Alfred L. Frisbie '43
Alumni Award
Poet Muriel Rukeyser argued that the universe is made of stories, not atoms. For nearly 40 years, Alfred L. Frisbie '43 reported the day's most important stories with honesty, humanity, and humor.
A Grinnell native, Frisbie majored in English and journalism at Grinnell, while keeping busy with the student newspaper, varsity swimming, and football. After graduation, he served in the Marine Corps during World War II, where he received a Purple Heart.
In 1947, he began his 39-year career with the Omaha World-Herald, where he worked as a reporter, editor, and columnist. His reporting on a flood in South Dakota led to a Pulitzer Prize nomination in 1972. He has earned many other honors for his work, including awards from the Nebraska Associated Press and the University of Nebraska. He has interviewed some of the world's most important and recognized leaders, including Billy Graham, Martin Luther King Jr., and Mother Teresa.
In addition to reporting, he spent 16 years as a columnist, where he was known for his humorous and often poignant view of everyday life. A collection of his columns, Hey Fatso, was published in 2000. He continues to volunteer at a range of local organizations.
For telling the stories that can both touch us and change us, Grinnell is pleased to recognize Alfred L. Frisbie '43.
