend a hand during devastating distasters

October

Alumni Couple Gives $1.15 Million to Grinnell College for Student Career Advancement

GRASP 2.0

September

Keith Janzten '80 and Scott Beth

Tim Hopkins '77

August

Alumni Give $1 Million to Establish Career–Focused Communities at Grinnell

Welcoming the Class of 2021

2017 Summer Picnics

Team Grinnell takes on RAGBRAI for fifth year in a row

July

Commitment to Philanthropy Continues As Grinnell Focuses for the Future

Class Pages: Class Letters, Appeals, and a Class Directory in one spot

Class of 2006: Giving as a Class

June

Global Day of Service 2017

Reunion 2017 Highlights

May

Regional Planning Committees: Keeping Grinnellians Connected

Congratulations to the class of 2017

Armando Montaño ’12 Memorial Lecture

March

Grinnell Singers Hit the Road

ECN Care Packages Delivered

February

Toby Baratta's Externship effect: Finding her course

Alumni Awards: Ten alumni to be honored at Reunion 2017

January

Exploring the Entertainment Industry

Remembering Martin Luther King Jr.'s visit to Grinnell

Everyday Class Notes Care Packages

Happy New Year

2016

December

Teodora Cakarmis ’17: Shaping Spaces, Shaping Conversations

November

Jarren Santos '17: A Day in the Life

#GivingTuesday 2016

Celebrating Philanthropy

Grinnell Prize 2016

October

Computing at Grinnell

Four Generations of Grinnellians: The McMurrays - Julia McMurray '08

20 Years of Wall

Philanthropists increase commitment to career-focused communities at Grinnell

Humans of Grinnell

September

Finding Her Future: Michelle Joy '96

Grinnell Welcomes Six New Inductees to Athletics Hall of Fame

Welcoming the Class of 2020

August

Giving for a More Diverse Future: Samuel A. Rebelsky

Four Generations of Grinnellians: The McMurrays - Scott McMurray '79

Building a Legacy: Class of 1966

Another Banner Year for Grinnell Philanthropy

Welcome, Alumni and Friends of Grinnell - two new Grinnell alumni websites launch