The Middle of Everywhere

The Middle of Nowhere in white text over image of giant squirrel on campus

From President Anne Harris

Dear Parents and Families,

Greetings from the Middle of Everywhere!

It has been our true pleasure to welcome your students to the 2023–24 academic year. In this issue, you’ll hear from the newest member of Grinnell College’s Senior Leadership Team, JC Lopez. JC joined us in mid-August as the interim vice president for Student Affairs. He is already bringing his exceptional experience and unbounded energy to our team, and we’re looking forward to seeing the benefits from partnerships he is already forming with students, faculty, and staff.

Grinnell faculty and staff are committed to your student’s success and thriving, and to providing your student with the tools they need to chart their own path. Whether through academic exploration, choosing a concentration or major, or finding internship opportunities that align with their interests — your student has options to explore. On campus, there is a kaleidoscope of teams, clubs, performance groups, interest groups, and events to help each student find a place of belonging and connection at Grinnell.

As our partners in this endeavor, you may be looking for resources to support your student. A great first step is the refreshed Families page on our website. There, you will find links to update your contact information, ways to complete frequent tasks, and information about resources on campus.

Warmly,

Anne F. Harris

President

Meet President Harris

Grinnell College will host "Connecting Grinnellians for the Common Good: an evening with President Anne F. Harris" in select cities. These events include a casual evening of appetizers, beverages, and conversations about the vision for Grinnell’s future. Families of Grinnellians are welcome! Learn more about dates and cities by visiting the Grinnell College Alumni website.

Register Now for We Are Family Weekend

Two young people embrace while smiling at an older couple looking on

Reconnect with your student, visit a class, learn about the Grinnell College Parents and Families Leadership Council, take in an athletic competition or concert during We Are Family Weekend. Register now for events and activities.

Liv Larsen and father Leif with another woman stand new prairie on north campus

Music, History, and Volunteerism Keep Grinnell Front and Center for Family

Liv Larsen ’26 and her dad, Leif Larsen ’88, share a love of music. “I heard about KDIC from him often,” Liv says about the College radio station. “We even dug out tapes he made of his shows. A big pull for me for Grinnell were the concerts my dad told me about. We even have the infamous guitar that was broken during the Replacements show on campus. Ever since I was a kid, I can remember it hanging in our entryway.” Read more about the Larsens.

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Support Our Students

Parents and families play an integral role in supporting and enhancing the Grinnell College student experience.

We invite you to learn more about how giving sustains a distinctive Grinnell education and how your gift enhances and protects the College’s commitment to prepare promising students with the critical and creative thinking skills to engage in active citizenship and pursue meaningful work.

Make a gift today.

What’s in a Number?

Grinnell College Performs Well in National Rankings

“While no ranking system captures the full experience of institutions, we know that many of the national and international college rankings are important to our constituents. The metrics that are part of the various ranking systems are indicative of how Grinnell’s value and experiences are understood in higher education,” says Grinnell College President Anne F. Harris.

In the latest U.S. News Best Colleges rankings, released on Sept. 18, Grinnell College climbed to #11 on the list of top 20 National Liberal Arts Colleges — up from #15 last year. Read more about the ranking.

Meet Holly Roepke, Director of Athletics

Holly Roepke returned to Grinnell College on July 1, 2023, as director of athletics and recreation. She also serves as chair of the Department of Physical Education, Athletics, and Recreation (PEAR).

“I am deeply excited for PEAR and Grinnell College that Holly will bring the wealth of her experience, leadership, and vision to her role as Director of Athletics and Recreation. I have no doubt that sustaining and growing the College’s commitment to scholar athletes and our work in PE and recreation will thrive under Holly’s thoughtful and innovative leadership. I look forward to working with and learning from her in her new role,” said Dean Beronda Montgomery. Read more about Holly Roepke.

News You Can Use

Reapplying for Need-Based Financial Aid for 2024–25

Due to implementation of the FAFSA Simplification Act, the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is undergoing a significant overhaul and will be available in December 2023 for the 2024–25 application cycle only. The FAFSA is expected to resume opening on Oct. 1 in future years.

The deadline for domestic (U.S. citizen and eligible noncitizen) students who would like to apply for need-based financial aid for the 2024–25 academic year is April 1, 2024. Please encourage your student to check their Grinnell College email for updates from the Office of Financial Aid. More information will be shared later in the fall about how to reapply for need-based financial aid.

International students who receive financial aid and domestic students who receive only merit scholarships, but no need-based financial aid, do not need to take any action to reapply for the 2024–25 academic year.

There’s an App for That!

Did you know that you can download the CBORD Get Mobile app from the App Store or Google Play?

Visiting Campus? You can skip the line and order ahead at the Global Café and The Spencer Grill.
Add Campus Cash to your student’s Pioneer One Card. Campus cash can be used at any Dining Services location and at the Pioneer Bookstore.

Dietary Questions

Does your student have questions about eating in the Marketplace Dining Hall or general dietary questions? If so, encourage them to schedule a personal meeting with our dietitian. Our dietitian is on campus Mondays and Wednesdays. Please email dietitian@grinnell.edu to request an appointment.

Comments or feedback? You can contact dining services online.

Upcoming Public Events

All students, faculty, staff, and community members are welcome to attend the upcoming public events.

Tuesday, Sept. 19, Herrick Chapel — 7 p.m.

International concert and recording artist, James Kibbie

Saturday, Sept. 30, Central Campus — 7 p.m.

Pieta Brown, folk and traditional music

Tuesday, Oct. 24, Herrick Chapel — 7 p.m.

Artes Latina