The Iowa work ethic carried from class to campus to life
“Grinnell College shaped my world view and gave me a sense of purpose while at the same time giving me friendships (not to mention my wife) that I will cherish forever. I think most of you know what I mean. The decision I made to work for environmental advocacy groups after I left Grinnell could only have been made after experiencing lectures by Professors like David Campbell and Brad Bateman. While I had a love/hate relationship with the sciences in college (loved the ideas/hated lab), I quickly realized that protecting the environment needed people like me to advocate for smart policies that made a difference.
“I think that idea was made even clearer to me after taking Professor Bateman’s class on the history of Grinnell. The school has produced a long line of reformers and activists (some more famous than others) that continue to inspire students and alumni. Going forward from Grinnell, I was determined to live up to the legacy these people establish. I can safely say that that inspiration has only made my life more enjoyable and more rewarding.
“Everyone at the College at that time was amazing. When I think about the campus and my classmates, it was the most diverse place I had ever been. I socialized with future teachers, social workers, scientists, college professors, lawyers, doctors, politicians … the list goes on and on. My close circle of friends was an amazing bunch. They epitomized the idea of extreme socializing coupled with hard work. All of them are still close friends. To my amazement I have made great friendships, and even a marriage, with those I hardly knew at the time as well as those who graduated before and after me. It was and continues to be an amazing experience for me.
“If our little contributions to the College pooled together ensure that amazing students from across the country and the world have the same experiences that I did at Grinnell, then it is worth it.”
-Kirpal Singh ’97
Kirpal Singh ’97 Alumni Council member bio
Kirpal Singh ’97 top 10 reason's for Giving to Grinnell College
10) My wife was a caller for Phonathon!
9) To make sure that all of the amazing kids I met this year get the same opportunities that I did at Grinnell.
8) Better places to sleep in the library.
7) Because you wouldn’t have had the experience that you had at Grinnell if someone hadn’t chipped into the Pioneer Fund.
6) When you get married to a Grinnellian your entire wedding party and guest list just may consist entirely of Grinnell College Alumni (we had 20 Grinnellians at ours).
5) You may help the next Tom Cech ’70 springboard to a Nobel Prize!
4) Nord Brue ’67 and Andy Loewi ’71
3) Air conditioning in the dorms? I’ve never heard of such a thing…
2) ‘Tis always better to give than receive.
1) Help set up your Facebook friend’s list for life!
Kirpal and Sara with their children in fall of 2009.
Sara (nee Boudouris) Singh’s ’97 Top 10 Reason’s for Giving to Grinnell College
10) More cereal choices in the cafeteria
9) To buy some nice lounge chairs for the Loggia
8) Bigger big cookies at the “Forum”
7) Better beer at Harris
6) Build up our scholarship fund before my daughter is old enough to attend
5) More pretty buildings like Noyce
4) Because Mac Field was a terrible place to play soccer
3) Chicken Patty Parmesan at Cowles
2) To make sure we take care of Sheila’s salary (she’s worth every penny!)
1) I was a caller for the Phonathon!
