Every graduating senior who gives makes a huge impact on Grinnell College. When 50% of the Class of 2008 participates in the Challenge, the Alumni Association Council will match each gift by $5 per donor. When participation reaches 70% the Alumni Association Council matches each gift by $10, and will give an additional $750 in honor of our class. At 90% this gift increases to $1500! The record for participation is 87.2%, held by the class of 1996.

The Steve Kent '67 Memorial Senior Challenge is the beginning of a long-term commitment between senior students and the College. Participating in the Challenge allows students to share pride in Grinnell and honor their journey through the past four years. Making a gift to the Senior Challenge allows students to express the joy and pride they feel toward Grinnell in a tangible way and begin to build mature, philanthropic relationships that will last throughout their lives.

“As young alumni, our class gift hints at the successes we will have in our lifetimes. The sole purpose of Grinnell College is to educate; we have the opportunity to continue offering access to education through our private support. I believe in the educational experience I’ve had and I believe it is my responsibility to make sure Grinnell is a great school for next year’s students. I am involved with the Senior Challenge because it is my privilege to sustain Grinnell. It has given me so much so far, and I’m just getting started.”
--Katherine Gray, ’06