A Visual Retrospective

As we reflect on the passing year, this photo essay offers a vivid narrative chronicling the connections between Grinnell College and its vibrant community. Through the changing seasons, from the serene snowscapes of January to the festive lights of December, each image tells a story of shared experiences, mutual support, and collaboration. Join us on a visual journey as we celebrate the highlights of 2023, showcasing the beauty of our campus, the warmth of our community engagement, and the collective achievements that make Grinnell a truly special place. Explore the moments that define our shared sense of belonging, from the educational initiatives supporting youth literacy to the community partnerships fostering sustainability and innovation. This is not just a year in review; it’s also a testament to the enduring bond between Grinnell College and the community it proudly calls home.  

News & Updates

The Grinnell Education Partnership recently received Campaign for Grade-Level Reading Pacesetter honors. In keeping with this honor, individual organizations that participate in the partnership have also been recognized for their collaborative work in the service of kids and families. Read 2 Lead, a partner organization of the Grinnell Education Partnership, received the Claude W. and Dolly Ahrens Foundation’s “Leave It Better Than You Found It” award in August. 

 “While we see results from Grinnell Education Partnership programming in real-time, it is an honor to once again see the partnership’s efforts continue to receive recognition. The work we are doing is innovative and quite groundbreaking – and to see so many community partners come together to provide solutions for the needs of our kids and families is a true testament to the strength behind a unified cause.” 

— Megan Farrell, co-founder and co-chair, Read 2 Lead 

Grinnell Education Partnership Earns 2022–2023 Pacesetter Communities Honors 

The Campaign for Grade-Level Reading announced its 2022–2023 Pacesetter Communities honorees in November. The Grinnell Education Partnership received honors for three programs focused on reversing the “summer slide,” creating digital equity, and ensuring kindergartners are given the opportunity to start their education strong. The Grinnell Education Partnership is a collaborative of more than 30 organizations dedicated to supporting kids and families through family-focused programming, summer enrichment opportunities, and innovative programming through partnerships. Read more about the partnership and its strategies and successes on the website. 

Grinnell College Museum of Art Provides Program for Neurodiverse Adults 

Tilly Woodward, GCMoA curator of academic and community outreach, has been working with neurodiverse groups from Grinnell Opportunity Center, Station Clubhouse, and Central Iowa Residential Services Inc. (CIRSI) for over a decade. She has formed strong relationships with the people in these programs. Woodward engages participants in discussions about museum exhibitions and then guides them in an art-making activity related to the art in the museum. Read more about the program for neurodiverse adults at GCMoA. 

Edward Cohn Appointed as Director of the Rosenfield Program 

Grinnell College is pleased to announce the appointment of Edward Cohn, professor of history, as the incoming director of the Rosenfield Program in Public Affairs, International Relations, and Human Rights. Cohn will succeed Professor Barb Trish, who has served as program director since 2017. The transition is set to take place at the beginning of the 2024–25 academic year. Read more about Cohn and the Rosenfield Program on our website. 

2023 Wall Service Awards Presented to Four Alums  

Four projects developed by Grinnell College graduates have been selected for the 2023 Joseph F. Wall ’41 Alumni Service Awards: Maggie Connolly ’07, Smita S. ’08, Lisa Eshun-Wilson ’14, and Mikayla Findlay ’16. Read more about the award recipients and their projects on our website. 

Upcoming Events

Stay up to date on public events on campus by visiting Grinnell’s online calendar, which features a variety of ways to filter and view upcoming events.

Did you know?

Calendar Giveaway  

By following our Facebook page and liking this post, you’ll have a chance to receive a FREE 2024 desk calendar featuring beautiful photography captured around our campus and community. The photos were taken by Justin Hayworth, Grinnell College, and the calendar was printed locally by Total Choice. A limited supply is available. This giveaway is open to U.S. residents 18 years of age and older and will end at 11:59 p.m. on Sunday, December 31, 2023. Winners will be announced on Tuesday, January 2, 2024. Winners must pick up calendars from 1127 Park St. in Grinnell, by Friday, January 12, 2024.  

Construction Corner

Street Closure Extended 

The closure of Broad Street between 5th and 6th Avenues for the construction of Renfrow Hall will continue until February 29, 2024. The Grinnell City Council approved a request from the College and Weitz Construction to extend the street closure to ensure a safe work area for the construction crew and to allow space to stage vehicles and materials around the site. Real-time updates on Renfrow Hall at the Civic Engagement Quad are available anytime from our live webcam, and of course, passersby can see the work as it progresses. For comprehensive construction updates, read our December Hello Neighbor flyer.  

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