Thriving in a global society
After an alumni-student event in London, President Anne F. Harris reflects on how Grinnell is a place where students come to meet people from all over the world.
Dear Grinnellians,
I hope that this message finds you well. Please know of the joy of our wonderful students being back on campus, in classes – and in the world! A few weeks ago, I visited the United Kingdom and had the honor of learning with and from our London-based alumni as part of our Common Good tour. The visit included an event that brought together alumni and students who are studying abroad in the cherished and renewed Grinnell-in-London program this spring. I invite you to imagine the vibrant energy and glad discovery of current students and alumni getting to know each other. In the historic Hogwarts-ian venue of Lincoln’s Inn, first built in 1580, the room was quickly full of lively conversation, free flowing questions, generous counsel, and points of connection.
College President Anne F. Harris takes a group photo with Grinnell students studying abroad this semester in the United Kingdom.
I know that you know this, but it bears repeating – our students (our future alums!) are wondrous: my London stay began with a gathering with Grinnell-in-London students and their amazing faculty members at the National Gallery to spend time with that most fantastic painting, Holbein’s Ambassadors from 1533. The questions asked and observations made will stay with me a long time for their insightfulness and connections to contemporary identities, issues, and challenges.
Back on campus, it is becoming clear that Grinnell is a place where students come to meet people from all over the world. Living and studying and connecting with fellow students from more than 60 countries, who speak more than 70 languages, fosters both understanding and questioning and contributes to the ability to thrive in a global society. These opportunities for engagement will only expand, thanks to an exceptional $5 million gift from Kathie Howell Weingart ’61 made possible by her brother Steve Howell ’63 – I hope you’ll read the full gift announcement story and that you’ll share my excitement and gratitude.
Anne Harris is joined by event hosts Atanas Djumaliev ’03, left, and Raghav Malik ’13 at Lincoln’s Inn in London.
With this kind of preparation, many go on to continued global engagement. The Fulbright Foundation recently announced that Grinnell is a “top producer” of Fulbright recipients for the 14th time. Five of our newest alumni are engaging in research, study, and teaching in Poland, Columbia, Taiwan, and Germany. And they would love to connect with alums in those regions!
They are joining a global network of Grinnellians who live, work, and connect in locations around the world. If global study is part of your Grinnell story, we’d love to hear from you! Send an email to alumni@grinnell.edu to share what lessons your Global Grinnell experience taught you.
I look forward to seeing more of you, both near and far!
Sincerely,
Anne
Anne F. Harris
President