Alumni and friends from the Washington D.C. area took part in a lively celebration Tuesday at Union Market that introduced The Campaign for Grinnell College.
Hosted by Alumni Council member Jeetander Dulani ’98, the event demonstrated how Grinnellians come together to serve the College and the greater good.
Dulani told a touching story about arriving on campus sight unseen. Alone and homeless at the time, he not only had food and a safe place to sleep, he also was “where I could think and learn, and it was exhilarating – but it was also exhausting and hard.”
Dulani has applied lessons learned from Grinnell at the Pentagon, in boardrooms, in maximum security prisons, at protests, and in court. He remains vocal about how Grinnell can live its ideals.
“A few years ago, at a reunion, I told George Drake that I couldn’t pay him back for all he had done for me, and he said, of course you can’t,” Dulani recalls. “None of us can. All you can do is pay it forward. I have spent the last 20 years trying to do that. Tonight, is about all of us paying it forward.”
The presentation concluded with Trustee Sheryl Walter ’78, the first woman general counsel of the administrative office that supports the federal judiciary, talking about how her Grinnell experience was excellent preparation for her journey to something greater.
“I believe there is no greater act of public service than to give others a chance to feel that they too can make the world a better place,” she said. “Think about your Grinnell story – about who and what supported you and ask yourself how you can give back. Each of us has our own relationship to Grinnell that we want to honor.”
The comprehensive campaign encompasses 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 Kesho Scott, associate professor of sociology and American studies, discussed how the College has created an academic model for sustained discovery and meaningful contributions. Shuchi Kapila, assistant vice president and senior global officer, explained how Grinnell’s approach to a global education has helped students navigate societies and cultures, and understand and speak languages. President Raynard S. Kington and Jaci Thiede, vice president for 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.