Alumni-endowed scholarships play an important role in the generous financial aid program at Grinnell, and often there are interesting stories behind them.
Case in point: endowed by Ed Senn ’79, the Jenny Erickson Endowed Scholarship (est. 2003) and the John and Emily Pfitsch Scholarship (est. 2009) demonstrate that the Grinnell experience creates a lifelong bond to the institution even after graduation.
Senn, now a vice president for Verizon Communications in Washington, D.C., met Jenny Erickson when she was director of the Forum — then the central hub of student life. Erickson directed a student staff that she got to know well. “I really felt strongly that when students worked for me, it ought to be a work experience they had fun with, but that they [also] really learned a lot of responsibility,” Erickson says.
As a senior, Senn worked as a Forum desk attendant, which he says instilled skills that have helped him succeed, both in life and in his professional career on the national political scene. “This was the best job anyone could possibly have,” he says. “You were in the living room of the campus, interacted with everyone, and you were in charge of lectures, movies, concerts — whatever was happening in North and South Lounges.”
“More than anything, Mrs. Erickson taught me the importance of giving 110 percent — all the time,” Senn says. “Always strive to do your best. Be prepared, no matter what the assignment is. And follow through with everything. She was a great mentor who taught me the importance of teamwork.”
Senn met John and Emily Pfitsch in 2004, while on an alumni trip together. “We went to Italy and became very good friends,” Emily Pfitsch says. “He actually helped us out a lot while we were there. We were among the older people, and he was energetic and kept helping. Ed Senn became a very close friend.”
The feeling was mutual, Senn says. “I had a delightful 10-day adventure with them. … [Coach Pfitsch has] never met a stranger. And he understands the history of Grinnell and is key to so much that Grinnell has done. If you’ve heard any of his stories, you know what I mean,” Senn says.
Senn cultivates his relationship with Erickson and the Pfitschs during his frequent visits to campus. John Pfitsch, longtime athletic director, recently celebrated his 90th birthday, and Senn returned to campus for the Honor G Weekend celebration.
When Senn commemorated these friendships by endowing the scholarships, it surprised and honored both Erickson and the Pfitschs. “We were flabbergasted … very honored, surprised, very touched,” Emily Pfitsch says.
For Senn, the scholarships serve as a way to give back to the College, while also enhancing his connection to current Grinnell students.
“I was very fortunate to be able to attend Grinnell because of the generous financial aid package [the College] provided,” Senn says. “I believe it’s important for alumni to support the College in whatever manner they feel comfortable.”
Such generosity can inspire others — for example, Mary Sue Wilson Coleman ’65 and her husband Ken Coleman have given generously to the Jenny Erickson scholarship after they learned Senn had created it.
“I hope that establishing these scholarships will help other students to benefit from the Grinnell experience as I have,” Senn says.
