Commencement Spotlights Exceptional Scholars
The Grinnell College Commencement Ceremony for the Class of 2023 took place at 10 a.m. on May 22, 2023, on the College's central campus. The ceremony marked the culmination of hard work, dedication, and academic achievement by the graduates. Three hundred and ninety-nine students representing 41 states and 19 different countries participated in the ceremony. These graduates received degrees in 27 different majors and 15 concentrations.
Additionally, during the Commencement ceremony, special recognition was given to the recipients of the prestigious President's Medal and the Andrew W. Archibald Prize, honoring the top students who exemplified outstanding academic achievement and demonstrated exceptional leadership throughout their time at Grinnell College.
The President's Medal
Loyal Desi Orlando Terry ’23, has been awarded with the 2023 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. Terry has consistently demonstrated distinguished and engaged learning throughout their time as a Grinnell student, making significant contributions to the academic community. The selection of Terry as the 2023 President's Medalist was made by the College president Anne F. Harris, based on the recommendation of a committee composed of esteemed faculty and staff members. This recognition is a testament to his 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 from 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 2023 recipients are:
- Grace Kathleen Davis ’23
- Lucie Carole Greene ’23
- Sakura Ishizaki ’23
- Sarah Ann Schillinger ’23
- Mary Jane Uzzi ’23
- Ascher Jesse Walker Wilson ’23
About the Medal’s Design
The President’s Medal was redesigned in 1993 by Sheena Brown Thomas ’71, a designer and goldsmith with Elements Ltd. in Des Moines, Iowa. The previous medal was designed by the late Louis Glenn Zirkle, professor of art. Thomas also designed the first Archibald Prize Medal (given for highest GPA in the senior class, and also awarded during Commencement), which is compatible in design with the President’s Medal. Both medals are adaptations of the President’s Medallion, which is work by the president of the college as an emblem of office at all Grinnell academic ceremonials and when the president officially represents the College at academic occasions elsewhere.
Cast a fabricated from silver, both medals are formed in a soft triangular shape and include the Grinnell College seal. The seal uses a modified oval design enclosing four laurel leaves and the founding date: 1846. Raised letters surrounding the laurel leaves proclaim, “Collegium lowense Grinnelli” and “Veritas et Humanitas” – Latin for “Truth and Humility.” The honoree’s name is engraved on the back.