Grinnell College Celebrates Commencement for the Class of 2025
Graduates take the next step, carrying their curiosity, compassion, and commitment into the world
Surrounded by faculty, staff, family, and friends, over 400 graduates walked across the stage, symbolizing the culmination of their academic journeys and the beginning of new chapters ahead.
Grinnell College honored the accomplishments of the Class of 2025 during its Commencement Ceremony held at 10 a.m. on May 19, 2025, in the Field House at the Bear Athletic Center. Due to forecasted storms and strong wind gusts the ceremony was moved indoors, it was the first time since 1996. Surrounded by faculty, staff, family, and friends, over 400 graduates walked across the stage, symbolizing the culmination of their academic journeys and the beginning of new chapters ahead.
This year’s graduates came from 46 U.S. states and 20 countries. The top five states represented in the Class of 2025 were California (48), Illinois (43), Iowa (42), Minnesota (31), and Texas (21). Students earned degrees across 27 majors, showcasing the breadth and depth of a liberal arts education grounded in critical inquiry, civic engagement, and social responsibility.
President’s Medal
Sara Caroline Booher ’25 has been awarded the 2025 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. Booher has consistently demonstrated distinguished and engaged learning throughout her time as a Grinnell student, making significant contributions to the academic community. Grinnell College President Anne F. Harris selected Booher as the 2025 President’s Medalist , based on the recommendation of a committee composed of esteemed faculty and staff members. This recognition is a testament to Booher’s outstanding contributions and her 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 2025 recipients are: Sara Caroline Booher, Benjamin Andrew Curran, Sara Kristin Garcia, and Aryaa Ravikiran Gunavante.
Commencement Address by Isabel Alexis Wilkerson
Isabel Alexis Wilkerson, celebrated author, Pulitzer Prize winner, and National Humanities Medal recipient, delivered the 2025 Commencement address. Wilkerson, a leading voice in narrative nonfiction, is known for her compelling interpretation of the human condition.
Wilkerson shared, “If anyone is ready for the challenge of our times, it is you, the Class of 2025. We each have the power to make history.” Read more about this year's speaker here.
Honorary Degree Recipients
Four exceptional individuals were awarded honorary degrees in recognition of the significant contributions each has made to their fields of expertise. The honorary degree recipients are Robert Hodierne ’68; JoEllen Maly Hoth ’62, M.D.; Jasmine Gilstrap Hunter; and Isabel Alexis Wilkerson. Read more about each recipient here.
2025 Senior Faculty Status
Kevin Engel, associate professor, library
H. Wayne Moyer, Rosenfield Professor, professor of political science
Special Recognition – Professor Jennifer Williams Brown
Since 2005, Professor of Music Jennifer Williams Brown has served Grinnell College with great distinction, working to teach and mentor both music majors and students who simply want to learn more about the art and history of music. She was recently diagnosed with ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis), and this spring — with the support of her family, close friends, and colleagues — she has taken medical leave from the College. She will now be invested with Senior Faculty Status.
Professor Brown is recognized as a specialist in the history and performance of Baroque music, particularly 17th-century Italian opera. But in many ways, she is the epitome of a “Renaissance woman,” whose teaching interests and talents range from music history to musical performance, and from classical ballet to historical forms of dance.
Please join Grinnell College in this special recognition of Jennifer Williams Brown for her many contributions as a teacher, mentor, and colleague; thanking her for her distinguished service to the Grinnell community; and all that she has made possible for so many through the legacy of her work and presence.
2025 Emeriti Faculty Members
Jonathan Andelson ’70, Rosenfield Professor in Social Science, professor of anthropology
Vicki Bentley-Condit, professor of anthropology
Lesley Delmenico, associate professor of theatre
Evelyn Freeman, assistant professor of physical education
William Freeman, associate professor of physical education
Erin Hurley, associate professor of physical education
Kesho Scott, associate professor of American studies
Laura Sinnett, associate professor of psychology
Jim Swartz, Dack Professor of Chemistry, professor of chemistry
Congratulations to the Class of 2025
The ceremony celebrated not just academic achievement but also the contributions these students made to campus life and the broader Grinnell community — in research, service, the arts, athletics, activism, and leadership. As Grinnellians, they leave campus ready to bring their values and education into the world, continuing to pursue knowledge and create positive change.
President Anne F. Harris shared in her charge to the class of 2025, “May Grinnell ever be in your hearts, as you will forever be in ours. It truly gives me hope for the world – to say to you – 'Go forth', Grinnellians!”
