Grinnell College Welcomes a New President

On Aug. 1, 2010, Raynard S. Kington, M.D., Ph.D., M.B.A., will become the 13th president of Grinnell College. When Kington was introduced to a packed Herrick Chapel on Feb. 17, the response was remarkable in its passion and its volume. Photos by Jim Heemstra.

This article appeared as a web extra for The Grinnell Magazine, Summer 2010.

Herrick Chapel, which has served as a setting for Grinnell’s defining moments for more than a century, overflowed with joy (and Grinnellians) for the presidential announcement.

David White ’90, chair of the Grinnell College Board of Trustees, introduced Kington to the standing-room-only audience.

Kington received three standing ovations from the happy crowd in Herrick.

As most parents would agree, keeping a small child quiet in church can be challenging. Kington’s partner, Dr. Peter Daniolos, entertains the couple’s older son Emerson during the announcement ceremony.

Emerson's attention wandered, but he would soon be on the move.

“C’mon up!”

Emerson and his father face the audience together.

Emerson appears to be thinking, "Hmmmm … what happens if I drop this over the side?"

A sunny day greeted Kington for the presidential announcement, complemented by a warm reception from Grinnellians in Herrick.

Jeff Phelps ’71 (right) greets the new president and his partner, while Seth Allen (second from left), dean of admission and financial aid, waits to speak with the new president.

Daniolos and Emerson wore big smiles as they walked to lunch at the Joe Rosenfield ’25 Center.

Trustee Hal Fuson ’67 walks with Kington on their way to the Rosenfield Center.

Kington got a round of applause from students eating lunch when he and his family walked into the dining hall.

Raynard S. Kington, M.D. — Grinnell’s 13th president.