Located in America’s heartland, Grinnell College is uniquely positioned to pursue collective equity through civic engagement. A hallmark of a vibrant democracy, these debates, dialogues, discussions, and actions include the global perspective of a truly international community. Different experiences of civic engagement and democratic institutions and how they shape and sustain societies contribute to a deeply meaningful dialogue in the pursuit of a more just and equitable world.
Now, by preparing students for life after Grinnell by joining independent living with civic engagement, the College will provide an exceptional experience for new generations of leaders learning the principles of civic trust and engagement, enhanced by the coalitions and partnerships among students, the broader Grinnell community, and beyond.
As a living community where students apply to live and learn, Renfrow Hall reflects broad input from students over the past decade, providing the public, semi-public, and private residential zones that students say are important to them. In addition to a welcoming entry zone, Renfrow Hall includes more than 76,000 square feet for student residences and common space for community-building, activities, study, socializing, and relaxation, with separation between public and residential spaces.
The Katherine “Kathie” Howell Weingart ’61 Civic Innovation Pavilion provides space for gathering, working, collaborating, and socializing for both the Grinnell and the campus communities. Overall, the project will enable events and activities on different scales, and reconfigurable furniture will provide maximum flexibility for community, residence life, and programming. Renfrow Hall will provide living space for 109 students in 28 apartments, with the options for shared and single rooms that students have requested.
Philanthropic support is essential to realize the full and expansive impact of the Renfrow Hall at Grinnell and far beyond. You can be a catalyst for more and better civic engagement, coalition-building, and the experiences that transform Grinnellians’ participation in a vibrant and equitable democracy.
With your gift to this extraordinary project, you can honor Edith Renfrow Smith’s legacy, your own Grinnell experience, or your own honoree, as well as the College’s commitment to serving the common good. For more information about how you can support civic engagement at Grinnell, contact Susan Kriegel.