Donna Test

See Class of 2016 by the Numbers

Every new cohort of Grinnellians brings its unique perspectives, ideals, and experience to campus. Our values and our commitment to a great education are rock-solid, but our community evolves with each entering class.

Meet a few representatives from the Class of 2016, who are already beginning to make their own mark:

Swimmer Ham Serunjogi

…says “Representing my country [Uganda] at the first-ever Youth Olympic Games in Singapore was one of the major highlights of my swimming career. The thought of my country sending thousands of miles away to represent millions of people will forever be my life’s honor. The Youth Olympics is the biggest and most competitive youth sporting event in the world. Millions of young athletes around the world train hard to be a part of this event, but only ~4000 athletes are selected. Looking back at what I have achieved for myself and my country makes all the sacrifices worth it.”

Pianist Omri Benami’s

…talent has taken him across the world. Not only has he played at Italy's Casalmaggiore Music Festival, he says, “With Face the Music, I performed at venues such as Merkin Concert Hall, El Museo del Barrio, and National Public Radio’s Greene Space, and I’ve performed at the Stern Auditorium at Carnegie Hall with New York Jazz Academy’s Big Band.”

Artist Hannah Kelley’s

…drawing “Story Weaver” spent a year on display on Capitol Hill after she won the 2011 Congressional Art Competition. She says, “I received a phone call at my high school from Congressman Sam Graves himself, telling me I had received the award. I was thrilled! My parents had been hiding around the corner in the high school office with a cake and we had a big celebration. I remember thinking then that maybe I could be someone someday because of my art.”

Dog trainer Gregory Margida

…says “I started training seeing-eye dogs for the blind when I was 12. This summer, I took my sixth one back to complete its training at the Pilot Dogs facility in Columbus, Ohio. It was always a lot of fun to train each dog for a year. I was a little sad when I had to send the puppy back, but it is worth it to know how many new opportunities the dog will one day bring to its owner.”