Grinnell College assembled a diverse, 10-person selection committee to evaluate nominees for the 2011 Grinnell College Young Innovator for Social Justice Prize. Three winners – Eric W. Glustrom and Boris Bulayev, Educate (shared award); Rabbi Melissa Weintraub, Encounter; and James Kofi Annan, Challenging Heights – were announced on May 5, 2011. Appointed by the College’s president, Raynard S. Kington, M.D., Ph.D., the 2011 selection committee members – largely Iowa-based – were all recognized individuals who worked for social change in various capacities. Their backgrounds, accomplishments, and experiences reflected the diversity in both Grinnell and the state. These members included one representative each from the College’s faculty, student body, alumni, staff and trustees, plus prominent individuals not formally affiliated with Grinnell. In announcing the selection committee, President Kington, stated, “We are delighted these ten exceptionally talented, experienced, and socially conscious individuals have agreed to be selection committee members for the Grinnell College Young Innovator for Social Justice Prize. In creating this prize program, we seek to recognize young individuals who embody our core values and organizations that share our commitment to change the world for the better. I am confident our selection committee members will bring extraordinary knowledge, sensitivity, and passion to that goal.”
Committee Chair
George A. Drake ’56, Grinnell’s president from 1979 to 1991 and currently professor and president emeritus at the College
From 1991-93, he served as a Peace Corps volunteer in Lesotho, teaching English in a Catholic mission school. More…
Committee Members
Rekha Basu, columnist for The Des Moines Register
She focuses on human rights, racial and gender issues, and cultural trends. Her byline has appeared in The New York Times, USA Today, The International Herald Tribune and The Nation, among other publications. More…
Monica Chavez-Silva, director of community enhancement and engagement, Grinnell College
She is responsible for building partnerships and identifying opportunities for Grinnell College’s participation in community improvements. More…
Laura M. Ferguson, M.D. ’90, member of the Grinnell College board of trustees
She practices medicine in Grinnell and is a member of the Grinnell Regional Medical Center Board. More…
Emily Westergaard Hamilton ’02, executive director, Des Moines “I Have a Dream” Foundation
Her organization works with at-risk youth to help every student graduate from high school and go to college. More…
Ben Offenberg ’11, Grinnell College student body president
He is a biological chemistry major, has lettered in varsity football and varsity track and field and is a member of the Grinnell Mock Trial team. More…
Suku Radia, president and CEO, Bankers Trust
He is active in numerous professional, economic development, educational and charitable organizations, including United Way of Central Iowa and the Community Foundation of Greater Des Moines. More…
Suzanne E. Siskel, director of social justice philanthropy, Ford Foundation
She oversees efforts to mobilize philanthropic resources for social change and promote social justice throughout the world. More…
Marsha K. Ternus, former chief justice, Iowa Supreme Court
As chief justice, she made the improvement of court oversight of child welfare cases a priority for the Iowa Judicial Branch. More…
Eliza Willis, professor of political science, Grinnell College
She teaches courses on Latin American politics, global development, international political economy, and the political economy of developing countries and previously served as chair of the Grinnell faculty. More…
