News

Summer at Grinnell is anything but quiet. Students spent their days conducting hands-on research through Mentored Advanced Projects (MAPs), while the campus and community came together for farmers' markets, concerts in the park, Fourth of July celebrations, youth programs, and countless moments that make Grinnell feel like home. This photo essay offers a glimpse into a season filled with discovery, connection, and community.

This summer, Grinnell College is investing more than $1.2 million to ensure students can pursue meaningful research, internships, and community-engaged learning experiences that prepare them for lives of purpose and impact.

As director of communications, she leads strategic communications and media relations, oversees the College's social media strategy, and enjoys highlighting partnerships that strengthen the relationship between the College and the community. Away from work, you'll usually find her at her family's cabin in northern Minnesota, traveling, shopping or chasing after Summer, her energetic chocolate Lab. We caught up with Mattia to learn more about her life on and off campus.

As a summer intern with the Grinnell Area Arts Council (GAAC), Pruszinski's work spans nearly every aspect of the organization—from youth arts education and public programming to nonprofit administration and communications. The experience is helping her grow as an educator while offering a behind-the-scenes look at what it takes to keep a community arts organization thriving.

A summer Mentored Advanced Project explores the history of one of English’s most enduring words.

This summer that passion evolved through her volunteer work with Grinnell’s Civic Education & Innovation (CEI) Summer of Service program with the Grinnell Fire Department and regional emergency response organizations. Rather than focusing solely on emergency response, the position introduces Trujillo to the many agencies working together to strengthen public health, emergency preparedness, and community safety throughout Poweshiek County.

As part of his Mentored Advanced Project (MAP) in the Department of English, Schlimm is examining how one of the world's most popular trading card games tells stories—not just through its artwork and characters, but through the rules and mechanics that shape how the game is played. Working with Stephen Andrews, associate professor of English and director of the Center for the Humanities, Schlimm is examining what happens when a game known for its fantasy worlds ventures into new genres—and what those changes can reveal about culture and history.

Through the Exhibition Seminar, students move beyond studying exhibitions to creating one. From selecting artworks to writing catalog essays and installing the exhibition, they experience the work of museum professionals firsthand.

Physics student Christine Ko ’28 gains hands-on experience with advanced scientific instrumentation through a summer internship at the University of Iowa.