Scholars' Convocation
For over 30 years, the Scholars' Convocation series has created a common educational experience shared by the entire Grinnell College community. Established in the late 1970s in response to the College's move to an open curriculum, the accessible interdisciplinary nature of convocation offers an intellectual encounter that transcends disciplinary boundaries.
Complementing the Scholars' Convocation series, Thursday Forum events use the same 11 a.m. hour as a designated time for campus-wide intellectual and cultural events on weeks with no convocation. Thursday Forum events range from presentations of scholarly and creative work by faculty, students, and visitors to discussions and assemblies honoring student intellectual and creative achievements.
Scholars' Convocations are scheduled through a faculty committee. If you are planning or are interested in planning a Scholars' Convocation, please see Scholars' Convocation Proposals.
More information about this year's convocations is available at 2011-2012 Schedule.
Fall 2011
- September 15: Raynard Kington, president of Grinnell College, September 15
- September 22: Susan Hirsch, Professor of Conflict Resolution and Anthropology, George Mason University
- September 29: Karl Gerth '88, Modern History and Chinese Studies, Oxford University
- October 6: Robert Darnton, Carl H. Pforzheimer University Professor and University Librarian, Harvard University
- October 13: José Cabezón, Professor of Religious Studies, University of Wisconsin
- October 27: Morris Dees, Founder Southern Poverty Law Center
- November 3: Simon Estes, Bass-baritone
- November 10: Richard Longworth, Senior Fellow, Chicago Council on Global Affairs
Spring 2012:
- February 23: Rosenfield Symposium Speaker
- April 5: James Fleming, Professor of Science, Technology and Society, Colby College
- April 12: Julius E. Coles, former president of Africare
- April 26: Phi Beta Kappa convocation
