Renfrow Hall Topping Off: Celebrating a New Era of Collaboration and Community

Photo Essay of the Renfrow Hall Topping-Off Ceremony on Jan. 30

Published:

January 30, 2024

Grinnell College’s 14th President Anne F. Harris signs the beam. President Harris shared, “This is no ordinary residence hall. I will say there are few things, if anything, that are more humbling and thrilling than to see a vision become a reality. For our students, this will be home. I invite us to think about that as we sign the beam for our college and our community. This will be a place of gathering — of the communion of ideas — of a new future for this community and all of it, under the gaze and presence of Edith Renfrow Smith.”

Grinnell College celebrated a significant milestone in the construction of Renfrow Hall with its Topping-Off Ceremony on Jan. 30, 2024. Weitz, the construction company overseeing the project, shared that the ceremony marks the completion of the skeleton building structure, using the elevator hoist beam as the ceremonial centerpiece. Attendees shared in the unique opportunity to leave their mark by signing this pivotal piece before it was raised into place.

Renfrow Hall represents a visionary model for 21st-century education and community engagement. Designed as a dynamic mixed-use space, it serves as a bridge between the town and the College, fostering shared experiences and collaborative endeavors. Not only will it provide much-needed off-campus apartment-style housing for students, but it will also serve as a hub for dialogue, exchange, and collaborative brainstorming.

In a fitting tribute to one of Grinnell College’s most highly esteemed alumni, Edith Renfrow Smith, Class of 1937, the building will be named in her honor. Renfrow Hall stands as a testament to her legacy, embodying the spirit of innovation, inclusivity, and community that she exemplified.

As the construction of Renfrow Hall progresses, the Topping-Off Ceremony serves as a symbolic moment, heralding a new era of growth, learning, and connection for Grinnell College and its surrounding community.

Feven A. Getachew '24., Grinnell College President Anne F. Harris, and Grinnell Mayor Dan Agnew gather for the Renfrow Hall Topping Off Ceremony. — **Feven A. Getachew ’24 (left)**, Grinnell College President **Anne F. Harris**, and Grinnell Mayor **Dan Agnew** gather for the Renfrow Hall Topping-Off Ceremony.

Joe Bagnoli, Vice President for Enrollment, Dean of Admission & Financial Aid joins in attendance for the Renfrow Hall Topping Off Ceremony. — **Joe Bagnoli**, vice president for enrollment and dean of admission and financial aid, joins in attendance for the Renfrow Hall Topping-Off Ceremony.

Mike Tousley, Weitz, Executive Vice President & General Manager shares remarks. — **Mike Tousley**, Weitz executive vice president and general manager, shares remarks.

Feven A. Getachew '24., Dean of the College Beronda Montgomery, and Professor Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant share a moment in signing of the beam. — **Feven A. Getachew ’24** (left), Dean of the College **Beronda Montgomery**, and Professor **Tamara Beauboeuf-Lafontant** share a moment of reflection as they sign the beam together.

Monica Chavez-Silva, Vice President of Community Engagement and Strategic Planning, Grinnell Mayor Dan Agnew, and Grinnell Chamber Executive Director Rachel Kinnick come together for a photo. — **Monica Chavez-Silva**, vice president of community engagement and strategic planning (left), Grinnell Mayor **Dan Agnew**, Grinnell City Manager **Russ Behrens**, and Grinnell Chamber President and CEO **Rachael Kinnick** come together for a photo.

Moments prior to the signed beam being hoisted into place. — Moments before the signed beam is hoisted into place.