New Scholarship for Iowans

Iowa residents who are admitted to Grinnell College will automatically be considered for a new scholarship from the Dorrit Walsh Endowed Scholarship Fund. The scholarships will be tentatively available beginning fall 2015.

The late Marilyn Walsh ’50, a native of Woodbine, Iowa, made a $4 million bequest establishing the scholarship fund in memory of her mother, Dorrit Walsh — in appreciation for her advice, encouragement, and love.

Walsh stipulated that the scholarships support students who have lived in Iowa for five or more years immediately prior to receiving the scholarship grant.

Walsh moved to New York City after graduating from Grinnell, where she majored in history and was elected to Phi Beta Kappa. While working full time, she took night classes at New York University, earning her LL.B. in 1957, her LL.M. in taxation law in 1958, and her M.B.A. in 1963.

She was a tax attorney at a Wall Street firm for six years before joining the tax section at CBS. Walsh eventually became CBS’ director of taxes and assistant treasurer.

“A passionate leader who broke through the glass ceiling in her field, Marilyn Walsh embodied the Grinnell Pioneer spirit,” says President Raynard S. Kington. “This new scholarship fund will increase access to Grinnell College for generations of Iowans and help the College maintain one of the most generous financial aid programs in the U.S.,” he adds.

Joe Bagnoli, vice-president for enrollment, says, “Gifts like this make it possible for Grinnell to continue its tradition of providing access to one of the finest liberal arts colleges in the United States.”