5 Questions with Jill Petsel
Jill Petsel, director of major gifts in Development and Alumni Relations, spent most of her career working in fund development and university advancement in public radio, higher education, and human services. After years of working with nonprofit boards, volunteers, and spending too much time in meetings, she wanted to focus solely on relationship building philanthropy, which she has done with great success since coming to Grinnell in 2017. In March, Petsel was a recipient of the 2024 Staff Council Grand Grinnellian Award for her work, which has been described as demonstrating a deep commitment toward Grinnell College and a love for the community that is overflowing and is contagious.
Q: What does your role at Grinnell entail?
A: My primary role is to build relationships with Grinnellians who are inclined to make major philanthropic investments in current and future Grinnell students. My work takes me to Denver, the Pacific Northwest, and Southern California to meet with alumni to explore their interests and how they wish to have an impact through their giving to Grinnell College. The biggest challenge, from a fund development perspective, is encouraging Grinnellians as well as faculty and staff to invest philanthropically in Grinnell College. The endowment, while incredibly healthy, is not an endless resource from which we can draw to fund need-based financial aid, the no loan program, new programs, or buildings. Our greatest responsibility is to ensure Grinnell College has the financial strength to preserve equity among generations of Grinnell College students. Investment returns without philanthropic support will not be enough.
Q: What do you do for fun in your spare time?
A: I like to spend time with my friends and family, as well as reading, chasing a golf ball while maximizing my number of strokes, attending concerts, and live theater. One of my favorite activities is travel. I regularly visit Cozumel, Mexico as well as Superior, WI where I lived for more than 30 years. In 2023, I took the trip of a lifetime to Uganda for safaris, Nile River bird and animal watching, and a trek to see Mountain Gorillas.
Q: What has your experience been like working with Grinnellians?
A: Grinnellians aren’t much different from other alumni. Who am I kidding? Grinnellians are passionate about Grinnell College in ways I’ve not experienced before. Grinnellians demand more from us, they challenge decisions, and have high expectations of senior leadership. They are also wicked smart. I volunteered to serve as a host family for a Grinnell College international student. She, and one of her best friends who I also quasi host, are in their second year at Grinnell. I adore these young women and try to support them in their Grinnell College journey. If you’ve not hosted an international student, do it! The experience is a gift.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about your family?
A: I grew up on a farm outside of Iowa City. I attended school in West Branch. I have a daughter, son-in-law, and two granddaughters. My oldest granddaughter is a sophomore in high school and is starting at first base for the North Polk softball team. Last year, her team played in the Iowa State Softball tournament and placed 7th in 3A. My youngest granddaughter is a fifth grader who loves playing basketball, track and field, gaming, and camping with Nana (that’s me).
Q: What is your favorite Grinnell moment to date?
A: Celebrating Edith Renfrow Smith at the October 2021 rededication of the Edith Renfrow Smith Gallery in JRC. The rededication included the True Grinnellian exhibition that featured photos and information about Smith’s life and legacy. It is a joy to spend time with Renfrow-Smith — to learn from her and to take in her stories. Edith is living history and a treasure.