Nearly 1,100 alumni returning to Grinnell College for Reunion 2018
May 23, 2018 — Grinnell College alumni attending Reunion 2018 will have plenty of chances to catch up with their classmates and see how their alma mater has progressed throughout the years .
Grinnell College’s 139th Alumni Reunion Weekend is May 31-June 3 at numerous locations on campus and throughout Grinnell. At last count, 1,098 alumni, friends, and family will attend.
Reunion is the largest Grinnell alumni event held each year. Alumni return to the College to rekindle connections with classmates, enjoy lively conversations and lectures, explore the campus, and revisit their past .
“ Reunion always is a special event for the College and our alumni,” said Adam Laug, director of development and interim co-leader of the Grinnell College Office of Development and Alumni Relations . “ The connection alumni have with this institution and with one another is phenomenal, and the kinship that takes place over Reunion weekend is heartwarming . We’re elated that so many alumni and their families will join us to look back and look forward.”
This year’s featured Reunion classes are the classes of 1947, 1948, 1949, 1950, 1963, 1964, 1968, 1972, 1973, 1974, 1977, 1978, 1993, 1997, 1998, 1999, and 2008 though alumni from any class are always welcome. Alums are attending from near are far. This year’s registered attendees are from 45 states, Washington D.C., and five countries: Bolivia, Canada, Hungary, Sweden and the United Kingdom.
More than 70 alums from the Class of 1968 are coming back to campus for their 50th reunion. They will have an open mic event May 31 and a special celebratory luncheon on June 1. In addition, all Reunion participants can attend 1968 Grinnell talks on June 1 and 2.
As usual, Reunion weekend is brimming full of activities, lectures, parties, and family fun. It kicks off Thursday, May 31 with a community concert by the Jackie Myers ’06 at 7 p.m. in Central Park in downtown Grinnell .
Family Fun Time at Reunion returns this year with family activities from 3 to 5:30 p.m. June 1
Activities will take place all day Friday, such as a golf scramble, family fun time and the all-reunion picnic. Friday evening will include class socials, a performance by the Too Many Strings band and a Dari Barn run.
Also Friday is a special luncheon for the 55th and 70th Reunion classes. Six attendees will be celebrating their 70th reunion: Marilyn ’47 and Chuck ’48 Farr of Des Moines; Beverley Stubbee ’49 of Durham, North Carolina; Hester Newton ’49 of Muskegon, Michigan; and Don ‘50 and Pat ’51 Yungclas of Grinnell .
A packed Saturday kicks off with the alumni fun run and continues with numerous tours, lectures, and happenings. Alumni Assembly leads into an all-reunion social and class dinners. A Harris Party wraps up the evening. A farewell breakfast along with a worship service rounds out the weekend on Sunday morning.
The Grinnell College Alumni Council selected ten alumni to receive Alumni Awards during Alumni Assembly at 4 p.m. on Saturday. The Alumni Awards recognize individuals who embody Grinnell College’s mission of lifetime learning and service. Recipients have distinguished themselves by their service to their careers, their community, and/or the College.
This year’s recipients are:
- Peter Kranz ’63
- Deborah Feir ’68
- Catherine Gage ’73
- Barry Huff ’73
- P. Carter Newton ’77
- Douglas Spitz ’78
- Rachel Bly ’93
- Margaret Tandoh ’93
- Kirpal Singh ’97
- Adrienne Enriquez ’98
Alumni from various class years sing during the 2017 Alumni Assembly.
Preceding Reunion on May 30 and 31, Alumni College will hold courses based on the theme of “The Truth.” A record total of 132 alumni will go back to the classroom for lectures and seminars that examine the problem that is truth . Among the sessions is a panel discussion on the “Pedagogy, Precision and the Porousness of Truth in the Age of Trump,” and a lecture that explores the work of several black female neo-soul singers whose music and performances challenge existing societal structures .
Alumni College is sold out this year, but there are still some opportunities to attend Reunion events. While beforehand registration is closed, alumni still can register in person at the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center (JRC) during Reunion. Housing and certain meals may not be available.
Alumni who have already registered also should make their first stop the JRC, 1115 8th Ave., to pick up Reunion materials. Please note construction around town may make a usual route inaccessible. Follow detour signs accordingly to reach campus.
A list of frequently asked Reunion questions and answers can be accessed here.
— by Jeremy Shapiro
For your information:
Curious about who has registered to attend Reunion 2018? See the list of registrants.