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
December
Learning from fellow Grinnellians makes for memorable alumni trip
Wall Award 2024 projects addressing pressing global issues
Grinfluencers host Arctic Lights at Gates-Rawson Tower as first snow falls on campus
November
Alumni Council Fall 2024 Summary
Grinnell’s new presidential event series features conversations with alumni industry experts
New Latinx/e alumni affinity group sets sights on engaging alumni
Remembering Carolyn “Kay” Swartz Bucksbaum
Parents of third-year have gained new perspectives about Grinnell through volunteer role
Disney fan and wartime historian Kent Ramsey ’77 curates exhibition on studio’s role in WWII
October
$1 million planned gift creates scholarship in honor of Frances Meier Bleakly 1923
Phonecast sheds light on the College’s endowment and how to sustain it
Making a genuine connection with alumni energizes class of 2020 CFD
1997 alumnus enjoys creating the sound effects that tell stories
Renfrow Hall dedication celebrates Mrs. Edith Renfrow Smith’s extraordinary legacy
September
Athletic Hall of Fame inductees cherish time at Grinnell
$1 million planned gift creates scholarship in honor of Frances Meier Bleakly 1923
Exhibit in Burling Library showcases new Special Collections acquisitions
Kopelmans address questions often asked by fellow parents
Shining a light on the class of 2028
August
Tracking COVID and the art of navigating constant uncertainty
Green Fund helps grow sustainability projects on campus
Love of nature takes root for Grinnell alumna
One year after graduation, Ishai Melamede ’23 discovering the why in polling
July
How a Grinnell student captured Olympic glory in Paris 100 years ago
Generations of alumni share what Wayne Moyer meant to them
Nominations/applications underway for two different Grinnell awards
Grinnell College Alumni Council welcomes four new members
2024 Schwab Alumni Grant recipients addressing community needs
Art donation from Narber family expands the College’s collection
Students reflect on how giving enhanced their Grinnell experiences
June
Grinnell College’s first alumni house will become new gathering place
Alumni cherish time spent together during Reunion 2024
May
Being a class agent for a decade has gone swimmingly for 2014 alumna
Young alums reflect on lessons learned from addressing sustainability at Grinnell
Catching up with classmates, exploring Grinnell on tap for Reunion 2024
Grinnell enhancing scholarship and partnership efforts to maintain diversity following affirmative action decision
KDIC radio station is back with online music and programs
April
Block Party returns at Reunion 2024 with live art, music performances
Alumni Council Spring 2024 Summary
Brazilian family feels right at home in Grinnell
Bucking industry trends
March
Grinnell’s Girls Who Code group strives to close gender gap in tech jobs
MAPs at Grinnell shaped new book by Austin Frerick ’12
After a six-decade hiatus, Dave Scott ’50 returns to his musical roots
MentorGrinnell has led to valuable student-alumni connections
Alumna’s voyage has included stops in anthropology, consulting, and writing
February
New endowed chair for African Diaspora Studies will be named after Dr. Kesho Scott
ECN Care package letters led to in-person meetings
New endowed scholarship honors Jim Schueller ’03
Inspiring Grinnell experiences over 60 years ago leads to $5 million gift
Grinnell Singers head east with five spring break concerts
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