Class of 2026 Crosses the Stage

Grinnell College celebrated the accomplishments of the Class of 2026 during its Commencement ceremony on May 18 in the Field House at the Bear Athletic Center. Surrounded by faculty, staff, family, and friends, nearly 400 graduates crossed the stage in recognition of their academic achievements and the experiences that shaped their time at Grinnell — marking both the culmination of their college journeys and the beginning of what comes next.

President’s Medal 

Rachel Rudacille was awarded the 2026 Grinnell College President’s Medal. This award is presented each year during the Commencement Ceremony to an individual who best embodies the mission and values of a Grinnell education. Rudacille has consistently demonstrated distinguished and engaged learning throughout their time as a Grinnell student, making significant contributions to the academic community. This recognition is a testament to Rudacille’s outstanding contributions and their embodiment of the values and principles cherished by Grinnell.

The Archibald Prize for Highest Scholarship  

The Archibald Prize is given annually to the senior who has achieved the highest grade-point average during four years of study. It is accompanied by a cash prize. The award was made possible in 1928 by a $1,000 bequest from the Rev. Andrew Archibald, who died in 1926. The award commemorates 15 years of work by the Rev. and Mrs. Archibald for the Congregational Church in Iowa. Archibald was a Grinnell College trustee from 1890 through 1899. The 2026 recipients were:

Leo Malcolm Bucks, Grant Mark Campbell, Eli Lucas Conrod-Wovcha, Saki Ehara, Alexander Jordan, Kylie Elizabeth Snell, James Lincoln Snyder, Dieu Anh Trinh, Miriam Vollmayr-Lee, Deven Rutherford Platt.

Commencement Address Given by Chase Strangio ’04, DL ’18

Graduates heard from distinguished alumnus Chase Strangio, co-director of the LGBTQ & HIV Project at the American Civil Liberties Union and one of the nation’s leading advocates for transgender rights. “The most meaningful success comes when you stop trying to be like everyone else and start living and working from a place of authenticity,” said Strangio in his address.

A 2004 graduate of Grinnell College, Strangio has played a role in several landmark legal cases involving LGBTQ rights, including cases before the United States Supreme Court.

In 2024, Strangio became the first openly transgender attorney to argue before the Supreme Court in United States v. Skrmetti, a case challenging a Tennessee law restricting gender-affirming medical care for transgender minors. Earlier this year, he returned to the Court in additional cases defending the rights of transgender youth. Over the past decade, he has been part of legal teams involved in five Supreme Court cases related to LGBTQ rights.

Beyond his legal work, Strangio is a frequent public commentator and advocate whose work has helped bring national attention to issues facing transgender communities. He has also co-founded several community initiatives and was named one of TIME Magazine’s 100 Most Influential People in 2020.

In his address to students, Strangio said, “We can never rely on what has been, to guarantee the world we want. We each have an active role in shaping what comes next. Let yourself be surprised, and don’t let anyone’s expectations keep you from discovering what is right for you.”

Honorary Degree Recipients Recognized  

During the ceremony, Grinnell College recognized honorary degree recipients whose lives and work reflect a deep commitment to education, justice, service, and humanity.

Samuel R. Harris ’58 (1935-2026)

Sam Harris was awarded the degree of Doctor of Humane Letters in memoriam. A Holocaust survivor, author, educator, and civic leader, Harris dedicated much of his life to ensuring the lessons of the Holocaust would never be forgotten. After years of sharing his story publicly, he became instrumental in helping establish the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center, now the third largest Holocaust museum in the world. His longtime friend and Grinnell College roommate Bill Simmons ’58 accepted the honorary degree on his behalf during the ceremony.

Valerie Schrag

Valerie Schrag received the degree of Doctor of Social Studies in recognition of her 25 years as an educator at Lawrence High School in Kansas. Known for her passion for teaching U.S. and African American history, Schrag has inspired generations of students to think critically, engage deeply with history, and embrace the joy of learning. She was nominated for the honor by a former student and graduating senior at Grinnell.

2026 Emeriti Faculty Members

• Leslie Gregg-Jolly, professor of biology  
• Kathryn Kamp, professor of anthropology  
• John Whittaker, professor of anthropology

2026 Faculty Moving to Senior Faculty Status 

• Ann Ellis, professor of psychology  
• Matthew Kluber, professor of studio art  
• Clark Lindgren, professor of biology  
• Paula Smith, professor of English  
• Elizabeth Trimmer, professor of chemistry

Congratulations the Grinnell College Class of 2026

The ceremony recognized not only the academic accomplishments of the Class of 2026, but also the many ways graduates shaped the campus and surrounding community through scholarship, creativity, civic engagement, athletics, leadership, and service. As they leave Grinnell College, these graduates carry forward the curiosity, compassion, and sense of purpose that defined their time on campus.

President Anne F. Harris, in her charge to the graduates, said, “Dear Class of 2026, may you study, may you love, may you labor unsparingly and hopefully in your loving labor for community...You have created a legacy of connection and possibility and joy at Grinnell. And that is why it truly gives me hope for the world to be able to say to you, the class of 2026, go forth Grinnellians!”