Grinnell College Alumni and Friends

08/29/2026

Welcome aboard Scott Shepherd '82, Robert Quashie '86, and Jo Christine Miles to the Grinnell College Board of Trustees! The trio of new members bring a wealth of leadership experience and diverse professional perspectives.
https://www.grinnell.edu/news/grinnell-college-board-trustees-welcomes-three-new-members

08/27/2026

A new school year begins today at Grinnell. But before the class of 2030 hit the classroom, they were welcomed into the Grinnell community at the Illumination Ceremony — a powerful reminder they are now part of something larger that stretches across generations. Read the event recap, see a photo slideshow, and watch a snippet from a speech by Kyla Miller ’25.

Third annual Illumination Ceremony introduces new students to the alumni community.

08/25/2026

Jeffrey Fields ’90, member engagement lead for the Grinnell Black Alumni Network (GBAN), talks about what Black Grinnellians have meant to him and why the new Giving Circle is crucial for current students.

08/23/2026

Ranging in class years from 1983 to 2021, six new Alumni Council members will bring an expansive range of experiences into their role of supporting lifelong relationships among Grinnell alumni. Meet the new members at https://alumni.grinnell.edu/news/new-alumni-council-members-for-2026/2027

08/22/2026

Shining a light on the newest Grinnellians! The class of 2030 took part in an Illumination Ceremony tonight on the Commencement Stage.

08/20/2026

Martha Cooper ’63 will be recognized for the longest career as a street-art photographer in the 2027 Guinness World Records. She has been documenting urban art since 1978, though her first shot of graffiti was captured as a Grinnell student in 1962.

Guinness World Records speaks to acclaimed photojournalist Martha Cooper about what first drew her to street art and why it's captivated her for decades

08/18/2026

Three milestone Reunion classes/clusters created new endowed funds to support student well-being and civic innovation at Grinnell. These gifts demonstrate the deep care that alumni have for current students and the Grinnell community.

Reunion Planning Committees set up funds to bolster student health and wellness and civic engagement.

08/15/2026

Experience Italy as you’ve never seen it before on a Grinnellian Adventures in May 2027. Join fellow alums and Grinnell College assistant professor Andreas Jozwiak as we explore abandoned villages brought back to life, hidden underground worlds, and thriving towns built among centuries of history. Of course there will be plenty of extraordinary food and Tuscan landscapes as well!

Get all the details at https://alumni.grinnell.edu/events/grinnellian-adventures-italy

08/13/2026

to an unforgettable Black Alumni Weekend! 🖤❤️

The connections made between students and alumni continue to inspire what's next. The Grinnell Black Alumni Network's new Giving Circle builds on that spirit by bringing alumni together to support opportunities that matter most to Black students. Learn more at https://alumni.grinnell.edu/community/grinnell-black-giving-circle.

08/12/2026

Entries are being accepted through the end of August for the 2026 Wall Service Award and the 2027 Alumni Awards. Wall applicants can receive up to $40,000 prizes to either start or complete a project that demonstrates a commitment to positive social change. Meanwhile, Grinnellians are encouraged to nominate a fellow alum who embodies the College’s mission of lifetime learning and service for an Alumni Award.

Help decide who will be in consideration for the 2026 Wall Service Award and the 2027 Alumni Awards.