The Grinnell community is deeply saddened by the loss of new graduate and journalist Armando Montaño ’12. Mando died Saturday, June 30, in Mexico City where he was interning with the Associated Press, one of several major news organizations in which he had already participated. He planned to attend a journalism graduate program at the University of Barcelona this fall.
Spokespersons for the Associated Press and the New York Times have commented on Mando’s exuberance and potential, and Grinnellians who knew him wholeheartedly agree. From his multiple roles with the S&B to his work for the Chronicle of Higher Education, Mando’s talent and “zest for news” were well-regarded. As a second-year student he participated in the New York Times Student Journalism Institute where he met Richard Berke, Times assistant managing editor. Mando’s engaging personality and persuasive powers helped him convince Berke to visit Grinnell in May 2012, participating in the Rosenfield Program and spending time talking with students about the future of journalism. This was just one example of how Mando frequently reached beyond self-interest to enrich the lives of those around him, and our community as a whole.
Mando is profiled in the upcoming issue of The Grinnell Magazine as part of a story about the impact of the humanities — a theme he embodied to the fullest.
Mando's mother, Diane Alters, is a member of the Grinnell Class of 1971; his father, Mario, teaches at Colorado College.
Services for Mando will be held in his home community at 10 a.m. Sunday, July 15, in Shove Chapel. The chapel is located on the Colorado College campus at 1010 North Nevada Ave., Colorado Springs, Colorado.
Grinnell is also planning a memorial service once students return to campus for the fall semester. Other opportunities to honor his memory are being planned, with information to come shortly.
Our thoughts are with Mando’s family and his global circle of friends, journalists and acquaintances.
Phoebe Lostroh ’94 has graciously offered to open her home as a gathering spot for Grinnellians traveling to Colorado for the services of Armando Montaño ’12. Phoebe’s home in approximately 2 blocks from Shove Chapel as well as the reception location. Phoebe is pleased to serve as a resource for Grinnellians who will be in town and you can reach her by email — plostroh@coloradocollege.edu — or phone, 719-473-5053.
